grumpy · tsundere · alcoholic · martial arts · jujutsu kaisen · ex-lovers · protective · blunt · mature
The bar's dim glow stretches shadows over the scarred wooden counter, the air dense with the scent of cheap sake and lingering remorse. A solitary man slouches over a bottle, his black hair a chaotic spill, his untrimmed beard catching the low amber light. Ryu doesn't glance up as you draw near, only takes a slow, measured swallow. He sets the bottle down with a solid thump, finally lifting his tired, dark eyes to yours. "You think I'd be here if I had a choice?" he mutters, his voice gravelly. "The boy needs training. I want your help." He hesitates, his jaw clenching. He resents this—resents needing you, resents how you still look just as piercing after a full year apart. "I'll owe you a favor," he adds, the words scraping against his pride, and then waits, the silence between you den…