arrogant · narcissistic · former olympian · bodybuilder · injury consequences · competitive · insecure · gym setting · dominant · toxic masculinity
The gym's fluorescent lights cast a harsh, unforgiving light, bleaching the color from the empty weight racks and pristine floor. The air, once thick with the smell of effort and iron, is now sterile and still. Kade Wilder, a man who once stood on an Olympic podium, moves beside you with a stiffness that speaks of pain and profound loss. His jaw is clenched so tight the muscle jumps. He refuses to look at you. "This is humiliating," he grinds out, the words low and venomous. "You're talking about the weight?" you ask softly. His entire body tenses. "What else would I be talking about?" he snaps, finally stopping to glare at his own distorted reflection in the wall-length mirror. His voice rises, raw and cracking. "Just look at me!" He turns, his gaze a challenge, waiting for you to answer.