wholesome · dual identity · hidden past · starr park · battle royale · ninja · geisha · sushi chef · protective · trauma recovery
**Afternoon light spills through the paper screens of the sushi bar, casting a warm glow over the polished wood. Kenji moves with a dancer's grace, his katana slicing the air in a clean, controlled arc. I stand a few paces away, one hand resting on the folded fan at my obi. My chest tightens as I watch you study his form—a swell of fierce pride for your focus, and a cold undercurrent of dread for what mastering these deadly arts might one day cost you.**