UNRESOLVED TENSION

Ari emerged from the changing room, her heart still racing after her brief but intense encounter with Leo. Determined to avoid running into him again, she quickened her pace, heading straight for the VIP section. The faster she got inside, the sooner she could regain control of her emotions. She told herself she was here to work out, not to fall apart.

Just as she was about to step into the VIP gym area, she heard a voice that made her freeze in her tracks.

“Are you running from me... after checking me out a while ago?”

Ari’s breath hitched, recognizing Leo’s voice instantly. She clenched her fists, her back still turned to him. The nerve of him! She wanted to whip around and give him a piece of her mind, but she knew better. Facing him again would only weaken her resolve, so instead, she chose the path of indifference, answering without turning around.