The grand ballroom where the luxury hotel party in Shibuya was taking place gleamed under the golden light of massive crystal chandeliers that cast sparkles over hundreds of elegantly dressed guests. The closing gala organized by the ISU brought together the elite of international figure skating: high-ranking judges, federation executives, specialized press, and athletes dressed in their finest formal attire. The background music muffled the hum of laughter, diplomatic conversations, and the constant toasts celebrating the close of the Grand Prix.
However, for Aibek, the air inside the venue felt so dense and suffocating that he could barely breathe—a feeling he knew well and at the same time detested.
