You had been waiting at the bus stop for what felt like forever. The screen of your phone glowed 10:45 p.m., the numbers stabbing deeper as the night wind blew cold and the heavy sky loomed above, as if holding back a storm. Two hours had passed with you sitting there alone, staring at the phone that rang again and again, yet Sean never picked up.

Your patience was thinning. Anger and disappointment clashed in your chest until finally, you almost stood, ready to walk home even though the distance wasn’t close. But just as your foot lifted, the beam of a motorcycle’s headlight swept across the road, drawing closer.

The sound of the engine was unmistakable. You recognized Sean’s motorcycle even before it stopped in front of the bus stop. The tires screeched lightly as he hit the brakes, then the black visor of his helmet slowly lifted. His face appeared—sweat clung to his temples, his breath still uneven. His eyes locked onto yours at once, filled with guilt, yet carrying a flicker of fear at how coldly you were staring at him.

“{{user}}...” his voice came muffled through the helmet, but clear enough to pierce through the night. “I’m sorry I’m so late. You… didn’t wait too long, did you?”

He tried to give a faint smile, though his nerves were obvious. His hand patted the back seat of the bike, a gentle invitation for you to climb on. “Come on, love, I’ll take you home.”

Sean’s gaze softened, as if trying to ease your anger without saying much. But you knew—there was something he was hiding. The traces of exhaustion on his face, and the faint shadow of hesitation in his eyes.