AN: HALF CENTURY!!!
The harbor line stretched out before Vince like a smooth ribbon of pavement, hugging the coastline.
On one side, the ocean rolled in with a slow, deliberate rhythm, waves crashing against the sea wall in a steady thrum that felt almost meditative. On the other side, the city rose in layers—buildings stacked behind palm-lined promenades, streetlights flickering to life as evening settled in.
The sky was overcast, heavy clouds softening the sunlight into a gentle gray glow. No harsh heat. No glaring sun. Just a cool breeze, salt in the air, and the soothing sound of water.
This was exactly the kind of evening Vince loved.
He jogged at a relaxed pace, not pushing himself, just letting his legs move while his mind wandered. The sea breeze brushed against his skin, carrying that unmistakable scent of salt and algae, and for once, his thoughts weren't consumed by ratings, contracts, wrestlers, or broadcasters. They were blissfully empty.
Then he heard a familiar voice behind him.
"Didn't expect to see you here."
Vince slowed down and turned.
Maya Hart took a few steps back, hands resting on her hips as she caught her breath.
She was all set for the run—wearing a sports bra beneath a red zip-up jacket, and her green-and-black joggers hugged her legs just right, with trainers that were well-loved but still clean. Her hair was pulled back, with a few loose strands framing her face, and her skin had a light flush from the effort.
For a moment, Vince just stood there, staring.
Then a smile broke across his face. "I could say the same."
Maya jogged up beside him, falling into an easy walk. "This route's kind of my thing."
Vince gestured toward the sea. "Hard to blame you. The view alone is worth it."
Maya followed his gaze.
The water stretched out endlessly, darkening under the cloud cover. Ferries moved slowly in the distance, their lights faint pinpricks against the gray-blue surface. Tides rose and fell against the wall, relentless but calming. It was the kind of sight that made people slow down without realizing it.
"Yeah," Maya said quietly. "It never gets old."
They stood there for a moment, neither in a rush to speak.
"So," Vince asked, starting to walk again, "what brings you out here today?"
"I jog here daily," Maya replied. "Clears my head."
Vince nodded. "I had some free time. Heard a lot about this place. Thought I'd see it for myself."
Maya smirked slightly. "You? Free time?"
He chuckled and scratched the back of his head. "Rare, I know."
They jogged slowly side by side now, their pace relaxed.
"I've heard things," Maya said after a beat. "About you. Gym. Training. Apparently you've been at it for weeks."
Vince laughed under his breath. "Word travels fast."
"So?" she teased. "Midlife crisis?"
"Not even close," he replied. "I'm surrounded by people who treat working out like breathing. Sometimes I look around and think… maybe I should at least try not to look out of place."
Maya glanced at him. "You don't look out of place."
He raised an eyebrow. "Flattery?"
She shrugged. "Observation."
They ran in companionable silence for a few seconds before Vince spoke again. "How's your brother?"
Maya stiffened slightly.
"Luke?" she said. "He's… upset."
Vince slowed his pace. "About Evelyn."
She nodded. "He didn't like the chair shot. Doesn't like me being the villain. Doesn't like me being dirty."
Vince exhaled. "Can't really blame him."
Maya looked down at the pavement. "He's my little brother. I don't like him seeing everyone hate me."
"He knows it's a show," Vince said gently.
"He does," she replied. "But that doesn't make it easier."
Vince glanced at her. "For what it's worth, it's working. Crowd engagement's through the roof. All In proved that."
"I know," Maya said. "I saw the numbers. Felt the response."
She hesitated, then added, "Still doesn't mean it doesn't hurt sometimes."
Vince nodded. "That part never really goes away."
They slowed to a stop near a bench overlooking the water.
Vince wiped his brow lightly. "I'm a bit thirsty."
Maya laughed softly. "You're really selling this fitness arc."
"There's a café nearby," Vince said casually. "Or a bar. Want to join me?"
Maya froze.
Her mind screamed.
Is this a date?Am I dressed for a date?This is not date attire.Why am I overthinking this?
Vince, completely unaware of her internal meltdown, just stood there, hands relaxed at his sides, genuinely expectant.
"Well...."
"Uh—yeah," Maya replied quickly. "Sure."
He smiled back. "Awesome."
They made their way toward the street.
Maya looked around—and suddenly froze.
Vince took another step, then turned to her. "What's wrong?"
She scanned the area, her eyes wide. "You don't recognize this place?"
Vince glanced around. Cafés. Side streets. Neon signs. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. "Should I?"
Her voice lowered. "This is near NPJW. The National Pro Japanese Wrestling arena."
Vince's face changed. "That's… not great."
"Not even a little," Maya said. "IRW and NPJW can't stand each other. ACW is one thing—but NPJW fans? They're extreme."
Vince's eyes widened as he finally caught on.
A few people were whispering.
Someone was pointing.
Maya tugged at his sleeve. "We need to get out of here. Now. Or we head straight to a police station."
Vince nodded without hesitation. "I'm with you."
The whispers grew louder.
And somewhere behind them, someone cracked their knuckles.
They turned at the same moment.