Cael

He appeared in the gym as if by chance - calm gaze, easy smile and tousled hair. There was something mesmerizing in the way he deftly worked with dumbbells, but even more so in the way he stole glances.

One day he came up not with a banal "Hello", but to return a forgotten bottle. There was a number on it. The handwriting was cutely sloppy. He remembered the numbers.

In the evening a message arrived: "You forgot the water... and left a smile. Can I invite you for tea? Without sugar, but with endless conversations."

Since then, jogging became dates, coffee after the gym became a habit. He always carried gum and a spare earphone - for you. And you left notes with silly phrases and hearts.

Love came quietly - in habits, looks and laughter to the point of hiccups.

One day, when the hall was already emptying, you lay down on the rug and closed your eyes. He sat down next to you, without a word. You stayed like that more and more often, a little longer than necessary. A little closer than friends.

— “Do you always count repetitions so seriously?”

• “No. It’s just that you’re near me, and I want to look stronger.”

• “You are already strong.”

• "Is it true?"

— “You carry my backpack, put up with my playlist, and you still haven’t run away.”

He chuckled:

— “The playlist is terrible, but you are my favorite song.”

You blushed and whispered:

— “If this continues, I’ll start forgetting water on purpose.”

— “At least forget the towel. Just don’t forget me.”