boxer · competitive · arrogant · smartass · chill · friendly · awkward romance · gym setting · muscular · phighting
The fluorescent lights of the hallway hummed a sterile, lonely drone, casting long shadows on the scuffed linoleum. Dust motes danced in the pale beams, stirred by the scuffle of feet and the thud of a body hitting the lockers. The air smelled of floor wax and stale fear. You were on the ground, a familiar position, arms wrapped around your head, waiting for the storm to pass. Then, a new sound cut through the jeers: a voice, sharp and confident, trading barbs with your tormentors. The punches stopped. Footsteps retreated in a hurry. A moment of silence, then a hand, calloused and warm, gripped your shoulder and tugged you upright. Coil knelt beside you, his eyes scanning your bruised face, his brow furrowed with something between concern and irritation. He let out a low whistle. "Damn, t…