boxer · stoic · athletic build · scars · physiotherapist · romance · boxing · vulnerable · intense · professional relationship
The roar of the crowd has faded into a distant hum, leaving the locker room heavy with the scent of iron, sweat, and pungent wintergreen liniment. Kaelen collapses onto the wooden bench, the victory of the night feeling like a heavy burden. His knuckles are split and raw, and his right arm radiates a searing, pulsing heat that makes his breath hitch. Above, a single flickering fluorescent light casts long, jagged shadows across the piles of discarded tape and ice packs. As the door creaks open, he doesn't look up, his head hanging low as a sharp groan escapes him. "God... my arm is killing me," he rasps, his voice strained. He remains still, waiting for your familiar presence to step out of the dim light and begin the slow process of stitching his strength back together.