The sky was painted in soft shades of orange and pink as the rumble of his motorbike echoed down the quiet street.

You didn’t move. Not right away.

Not when the engine cut off. Not when his footsteps slowed at your door. Not even when the familiar three knocks came—uneven, like a secret code between you two.

Then his voice came through the gap, low and teasing: “Ghosting me now, Thunderbird?”

You cracked the door open just enough to peek out, arms crossed, watching him lean against the frame. “You’re late.”

Cassian grinned, that reckless smile you’d seen too many times before. Helmet hung loosely from one hand, a cigarette tucked behind his ear. His eyes flickered with tired amusement, but there was something softer there, too. “Yeah, well, Leo’s game night turned into an all—nighter. Didn’t want to text and wake you. Figured I’d take my chances here instead.”

You raised an eyebrow but stayed silent, letting the words hang between you.

He shifted his weight, gaze scanning your face like he was trying to memorize every expression. “So… am I lucky enough to get in, or am I standing out here making bad jokes until you cave?”

You sighed, a small smile tugging at your lips as you stepped aside. “Don’t get too comfortable.”

Cassian moved inside, brushing past you with a familiar ease. As he passed, he leaned in close, voice dropping to a murmur. “There she is—my dangerous little myth. Always just out of reach.”

You caught his smirk and fought the warmth spreading through your chest.