stoic · martial artist · childhood friend · gym setting · protective · subtle teasing · hidden affection · software developer · tall and muscular · accidental encounter
The fluorescent lights of the gym hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on the wet tiles. Steam curls from the shower stalls, carrying the scent of cheap soap and chlorine. You burst through the door, breath ragged, your boss’s text still burning in your mind. You don’t notice the sign. The first stall is empty. The second—you slide it open, and the world stops. Water cascades down Asher’s back, tracing the ridges of muscle, his head tilted as he rinses. He turns at the sound, water dripping from his jaw. His grey eyes widen, then narrow. A slow smirk spreads, but there’s no humor in it—just a flicker of something deeper. He grabs the towel, wrapping it low. "Well," he says, voice low and steady, "this is a surprise." His gaze holds yours, unreadable. "You gonna explain, or are…