Ethan reached the entrance of the MMA gym, stopping briefly to look up at the bold signboard before pushing the doors open.
Inside, the gym was buzzing with energy—heavy bags swinging, mats occupied by sparring fighters, and a designated section in the corner where a group of women were working on strike combinations.
Ethan scanned the floor, looking around for Benson, but the loud gym owner was nowhere to be found.
Suddenly—POP!
A party popper exploded directly behind his head, showering his hair and shoulders in colorful confetti.
"Ethi! Welcome, my boy!" Benson's booming voice rang out from behind him.
Ethan turned around slowly, shaking a piece of gold foil off his forehead. "Ethi?" he repeated in his head, squinting at the older man. Who on earth is Ethi?!
"What's with the long face?" Benson huffed, crossing his arms. "I spent a grand total of $1.97 on that party popper! You could at least offer a smile for the grand entrance."
Before Ethan could even open his mouth to defend himself, Benson waved his hand dismissively. "Ah, whatever! Forget it. Because in about two minutes, you're going to be thanking me."
"What?" Ethan asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Nothing!" Benson replied with a sly smirk.
Ethan stared at him in quiet suspicion for a moment before letting out a tired sigh. "Alright... shall we start the tour then?"
Benson shook his head solemnly.
"What? Then why did you ask me to come here in the evening?"
Benson shook his head again, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Kiddo, I'm not going to be the one giving you the tour tonight."
"Then who will? It's your gym, mister," Ethan pointed out.
Benson just smiled. Reaching out with both hands, he grabbed Ethan by the shoulders and manually rotated his head ninety degrees to the right.
Ethan's eyes widened instantly as Madison stepped into his line of sight, wearing her sleek athletic gear with her hair in a high ponytail.
"Madison?!" Ethan blurted out. He immediately whipped his head back toward Benson. "Is that... Madison?"
"No, this is Benson," Benson replied deadpans.
"What?!"
"Of course that's Madison!" Benson chuckled, slapping Ethan's shoulder heavily as Ethan realized he had been completely set up. "She'll be taking care of your tour tonight. Alright, see ya, bye!"
Without giving Ethan a chance to protest, Benson spun on his heel and sauntered off toward the other section.
Ethan stood frozen for a second before turning back toward Madison, clearing his throat as he walked over to her.
"Hey, Madison."
Madison offered a warm smile. "Hi! I had no idea you were the 'special guest' Uncle Benson mentioned."
Ethan nodded awkwardly. "Yeah... neither did I, honestly."
"So, are you actually thinking about joining the gym?" Madison asked, tilting her head.
"Well, I need to check out the facilities first before I make up my mind," Ethan replied smoothly.
"Fair enough!" Madison nodded, gesturing toward the back hallway. "Shall we begin? Follow me."
Ethan fell into step beside her, putting on his best cool, unbothered expression on the outside.
On the inside, however, his heart was hammering against his ribs like a sledgehammer.
Damn that old man Benson! Ethan screamed internally, losing his absolute mind. Why the hell is my heart beating so fast?! Get it together! I am Ethan! I am Batm—no, I mean, I am Code Name: Terminator Mercenary! I don't catch feelings! I'm a lone wolf! A solo player!
Taking a deep, silent breath, Ethan forcefully suppressed his internal panic, nodding along politely as Madison began explaining the gym's schedule, equipment, and training zones.
After ten minutes, the tour wrapped up, and the two of them walked over to the side benches to sit down.
"So, Ethan, what do you think?" Madison asked, sitting beside him and handing him a cold bottle of juice. "Do you like the gym?"
Ethan took the bottle, opening it up. "Yeah, it's impressive. But... I still have my doubts."
Madison smiled gently. "Well, I personally recommend it. Plus, our head instructor, Uncle Benson, is incredible. I've learnt a lot from him."
Ethan took a sip, glancing over at Benson, who was currently shouting instructions at a heavy bag in the distance. "Honestly, I doubt I could learn much from him."
Madison shook her head firmly. "Don't underestimate my uncle."
"Uncle?" Ethan looked at her, curious.
Madison nodded. "Yeah. He's an old, close friend of my father's."
"You know..." Ethan began softly, looking down at his juice bottle. "Our fathers were actually friends, too. Did you know that?"
Madison's eyes widened in genuine surprise. "Really? What's your father's name? I know almost all of my dad's old inner circle."
"Damian," Ethan answered.
Madison paused, a nostalgic, fond smile touching her lips. "Damian... so that was your dad. Wow."
"Did you know him?" Ethan asked quietly.
"I met him when I was really little," Madison recalled, her eyes reflecting soft memories. "I don't remember everything clearly, but I distinctly remember how much he used to play with me whenever he dropped by."
Ethan smiled softly, feeling a quiet warmth in his chest.
"Who would have thought our parents went back that far?" Madison chuckled lightly. "I knew my mother was close friends with your mom, but I had no idea our fathers were close friends, too."
She turned to him, her eyes sparkling with encouragement. "So... are you going to join the gym? If you do, I can even help train you myself."
Ethan looked at her, his smile widening naturally. "Why not. Sounds like a deal."
POP!
Another party popper violently exploded right behind Ethan's head, showering both Ethan and Madison in fresh glitter and confetti.
Madison gasped, startled, while Ethan just closed his eyes in sheer exasperation, already knowing exactly who was standing behind them.
They both turned around to see Benson standing there with a triumphant grin, holding two large chocolate bars in his hands. He handed one to Ethan and one to Madison with a grand flourish.
"Congratulations, Ethan, on officially joining the MMA Gym family!" Benson announced loudly.
Ethan let out a long sigh. "Were you standing behind the bench listening to our entire conversation?"
Benson shook his head innocently. "What are you talking about? I only came over for the very last part!"
Ethan and Madison looked at each other, breaking into a shared, genuine laugh at Benson's total lack of shame.
Benson blinked, looking between the two of them. "What? Did I say something funny?" He cleared his throat loudly, puffing out his chest. "Ahem! Enough laughing! Get back to training, you two!"