Chapter 11: Unspoken Words

The Quiet After the Storm

The atmosphere between them had shifted.

Iris couldn't pinpoint when it happened—maybe it was during the night race when Luke's teasing turned into something deeper, or when he held her closer than usual, as if he were afraid she might disappear. But now, as they walked back to his house after their little escapade, the air felt thicker, the moments between their words stretched longer than before.

Iris glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. Luke was unusually quiet, his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his leather jacket, his gaze focused ahead of him.

Was it because of the race? She hadn't said much after it, too lost in her own thoughts. She had been impressed, no doubt about that, but what she couldn't admit was that something about watching him ride, the way his body flowed with the machine, made her stomach flutter in ways she didn't want to acknowledge.

She had brushed it off earlier, but now, walking next to him, her heart was doing something weird. It wasn't the first time she'd felt this, but it was stronger now.

Was it just because they'd spent more time together? Or was it something more?

She couldn't ask him, not now.

"You're quiet," she finally said, breaking the silence.

Luke didn't look at her right away. When he did, the teasing glint in his eyes had dimmed. "Just thinking."

"About what?" She tried to sound casual, but her voice betrayed her.

He let out a slow breath. "Nothing important."

Iris narrowed her eyes. "That's not convincing."

Luke's lips curled up slightly. "What's the matter? Don't you trust me?"

"I trust you just fine."

He grinned, but there was something almost shy about it. "That's good to hear."

They continued walking in silence, and this time, it didn't feel as comfortable as usual. She felt the distance between them, though they were physically close. Luke had always been playful and full of life, but tonight, he was quieter, more introspective, almost like he was holding something back.

Was he upset because of the race? He had won, after all, and everyone had celebrated him. But he hadn't been the one to gloat. He'd barely even mentioned it after.

Iris glanced at him again, unsure of what to say. Then, as if reading her mind, Luke spoke up.

"Did you have fun today?"

Iris smiled, feeling a little relieved. "It wasn't what I expected, but yeah, it was fun. Crazy, but fun."

"Yeah," Luke said, his lips twitching. "It was pretty crazy." He paused, his expression turning serious for a moment. "But I'm glad you came with me."

Her heart skipped a beat, and she looked at him. He was still looking straight ahead, but there was a softness in his words that didn't match the usual cocky tone.

"I don't think you could've stopped me even if you tried," Iris said with a smirk, trying to lighten the mood.

Luke laughed, his usual charm returning. "Yeah, you're right. You're just as stubborn as me."

"Some would say it's a gift," Iris replied, her grin widening.

They reached the door to his house, and Luke opened it for her with a flourish. "After you, my lady."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small laugh that escaped her lips. "You are insufferable."

"Why, thank you," Luke said, bowing dramatically.

A Night to Remember

They stepped inside, and the familiar comfort of his house greeted Iris. She always felt at ease here, especially now that she was becoming more comfortable with the space. She kicked off her shoes and set her bag down by the door, stretching her arms above her head.

Luke was already in the kitchen, rummaging through the cabinets. Iris raised an eyebrow.

"What's this? Are we cooking tonight?"

Luke looked over his shoulder, an innocent smile on his face. "You're going to love this."

"Are you making something to eat or plotting to kill me with your 'chef skills' again?" Iris asked, her voice dripping with mock suspicion.

Luke smirked and raised a brow. "You wound me. I'm an excellent cook."

"Prove it."

Luke laughed, the sound rich and easy. He turned back to the fridge, pulling out ingredients. "You're going to regret challenging me."

"I always regret challenging you."

It wasn't long before the kitchen was filled with the chaotic sounds of chopping, sizzling, and the occasional quip from Luke. As much as Iris loved cooking, she had to admit that Luke's carefree attitude made even the most mundane task feel more fun. The way he casually cracked eggs and tossed them into a pan as if he were performing some kind of culinary dance was strangely captivating.

At one point, Iris caught herself staring, and when Luke caught her gaze, he gave her a devilish grin.

"What?"

"Nothing," she replied too quickly.

"Oh, I see," he said, dragging the moment out with teasing eyes. "You're watching me work. You like the view."

Iris rolled her eyes. "You wish."

Luke laughed, but she could see the twinkle of amusement in his eyes. He was enjoying every second of this.

By the time the meal was ready, the kitchen smelled incredible. Luke placed two plates on the table, looking proud of himself.

"I bet you're going to love this," he said, pulling out the chair beside him for her.

"Looks like a disaster."

Luke pretended to be offended, clutching his chest. "I'm hurt, sunshine. I thought you had more faith in me."

"You're lucky it smells good," Iris teased, sitting down and picking up her fork.

They dug into the food, and Luke watched her closely, his expression softer than usual.

"So, what do you think?" he asked.

Iris chewed thoughtfully, then looked up at him with an exaggerated look of surprise. "You actually made something edible."

Luke's face lit up. "Hey! I'm a good cook!"

"You should consider opening a restaurant," she said, picking up another bite.

"Maybe. But I'm too busy being a genius at everything else." He winked at her.

"You're insufferable," Iris repeated, but this time, she couldn't quite hide the affection in her voice.

After dinner, they sat together, watching TV in the living room. Luke sprawled across the couch with his feet propped up on the coffee table, while Iris sat curled up in the corner, trying to keep a safe distance despite the fact that she couldn't stop glancing at him.

He was still teasing, still full of life, but for some reason, tonight, he seemed quieter. His arm brushed hers, and instead of retreating, he let it linger.

Iris shifted uncomfortably but didn't move away. There was an odd comfort in his proximity, something she hadn't realized she needed until it was there.

"What's on your mind?" Luke asked, noticing her distracted look.

Iris blinked, caught off guard. "Nothing. Just tired."

Luke gave her a sideways look. "You sure?"

She smiled faintly. "Yeah. Just thinking about the day."

"Yeah?" He paused for a beat, then added, "I'm glad you're here, Iris."

The words felt like they weighed more than she expected. He said it casually, as if it was nothing, but something in his voice made her heart flutter.

Iris couldn't speak. Instead, she nodded, her throat tightening.

Luke looked at her, his expression suddenly serious. "I'm really glad you're here."

And this time, there was no teasing, no joking. It was just Luke, raw and honest in a way that made Iris's heart race.

She swallowed hard, looking away to avoid letting him see the sudden vulnerability that had taken root inside her.

"Me too," she whispered, barely above a breath.