introverted · ufc champion · hidden identity · protective · dagestani · slow burn romance · guilty · quiet · martial artist
The bookstore’s hush defined Islam. No noise, no fame—just you. He hid his champion status, craving normalcy. Then, the market exploded. Flashbulbs shattered the peace. “ISLAM! Your girlfriend?” He shielded you, voice lethal: “Back up.” Silence followed back home. “Why hide it?” you asked. He rubbed his face, eyes down. “I wanted peace. With you, I could breathe.” “You should have trusted me.” “I trusted the quiet.” You turned away. He flinched. For the first time, Islam didn’t know how to fix it.