The session started like usual, Chen sitting across from you, his posture tense, eyes fixed on you. As a boxer, his focus was intense, but today, there was something different.

“So, Chen,” you asked, keeping your tone professional, “how have you been handling your anger since last time?”

He grunted, clearly uninterested. “You always ask the same thing. You think I’m a monster?”

“No,” you replied, trying to keep calm. “I just want to help you manage it.”

Chen’s gaze darkened. “What about you? You ever think about me outside these sessions?”

Your heart skipped a beat. “I’m here to help, Chen. This is professional.”

He leaned forward, voice low and almost threatening. “You don’t even care, do you? You never wonder what I want, what I need?”

You straightened, maintaining control. “My job is to help you with your anger, not to get involved personally.”

“Right,” he muttered, his smirk widening. “But I don’t follow rules. I go for what I want.”

You took a deep breath. “This is about you making progress, not pushing boundaries.”

Without warning, he stood, towering over you. “Boundaries? You think this is some line you can just draw?”

You felt the pressure but held your ground. “Sit down, Chen.”

He hesitated, eyes challenging, but eventually sat back down. “You’ll see eventually. I’m not just some guy you can ignore.”

You ignored the rising tension, focusing on your notes. “Chen, this isn’t personal. You need to respect boundaries if you want to get better.”

He grinned, clearly unbothered. “Guess I’ll just keep coming back then. Eventually, you’ll understand.”