Close proximity

Kamsi frowned, hesitating before climbing onto the bike. The moment her body brushed against his, she instinctively scooted away, feeling a shiver crawl down her spine. Sitting behind him, she could just make out the wicked curve of Xavier's lips, that devilish smile teasing her nerves. Then, without warning, the engine roared to life, and the tires screeched against the pavement.

Her heart leaped into her throat, and she clutched onto him, her fingers gripping the thick leather of his jacket as fear nudged her closer to his back. Xavier seemed to take her fear as a challenge. The bike surged forward, speeding up as if he was daring her to hold on tighter. And she did, her arms wrapping around his waist, eyes squeezing shut as she fought the sensation that any moment, she might be flung into the air.

"Oh my goodness, this is insane!" Her thoughts raced as fast as the wind whipping past them. But just when she thought she couldn't take it anymore, when the fear almost felt like it would swallow her whole, Xavier eased off the throttle. The bike slowed, and she let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. Gradually, her grip loosened, and she opened her eyes, taking in the blur of buildings and trees that now felt less like a threat and more like a beautiful rush of color and light.

They arrived at their building, the bike coming to a smooth halt. Kamsi's arms still lingered around his waist, the warmth of his body a stark contrast to the cool air. It was only when she finally let go and stepped off the bike that she realized how close she had been.

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Xavier's smirk was sharp, almost as if he had been waiting for this moment. As she began to walk away, his voice cut through the silence. "Hey!" he called out, making her pause. She turned, finding him still seated on the bike, his head gesturing toward the helmet she had forgotten she was still wearing.

"Do you plan on keeping that as a souvenir?" he asked, amusement dancing in his eyes. Heat crept up her neck as she hurriedly removed the helmet, feeling the sting of embarrassment.

"I—sorry," she stammered, handing it back to him. But before she could escape, his voice caught her once more.

"Nudist, you sure are living up to your name," Xavier remarked, his gaze flicking down to her skirt. Kamsi's heart sank as she realized the back of her skirt had ridden up, exposing far more than she intended.

"Aaaaah!" she shrieked, face burning with humiliation. She fumbled to fix her skirt and darted away, Xavier's dry chuckle echoing behind her, more than pleased with the effect he'd had on her.

Slamming the door behind her, Kamsi leaned against it, her cheeks still aflame. "God, what kind of day is this?" she groaned, covering her face with her hands. If she had thought the helmet blunder was bad, this was a whole new level of mortification. "How am I ever going to face him again?" she wondered, sinking deeper into her embarrassment.

When Xavier got home, he found Gilbert and Damon lounging on the couch. Earlier, they had offered to pick up Ruby, then ordered food and played video games with her, only to be beaten repeatedly. "Xav!" Ruby's face lit up as she rushed to hug him,"porcupine !", he called out,a nickname only Xavier used for her.

"Where's Mom? Is she okay now? Is she coming home?" Ruby fired off her questions, her eyes wide with concern. Xavier knelt to her level, a soft smile on his lips. "Shh," he soothed. "She's fine, but still in the hospital." He watched her smile falter, but quickly added, "She'll be home tomorrow." Ruby's face brightened instantly, relief washing over her.

"Thanks, bruh!" Xavier said to his friends, clapping their shoulders and shaking hands. "No big deal," Damon replied with a grin. "We had fun with the little demon," he added under his breath, earning a sharp glare from Ruby.

"Your friends are terrible gamers, by the way," Ruby declared, her smirk triumphant. "I beat them flat!"

Xavier raised an eyebrow, amused. "No, we let her win," Gilbert muttered, but Ruby scoffed, unimpressed.

"How about a four-player game, then?" Damon suggested, trying to keep a straight face.

"You're on," Ruby shot back, surprising both of them. Damon winced and turned to Gilbert. "We're on the same team, buddy," he muttered, while Gilbert shook his head, chuckling. "Shameless."

Later, after tucking Ruby into bed, Xavier returned to the living room, a wave of relief washing over him. "The little demon finally asleep?" Damon asked with a grin. Xavier smiled, nodding. "Thanks, guys."

"No problem," Gilbert and Damon replied in unison, and Xavier playfully punched their shoulders.

"For real, though, what's going on with you and Trish?" Gilbert asked, his tone casual but curious.

Xavier frowned, sinking into the couch. "Patricia? It's nothing, man. She's just all over me."

Damon hummed thoughtfully. "Heard some of the cheerleaders were talking—"

Xavier cut him off with a smirk, a dismissive wave of his hand. "It's all bullshit."

"But she's hot, and..." Damon began, but Xavier shot him a sharp look. "And I don't give a damn."

Damon shrugged. "Yeah, 'cause you're busy with that even hotter chick from... where again?"

"Naija!" Gilbert and Damon chorused, bursting into laughter.

Xavier smiled, shaking his head. "You guys can't be serious."

"We see you, bro, we do," Damon teased.

Xavier chuckled, rolling his eyes. "Come on."

Kamsi stepped out onto the balcony, the cool night air a welcome contrast to the chaos swirling in her mind. She gripped the railing, her thoughts tangled, when a voice, low and smooth, broke through her reverie.

"You still seem flushed from earlier," Xavier's tone was teasing, his words carrying a hint of playful mischief. "Don't worry, memory erased."

Startled, Kamsi turned to find Xavier leaning casually against the railing beside her. The surprise on her face softened into a look of gratitude. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely carrying over the sound of the night breeze.

As she tried to collect her thoughts, Xavier's sudden movement caught her attention. Her eyes widened in disbelief as he began scaling the wall, his actions swift and almost reckless. "What the hell are you doing?!" Kamsi's voice trembled with shock, her heart pounding as she watched him.

But Xavier didn't falter, each step calculated, his determination clear. Kamsi's breath hitched, panic tightening in her chest as she realized how dangerous his stunt was. One slip, one wrong move, and—

Finally, he hoisted himself over the railing, landing on her balcony with a triumphant grin. "Now that we're alone, what should we do?" His eyes sparkled with a mix of mischief and something deeper, something that sent a shiver down Kamsi's spine.

She took a step back, her mind reeling. "What are you doing, Xavier? This is crazy!" Her voice was a mix of fear and confusion, her pulse racing as she tried to make sense of his actions.

Xavier chuckled, the sound low and confident. "Just thought I'd keep you company," he said, his smirk widening. "Since you're all alone."

Kamsi's eyes narrowed, her thoughts a whirlwind. Was he being sincere, or was there something more behind his boldness? She tried to remain calm, but her heart wouldn't slow its frantic beat.

As Xavier inched closer, the distance between them shrinking, Kamsi felt her breath catch in her throat. His gaze was intense, locking onto hers with a force that made her feel exposed, vulnerable. The warmth of his breath brushed her skin, sending a wave of heat through her.

Time seemed to stand still. Kamsi's heart hammered in her chest, anticipation coiling tight within her. Xavier leaned in, his face mere inches from hers, their lips growing closer…