Joost klein Hearts of Fire

Late night drive

I've been feeling so relaxed these past few days. Everything with Joost and Mia is finally sorted out, and it's like this huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Plus it's a friday. I can actually breathe easy now.
Aaannndd.. Joost texted if i wanted to meet up this evening. Is this like a date? I mean I've never been to one, so it felt pretty exciting.

The thrill of the night air against my skin as I sneak out of my house is intoxicating, and I can't help but smile as I make my way down the quiet street to where Joost said he'd be waiting.

The car comes into view, the headlights dim but welcoming, casting long shadows across the empty road. Joost is leaning against the hood, his silhouette dark and brooding under the faint glow of the streetlight. He straightens when he sees me, and for a moment, we just stand there, staring at each other.

"Hey," I say, breaking the silence.

"Hey," he echoes, his voice a little rough. He clears his throat, and I notice his hands fidgeting in his pockets. It's not like Joost to be nervous, but something's off. I push the thought away.

I walk closer, and he opens the passenger door for me. I slide in, the leather cool against my legs, and he closes the door behind me. A moment later, he's in the driver's seat, starting the engine.

"So... where are we going?" I ask as he pulls away from the curb, the city lights blurring into streaks of color outside the window.

He shrugs, keeping his eyes on the road. "Just... around. Thought you might like a drive."

I nod, sinking back into the seat. It's quiet, too quiet, and I can't help but notice how Joost keeps glancing at me out of the corner of his eye, like he's waiting for me to say something. But what am I supposed to say?

Instead, I reach for the radio and flick it on, scrolling through stations until I find a song I like. The familiar beat of "Teenage dream" by Katy Perry fills the car, and I feel a little of the tension ease out of me. I smile, turning it up.

"This is my favorite song!" I tell him, leaning forward to roll down the window. The night air rushes in, cool and crisp, and I can't resist the urge to stick my head out, letting the wind whip through my hair.

Joost glances over at me, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Really?"

The car speeds up, and I can't help but laugh again, the sound of it blending with the music as I close my eyes and let the melody wash over me. There's something freeing about this, about the way the world feels so far away right now, like it's just the two of us and nothing else matters.

"I think you need to have a look at my playlist," He says suddenly, leaning over to mess with the radio a. "You've got terrible taste, you know that?"

"Hey, then what do you like?!"

"Gabberpop."

"Oh, please. What even is that?" I roll my eyes, but I'm smiling, and I'm surprised by how easy it is to be around him when we're like this, just two people enjoying a drive.

The song fades, and a new one begins—something softer, slower. I feel Joost's hand brush against mine where it rests on the center console, and my heart skips a beat. I don't pull away, but I don't move closer either. I just... stay.

"Katherine," he says softly, and there's something in his tone that makes me look at him, really look at him. His expression is conflicted, like he's battling with himself, trying to decide whether or not to say what's on his mind. I hold my breath, waiting.

"I... I'm glad you're here," he repeats, but there's more weight to the words this time, more meaning. "I know things have been... complicated. But I'm really glad you're here. With me."