Chapter 10: An Afternoon of TroubleLuke’s Brilliant Idea

The morning had already been filled with teasing, warmth, and a suspicious amount of clinging from Luke, but Iris should have known better than to think the afternoon would be any quieter.

She was curled up on Luke's couch, a book in her hands, enjoying the rare moment of peace when she felt a presence looming over her.

"Iris."

She didn't look up. "Luke."

He crouched beside her, resting his chin on the arm of the couch, eyes twinkling mischievously. "Let's do something fun."

She turned a page. "I am doing something fun."

Luke groaned dramatically, draping himself over the armrest like he was physically in pain. "You're killing me. Come on, let's go out."

Iris sighed, lowering her book. "Where exactly do you want to go?"

Luke smirked. "That's the fun part—I'm not telling."

Iris gave him a skeptical look. "That sounds like a disaster waiting to happen."

"Trust me, sunshine." He reached out, tugging the book from her hands before she could protest. "You won't regret it."

She sighed, already knowing she was going to give in. "Fine."

Luke grinned, standing up and offering his hand. "Let's go."

Racing Hearts and Engines

Iris should have known.

She should have known that when Luke said fun, it involved something reckless.

She stood in front of the underground racing lot, eyes wide as she took in the sight of bikers revving their engines, cars lined up in competition, and the undeniable smell of gasoline and adrenaline filling the air.

"Luke." She turned to him, her hands on her hips. "You brought me to an illegal street race?"

Luke grinned, looking completely unbothered. "I never said it was illegal."

She narrowed her eyes.

"…Okay, maybe slightly illegal."

Iris groaned. "You are impossible."

Luke leaned down, his face inches from hers. "But you love it."

She refused to react to the butterflies in her stomach. "I tolerate it."

Luke smirked. "We both know that's a lie."

Before she could argue, one of the racers called out to Luke, grinning as he approached. "Jeon! You finally showing your face here again?"

Luke chuckled, clapping the guy's shoulder. "Had to bring someone special this time."

Iris blinked. "Excuse me?"

The racer's eyes flicked to her, his grin widening. "She's cute."

Luke immediately threw an arm around her shoulders, pulling her against him. "I know." His tone was casual, but there was something possessive in the way he held her.

Iris huffed. "I can introduce myself, you know."

Luke smirked. "Go ahead, sunshine."

She rolled her eyes but turned to the racer. "Iris."

"Jay." He gave her a nod. "Hope you don't mind a little excitement. This guy used to own the track before he got all busy."

Iris raised an eyebrow. "Luke? Racing?"

Jay let out a laugh. "Oh, you didn't know?"

Luke sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I might have forgotten to mention that."

Iris crossed her arms. "Of course you did."

Jay smirked. "You should watch him. He's a legend here."

Luke leaned down, his lips close to her ear. "Wanna see me in action, sunshine?"

Iris's breath caught for half a second before she covered it with a scoff. "If you crash, I'm not helping you."

Luke grinned. "I never crash."

And with that, he walked toward his bike, leaving her standing there, heart racing for an entirely different reason.

The Aftermath

Iris should have been annoyed.

She should have scolded Luke the moment he pulled off his helmet, victorious and smug after the race.

But she didn't.

Instead, she let herself be pulled into his world of speed, excitement, and reckless grins.

Luke was glowing, exhilarated from the adrenaline, his dark hair messy, his eyes burning with something intense.

"Did you see that?" He practically bounced on his feet as he reached her.

Iris shook her head. "You are crazy."

Luke smirked. "And yet, you still came with me."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the small smile tugging at her lips.

He leaned in, his voice lower. "Admit it. You were impressed."

Iris huffed, crossing her arms. "I tolerate you."

Luke chuckled. "That's the third time you've said that today."

She tilted her head. "Because it's true."

He grinned. "Sure, honey."

She swatted at him, but he caught her wrist easily, pulling her slightly closer. His eyes flickered to hers, something unreadable in them.

For a brief moment, there was no teasing. No flirting.

Just them.

Then Luke exhaled, smirk returning. "Let's go home, sunshine."

And just like that, the moment passed.

Iris let out a breath, ignoring the strange warmth in her chest.

Luke Jeon was dangerous.

But for some reason, she wasn't sure she wanted to escape.