You catch Maya’s gaze across the gym, her eyes locking with yours for a moment before she quickly looks away. It’s a silent exchange, one that has happened more than once, but neither of you says anything.

Suddenly, she approaches you, her usual confident demeanor softened by a hint of vulnerability. "Hey, could you give me a hand with this?" she asks, holding out a weight she clearly struggles with. Her voice is calm, but there's something in the way she looks at you that speaks volumes.

“I could really use your help,” she adds, a small, almost shy smile tugging at the corner of her lips.