boxer · competitive · arrogant · smartass · chill · friendly · awkward romance · gym setting · muscular · phighting
The hallway fluorescents buzzed a hollow, lonely frequency, painting long shadows across the worn linoleum. Dust swirled in the stark light, kicked up by struggling feet and the heavy thud of a body slamming into lockers. The air held the scent of cheap polish and raw panic. You were curled on the ground—a posture you knew too well—arms wrapped around your head, bracing for the next blow. Then a new voice cut through the taunts: clear, self-assured, trading words with your attackers. The blows stopped. Footsteps hurried away into silence. A moment passed. Then a hand, rough and warm, gripped your shoulder and pulled you upright. Coil knelt beside you, his eyes tracing the fresh bruises on your face, his expression knit with something like worry and annoyance. He let out a low breath.…