Chapter 3: The Muscle Trap

Budi was panting as he stepped into Rocky’s gym. Cold sweat soaked his back despite the double-layered leather jacket he wore. He figured that in a place crowded with people pumping iron, he would be safe. His logic was simple: Rocky wouldn’t dare act recklessly in front of so many witnesses.

“Damn it, I hope this place can serve as my fortress,” Budi muttered quietly.

No sooner had he walked past the receptionist than he spotted Rocky flexing his biceps in front of a large mirror. The man’s eyes accidentally caught sight of Budi. Instantly, Rocky’s movements froze. He dropped his barbell with a loud crash that silenced the entire gym for a moment.

“Budi? It’s rare to see you seeking out a workout here, Bro,” Rocky’s voice boomed. He approached with heavy steps, his muscles glistening with sweat looking incredibly intimidating.

“I... I just wanted to exercise, Rock. You know, to stay healthy,” Budi replied nervously, trying to keep his distance.

Rocky stopped right in front of Budi. His nostrils flared again, greedily inhaling the air around him. “Exercise? You’re lying. You came here because you know I’m the one who needs whatever is inside your body, right?”

“What are you talking about, Rock? I just want to hit the gym. Don’t start,” Budi tried to shift aside, but Rocky swiftly blocked his path.

“Stop playing innocent. Your scent is getting crazier. It’s not like martabak anymore; it’s like vanilla heated over a stove. It makes me want to devour you right now,” Rocky whispered, his voice raspy and filled with irresistible desire.

“Rock, please, not here. There are lots of people!” Budi glanced at other members who were starting to pay attention to them.

Rocky smirked, though the smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Oh, you’re afraid of being seen? Fine then, come with me to the locker room. We can talk ‘privately’ there, okay?”

“No way! If that’s how it is, I’m leaving,” Budi turned around, but Rocky’s large, hard hand immediately grabbed his shoulder, holding him in place.

“Don’t run, Budi. If you flee, I’ll chase you down to any ant hole you hide in. Better just obey. Let’s go inside, just for a second,” Rocky whispered, his fingers pressing firmly into Budi’s shoulder.

Budi trembled violently. He had no choice but to follow Rocky’s lead as the man dragged him toward the quiet corridor leading to the locker rooms. As soon as they entered the room smelling of sweat and disinfectant, Rocky slammed the door shut and locked it with a single jerk. The click of the lock sounded like a death sentence to Budi’s ears.

“There, now it’s just us two. No one will disturb us, no one will see,” Rocky took off his jacket, revealing broad, sweaty chest muscles.

“What do you actually want, Rock? I’m not food! I’m a human being!” Budi screamed, trying to find an opening to escape, but Rocky cornered him against a row of metal lockers.

“Human? Maybe. But to me, you’re an addiction. Try explaining why your scent makes me feel so thirsty? Why do I feel like if I don’t taste just a little bit of your skin, I’ll go crazy?” Rocky pressed his body against Budi’s, trapping him between Rocky’s hard muscles and the cold locker door.

“I don’t know! I just found a weird snail on the beach, and it bit me! I swear, that’s all!” Budi squeezed his eyes shut, his breathing ragged as he felt Rocky’s hands begin to crawl up his neck.

“A snail?” Rocky chuckled softly, his laughter sounding low and dangerous. “Whatever it is, it seems like either a curse or the most beautiful blessing for me.”

“Rock, let go! I need to breathe!” Budi tried to push against Rocky’s chest, but his efforts were futile. Rocky was like an immovable concrete wall.

“I’ll let you go, but on one condition,” Rocky said, his eyes staring intensely at Budi’s lips. “Tomorrow, you have to come back here. Alone. If you don’t show up, don’t blame me when I come to your apartment and smash your door until it breaks.”

“T-tomorrow? But...”

“No buts, Budi. Now, give me time to smell your aroma from closer. Just for a moment,” Rocky lowered his face to the hollow of Budi’s neck, taking long breaths that felt hot against Budi’s skin.

“It hurts, Rock... don’t press so hard...” Budi sighed as he felt Rocky’s intense breathing.

“You’re delicious, Budi. I swear, this is going to become my obsession,” Rocky whispered in Budi’s ear, sending chills down the young man’s spine.

After what felt like an eternity, Rocky finally stepped back, though his hand remained reluctant to release its grip on Budi’s shoulder. With his other hand, he unlocked the door.

“Leave now. Before I change my mind and lock you in here until tomorrow morning,” Rocky said coldly.

Budi did not waste the opportunity. He immediately grabbed his bag and ran out of the locker room without looking back even once. His breath was still ragged when he reached the motorcycle parking lot, his heart pounding rapidly from both fear and the strange sensation left by Rocky’s touch.

As Budi started his motorcycle, he saw Rocky’s shadow behind the gym window, standing tall with a satisfied smirk. Rocky waved slowly, a clear threat implied in the gesture.

“Tomorrow, Budi. I’ll be waiting for you here. Don’t be late,” Rocky’s voice was faint, but enough for Budi to understand that his life had just turned into a nightmare with no exit.

Budi floored the gas pedal, leaving the gym building with one question spinning endlessly in his head: Would he truly return tomorrow, or would he run as far as possible from the men who now viewed him as a delectable meal?