Fragments Of Us [Completed]

Coffee ☕️

Krit entered the gym, his mind still preoccupied with thoughts of Vel.  It had been nearly two months since Krit had moved into the luxurious building complex, a place designed for people with money to spare. There was everything you could ever need in this place—cafes, a mall, private gyms, even a rooftop garden. Krit found himself frequenting the gym most days, a habit he’d developed more for routine than any particular passion for fitness. He usually kept to himself, doing a quick run on the treadmill or a few sets of weights before heading back to his apartment.

But today was different.

He walked in at a time he usually avoided, knowing it would be busier. Yet, for some reason, his usual indifference towards the crowd didn’t apply today. He hadn’t planned it, but there was a pull, a restlessness inside him. His eyes scanned the room as he stepped past the rows of machines, weights clanking and the rhythmic pounding of feet on treadmills filling the air. That’s when he saw him.

Vel was there, lying flat on a bench press, lifting weights with a focused intensity Krit couldn’t tear his eyes away from. It was the first time Krit had seen him at the gym, and for a second, he just stared, taking in the sight. Vel's lean body was taut with effort, his brow slightly furrowed, beads of sweat glistening on his skin as he pushed the barbell upwards. The way his muscles flexed, the soft grunt of exertion that escaped his lips—Krit could feel something stir inside him, though he refused to acknowledge it as anything more than a passing thought.

Just physical attraction, nothing more. That’s what Krit told himself, over and over again.

Krit approached Vel, his steps uncharacteristically hesitant. When he got close enough, Vel's eyes flickered to him for a moment, a flash of recognition passing between them. Krit swallowed, trying to seem casual as he leaned against the rack of dumbbells next to Vel’s bench.

"You need a spot?" Krit asked, his voice a little too casual, a little too forced.

Vel paused, glancing up at him, surprised. "Uh, yeah, sure. Thanks."

Krit moved around to stand behind the bench, his hands hovering just below the barbell as Vel prepared to lift again. It felt… natural, standing this close, like he belonged here, helping him. As Vel gripped the barbell and started to press, Krit’s focus remained on his movements, on the way Vel’s arms shook slightly as he lifted the heavy weight. Krit’s hands lingered close, ready to catch the bar if needed, but Vel didn’t falter. He completed the set, exhaling deeply as he placed the bar back in its holder.

"Not bad," Krit said, stepping back as Vel sat up, wiping sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand.

Vel chuckled lightly, glancing at Krit. "Thanks. Been working on it."

They exchanged small talk, nothing too deep or meaningful, just the kind of things two people say to fill the silence. Krit found himself surprisingly comfortable in Vel’s presence, despite the simmering tension he couldn’t quite put his finger on. Or rather, didn’t want to. He kept telling himself that the only reason he wanted to be here was because he wanted to see Vel, talk to him—no, not talk—sleep with him. That was it. It had to be.

Still, Krit found his eyes wandering. Vel's face was flushed from the workout, and his dark hair clung to his damp forehead. He looked… good. Better than good, really. There was something about the way Vel carried himself, so effortlessly cool and self-assured, even when his guard was down. Krit couldn’t help but notice how the gym clothes clung to Vel’s body, highlighting every curve, every muscle. His thoughts wandered, his gaze lingering longer than he intended.

“Hey,” Krit said suddenly, before he could overthink it. “Why don’t we grab a coffee after this?”

Vel blinked, clearly caught off guard by the invitation. “Coffee? Uh, sure, why not.”