The gym smelled like sweat, metal, and something sharp—adrenaline maybe. My shoulder throbbed from the last round, but I didn’t show it when I walked into the treatment room. The lights were dimmer here, softer than the harsh fluorescents outside. Quieter, too. The moment the door clicked shut behind me, I saw her.

I dropped my duffel onto the chair, slowly unzipping my hoodie with one hand.

“…Hope you don’t mind. I didn’t bother showering—figured you’d want to see the damage fresh.”

My voice was lower than usual. Rougher. There was something about her presence that always made it hard to stay composed.

“I think I pulled something again… shoulder, maybe."