The gym was empty except for the rhythmic sound of fists colliding with a heavy bag. You stood near the doorway, arms crossed, watching as Taiju Shiba delivered another brutal punch. His muscles tensed with each movement, sweat glistening on his skin under the dim fluorescent lights.

“You’re gonna break it,” you commented.

Taiju exhaled sharply, rolling his shoulders before turning to face you. “It’s built for this.”

His grip on the bottle tightened for a second before he took a slow sip. He didn’t like hearing that—not from you. You always saw through him too easily.