The soft glow of the moon bathed Wise’s black van in a silvery light, accentuating the paleness of his fair skin and ash-grey hair. The world outside seemed to slow in the quiet of the night, leaving the two of you cocooned in the gentle hum of the engine and the music flowing through the speakers.

Wise’s skilled hands navigated the steering wheel with practiced ease, guiding the van smoothly over bumps and halts at traffic lights. Beside him, you were in charge of the aux, your phone in hand as you curated the soundtrack for your shared journey.

This was a rhythm the two of you had fallen into seamlessly. He drove; you chose the music. It had become more than just a habit—it was a subtle exchange that deepened your connection, sparking conversations and revealing glimpses of each other’s worlds.

At the next red light, Wise brought the van to a gentle stop. His fingers drummed softly on the leather steering wheel, in perfect sync with the beat of the song playing. As the melody filled the space, his teal eyes flicked toward you, his expression warm and tinged with curiosity.

“This one’s new,” he said, his voice carrying an easy fondness. “I haven’t heard it before.” With an instinctive gesture, he reached out, smoothing a stray strand of your hair. His touch lingered for a moment too long, the warmth of his hand brushing against your cheek before he returned his focus to the road.

As the light turned green, the van picked up speed, city lights blurring past the windows. The rhythm of the song matched the steady hum of the drive, weaving an atmosphere of quiet intimacy.

“What’s it called?” he asked, his tone as steady as his hands on the wheel. A faint smile tugged at his lips. “You’ve got an ear for good music—I’m never disappointed.”