The rhythmic sound of fists slamming into a heavy punching bag filled the dimly lit gym. Jared, shirtless and glistening with sweat, focused intently on his form. His punches were sharp, each strike carrying precision and power. The bag swayed violently, threatening to come loose from its chain.
Across the room, Kaia was sorting through a pile of equipment. discarded dumbbells, tangled jump ropes, and a stack of yoga mats. The gym had become increasingly popular lately, and the upkeep was starting to wear on her.
"Hey, dumbass!" Kaia called, pushing a strand of pink hair out of her face.
Jared stopped mid-punch, turning to look at her. "What's up?"
"You mind giving me a hand? These weights aren't going to rack themselves."
Jared smirked, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand. "Sure thing, boss."
---
Jared grabbed a handful of stray dumbbells, effortlessly lifting two in each hand as he made his way to the racks. Kaia couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.
"Fucking Show-off.." she muttered under her breath.
"I heard that!" Jared teased, placing the weights neatly onto the rack.
Kaia rolled her eyes, tossing him a cleaning rag. "If you're going to train here all day, you're going to help keep this place clean. Sweat stains don't clean themselves, especially your sewage shits."
Jared caught the rag and saluted mockingly. "Yes, ma'am."
He set to work, wiping down benches and equipment. Despite the mundane nature of the task, Jared approached it with the same intensity he brought to his training. Kaia watched him from the counter, a small smile tugging at her lips.
"You know," she said, leaning against the desk, "you've come a long way from that guy who broke in here and trashed the place."
Jared looked up, pausing mid-wipe. "You're never going to let me live that down, are you?"
Kaia laughed. "Not a damn literal chance."
---
With the cleaning done, Jared returned to his routine. He moved between the weights and the punching bags, his focus unwavering.
Kaia decided to join him, tying her pink hair back into a ponytail. She started on the treadmill, glancing over at Jared between intervals. His training was relentless. pull-ups, push-ups, sprints, and shadowboxing. It was clear he wasn't just trying to stay in shape; he was preparing for something big.
"Jeez, Don't burn yourself out." Kaia warned, slowing her treadmill to a walk.
"I can handle it," Jared replied, his voice steady despite the sweat pouring down his face.
Kaia hopped off the treadmill, grabbing a water bottle and tossing it to him. Jared caught it mid-punch, twisting off the cap and taking a long drink.
"So," Kaia said, sitting cross-legged on a nearby bench. "What's next for you? Any more sewer monsters to fight?"
Jared chuckled. "Not yet. I'm just trying to get stronger. Grunmalan's watching now. I can feel it."
Kaia tilted her head. "You really think you're going to get his attention by cleaning up sewers and punching bags?"
Jared shrugged. "Hey, everyone starts somewhere. Besides, I've got you keeping me in line."
Kaia blushed faintly, looking away. "Don't get all flirty on me, Jared."
---
As the evening wore on, the gym grew quieter. Most of the regulars had gone home, leaving Jared and Kaia alone in the spacious room.
Jared sat on the floor, stretching his legs. Kaia joined him, her arms resting on her knees as she watched him.
"You've been working hard." she said softly.
"So have you," Jared replied. "This place wouldn't run without you."
Kaia smiled, nudging him with her elbow. "Don't go getting all cheesy again."
Jared laughed, leaning back against the wall. "Can't help it. You're stuck with me now."
Kaia rolled her eyes but didn't respond, the faintest hint of a smile still on her face.
---
As midnight approached, Kaia began turning off the gym's lights. Jared grabbed a mop, giving the floors one last sweep while Kaia tidied up the counter.
"Thanks for sticking around." Kaia said, locking the front door.
"Anytime." Jared replied, leaning the mop against the wall.
The two of them stood in the quiet gym, the faint hum of the air conditioning the only sound. For a moment, neither of them spoke, content to simply exist in the shared silence.
"See you tomorrow?" Kaia asked as she grabbed her bag.
"Wouldn't miss it!" Jared said with a grin.
Kaia smiled, heading out the door. Jared lingered for a moment, looking around the gym. It wasn't just a place to train, it was a second home.
With a deep breath, he grabbed his bike and headed into the night, ready for whatever came next.
---
End of Chapter 14