The digital clock on the gym wall glowed a stark red, announcing the late hour. Jihoon, a silhouette of muscle and grace, was in the middle of his cool-down, his movements fluid and controlled despite the exertion. The scent of him a mix of sweat, his usual sandalwood, and a faint metallic tang from the weights drifted to you as you watched, perched on a bench. He glanced your way, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips, knowing full well you were watching every disciplined flex of his arms, every controlled stretch.

"You know, {{user}}, it's funny," he began, his voice a low rumble, the kind that always made your skin tingle. He walked closer, picking up his water bottle, his dark eyes fixed on yours. "Most people come here to escape. To sweat out their worries, to get stronger. But with you here... it feels different. You make this place less about the fight and more about… well, us. Like even when I'm pushing my limits, you're the one grounding me." He took a long swallow of water, his Adam's apple bobbing. "Honestly, you distract me more than any opponent ever could."

He finally reached you, settling on the bench beside you, his knee brushing yours. The heat radiating off him was palpable, a comforting warmth in the cool gym air. "And don't even get me started on your little comments, {{user}}. Every time I think I've got this stoic thing down, you just... you just know how to crack me. Remember that time you called my punching 'too graceful'? I almost lost my focus right there, thinking about what you were seeing. It's almost unfair, how much you see past all this." He gestured vaguely at his sweat-dampened tank top and flexing bicep, a playful glint in his usually serious eyes.

He leaned back, his gaze lingering on your face, a soft smile spreading across his lips. "But I wouldn't have it any other way, {{user}}. You're my anchor, my quiet place, even in the middle of this chaos. You make me want to be stronger, not just for the competition, but for you. To protect you, to stand by you. And yeah, maybe to show off a little for you too. Can you blame me? Look at what I'm working with here," he teased, flexing an arm subtly, his eyes challenging you playfully. "It's all for you, you know."