[chapter:Hello]

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  Last round of walking through these dull glossy white hallways with deafening silence trailing behind; and Behold! Cometh is the end of mīn shift. Thankfully not a single… Well, let's not jinx this fortunate morning. Knock on some wood and avoid any ladders while I grab my things and crawl on out of the building. Stumbling out of the hospital, I feel like a zombie. Sometimes I wonder why I put myself through all this; but like always, reason never fails to escape me. I walk to my car, and alas I can't help but feel a heavy weight lifted like a cloud and drifted away with the morning breeze. My eyes feel heavy, my body aches, and my minds in a fog; I'm exhausted and I know I should go straight home to get some rest. But how could I? To break my three-year streak of hitting the gym, would be to face defeat. It became such a routine for me, I’d feel like I would be letting myself down if I skipped. Time to get sweaty and pulverize what little sanity I have left, I thought to myself with some false optimism. I can't really resist the free shower, afterall, and most importantly the sauna. Pretty sure I've saved quite a lot of pretty pennies over the three years in water bills. So why stop now.

  The last step out the door felt amazing. The dungeon is cleared and now it’s time for the loot to be claimed. However, dungeon inception never fails to occur. Walking into the parking garage, a cool nights’ breeze welcomes me. The deserted atmosphere of the parking garage was amplified by the sounds of my footsteps echoing off the concrete walls. The stroll to my car was uneventful; eerie but uneventful. As I reached for the door handle, a loud screech graced my ears like a banshee's wail. Startled, I hastily got into the car and slammed the door shut. My heart raced as I sat there. I’m just not a big fan of the scaries. "I better get going, else I'll be behind schedule," I muttered to myself, starting the car and driving off to what is to come. The gym is conveniently located, halfway to home. So It really is not a bother or an out of the way event.

  Parking my car in the empty parking garage. Of course, I have to choose a spot that was far from the elevator, despite the fact that there were plenty of closer spots available. The walk would serve as some pre-warm ups. A quick glance at my watch and I groaned reflexively, "It's 3:30 AM already? I guess it's never too late to start running late”. I grabbed my duffle bag from the trunk and made my way to the elevator while enjoying the sarcastically peaceful atmosphere; being alone in an empty parking garage in the dead of night is never a comforting experience. As I rode the elevator up to the lobby, I couldn't help but feel a strange sense of unease. A strange feeling to say the least. Muscles tensed and each breath of air grew more and more difficult. The elevator doors opened to the lobby, and I was greeted by the sound of a deep and familiar voice, "Well look who it is! Souj! Good to see ya."

  “Good to see you too, Ben,” I replied as I walked towards the counter, happy to see a familiar face “How's it going?". Ben is the receptionist and had worked at this gym long before I started coming along. But we don’t really talk or see each other outside of the usual greeting and farewell. “graveyard... how else can it be going?” Ben said with a chuckle, “you of all people should know. Well then, same as always?”

  “The usual as always,” I replied. Ben lets out a laugh, “Well, who would have guessed! Anyways, you go enjoy yourself. I’ve already taken the liberty of checking you in.” “Thanks! And sure will!” I shouted, as I continued to walk through and into the gym. The spacious room was devoid of any signs of life, and rows of machines and weights left untouched. It was clear that no one in their right mind would be up for a workout at this hour. But I guess I’m the odd one here.

  Tall cold silver steel lockers both lined the walls and divided the room into sections. The air conditioning ceaselessly humming its tunes, and lifelessness fills every corner. Quickly I changed and made my way out into the main room, where the only thing that broke the silence was the soft padding of my footsteps. Peaceful and quiet; not a soul here other than myself and Ben, sitting at the counter. Yet, I could not shake off this dreadful feeling of being watched. Let's get this over with.

  First, I will make my way to the roof, where the running tracks are. Rather than taking the elevator again, I think taking the stairs would be better, like a light warm-up. Pushing the door open to the stairway, I was welcomed to an Ominous sight that could have been straight from a supernatural thriller. The stairway is dimly lit by that one flickering light bulb. The darkness between each flicker thickens the atmosphere. I am very much scared to say the least. "S-supernatural shit isn't real… there's nothing to be afraid of..." I muttered under my breath, trying to calm myself as the door slammed shut behind me with a loud bang that echoed off the walls. I got this far, there’s no point in turning back now. As I made my way up the stairs, each step felt heavier than the last. The slow flicker of the light bulb taunts me; each flicker slower than the last. The air became thick. Upon reaching the top, the door out of this fright stood before me. I pushed on the bar that makes the door open as hard as I could, but the door was fighting back. Panic sets in, and I repeatedly push on the bar. Just before a panic attack sets it, One. Last. Push… Salvation at last! The door finally cracked open and a blast of chilling breeze welcomed me. Expelling all remnants of the impending panic. The door closes behind me and I feel the weightless cold air of the night flowing pass. The night sky is clear, lit by a few bright stars that danced to a tranquil melody; not a cloud for miles. There was peace again, greeting me with its chilling embrace. These moments where the world felt still, and I could just be in the moment.

  Time had passed quickly, and before I knew it, my run had come to an end. An hour has already passed, and I’m finding myself hunched over, and gasping for air. It was hard to stop enjoying the serenity, but I had to. After a short rest, I could feel my heart slowing down, my breathing softened slowly, blending into the silence of night. No one to bother me, no noise to distract me, and best of all, no stares of judgmental eyes glaring at me. It's just me, myself, and I in peace and quiet, with nothing to worry about. After cooling down a bit, I gathered myself and made my way to the stairway again. In hindsight, this wasn’t the brightest idea. As the door closed behind me again, I realized that I should have reconsidered my options. Alas, the door wouldn’t budge again. All I can do now is just suck-it-up and deal with it. Round two of fear factor as I descend down these god forsaken stairs once more.

  Upon exiting the stairway, my heart was attempting to make the great escape, again. After shortly I calmed down, and made my way back to the main room. The main gym seemed deserted still, and the only sounds were my own footsteps and the snoring of Ben at the counter. But suddenly some clangs and thuds sounded across the room, as I settled down at a station. My curiosity piqued, Who could possibly be here at this late hour? Anxiety slowly grips onto my neck, I become annoyingly more self conscious. I refused to let it get the best of me. I came here to work out stress, and that's exactly what I was going to do. I started my routines and sets; trying my best to ignore the presence of another person. Minutes ticked by, the sounds grew louder and more frequent. It was clear that someone else was here. It’s about time I should wrap up anyways. So after tidying up the station, I made my way towards the locker room. The noise stopped as I got up to leave, and a quick glance across the room revealed only emptiness. As I walked towards the locker room, I couldn't help but wonder who was there?

  I decided to pay it no mind and back to the locker room I go to clean up and take my leave. The moment draws near, for that long awaited sauna to melt away the remaining stress. A waft of boys locker room stench graced my nose as I entered the room. That musky smell of sweat mixed with body spray makes me nauseated. Always a good reminder of the good old days of being bullied. Weaving through the maze of lockers, and finding not a living soul was present, nothing disturbed or out of place. A sense of relief washes over me. At last! loneliness my old friend; missed you briefly. First things first, some hygiene etiquette. A quick light soap and rinse before jumping into the sauna. Didn’t want to stank up the place now.

  Anticipation builds as I make my way towards the sauna. I stepped inside and closed the door behind me, the heat enveloped me like a warm blanket. The wooden walls of the sauna radiated heat, and I could feel my muscles relaxing as I settled onto the bench. For a few blissful moments, I simply sat there, basking in the heat and the solitude, alone in serenity. I closed my eyes and let out a deep sigh and felt the tension of the day start to melt away. Several minutes must have passed, and I heard the door open, followed by footsteps. My body tensed at the sound. C-could this be? Is this the elusive other person from earlier? I’m trying my best to ignore the situation, keeping my eyes closed and minding my own business. But the footsteps grew closer and closer, then it stopped. From what I could make out of it, it stopped close to me if not right next to me. Awkward silence filled the room, broken only by the sound of our breathing and the hiss of steam. Even with my eyes closed, I could feel someone staring in my direction. I resisted the urge to open my eyes and keep to my own.

  [newpage]

  [chapter:Maybe]

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  “What brings someone like you here at this time of day?" the mysterious figure asks. I felt a shiver run down my spine at the sound of the deep baritone voice.

  “Someone like me?" I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. Silence ensued for a few moments. "Sorry, but I couldn't help but notice you when I walked in," he said, his voice low and actually sounded apologetic. I couldn't help but wonder who he was. My eyes open slowly, just a glance to see the stranger beside me. He was tall and muscular, with grayish blue hair that seemed to sparkle in the steam; completely opposite to my small petite frame. As my vision slowly cleared, he looked nervous. His face flushed... and a hand casually resting between his legs, as if he's hiding something. Awkwardly he clears his throat. "I'm sorry about earlier," he said, seemingly embarrassed by his words. He shifted in his seat, fidgeting and appearing uneasy.

  “No worries, I've heard worse before" while posturing myself properly to speak. "You aight there? Did you sit on something weird or what?"

  “N-no... it's nothing..." He replied and removed his hands from covering his crotch. A tent was pitched where his crotch is, and he most definitely is struggling to hide it. I chuckled and he seemed to grow even more embarrassed. The towel would soon fail to keep his figure covered, and slid off to fully display his stuffed sausage. I couldn't help myself but to stare. We both went silent, while I froze like a deer in a headlight. He cleared his throat again, but it was very obvious it was forced. The silence broke, "My eyes are up here…" he said.

  “I-I didn't mean to…," I stammered, averting my gaze and feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. Embarrassment flooded me as I tried to look anywhere but at him.

  “No worries too, it's nice to know you liked what you saw," he replied. My embarrassment turned into dread as I realized the meaning behind his statement. Looking downwards only further confirmed the truth. I scrambled to hide the facts, but it was too late; he had already seen it. "I guess we both sat on something uncomfortable," he said with an adorable smile.

  In an effort to stave off an impending anxiety, I leaned back and shut my eyes once more. He seemed to get the message, apologized, and lapsed into silence. After a few more minutes, I decided that my time here would need to be cut short, and I began to make my exit. As I stood up, I thought I should at least be courteous to bid farewell. However, just like my previously brilliant ideas, this one is one of the same. As I got up, I addressed him with as much authority as I had left after all that had happened "I'll have to take my leave now. It was ni…". While doing so, I glanced in his direction. His raging boner is still in full view. I felt my face redden with embarrassment, making it difficult to continue my sentence.

  I most definitely captured his attention when I tried to address him. In that brief pause his face glowed cherry red. "I’m extremely sorry," he said, with a hint of stuttering he continued, "to tell you the truth, I think you’re very cute."

  My brows furrowed in confusion as I repeated his words; "Cute?" I asked, hoping for an explanation. He looked away, breaking eye contact trying to save himself from even more awkwardness. I paused hoping to get an explanation, or maybe I was at a loss for words. At the same time thoughts flooded my mind, trying to make sense of this situation. Is this a quirky way to ask me out? Or is he just insane? Maybe it's just the sauna? Maybe pheromones are just amplified in this steaming hot room?

  He stood up and was concerned. "A-are you ok?" he stuttered. "You're spacing out. You're not about to pass out, are you? Maybe we should get out of the steam before you get a heat stroke.” While lost in my thoughts, I was not paying attention to him. I stared onwards consumed within my own thoughts. The stranger’s growing concern for my well behind led him to get closer. He placed a hand on my shoulders, while he kept trying to regain my attention. The physical contact snapped my consciousness back into reality. I realized he was standing very close to me. Tall, muscular, and a strikingly handsome face. My mind came back into reality, but my senses refused to respond. He began to lift his other hand. Gently placing the back of his hand on my forehead. My senses followed and I shook my head, “Yeah, I’m fine” I replied. My cheeks were bright red and felt hotter than the steam of the sauna.

  As he lifted his hands , a sudden desire for physical contact shot up my spine. Next thing I knew my body fought against my will, and acted on its own. Leaning forward, closing the distance between us. Before I knew it, my hand caught his wrist. I acted impulsively, and now it was too late to take it back.

  My action caught him by surprise, it seems. We both took a pause. When I thought this couldn’t get anymore worse, we made eye contact again. His stern and gracefully blue eyes stared at me, and I couldn’t help but stare right back. The silence broke, as he spoke once more “If you're not in a hurry to leave, I’d appreciate your company.” Hearing his voice once more, pushed my subconscious to take over once more, and any resistance was doomed to fail. My body leaned further forward. It took him by surprise as he tried to step back. Losing his balance, he fell back onto his seat. His hand was still on my shoulder, and resulted in him pulling me with him. Compared to him I'm quite small in stature, just barely taller than him while he is seated. He landed on the seat while my faves landed on what felt like extremely comfy pillows. Firm padding softened the impact of my face. I didn’t have a firm footing,so my body slid and I landed on my knees. When all the movement came to a stop, I felt a slight pressure pushing up on me, from my chest to my chin… something long. I jerked up, propping my upper body with both arms now conveniently placed on his inner thighs. Lo and behold, what I see in front of me is his fully erect penis, towering over me as I’m on my knees.

  I froze in panic, my breathing grew quicker and heavier by the seconds. What am I supposed to do in a moment like this? Is it rude to refuse? Do I want to refuse? It’s right there in front of my face. He prostrated himself to an upright position, and in doing so his cock came down, its full weight landed smack on my face. A gasp came from him, as he’s glowing red from the awkward embarrassment. Before any words escaped his mouth, I moved my face out of the way, and his cock slid and rested on my shoulder. My face rests on his shaft, and I began to gently and slowly rub my check on it. Eagerness and embarrassment are in all out war on his face, there’s a glow on his face that was obvious. My hands moved, lifting away from his thighs and then gently grasping the base of his cock. Then, leaning forward my lips become acquainted with his shaft, kissing it as it rubs between my shoulder and cheek.

  The sauna didn’t help the situation much. I can’t tell if both our sweating is from the sauna or emotions. I leaned back, far enough for his cock to come off my shoulders, and only supported by my hands holding the base. My lips came forward and planted on his tip. A kiss, before it entered my mouth. The tip fit nicely, it went in just enough to hit the back of my throat. My tongue wiggled a bit, barely had any room to move. Next thing I realized my head was rocking back and forth, his tip nudging against the back of my throat with every forward motion. My mind turned off, and I’m practically on auto-pilot. He let out a couple of moans and this continued for what felt like hours. Forwards and back, occasionally, I attempt to escape and breathe; his tip leaves my mouth to be kissed.

  His cock was drooling with precum; a kiss, and then back it went into my mouth. With each forward motion, his cock slides in and down deeper in my throat, lubricated by both my saliva and his precum. The farther his cock reached for my throat the more obvious it became to me that it’s obstructing my airway. Gasping for air every time after a successful retreat is made, it becomes more and more apparent. Finally I snapped back to my senses and realized what I’ve been doing, and attempted to free myself of this. I pulled back, and just before his tip made its way out of my throat, I felt both his hands grab the back of my head and pulled me in way farther than the last. My throat was fully saturated by his precum, allowing his shaft to make a smooth descent down my throat.

  This took me by surprise, and my body began to panic. My throat spasms and clenches, trying to gasp for air. He lets out a couple of loud moans, as I’m trying to push him away. My attempts ended in failure, as his hold on my head was firm. All of a sudden I felt warmth in my throat and down to my stomach, it felt like a lot. I thought to myself, D-did he just finish? h-he came inside? His hold on my head lightened, and I seized the opportunity and pushed myself off. Without the grip of my throat in his shaft, he’d cock continued to squirt what remained inside onto my face.

  “JERK!,” I exclaimed, “what was that for?” Now I'm coughing quite uncontrollably. He hastened to my aid, and profusely apologized. Sounds genuinely apologetic again, but I refused to believe it. As he pats my back, he shows concern and offers to help. “I don’t need anything else from you,” I said. As soon as I’m able, I stormed out of the sauna. While exiting the door, I heard a loud thump behind me. Didn’t think twice, and didn't look back. I quickly changed into whatever I could grab from my locker and stormed out of the establishment.

  Regret loomed over me as I made my way out of the locker room and into the night. As the doors closed behind me, Ben remained asleep. It seemed like almost nothing could wake him from his sleep. The Anxious grip on my neck didn't get any lighter as I reached the elevator. My impatience grew with each press of the elevator button. Muttering under my breath come on… come.on…, my heart racing as anxiety attempts strangle me. In a fit of frustration, I abandoned the elevator and raced down the stairs, the harsh light illuminating my way with each step. But even as I descended, It's as though I was moving further away from the bottom of this staircase.

  Panic sets in, and I start to run. With just a few steps remaining, I leaped myself forward, hoping to clear the final hurdle. But my haste paved my downfall, as I stumbled and fell to the ground. I pushed myself back up to my feet. The adrenaline coursing through; there was no time for rest. I pressed on, power walking towards my car. Further regrets flood my mind, cursing at myself for the many bright ideas I had today. Why did I park so far away? What was the point of all this… Finally, I reached my car and collapsed into the driver's seat. Exhaustion washed over me, my body aching from the effort. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, the pain merging with the emotional turmoil. As I sat there, hands gripping the steering wheel tightly, I couldn't help but replay the events of the night in my mind. The words, the looks, the mistakes all swirled in my mind like a storm.

  A Deep breath, and I started the ignition. I know this would come back and bite me, but for now, all I could do was focus on the present moment and take things one step at a time. Nonetheless, the priority is to leave and get home. The place where I feel safe. It's five in the morning now, and I am dreading this drive home. Each passing mile brought me closer to home but it feels like I’m moving farther away. The sun began to rise in the distance, a glimmer of relief shone through the darkness. The roads were relatively clear, in the early morning hours offering a brief reprieve before the rush of traffic set in. But my mind was far from calm, racing with thoughts and emotions.Its been a while since I had been in a relationship. How long exactly? I can't really remember; maybe a decade or more since I last felt a connection with someone, since I last indulged in physical intimacy. It had never really bothered me before; since I have grown accustomed to being a solo party, and the thought of being with someone else didn't really cross my mind. But the events of earlier this morning got me more than confused.

  It had been so long since I had even thought about another person in that way. Yet the way he made me feel, it was undeniable. For the first time in years, I had allowed myself to be vulnerable, to let someone in. And it felt… comforting, a moment where I could let my guard down and trust someone else besides myself. Would I be able to let go again? Why him? Was it worth the risk of putting myself out there, of potentially getting disappointed again? The questions weighed heavily on my mind; maybe… just maybe, there was someone out there who could make me feel again. Not to mention I haven’t gotten his name let alone his number.