Red Strings

Chapter Four

Hesitantly, Satang took the helmet and put it on, though his movements were slow and uncertain. Winny swung his leg over the seat, straddling the bike with ease, and then put on his own helmet.

"Hop on," Winny said, motioning behind him.

Satang reluctantly climbed on, trying to keep some distance between them, but the seat didn't give him much room. "You really do drive safely, right?" he asked nervously.

Winny chuckled, turning his head slightly. "Yeah, yeah. But you better hold on. I drive fast when it's clear."

Before Satang could protest, Winny reached back, grabbed Satang's arms, and pulled them securely around his waist.

"W-what are you doing?!" Satang stammered, his face heating up instantly.

Winny teased him with a mischievous grin under his helmet. "Unless you want to fall off, you'll want to hold on tight. Don't worry—I won't tell anyone you hugged me," he added with a wink in his voice.

Satang clammed up, biting back any further protests. His face burned as he adjusted his grip slightly, his hands clutching Winny's waist firmly.

Winny started the engine, the deep rumble vibrating beneath them, and without another word, they sped off.

The ride was fast, the wind rushing past them, and Satang quickly realized just how reckless yet precise Winny's driving was. He weaved skillfully through traffic, taking turns with such confidence that it both terrified and impressed Satang.

Satang squeezed his eyes shut, clinging tightly to Winny, the adrenaline rushing through him making his heart pound. It wasn't until they slowed down, pulling into a small street-side restaurant, that Satang realized the ride was over.

When the bike came to a full stop, Satang loosened his grip but didn't immediately move. Winny glanced back, amused.

"You can let go now," Winny said, his tone laced with amusement.

Satang jolted, realizing how tightly he'd been holding on. "Oh! Right... sorry!" He practically jumped off the bike, fumbling to take off his helmet.

Winny laughed as he took the helmet from him. "Relax. You looked like you were about to faint back there."

Satang avoided his gaze, trying to will his flushed face back to normal. "I was just... tired," he muttered weakly.

Winny grinned knowingly, slinging the helmets over the handlebars before guiding Satang toward the entrance of the restaurant. "Sure, let's call it that."

As they stepped inside, the warm aroma of food greeted them, and Satang couldn't help but feel a little more at ease. Though his heart still raced—not from the ride anymore, but from the person he'd just shared it with.

As the food arrived, a comforting aroma filled the small restaurant. Winny and Satang both dug in quietly, too exhausted to make conversation. Satang focused on finishing his meal, savoring each bite despite the weariness tugging at his body. Winny, equally tired from his cheer practice, ate quickly but glanced at Satang from time to time, making sure he was eating enough.

The two finished their food in silence, clearing every plate on the table. Winny leaned back in his chair, letting out a small sigh of satisfaction. Satang followed suit, placing his chopsticks neatly on his plate and sitting back with a soft stretch.

"You're full now, right?" Winny asked, his tone lighter than before.

Satang nodded, his energy slightly replenished. "Yeah. Thanks for the meal,Winny," he said, his voice quiet but sincere.