The road stretched ahead of them in long ribbons of fading light, the city slowly thinning into wider streets and quieter turns. Ethan rode the bike with steady hands, the engine humming beneath them like a second heartbeat. Lucian sat behind him, one arm wrapped around Ethan's waist, fingers lightly gripping the fabric of his jacket, not tight enough to restrain, just enough to remind himself that this was real, that Ethan was truly there and not just another memory resurfacing to haunt him.
The wind pressed against Lucian's face, cool and sharp, yet his thoughts were warm
, too warm. They looped back without permission.
"Can I have the permission to kiss you?"
