Chapter 18: Just Friends, For Now

Iris tried to shake off the unease that had settled in her chest, but it clung to her like a shadow. The evening's ride with Luke had been perfect—just like every other time they spent together—but this time, there was something different. Her thoughts kept drifting back to his words, the weight in his voice when he'd told her he was there for her.

She wasn't sure what it was, but something had shifted in that quiet moment at the overlook. It felt like the air around them had thickened, like their friendship was teetering on the edge of something else. But maybe she was just overthinking it. Maybe it was nothing. Maybe she was reading too much into everything.

Luke was just a friend. That's all he was. A friend she could talk to, laugh with, race motorcycles with, and just be with. There was no need to complicate things. She couldn't let herself overanalyze every little thing.

Shaking her head, Iris focused on the task at hand—keeping her thoughts from spiraling further.

It had been a busy week, filled with work, some quiet downtime, and a few impromptu motorcycle rides, but nothing out of the ordinary. Luke had invited her to his apartment to watch movies later that night, and she'd agreed, eager for another night of unwinding in each other's company.

It was moments like these that she treasured the most. When the world was quiet, and it was just the two of them, joking around, or even sitting in comfortable silence, letting the night pass without rushing through it. Those were the times that kept her grounded, that reminded her how nice it was to have someone who was just there—no expectations, no pressure, just good, uncomplicated fun.

Later that evening, Iris arrived at Luke's apartment, a little out of breath after the quick walk from her place. She'd been so wrapped up in her thoughts that she hadn't even noticed the time. But now that she was here, she was glad. She loved spending time with Luke, even if it was just sitting around doing nothing.

Luke greeted her at the door with that characteristic smile that always made her feel a little lighter, a little more at ease. "Hey, sunshine. You're late," he teased, stepping aside to let her in.

Iris rolled her eyes playfully. "I'm not that late."

"Uh, you're ten minutes late. I was starting to think you ditched me," he said, grinning as he led her to the couch.

Iris dropped her bag on the floor and plopped down next to him. "Well, I had to make sure I looked presentable for our movie marathon. Don't want to scare you with my 'I've been running around all day' look."

Luke raised an eyebrow. "Too late for that. But don't worry, you still look cute," he added with a wink, making Iris laugh and nudge him playfully.

"Stop it," she said, trying to fight off the butterflies that always seemed to flutter in her stomach when he teased her.

Luke just grinned wider, clearly enjoying the effect he had on her. "What can I say? It's the truth."

They settled in, the soft glow of the TV illuminating the room as they flipped through movies. Iris wasn't really paying attention to the screen; she was more focused on the warmth of Luke's presence next to her, the way his leg brushed against hers as they sat side by side. The familiarity of it all was comforting—easy, even.

"So, what's the plan for tonight?" Luke asked, breaking the silence. "You want to watch something intense, or are you feeling like a comedy?"

Iris shrugged, glancing at the screen. "Honestly, I'm kind of in the mood for something light. I need a break from all the stress."

"I got you," Luke said, reaching for the remote and finding a random comedy. "This is a classic. You'll love it."

It wasn't long before they were both laughing at the ridiculousness on screen, the sound of their laughter filling the room. Luke always had a way of making everything more fun, more enjoyable. His presence was magnetic—effortlessly drawing people in. But it wasn't just his charm. It was the way he made Iris feel like she was the only one in the room when he looked at her.

She tried to ignore the way her heart beat a little faster every time he smiled at her, or how his presence made her feel at ease in a way that she hadn't felt in a long time. He was just a friend. She kept reminding herself of that. He was just a friend she enjoyed spending time with.

As the movie progressed, Iris found herself getting more and more comfortable. The laughter and easy conversation helped distract her from the nagging feeling that had been creeping in ever since that night on the bike. Luke was still just a friend. She wasn't looking for anything more, not now, not with everything else going on.

The movie ended, but neither of them moved right away. They both sat there, lost in the quiet, until Iris finally leaned back against the couch with a sigh, closing her eyes.

"Thanks for tonight, Luke. I needed this," she said, her voice soft but sincere.

Luke glanced over at her, his expression changing for a moment—more serious, almost as if he was about to say something. But then he smiled, and it was back to that playful, easygoing Luke she had come to know.

"Of course, sunshine," he said, his voice teasing again. "You know I've got your back. Anytime."

And just like that, Iris felt that familiar warmth settle over her again. The reassurance that, even though things were a little complicated in her head, she didn't have to worry about it with Luke. He was just a friend, after all.

As the night wore on, they continued to chat, joked around, and eventually settled into an easy silence, both of them content in the quiet companionship.

Later, when Iris got up to leave, Luke walked her to the door, that familiar smile on his face. "You're sure you're okay? You seem a little... off tonight."

Iris hesitated but smiled back, trying to keep the mood light. "I'm fine, really. Just... overthinking stuff, as usual."

Luke studied her for a moment before nodding. "Well, if you ever need to talk, you know where to find me."

"I know, Luke. Thanks."

With a quick wave, she stepped out into the night, her heart a little heavier than it had been before. But she didn't let herself dwell on it too much. It wasn't a big deal. She was overthinking. Luke was just a friend, and she needed to remember that.

As she walked back to her apartment, the cool air on her face, Iris allowed herself a deep breath. It was okay. She didn't need anything else right now. Friendship was enough.

And that was all it ever needed to be.