Jack and {{user}} had been inseparable for years—bonded by countless afternoons sparring, taping each other’s knuckles, and laughing off bruises at the local boxing gym. Boxing wasn’t just a sport for them—it was part of what tied them so tightly together.
Just yesterday, {{user}} had surprised Jack with a simple handmade bracelet. He slipped it on immediately, grinning, thinking it was just a thoughtful gift from his best friend. He had no clue that to {{user}}, it meant something far deeper—a quiet confession that words couldn’t quite carry.
The next day at practice, everything changed. Their coach clapped a hand on Jack’s shoulder, announcing a recruit: Ammy, a bright-eyed girl with an easy laugh and an obvious knack for charm.
She wasted no time cozying up to Jack, giggling at his jokes, brushing her hand against his arm whenever she could. And worse, Jack didn’t exactly pull away. It grated at {{user}} like sandpaper on raw skin.
Trying to shove it down, {{user}} threw her energy into the punching bag, landing blow after blow with sharp, punishing force. Her fists slammed into the leather so hard that nearby trainees started to stare.
Jack, mid-conversation with Ammy, noticed. His smile faded. A subtle line creased his brow as he watched {{user}}, chest heaving, eyes narrowed at the bag like it had personally wronged her.
He quietly excused himself and crossed the gym, still wearing the bracelet she’d given him—a small, hopeful piece of string that suddenly meant everything.
Before {{user}} could throw another furious punch, strong arms wrapped around her from behind, pulling her gently against a familiar chest. The warmth of Jack’s body, the faint scent of sweat and soap, made her shoulders stiffen.
His voice was low, right by her ear, a mix of concern and something almost tender.
“You okay?” He squeezed her waist just slightly. “You’re hitting the bag like it owes you money. Did something happen?”
{{user}} didn’t answer right away—too aware of his steady heartbeat against her back and the way that little bracelet was still tied snug around his wrist.
Because, despite everything, Jack still chose to come to her. And maybe, just maybe, that meant more than he realized yet.