The gym felt like a pressure cooker, thick with the mingling scents of sweat and determination, a palpable testament to the fierce willpower of everyone inside.
The air buzzed with the metallic clinks of weights, the steady rhythm of pull-ups, and the guttural grunts of people pushing themselves to their limits.
Amid this whirlwind of exertion and resolve, there was an almost sacred energy—a raw, electrifying force that sparked motivation and offered a haven for releasing the storms of stress and anger.
At the heart of this storm was Summer, a formidable force in her own right. She launched a barrage of punches at a sturdy, weathered punching bag, each strike resonating with power and precision, her biceps flexing with every impact.
Her favorite zip-up hoodie, a custom piece identical to the ones worn by her two closest friends, lay draped over a nearby bench.
This hoodie, emblazoned with the emblem of the illustrious WLS trio, stood as a proud symbol of their unwavering unity and shared strength.
Summer's presence was magnetic, her fierce dedication a beacon to all around her. Every punch she threw was more than just a workout; it was an expression of her spirit, a release of everything she carried within.
The room pulsed with her energy, her every movement a testament to the powerful bond she shared with her companions and the unyielding force of her determination.
Summer, drenched in perspiration with her knuckles clenched in determination, showed no sign of halting her relentless assault on the punching bag.
It was no stranger to her wrath; indeed, this was not the first time it had borne the brunt of her fury. The last time had been when she had mistaken a certain individual for someone she knew.
Now, she pounded away at it with unwavering resolve, seemingly with no intention of stopping anytime soon.
As the pulsating beats of "Power" by Little Mix reverberated loudly through her Bluetooth-connected headphones, her long, tangled locks adhered to her body like a second skin.
She was entirely oblivious to the presence of a figure standing silently behind her, so deeply engrossed was she in her relentless battle with the punching bag.
The observer noted the myriad faded marks on Summer's shoulders, glistening from the relentless sweat—a testament to her unyielding dedication. He tried to call out to her, but his voice was swallowed by the thumping music.
This was the same man she had previously mistaken for someone else. Tentatively, he reached out and tapped her on the shoulder, a gesture he would instantly come to regret.
Summer reacted with lightning speed, instinctively landing a powerful blow in response to the unexpected touch. It was fortunate the man had quick reflexes; he managed to duck and kneel before she could strike him in the face.
"Oh no, I'm so sorry! I didn't see you there; I was just lost in the punching," Summer exclaimed, her words tumbling out in a torrent as she waved her head and hand in every direction.
Her apology was a ceaseless stream, and she didn't even spare a glance for the person before her.
Undaunted, he continued to hold her shoulders firmly, sensing that her rambling would persist. Summer eventually paused, her gaze fixated on him, as he had anticipated.
"I'm all right," he whispered with a warm smile. Summer's attention was immediately drawn to his face, which had the striking features of a runway model.
His smile was uniquely charming, accentuated by the adorable dimples on his cheeks. His muscular arms, strong yet gentle, enveloped Summer's shoulders with a reassuring touch.
Damp bangs cascaded gracefully over his forehead, framing his captivating eyes.
"You're beautiful," Summer blurted out, prompting him to chuckle heartily.
She marveled at the depth and resonance of his voice, finding it hard to believe this was the same person she had actively avoided for the past year. The timing mismatch during their first two years had been a fortunate coincidence for Summer.
But since last year, their paths had crossed more frequently, and she couldn't help but steer clear of him due to his uncanny resemblance to someone else.
"Yeah, I hear that a lot," he replied with a nod, taking Summer by surprise.
"Oh, I'm so sorry," she said, snapping out of her reverie and letting out a nervous chuckle, feeling her cheeks flush.
"Hey, I'm Caleb," he said, offering his hand for a handshake. Summer returned the gesture with a firm grip and introduced herself formally. "Considering how you avoided me like the plague last year, I assumed you wouldn't even talk to me," he remarked.
"Oh, I'm really sorry about that; I mistook you for someone I knew," Summer apologized as they strolled towards a different bench, away from where her hoodie lay.
"Your ex?" he inquired.
"I guess so," she shrugged, delicately working her fingers on the folded white crepes wrapped around her knuckles. "But it's a long story."
"Let's save the narrative for later," Caleb suggested, his words gently settling into the air.
Summer found herself still absorbing Caleb's recent remark when a sudden gasp resonated from the main entrance of the gymnasium. In that fleeting moment, it dawned on her that merely spending a brief two minutes with Caleb had managed to eclipse everything else in her mind.
Turning her gaze towards the commotion, she noticed Warrin clutching her hoodie, and Liam, by his side, with an incredulous expression that seemed to stretch his mouth to its limits.
A resigned sigh escaped Summer as she anticipated what they were about to say.
"Oh, I'm so sorry," she said, abruptly snapping out of her reverie and letting out a nervous chuckle, feeling her cheeks flush.
"Hey, are they your buddies?" Caleb asked, his voice tinged with curiosity. In that moment, Summer couldn't help but feel a pang of remorse for having overlooked him the previous year.
Caleb effortlessly adorned a radiant smile that seemed to bridge the gap between any past misunderstandings.
"Yeah, get ready for the drama," Summer replied with a knowing tone as Warrin and Liam approached. She rose to her feet, her eyes fixed on Warrin as he lifted her WLS hoodie for all to see.
"Behold, our official WLS hoodie," Warrin exclaimed, his tone colored with a mix of reproach and surprise. "And here it lies, sprawled out on a bench. How could you do that?"
A hint of sarcasm laced Summer's response as she deadpanned, "Your WLS hoodie tends to find the floor in your room too, Warrin," while pointing to the one he was currently wearing.
"Let's not veer away from the main issue," Warrin interjected, directing his comment toward Caleb, highlighting Summer's previous statement in which she had explicitly expressed her reluctance to engage with him.
Caleb shifted his gaze between Summer, Warrin, and then Liam, his expression reflecting a mixture of surprise and uncertainty.
"No offense, my friend," Liam interjected, a faint apologetic tone in his voice, "but even we found ourselves subtly distancing from you because of Summer." Caleb, in response, offered a simple nod and a knowing grin.
"Stop," Summer interrupted, her voice firm, attempting to halt the conversation.
Liam continued, unabated, "And you managed to arrive here before the rest of us did."
Caleb leaned in, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "That worked out well for me. Finally got her talking," he said with a sly smile.
Summer hesitated, her words catching in her throat as she tried to express herself. "I... I was here first, you know," she stammered, unable to finish her sentence.
Warrin nodded, understanding Summer's unsaid thoughts. "I get it," he reassured her. "But just wait for us to finish okay!" he suggested, unzipping his hoodie as he got ready.
Summer had changed remarkably; she wasn't the same girl who used to hide in her hoodie and avoid people like she was dodging spiders.
Warrin and Liam couldn't help but notice. She seemed more confident now, even in her tank top and leggings, which showed off her figure.
Their observations left them puzzled, but also intrigued by her transformation. Maybe there was a hint of envy mixed in as they watched her chat with Caleb. They couldn't help but wonder how she had changed so drastically.
The confusion made them cut short their workout, going for just five reps instead of the usual ten.
Meanwhile, Caleb assumed he could stick around with Summer until her friends finished, totally clueless about the icy glares her friends were shooting his way, each one feeling like a bullet.
Watching Caleb and Summer chat away, Liam and Warrin wrapped up their workout much quicker than usual.
"Wow, I can't believe we've never bumped into each other before, considering I live nearby," Summer said, her face lit up with surprise, her eyes sparkling with charm.
"I'm not sure either. Maybe you can shed some light on that," the person replied.
After a moment's thought, Summer wrinkled her nose, pursed her lips, and gave a gentle apology, "Because she's a bit of a homebody," Liam blurted out from behind, with Warrin visibly sweating beside him.
Summer raised an eyebrow in disbelief, silently asking, "Seriously?" as she turned to face them.
Liam carried on after catching her expression, "You do realize we've got plans, right? We were supposed to grab dinner near the city square at the new joint."
"Ah, the Sympathy Treats!" Summer exclaimed, her index finger pointing emphatically. Caleb, looking slightly bewildered, exchanged puzzled glances with the others.
When had the new restaurant's name changed from "The Midnight Rush" to "The Sympathy Treat"? Summer quickly cleared up the confusion, saying,
"Oh, that's just our little inside joke; they're treating me to show they care."
"Ah, got it now," Caleb responded. Shortly after, he rose from his seat. "Well, I guess I'll catch you later,"
Warrin interjected, cutting off Summer's attempt to speak. She couldn't help but feel a bit foolish for following Warrin's advice as the trio found themselves standing outside the gym, fixated on a lone bicycle.
Normally, Summer had the choice between riding her bicycle or taking the bus to the gym. But today was different; she arrived unusually early. Her main goal was to clear her mind, or more precisely, to shake off the intense anger that had gripped her.
Liam and Warrin exchanged uneasy glances as Summer's gaze fixed upon Warrin's motorbike, her face a mask of silent contemplation.
Breaking the silence, Liam's voice carried a hint of nervousness, "Warrin, you're so fast; maybe you don't need to exercise properly today. You could just run to the café."
Summer's stern stare shifted to Warrin as she interjected, "Summer."
"I might have made a mistake by listening to you," Summer exclaimed, her frustration bubbling over.
Clearly agitated, Warrin responded, "Why do you always shout at me and not at Liam?" He stomped his feet, a touch of exasperation in his voice.
They fervently argued on the side, unaware of the curious onlookers surreptitiously observing their heated exchange, as is customary in such situations.
Suddenly, the roar of a motorbike engine disrupted their dispute, prompting them to instinctively turn their heads to the left.
Caleb came to an abrupt stop just in front of the assembled crowd, his motorcycle idling as he handed Summer a spare helmet with a gracious flourish, gesturing toward the vacant backseat.
In most other circumstances, Summer might have reacted differently if a stranger had made such a gesture.
However, Caleb was no ordinary acquaintance; she took the helmet with a grateful nod before turning to acknowledge the other two with a nonchalant, "I'll see you at the restaurant."
The boys stood there, completely blown away by what they had just seen. Summer wasn't just chatting with the new guy; she was even hopping on his ride.
With one last wave to Liam and Warrin, she grabbed Caleb's duffle bag, chilling on the seat between them, and off they zoomed on the motorcycle.
The entrance of this new dude had stirred up a whirlwind of feelings in Liam and Warrin, and calling them just jealous would be downplaying it majorly.
As Caleb and Summer rolled up to the newly opened restaurant, they were met with a scene of serene tranquility. Despite being open for just about ten minutes, the place wasn't bustling yet.
Its exterior gave off a cozy vibe, decked out with French windows and walls painted a warm, slightly yellowish-orange shade, giving it that vintage charm.
Vines gracefully draped over the doorframes, adding a touch of natural elegance to the facade.
Switching things up from the usual automatic doors you see in modern malls and cafes, this charming little café went for manual doors that have their own rustic charm.
Summer couldn't help but smile to herself as she handed Caleb a spare helmet. The new location was exactly what she had imagined.
With a gentle "Let's go," Summer pushed open the door, revealing the interior to them. Stepping inside, Caleb's voice barely above a whisper, he couldn't help but express his admiration, saying, "It's beautiful."
Summer found herself momentarily speechless, so she simply nodded. Despite the inviting warmth from the exterior, the interior had a sense of freshness and serenity.
The seating consisted of small, comfy chairs around round tables. Adjacent to the French windows were two solitary, long-legged barstools, while a small table at the center of the room was surrounded by scattered bean bags.
At the heart of the cozy spot, a wooden counter painted in a soothing shade of yellow beckoned patrons. The floor tiles had a faded red tint, giving it an aged charm.
Adding to the quaint atmosphere, clematis vines adorned the wall behind the counter, boasting vibrant violet blooms.
Summer and Caleb shifted their attention to a soft, welcoming voice that suddenly filled the room. A gracefully dressed woman with soft curls emerged from what appeared to be a kitchen door.
With a warm smile, she inquired, "Welcome to The Midnight Rush. Can I assist you?" Her eyes moved between Caleb and Summer, her curiosity evident. "Are you two dating?" she asked, her tone friendly. "I apologize if I'm being forward, but we do have special offers for couples."
"We'll take it," Caleb replied, his fingers lightly grazing Summer's back, their connection almost imperceptible. He glanced at Summer for confirmation.
"Of course, this is exactly the kind of place we were hoping to find," Summer affirmed with a smile.
"Great!" The woman at the counter cheered, her grin spreading wide. "You may take a seat over there." She gestured toward a spot along the wall where the tables and chairs had a white theme, evoking feelings of Valentine's Day.
Caleb and Summer exchanged a brief, hesitant look before simultaneously blurting out, "No."
"Apologies for any impoliteness, but two of our friends will be joining us shortly, so we'll need the four-seater by the window," Summer explained, gesturing toward a table by the window. She assumed that Liam and Warrin would be arriving soon.
"Are they also a couple?"
With a mischievous grin, another patron replied, "Yes, it's kind of a double date, after the gym." The woman nodded again, amusement dancing in her eyes, as she graciously led them to the table in question.
Meanwhile, Caleb flashed his charming dimples, adding a touch of warmth to the ambiance.
"Okay, I'll return in a moment to collect your orders," the hostess announced before disappearing behind the counter.
As the woman disappeared from view, Liam and Warrin burst onto the scene with an enthusiastic "wow" of amazement.
Summer and Caleb couldn't help but share a secret chuckle, remembering the playful trick they'd cooked up for the hostess. Without skipping a beat, Liam and Warrin promptly claimed the empty seats beside Caleb and Summer.
"Wow, this place is cool," Liam remarked, his eyes scanning the café's unique decor.
"Yeah, but I gotta say, I'm partial to the snowy vibe," Warrin added with a grin.
While Caleb and Summer snapped pictures of both the café's atmosphere and themselves, Warrin's gaze lingered on them for a moment.
However, before he could speak his mind, the hostess returned carrying two delectable red velvet cakes, topped with caramel and a heart-shaped decoration.
She placed one near Caleb and Summer, and the other near Liam and Warrin, assuming they were all on a double date, as Summer had suggested earlier.
"Oh, right on time! Have you all decided what you want for your double date?" the hostess asked, beaming.
As expected, Liam and Warrin exchanged puzzled looks before turning to Summer, silently asking for a clue to unravel the delightful mix-up.
"Absolutely, we'll go with the house special," Caleb replied confidently.
"Excellent choice! Anything else you'd like to order for drinks?" the hostess inquired, her hospitality shining through.
As Caleb chatted amiably with the hostess, Summer subtly nudged Liam to get his attention. Leaning in, she whispered something into his ear, cupping her hand to ensure privacy.
Liam's surprised expression hinted that Summer had shared their plan with him. In response, Liam relayed the message to Warrin, shooting a stern glance at Summer, who nervously scratched her neck.
"Alright, I'll be back with your orders shortly. Meanwhile, enjoy a complimentary pastry on the house," the hostess interjected with a warm smile before gracefully leaving.
"A double date?" Warrin blurted out, his enthusiasm quickly hushed by Liam's hand covering his mouth.
Despite the initial surprise, the four of them burst into hearty laughter as they indulged in the pastries from the café. Caleb and Summer even split a pastry, and it felt completely natural.
Liam and Warrin, though initially taken aback, quickly adjusted and started warming up to Caleb, diving into discussions about how Summer had managed to evade them the year before.
Laughter filled the café as they got wrapped up in their conversation, even snapping photos with the hostess as part of their dating prank. She kindly mentioned her plan to showcase the pictures on one of the café's walls.
The vibe was brimming with joy, and laughter flowed effortlessly. Caleb, too, found himself growing attached to them.
Summer let her guard down, cracking lighthearted jokes and embracing her true self, which was a refreshing change from the pressures of the past two days.
However, amidst their laughter and easy banter, they remained oblivious to the figure standing across the street, watching them with an unreadable expression.