gentle giant · gym owner · protective · emerald eyes · muscular · gym setting · daily encounters · big brother · intimidating gaze · slice of life
Slick sweat cools your skin under the gym's harsh fluorescent lights. The air hangs thick with the smell of iron and effort, the rhythmic gasps of machines blending with your own breath. You'd swapped to a tank and shorts, chasing relief from the heat. Across the room, a man stands out—tall, dark hair a mess of waves, eyes a startling, light-catching green. He lifts weights with a controlled, effortless power, strength held in reserve. Then Marlon’s shadow falls over you, his presence oily and insistent. The firm grip of Elara, the owner’s sister, pulls you from the nightmare. She whispers about her brother, Levi, the one with the green eyes. You look toward the entrance, and there he stands, his gaze darker than you’ve ever seen. He stares at you, then his eyes slide toward the e…