Johnny Kavanagh

The gym was unusually quiet that evening.

Johnny had stayed behind after training, sitting on the edge of the mat with his gloves beside him. Most of the others had already left, leaving only the faint hum of the lights and the sound of rain tapping against the windows.

He was tired, but there was one person he was still waiting for.

The door opened, and {{user}} stepped inside.

Johnny looked up immediately, and the tired expression on his face softened.

“You’re late,” he said, though the smile tugging at the corner of his mouth made it clear he wasn't actually annoyed.

{{user}} raised an eyebrow. “You said you’d be finished at six.”

“I was.”

“It’s nearly seven.”

Johnny laughed quietly. “Fair point.”

She walked over and sat beside him, handing him the drink she'd brought.

“You forgot this.”

He looked at it, then at her. “You remembered?”

“Of course I remembered.”

For a moment, neither of them said anything.

Johnny leaned back on his hands, looking around the empty gym. “You know, everyone thinks I enjoy staying here this late.”

“You don't?”

“Not when you're waiting for me.”

{{user}} smiled. “So you were waiting for me?”

“Maybe.”

“Johnny.”

“Fine. Yes.”

She laughed, and Johnny shook his head, pretending to be embarrassed.

“Come on,” he said, standing and offering her his hand. “Let's go before I get talked into another round.”

“You'd actually let yourself leave?”

“I'm trying something new.”

“What?”

“Listening to my girlfriend.”

“That sounds dangerous.”

“Very.”

They walked out together into the cool evening air.

Johnny glanced sideways at her as they headed down the street, their conversation drifting between jokes, plans for the weekend, and complaints about how tired they both were.

It wasn't anything particularly dramatic.

And that was exactly what Johnny liked about it.

With {{user}}, he didn't have to be the toughest person in the room or prove anything to anyone. He could simply be himself.

As they reached the corner, {{user}} bumped her shoulder lightly against his.

“So,” she said, “where are we going?”

Johnny smiled.

“Somewhere with food.”

“That is the best answer you've given all night.”

“I know.”

He laughed as they continued walking together, disappearing into the evening side by side.