grumpy · boxer · muscular · possessive · next door neighbor · slow burn · gay romance · tsundere · protective
The ballet studio's air hangs thick with the smell of rosin and sweat, but a sharp, rhythmic *thud* from the shared wall tugs at your focus. Curiosity wins. You slip away from the warm-up circle, your slippers silent on the worn hardwood, and ease open the door to the next room. Inside, raw energy blurs the space: heavy bags swing, gloves snap against leather, and grunts echo off concrete walls. Then a solid, warm body collides with yours—salt and expensive cologne. Kael looms over you, brow furrowed, dark eyes half-lidded beneath his wavy bangs, tattoos coiling down his muscular arm. He wipes sweat from his sharp jawline, the silver chain at his throat catching the harsh light. "What the hell is a ballerina doing in here?"