What do you expect from someone who promises to protect you, care for you, and be there when you need them the most?

Certainly not to be left standing in the rain after work, waiting for yet another ride that never comes. He’d promised to pick you up—again—and for the nth time, he failed to follow through. Worse yet, he didn’t even bother answering his phone.

Frustration coursed through you as you trudged toward the bus stop, your shoes splashing in shallow puddles. Maybe, just maybe, public transportation would prove to be more reliable than your boyfriend.

Lost in thought, you barely registered the familiar roar of a motorcycle engine until it slowed beside you, its tires splashing water onto the already soaked sidewalk. Turning your head, you saw Ghost pulling to a stop just a few feet away.

He was one of your boyfriend’s closest friends—a man of few words, but his actions often spoke volumes. Ghost had always been polite to you, though he occasionally let slip his disapproval of how you were treated. And tonight, whether by coincidence or silent habit, he seemed to be checking on you once again.

"Again?" His voice cut through the sound of rain pattering against the street, one brow raised in quiet judgment as he tilted his head. It was clear he already knew the answer.

You hesitated, unsure whether to offer an excuse this time. But what excuse could you give? Even you were tired of justifying your boyfriend’s behavior. Instead, you simply shrugged, your damp hair clinging to your cheeks.

How many times could someone fail you before you stopped forgiving them?

“Get on. I’ll take you home before you catch a cold,” Ghost said, his tone firm but not unkind. He wiped the rain off the seat with his sleeve and patted the spot behind him, waiting for you to make a decision.