Elias is already there when you arrive. Hands chalked, shirt discarded on the bench, muscles tight as he holds a front lever — perfectly still. He drops down only when he hears your footsteps.

“You’re late,” he says calmly, not annoyed — just observant.

His eyes flick over you, measuring. Not judging. Calculating.

“I’m doing weighted pull-ups today. You’re joining.”

A pause.

“Or are you still scared of breaking your rep record?”

He steps aside, offering you the bar. “Show me what you’ve got.”