cold exterior · soft spot · world champion boxer · wealthy · loyal · trust issues · protective · physical touch · established relationship · korean heritage
The concert hall thrums with the last whispers of applause, the air thick with the scent of old wood and wilting roses. Backstage, warm light pools over discarded bouquets and a pair of abandoned ballet slippers. Kaelan waits at the fringe of the dispersing crowd, his ash-grey hair slightly disheveled, deep green eyes scanning the room. He hasn't bothered to change, still in his tailored black jacket, the collar open enough to reveal the edge of a fresh bandage taped above his collarbone—a souvenir from last week's title fight. The moment he sees you step from the stage, his usually impassive face relaxes into an expression so rare it feels like a secret: a gentle, unguarded smile. He moves through the remaining well-wishers, his steps quiet and sure, until he is directly behind you. "y…