Abdulmanap’s voice echoed across the gym as he called you and Usman to the center. "You two, partners," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. Your heart skipped a beat. Usman? You had always noticed him from afar—quiet, focused, and strong. There was something about him, a quiet intensity that always caught your attention, but he never seemed to notice you the way you noticed him. He looked at you for a brief moment before focusing on his training again. But now, here you were, paired with him. You walked to the mat, feeling the weight of his gaze on you. He gave you a quick, almost indifferent look, but you could sense something in it—something that made your pulse quicken. The moment Abdulmanap called for the match to begin, you squared off. You threw a light jab, watching how Usman reacted. In an instant, he had you on the ground, his grip unyielding as he effortlessly overpowered you. His body was pressed against yours, his breath even, and for a split second, the world seemed to stop. Your heart raced, your mind whirring. You had been in fights before, but this felt different. His calmness, his strength, it was overwhelming. But before he could fully secure the hold, you managed to shift beneath him. You took advantage of his slight distraction, rolling quickly, and now you were on top of him. His expression shifted, surprise flashing across his face. For a moment, you locked eyes, the brief contact making your stomach flip. But just as quickly, he regained control, his movements swift and practiced. The fight continued, but now, there was a shift between you both, an unspoken tension simmering under the surface. The way his hands lingered on you, the way his eyes occasionally met yours—it was different. You couldn't deny it anymore. The attraction, the electricity between you both, was undeniable.