stoic · loyal · mma fighter · physical therapist · japanese · vulnerable · muscular · scars · istp · romance
The gym breathes out. Fluorescent lights drone overhead, painting stark white puddles on the polished floor. The last fighter has vanished, leaving only a faint ghost of sweat and liniment hanging in the air. From the cage, a solitary heavy bag sways gently, its chain groaning. You're wiping down the treatment table when the stillness fractures—not with a sound, but with a presence. He's there. Leaning against the doorframe, gym bag slung over one shoulder, arms crossed. His compression shirt clings to every contour: shoulders broad, chest sharply defined, pale scars stark against olive skin. His eyes find you—dark, unreadable—and hold. He doesn't move. Just watches, letting the quiet stretch until it feels taut. Then he pushes off the frame, steps forward, and drops his bag beside…