The Parking Lot

The cool evening air settled over the parking lot as Y/N and Rhea walked side by side, their footsteps echoing in the quiet space. The gym lights behind them flickered, casting long shadows across the concrete, but the world around them felt oddly peaceful. The bustling chaos of the arena, the cheers and roars of the crowd, all of it seemed miles away now, replaced by the quiet hum of their conversation.

Y/N’s mind was still spinning from their sparring session, from the cold drink and the unexpected connection that had formed between them. There was something about Rhea—her strength, her confidence, the way she carried herself—that made him want to dig deeper, to understand what drove her. It wasn’t just about being a champion in the ring. There was something more, something that lay beneath the surface, hidden behind those fierce eyes.

“So, what’s your plan for the rest of the night?” Y/N asked, shoving his hands into the pockets of his jacket as they reached the line of parked cars. His own beat-up sedan sat just a few spots away, but he wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye just yet.

Rhea paused for a moment, glancing over at him. She seemed to consider the question, her gaze thoughtful. “I’ll probably head back to the hotel, get some rest. Got a match tomorrow. Can’t stay out too late, not with the schedule we’ve got.”

Y/N nodded, understanding. The life of a wrestler was never easy—there were always shows, always training, always something to prepare for. Still, he wasn’t quite ready for the night to end either. There was an unspoken camaraderie between him and Rhea now, one that felt like it could lead to something more. But he didn’t want to push it too fast.

“Yeah, I hear that,” he said, taking a step toward his car, then glancing back at her. “But, you know… if you’re not in a rush, there’s a place nearby I like to go. Some decent food, cold drinks, and no crowds. We could just—”

Before he could finish, Rhea cut him off with a smirk. “What? You trying to get me to follow you to some dive bar?”

Y/N laughed, holding up his hands in mock defense. “Not a dive bar. Just a quiet place. Thought you might like a break from the usual chaos, that’s all.”

Rhea raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued, but still cautious. “And why would I want to hang out with you after everything we just went through in the ring? You’ve probably got a hundred better options.”

“Maybe,” he said, his voice calm but confident. “But not everyone gets a chance to grab a drink with someone who actually knows how to push their limits. It’s a rare opportunity.”

She paused again, clearly mulling over the idea. For a moment, her expression was unreadable, but then her lips curved into a small grin. “You’ve got a point. Alright. I’ll bite. Lead the way.”

Y/N grinned, feeling a spark of victory. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to make him feel like he’d done something right. He walked toward his car and tossed his bag into the trunk before sliding into the driver’s seat. Rhea followed suit, getting into the passenger side. As he started the engine, the soft rumble of the car filling the space between them, he stole a quick glance at her.

“Just so you know,” he said with a grin, “this place isn’t fancy. But it’s quiet. So if you’re looking for peace and no distractions, it’s perfect.”

“I’m not here for fancy,” Rhea replied, settling in and buckling her seatbelt. “I’m here for the company. And if the food’s decent, I’ll stick around.”

Y/N chuckled as he pulled out of the parking lot and onto the main road. The city’s lights blurred past them, the streets calm and empty for the most part. It was a rare moment of tranquility, a brief respite from the whirlwind of their wrestling careers. As they drove in silence, Y/N couldn’t help but wonder what Rhea was thinking. Was she genuinely interested in spending time together, or was this just another casual evening for her?

They reached the small bar a few minutes later, the neon sign flickering above the door. It wasn’t much—an old brick building tucked between two larger establishments, the kind of place that locals frequented but tourists would probably miss. It had the charm of a hidden gem, and the kind of laid-back vibe that made it perfect for winding down after a long day.

Y/N parked and got out of the car, holding the door open for Rhea as she followed him inside. The dim lighting and low hum of conversations greeted them as they stepped into the cozy space. The bartender, a middle-aged man with a weathered face, gave them a quick nod before continuing to wipe down the counter.

“Two drinks, please,” Y/N said, sliding onto a stool.

Rhea took a seat beside him, glancing around. “Nice place. Feels like no one would bother us here.”

“That’s the point,” Y/N said with a smile, leaning back and taking in the surroundings. “Quiet, no distractions. Just a place to chill after a crazy day.”

They sat there for a moment, the bartender handing them their drinks—a pair of cold beers, the glasses frosted with condensation. Rhea took a sip, looking over at Y/N. “So, tell me. What’s your deal, Y/N? You’re not like the other guys I’ve met in this business.”

He raised an eyebrow, surprised by the directness of her question. “How so?”

“You’re… different,” she said, her tone serious but not unkind. “You don’t carry that chip on your shoulder like some of the others. Not always trying to prove something. And you didn’t try to pull any crap during the sparring, either. I’ve seen guys try to ‘outdo’ me for the wrong reasons.”

Y/N thought about that for a moment, considering her words. “I don’t see the point in trying to outdo anyone, especially not you. You’re already one of the best. I’m just trying to be the best me I can be.”

Rhea took another sip of her beer, watching him carefully. “Yeah, but what happens when you start facing people who do want to outdo you? What’s your move then?”

He leaned in slightly, a confident smile on his face. “Then I’ll make sure they know what it means to face me. And I won’t back down. But it’s not about the other guy, it’s about how you handle yourself. Always.”

Rhea nodded, seeming to approve of his answer. “Not bad. I think I might like having you around, Y/N.”

There was something in the way she said it, a hint of respect, maybe even a little admiration. It made Y/N feel like he had passed another unspoken test.

As they sat there, the conversation shifted between matches, life on the road, and everything in between. For the first time in a while, Y/N felt like he could truly relax, surrounded by someone who understood the grind, the struggle, and the sacrifices that came with this life.

And as the night wore on, Y/N couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t just a random meeting or a passing conversation. It was the beginning of something—something he wasn’t quite sure of yet, but something he was ready to explore.