*temp MC_dom1 false
[b]BANG.[/b] [i]Almost.[/i] [b]BANG.[/b] [i]Again.[/i]

You knew the gym and the shooting range weren't open at night, but after what happened today, you desperately needed to blow off some steam. 
The echo of gunfire in the empty range mirrors the storm brewing in your mind.

[b]BANG.[/b] Your teeth clench in a silent greeting with each fired shot. [b]BANG.[/b] [i]Another miss…[/i]

With a tightening grip on the gun's handle, you suppress the rising irritation and recalibrate your aim with determination.

It's been a while since you've done this… real action.

The everyday grind of being a detective is different—paperwork, interrogations, endless phone calls. But you still need to stay sharp; still need to stay ready. And today was—

[i]Ugh…[/i] Your mind drifts back to your earlier conversation with ${kyl_name}.

[i]'${kyl_name}, I need the keys to the gym,'[/i] you said, staring wearily at the floor, the weight of the day pressing down on you.

You almost expected ${kyl_him} to ask why, to give you a hard time—just like ${kyl_she} always does—but ${kyl_she} just looked at you for a moment and then silently handed over the keys. 

No questions, no judgment, no remarks. Just ${kyl_his} silence, and the feeling that ${kyl_she} sees right through you, reads you like an open book…

*page_break Making you weaker and weaker.
You scowl, pulling the trigger again, the shot's recoil jolting through your body. [b]BANG.[/b] [i]Not enough.[/i]

You grip the weapon tightly, feeling its hot metal against your skin, mirroring the intensity of your boiling frustration. [i]Focus.[/i]

You take a deep breath, and for a moment, everything around you blurs while you take aim, finally pulling the trigger.

[b]BANG.[/b] [i]Bull's-eye.[/i]

You lower the gun, your fingers tingling with a slight numbness. The tension in your shoulders eases just a bit, but it's not enough.

[i]Never enough.[/i]

Shedding the shooting gallery gear, you clench and unclench your fists as you walk into the adjoining training room.

It's good that you changed into your workout clothes which you always keep clean in your locker, because right now, you need something more intense.

Your eyes circle around the training room. [i]Treadmill, dumbbells, punching bag…[/i]

*page_break Just what you need.
You don't know how much time has passed, but you find yourself standing by a punching bag. The impact of the countless strikes is tangible on your knuckles, even through the gloves. 

Each punch lands with a painful, satisfying thud, yet your mind is far from satisfied. 

Images and thoughts whirl in your head: Klemens' lifeless body, the cold eyes of the federal agents in your office, today's events…

[i]How long is this going to take?[/i] How long can you last? Because no matter what you do, it's never enough. 

All you have to do is wait for the inevitable. [i]Wait until—[/i]

Lost in your thoughts, your next jab goes awry; your arm bends at the wrong moment, and you hit the bag at a bad angle. You bite back a hiss, feeling the pain travel up to your shoulder.

"Pathetic." A voice you didn't expect to hear cuts through the silence like a knife. You turn around, and your heart skips a heavy beat.

${kyl_name} is leaning against the doorway, ${kyl_his} gaze sharp and piercing, arms crossed over ${kyl_his} chest. $!{kyl_his} presence feels heavy, 
and ${kyl_his} eyes fix on you with an intensity that makes your skin prickle.

[i]How long has ${kyl_she} been standing there?[/i]

*fake_choice
	#"What are you doing here?" you ask, barely hiding your confusion.
		You straighten up, trying to mask the pain in your arm, yet ${kyl_name}'s perceptive eyes are already fixed on your wrist. 
		
		A flicker of reluctance passes through ${kyl_his} gaze as it returns to meet yours. $!{kyl_she} noticed.

		[i]${kyl_name} always does.[/i]
		
		The thought awakens a warm flutter in your chest, but you push it aside, focusing instead on the real question.
		
		"What are you doing here?" you ask, barely hiding your confusion.

		"The same thing you are," ${kyl_she} finally says, pushing off from the doorway and striding inside, casually rolling up the sleeves of ${kyl_his} shirt.
		
		You pause for a moment, observing ${kyl_his} movements closely. "I… Should I leave?" you ask uncertainly, and ${kyl_she} snorts.
		
		Tossing ${kyl_his} ID card and a bunch of keys onto a nearby bench, ${kyl_she} stretches ${kyl_his} neck and turns to you.

	#You scoff. "What, you can do better? Go on, show me a master class."
		You straighten up, trying to mask the pain in your arm, yet ${kyl_name}'s perceptive eyes are already fixed on your wrist. 
		
		A flicker of reluctance passes through ${kyl_his} gaze as it returns to meet yours. $!{kyl_she} noticed.

		[i]${kyl_name} always does.[/i]
		
		The thought awakens a warm flutter in your chest, but you push it aside, focusing instead on the irritation caused by ${kyl_his} words.

		"What, you can do better?" you scoff, crossing your arms. "Go on, show me a master class."

		$!{kyl_she} raises an eyebrow. "I have a better idea," ${kyl_she} finally says, pushing off from the doorway and striding inside, casually rolling up the sleeves of ${kyl_his} shirt.

		You narrow your eyes, tracking ${kyl_his} every move as ${kyl_she} tosses ${kyl_his} ID card and a set of keys onto a nearby bench. Stretching ${kyl_his} neck, 
		${kyl_she} turns ${kyl_his} attention back to you.

	#Turn away and continue practicing. "I'm not in the mood. Leave."
		You straighten up, trying to mask the pain in your arm, yet ${kyl_name}'s perceptive eyes are already fixed on your wrist. 
		
		A flicker of reluctance passes through ${kyl_his} gaze as it returns to meet yours. $!{kyl_she} noticed.

		[i]${kyl_name} always does.[/i]
		
		The thought awakens a warm flutter in your chest, but you push it aside, returning your focus to the punching bag. "I'm not in the mood," you say, throwing another punch. "Leave."

		Yes, ${kyl_name} gave you the keys so you can use the gym as much as you want. Still, dealing with ${kyl_him} right now isn't what you want—what you can do—
		because you feel like you're going to snap.
		
		Not to mention, given ${kyl_name}'s complex temperament, the chances of losing your cool are high. And you know you'll regret it later.

		Suddenly, the metallic jingle of keys interrupts your thoughts. You turn at the sound, noticing that ${kyl_name}'s taken off ${kyl_his} ID card, 
		which now rests alongside ${kyl_his} keys on a nearby bench.

		You furrow your brow, focusing your attention back on ${kyl_name}. "What are you doing?"

		$!{kyl_she} rolls up the sleeves of ${kyl_his} shirt and stretches ${kyl_his} neck before meeting your gaze. 
	#Without dignifying ${kyl_him} with an answer, you silently continue your practice.
		You straighten up, trying to mask the pain in your arm, yet ${kyl_name}'s perceptive eyes are already fixed on your wrist. 
		
		A flicker of reluctance passes through ${kyl_his} gaze as it returns to meet yours. $!{kyl_she} noticed.

		[i]${kyl_name} always does.[/i]

		The thought awakens a warm flutter in your chest, but you push it aside and return your focus to the punching bag, 
		focusing on the rhythmic thud of your fists without dignifying ${kyl_him} with an answer.

		As you throw another punch, the jingling sound of keys cracking distracts you. You turn at the sound, noticing that ${kyl_name}'s taken off ${kyl_his} ID card, 
		which now rests alongside ${kyl_his} keys on a nearby bench.

		You furrow your brow, focusing your attention back on ${kyl_name}. "What are you doing?"

		$!{kyl_she} rolls up the sleeves of ${kyl_his} shirt and stretches ${kyl_his} neck before meeting your gaze. 
"Warm-up first. Then sparring."

Without further elaboration, ${kyl_she} begins what could be described as a standard warm-up routine.

*fake_choice
	#"${kyl_name}, I don't think this is a good idea," you start tiredly.
		"${kyl_name}, I don't think this is a good idea," you start, feeling a growing fatigue at the mere thought of where this could lead.

		But ${kyl_she} ignores you, and after a long moment of silence, realizing ${kyl_she}'s not going to say anything else and lacking the strength to argue with ${kyl_him}, 
		you turn away, trying to focus on your movements.
		
	#You cross your arms. "Seriously? You came here to spar? With me?"
		"Seriously?" you ask, crossing your arms. "You came here to spar? With me?"

		${kyl_name} turns ${kyl_his} head, raising an eyebrow. "Do you see anyone else here?"

		"You know what I meant," you retort, making an effort to contain your growing irritation.

		$!{kyl_she} tilts ${kyl_his} chin. "If you're scared, you can say no." 
		
		You arch your eyebrows, almost not sure you heard that right. Your irritation only amplifies as ${kyl_name} turns away from you. 
		
		You part your lips to speak when you notice ${kyl_his} ears turning red.

		You clench and unclench your fists, feeling the irritation mingle with something heavy and quivering. $!{kyl_she}'s ${kyl_bad}, and still, 
		the sight evokes a familiar feeling that spreads in your lower abdomen.

		[i]Fuck.[/i]

		*page_break You have it really bad.
		Making an effort to suppress the lump of contrasting emotions that ignites all your senses, you turn away, trying to focus on the movements.

	#[i]Blowing off steam by punching ${kyl_name}?[/i] "You know how to motivate."
		You pause. [i]Blowing off steam by punching ${kyl_name}?[/i]
		
		"You know how to motivate," you say, feeling a smirk tug on your lips when you see how ${kyl_she} purses ${kyl_his} lips, ${kyl_his} eyebrows furrowing harder.

		You almost expect ${kyl_him} to sneer in response, but ${kyl_name} only purses ${kyl_his} lips tightly and ignores you.
		
		After a long moment of silence, realizing ${kyl_she}'s not going to respond, you do your best to refrain from saying something you might regret later. 
		Instead, you turn away, trying to focus on your movements.

	#You frown but don't ask anything, silently proceeding to warm up.
		You frown but don't ask anything, silently proceeding to warm up.

		You feel ${kyl_name}'s occasional glance at you, but you ignore it, doing your best to keep your focus on your movements.

But despite your best attempt, the faint hope in your chest prevents you from concentrating, filling you with answers to the question: why did ${kyl_name} come here in the first place? 
Is ${kyl_she} really here… for you?

Your heart flutters in joyful agreement, but you shut it down by reminding yourself how many times that feeling has turned into bitter disappointment. 

But what other answer could there be?

${kyl_name} knew you'd be here, and you know that ${kyl_she} noticed that what happened today affected you. And you hate how easy it was for ${kyl_him} to discern that, 
despite your best attempt to hide it.

But ${kyl_name} has refused to give you answers, and even though part of you is telling you that it's better to end it all now, to leave before it's too late, 
another part of you wants to see where this goes.

Casting a flickering glance at ${kyl_name}, you take a deep breath and force yourself to look away, unable to resist the urge to stay, mentally preparing yourself for what's coming next.

*page_break You are going to spar with ${kyl_name}.
[b]Half an hour later…[/b]

Taking a deep breath, you try to steady your nerves as you face ${kyl_name} on the mats in the training area.

"Standard sparring rules?" you ask casually as if you've done this a thousand times before. It's not that you don't spar with anyone, but… not recently. [i]And never with ${kyl_name}.[/i]

"Good that you remember," ${kyl_name} responds sharply, ${kyl_his} eyes never leaving yours.

[i]After all the training I and ${lex_name} had, it's hard not to,[/i] you think, your mind already chanting a familiar phrase repeated before every sparring session.

[i]'Standard police sparring rules: no strikes to the head or groin, tap out or verbal surrender to end the match.'[/i]

It's both worrying and exciting when you don't know your opponent. But this time is different: you've never even seen ${kyl_name} spar with anyone. And frankly, 
you only have firsthand knowledge of what ${kyl_she}'s like in a physical contest.

Now that ${kyl_his} job is mostly desk work, you don't know what to expect. But the steely look in ${kyl_his} icy blue eyes tells you one thing: ${kyl_she} is not to be underestimated.

"The sparring session begins when I say 'start'," ${kyl_name} finally says, and you nod, taking your stance in front of ${kyl_him} as ${kyl_she} does the same.

*page_break [b]"Start!"[/b]
${kyl_name} moves first with speed and precision that catch you off guard, coming in with a controlled low kick aimed at your leg. 

You sidestep and counter with a quick jab to ${kyl_his} midsection, but ${kyl_she} blocks it, trying to grapple you. You twist away, taking a couple of steps back to keep your distance.

As you circle each other, testing reactions and defenses, ${kyl_his} eyes follow your movements, and you immediately understand why ${kyl_she}'s a dangerous opponent.

With ${kyl_his} wiry complexion, ${kyl_she}'s not relying on brute strength; ${kyl_she}'s calculating and methodical. $!{kyl_his} combat strategy is offensive, even purposeful: 
${kyl_name} knows where to hit, and aims for those exact spots. 

But you're not that easy either.

You feint to the left, drawing ${kyl_him} in before sweeping at ${kyl_his} leg. $!{kyl_she} deflects your move with a quick parry and counters by attempting a joint lock.

You twist away just in time, both of you resetting your stances. $!{kyl_his} breath is heavy but controlled, just like yours. 

Both of you know the end of the session is near.

*page_break Neither is willing to yield.
Minutes pass, each of you testing the other, searching for a weakness, while the intensity in ${kyl_name}'s eyes never wavers.

Just before you can make your next move, ${kyl_name}'s voice suddenly breaks the tense silence.

"What's this all about?" ${kyl_she} asks, taking a quick jab at your ribs. You deflect ${kyl_his} strike with a swift parry. [i]That was close.[/i]

"I don't know what you're talking about," you reply, irritation instantly burning inside you, but you try to remain focused on ${kyl_his} movements.

"Is this about the CID taking over the case?" ${kyl_she} asks again, and you use this moment to throw a quick jab at the junction of ${kyl_his} shoulder. $!{kyl_she} barely manages to step to the side.

As irritation swells stronger within you, making it harder to maintain focus on the sparring, ${kyl_she} raises ${kyl_his} voice again, "Can't accept that this is beyond your experience?"

Something inside you snaps.

*fake_choice
	#You refuse to continue whatever this is. "I give up."
		You refuse to continue whatever this is, taking a couple of steps back and straightening up, relaxing your body as you abandon your fighting stance.

		"I give up," you say plainly, no longer willing to deal with ${kyl_him}.
		
		Something fierce and sharp flashes in ${kyl_name}'s gaze, ${kyl_his} brow furrowing harder. 
		
		"No, we're not done," ${kyl_she} insists, stepping closer, but you ignore ${kyl_him}.
		
		As you walk past ${kyl_him}, ${kyl_his} hand suddenly grabs yours, but you twist away, glaring at ${kyl_him} angrily. "I said I give up!"
		
		"It's not finished," ${kyl_she} says, attempting to close the distance once more.
		
		"I don't care," you say firmly, stepping aside when ${kyl_she} blocks your path again.

		"You do," ${kyl_she} says, 
	#"You know what? Fuck you! We're done," you hiss, attempting to leave the mats.
		"You know what? Fuck you!" you hiss through gritted teeth as you attempt to leave the mats. "We're done."

		"No, we're not done," ${kyl_she} says, stepping closer, but you ignore ${kyl_him}.
		
		As you walk past ${kyl_him}, ${kyl_his} hand suddenly grabs yours, but you twist away, glaring at ${kyl_him} angrily.
		
		"It's not over," ${kyl_she} insists, attempting to close the distance once more.
		
		"I don't care!" you exclaim angrily, trying to step aside when ${kyl_she} blocks your path again.
		
		"You do," ${kyl_she} says, 
	#"Shut up!" you yell, finally giving in to your boiling anger.
		"Shut up!" you yell, all the anger that's been building up inside you boiling over as you finally give in to that feeling.

		Forgetting everything, you lunge at ${kyl_name}, but ${kyl_she} counterattacks your move before retreating to the side. "Not until you explain yourself!"
		
		You grit your teeth, and your chest rises and falls heavily as you throw another punch. This time it hits its target, and ${kyl_name} recoils with a stifled groan.
		
		The realization that neither of you is wearing any protective gear hits you like a cold shower, instantly cooling your scorching anger and leaving behind nothing but bitter ashes.
		
		"Is that why you are here? To mock me?" you ask, detached and tired, regretting that you even agreed to this.
		
		Your tone makes ${kyl_name}'s eyes widen, and ${kyl_she} winces. "No, I…" 
		
		Something in ${kyl_his} voice makes you pause, but when ${kyl_she} doesn't say anything else and falls silent, a renewed frustration sets in as you say, "You know what? Forget it. I don't care."
		
		"You do," ${kyl_she} finally says, 
	#Without a word, lunge from the side and attack.
		[i]$!{kyl_she} wants a reaction? $!{kyl_she}'s not going to get one.[/i]

		Without a word, you lunge from the side and attack, but ${kyl_she} counters your move and retreats to the side.
		
		"I asked you a question," ${kyl_she} says sharply, but you keep your face blank, focusing on your attacks.
		
		Your chest rises and falls heavily as you throw another punch. This time, it hits its target, and ${kyl_name} recoils with a stifled groan.
		
		The realization that neither of you is wearing any protective gear hits you like a cold shower, instantly cooling your scorching anger and leaving behind nothing but bitter ashes.
		
		"Why are you even here? To mock me?" you ask, detached and tired, regretting that you even agreed to this.
		
		Your tone makes ${kyl_name}'s eyes widen, and ${kyl_she} winces. "No, I…"
		
		Something in ${kyl_his} voice makes you pause, but when ${kyl_she} doesn't say anything else and falls silent, a renewed frustration sets in as you say, "Forget it. I don't care."

		"You do," ${kyl_she} finally says, 
the tone of ${kyl_his} voice and the softness in ${kyl_his} eyes causing you to freeze. 

*page_break Suddenly, a realization washes over you.
"Are we still talking about the sparring?" you ask, your voice husky with a mix of confusion and vulnerability.

The air between you shifts, heavy with unspoken words and raw emotion.

You can sense that ${kyl_name} feels it too; ${kyl_his} neck and ears turn crimson. $!{kyl_she} averts ${kyl_his} gaze, looking almost terrified, 
and ${kyl_his} fists clench so tightly that ${kyl_his} knuckles turn white.

"${kyl_name}—" You begin again, and suddenly, ${kyl_his} expression shifts; the doubt in ${kyl_his} eyes replaced by a scorching ferocity as ${kyl_she} turns sharply toward you.

In the blink of an eye, ${kyl_she}'s right next to you, and you instantly read ${kyl_his} intention. 

*fake_choice
	#@{icon ❤️ |}You react just in time, knocking ${kyl_him} to the mat and pinning ${kyl_him} with your body.
		You react instantly, intercepting ${kyl_name}'s lunge and swiftly knocking ${kyl_him} to the mat, pinning ${kyl_him} down with the weight of your body.

		In this position, neither of you gives in, struggling for dominance, but you always manage to regain control over ${kyl_him}.

		Both of you fight as if this is something more than just a sparring session, more than a mere exchange: as if a deep, unspoken, 
		and haunted tension that's been lingering between the two of you is finally surfacing. 

		And it feels endless, and so does your struggle.

		You feel like it won't stop until you finally manage to intercept ${kyl_his} wrists, pinning them rougher than you intended, causing ${kyl_him} to wriggle out of your grasp more fervently. 
		
		Tightening your grip, you turn to confront ${kyl_him}, only to find yourselves mere inches apart, chests heaving, hearts racing. 

		The realization of your proximity causes you both to freeze, as well as everything around you.

		Through the anger, the razzing, the sweat, and the fatigue, you finally can see ${kyl_him}: icy blue eyes peering deep into your soul, 
		reflecting weariness not of the fight, but of resisting the undeniable craving between you.

		You can finally feel ${kyl_him}: the warmth of ${kyl_his} skin in your grip, the closeness of ${kyl_his} body pressed tightly against yours.

		Each labored breath draws your body closer to ${kyl_hrs}, allowing you to feel the rapid rhythm of ${kyl_his} heartbeat echoing your own.

		*fake_choice
			#@{icon ❤️ |}Unable to resist the inevitable, you crush your lips against ${kyl_hrs}.
				*set MC_dom1 true
				*goto mc_dom
			#@{icon 💙 |}Sensing your hesitation, ${kyl_she} flips you over, ending up straddling you.
				*set MC_dom1 false
				*set mc_1 "switch"
				Taking advantage of this momentary pause, ${kyl_she} uses ${kyl_his} legs to flip you over, ending up straddling you.

				You grunt in surprise, your eyes widening as ${kyl_his} unexpected maneuver catches you off guard, causing your grip on ${kyl_his} wrists to weaken, 
				giving ${kyl_him} the opportunity to break free.

				With a quick motion, ${kyl_she} seizes your hands and pins them above your head. You try to free yourself, but ${kyl_she} pins your wrists to the mat again, 
				pressing them down more firmly.

				The movement causes ${kyl_him} to lean forward, bringing your faces within mere inches of each other, both of you still breathing heavily.

				*goto mc_sub
			#[[b]×[/b]] "I won," you say slowly, releasing ${kyl_his} wrists and standing up.
				*set no_kiss true
				After waiting a few more seconds and realizing that ${kyl_name} wasn't attempting to break free, you say slowly in a low tone, "I won."

				${kyl_name} widens, a storm of emotion rushing through ${kyl_his} eyes that echoes in your chest painfully as you tighten your grip on ${kyl_his} wrists 
				one last time before standing up and finally releasing ${kyl_him}.
		
				The moment you do, ${kyl_she} quickly rises to ${kyl_his} feet, backing away from you like a frightened animal.

				*goto no_kiss
	#@{icon 💙 |}In a flash, ${kyl_she} knocks you to the mat, pinning you with the weight of ${kyl_his} body.
		In an instant, ${kyl_name} swiftly knocks you to the mat, pinning you down with the weight of ${kyl_his} body.

		In this position, neither of you gives in; you struggle, occasionally gaining control, but ${kyl_name} always manages to block your moves.
		
		Both of you fight as if this is something more than just a sparring session, more than a mere exchange, as if a deep, unspoken, 
		and haunted tension that's been lingering between the two of you is finally surfacing.
		
		And it feels endless, and so does your struggle.
		
		You feel like it won't stop when suddenly, ${kyl_she} intercepts your wrists, roughly pinning them next to your head. 
		
		Trying to resist, you twist in ${kyl_his} grip, turning to face ${kyl_him} only to find yourselves mere inches apart, chests heaving, hearts racing.
		
		The realization of your proximity causes you both to freeze, as well as everything around you.
		
		Through the anger, the razzing, the sweat, and the fatigue, you finally can see ${kyl_him}: icy blue eyes peering deep into your soul, 
		reflecting weariness not of the fight, but of resisting the undeniable craving between you.
		
		You can finally feel ${kyl_him}: the warmth of ${kyl_his} hands gripping your wrists, the closeness of ${kyl_his} body pressed tightly against yours.
		
		Each labored breath draws ${kyl_his} body closer to yours, allowing you to feel the rapid rhythm of ${kyl_his} heartbeat echoing your own.

		*fake_choice
			#@{icon ❤️ |}Using this distraction, you flip ${kyl_him} over, ending up straddling ${kyl_him}.
				*set MC_dom1 true
				*set mc_1 "switch"
				Taking advantage of this momentary pause, you use your legs to flip ${kyl_him} over, ending up straddling ${kyl_him}.

				$!{kyl_she} grunts in surprise, ${kyl_his} eyes widening as your unexpected move catches ${kyl_him} off guard and causes ${kyl_his} grip on your wrists to weaken, 
				giving you the opportunity to break free. 
				
				With a quick motion, you seize ${kyl_his} hands and pin them above ${kyl_his} head. $!{kyl_she} tries to free ${kyl_him}self, but you pin ${kyl_his} wrists to the mat again, 
				pressing them down more firmly.
				
				*goto mc_dom
			#@{icon 💙 |}$!{kyl_she} holds your gaze for a moment longer before crushing ${kyl_his} lips against yours.
				*set MC_dom1 false
				*goto mc_sub
			#[[b]×[/b]] "I give up," you say, pushing ${kyl_him} away with your knee and standing up.
				*set no_kiss true
				Feeling like you don't have the strength left to resist anymore, you exhale shakily. "I give up."
				
				${kyl_name} widens, a storm of emotion rushing through ${kyl_his} eyes that echoes in your chest painfully, and you take advantage of this momentary pause, 
				pushing ${kyl_him} away with your knee and standing up.
		
				The moment you do, ${kyl_she} quickly rises to ${kyl_his} feet as well, backing away from you like a frightened animal.

				*goto no_kiss
*finish

*label no_kiss
Both of you realize what just might have happened, both of you are breathing heavily. 

"I—" $!{kyl_she} takes a few steps away from you, running ${kyl_his} hand through ${kyl_his} hair, without saying anything else.

*fake_choice
	#"You're ${kyl_bad}. Don't you dare look at me like this is my fault."
		"You're ${kyl_bad}," you say steely, and ${kyl_name} freezes. "Don't you dare look at me like this is my fault when you were the who started this."

		$!{kyl_his} reaction to you makes you clench your fists, your heart pounding in your temples as anger fills you.

		*goto k_proceed3
	#You clench your fists, refusing to show how painful it is for you.
		$!{kyl_his} reaction to you makes you clench your fists, your heart pounding in your temples as anger fills you. 

		Desperation and regret flicker in ${kyl_his} eyes, but you steel yourself against them, choosing not to say anything, 
		refusing to show how painful it is for you.

		*goto k_proceed3
*goto k_proceed3

*label mc_dom
After waiting a few more seconds and realizing that ${kyl_name} wasn't attempting to break free, you lean in closer, holding ${kyl_his} gaze with a subtle challenge.

"I won," you whisper, your voice low and raspy, your lips tantalizingly close to ${kyl_hrs}.

$!{kyl_his} gaze flickers down to your lips, and you can feel the warmth of ${kyl_his} breath against your skin, sending shivers down your spine as ${kyl_she} whispers, almost pleadingly.

*if (mc_1 = "switch")
	*page_break "${name}…"
	Your eyes widen slightly 
*if (mc_1 != "switch")
	"${name}…"

	Your eyes widen slightly 
as you realize that ${kyl_name} just called you by your name. But you push that thought aside, trying to ignore your racing heartbeat, squeezing ${kyl_him} tighter.

"Say it," you demand in a steely, low tone, and ${kyl_name}'s eyebrows furrow as ${kyl_she} blushes even more.

"Never," ${kyl_she} hisses, and ${kyl_his} response makes you chuckle.

"You are so difficult…" you whisper, leaning in even closer. "And I love that fierce part of yours."

$!{kyl_she} exhales shakily, the sweet sound causing goosebumps to rise all over your body, and you notice how ${kyl_his} gaze is filled with a single, unmistakable emotion: desire.

Unable to resist the inevitable, you close the remaining distance, crushing your lips against ${kyl_hrs}.

*page_break
Your lips and ${kyl_his} move in disarray, making the kiss raw and sloppy. But gradually, as if you were discovering each other, you catch each other's rhythm, just as you feel each other's heartbeat.

The pressure builds; the kiss becomes more passionate, deeper, and hungrier. When a moan bursts out of ${kyl_him} against your lips, you slowly break the kiss and pull away from ${kyl_him}.

"${name}…" ${kyl_she} whispers, the subtle quiver in ${kyl_his} voice causing you to pause, instinctively waiting for the familiar hesitation in ${kyl_his} gaze, 
anticipating ${kyl_him} to say something—anything—to stop whatever this is.

But before this can happen, before you can ask if everything's okay, ${kyl_she} leaps upward, kissing you again.

You feel ${kyl_him} lower ${kyl_his} head to the mat once more, and your lips follow, refusing to break the kiss. This time, it is softer, gentler, and more sensitive, 
in contrast to your firm grip on ${kyl_his} wrists.

Though your hold restrains ${kyl_his} movement, you can feel ${kyl_his} desire through the way ${kyl_his} body arches toward yours, yearning to draw even closer.

*page_break And you yearn for it, too.
Finally, one of your hands slips from ${kyl_his} wrist, allowing you to caress ${kyl_his} body, and you feel ${kyl_him} 
@{mc_bald place ${kyl_his} freed hand on the nape of your neck|bury ${kyl_his} freed hand in your hair}, pressing ${kyl_his} lips to yours even deeper.

But as soon as your fingers touch ${kyl_his} most sensitive places, ${kyl_she} breaks off the kiss.

"${name}," ${kyl_she} moans as you lower yourself enough for your jawline to brush against ${kyl_hrs}, running your tongue along ${kyl_his} earlobe before gently nibbling it, 
eliciting a much-desired moan from ${kyl_him}.

The heat between you becomes almost unbearable, but you still shiver when you feel ${kyl_his} hand stroking down your back, moving lower and lower.

$!{kyl_his} touch burns, leaving phantom marks on your skin through your clothes that you yearn to get rid of, 
causing you to exhale shakily into ${kyl_his} ear as one of ${kyl_his} hands finds its place on your thigh.

Your hips jerk in anticipation, and suddenly, ${kyl_she} tenses up, distancing ${kyl_him}self just enough for you to almost kiss ${kyl_his} again, your gazes lock.
*goto merged_domsub

*label mc_sub
Feeling like you don't have the strength left to resist anymore, you remain still, trying not to shiver under ${kyl_his} piercing gaze as you relax your body completely. 
				
Sensing your surrender, ${kyl_name} relaxes slightly as well, ${kyl_his} body involuntarily drawing nearer. Despite this, ${kyl_his} grip on your wrists remains firm, 
and ${kyl_his} eyes never leave yours.

"I give up," you whisper, your voice raspy, your lips tantalizingly close to ${kyl_hrs}.

$!{kyl_his} gaze flickers down to your lips, and you can feel the warmth of ${kyl_his} breath against your skin, sending shivers down your spine as you whisper ${kyl_his} name, almost pleadingly.

"${kyl_name}…"

"No…" ${kyl_she} whispers back, and your heart sinks.

"…No?" you croak, exhaling shakily as ${kyl_his} eyes meet yours once more, causing goosebumps to rise all over you when you recognize a single, unmistakable emotion in them. 

Desire.

"You won," ${kyl_name} responds, holding your gaze for a moment longer before, without further hesitation, crushing ${kyl_his} lips against yours.

*page_break
Your lips and ${kyl_his} move in disarray, making the kiss raw and sloppy. But gradually, as if you were discovering each other, you catch each other's rhythm, just as you feel each other's heartbeat.

The pressure builds; the kiss becomes more passionate, deeper, and hungrier. The intensity of ${kyl_his} kiss will overwhelm you, causing the moan to burst out of you against ${kyl_his} lips, and 
${kyl_name} slowly breaks the kiss, pulling away from you.

"${name}…" ${kyl_she} whispers, and your eyes widen slightly as you realize that ${kyl_name} just called you by your name.

The thought makes your pulse quicken, and ${kyl_name} notices the shift right away. 

But before you can see any hesitation in ${kyl_his} eyes, before ${kyl_she} can say anything else, before ${kyl_she} can stop it, you leap upward, kissing ${kyl_him} again.

You almost expect ${kyl_him} to break the kiss, to stop whatever this is, but ${kyl_she} doesn't. Instead, ${kyl_she} kisses you back, 
filling your heart with joy and making all your doubts and hesitation disappear.

You lower your head to the mat again, only to feel ${kyl_his} lips follow, refusing to break the kiss. This time, it's softer, gentler, and more sensitive, 
in contrast to ${kyl_his} firm grip on your wrists.

Though ${kyl_she} still holds you, the desire to touch and caress ${kyl_him} grows stronger. You arch your body, trying to press yourself even closer to ${kyl_him}.

*page_break
Finally, one of ${kyl_his} hands slips from your wrist, granting you the freedom to touch ${kyl_him}. You bury your freed hand in ${kyl_his} hair, drawing ${kyl_him} closer, 
but your kiss ends with your gasp as you feel ${kyl_his} hand brushing against your most sensitive places.

"${kyl_name}," you moan as ${kyl_she} lowers ${kyl_him}self enough for ${kyl_his} jawline to brush against yours, running ${kyl_his} tongue along your earlobe before gently nibbling it, 
sending shivers throughout your entire body.

Your hand travels down from the nape of ${kyl_his} neck to ${kyl_his} back, exploring eagerly as you feel ${kyl_him} doing the same.

$!{kyl_his} touch burns, leaving phantom marks on your skin, and you moan louder when one of ${kyl_his} hands finally ends up on your thigh.

Your hips jerk in anticipation, and suddenly, ${kyl_she} tenses up, distancing ${kyl_him}self just enough for ${kyl_him} to almost kiss you again, your gazes lock.

*label merged_domsub
There's everything in ${kyl_his} eyes: confusion, incomprehension, desire, and doubt.

*fake_choice
	*if (MC_dom1 = true) #"Tell me you don't want me to stop." [i]Tell me you want more.[/i]
		"Tell me you don't want me to stop," you murmur against ${kyl_his} lips, sensing ${kyl_his} warm breath mingling with your own.
		
		[i]Tell me you want more.[/i]
		
		*goto k_proceed2
	*if (MC_dom1 = false) #"Don't stop." [i]Anything but don't stop.[/i]
		"Don't stop," you murmur against ${kyl_his} lips, sensing ${kyl_his} warm breath mingling with your own.
		
		[i]Anything but don't stop.[/i]

		*goto k_proceed2
	#"What's wrong? Did I do anything wrong?" you ask, searching ${kyl_his} gaze.
		"What's wrong?" you ask, searching ${kyl_his} gaze as your heart pounds in your temples. "Did I do anything wrong?"
		
		*goto k_proceed2
	*if (MC_dom1 = true) #Sensing where this is heading, you release ${kyl_him} before standing up.
		You recognize that look, filled with doubt and fear, and feel ${kyl_his} body tense up against yours, which tells you enough to understand where this is heading.

		Unable to contain the disappointment and anger spreading bitterness throughout your entire body, 
		you tighten your grip on ${kyl_his} wrists one last time before standing up and finally releasing ${kyl_him}.

		*goto push
	*if (MC_dom1 = false) #Sensing where this is heading, you push ${kyl_him} away.
		You recognize that look, filled with doubt and fear, and feel ${kyl_his} body tense up against yours, which tells you enough to understand where this is heading.
		
		Unable to contain the disappointment and anger spreading bitterness throughout your entire body, you take advantage of this momentary pause, 
		pushing ${kyl_him} away with your knee and standing up.

		*goto push
	#$!{kyl_his} reaction fills you with an overwhelming urge to flee. "I'm sorry, I…"
		You recognize that look, filled with doubt and fear, and feel ${kyl_his} body tense up against yours, which tells you enough to understand where this is heading.

		Unable to contain the disappointment and anger spreading bitterness throughout your entire body, 
		@{MC_dom1 you tighten your grip on ${kyl_his} wrists one last time before standing up and finally releasing ${kyl_him}|you take advantage of this momentary pause, pushing ${kyl_him} away with your knee and standing up}.

		$!{kyl_she} mirrors your actions, both of you breathing heavily, and you detect the desperate gleam in ${kyl_his} eyes, ${kyl_his} furrowed eyebrows betraying ${kyl_his} confusion.

		"I'm sorry, I…" you start, but the words get stuck in your throat when you notice the searing emotion in ${kyl_his} gaze that burns through you.

		Regret.

		*page_break Your heart clenches painfully in your chest.
		You want ${kyl_him} to desire you as much as you desire ${kyl_him}, but the regret in ${kyl_his} eyes speaks louder than any words.
		
		$!{kyl_she} parts ${kyl_his} lips to say something, but you interject before ${kyl_she} can.
		
		"No!" Your voice escalates, and ${kyl_his} eyes widen as you take a few steps backward. "Don't say anything. I don't want to hear it. I don't—I can't…"
		
		*goto k_proceed3
*finish

*label k_proceed2
But ${kyl_she} remains silent, and a familiar sensation washes over you once more: a knot of frustration, pain, and uncertainty forms in your chest, 
spreading bitterness throughout your entire body.

$!{kyl_his} eyes mirror the intensity of your emotions, serving as a jolt that abruptly brings ${kyl_him} to ${kyl_his} senses. With sudden realization, 
*if (MC_dom1 = true)
	${kyl_she} uses ${kyl_his} legs to flip you over and rises to ${kyl_his} feet, 
*if (MC_dom1 = false)
	${kyl_she} rises to ${kyl_his} feet, 
causing you to follow suit.

Both of you are breathing heavily, and your eyes are still locked when you begin, "${kyl_name}—"

"No—" $!{kyl_she} takes a few steps away from you, retreating like a frightened animal, running ${kyl_his} hand through ${kyl_his} hair. "I can't! I—"

You part your lips to speak, but the words get stuck in your throat when you notice the searing emotion in ${kyl_his} gaze that pierces through you.

Regret.

*fake_choice
	#Wait for ${kyl_him} to say something.
		*set wait true
		Your heart clenches painfully in your chest, but you suppress those emotions, giving ${kyl_him} the time you know ${kyl_she} needs while a flicker of hope remains.

		$!{kyl_she} parts ${kyl_his} lips to speak, then hesitates, leaving you waiting in silence.
		
		Your tension mounts as you stubbornly wait for ${kyl_him}, but everything inside you crumbles when ${kyl_she} turns to leave, whispering something you can't discern.
		
		Before you can gather your resolve to follow, ${kyl_she}'s already at the door, slamming it shut with a loud echo that numbs your senses.

		You continue to stare at the closed door, the pain and frustration in your chest mingling with the lingering taste of ${kyl_his} lips upon yours.

		*goto k_proceed3
	#Turn away to leave.
		Your heart clenches painfully in your chest, wanting ${kyl_him} to desire you as much as you desire ${kyl_him}, but the regret in ${kyl_his} eyes speaks louder than any words. 
		
		The pain and frustration in your chest becomes unbearable, mingling with the lingering taste of ${kyl_his} lips upon yours.

		*goto k_proceed3
*goto k_proceed3

*label push
The moment you do, ${kyl_she} quickly rises to ${kyl_his} feet, backing away from you like a frightened animal.
		
"I—" The words stick in ${kyl_his} throat as ${kyl_she} continues to walk back from you. "I can't! I—"

Desperation and regret flicker in ${kyl_his} eyes, but you steel yourself against them, choosing not to say anything, refusing to show how painful it is for you to realize that you are partly the reason.

*goto k_proceed3

*label k_proceed3
Before your emotions can overwhelm you, you turn around, quickly heading for the shower room. The pulse in your temple beats deafeningly loudly, drowning out all other sounds, 
@{wait your vision blurs, and each step feels heavier than the last|but even so, you know ${kyl_name} didn't try to stop you}.

When you abruptly lock the door behind you, you don't know how long you stand like that, leaning against the door, before you finally feel able to move again.

Half-dazed, your movements feel automatic as you strip off your clothes and turn on the water, stepping under the shower, the heavy drops drumming against your tired body.

*if (no_kiss = false)
	As you stand there, the memory of the kiss consumes you; once freeing, now painfully suffocating.

	You close your eyes, 
*if (no_kiss = true)
	You close your eyes, 
hoping the sound of dripping water fills your thoughts, and the water will wash it all away with sweat and fatigue.

*page_break But the memories refuse to let go.
[b]Some time later…[/b]

As you step out of the shower room and change into your regular clothes, your whole body aches, and your heart still pounds loudly.

You're unsure how much time has passed as you return to the training room, only to find it empty. It's not a surprise, really, but your heart had hoped otherwise, foolishly.

Silently scolding yourself, you press your lips together tightly as you hurry towards the exit, craving escape, desperate to forget.

But just as you're about to leave the training room, your eyes catch sight of something on the nearest bench, causing you to freeze. [i]Don't tell me…[/i]

As you approach, you realize that ${kyl_name} left ${kyl_his} ID card along with a bunch of keys.

You pick them up, feeling a pang of bitterness. The fact that someone like ${kyl_him} left such important belongings behind shows just how much what happened between you affected ${kyl_him}. 
But you do your best do push that feeling aside, focusing instead on what to do next.

The loss of official property and security passes carries severe penalties, as it poses a potential risk to overall security if such items were to fall into the wrong hands.

Not to mention, the ID card is necessary for accessing different areas, so leaving it here is not an option.

*page_break [i]Which means…[/i]
You scowl, tucking ${kyl_his} belongings into your pocket and closing the training area before heading toward ${kyl_name}'s office.

Seeing ${kyl_him} after what happened… you're unsure if you want to, let alone if you can handle it, but you know you have to.

The closer you get to ${kyl_name}'s office, the more all the memories flood back, but you suppress them and the pain they bring. 

But as you finally reach ${kyl_his} office, you find it closed. [i]$!{kyl_she} must have locked it before coming to the training area. Before our sparring, and before we—[/i]

Your nails dig into your skin as you push that thought away, focusing instead on what to do next.

But the first thing that comes to mind is a tempting thought whispering about how you can use this opportunity.

*fake_choice
	#You quickly push the idea away, deciding to leave ${kyl_name}'s belongings at reception.
		Sure, you could take this chance to meet ${kyl_name} again and discuss what happened, but…

		Firstly, you're unsure if ${kyl_name} has already left. And secondly… Why does it always have to be you who makes the first move? Especially in situations like this.
		
		[i]Not this time,[/i] you think as you make your way to the front desk to return ${kyl_name}'s keys and pass, planning to text ${kyl_him} later about leaving ${kyl_his} belongings there.
		
		However, upon seeing the two night-shift employees still there, you pause. [i]Hell, why them, why now?[/i]
		
		Before you can decide whether to approach them or leave before it's too late, they already notice you. 
		
		"Ah, Detective ${surname}! Running a bit late today, aren't we?" one of them remarks, while the other chimes in, "Even later than our [i]beloved[/i] Inspector."
		
		[i]Oh, joy.[/i] 
		
		Holding back a tired sigh, you step closer. "I've had a busy night," you say, ${kyl_name}'s belongings suddenly feel heavy in your pocket.

		Knowing these two, if you hand over them now, the whole station will be gossiping about it—not only that the dutiful Inspector suddenly forgot ${kyl_his} belongings, 
		but that it might have something to do with you.

		*fake_choice
			#Suppressing a tired sigh, you decide to take ${kyl_name}'s belongings to ${kyl_him} yourself.
				"I have to go. Have a good night shift," you say, waving at them when they wish you the same.

				You turn to leave, already hearing the whispers of the two behind you, exhaling almost in relief, knowing you've avoided spreading even more rumors than the department already has.

			#[[b]×[/b]] You leave ${kyl_name}'s stuff on the counter. This is ${kyl_his} fault, not yours.
				Keeping your face straight, you retrieve ${kyl_name}'s keys and ID from your pocket and place them on the counter.

				The two employees briefly glance at them before looking up at you, looking as surprised as you expect them to be.

				"Inspector Moreno left these behind. Please ensure ${kyl_she} receives them tomorrow morning," you explain, and before one of the employees can inquire further, you firmly add, "Don't ask."

				With that, you turn to leave, already hearing the whispers of the two behind you, but you pay them no mind; it's ${kyl_name}'s fault, not yours.

				Yet, thoughts of the recent events linger even as you reach the parking lot and slump into your car, leaning your head back tiredly.

				*page_break Deep breath.
				Will ${kyl_name} just act like nothing happened? Or maybe… Maybe because nothing really did.

				In the end, we're the ones who give meaning to what goes on, but you can't force someone to see things your way, to feel the same way, and you have to accept things as they are. 
				
				Right now, all you've got is you, sitting alone in a cold car, unable to change a thing, unable to make the other person care about you, 
				especially when this person is causing you more pain than good.
				
				And you don't know what awaits you tomorrow, not that it matters anymore: you just want this day to be over.
				
				[i]For everything… to be over.[/i]
				
				All you have to do now is let in the cold and pleasant numbness as your hands touch the steering wheel and all your thoughts seem to evaporate, forgetting everything but the road ahead.

				*page_break It's time to drive home.
				*goto_scene ending
	#You're going to give them back to ${kyl_him} in person. Right now.
		You need answers, and this is a convenient excuse to try to get them.

		That's why, after a moment's hesitation, you slip everything into your pocket. You're going to give them back to ${kyl_him} in person. Right now.

		You turn to leave, feeling a surge of confidence despite the sick feeling in your stomach as you stride towards the parkway.

		Even as you reach the parking lot and sink into your car seat, thoughts of what happened linger. You lean back, exhausted, 
		giving yourself a moment that you know still won't be enough to come to your senses.

Your chest feels heavy with uncertainty as you text ${kyl_name} that you'll drop off ${kyl_his} stuff.

After waiting a few minutes without a response, you sigh and tuck your phone away, remembering to buckle up. 

[i]If ${kyl_name} isn't home…[/i] Well, you'll figure out what to do when you get there.

Taking a deep breath, you turn the ignition key, and the moment your hands touch the steering wheel, all thoughts fade away and your mind is completely focused on the road.

*page_break It's time to pay ${kyl_name} a visit.
*goto_scene K_part2