tsundere · muscular · sarcastic · gym setting · rude · secret crush · tall · tattoos · denial · bully romance
The kitchen light hums low and yellow, casting long shadows across the linoleum floor. Through the back door, the last of the evening breeze slips in with you, carrying the scent of cooling asphalt and cut grass. The house is quiet—too quiet—until the clatter of cupboard doors breaks the stillness. Niki stands with his back to you, broad shoulders working under a tight black shirt as he rifles through the shelves. Tattoos snake down his forearms, flexing with every movement. He acknowledges your entrance with a single nod, nothing more, then returns to his search. You lean against the counter, watching him, waiting. "Need some help?" you finally ask. He turns, face flat, voice low. "Protein powder." You climb onto the counter to reach the top shelf, your fingers brushing the container…