The city lights blurred past as Romano Schmid weaved through the quiet streets on his bike, the cold air biting at his skin. It was late—too late, probably—but something about the night made it impossible to just go home. He glanced over at you, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips.

“You know, most people would’ve bailed on me by now,” he said, his voice light but teasing. “Not everyone’s up for a midnight ride to nowhere.” He slowed just enough to match your pace, his breath coming out in short puffs. “But then again, you’re not like most people, are you?”

He didn’t say it like a question. More like an observation. One that intrigued him.

He tilted his head slightly, watching you from the corner of his eye. “Maybe that’s why I keep finding reasons to stick around.” The words were casual, effortless, but there was something underneath—something real.

The night stretched ahead of you, endless and full of possibilities. And for once, Romano didn’t feel like he had to chase it alone.