Josh waited patiently for Riley to look up from scrambling their eggs to give Josh a quick look. They were dressed similarly in T-shirts with the sleeves cut off and gaping holes to allow for more airflow during their workouts, along with their regular soccer shorts.
“Who wouldn’t want to do you? But why are you asking when we’re just going to the gym?”
Josh responded by pulling out his phone to show Riley another graphic design company’s social media account.
Their own company was called Jollywood Graphics, a combination of their names and their home town of Cherrywood.
“Remember these guys we met at that conference last year? They started posting personal photos alongwith their work and it got them so many new followers.”
The photo carousel showed three guys playing around with a football on the beach along with thousands of likes and comments.
“Maybe if we post some thirst traps like this, since we’re also hot, it will get us some new followers and maybe even more clients. I thought we could take pics of us working out and say something like,We work hard everywhere, for our clients and in the gym.”
Riley made a noncommittal noise as he pushed the scrambled eggs around a frying pan while Josh put his phone away to butter their toast.
“Thirst traps? I don’t know. Some people might think we’re unprofessional or something.”
“Maybe. Let’s take some pics during our workout and see how they come out.”
A groan was the only response Josh got as Riley plated their eggs next to the toast, and they made their way to the couch to eat.
“We already have to worry about talking to Tobias about the alumni game. Do you really want to piss him off more than we’re about to by taking pictures when we’re supposed to be working out?”
Josh shrugged while he hummed around the fluffy eggs in his mouth. Riley always made them so perfectly.
“I’ll do it. Tobias never gets mad at me,” Josh said.
A guffaw from Riley had Josh flinchingfrom the unexpected noise.
“Oh, he gets mad. But no one canstaymad at you. It’s like a superpower you have.”
They shared a mischievous smile.
“Looks like we’re about to test that superpower!” Josh said.
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When they walked into the gym and saw Chase in Tobias’ usual spot organizing mats and foam blocks, they decided to question Tobias about the game after their workout. They’d both forgotten that their new yoga class started today, and they didn’t want to add any more distractions on top of that.
Josh pulled Riley along by the forearm and walked right up to Chase to say hello. It was only polite to say hi to the new guy, after all.
“Hi! You’re Chase, right?” he said to the man who stood to greet them. He was adorable and looked like he could be a stunt double for Spider-Man. “I’m Josh, and this is Riley.”
Josh threw his arm around Riley’s shoulders and reached out a hand to shake Chase’s, who accepted with a smile.
“Nice to meet you,” he said, a shy smile on his face. “Although, I think I caught you two at that soccer game where I met Mr. Moyer.”
“Chase, I told you to call me Tobias,” the man in question said gruffly as he passed behind the three of them.
“Right, sorry… Tobias,” he said, his cheeks turning pink as his gaze ping-ponged between Tobias and the two of them. Chase struggled with words and hurried to change the subject. “You guys are cute. How long have you been together?”
Riley tensed under Josh’s arm for some reason. Meanwhile, Josh heard laughter from everyone else in the gym, but ignored it.
“Oh, we’ve known each other since we were kids. Partners in crime, right, Ri?”
Riley opened his mouth to speak, only nothing came out.
“That’s so sweet,” Chase said.
