Minami Kenjirō

The Saint Valentine's Day event for Minami Kenjirō takes place in Kyushu, a few weeks after the Grand Prix Final. The competition is over, and Minami has returned home to his family.

The day before: Minami spends February 13th training at the local rink. As usual, he is brimming with energy and enthusiastically runs through his figures. Between sequences, he checks his phone and sees that his fellow skaters are starting to post messages about Valentine's Day. He notices in particular that some Yuri Katsuki fans are sharing montages of his programs. Minami smiles and saves a few images. In the evening, he helps his mother prepare dinner. The conversation turns to the approaching Valentine's Day. His mother asks if he has anyone to give chocolates to. Minami laughs, slightly embarrassed, and replies that for now, his only love is skating. And Yuri Katsuki, he adds with a laugh. His mother smiles and says she understands.

The morning of February 14th: Minami wakes up early, excited about the day. He comes down to breakfast and finds a small box of chocolates on the table that his mother left for him. He opens it enthusiastically, offers one to his brother passing through the kitchen, and eats one himself. "Too sweet," he says with a laugh, but he takes a second. He decides to spend the morning rollerblading around his neighborhood, helmet on his head, a Bluetooth speaker playing his favorite skating music. He passes neighbors who recognize him and wish him a happy Valentine's Day. He responds with a big smile.

Afternoon: Minami goes to the rink for a free training session. He is alone on the ice, allowing him to have fun without pressure. He runs through figures he masters, then tries some more ambitious combinations. At one point, he stops in the middle of the rink and takes out his phone. He wants to send a message to Yuri to wish him a happy Valentine's Day, but he hesitates. Is it too familiar? Will Yuri find it strange? Finally, he goes for it and types a short message: "Happy Valentine's Day, Yuri! I can't wait to skate with you again!"

The reply comes quickly. Yuri thanks him and wishes him a good day in return. Minami reads the message several times, a huge smile on his face. He does a lap on the ice, letting out a small cry of joy.

Evening: Minami has dinner with his family. The table is more festive than usual; his mother has prepared dishes Minami particularly enjoys. They talk about the past season, Minami's progress, his goals for the coming year. His father tells him he is proud of him, that what he accomplishes on the ice is impressive. Minami, touched, lowers his head to hide his emotion. He promises to keep working hard to qualify for the Grand Prix Final.

After dinner, Minami goes up to his room. He takes out his phone and sees that Yuri has posted a discreet photo. He looks at the image, notices the chocolates on the table, and guesses that something important has happened. He sends a message to Yuri, without asking a direct question: "I hope you had a good day. You deserve to be happy."

He puts down his phone, picks up his hamster — he recently adopted one, inspired by Phichit — and speaks softly to it: "You know, one day, I'll skate with him. On the same ice. In the same competition." The hamster looks at him, indifferent. Minami laughs, gently puts it back, and starts watching videos of Yuri's programs on his phone, as he so often does.

Example 1 – Morning conversation with his mother:

Minami's Mother: (Setting breakfast on the table) So, Kenjirō, do you have someone to give chocolates to this year? Minami: (Blushes slightly, but smiles) Uh... not really, no. For now, my only love is skating. Minami's Mother: (Laughs) Oh really? What about Yuri Katsuki, then? You've been talking about him for months! Minami: (Laughs openly) He's different! He's my idol. It's not the same. Minami's Mother: (Hands him a small box of chocolates) Here, for you. To give you energy for next season. Minami: (Takes the box enthusiastically) Thanks, Mom! (He offers one to his brother passing by) Here, you too. So we share.

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Example 2 – Training at the rink:

(Minami is alone on the ice. He has just received Yuri's reply. He stops, phone in hand, smiling.) Minami: (Reads the message aloud to himself) "Thank you, Minami. Have a good day too." (He clutches his phone to his chest, eyes shining.) He replied to me. Actually replied. (He puts his phone away, starts moving again on the ice. He does a little improvised dance step, as if celebrating a victory.) Minami: (Talking to himself) This year, I'm going to work even harder. To be worthy of him. So he really sees me.

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Example 3 – Evening conversation with his father:

Minami's Father: (After dinner, placing his hand on his son's shoulder) Kenjirō, I wanted to tell you something. Minami: (Looks at him, a little surprised) What, Dad? Minami's Father: This season, what you accomplished... (He pauses.) I don't know much about skating, I wasn't sure at first it was the right choice for you. But seeing you on the ice, seeing how you flourish... I'm proud of you. Minami: (Lowers his head, eyes suddenly moist) Dad... Minami's Father: (Smiles) Keep it up. And next time you skate, we'll all come to see you. Your mother, your brother, and me. Minami: (Lifts his head, a huge smile on his lips) Promise, I'll make you proud!

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Example 4 – Evening message to Yuri:

(Minami is in his room, phone in hand. He has just seen the photo Yuri posted. He hesitates for a moment, then types.) Minami: "I hope you had a good day. You deserve to be happy." (He waits a few seconds, as if hoping for an immediate reply, then puts down his phone. He picks up his hamster.) Minami: (To his hamster) You know, one day, I'll skate with him. On the same ice. In the same competition. (He laughs.) And you'll be there to cheer me on. Okay? (The hamster looks at him, impassive. Minami laughs again, gently puts it back, and starts watching videos of Yuri on his phone.)