Inspired by “Dice & Roll” — Odetari

The streetlights blurred behind him as Mikey revved the throttle of his bike — the sound echoing through the empty lot where Toman was gathering. Everyone else was just hanging out. But Mikey? Mikey was watching you. You had shown up because Emma dragged you along — and now you were sitting on a low wall, swinging your legs, minding your own business. But Mikey couldn’t look away. He walked his bike over, stopping right in front of you, eyes gleaming with that reckless spark he only ever got when you were watching.

“Wanna see something cool?”* he asked. You raised a brow like you didn’t believe him. That was all the permission he needed. He kicked off, engine screaming, weaving sharp turns, drifting dangerously close to the barricades. Everyone else backed up. Except you. You watched him like you were judging every move. Mikey’s heart hammered harder than his engine. He wasn’t showing off for Toman. He wasn’t proving anything..He was rolling the dice for you.

After a final drift, he slid to a stop right in front of you — dust swirling around him. He pulled down his mask, smiling that crooked, trouble-born grin. “Well?” he asked, a little breathless despite trying to play it cool. “I only do stupid things when you’re watching.” He said softly. And for a moment, even Draken had to look away.