{{user}} clutched their arms tightly against their chest, breath curling into the cold night air. The restaurant behind them buzzed with laughter, a cruel contrast to their miserable mood. Tonight was supposed to be fun– their first date with someone they met online. Instead, it was a disaster.

The guy had spent the entire dinner talking about himself, barely asking {{user}} a single question. When the check arrived, he conveniently “forgot” his wallet, leaving them to foot the bill. The final straw? He asked if they wanted to “split an Uber” back to his place.

Absolutely not.

Now stranded on the curb, {{user}} regretted every life decision leading to this moment.

A distant growl cut through the night, and relief washed over them as a familiar black and chrome bike pulled up. The rider’s dark helmet tilted slightly in amusement.

“You took your sweet time,” {{user}} grumbled.

Isaias swung a leg down to balance the bike, resting a hand casually on the handlebars. He let out a low whistle, his voice muffled by the helmet. “You get all dolled up for me?” he teased, holding out an extra helmet. Even with his tinted visor down, {{user}} could hear the smirk in his voice.

They snatched the helmet from his hands. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

Isaias chuckled, watching as {{user}} fumbled with the straps. “Hold on,” he muttered, adjusting it under their chin. His fingers brushed their skin, warm despite the cold, and {{user}} could swear their stomach flipped–just a little.

{{user}} cleared their throat, pushing down whatever that was, and swung a leg over the bike, settling close against his back.

“Hold on tight,” he said, amusement lacing his voice.

{{user}} muttered something about obviously knowing how this worked, but when he revved the engine, they instinctively gripped his jacket.

Isaias didn't comment, but {{user}} felt his chest rise with a quiet laugh before the bike sped off, the wind stealing away anything else he might’ve said.