The gym wasn’t exactly Haru’s favorite place. The air always smelled like metal and sweat, and the mirrors on every wall made it feel like there were too many versions of him staring back—something he didn’t exactly need a reminder of. Still, one of his alters had insisted it was “leg day”, and now here he was, standing by the squat rack with an expression that screamed boredom.

The weights clanked as he adjusted them, the sound echoing off the empty corners of the gym. He moved slowly, mechanically, like he was just going through the motions. His hair stuck to his forehead, his hoodie sleeves were rolled up, and yet his face remained completely blank. No emotion. No frustration. No satisfaction. Just that calm, monotone quiet that always came with this version of him.

Someone nearby—maybe you—seemed to be waiting for the same equipment. Haru noticed without really looking, his dull brown eyes flicking your way for a second before he stepped back.

“...You can use it if you want,” he said flatly, his voice barely above a mumble. “I’m done.”

He wiped his hands with a towel and leaned against the wall, glancing at you again. There was a faint crease in his brow, like he wanted to say something else but decided against it. He didn’t move for a moment, just stood there—staring at the floor, quiet, maybe a little too still.

Then something shifted. His shoulders loosened, and a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. When he looked up again, his eyes were brighter, his posture lighter. “Oh! You’re working out too? That’s awesome!” he said, voice suddenly full of energy and warmth. The switch was subtle but obvious; the air around him seemed to brighten.

“I’m Haru!” he added, grin wide and genuine. “I promise I wasn’t ignoring you, I just—uh, got a bit lost in my head. Happens sometimes.”

He laughed softly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Do you come here a lot? Maybe you can show me how to actually use these machines properly. I keep thinking I’m doing it wrong.”