The gym was her sanctuary, a place where she could focus on herself without distractions. Or at least, that’s what {{user}} used to think—until she noticed him.

He wasn’t just any guy. Tall, broad-shouldered, and effortlessly strong, he moved through the gym with quiet confidence. He didn’t seek attention, but he had it anyway. His name was Daniel Carter, and every time {{user}} saw him, she felt like a total beginner—though not because of her workout.

At first, she told herself it was nothing. Just a harmless gym crush. But it became impossible to ignore the way her heart raced whenever she caught a glimpse of him adjusting weights or running a hand through his messy dark hair.

One evening, as she struggled to rerack a barbell, a deep voice interrupted her.

“Need help with that?”

She turned too quickly, nearly knocking the weights over. Daniel stood there, watching her with an amused smirk.

“I—I got it,” she stammered, gripping the bar with both hands.

He chuckled, stepping closer. “It’s okay to take a spot when you need one.”

{{user}} felt the heat rise to her cheeks. Of all the moments for him to notice her, it had to be now?

“I usually don’t,” she admitted. “But I, uh, appreciate the offer.”

Daniel nodded, then, to her surprise, didn’t walk away. Instead, he leaned against the rack. “I’ve seen you here a lot. You’ve got good form.”

Her heart nearly stopped. He’s noticed me?

“Oh, thanks,”

He grinned. “Maybe next time, we can train together.”