The gymnasium, housed in the imposing Theta Building, exuded an unexpected warmth despite its grandeur. Its predominantly glass and granite structure featured captivating, curved designs that drew the eye.
Despite the transparency of its glass windows, glimpses inside were limited to specific areas like the entrance and the third-floor space dedicated to running machines. Surrounding the building were various quads, including a large field and miniature playgrounds tailored for calisthenics training.
Inside, the gym matched the splendor of its exterior with high ceilings and polished interiors that spoke of cutting-edge technology and a futuristic aesthetic.
Students bustled in and out of rooms, emerging from training sessions to enjoy complimentary mineralite water and towels for wiping away sweat. Facilities for muscle recovery included a cryotherapy room, sauna, and massage parlours, as well as grooming salons emphasizing the gym's focus on aftercare and healing—concepts that fascinated Kenneth, unfamiliar in her own world where gyms were less advanced.
Before entering, visitors were required to display their badges, as no identification was integrated into their tactical wear. Kenneth opted to secure her badge around her leg, while Fletcher chose to wear hers around her arm for easy access during checks by the Cyborgs.
As they entered, they spotted Fae near the entrance engaged in conversation with Vincent, her smile lighting up the room.
Kenneth's heart warmed at the sight of Fae's kind and infectious smile, drawing admiring glances from other students seated nearby. Fae's long, curly mane tied back in a ponytail accentuated her small, beautiful face, prompting Fletcher to playfully compliment her.
"You're such a cutie, Fae, like a cute little cinnamon roll," Fletcher teased, causing Fae to blush and smile in surprise.
Kenneth silently agreed with Fletcher's assessment but kept her thoughts to herself, chuckling softly at Fae's reaction.
"Sorry we're late, Fae," Kenneth apologized.
"Yeah, we got held up. You won't believe what happened to Kenneth," Fletcher added.
"It's okay. Vincent kept me company while I waited," Fae replied, acknowledging Vincent with a nod.
The trio exchanged greetings with Vincent, who blushed slightly under their collective gaze before excusing himself to the massage room.
"He just finished his workout when I ran into him," Fae explained.
"That was nice of him," Fletcher remarked.
Curious about Kenneth's delay, Fae prompted, "So, what happened?"
As they ascended to the second floor, where the gym's equipment was located, Fletcher recounted Kenneth's recent escapade. Fae gasped in response, her surprise evident.
"Sage Kingsley? Aren't her parents alumni of the school? And isn't her older brother a member of Venture, too?" Fae exclaimed.
The two turned to look at her in surprise, the shock evident in their faces. Fae looked at them a bit confused."Didn't you guys already know this?" She asked them.
"No we didn't. When I checked the student database it didn't mention anything about her family. We both thought it was classified information or something." Fletcher shrugged.
"I suppose it's not surprising that you guys don't know, although she doesn't exactly hide it. The only reason I found out was because I saw her talking to an older boy who looked a lot like her. People nearby mentioned he's her older brother... I think his name was Andes Kingsley."
"So that's her excuse for acting all high and mighty?" Fletcher scoffed, causing Fae to frown.
"To be honest, when I first met her, she seemed really nice... Even if her family holds some influence in the school, it doesn't justify why she treated Kenneth so badly," Fae remarked.
"You're right... Maybe she was just jealous?"
"Who even cares," Kenneth sneered, growing annoyed.
"Her issues with me are none of my concern. Let's just forget about this and get to working out," she said, flashing a nonchalant smile.
The two girls looked at each other before nodding slowly.
"Kenneth's got a point. I've been dying to check out the gym facilities here ever since I heard about them," Fletcher gushed.
The three girls enjoyed their gym sensation unperturbed by the annoying existence known as Sage Kingsley.
....
Once the girls finished their two-hour workout, they decided to explore the amenities offered by the gym.
Fae suggested they swim a few laps in the pool before visiting the saunas. Kenneth and Fletcher agreed, and they headed towards the changing rooms to grab the swimsuits provided by the gym. As they did, something caught their eye.
Fae had gone to the vending machines to get some mineralite water for the three of them and was engaged in a deep conversation with Durian, a serious expression on his face. Fae seemed relaxed, but Fletcher, worried about her friend's safety, approached with a scowl on her face.
"What's with this unexpected pairing?" she said, glaring at Durian.
Durian's serious expression turned annoyed upon seeing Fletcher. "What the hell do you want?" he growled.
"I want to know why you're bothering Fae," Fletcher shot back.
"What's it to you? Our conversation is none of your business—"
"It is when it involves my cinnamon roll," Fletcher interrupted.
Durian was taken aback. "Y-your cinnamon—?"
"Guys!" Fae interjected, looking embarrassed as she glanced between them.
They both looked at her, still visibly upset.
"Fletcher, don't worry. He wasn't bothering me. He was actually helping me with the vending machines," Fae explained, her face reddening.
"But it looked like you were having a serious conversation," Fletcher said, puzzled.
"He was explaining why it's better to get mineralite water from the front desk rather than the vending machines where you have to pay 2 units," Fae clarified.
"Oh, I see," Fletcher softened, noticing Fae's embarrassment.
Durian, too, relaxed his expression, realizing he had overreacted. He let out an annoyed grunt but let the incident slide.
"Ugh, I'm out of here. See you later, Fae," Durian said, turning to leave.
Fletcher watched him go in shock. "That's it? I thought he was going to knock me out with how angry he was!"
"Durian has a temper, but he would never hit you out of anger," Fae assured her, watching Durian walk away.
Fletcher looked pensive for a moment, then shrugged. "If you say so."
"Now, let's go hit the pool. Kenneth must be wondering what's taking us so long," Fae said, pulling her friend along.
Unbeknownst to them, Kenneth had been watching the whole scene from a distance and knew Fae didn't need intervention—she sensed Durian's non-hostile emotions. She chuckled silently to herself.
Looks like he can be shy too.