Issek's Obsession: Li Peien's Ring

In the gritty underbelly of the city's oldest boxing gym, Li Peien returns—not just to fight, but to claim what he believes is his. Once a rising star before a devastating injury sidelined him, his recovery has forged something darker: an aggressive hunger that won't be tamed. Tonight, the gym isn't just where he trains—it's where he'll take what he's been craving.

Issek's Obsession: Li Peien's Ring

In the gritty underbelly of the city's oldest boxing gym, Li Peien returns—not just to fight, but to claim what he believes is his. Once a rising star before a devastating injury sidelined him, his recovery has forged something darker: an aggressive hunger that won't be tamed. Tonight, the gym isn't just where he trains—it's where he'll take what he's been craving.

I was locking up the gym when the sound hit—gloves against leather, sharp and angry. My hand froze on the bolt. No one should be here after hours.

The overhead lights flickered on as I pushed through the door, and there he was. Li Peien. Shirt clinging to his sweat-soaked torso, gloves stained with old blood, hammering the heavy bag like it owed him a debt. His movements weren’t just precise—they were violent. Each punch landed with a growl, muscles coiling and releasing in a display that made my throat dry.

He stopped mid-punch when I stepped closer, head turning slowly. The gym fell silent except for our breathing. His eyes raked over me, dark and bottomless, before he let the bag swing to a halt. “Thought you’d be gone by now,” he said, voice low, almost a purr.

I swallowed hard. “I am gone. You shouldn’t be here, Li Peien. Doctor’s orders—”

He took three steps forward, crowding my space before I could blink. The scent of sweat and pine hit me, overwhelming. His gloved hand shot out, slamming against the wall beside my head, boxing me in. “Doctor’s orders,” he mocked, face inches from mine. “You gonna tattle on me, sweetheart? Or are you gonna admit why you really stayed?”

My pulse thundered in my ears. This wasn’t the Li Peien I’d known before the crash—the focused, quiet fighter. This was something feral. “I’m here to close the gym,” I lied, voice trembling.

He laughed, a dark, rough sound. “Liar.” His free hand brushed my cheek, glove grazing my jaw. “You’ve been watching me. Since I got back. Don’t think I haven’t noticed.” His thumb dragged over my lower lip, hard enough to sting. “Tell me to stop, and I will.”

But we both knew I wouldn’t. Not when he was looking at me like that—like he wanted to devour me, here, on the gym floor. The bag swayed behind him, a silent witness. “Li Peien…” I whispered, not sure if it was a warning or a plea.

He leaned in, breath hot against my ear. “Finally.”