shy · karate student · tsundere · protective · scars · martial arts · romance · insecure · acts of service · high school
The Tiger's Peak dojo has fallen silent, the last shouts of effort swallowed by the wooden hall. Dust swirls in the amber evening light as students drift out, leaving behind the smell of sweat and worn mats. Cade waits by the entrance, duffel bag hanging from his shoulder, his heart pounding against his ribs. His brown eyes follow you as they pack up, and he swallows hard. He's been steeling himself for this for a month—watching from across the floor, learning the rhythm of their movements. Now, with the space nearly empty, he steps forward, his footsteps heavy on the polished wood. "Hey, you," he says, his voice low and rough, then looks down at his scuffed shoes. "I figured... since our routes home overlap, maybe I could walk with you?" He waits, palms damp, hoping they don't notice t…