𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗩𝗲𝗶𝗹 | 𝗧𝗫𝗧 & 𝗘𝗡-

「 ✦ EPISODE 5 ✦ 」

"What's wrong?" Ni-Ki's voice broke through the silence as he slipped on his gloves, his eyes flicking toward her.

"My cab keeps getting canceled," Aecha muttered, trying again.

Ni-Ki tilted his head, considering. "Want me to drop you home?"

Aecha blinked. "Huh?"

A flicker of something unreadable passed over his face before he cleared his throat. "Can I—oh, wait." He straightened, adjusting his posture, and flashed a teasing grin. "May I drop you home?"

Her heart did an embarrassing flip at his signature smile. She rolled her eyes but couldn't fight the smirk tugging at her lips. "I'll say yes because of the mannerism."

Ni-Ki chuckled. "Always works." He tossed her a helmet. "Come on."

She hesitated for a split second before stepping forward, placing a hand on his shoulder as she swung onto the bike.

"Comfortable?" he asked, glancing back.

She nodded.

"Alright then." His voice dropped playfully. "Hold on tight, princess."

"What—oh!" Aecha barely had time to process before the bike shot forward. A startled gasp escaped her as she jerked forward, instinctively gripping onto his jacket before quickly letting go, her face burning.

They weaved through the streets, the city lights blurring past them, the cool night air rushing against her skin. At a red light, Ni-Ki glanced at her through the mirror. "How's the ride?"

Aecha exhaled, the adrenaline still buzzing through her veins. "I like it. I love fast bikes."

Ni-Ki raised a brow, amused. "Really?"

She nodded.

"You know," he mused, drumming his fingers on the handle, "I was going pretty slow because of you. But since you like it fast... shall I?"

A mischievous glint danced in his eyes, sending a thrill through her. She bit her lip, then laughed. "Why not?"

Ni-Ki smirked. "Well then, if you don't mind..."

Without warning, he took her hands and wrapped them securely around his waist. Aecha's breath hitched as she instinctively held on tighter.

"Ready?"

She barely nodded before the bike roared to life beneath them, taking off at a speed that sent her heart soaring. Wind whipped against her face as she leaned into him, the thrill intoxicating. She felt the deep vibrations of his laughter, and when she peeked into the mirror, she caught the rare sight of his grin. It was genuine. Bright.

And it made her smile too.

The ride ended too soon. As they pulled up in front of her house, Ni-Ki removed his helmet and reached over to unbuckle hers, his fingers grazing her skin for the briefest moment. She let out a slow breath, suddenly aware of how close they were.

He laughed.

"What?" she asked, tilting her head.

"Your hair," he said, reaching out to fix it.

Aecha stepped forward, catching her reflection in the mirror. As she smoothed down her hair, she noticed his gaze on her—watching, lingering. And when their eyes met in the reflection, he quickly looked away, a small smile playing at his lips.

Aecha's heart pounded.

"I'm going," she said quickly, stepping back. "Bye."

"Bye," Ni-Ki replied, slipping his helmet back on.

She waved as he started the engine, and he lifted a hand in response before speeding off into the night.

Aecha barely made it inside before her mother's voice called out. "Oh, you're here. I was just about to call you—"

But Aecha didn't hear the rest. She was already bounding up the stairs, a stupid smile stretched across her face.

The moment she stepped into her room, she froze. Ara stood there, arms crossed, an all-knowing smirk on her lips.

"That was him?" her sister asked, raising a brow.

Aecha tried to fight the grin creeping onto her face—but failed miserably.

Ara groaned. "I'll take that as a yes."

A squeal bubbled up in Aecha's throat. "Ahhh, unnie!!" She threw herself onto her bed, burying her giggles into the pillow.

Ara rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "Oh my god. I've lost my sister."

And Aecha? She just kept smiling.

Because, maybe—just maybe—she was already lost in something else entirely.

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