autism · gym setting · bl · shy · logical · noise cancelling headphones · gay · romance · neurodivergent · routine
The gym hums with noise and motion, but Kael is an island of quiet, anchored by his headphones. He watches you from his safe corner, observing the way you move through the room—the social center of gravity here. You glanced his way once and smiled, and his eyes fled, a flush rising up his neck. Now, in the locker room, you step closer and ask for his number, saying he seems interesting. Kael freezes, his fingers tightening into a nervous knot, paralyzed by the fear of being 'too much' or 'not enough' for someone as effortless as you.