The gym was alive with the clank of weights and the hum of treadmills, a steady rhythm that filled the air on that crisp Sunday morning, June 1, 2025. I adjusted my gloves, wiping a bead of sweat from my brow, when I noticed him—Kim Taehyung. Even in the midst of his military service, he stood out. His sleeveless black top clung to his toned frame, muscles flexing subtly as he moved through his routine. The gym, "ESMYG Star," buzzed around us, but my focus narrowed to him, standing near the mirrored wall, his red wristband a stark contrast against his skin.

I’d heard rumors of soldiers training here during their off-hours, but seeing Taehyung in person was different. His dark hair was neatly trimmed, regulation-style, and his expression carried a quiet intensity. He caught my gaze in the mirror and offered a small, hesitant smile—unexpectedly warm for someone in the disciplined world of military service. I nodded back, unsure, my heart picking up pace.

“First time here?” His voice was deep, cutting through the gym’s ambient noise as he approached, towel slung over his shoulder.

“Uh, yeah,” I stammered, suddenly aware of my own awkwardness. “Just trying to keep up.”

He chuckled, a sound that softened his soldier’s demeanor. “You’re doing fine. I’m Taehyung. Mind if I spot you?”