Chapter Two – A Growing Pull
The gym was busier than usual. Music thumped through the speakers, too loud, but no one seemed to mind. People crowded around machines, laughter echoing from a group of friends clustered near the boxing bags. The smell of sweat, protein shakes, and cleaning spray mixed into something uniquely familiar.
Nayah scanned the room, her towel slung around her neck. She had almost convinced herself she wasn't looking for anyone in particular—until she spotted Rina across the room.
Rina was in the middle of a set, her arms flexing as she pulled down the cables, muscles taut beneath her skin. She wore a fitted black tank, her hair pulled into a high bun. Even surrounded by other people, she stood out, like the room bent itself around her.
When their eyes met across the crowd, Rina didn't look away. Instead, she smiled—slow, knowing, like she'd been expecting this moment.
"Look who decided to show up," Rina called when Nayah finally wandered closer, her voice carrying over the clatter of weights.
Nayah scoffed, trying to keep her composure. "Don't act like you've been waiting for me."
"Maybe I was."
Someone brushed past, muttering an apology as they reached for a dumbbell. The gym was alive, busy—but Nayah barely noticed. Her focus was stuck on Rina, who had already stepped closer, wiping sweat from her brow with a small towel.
They ended up working out side by side, though it was hardly coincidence. Rina corrected Nayah's form more times than necessary, her touch light but deliberate. A hand brushing along her spine. Fingers lingering on her wrist. Adjusting her stance by nudging her knee with her own. To anyone watching, it looked like harmless gym help. But to Nayah, every touch burned.
"You're distracted," Rina teased as Nayah dropped the dumbbell a little too quickly.
Nayah exhaled, annoyed at herself. "Maybe because someone keeps hovering."
Rina leaned in, her voice low so only Nayah could hear. "Maybe because someone likes the attention."
Nayah turned sharply, only to find Rina already watching her, eyes dark and playful.
A guy nearby grunted loudly as he finished a heavy lift, breaking the moment. Friends cheered him on, clapping his back. The ordinary gym chaos grounded Nayah for a second—until Rina's hand slid up her arm to adjust the strap of her sports bra.
"There," Rina whispered, her breath brushing Nayah's ear. "Perfect now."
Nayah's pulse spiked. She stepped back, needing space, but Rina only smirked like she'd won.
Later, after cooling down, Nayah sat on a bench scrolling through her phone. She was pretending not to notice Rina across the room chatting easily with a group of guys by the pull-up bar. They laughed at something she said, one of them leaning too close.
Something hot and sharp twisted in Nayah's stomach. Jealousy. She hated admitting it, but there it was.
As if sensing her gaze, Rina excused herself and walked straight over, dropping onto the bench beside her. "You should give me your number," she said smoothly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Nayah arched a brow. "And if I don't?"
"Then I'll just keep finding excuses to 'accidentally' run into you here." Rina's grin was pure challenge.
Before Nayah could talk herself out of it, she took Rina's phone and typed in her number. When she handed it back, their fingers brushed—lingering, warm.
"See you soon," Rina murmured before standing, leaving Nayah staring after her.
That night, long after the gym, long after a shower and dinner, Nayah's phone buzzed.
Rina: Don't pretend you're not thinking about me too.
Nayah stared at the screen, her heart hammering. The truth was, she had been thinking about her all night. And for the first time, she didn't want to stop.