Chapter 10 - You Think You Know Me?

Trey ain't the type to second guess himself. But with Zay, it's like... something about this nigga messes with his rhythm.

It's been a few days since the last time Zay just popped up outta nowhere, and now Trey's findin' himself wonderin' what the fuck that's about. He ain't used to someone showin' up like that. Ain't used to someone who just... sticks around.

And it's been messin' with his head.

Tonight, he back at the gym, tryna get his mind right, pumpin' iron like he always do. But today? Today, something feel off. He can't shake the feeling like Zay's been in his thoughts more than usual.

He ain't even hear the door open, but next thing he know, Zay's standin' right by him.

"Damn, Zo, you lookin' like you ready to lift a car."

Trey look over at Zay, already feelin' that familiar irritation. "Nigga, what you want?"

Zay smile wide, leanin' on the dumbbell rack like he own it. "What, I can't just come see a friend?"

Trey roll his eyes, wiping his face with a towel. "We ain't friends."

Zay laugh, loud as hell, not even phased. "Yeah, right. You just don't know it yet."

Trey grunt, grabbin' the weights again. "You actin' like you got some kinda claim on me or some shit."

Zay look at him, eyes sharp. "I don't need no claim, Zo. I just need you to stop actin' like you got your whole shit together when I know you don't."

Trey freeze mid-lift, the weight heavy for a second as the words hit harder than he expected. He set the dumbbell down slow, lookin' at Zay like he just said some wild shit.

"What you talkin' about?" Trey ask, voice low.

Zay's smirk fades for a second, like he's seriously thinkin'. Then, he shrugs. "I'm just sayin'. You walk around like you don't need nobody, like you got it all figured out, but I see through that shit."

Trey's chest tightens, not sure how to respond. He wasn't tryna get all emotional about this, but something about the way Zay lookin' at him make him feel exposed.

"Man, fuck you," Trey says, grabbin' his water bottle, tryin' to shake it off.

Zay don't move, just watches him like he tryna read Trey's soul. "Nah, I'm serious. You think you know me, but you don't. You think I'm just a nigga out here tryna fuck with you, but I'm tryna show you somethin' different."

Trey frown, his head heavy with all the shit Zay just said. "Show me what?"

Zay steps a little closer, his voice quiet but firm. "That I ain't playin' games. I'm here, Zo. I'm always gon' be here."

Trey looks away, tryin' to keep his guard up. He been doin' this too long. He ain't got time to be gettin' attached to nobody, let alone a nigga like Zay.

"Get the fuck outta my face with that emotional shit." Trey's tone cold, but it don't feel like it's stickin'.

Zay, however, just smirks like he know exactly what Trey's doin'. "That's the thing, Zo. You act like it's all tough and shit, but deep down, I know you feelin' it too."

Trey feels his chest tighten again, like Zay just opened a door he don't wanna look inside. He grab his stuff, ready to bounce, but Zay's still right there.

"You don't gotta admit it," Zay continues. "But when you ready to stop frontin', just know I'll be right here."

Trey don't say nothin' else. He just turn and walk away, his mind racin' a thousand miles per minute. He knows he should've been done with this shit, but somehow, Zay's words got him stuck in a loop.

He don't know what to do with that.

And that's what pisses him off the most.