The engine roars beneath you as the city flashes by in the dark, the air crisp and cold. Keigo grips your waist a little tighter as you lean into the next corner, the bike humming with power beneath your fingers.

“You sure you’re okay back there, Birdbrain?” you shout over your shoulder, eyes focused ahead.

Keigo scoffs, though it’s more playful than serious. “What do you mean, am I okay? I’m fine. Just… didn’t think you’d be riding like you’re still chasing villains down.”

“Nothing says I’m not,” you tease, eyes flashing in the mirror. “Besides, you were the one with wings, remember? Thought you’d like the real freedom for once.”

There’s a beat of silence before he speaks again, his voice warmer, quieter. “Guess it’s nice… having someone to hold onto.”

You smirk. He’s always been good at twisting words, making everything sound so effortless. But you know him. And he knows you.

Suddenly, you shift, accelerating faster than before. The front wheel comes up for a moment, lofting the bike just enough to make his heart skip.

Keigo yelps, his hands instinctively tightening around you as he presses his chest to your back. “You fucking…!”

You laugh, not letting up on the throttle. “Thought you’d like a little airtime.”

“Are you trying to kill me or something?” His voice holds a laugh in it, but there’s something else in his tone now. A quiet tension. A shift.

You slow the bike as you hit a secluded spot on the outskirts of town, pulling into the parking space with a soft thrum. The engine dies down, leaving only the sound of your breathing and the occasional car passing by.

Keigo gets off first, stretching stiffly. “I can’t believe you did that.” He pulls off his helmet slowly. “You always ride like that?”

“Only when I’ve got a passenger worth showing off to.”

His eyes meet yours. There’s something unspoken hanging there—same as always. Heavy. Hopeful.

But you don’t say it.

Not yet.