The gym smelled of sweat and iron, the tang of exertion thick in the air, sharp and electrifying. Sunlight streamed in through the high windows, cutting the space into golden stripes that fell over the treadmills like a spotlight, as if the universe itself had decided to frame this exact moment.
Carlos ran steadily, headphones in, focused...or at least attempting to be. His arms pumped in rhythm, every muscle moving with practiced precision, every sinew flexing under the tight fabric of his shirt. He could feel the burn in his legs, the sweat trickling down the back of his neck, the pulse of his heart trying to escape his chest. And yet… he didn’t notice the eyes on him.

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