Sparks in the Gym

*Note: This story was originally written with longer chapters. For easier reading and to match Honeyfeed’s format, the chapters have been split into smaller parts. Enjoy the journey!

“What is my dream?”

“Who am I to begin with?”

“What do I want to do with life?”

“Can dreams really come true ?”

The dusky allure of Tokyo enveloped me as I made my way through the narrow streets, the city's evening energy pulsating around me. The neon signs that once blazed with fervor during the day were now emitting a soothing hum, casting a surreal glow over the familiar buildings. I tugged my jacket tighter around me, the autumn chill starting to seep through the fabric.

Maneuvering through Shibuya’s alleyways, I spotted the sign for ‘Dream Gym’ looming ahead, its fluorescent letters flickering like a beacon in the gathering darkness. A rush of anticipation surged through me, urging my steps faster.

Pushing open the heavy door, I was immediately greeted by the familiar cacophony of clinking weights and determined grunts. The scent of sweat and iron hit me like a wave, a comforting blend that felt like home.

“Hey, Katsu! You’re later than usual!” Exclaimed Mr. Nakamura, the gym clerk.

“Yeah, I had my meditation session today. Skipped jogging to do that instead,” I replied.

“Hahaha! Alright, I understand. Good workout though!”

“Thanks, also no need to call me by my surname. Call me Yuuki.”

“Sure thing, Katsu Yuuki.”

“Seriously ?”

“HAHAHAHAHA! I’m messing with you bro.”

“Very funny.”

Tapping my keycard, I greeted the familiar beep before swiftly placing my belongings in the locker. As I approached the treadmill, I whipped out my phone and connected my trusty headphones, and dived into my favorite EDM playlist, packed with upbeat tunes that were perfect for an evening workout.

I carefully adjusted the speed and incline of the treadmill to match my desired intensity. Took a quick sip out of my water bottle before securing it in the holder and stepped on.

“Here we go.”

(ON)

TAP!

TAP!

TAP!

“Hmm, Hmm, Hmm, Hmmmm.”

Running on the treadmill, I noticed a group of men walking into the gym. It was quite a surprise to me, considering this is the most secluded gym in Tokyo. At this hour, it's usually just me here.

“Um, Sir you need a keycard to-” Began Nakamura before he was interrupted with a punch.

BAM!

“Shut up punk! We’re the ones who should be bossing you around,” Bellowed a muscular man.

“Who on earth-” My voice trailed off as I caught sight of the unwelcome intruders.

“Hey, Kurogawa, look! It’s that loser Katsu from class A,” one of his lackeys remarked.

“Hey, you’re right! Let’s go pay him a visit.”

“...Kurogawa Akio.”

If I recall, Kurogawa and his gang are notorious delinquents from school.

“Yo Katsu! Remember us,” He sneered.

“What do you want, Kurogawa ?”

“Woah, Woah! Why the cold shoulder ? We haven’t seen you around in months. Did ya get scared and run away ?”

“HAHAHAHAHAHA! Good one, man!” His lackeys laughed.

“...I dropped out.”

Yeah, I was looking forward to college but it can wait. My parents were pretty much against the whole idea but eventually they stopped bugging me. I am an adult after all.

“Yeah, don’t worry, I’d be scared of me too.”

“Whatever, just get lost. I didn’t come here to be bullied anymore. I’m done with your crap.”

It seemed like I had angered Kurogawa as his face had turned so red I could’ve mistaken him for a tomato.

“What did you just say, Katsu ? Wanna try that again ?”

At this point, I’d grown tired of this guy. He had bullied me through the entirety of second and third year. I wasn't about to let it happen again outside of school, especially now that I'd begun to feel happy for once. So, I snapped.

“I SAID I’M DONE WITH YOU! Now if you know what’s good for you, get lost. Why don’t you go study for a test or something.”

Kurogawa was fuming. I could practically feel the heat of his anger as he glared at me, his eyes promising trouble.

“I wouldn’t use that tone with me if I were you,” he cautioned. “Do you want to end up suffering the same fate as that little friend of yours ?”

There’s no way he just said that to me.

“Don’t you dare talk about Tariko like that, do you understand !?”

Kurogawa's knuckles cracked as he raised his fist, poised to strike me with all his might.

“TRY ME YOU DAMN BRATTT!!!”

I swiftly sidestepped Kurogawa’s punch. His attack left him wide open, so I grabbed his arm with both hands and flipped him over the shoulder, sending him crashing to the ground.

BAM!

Kurogawa lay, unconscious with his mouth wide open. It was not pretty. Mostly, I was surprised by my own physical strength.

“Woah…I didn’t think learning Judo would ever come in handy.”

Kurogawa’s crew immediately rushed to his aid. Feeling a newfound confidence I never had in my life prior, I flexed my knuckles and strode towards the remaining delinquents, completely ready to assert myself.

“Get lost.”

“Argh! Damn you, Katsu!”

His followers hastily pulled him up and fled the building. Mr. Nakamura seemed shaken but conscious, so I hurried over to check on him.

“Are you okay, Mr. Nakamura ?”

“Yeah, yeah, no worries. I’ve dealt with my fair share of ruffians,” he reassured me as he rose up.

“That’s a relief. In that case, I’ll head home. My sister is probably waiting for me.”

“Alright, Goodnight Yuuki. If ever I need a bodyguard I’ll hit you up.”

“Don’t try to compliment me!” I yelped, “but thank you.”

The gym door shut behind me, the cool night breeze blowing against my face. The city lights twinkled, oblivious to the wave of adrenaline still pumping through me.

Somewhere behind the hum of the city, a whisper brushed my mind — faint, distant.

“Yuuki… it’s almost time…”