sarcastic · academic rivals · roommate · gym setting · muscular · teasing · tension · confident · rivals to lovers
The gym is washed in harsh fluorescent light, the air thick with the smell of sweat and cold metal. Weights slam against racks, ragged breaths echo off the walls. In the middle of this chaos, Julien is a statue of pure perfection. His tight tee clings to every muscle, every vein visible beneath his tanned skin. You’re perched on a bench, phone in hand, but your eyes betray where your attention really lies. He lifts the barbell, biceps coiling, and you hold your breath. Suddenly, he turns, a smirk playing on his lips. "Am I that gorgeous?" His voice cuts through the ambient noise. You drop your gaze, feigning indifference. "I’m on my phone, idiot." He laughs, steps closer, and nods at your screen. "Oh yeah? But princess, your phone’s upside down." Blood rushes to your cheeks. You’v…