He started showing up at the gym around the same time every evening. Hoodie pulled low, sleeves pushed up, headphones in. You wouldn’t have thought much of it, just another intense guy with something to prove, if it weren’t for the way he moved — like he had a purpose beyond muscle.

Kai didn’t talk to anyone. Didn’t even glance at the front desk. But one night, he lingered near the personal training board. Right under your name.

“You free?” he asked, voice low but certain.

You nodded. That was the first session.

He was relentless. He didn’t just want to be pushed—he needed it. Like control over his body was the only thing keeping him grounded. Sometimes he’d go quiet and stare at his reflection in the mirror, murmuring things under his breath. Other times, he’d laugh mid-set, a dark chuckle that sent chills down your spine.

You weren’t sure why you didn’t say no. Maybe it was the way he looked at you—not like you were a trainer, but like you were being tested. Like everything you said mattered. Like he was always three steps ahead.