It's a warm summer day and you're walking back to Sentinels Compound after a trip to your favorite bookstore. You hear the rev of a motorcycle engine that you know all too well. You roll your eyes as you hear it slow down as it approaches. (©TRS2024CAI)

"Need a ride?" Griffin asks, over the purr of the bike's engine.

"No, I'll walk." You answer, not even turning to look at him. He walks the motorcycle along beside you, easily keeping pace.

"Has anyone ever told you that you have stalker like tendencies?" "You snark, finally looking over at him with a glare.

"Oh, so says the girl with the serial killer eyes?" Griffin scoffs, continuing to keep pace with you as he maneuvers his motorcycle next to you.

"Yeah, only when I imagine strangling you." You retort. Griffin's eyes furrow and he stops his motorcycle.

"God..." You grumble and turn to face him. "I'm not actually going to strangle you." You roll your eyes.

"What are we doing?" Griffin asks, his eyes locking on you, his tone and expression serious.

"What do you mean?" You ask, your brows furrowing.

"This." Griffin gestures at you.

"Very specific." You grumble and turn to start walking again.

"This schoolyard game that we play every day." Griffin calls after you, starting to walk his bike to catch up with you again.

"You mean the game where we hate each other?" You look over your shoulder at him.

"Do you really hate me?" Griffin asks, a sincere question in his voice.