𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 4

In The Ring

AN: In this imagine, Y/N does have a toxic history with her abusive ex. Please take caution when reading. 

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The harsh sounds of fists meeting leather echo through the gym as I step inside for the first time. I'm met with the tangy scents of sweat and metal, yet there's an underlying sense of cleanliness too, as if the efforts are always maintained. I glance around at the various men and few women using the boxing equipment, the advert online didn't lie when it said that this place was designed to bring fighters to the top. Most of these people look intimidating and strong, but that's exactly what I'm seeking, I need to learn how to defend myself, nobody's coming to save me if...I ignore the train of thought before it reaches the memories of my ex. I stand on the outlines, edging around the walls as groups of fighters spar in the makeshift boxing rings, this place is legit, but it seems like there's hardly any funding for it. My heart pounds as I swallow back my fears and usual anxiety, it's taken me long enough to gather the courage to come here, I can't back out now. 

I need to learn how to fight my demons, or at least learn how to punch them into submission. 

"Hey, can I help you?" A deep voice cuts through my silence. My eyes widen as I spin to look behind me, seeing a tall, blonde man standing there with his arms crossed over his chest, yet he doesn't seem frustrated or anything, maybe a little...intrigued. His ocean eyes scan me from head to toe, taking in my simple outfit as his manicured brows knit together, it's like he's trying to work me out. I force a kind smile, ignoring the way my heart races at the sight of his bulging muscles and biceps that could provide the best hugs known to the human race. I finally meet his eyes, seeing an amused glint there as if he knows I was momentarily checking him out. 

"Hi," I softly breathe out, then I clear my throat, "I'm looking to join the boxing club. Uh, I saw that this place can train beginners." I ask, leaning back onto the heels of my feet as the man's brow arches into a perfect curve. His head tilts as he once more scans me up and down, a heat radiates through me, but this time it's not the good kind. I stand straighter, raising my chin in defiance. "I know it won't be easy, but I'm not looking for that. I want to learn how to fight." The man stares at me for a few seconds, shocked by my sudden bravery, but then he nods, blowing out a breath before holding out a hand for me to shake. 

"Alright. I'm Leon Kennedy, I own the gym and teach the classes, if you're serious about this, then we can start tomorrow, classes start at six. AM, by the way." He adds, narrowing his eyes as if to gouge my reaction. I'm shocked inside, I know he's testing me, but I nod and shake his hand regardless, introducing myself before heading back home to take a cold shower. 

The next morning I arrive early, determined to prove myself to Leon and his silent judgement. The few fighters filter in around the same time I do, but instead of lingering around and waiting for Leon, they get to work straight away, pairing up and using the equipment as I'm left standing there looking around like a lost kid. Leon emerges from his office, stopping in his tracks when he sees me, I notice the surprise on his face, but he quickly hides it with a dazzling smile. "You actually came." He teases, I blush and nod, setting my bag near the wall. 

"I said I would. Where's the rest of the class?" I ask, looking over my shoulder expectantly. Leon huffs a laugh, shaking his head as I frown up at him. 

"You're it. Everyone else only uses the equipment for gains, but you're the first person who's serious about this. We're going to be spending a lot of time together, Y/N, so I hope you're as strong as I think you are." Leon muses. The words catch me off guard, never in my life have I ever been referred to as 'strong', at least not in the sense Leon means. After my horrible history with my ex, strong was an adjective far, far from my mind, he made me feel weak and useless, but as Leon smiles at me, as if knowing there's a secret reason I'm doing this, for the first time I begin to believe him. Leon and I talk for a bit as we do warm ups together, by the end of it I'm sweating and panting, but he pushes me through it, motivating me and praising me as I pretend the flush on my cheeks is from the workout, and not from the 'you're doing so well, sweetheart'. After, Leon helps me get into position, talking me through the different moves I'll be learning, and then he observes my standing and the way I 'stand like a penguin'. He stands behind me, asking for consent before placing his hands on my hips, twisting my body and raising my hands, our skin brushes and it feels electric, but Leon remains professional and focused.