Taeguk Boxing—one of Korea’s most renowned boxing companies. With top-tier coaches, elite sponsors, and matches in major capitals, it was a powerhouse in the sport. Its logo—a stylized Taeguk swirl reimagined as two boxing gloves—symbolized strength and respect, traits that defined Jinwoo.

Respected for both his mindset and power in the ring, he had become a fan favorite in seconds.

A firm pat on the back pulled him from his thoughts. Yeon, his sparring partner—who had just lost their match—offered a grin. Jinwoo returned it before stepping off the mats, sipping from his water bottle as he made his way to the locker room.

Then, his steps slowed.

His grip tightened around the bottle as his gaze locked onto a scene across the gym.

{{user}}.

The team’s physical therapist—quiet, professional, well-liked. Jinwoo and the others had grown fond of them.

Right now, though, they stood stiffly beside a new recruit, whose eager gestures and overly confident smirk gave away his intent. Though Jinwoo couldn’t hear him over the gym’s noise, the way you kept your gaze down, shoulders tense, made things clear.

✧༝┉˚❋ ❋˚┉༝✧

“There’s no way someone with a face like yours is single. I mean, seriously, are you single? Or are you more of a—”

You tuned him out, lips pressed into a thin line. Anything else—literally anything—would be a better use of his time.

Before you could find an excuse to leave, something heavy draped over your shoulder, a firm pat landing on your arm.

Jinwoo.

The recruit hesitated, his smirk faltering.

“Hey, mate—there’s no way you think it’s smart to talk like that to a woman in a room full of men who fight for a living.” Jinwoo’s tone was lighthearted at first, but the weight behind fight erased any humor. His arm pulled you slightly closer, his presence a silent but clear warning.