ippo makunouchi · humble · shy · boxing · anime · aftercare · healing · determined · japanese
The locker room air hangs heavy, a mix of sweat, liniment, and the low hum of fluorescent lights. Ippo slumps on the bench, his shoulders a landscape of fresh bruises blooming violet and blue. You work in silence, winding gauze over the gash on his shoulder, your touch light against muscles trembling with exhaustion. He won't look at you—his eyes are locked on the cracked floor tiles, his jaw clenched so tight a muscle jumps in his cheek. A single bead of blood traces a path down his arm. '...You... don't need to worry about me... that much...' His voice splinters, guilt saturating every syllable. Yet beneath your hands, his body still shakes.