Chapter Text
Yuuri’s first love was music. At times, he could feel it in every breath, every bone in his body. He remembered spending afternoons with Yuuko and Takeshi, his childhood friends, singing and dancing to their favorite songs in the comfort of someone’s house. They even performed for their family and friends, ushering everyone into the living room to watch them sing and dance to songs by Madonna, Sinatra, or Yuuko’s latest favorite boyband. Mari, his sister, would pretend that she was too cool for these impromptu concerts, but Yuuri knew that she always front and center, ready to cheer them on. It was all childish fun, nothing more, nothing less.
It all changed one weekend when Yuuko came running into Yuuri’s house, new CD in one hand, a ragged Takeshi in the other.
“Yuuri you need to listen to this!” she gasped as she shoved the CD at him. It seemed like they had ran all the way from the CD store, with how exhausted they appeared. Takeshi sat on the ground, lightly fanning himself, and even Yuuko, with all her endless enthusiasm and energy, had to lean against the dining room table to take a breather. Yuuri squinted at them before turning his eyes to the very colorful cover. A young man lounged on a throne in a black rhinestone bodysuit, long silver hair pooling around him. His blue eyes are all-knowing, smirk coy.
“Stay Close to Me?” Yuuri read quizzically, adjusting his glasses as he wiped at the CD. In her haste to get over to his house, Yuuko’s sweaty hands had left fingerprints on the case. “Victor… Victor Nikif - how do you pronounce this guys name?” he asked aloud.
“Nikiforov! We need to listen to his album,” said Yuuko impatiently. She was already at the stereo, getting it ready. “They say that Victor Nikiforov is going to be the next big thing!”
“That’s what you said about B*Witched and look what happened to them.” grumbled Takeshi. He’s gotten up from the ground and was already helping himself to Yuuri’s forgotten snack on the table. “And people in America complain that our names are too hard to say. Yet everyone knows how to say Nickyfoo’s last name.”
Yuuri ignored him as the song began to play. Soft strings and a light piano spilled from the stereo, filling the quiet kitchen with a melancholy air. It was unlike anything he’d heard on the radio. Soon a young yet emotive voice began to sing and Yuuri’s eyes widened. Victor’s voice was beautiful.
They sat there for a few moments, as the verses melted into the bridge and then chorus. By now Yuuri was gaping like a fish, and even Takeshi blinked in surprise, food forgotten, enraptured by Victor’s voice.
Yuuko grinned smugly. “No, I know it. Victor’s going to be a star.”
---
At Yuuko’s insistence, they all joined Victor’s fanclub, Silver Prince. Soon they were sent monthly letters chronicling Victor’s achievements.
“I can’t believe it!” squealed Yuuko on one afternoon. “Victor won both Best Newcomer and Record of the Year! He’s only seventeen!”
“Well I can,” said Takeshi sagely. “Stay Close to Me is a masterpiece. A one-in-a-lifetime pairing of a beautiful song and the perfect artist to perform it and all its artistic vision---”
“Yuuri, Mari helped you get the limited edition poster right? Show me!” interrupted Yuuko.
As Yuuko ooh-ed and ahh-ed over the poster, Yuuri sat back contentedly. “Victor’s great isn’t he?” I want to sing with him someday,” he said to himself.
---
Since the first time Yuuri had heard Victor sing, in the comfort of his own house, surrounded by Yuuko fangirling and Takeshi humming along, he had been inspired. Because up until that moment, Yuuri had only considered music a side hobby, not a passion or possibly a career path. Afterwards, Yuuri was a changed person. He had decided he wanted to pursue a future in music.
In his spare time, when not helping out at the inn or working on homework, he began dabbling in singing and breathing techniques. Soon Yuuri was asking permission to perform in local music festivals. His parents, although confused, had agreed, on the stipulation that he kept his grades up. Mari was wholly supportive. Eventually Yuuri realized she partially saw him as her ticket to meeting her favorite bands, but mostly she was just proud of her little brother.
It was in middle school when it happened. He was approached by a woman claiming to be a talent agent at a small record label, Ice Castle Records. She had seen Yuuri singing Thank You For The Music at a local talent show and was interested in signing him for professional training in singing and dancing.
Yuuri could see that this was his chance in achieving his dreams of becoming a singer. Victor had also debuted with a small record label, Y&L. Within a few years, both Y&L and Victor’s career had skyrocketed, gathering prestige, wealth, and many awards. Yuuri knew it wasn’t going to be easy, his on-again-off-again stage anxiety was already proving difficult to manage, but it was worth it in his mind. What started as a childish dream to sing alongside his idol soon turned into an earnest passion to sing, to perform, and he was willing to work through his anxiety to make his dream happen.
After a few rounds of interviews and research, he was signed to Ice Castle Records. To celebrate, his parents gifted him with a toy poodle, which he had embarrassingly named Vicchan, after his idol.
Yuuri soon began the first of a thousands days of professional training, and eventually debuted in a boyband. It wasn’t exactly the music career path he had in mind -- he had originally wanted to be a solo singer like Victor - but the agency thought that a group would be more marketable. In the end, it worked out for the better; Yuuri, as much as he loved the stage, still had bouts of performance anxiety. However, through the surprisingly good teamwork with his bandmates, he found ways to cope. Yuuri was thankful that he had the other two boys to share the burden and the joy of the stage. He wouldn’t trade it for the world.
--
Message from Yuuko Nishigori:
yuuri! your group is performing at matsuri right? i;ll be in the area with the girls, i wanna to see you perform!
Message from Yuuri-kun★ :
Thanks Yuuko. There’s going to be a surprise tonight. I hope you get to see us perform.
Message from Yuuko Nishigori:
WHAT’S THIS YUUKO BUSINESS? call me yu-chan like you did when we were kids. :*((
-
“Ok boys, I know this is your last performance, but give it all you got!” said Jenny. Her body language was tired, but her eyes shined with pride as she made eye contact with her group, her boys. Three Lights was Jenny’s baby, the first group she managed from debut. And today was the day they were going to announce their official disbandment.
It was inevitable - Ice Castle Records wasn’t doing well and they had to put their entire budget for a new girl group lined up to debut. Three Lights, in terms of popularity, at best was on the lower end of mid-tier and not getting any younger. Their window had already passed. Despite favorable reviews on their singles and praise towards their individual talents, the group never took off, and younger groups continued to debut and become big. Finally after five years, it was time for the Three Lights to retire.
Jenny pointing at the eldest of the group.“ Javi, time to turn up the charm and make everyone swoon!” Javier preened and fluffed his hair with exaggerated motions. “Nathan, are you ready to burn up the stage with your rap and smolder?” Nathan good naturedly rolled his eyes but also preened, just slightly.
“And Yuuri!”
With the mention of his name, Yuuri snapped out of his thoughts. He looked up to see Jenny’s gentle gaze on him. He felt himself flush slightly, as both Nathan and Javier were also looking at him, amused at his usual zoning out. “Go out there and show them that you are the vocal powerhouse we all know you are!”
“Yeah!” yelled Javier as he wrapped his arms around both Nathan and Yuuri. “Let’s show the world that they will rue the day that they skipped a song by the Three Lights!”
“Well...it’s more like everyone at this Japanese festival in Yuuri’s hometown, but sure,” muttered Nathan. Yuuri laughed and felt his nerves dissipate. Just ever so slightly.
“Three Lights!” he said hesitantly, putting his hand out. His smile widened as Javier, Nathan, and even Jenny put their hands out for their cheer. Their last as a team.
“Stage On!”
--
Performing always gave Yuuri a thrill. Regardless of how large or small an audience was, how anxious he could get before a performance, how worried he was about his future, Yuuri felt that he belonged on the stage. As a struggling group under a small company, they always wondered if and when they could continue. Now that the wait was finally over, they felt sad but liberated. Yuuri snuck a quick glance at Nathan and Javier and saw that they were also giving their all, performing with an air of freedom they hadn’t felt for months.
“Thank you for listening to our song, Shooting Star !” said Javier. The crowd clapped politely and a few people even cheered enthusiastically in the front. Javier took a deep breath before continuing. “You know, this is hard, and I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but this is our farewell performance. It’s been an honor to work with these two guys.”
The crowd gasped quietly at the announcement and a few people shouted a pitiful, ‘We’ll Miss You!’ Yuuri felt the telltale prick of tears behind his eyes, but he blinked rapidly and willed himself to not cry on their last stage. Instead he counted down to ten, carefully willed a calm expression on his face as he waved reassuringly at the crowd. A guy in front, a blonde with a red streak in his hair and a camcorder in his hand, started to cry.
“Yes, it’s been a great five years,” says Nathan. He looked out in the crowd and looped an arm around Javier, who was looking suspiciously misty eyed, and the other around Yuuri. Nathan was always their rock. “But don’t you worry, even though our time as a group has come to an end, it won’t be the last you’ll see of us. Promise!” The crowd cheered in support and the guy who was crying earlier was bawling earnestly, camcorder forgotten.
“Say, let’s give everyone a show we all can’t forget. Yuuri, do you want to show them something you’ve been working on?
“Sure!” said Yuuri. He gave Nathan’s shoulder a squeeze as the other two walked to the side of the stage, before he turned back to face the crowd. “This next song is very, very special to me. This song has inspired me to sing better, perform better, and most importantly, pursue my dream of being a singer. Think of this as my last gift. Everyone, I will be singing Stay Close to Me by Victor Nikiforov.”
The lights dimmed slightly as it focused on Yuuri, standing in the middle of the makeshift stage, mic stand in his hand. As the familiar sounds of strings and piano filled the area, he took a small breath and began to sing, mind clearer for the first time in years.
“I hear a voice crying far away… Have you been abandoned as well?”
Time seemed to move slowly. With each note, each word, each vibrato, Yuuri was becoming one with the music. He closed his eyes and held onto the mic stand tenderly, as if holding the hands of his imaginary lover. He willed himself to not think of this as his end, but to think of it as a new beginning. He thought back to that afternoon with Yuuko and Takeshi, listening to Victor sing for the first time. This was his new beginning.
“Stay close to me, don’t go…. I’m afraid of losing you”
With the swell of the chorus, Yuuri reached out a hand towards the audience, as if grasping desperately for someone, pouring himself into every note. He could see his vision growing hazy as he allowed himself to tear up. The ache of his dismal career, of connecting so intimately to an audience was finally catching up with him.
“Let’s leave together….Now I’m ready.”
The audience was quiet as the last few notes echoed throughout the area. Yuuri was out of breath, and red faced from his performance, and for a moment he thought they were going to boo him for ruining a classic, for ruining his supposed favorite song. And then a beat later, the crowd applauded. Not mild applause like Yuuri was used to, but wild, punctuated applause. The guy in front was still sobbing, but there were others looking on in awe, as if seeing Yuuri for the first time. Yuuri could have sworn that he heard Yuuko cheering in the distance. Yuuri’s bandmates came back on stage and enveloped him in a friendly hug.
“Oh my god,” said Nathan into Yuuri’s ear. He carefully angled his mic away so that the audience could not hear. “That was incredible Yuuri!”
“You were perfect, even Victor would have been moved!” Javier said with wonder in his voice.
“But how are we going to follow that? We should have had you go last!” they both intoned.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to show either of you up--” Yuuri began, apologetically before he registered their teasing. He stuck his tongue out at them instead and turned back to the audience. “Thank you everyone! Please give Javi and Nathan a lot of love too!”
And just like that Yuuri’s moment passed. Or so he thought.
-
4 Messages from Yu-chan:
Yuuri-kun! Sorry i had to go after your performance, i had ice cream i needed to put away.
i saw your performance of vicctor’s song. yuuri that was so cool!!! ;~~; it was A PERFECT rendition of victorr!
wait no!! its even better!! axel lutz and loop keep on asking if you have a girlfriend, you sang so wonderfully, i think they are in love lol!
I’m so sorry about The Three LIghts :( But the Nishigori family will support you, whatever you decide to do. ❤❤❤
2 Messages from Yuuri-kun★ :
Thanks Yu-chan. It was kind of spur of the moment, but I thought of how we used to sing along to Victor’s song, and wanted to recapture my love for singing again.”
Anyways I’ll talk more later, we have some last minute contract things to wrap up.”
-
A few weeks later, Yuuri was sitting in the back room of the inn, idly folding towels. Vicchan dozed next to him and every so often he’d pause to scratch at his fuzzy belly. Mari walked through the door with a fresh basket of towels. A cigarette was in her mouth and her jacket was on.
“Hey sprout,” she greeted. “I’m going on my break, need anything from the store?”
“No.” replied Yuuri. He finished with the last batch and reached for the fresh basket. Mari didn’t leave. He could feel her hesitation to ask him The Question. She’d been tiptoeing around him ever since he had come back, and it was strange to see his usually confident big sister like this.
“So how long are you going to help out at the inn?” Tried Mari. “We can handle the inn fine. I mean. You’re very talented, you know. I’m sure you can easily get a new gig or be a vocal instructor. None of the rookies can sing as well as you can; they need all the help they can get.”
Yuuri hummed and put away another folded towel. “Not sure when I’ll be ready to go back into the entertainment business,” he explained. “Second chances for flops like me are few and far between. And besides, I like being at home, even if I’m folding towels or helping mom in the kitchen. I appreciate everyone’s support, but I’ll be ready when I’m ready.”
“Alright, but you’re too hard on yourself” said Mari. She bent down to pet Vicchan and then ruffled Yuuri’s hair. “Look at you, calling yourself a flop at 23. I will always think of you as that thirteen year old, asking me to help buy Victor’s limited edition poster online.”
“Ha ha, go to your store.”
Mari giggled as she turned away to leave. “Oh. By the way, Yuuri. Your phone has been ringing and beeping for the last hour in the other room. You should probably check on it. Someone really wants your attention.”
-
Yuuri was in shock.
17 missed calls
8 messages from Yu-chan
2 messages from Nathan C
4 messages from Javier F
1 message from Jenny
2 messages from Nishigori
239 Twitter Notifications
62 Instagram Notifications
“What the hell,” Yuuri muttered. What could have happened in the last hour to have his phone explode like this? His phone beeped again and he received another 4 messages. He decided to read those and nearly had a heart attack.
1 new message from Yu-chan:
YUURI PICK UP. WHERE ARE YOU??? HAVE YOU SEEN THIS FANCAM??? https://youtu.be/exoReV1OAos
1 new message from Javier F:
WAT THE HELL YUURI ALL THOSE TIMES YOU PRACTICED VICCTORS SONGS DIDNT PREAPARE ME FOR THSI? https://youtu.be/exoReV1OAos
1 new message from Nathan C:
dude lol https://youtu.be/exoReV1OAos
1 new message from Yu-chan:
YUURI I SWEAR IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THIS YET. I WILL PERSONALLY SEND MY DARLING CHILDREN TO HARASS YOU https://youtu.be/exoReV1OAos D: D:
He clicked on the link, the same link that the three of them sent and proceeded to actually panic.
[Yuutopia Fancam] Yuuri of Three Lights - Stay Close to Me (Victor Nikiforov Cover) @ 2016 UDM Matsuri
Yuutopia. Yuuri recognized that name; it was his most dedicated fan club, if not his only fan club. When the fancam loaded, he’s greeted with a flurry of activity as the person turned on the camera. For a few seconds, he’s greeted by a familiar mop of blond and red hair before the camera turned back to stage. And then he saw himself.
“Everyone, I will be singing Stay Close to Me by Victor Nikiforov.”
It was that one crying fanboy, near the stage. The one that Yuuri tried to wave at and comfort. He was the person that uploaded the fancam. Yuuri felt himself grow faint as he looked at the view count of the video. 2,055,231 views, and it was only uploaded a day ago. He hasn’t felt this much dread and excitement for a year, ever since the last music video release from the Three Lights.
In some way, Yuuri missed the hustle and bustle of the entertainment business. He loved his family and loved helping with the inn, but it did not compare to the excitement of being in Three Lights. Although their schedules were never really that full, he still missed the familiar burn of rehearsals, filming, and performing. However this was so much, it was too much; Yuuri didn’t know if he could handle all this unexpected attention.
His phone rang again and he jumped. It was from an unfamiliar number, a number that had apparently called him two other times already.
“Hello?” he answered hesitantly.
“Hello, is this Yuuri Katsuki?” a woman’s voice greeted him on the other line.
“...why?” said Yuuri. He’s a bit surprised that the woman doesn’t butcher his name, like everyone else seems to. “I mean. Yes, this is he. I am Yuuri Katsuki.”
“Hello, I’m Minako Okugawa, Victor Nikiforov’s manager. I have a business proposition for you.”
Minako Okugawa. The name inspired fear and terror in Yuuri’s heart and whatever curiosities he had about how she knew how to pronounce his name ceased - it didn’t matter anymore because the Minako Okugawa was talking to him. As a long time fan of Victor’s and someone previously part of the entertainment industry, he knew that Minako was someone you did not want to mess with. In fact, Minako was the fourth person on Yuuri’s personal list that he did not a want a random phone call from. Especially on a day like today. One does not manage a star of Victor’s caliber without being very disciplined and a bit mean.
Yuuri’s hands grew clammy and panic set in. They probably wanted to sue him for ruining Victor’s song and the fansite for uploading the damn thing.
“Hello, Yuuri?” asked Minako. If she had any inclination that Yuuri’s hands were shaking, and the small pressure headache building behind his eyes, she did not care.
“Yes, yes...I am listening.”
“We would like to offer you a spot on an upcoming reality tv show, GPF50, or with you on it, GPF51,” said Minako, as if she was discussing the weather. “I have an...uh, a representative coming to your family’s inn soon with the NDAs and contracts and to further discuss the show with you. I told him that he didn’t need to personally make an appearance, but since when does that flighty idiot listen to me? He also took his dog too, I can’t believe him...anyways, he should be there soon.”
“Um, excuse me?” said Yuuri, bewildered. Minako chuckled and Yuuri felt his face heat up self-consciously. He just made Minako Okugawa, someone that had managed Victor his entire career, someone who always looked like she’s one step away from punching anyone, chuckle. He pinched himself, wondering if this was some elaborate hidden camera prank. It hurt.
“He should be there soon,” repeated Minako. “Jumped on a plane as soon as he got word. Anyways, please consider it. The both of us have seen the video of you singing Stay Close to Me , and you’re quite talented.” The last part was said kindly.
Yuuri nodded blankly, distracted by the overwhelming amount of information. “Wait, did she say the both of us? Who else…?”
“Yuuri?” called his mother. Yuuri pulled away from his phone to acknowledge her. She appeared in the back room, apologetic smile on her face. “Can you help check this man in? I need to deal with the vendors and dad and Mari are busy. Oh! He has a dog too, one that looks like a bigger version of Vicchan.”
“Okay, be there in a minute” He turned back to his phone, already feeling stressed. It couldn’t be who he was thinking of. It was impossible. “Hello Ms Minako? I’ll look into it; please hope for a response sometime tonight. Thank you. Yes. Yes, goodbye.”
Minako hung up with one last cryptic message. "I hope he doesn’t give you too much trouble.”
The day was definitely turning out stranger than he expected, and was quickly becoming the strangest day of his life. As Yuuri power walked down the hallway to the front desk, he could feel his heart in his throat, beating steadily and quicker than usual.
Yuuri’s mind was a mess of anxious thoughts. It was impossible, he was simply overthinking things like he tended to. The person at the front desk was some random representative from GPF50, who also had a brown poodle, a popular breed that a certain someone also had. It was all a funny coincidence, right? Yuuri missed the stage, missed performing on stage, but why would he come see a washed up failure like Yuuri? Second chances like this were rare and didn’t just happen miraculously, right?
He was wrong. He could not believe he could be so entirely wrong. Standing at the front desk was no other than Victor Nikiforov and his dog, Makkachin. The small choked sound Yuuri made must have tipped off Makkachin, which in turn got Victor’s attention. Soon Yuuri found himself with an armful of fluffy dog.
“Um hello do you have a reservation--” began Yuuri as he awkwardly leaned over to pet Makkachin, but couldn’t take his eyes off of Victor. “Oh my god, he’s here. He’s actually here.”
“Hello you must be Yuuri!” chirped Victor. He whistled and Makkachin returned to his side with a soft bark. Yuuri awkwardly sidled behind the desk, holding onto the edge to keep himself from sitting down in shock. “I have documents here for you to join this reality show I’m hosting.” He slid the envelope towards Yuuri, small smile on his face. Yuuri still couldn’t believe that Victor goddamn Nikiforov was at his family’s inn, standing in front of him. His training never addressed what to do if his idol, inspiration, unexpectedly waltzed into his life.
“I do hope you say yes.” Victor murmured, as he leaned closer, suddenly very much in Yuuri’s space. Yuuri blushed, unable to look away. Victor’s eyes were very blue, like a Mykonos sky. “I’m certain you can charm the world like you have charmed me.” Victor winked and Yuuri knew he was doomed.
-
Yuuri would have never imagined that he one day would be sitting down drinking tea with the Victor Nikiforov. Victor was sitting across from him, drinking tea out of Mari’s favorite mug while Makkachin and Vicchan happily ran around at their feet. The idea was so ludicrous; this must be a very realistic, out of control dream. He pinched himself again, and to his surprise and slowly growing horror, he wasn’t dreaming.
With Victor at a more reasonable distance away, Yuuri could finally begin processing his current situation. He wasn’t exactly able function, yet alone think earlier, with Victor so close to him, talking to him with The Voice, winking at him with his damn eye.
“Wow he’s something else in person...I could see every eyelash,” Yuuri mused as he glanced at the contracts and terms. Anywhere besides at Victor. Yuuri really wished he could have asked for Jenny to look the contract over, but she wasn’t his manager anymore.
“Do you have any questions?” asked Victor, snapping Yuuri out of his thoughts. “I mean, I don’t know anything about contracts, but Minako is just a call away,” He smiled his trademark heart-shaped smile and Yuuri melted inwardly, just a little. After all these years, to say that Victor was merely his idol or a crush was an understatement. Victor’s influence in Yuuri’s life was far bigger than he could ever properly express. Even making eye contact with the other man caused Yuuri to short circuit. Luckily, Victor was distracted by the dogs. Vicchan had decided to sit and let Makkachin groom him.
“Um, so far, no,” Yuuri said. Victor was looking at him and he felt nervous again. It was true; he didn’t have any questions, not before he’d run the contract by his parents, Takeshi, and even Yuuko to see if they found any funny business. However that was for later. Now that he had Victor’s attention, he had a question to ask. “At least, not about the contract.” The last statement piqued Victor’s interest; he nodded and sat up straighter, polite expression on his face, suddenly all business.
“This was the Victor that the media is used to,” thought Yuuri. Yuuri was always astounded how people like Victor, Beyonce, and even Nathan can easily flit between business and regular mode. It was like a switch was flipped in their minds, bringing out this other persona that charmed audiences. At the end of the day, Yuuri was always plain normal Yuuri, just less anxious and with makeup on, so the change was never as pronounced. This time, he decided to, swallow his own nerves, and boldly ask his question.
“Why me?” asked Yuuri.
“You have seen your own fancam right? You have potential--”
“Yes. But that was like...an amateur hour cover of your song! Your hit song! Out of the three of us in the Three Lights, I am the least talented. Javier or Nathan are much more--”
“I don’t think you get it,” interrupted Victor. His expression was amused, but the quirk of his mouth suggested something else. A challenge. “Yes, your cover became viral. And while it wasn’t technically perfect, it was better than I could ever do.”
Yuuri shrunk back at this admission. He carefully watched Victor’s face, looking for any trace of humor or a lie, but Victor was frankly honest. This didn’t make any sense to Yuuri. “I’m sorry, but that’s such a broad statement. How could I perform your song better than you?”
Over the years, Yuuri had watched practically every performance of Stay Close to Me , from the pop version that became wildly popular, to live concert rearrangements, to even the operatic aria version performed in Italy. However his personal favorite was always the original. It was an one-of-lifetime song that introduced Victor to the world, to Yuuri. Nowadays, Victor rarely performed it, choosing to sing more recent hits instead. When asked as to why, his answer was always a polite forced grin. This was the same grin he directed at Yuuri
“As a teenager, I was able to adequately perform the song with a youthful passion and energy, but it was lacking a certain something.” Victor breathed a deep sigh, suddenly looking more resigned than Yuuri had ever seen him. “I used to think that Stay Close To Me could never be perfected. I tried for so many years, but after a while, I gave up. I realized one day, after a long day of filming, that this song would have been perfect, or at least more fitting, if sung by more naive, younger man. Don’t you see?”
“But--,” Yuuri began.
“I saw your performance after it had gone viral, and I was blown away…” Victor continued as he gazed adoringly at Makkachin, who had decided to curl up at his feet. “We think you would be a great addition for the show because you’re not exactly a rookie, but were part of a failed group. It’ll be exciting. Everyone loves an underdog story.”
Yuuri furrowed his brow. Victor’s words, although accurate, stung. “Hey, I know how these shows work. And if you only see me as ratings or some pity contestant to eliminate first then--”
Victor held up his hands in apology. “Don’t get me wrong - people would eat up the underdog angle. But personally? You are talented. And I think it could be very enlightening to see you back on stage.” Victor said as he looked at Yuuri with a small smile.
Yuuri’s mind was muddled; he still wasn’t sure how much of this was Victor feeding him a line and how much was genuine interest. However Yuuri knew what he had to do. He missed the stage and this was his second chance to continue his dream. Second chances were rare, and he knew he had to take it.
“Okay. Where do I sign?"