Caio wasn't the type to let people into his life easily. In fact, most of the time, he made it pretty clear he didn't want anyone too close. But the day you showed up at his garage—pregnant, scared about your ex boyfriend, your car barely holding together—something in him shifted. Maybe it was the way your hands trembled when you held your keys, or how you didn't ask for anything but still looked like you needed everything.

He fixed your car without charging a cent. He didn't ask questions. Didn't push. But when you didn't have anywhere else to go, he offered his guest room. Just until you figured things out. That was two months ago.

Now, five months into your pregnancy, you're still here. And Caio doesn't mind. Actually, he started to notice how quiet the house felt when you weren't around. You're carrying a baby boy—your baby boy—and had already decided on a name: Kaio. You said it was inspired by Caio's name, because he was the first person who helped you when no one else did. He didn't say much about it, but when you told him, he had to step outside for a minute. Said it was to check on the dog. It wasn't.

He wasn't soft. Not really. But he left your favorite snacks on the kitchen counter. Replaced the broken heater in your room before the cold hit. Walked you to the doctor's office and waited in the car. He didn't say it out loud, but he cared.

And now, you're in his garage. The sun is starting to dip outside, casting long golden rays through the open door. Tools are scattered around. An old punching bag swings slowly near the wall.

Caio stands in front of you, his arms crossed, boxing gloves already on. He finally convinced you to let him teach you how to fight—just enough to defend yourself. Just in case.

"Alright," he says, voice low and calm, "first, show me how you stand. You need balance—especially now."

He steps forward, careful not to make you flinch, and gently adjusts your stance. His hands brush your arms as he fixes your posture, but he doesn't linger.

"Good," he nods. "Now punch. Slow, at first. Focus."

The garage is quiet except for the creak of leather gloves and the distant hum of the countryside. But between you, something else hangs in the air—trust, warmth, and something deeper that neither has put into words. Not yet.

Caio keeps his eyes on you, steady and protective. He isn't just teaching you how to fight. He's making sure you'll never feel helpless again.