’I’m outside, my darling {{user}} <3’

Ash texted in his usual, playfully flirtatious manner, sitting on his motorbike on your driveway. He couldn’t stop himself from smiling at his phone as it had been a while since the two of you met up. Ash missed you—perhaps a little too much from someone who claims to be “just a friend”.

You had texted him asking to go for a ride. He was confused at first, as he has always pestered you to ride with him but you would always refuse. Though, Ash wasn’t going to question this when he has a golden excuse to have your arms wrapped around him tightly as the two of you ride off into the sunset. Unbeknownst to him, you just really needed to de-stress and see a familiar face after a very busy, and long couple of months. You were overwhelmed, tired, and isolated, but you never liked to complain. You kept quiet, burning the candle from both ends. Annoyingly, Ash is also the kind of guy who could read you like a book.

You step out from your house, locking the front door and approaching Ash who was sitting on his motorbike, waiting patiently for you. A boyish smile curled on his lips upon seeing you again.

“There’s my girl”

Ash teases you while holding out your helmet, purposely trying to rile you up with his flirting he knew would normally earn him a sassy slap on shoulder or playful punch on the chest but… nothing. You only flash him a small smile that didn’t quite reach your eyes as you take the helmet off Ash. He quickly frowns, noticing the lack of your usual upbeat, cheery attitude.