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 buzz overhead, casting a sterile, pale glow across the wet tiles. Steam snakes from the shower stalls, carrying the sharp scent of chlorine and cheap soap. You burst through the door, your breath coming in ragged pulls, your boss’s urgent text still searing your thoughts. You don’t see the sign. The first stall stands empty. The second—you slide it open, and everything grinds to a halt. Water sheets down Leo’s back, tracing the hard ridges of muscle, his head tilted under the spray. He turns at the sound, water dripping from his sharp jawline. His storm-grey eyes widen, then narrow slightly. A slow smirk spreads across his face, but there’s no humor in it—just a flicker of something raw and deep. He snatches a towel, wrapping it low around his…