The crisp evening air was laced with the scent of rain-soaked pavement as Rhea and Jonah strolled down one of the city’s quieter streets. Despite the recent showers, the city’s nightlife was in full swing, and the soft glow of streetlights illuminated the puddles reflecting the neon signs from nearby shops and cafes. The atmosphere was calm, a welcome change from their usual fast-paced lives.
Rhea glanced at Jonah, who seemed unusually relaxed tonight. She had always appreciated his company—easygoing, unpretentious, and always capable of making her laugh. Yet, a part of her wondered what would happen if Jonah knew the truth about her, about the other side of her life. The thought made her chest tighten, but she pushed it away, focusing on their conversation.
“So, have you finally decided to cut down on your caffeine intake, or is that espresso you had earlier just your ‘pre-dinner pick-me-up’?” Rhea asked teasingly, a slight smirk curving her lips.
“Very funny,” Jonah replied with a light chuckle. “I’m trying, okay? But let’s be honest—I’d be a zombie without my daily coffee fix.”
“Maybe it’s time you tried tea. It’s gentler on the nerves,” Rhea suggested, her tone half-serious, half-joking.
“Tea?” Jonah grimaced dramatically. “That’s like asking a bird to swim instead of fly. Not gonna happen, Rhea.”
She laughed, the sound warm and genuine. “You’re hopeless.”
“I get that a lot,” he quipped, shoving his hands into his pockets as they continued to walk. “But what about you? You seem different lately. Everything okay?”
Rhea hesitated, the question catching her off guard. “Different, how?”
“I don’t know… maybe a little less intense?” Jonah glanced sideways at her, his gaze searching. “You usually come off as… how do I put it… like you’re ready to go to war at a moment’s notice. But tonight, you seem almost… relaxed.”
Rhea shrugged, a nonchalant smile playing on her lips. “I guess I’ve just been trying to let go of a few things. Focus on what’s important.”
“Sounds like a good plan,” Jonah agreed, though his tone held a hint of curiosity. “Anything to do with that ‘friend’ you mentioned earlier?”
Rhea’s smile faltered for a split second, but she quickly recovered. “Maybe. We’ve had some… disagreements. But I’m learning to let go a little, give him space.”
“Sometimes that’s the best thing you can do,” Jonah said softly, his gaze turning thoughtful. “Let them figure it out on their own.”
“Yeah…” Rhea murmured, her thoughts drifting to Zane. “It’s harder than it sounds, though.”
“I bet.” Jonah glanced at her again, sensing there was more she wasn’t saying, but decided not to press. Instead, he changed the topic, pointing to a bakery across the street. “Hey, isn’t that the place you always rave about? What do you say we grab some pastries and keep this walk going?”
Rhea looked at the quaint little bakery, its windows glowing warmly against the cool night. “Why not? I could use something sweet.”
With that, the two crossed the street, falling back into their usual banter as they approached the bakery’s entrance.
---
Meanwhile, on the other side of the city...
Asher walked down a dimly lit street, his hands tucked into his jacket pockets. It had been a long day, filled with endless patrols and meetings with the hero council. He’d finally managed to carve out a bit of time for himself, and he’d intended to use it to clear his mind. Being a hero was exhausting, and there were moments—rare as they were—when he just wanted to be a regular guy, away from the constant expectations and pressures.
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Chasing Shadows
Novela Juvenil"Chasing Shadows" is a tale of darkness, obsession, and unexpected desire. Zane, a calculating villain with a vendetta against the city's beloved hero, Asher, finds his meticulously crafted world disrupted by an unexpected presence-Ethan, the hero's...
