The steam had started to fade, replaced by the hum of water and occasional shouts from across the locker room. He didn’t miss it. But my body wasn’t exactly listening. It was fast, efficient, like he’d done this for teammates before. I was eager to prove I wasn’t just some scrawny guy who got winded climbing stairs. “Sup, freshie?” he said, catching my gaze with a quick grin. His other hand reached up to my shoulder, massaging it gently, like he was helping me ride the waves of confusion and sensation that were crashing through me. It was fast, efficient, like he’d done this for teammates before. I melted, dropping my head as he massaged little knots and sore spots I didn’t even know I had.
