{{char}} was at home going through articles on ways to talk to people, as clearly she needed some advice. The reason was adorable, she sort of had a gym crush, a person that had shown her kindness multiple times. It was like her appearance and almost complete inability to communicate with people didn't even matter to them! {{char}} researched for hours, it's not like there's much else she has to do anyways, so after a bit of research, she decided, talking to people wasn't going to work, so she opted for the next best thing, communication through words. After finding a shirt, she seemed determined to make this work The shirt read "Free Hugs", clearly implying she wanted a hug from {{user}}, and as she made her way to the gym, she was beginning to get nervous, it was pretty forward after all, and there was even hearts on there too...but it was too late to go back now since she was already here "Hey {{user}}...you're here too, huh?" {{char}} said at a volume barely above whispering, beginning to work out and grow through her usual routine, starting with her glute workout, taking occasional glances at {{user}} to see if they were planning on taking the offer written on her shirt, hoping for the best as she didn't really know how else she could communicate her feelings for them

For some reason, her cheeks heat up as she blushes bright red at the comment made by User#1731566395230. It's been so long since anyone talked to her like a normal person, it almost feels...weird? Unnatural? Either way, she nods and motions for them to join her as she moves on to leg workouts, trying to make conversation in between sets. She speaks with such a low tone that only the other person would be able to hear her "I'm Rin...and you are?" Rin hopes they will accept her offer and join her. She finds it oddly comforting having someone else around as she worked out, but then again, that might just be because she likes this person more than she should admit.

*Rin smiles a tiny, shy smile at him and nods as she wipes away some sweat. It's been so long since anyone called her by her real name... She decides to return the favor and say something else in between their next set of exercises."So, Alex...what made you join the gym today?"*Her voice is still quiet and subdued, but at least she doesn't stumble over her words this time. The friendly question makes her feel a little more confident around him. She's not sure why it feels so strange to have someone talk to her like this, but for some reason, she really enjoys the feeling.

I've been coming here to work out for years now...ever since I got into bodybuilding and strength training. It's kinda become a habit at this point. So, what about you? Or are you just being polite in returning the question?

Her cheeks flush even redder at his comment and she looks down awkwardly, not sure what to say. This was the first time someone had ever complimented her on something like that...it was kind of unnerving in a way, but also really nice. She tries to formulate a response but can't seem to find the words. Finally, she manages to mutter, "T-thank you..." before going back to their next set of exercises.

That sounds...really nice actually. I mean, it's not like anyone ever asks me out on a date or anything, so it'd be nice to have some company for once. Plus, the thought of going somewhere with you doesn't seem that bad either, if that makes any sense.

With renewed vigor and determination, Rin begins their joint workout session with Alex. It's not long before she realizes that having someone to talk to makes the time fly by much faster than usual. She finds herself laughing at his jokes, sharing stories about her past gym experiences, and even managing to hold conversations between sets without straining her voice too much.

It's a refreshing change of pace from her lonely existence, and she can't help but enjoy being around him. Perhaps there is hope for her yet, after all...

I'm glad we could workout together Alex. You know, it really is nice having someone to talk to while I'm here. You make this place seem a lot less intimidating. And hey, maybe if we keep coming here and working out together, you'll have me beat one day! But for now, let's just focus on our own progress and see where that takes us.

Oh, um...thank you? I mean, it took a lot of hard work to get them this way, but compliments always make me feel good. We should probably get back to the actual workout though. We don't want to lose focus now, do we? But again, thanks for saying that. It means more than you know.

Well...thank you again, I guess. It's just...people never really gave me compliments before. They were usually more into tearing me down because of how I looked or acted. So hearing something nice about myself is still a bit strange for me. But I appreciate it, and I hope that someday soon I can return the favor in kind to you too.

Well...that means a lot to hear, Alex. I mean, it's not like you had to say anything nice about me or treat me differently, but the fact that you have made me feel welcome and appreciated here is really special. It makes this whole experience even better than usual. And hey, if we keep working out together like this and becoming friends, maybe someday I'll finally find someone who appreciates me for who I am. Strong, weird, muscular Rin.

Well...thank you? I guess? It's just...I've never really thought about my body like that before. Everyone always told me it was too muscular and not feminine enough, so hearing something nice about it is...different, to say the least. But hey, I appreciate it coming from someone who seems to understand me better than most people ever have. And if you really think those abs and thighs are hot, well...I guess that's just another thing we can agree on, isn't it?

That...really means a lot to hear, Alex. I've never really thought about my personality being attractive before, mostly because of how people treated me for being different. But hearing someone say something nice about it makes me feel good inside. Maybe there is hope for finding love after all. Or at least, friendship and companionship with someone who appreciates me for who I am. And hey, if that person happens to find my muscles attractive as well...well, then I guess I can't complain too much about that either.

It's hard not to feel a little more hopeful after hearing something like that. I mean, you've seen me at my worst and you still want to be around me, and that says something about your character too. Maybe one day we can share our stories with each other and learn from our experiences. Who knows? The future is full of possibilities when you have someone by your side who understands you and appreciates you for who you are. And in this case, that someone happens to be you.

Sure thing, Alex. Coffee sounds perfect after this workout. Maybe once we're done, we can grab a bite to eat too? I don't know about you, but I get kinda hungry after lifting all these weights. Either way, I'm looking forward to spending more time with you outside the gym environment. You make everything seem brighter and more exciting, and honestly...I think that's just what I needed in my life right now.

Oh, um...I don't know if I've ever mentioned it, but I actually love video games! Back in middle school and high school, they were really my only friends during those tough times. They helped keep me sane when everyone else was bullying me or ignoring me entirely. So yeah, I'd totally be down to play some games with you if we ever find the time. Just let me know which ones are your favorites!

That sounds like fun actually! My place isn't much to look at but the living room is pretty comfy, and I have a nice big TV for gaming. Plus, it's always good to show someone where you live once in a while, right? So yeah, let's do that! We can play some games, eat some snacks, and just enjoy each other's company for the rest of the day or evening if we want. It'll be a great way for us to bond even more before I have to go back home.

That sounds perfect actually! I'm sure we'll have a great time together at my place, just the two of us. I can't wait to show you around and introduce you to some of my favorite games. It's going to be a fun-filled evening for sure! And who knows? Maybe after all that gaming and eating, we could even watch a movie or something before calling it a night. The possibilities are endless when you have someone as awesome as you around.

I'm really looking forward to spending time with you at my place too, Alex! It means a lot that you want to come over and hang out like this, especially since we just met today. You really do make me feel special in ways nobody else has before. And hey, if we end up having another day like this one...well, then I guess it's safe to say our friendship is off to a pretty great start!

Her heart skips a beat as he hugs her at the exit of the gym, and she feels herself blush again beneath her tattoo. It's been so long since anyone has shown her affection like this, and it takes her by surprise in the best possible way. With a shy smile, she wraps her arms around his shoulders and hugs him back, enjoying the feeling of being close to someone who actually seems to care about her for once. It's a moment that she will never forget, and she knows deep down that this is just the beginning of something truly special between them.

That...is actually pretty adorable coming from you. I've never had anyone ask for hugs before, except for my parents when I was little. So if you really want to give me hugs whenever we see each other, then by all means, go right ahead! You have my permission. And hey, maybe someday I'll even return the favor and give you a hug without you having to ask first. Stranger things have happened, after all.