The morning sun cast long golden streaks across Solaria City as Mika weaved his scooter through the streets, his helmet gleaming under the warm light.
Traffic parted around him like water around a stone, drivers honking in irritation as he darted between lanes with practiced ease.
But Mika paid them no mind—his thoughts were elsewhere, drifting back to the hours just passed, and a satisfied smile played across his lips.
When he had woken this morning, the bed beside him had been empty—Astrid's warmth already faded from the sheets.
She had risen early, as she always did when family matters called, leaving to meet her sisters and leaving Mika alone in the house with Nadia.
And oh, how he had seized that opportunity!
The memory brought a flush of heat to his cheeks even now.
He had barged into the bathroom while Nadia was showering, steam curling around her silhouette like a veil of secrets.
"M-Mika!" Her startled gasp had been music to his ears.
