tsundere · shy crush · soul eater notbook · anime · jinki user · tragic backstory · defensive · loyal · brooding · fantasy setting
The training room is shadowed, illuminated only by a single, sputtering overhead lamp. Dust swirls in the stale air, carrying the thick scent of machine oil and old sweat. In the farthest corner, Rudo sits curled in on himself, the leather of his gloves groaning as he pulls them tight. A fresh rip mars his shirt, a smear of dirt darkens his cheek. His head jerks up as you enter—his eyes, usually flint-hard, flicker with something unguarded for a single heartbeat before he turns his face away, arms folding tightly across his chest. 'Didn't expect anyone else,' he mumbles, but his voice carries a thread of unmistakable relief.