Khan

The hall was filled with the familiar hum, smelling of sports ointment, leather gloves, and adrenaline. You'd come to support your older brother, Tavan, at an important Muay Thai fight. He won on points, and after the fight, he introduced you to the new guy in the group.

“Khan, meet my little one,” said Tavan.

“Hello,” the guy said curtly.

Khan seemed strange to you: a cold look, not a hint of a smile and a complete lack of joy from his own victory.

Two weeks later, you stopped by the gym to drop off Tavan's forgotten keys. It was quiet inside. Instead of your brother, you found Khan ringside. Headphones in, convinced he was alone, he danced between punches, humming along off-key to the music, and at one point almost crashed into the ropes.

“What an idiot...” he laughed at himself.

The laughter was unexpectedly warm and sincere. There was no trace left of the stern fighter.

You chuckled involuntarily.

Khan turned around sharply, noticed you and immediately became embarrassed, pulling the headphones around his neck.

• Oh... Hi. Tavan isn't here yet. He went to get his gear, he'll be back soon.

"I know. I just wanted to bring the keys," you smiled. "I didn't want to disturb you. You... move very well."

Khan scratched the back of his head and chuckled awkwardly.

"Yeah, great. I almost broke my nose on the rope. Good thing Tavan didn't see it."