Young Adults

CHAPTER 17

The next morning, Levi stepped out into the front yard, the crisp September air hitting him the moment he closed the door behind him. The forecast promised sunshine, but the chill in the breeze made it clear the day would be far from warm. He paused by the driveway, eyeing both his Mustang and his motorcycle, mentally weighing which to take.

A flicker of memory tugged at him the moment his gaze fell on the bike, and he felt his ears grow hot. 'That night.' The night he'd given (Y/n) a ride home. He couldn't say he dwelled on it constantly, but whenever it did cross his mind, it left him feeling... different. In a good way.

He could almost hear her genuine laughter now, playing over in his thoughts like a favorite track. It had sent a spark through him then, enough to bring a rare smile to his own face as he tore through town. 'Music to his ears' was putting it mildly.

Petra, on the other hand—his ex—never wanted to ride with him. She used to claim his driving scared her senseless. 'Maybe it was just her being obnoxious,' Levi considered. He knew he rode with a deliberate carefulness, after all. Perhaps that's why it was so fun with (Y/n). Because she had trusted him.

Sighing, Levi reached out, his hand hovering above the bike's handle for a moment. A shiver passed through him, not just from the morning chill but from the lingering echoes of that ride—of the person who made it feel so effortless. Then, squaring his shoulders, he made his choice for the day, the crisp sunlight glinting off metal as he prepared to head out.

On his way to school, Levi found himself idling at a red light. He drummed his fingers against the handlebars, eyes wandering over the waking town. Shops were flipping their signs from 'Closed' to 'Open', and a handful of diners prepared the day's specials. As the light turned green, he eased the throttle, gliding smoothly into the next intersection.

That's when he caught a glimpse of the familiar (L/n) plant nursery in the near distance, noticing (Y/n)'s mother through the window, already busy at work. An idea formed in his mind then.

Levi had a reason for avoiding school on Fridays—one he wasn't eager to broadcast—but it did tie back to a particular need. A bouquet, specifically. The turn signal finally flicked green for him, and he took off, quietly merging ahead of the car beside him without causing too much disturbance. A moment later, he pulled up at the curb outside the plant store.

Killing the ignition, he swung his leg over the bike and removed his helmet, running a quick hand through his hair as if to tame any stray strands. He stepped inside, the scent of fresh soil and greenery washing over him. It was a small detour before class, but one he felt oddly compelled to make.

Just then, she rounded the corner—(Y/n)'s mother, Olivia (L/n). She gave Levi a welcoming smile, one that immediately reminded him of (Y/n). The resemblance was uncanny, especially in that soft curve of her lips.

"Oh! Well hello there, young man. I remember you!" she said brightly. "My very first customer."

Levi shifted his weight, feeling a flicker of nerves he couldn't quite place. In response, he let out a noncommittal hum. "Morning... um..." His voice trailed off as he wondered why the simple act of ordering flowers was making him uneasy. "I...need a bouquet."

Olivia's eyes lit up. "Oh? Certainly!" She glanced to the side. "Hanji, dear!"

The name alone caused Levi's stomach to twist. 'Hanji's here?' He briefly considered making a dash for the door, but Olivia's pleasant demeanor and the purpose of his visit kept him rooted. A moment later, Hanji appeared from the back, wiping her hands on her apron.

"Yes, boss lady—oh!" Hanji's eyes widened. "Levi? What're you doing here? School starts in, like, fifteen minutes." She tapped the face of her wristwatch for emphasis.