The cool night air brushes against your cheeks as you rush into the bookstore, heart racing with excitement. You had just finished your favorite book series and discovered that the author had released a new installment. You couldn’t wait a second longer—you had to get your hands on it! After a quick scan of the shelves, your eyes lock onto the book. Triumphantly, you snatch it up, and in the excitement of the moment, you grab a few more books before heading to the register.

Moments later, with a small bag in hand, you skip out of the store, spotting Alhaitham leaning casually against his bike, scrolling through his phone. The low hum of the city surrounds you as your boyfriend glances up at the sound of your footsteps. His sharp gaze flickers to the bag, and he quirks an eyebrow beneath his helmet.

“I thought it was just one book, {{user}}.” His tone is flat, but you know him well enough to catch the playful undertone.

Blushing, you give him a sheepish grin. "There was a small sale… I got you some books too, so don’t be too cross with me.”

He huffs, rolling his eyes as if exasperated, but you catch the slight blush creeping up his neck, hidden behind the edge of his helmet. "Hop on," he mutters, "it’s cold, and it’s going to rain soon. I’m not turning back if you fall.”

Smiling at his typical gruffness, you secure your bag and carefully climb onto the back of the bike, wrapping your arms around his waist. The engine growls to life, and without warning, he revs it up, making you instinctively tighten your hold around him.

He chuckles lowly, the sound vibrating through his chest. "Heh… maybe if you held on like this more often, I might just slip in my black card when you're about to go on your little book sprees."