Chapter 21: Unspoken Comfort

It had become a habit by now—Luke showing up at her place unannounced, making himself comfortable as if he lived there. Iris had long given up trying to stop him. She wasn't even surprised anymore when she found him sprawled out on her couch, flipping through her TV channels like he paid the rent.

"Do you ever knock?" she asked, arms crossed as she leaned against the doorway.

Luke smirked but didn't bother looking up. "Do I need to? You always let me in anyway."

She sighed, walking over and plopping onto the other end of the couch. "One day, I might not."

"Nah," he said casually, stretching his long legs out. "You'd miss me too much."

Iris grabbed a cushion and threw it at his face.

Luke barely flinched, catching it with one hand before placing it behind his head. "That was weak, sunshine."

"One of these days, I'll surprise you," she muttered, reaching for the remote he was hogging. He lifted it out of reach effortlessly, an amused glint in his eyes.

"You want this?" he teased, holding it even higher.

"Luke." She shot him a warning glare.

"Say please."

Iris rolled her eyes, lunging for it, but Luke was faster. He caught her wrist, pulling her toward him with ease. She landed with a small yelp, now awkwardly half-leaning over him.

For a second, neither of them moved.

His grip was firm but gentle, his fingers warm against her skin. His dark brown eyes flickered with amusement, but there was something else there too—something quieter, unreadable.

Iris felt her pulse quicken.

"Careful, sunshine," he murmured, smirking. "You keep ending up in my arms like this."

She huffed, pushing against his chest until he let her go. Snatching the remote from his hands, she leaned back against the couch, acting as if nothing had happened. "You're so annoying," she grumbled, but her ears felt warm.

Luke chuckled, looking far too pleased with himself.

Later that evening, Luke convinced her to go on another night ride.

Iris loved the feeling of the wind rushing past her, the way the city lights blurred into streaks of color as they sped through the streets. Riding was one of the few times she felt truly free—no worries, no past, no future. Just the present.

Luke rode beside her, stealing glances her way every now and then. She could tell he was watching her, even with his helmet on.

At a red light, he leaned slightly toward her. "Wanna race?"

She turned her head, raising a brow. "You already know I'll win."

Luke laughed. "Confident tonight, are we?"

"Always."

The light turned green, and they both took off, engines roaring into the night. The thrill of it sent a rush of adrenaline through her veins, the city turning into nothing but a blur of neon and motion.

Luke stayed close beside her, matching her speed effortlessly. Their bikes wove through the empty streets, dancing in perfect sync. She could hear his laughter through the comms, and for a moment, everything felt infinite.

By the time they stopped, they had ended up near the river, the water reflecting the city skyline in a mesmerizing display of lights.

Luke removed his helmet, shaking out his dark hair. He ran a hand through it, his sharp features illuminated by the glow of the streetlights. He looked unfairly good like this—relaxed, slightly breathless, with that lazy smirk of his.

Iris pulled off her own helmet, setting it on her bike. "I won."

Luke scoffed, leaning against his motorcycle. "You wish."

"I know." She crossed her arms, grinning. "You're just too proud to admit it."

He tilted his head, eyes scanning her face. "You always get this competitive?"

"Only when I'm right."

Luke chuckled, shaking his head. "You're something else, sunshine."

She smiled, looking out at the river. The city reflected on the water, shimmering like a dream.

Luke was quiet for a moment before he spoke again, voice softer this time. "You looked happy back there. On the road."

Iris glanced at him. His expression had changed—no teasing, no smirking. Just something sincere.

"Riding makes me feel alive," she admitted.

Luke nodded as if he understood. "Then we'll do it as much as you want."

There was something about the way he said it—so certain, so simple. As if it was obvious, as if making sure she was happy was just something that came naturally to him.

Iris looked at him, feeling something strange stir in her chest.

She pushed it down.

"Good," she said lightly, bumping her shoulder against his. "Because I plan on winning every time."

Luke chuckled, shaking his head. "We'll see about that, sunshine."

And just like that, they fell back into their easy rhythm, teasing and challenging each other. But something lingered in the air between them—something unspoken, something she wasn't ready to name yet.