Chapter One – The First Glance
The gym smelled faintly of rubber mats and citrus cleaning spray, the hum of machines filling the air. Nayah wiped sweat from her forehead, adjusting her headphones as she moved from the treadmill to the weights. She wasn't here to socialize—this was her space, her routine.
But that routine broke the moment Rina walked in.
She didn't even notice her at first, not until the girl dropped her bag a little too hard on the floor near the free weights. Nayah glanced up instinctively—and froze. Rina's hair was tied in a messy ponytail, her leggings hugging her body in ways that made Nayah's breath catch. She moved with an easy confidence, like she owned every corner of the room.
Nayah forced her gaze back to the dumbbells in her hand. Focus. Don't stare. But every time she looked up, she caught herself watching again—the curve of Rina's back as she bent to stretch, the way her shirt clung damp to her skin, the slight smirk that made her look like she knew exactly who was looking.
Then it happened—Rina's eyes met hers in the mirror.
Nayah's stomach flipped. Instead of looking away, Rina tilted her head, a teasing spark in her gaze.
When Nayah finally sat on a bench to take a break, she nearly jumped when Rina walked over and dropped onto the bench beside her.
"You've been staring," Rina said casually, not even out of breath.
Nayah almost choked on her water. "I—I wasn't."
Rina grinned, leaning closer, her voice low. "Don't worry. I don't mind."
Before Nayah could come up with a response, Rina stood and nodded toward the barbell. "Come on. You're strong, but your form is a little off. Let me spot you."
Nayah blinked. "You don't even know me."
"That's the fun part," Rina shot back, smirking.
Reluctantly, Nayah followed her to the bench press. Lying down, she gripped the bar, suddenly more nervous about the girl hovering above her than the weights themselves. Rina's hands brushed lightly over hers as she corrected her grip, her fingers warm, lingering just a little longer than necessary.
"Better," Rina murmured, her eyes locked on Nayah's face instead of the bar.
Nayah lifted, chest rising and falling faster than it should. She could feel Rina's presence—her scent, her warmth, the steady sound of her breathing. When she racked the bar again, Rina leaned down, just close enough that Nayah could see the glisten of sweat on her collarbone.
"You'll get used to me staring back," she whispered.
And with that, she straightened and walked away, leaving Nayah flat on her back, pulse racing harder than any workout had ever managed.