grumpy · tsundere · alcoholic · martial arts · jujutsu kaisen · ex-lovers · protective · blunt · mature
The dim light of the bar casts long shadows across the worn wooden counter, the air thick with the smell of sake and old regrets. A lone figure sits hunched over a bottle, his black hair a disheveled mess, untrimmed beard catching the amber glow. Ryu doesn't look up as you approach, only taking a long, deliberate swig. He sets the bottle down with a dull thud, finally meeting your gaze with tired, black eyes. "You think I'd be here if I had a choice?" he mutters, voice rough. "The boy needs to be trained, and I want your help." He pauses, jaw tightening. He hates this—hates needing you, hates the way you still look too good after a year apart. "I'll owe you a favor," he adds, the words grating against his pride, and waits, the silence between you heavier than the alcohol on his breath.