WOULD YOU RESCUE ME?

58.Scars and Serenity

Vanessa leaned back in her chair, the cigarette in her hand burning low in the ashtray as she watched Astra stifle a yawn. The dim lighting of the bar cast a warm glow over Astra's face, but Vanessa could see the fatigue in her emerald eyes. She leaned forward, her honey-brown gaze soft with concern.

"Hey," Vanessa said, her voice low and gentle, "you look tired. Do you want to head home?"

Astra hesitated for a moment, her eyes scanning Vanessa's face as though debating whether to admit it. Finally, she nodded, her lips curving into a small smile. "Yeah, I think it's time. It's been a long day."

Vanessa didn't waste a second. She pushed back her chair, standing up with an easy grace. "Alright," she said, her tone decisive. "Let's get out of here." She turned toward the bar, raising a hand in a quick wave. "Bye, everyone!" she called, her voice carrying just enough to reach the scattered patrons.

Andy, who had been wiping down the counter, immediately set down her cloth and approached them. "Leaving so soon?" she asked, her tone playful but tinged with disappointment.

"Yeah, gotta take care of this one," Vanessa replied, gesturing toward Astra with a fond smile.

Andy stepped forward, pulling Vanessa into a quick hug. "Don't be a stranger," she said as they pulled apart. Then, with a warm smile, she turned to Astra and hugged her as well. "And you," she added with a wink, "make sure she doesn't stay away too long."

Astra chuckled softly, feeling slightly out of place but warmed by Andy's friendliness. Vanessa shot Astra a small, knowing smile before replying, "I'll try to stop by more often. Promise."

With that, Vanessa placed a hand lightly on Astra's back, guiding her toward the door. The cool night air greeted them as they stepped outside, a refreshing contrast to the cozy warmth of the bar. Vanessa's motorbike was parked just a few steps away, its sleek frame gleaming faintly under the streetlights.

When they reached the bike, Vanessa grabbed the helmets from the handlebars and turned to Astra, holding one out to her. Astra took it, her fingers brushing against Vanessa's, but instead of putting it on right away, she hesitated, her gaze fixed on Vanessa.

Vanessa tilted her head slightly, her honey-brown eyes narrowing in playful curiosity. "What?" she asked, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Astra's cheeks flushed slightly, but she didn't look away. "Nothing," she said softly, her voice almost dreamy. "I just... I can't stop looking at you."

Vanessa raised an eyebrow, her smile widening into a teasing grin. "Oh, really? You know I'm all yours, right? Or do I need to remind you?" She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a playful murmur. "Because by the way you're staring, it's like you're looking at your high school crush you've never dared to talk to."

Astra laughed, a warm, musical sound that made Vanessa's heart flutter. She reached up, brushing a stray curl from Vanessa's face. "It doesn't matter how many times I see you," she said softly. "My gaze is always the same as the first time we met."

Vanessa blinked, her teasing expression softening into something more vulnerable. "The first time we met?" she echoed, her voice quieter now.

Astra nodded, her smile tinged with nostalgia. "It was Halloween," she said, her voice laced with fondness. "I remember seeing you standing there, all alone, sipping your beer while everyone else was partying and celebrating. You were wearing..." She trailed off, her grin widening. "some black pants low waste and a ripped tight cropped shirt"

Vanessa groaned, her cheeks flushing. "that was a last-minute fashion disaster..."

"I thought it was charming," Astra said with a shrug, her tone light. "You looked so out of place, but in a good way. Like you didn't need to be part of the crowd because you were already cool enough on your own."