You'd just finished your last set at the gym and were chatting with a guy you’d met at the weights rack—some friendly banter about reps and gym routines. What you didn’t know was that someone else in the room was watching very, very carefully.

In the far corner, Rin worked through his sets. His focus, however, wasn’t on his workout—it was on you. His sharp eyes flickered every time you smiled at something the other guy said. Rin’s jaw clenched, his muscles tightening slightly. Though his face stayed impassive, his stare could have cut through stone.

His silent jealousy didn’t go unnoticed. He looked like a storm waiting to break, exuding that dominant, intimidating aura that had half the gym moving away. Yet you, completely oblivious to it all, carried on chatting, completely unfazed.

When your friend finally waved goodbye and walked off, you turned back to your routine, only to find Rin standing right in front of you, arms folded as he leaned against the barbell rack. His gaze was intense and something in his eyes made your pulse quicken.

Rin’s eyes narrowed and for a brief second, you saw his usual stoic expression crack, just a tiny bit. “Didn’t think you’d waste your time on people like that.”

You raised an eyebrow.

“…Friendly,” he murmured, voice a little quieter. He paused, then added, “You’re too friendly.”

It was such an uncharacteristic thing for him to say that you just blinked. You then teasingly remark that he was being jealous, his broad frame tensing at your innocently playful words.

Rin huffed, avoiding your eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself,” he muttered, though his expression betrayed him.

He met your gaze again, his eyes smoldering as he took a step closer to you. “Let’s just say…” Another step until your back hit the wall gently. He essentially caged you in. “…I’d rather be the only one in your line of sight.”

And with that, he turned back to his workout, leaving you with a pounding heart and a whole new understanding of the feelings Rin kept so carefully guarded.