a hedgehogs unlikely crush

ch 21

Shadow had been in a particularly mischievous mood all morning. Sitting at Meh Burger, arms draped comfortably around Perci's waist as she sat on his lap, he could feel the heat of Sonic's gaze boring into him. The jealousy was almost tangible, and Shadow was thriving on it. He smirked, the idea forming in his mind as Sonic, Amy, Knuckles, and Tails chatted at their table.

"What's going on in that head of yours, Shady?" Perci asked, turning slightly to look at him with a curious smile.

Shadow raised an eyebrow, that devilish smirk spreading across his face. "You'll see."

Without warning, Shadow stood up, gently lifting Perci to her feet. He pulled out his phone, scrolled through his music library, and selected a song he knew would set the entire place ablaze—Pink Venom by BLACKPINK. As the first beat dropped, everyone turned their heads, including Sonic, who was already narrowing his eyes in suspicion.

Shadow didn't waste any time. He started singing along to the fierce lyrics, his voice low and smooth, moving in sync with the rhythm. As the song intensified, he grabbed Perci's hand and pulled her close, spinning her into an impromptu dance.

Perci's cheeks flushed pink as Shadow twirled her around, his movements sharp, yet graceful. She was giggling, completely taken in by the moment as Shadow sang directly to her, his eyes locked on hers, giving her all his attention. The lyrics flowed from his lips like venom, his deep voice carrying the energy of the song perfectly.

Sonic, on the other hand, was fuming. His face turned red as he watched the couple, his fists tightening on the edge of the table. "Are you serious right now?" he muttered under his breath.

Knuckles blinked in confusion. "What's going on? Is Shadow dancing?"

Amy couldn't help but be impressed. "Wow... He's actually good."

Tails adjusted his goggles, a little surprised himself. "I didn't think he had it in him."

But Sonic? Sonic was far from impressed. He was downright pissed. And when Shadow pulled Perci into a smooth dip, the final lyrics of the song approaching, their faces inching closer as if they were about to kiss—Sonic couldn't take it anymore.

"Oh, hell no," Sonic snapped, jumping up from his seat. In a blur of blue, he zipped over and yanked Shadow and Perci apart, his eyes blazing with anger.

Shadow's gaze darkened immediately. He didn't say a word, didn't waste time with any quippy comeback. Instead, he grabbed Sonic by the scruff of his quills and, with a single motion, flung him through the air.

Sonic let out a startled yelp before landing face-first in the nearby garbage can, the lid clattering loudly as he tumbled in.

Everyone at the table froze.

Knuckles burst out laughing. "Oh my god, Sonic's in the trash!"

Amy's eyes widened in shock. "Shadow... You didn't..."

Tails glanced nervously toward the garbage can, where Sonic was groaning, half-stuck inside the metal container. "Uh... guys? We should probably help him."

Shadow, however, was completely unfazed. He turned back to Perci, his expression softening in an instant. "Now, where were we?" His voice was calm, smooth, as if nothing had just happened.

Perci blushed again, giggling despite the chaos that had unfolded. "Finishing the song, I think."

Shadow smirked, pulling her back into his arms, the last few beats of Pink Venom playing in the background. He leaned in, his lips brushing hers as they shared their first kiss in front of the group, sealing the moment with a lingering, passionate kiss that left Perci breathless.

In the background, Sonic's muffled voice groaned from inside the garbage can. "You've gotta be kidding me..."

Shadow finally pulled back from the kiss, his crimson eyes gleaming with victory as he glanced toward Sonic's unfortunate predicament. "Guess I hit your poison spot, huh?"

Sonic muttered a string of curses under his breath, still trying to get out of the trash, while the rest of the gang either gaped in shock or tried to stifle their laughter.

Perci shook her head, smiling as she looked up at Shadow. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"Only for you, Butterfly," Shadow replied with a wink, pulling her close once mo