Ethan and Marco had been part of the Brighton Cyclists for over a year, but they’d never really spoken beyond casual group chatter. Every Sunday, they rode with the club along the coastal trails, wind whipping past as they pedaled in sync with the pack.
Shy Ethan had always noticed Marco—his strong legs, easy laugh, and the way he adjusted his helmet just before they took off. But he never acted on it. After all, how did one even navigate dating within a cycling club?
One Sunday, as they stopped for a break at a small café, Ethan caught Marco glancing at him. A quick flicker of the eyes, a half-smile. It wasn’t much, but Ethan’s gaydar blipped just enough.
He decided to test it.
GAYDAR
“Hey, Marco,” Ethan said, nudging his water bottle. “You ever use your gaydar?”
Marco arched an eyebrow. “You mean, to figure out who’s…?”
“Yeah,” Ethan said, heartbeat kicking up a notch. “I think mine’s picking up something right now.”
Marco smirked and leaned in just a bit. “Funny. So is mine.”
Ethan grinned. “So, how about we put our gaydar to good use? Dinner, just us, after next week’s ride?”
Marco chuckled, adjusting his helmet in that way Ethan had grown to like. “Sounds like a plan.”
As the group prepared to get back on their bikes, Ethan felt a rush of excitement. Maybe cycling wasn’t the only thing they’d be riding together.
Luckily after they had dinner together they really clicked. They had a lot more in common than just riding bikes. They found out that they enjoyed most of the same movies. Although Marco liked a lot more action movies – he enjoyed a good romance as well.
The only thing they couldn’t agree on was Drag Race. Marco didn’t like it at all. But Ethan suggested that the drag contestants do an episode where they all cycle wearing heels.
