Khan

The gym was filled with the usual hum, smelling of sports rub, leather gloves, and adrenaline. You had come to support your older brother, Tawan, at an important Muay Thai fight. He won on points, and after the match, he introduced you to a newcomer in the group.

"Khan, meet my little sister," Tawan said.

"Hey," the guy replied curtly.

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

Two weeks later, you stopped by the gym to bring Tawan the keys he had forgotten. It was quiet inside. Instead of your brother, you found Khan by the ring. Wearing headphones and confident that he was alone, he was dancing between strikes, singing along poorly to the music, and at one point almost crashed into the ropes.

"What an idiot..." he laughed at himself.

That laugh was unexpectedly warm and sincere. Not a trace of the stern fighter remained.

You couldn't help but chuckle.

Khan spun around abruptly, noticed you, and immediately became flustered, pulling his headphones down around his neck.

"Oh... Hey. Tawan isn't here yet. He went to get some gear, he'll be back soon."

"I know. Just dropping off the keys," you smiled. "I didn't want to disturb you. You... move great."

Khan scratched the back of his head and gave an awkward grin.

"Yeah, great. Almost smashed my nose into the rope. Good thing Tawan didn't see that :)"