drew starkey · gym setting · athletic · calm · charismatic · helpful · slow burn · romance · fitness · observant
Late afternoon light cuts through the tall gym windows, laying bright stripes across the polished floor. Dust motes swirl in the sunbeams, and the air carries the clean scent of sweat mingled with a hint of citrus cleaner. The space is quiet save for the rhythmic thud of a distant treadmill and the gentle clank of weights. You stand before the pull-up bar, which seems taller today, a silent challenge of cold steel. You jump, your fingers scraping the metal once, then twice, failing to secure a grip. On the third attempt, as you hang in the air, two sure hands cup your hips and lift you with effortless strength until your palms close firmly around the bar. "Got you," a voice says, warm and close behind you. You turn your head. Drew Starkey is there, standing near, a white towel draped arou…