How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift? IF: The Return of Gina Boyd
Sakura Hibiki has a problem—and it's not just the two kilos she just gained.
Between her bottomless appetite, her empty house, and her hopeless crush on a certain trainer whose muscles defy the laws of nature, Hibiki's "serious about getting fit" resolution is hanging by a thread. But when a silver-haired stranger with piercing blue eyes snatches the last sakura mochi protein cup right out from under her nose at Muscle Mart, Hibiki's comfortable routine shatters in an instant.
That stranger is
How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift? IF: The Return of Gina Boyd - Crying Over Bench Press ~Our First Barbell Lift Together~
The smell of toasting bread drifted through the morning living room.
Sakura Hibiki stood at the kitchen counter, rolling a fried egg around the pan, and let out a yawn. She hadn't slept well the night before. From the room next door had come Gina's sleep-talking—"I won't... lose..."—in a voice so fiercely determined it had stuck in her ears.
"Gina, breakfast is ready!"
The moment Hibiki called out, a clatter of footsteps came thundering down the stairs from the second floor. Silver bob hair swinging, Gina Boyd burst into the living room. White pajamas. Her blue eyes were already fully awake.
"Morning, Hibiki. Today's the day I win."
"Morning, Gina. You're full of energy this early."
Gina dropped into a chair and immediately gripped her fork, glaring at the fried egg as if it were an enemy. Hibiki bit into her toast with a wry smile.
Day three of their living arrangement. She'd already gotten used to Gina's intensity. No—more than used to it, she'd started to find the morning bustle genuinely fun. For Hibiki, who'd lived alone for so long, sharing breakfast with someone was special in itself.
"Hey, Gina. Want to hit the gym today?"
Hibiki asked between bites of toast, and Gina's hand stopped.
"...The gym?"
"Yeah. Silverman Gym. It's where I always train. Today's a real training day for me."
Gina lowered her eyes for just a moment. She set down her fork and traced the edge of the table with her fingertip.
"In Moscow, I... trained alone. It's been a while since I've been to a gym."
Her voice was a little different from its usual competitive tone. Hibiki watched her carefully. This girl who always acted tough looked just a tiny bit anxious.
"It'll be fine! You've got me. And there's a trainer named Machio-san too. It's super fun!"
When Hibiki flashed her fang-toothed grin, Gina lifted her head. A little light returned to those blue eyes.
"...Fine. I'll go."
"Alright! Then let's hurry up and get ready!"
Hibiki stood and headed for her room. Watching her go, Gina let out a small breath.
(I'll be fine. I've done everything on my own until now.)
Gina whispered it to herself and gripped the hem of her pajamas tight.
◆
Nine in the morning. The area in front of Sakuragioka Station had settled into a calm lull after the morning commute rush.
Five minutes on foot from the station, a three-story glass building caught the morning sun and gleamed silver. Above the entrance, a silver logo—"Silverman Gym." A high-end fitness club chain with forty-seven locations nationwide and twelve overseas. The Sakuragioka branch boasted around eight hundred members, and it was Hibiki's home gym.
"This is Silverman Gym, Sakuragioka branch."
When Hibiki turned around to say it, Gina stood frozen, staring up at the building without moving a muscle.
"...It's big. Much bigger than the Moscow branch."
"Yeah? Well, I hear the equipment's amazing. Not that I'd really know."
Hibiki passed through the automatic doors. Gina followed a beat behind.
Inside, cool air and a faint scent of disinfectant. The woman at the front desk bowed with a smile. On the wall hung a framed quote from the founder: "Muscles never betray you."
"Welcome, Hibiki-san. You have a guest with you today."
"Oh, yes. This is Gina. She's here for a trial today."
When Hibiki explained, the receptionist turned her smile toward Gina. Gina gave a small, stiff nod, her expression sour.
"I'm Gina Boyd. Nice to meet you."
"My, what a beautiful young lady. Are you from Russia?"
"Yes, well."
Gina answered curtly and positioned herself half-hidden behind Hibiki's back. Hibiki noticed and waved to the receptionist.
"We'll go get changed, then!"
The two headed for the locker room. Gina walked along, eyes darting around at everything. Curiosity and nerves mingled in her gaze.
◆
When they reached the training floor, several members were already working up a sweat. The clang of metal, heavy breathing, the hum of treadmill motors. The moment Gina stepped into that atmosphere, she stopped in her tracks.
"...That smell. It brings back memories."
Gina murmured softly. Hibiki glanced at her profile.
"Gina, over here, over here. I wonder if Machio-san's in today."
Hibiki walked on, her voice bright. And then—
"Oh, Hibiki-chan. You're looking lively today, as always."
A cheerful voice came from the back of the floor.
She turned to see a slim man in a white polo shirt. A gentle smile, kind eyes. Handsome in that fresh, model-like way. Silverman Gym's trainer—Machio Naruzo.
"Machio-san! Good morning!"
Hibiki's face lit up as she hurried over. She fiddled with her hair without thinking. Around Machio, she always did.
"Morning. You've got a friend with you today?"
Machio turned his eyes to Gina, standing behind Hibiki.
"Oh, yes. This is Gina Boyd. She's from Russia—she was at the Moscow branch."
When Hibiki made the introduction, Machio's eyes went wide.
"Oh, the Moscow branch! That's a serious place. A prestigious gym that's produced multiple world champions."
Machio smiled at Gina.
"Nice to meet you, Gina-san. I'm Machio Naruzo. I'm a trainer here. Looking forward to working with you."
Gina stared up at Machio's face.
"...Nice to meet you."
Her voice was smaller than usual.
(What's with this guy? His face looks so gentle, but...)
Gina's gaze drifted below Machio's neck. Under the white polo shirt, there was something.
(...Everything below his neck is just wrong.)
"Alright then, since we've got a first-timer, let's start by going over form."
Machio said it with a bright smile.
And then, without any warning at all, he began to pose.
"First, focus on the chest muscles—"
Rrrip.
The front of his polo shirt tore with a sound.
"Wha—"
A strangled yelp escaped Gina's mouth.
What emerged from beneath the torn fabric was a mass of muscle beyond all common sense. His pectorals bulged like armor, his shoulders thick as logs. The slim, fresh-faced handsome man from a moment ago had become a different creature from the neck down.
"Wh-why did his clothes rip?!"
As Gina practically shouted, Hibiki smiled wryly beside her.
"That's just how Machio-san is. It happens all the time—don't worry about it, don't worry about it."
"All the time?! Those muscles are an all-the-time thing?!"
Gina's eyes bugged out as she stared at Machio's arm. It was thicker than her thigh.
"Haha, I get that a lot. But muscles are honest—the clothes just can't keep up."
Machio laughed cheerfully and kept posing. He spread his back, flexed his arms, carved out his abs. Each time, the remaining fabric tore with a rip-rip-rip.
"...Japanese gyms sure are something."
Gina muttered, dazed.
(There was nobody like this in Moscow.)
Then Gina noticed something. The tension had drained from her body, just a little.
(...Somehow, I feel looser.)
Watching Machio keep posing without a care for his shredded shirt, and Hibiki watching him like it was the most normal thing in the world, Gina let out a small laugh.
◆
"Alright, let's try some bench press today."
Machio pointed to a bench press station in the free weights area. Gina stared at it.
"Bench press... have you done it before?"
"...Yes. A little, in Moscow."
Gina answered, but there was no confidence in her voice.
(The truth is, I've barely done it at all.)
The Moscow branch had little equipment. What Gina mainly did was bodyweight training and sambo practice using momentum. She'd had only a handful of experiences with proper barbell training.
"Then let's start by learning the form. Is the rack height right for you?"
When Machio asked, Gina tilted her head, troubled.
"The rack... height?"
"The height of the stand that holds the barbell. Ideally, with your arms extended, you should just barely be able to reach the bar."
Machio explained while adjusting the rack height. Gina watched his hands closely.
"...I've only ever done it alone. I never even thought about rack height."
Gina's voice trembled, just slightly.
"It's fine. Everyone's like that at first. Let's learn together."
Machio smiled gently. Gina felt, just a little, that his smile saved her.
"Now, first lie back on the bench. Squeeze your shoulder blades together, chest up. Feet planted firmly on the floor."
Gina lay back on the bench as instructed. The ceiling lights seemed blinding.
"Grip the bar a little wider than shoulder width. Keep your wrists straight."
Gina gripped the bar. The cold feel of the metal spread through her palms.
"...Is this right?"
"Yeah, looks good. Now unrack it and lower it slowly."
Gina put strength into her arms and lifted the bar. She unhooked it from the rack.
Heavy.
(Heavy... how many kilos is this?)
"Right now it's twenty kilos. Just the bar. You okay?"
"I-I'm fine..."
Gina lowered the bar slowly, desperately supporting it. But her form was breaking down. Her shoulders pushed forward, her wrists bending.
"Ah, hold on. Your wrists are bending. Keep them straight—"
The instant Machio called out, Gina's right arm gave way with a lurch.
"—!"
The bar bore down toward her chest.
(It's heavy! I can't lift it!)
The blood drained from Gina's face.
"Gina-san!"
Machio started to rush over. But before he could—
"I've got it! I'll support you!"
Hibiki had already moved behind the bench.
She grabbed the bar with both hands above Gina's head and heaved it up.
"Wh—Hibiki?"
"I'll spot you. Gina, breathe with me! Ready—now!"
Hibiki's voice flew into Gina's ears.
"Ready—now!"
Gina reflexively put strength into her arms.
Their breaths overlapped.
"—Nngh!"
"—Heave!"
The bar rose slowly.
Gina's arms and Hibiki's arms. Their strength gathered into a single bar.
"Almost there! To the rack!"
"...Ngh!"
With a clank, the bar settled into the rack.
Gina lay there on the bench, staring up at the ceiling. Her chest heaved violently. Her breathing was ragged.
"...Hah, hah."
"You okay? Gina."
Hibiki peered down at her, worried.
Hibiki's blonde hair came into Gina's field of vision. Beyond it, the gym's ceiling lights.
(...Ah. I see.)
Gina thought hazily.
(That's the first time I've ever lifted a barbell together with someone.)
In that moment, tears spilled from Gina's eyes.
"Wh—?! Gina, what's wrong?! Does something hurt?!"
Hibiki touched Gina's shoulder in a panic.
Gina shook her head.
"N-no... it doesn't hurt..."
Her voice shook. The tears wouldn't stop.
"In Moscow... there was so little equipment. I never trained together with anyone."
Gina went on, not even trying to wipe her tears.
"I just did it alone, silently. Having someone spot me—it was my first time, and... somehow, I'm happy."
Gina's voice nearly faded away at the end.
Hibiki listened to her words in silence.
(This girl... she's been alone all this time.)
Something tightened deep in Hibiki's chest.
"...Gina."
Hibiki gently placed her hand on Gina's head.
Silver hair slipped through her fingers.
"Then from now on, I'll spot you. Let's do it together tomorrow too!"
Hibiki flashed her fang-toothed grin.
Gina looked up at her, face still wet with tears.
(...That smile is unfair.)
Gina thought.
(When you show me a smile like that, how am I supposed to say no?)
Gina gave a small nod.
"...Yes. Tomorrow too. Together."
Her voice was trembling with tears, but she was definitely smiling.
◆
After finishing their training, the two were changing in the gym's locker room.
Hibiki peeled off her sweat-soaked tank top and wiped herself down with a sports towel. Beside her, Gina was redoing her silver hair.
"Man, that was a good sweat today!"
"Yes. ...Your spotting was surprisingly reliable."
Gina said it, glancing sideways at Hibiki.
"Right? I'm confident in my arm strength, at least."
When Hibiki laughed, Gina gave a little huff through her nose.
"Don't get carried away. If I got serious, you wouldn't stand a—"
Just as Gina started to speak, voices came from outside the locker room.
"Hey, did you see it? The bulletin
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