Chapter 3: Unmasked Encounters

The crisp night air brushed against Iris's skin as she swung her leg off her motorcycle, still feeling the rush of adrenaline from the race. Her heart was pounding, but whether it was from the thrill of the ride or the presence of the stranger beside her, she wasn't sure.

The man removed his helmet, revealing a mess of black hair that fell effortlessly into place. His dark brown eyes, sharp and assessing, held a certain depth—intense yet unreadable. Under the streetlight's dim glow, his features became clearer: a strong jawline, high cheekbones, and full lips that curved slightly in amusement. He was tall—very tall, towering over her at what she guessed was at least 187 centimeters.

Iris took a moment to study him, and despite his intimidating aura, something about him softened when he looked at her. Like a predator that didn't necessarily see her as prey but was intrigued nonetheless.

"You're fast," he said, his voice smooth yet deep, carrying the trace of an accent she couldn't quite place.

Iris smirked, placing her helmet under her arm. "You're not so bad yourself. But I could've won if I really wanted to."

His lips twitched, almost like he wanted to smile but held back. "Is that so?"

She nodded, feigning confidence. "Of course. I was just being nice. Didn't want to bruise your ego."

That time, he did smile. And it was dangerous. A slow, deliberate curve of his lips that made something stir in her stomach. "I appreciate the kindness, but I think we both know you were giving it your all."

Iris clicked her tongue, crossing her arms. "Cocky, aren't you?"

His laughter was quiet but rich, vibrating in the space between them. "Just honest."

A beat of silence settled between them, neither of them in a rush to leave. Iris felt something electric in the air—not romantic, not yet, but something thrilling, something that made her pulse quicken.

"So," she said, shifting her weight. "Do you always challenge strangers to races in the middle of the night?"

He tilted his head slightly, studying her as if considering his answer. "Not usually. But you seemed interesting."

Iris blinked, caught off guard by his bluntness. "Interesting?"

He nodded. "Not many people would take up a challenge from a stranger in a foreign country."

Her brows lifted in amusement. "And yet, here I am."

"Here you are."

Another pause stretched between them before he casually extended a gloved hand toward her. "Luke."

She hesitated only for a second before taking it. His grip was firm, warm even through the leather. "Iris."

His thumb brushed over the back of her hand slightly before he released her. "Nice to meet you, Iris."

"Likewise," she said, but she was still distracted by the way he had said her name, as if testing how it felt on his tongue.

She cleared her throat and gestured toward their bikes. "So, Luke, what now? Another race, or do we just stand here awkwardly all night?"

His lips twitched again. "I'd offer to buy you a drink, but considering we just met, I think I'd rather keep my organs intact."

Iris chuckled. "Smart choice."

Instead, they ended up sitting on the steps of a nearby closed café, their bikes parked side by side under the glow of the streetlights. The conversation flowed easier than expected. She learned that he was from Busan but had lived in Seoul for years. He liked riding at night to clear his head, much like her. He never gave too much away, speaking in half-truths and vague answers, but she found herself drawn to his presence nonetheless.

When she asked him what he did for a living, he simply said, "Something that keeps me busy."

She narrowed her eyes at him but let it go. Everyone had their secrets.

"So, are you planning to stay in Korea long?" he asked, shifting slightly to face her.

She hesitated. "A while."

"How long is a while?"

"Six months, give or take."

Luke's gaze lingered on her, as if trying to read between the lines of her words. "Any particular reason?"

Iris forced a small smile. "Just wanted a change of scenery."

Another lie. But he didn't press. Instead, he nodded, looking thoughtful. "Well, if you ever want a racing rematch, you know where to find me."

She laughed. "And where would that be?"

He smirked. "I have my ways."

Something about the way he said it sent a shiver down her spine. Not in fear, but in anticipation.

They exchanged numbers before parting ways. Iris didn't know why she saved his contact or why she felt a strange pull in her chest when she watched him ride away.

All she knew was that she'd see him again.

And she had no idea how much he would come to mean to her.