So, let's get on, shall we. I obviously don't own YOI.

'Do you really want to do this Victor?' Yuuri asked me. 'I am tired from the practice, you know.'

'I actually don't.' I said, not entirely truthfully . 'But I guess we have to.'

I thought about the conversation I had with Yurio the other day.

'Victor, I was talking to Otabek the other day. He was telling me that a lot of people think that Victuuri is not real, that it's just a gimmick to promote ice-skating.'

How does he know that?

'That's ridiculous.'

'That's what everyone seems to think, though.'

'Why should I care what people think ?'

'Do you want everyone to think you're a liar, Victor? Do you want them to think you would cheat them like that?' I sighed, as Yuri Plisetsky continued.'Victor, the only way for you to make things better is to take part in the Extron Cup.'

'What? How the hell would that make things better?'

'Well, before the tournament, the two of you can go out and bond with each other in public.I am not taking part, so one of you is sure to win the cup. The two of you can publicly celebrate in a way that would remove any doubts.

Yurio was extremely convincing. He talked me into calling Yuuri up that night and telling him everything. He reluctantly agreed. That's how I came about to taking a walk with Yuuri the evening before the Extron cup final.

I took his hand. While there was nothing between us, I couldn't help thinking it felt good. My hands were really cold, and his were warm. 'So what have you been up to?'

'Nothing really. I've been practising a lot. Things have been boring without you around.' I stared at him, thinking that his words came off as odd. Then I realised that it wasn't really odd. It's just that the pretend relationship was messing up my head.

'Shall we get something to eat? Oh look, there's a Japanese restaurant by the street. I'm dying to have a pork cutlet bowl. I haven't had one in so long.'

He smiled. A sweet, shy smile. We went to the restaurant, dodging the paparazzi that seemed to follow us everywhere .

'This is not half as good as the ones we ate in Hastesu.' I complained. Yuuri laughed. 'I would have asked you to visit me in Hastesu again someday. But, with all this, it would be difficult.'

Yuuri gave that smile again, that made me think that if there existed a parallel universe where Victuuri was real, the Victor of that universe was a lucky man.

'Yuuri.' I said. 'There's something I need to tell you.' I looked him in the eye and said 'Katsuki Yuuri, I had been initially really irritated when they came up with the whole Victuuri thing. I almost resented you. But I'm thankful about everything that had happened. Else I would not have found a friend like you.'

Yuuri reddened a little. He then embraced me. His body felt warm against mine. I couldn't help wishing he didn't break off when he did.

I heard my phone ring. I picked it to notice that it was Mr Alex, the man behind the whole Victuuri gimmick. What did he want now?''I

'We have decided it's time to end this gimmick.' he said. 'Ice-skating is getting enough attention now. I think it's time for you and Katsuki to stage a breakup.'

So, what do you think? Do leave a review.