STORGE: The Familial Bond

STORGE: CHAPTER 3
Calm Before the Storm

It was during her eighth year when everything crashed down. She must have jinxed herself at some point, asking someone or herself the cursed question of "What's the worst that can happen?"

That must have been it, right?

Right?

She doesn't know what to think of anymore as she tangled her fingers on the poodle's fur as he lazily laid down on her lap, trying to comfort the girl as frustrated tears ran down her cheeks.

It all started when the awaited words came out of her coach's mouth: "You're ready."

ready."

Anri was in cloud nine later that day. She's finally going to be joining the All Japan Novice Competition! She couldn't wait for it!

The competition will be held in Makomanai Skating Centre, which is located in Sapporo, Hokkaido Prefecture. It means that she and her coach will have to be taking a domestic flight to go there. So she packed her luggage as her coach practically held a seminar of sorts in the lobby, telling her family and some of the customers that the competition will be aired live in a few days or so.

With her parents and older sister informed, she took the responsibility to tell her brother and her best friend (yes, Rou-kun is her best friend now; sorry ISQ peeps) about the livestream. Sadly, Yuuri was offline at the moment, so she just left a message to him and hopes that he will watch her race.

When she texted her best friend, Anri didn't expect that he will also be competing in another Regionals for figure skating. After wishing each other luck, she also announced the news to her online friends. The diva RaisingStar wished her luck in the longest way possible (read: speech) and logging off (because apparently, the Russian was in a photoshoot when she typed away), Fran telling her to "crush the insects those insects" before logging out again, and IceQueen, who seemed to be online 24/7, just sent the cutest quick sketch/ doodle to cheer for her. It instantly became her wallpaper.

Without a doubt, this is going to be so much fun!

She takes it back, this is not fun at all.

The plane ride was quite stressful to her, especially on the take off and whenever the plane tilts haphazardly, giving her mini heart attacks along the way. Maybe she shouldn't have binge-watched the Final Destination movies and Snakes on Plane yesterday. That's definitely the reason why she's in distress right now. The only thing that is keeping her from actually screaming is her favorite hamburger pillow.

Looking beside her, she saw that her older companion is completely at ease. This made her respect her coach even more since he does this every month to train her personally. Even if he seems to be stopping his laughter whenever she isn't looking at him, if she were to trust her ears at the moment.

As a few minutes passed and the plane hasn't failed her yet, Anri calmed herself down. Looking outside the window, she saw the ant-sized buildings below and the endless amount of water ahead. She captured the moment with her camera and decided to post it later in the hotel.

When the plane touched down, Anri felt like imploding from the hype she's keeping inside her. She and Takeshi posed in front of the airport, and took a selfie.

Usually, the tanned girl doesn't take selfies or any pictures at all in her phone, but with all the people at home possibly worrying for her health, she took as much as a certain Thai would. Compared to Phichit, hers are truly mediocre at best and some are a bit too blurred due to her arm being shaky from the lack of experience and excitement held inside her.

They arrived in the hotel they and the other competitors were staying. As Takeshi checked them in, Anri asked the employee for the wifi password and the moment she got connected, she posted all the pictures in TouchBook. Seeing that she hasn't downloaded Instragram in her phone yet, TB is the next thing that anyone will check out. Well, either that or Fly.

Anyways, they headed to their room and both unpacked the essentials. Removing the plastic cover and hanging it, Anri took a moment to observe her skintight bodysuit once again. It was blue in color, the hood, arms and legs being of a darker shade than the torso with the zipper was also covered by the dark blue cloth. The material used is stretchable and smooth, being cold when touched from the outside and warm in the inside.

She looked at her dark blue helmet and speed skates from their individual cases. It seems like she's going to participate in the short track. She may have been training for years, but she still doesn't feel comfortable with short track. Compared to the long track, the possibility of getting a permanent damage is higher with the short track racing and she isn't risking it just yet.

'Hopefully, nothing bad happens later on,' Anri prayed as she took her hamburger plush into her arms, falling asleep as soon as she flopped down to the huge bed.

TBC

A/N: In conclusion, Anri and I hate flights, even if the view from above is worth it.

I'm so sorry if this is so short! I hope you still enjoyed it though!

Thanks for reading! :D