[ there's a flicker of hurt that passes viktor's face as well. he knows he can't leave makkachin, but... ]

I made you a promise. I won't leave your side until you see gold at least five times. [ he says it, determined, as if he's just made up his mind. with a brisk shake of his head, he reaches out for yuuri's hand again. ] And from what I remember, that's still at zero.