[M4F] A Romance on Two Wheels (Tomboy Alt Girl x Mild-Mannered Normie Guy)

They live in the same apartment complex. She's always lived in this town, he moved in for work.

Every morning, they head out at the same time. He dons his cheap polyester suit and shambles off to his mind-numbing office job. A nobody, a faceless number. She puts on the bike shop uniform, spending the day doing what she loves, a skilled mechanic and cool, charismatic saleswoman. Beloved by colleagues and clients alike.

On weekends, she sees him bring out his sleek road bike, lycra-clad and determined. He heads out early, while she's still loading her mountain bike (or BMX) onto the truck, along with a few crates of beer.

He's quiet, keeps to himself and most definitely lives alone. She often has company. Friends, co-workers, newbie riders asking for advice. He's quite clearly single. She's gone through a few partners. Competitive riders. Underground band members. That one decently well known skateboarder.

In spite of their shared passion for everything pedal-powered, they seem to live in completely different worlds. Still, she notices him. His bike first, of course. She can't help but respect the perfect shape he keeps his mid-range, slightly dated rig in. She can tell that the guy does some serious riding, too. Tall, lean, he easily puts some semi-pros to shame. That lycra kit leaves little to imagination. She says hello at times. He nods in response, painfully shy and awkward. But the timid smile he manages is charming somehow.

One fateful day, the town announces it will host a national amateur cycling festival. Road tests, mountain bike tests, BMX competition and the main event, a gravel race, bringing road and off-road riders together. And for the first time, the two come face to face as he walks into the store, signing up for the event and, savings in hand, looking for a gravel bike. She's on duty and, for the first time, she has a chance to actually speak to the man.

And then they f... well, not yet, not necessarily at least. We can take this slow, or we can make things happen fast. A test ride together? Hanging out at the apartment complex when someone's AC breaks? Sharing the thrill of competing in the event? I want them to grow close. Open up. I want Friendship. Romance. I want them to invade each other's lives, merge their worlds into one. I want tan lines. Sweat and chain lubricant. I want exploring and experimenting. And riding. Lots of riding.

Also, please, no cheating, no betrayal of trust, no abuse, no torment.