The state I'm in COMPLETED

Unwind

Heading outside, I spotted their bikes parked at the front, catching the attention of passers-by.

It was impossible not to notice them. The sleek design, the powerful engines, the way they seemed to belong to someone untouchable.

Much like their owners.

"Rose, coming with us?" Leo asked, his voice teasing.

Rose didn't hesitate for a second. "On that? You bet!"

I hesitated. "What about my car? I came here in my car. I can't just leave it here."

Harry turned to me, his eyes soft but insistent. "Please ride with me. I'll bring you back later to pick it up."

The way he said it—low, almost pleading—made it impossible to refuse.

I gave him a small nod, and he got on his bike, handing me his helmet. He reached out, adjusting the straps carefully, his fingers grazing my skin.

I loved the way his hands felt on me.

Soon, the roar of the engines filled the air, and all eyes turned to us.

For once, I didn't mind.

I was with him.

I felt seen.

"What about you?" I asked, suddenly realizing he didn't have a helmet.

His lips curled into a small smirk. "Well, you'll have to hold me tight so we don't fall down and hurt ourselves."

There was something playful in his voice, something more relaxed than I remembered. He was different today—lighter, freer.

I wasn't sure what changed, but I liked it.

Rose rode with Leo, and we led the way as I showed them around campus.

The entire time, I held onto Harry, my fingers gripping his waist. Occasionally, he would rub my hands in his, a subtle but deliberate touch that sent a current of electricity through me every time.

I thought he didn't notice.

But he did.

I pointed out different spots—the library, the amphitheater, the coffee shops, the park, even the nightclub where I worked on weekends.

He listened.

Not just nodding along, but actually listening. Asking questions about things that didn't really matter to him but seemed to matter to me.

It was his way of trying.

And I appreciated it.

When we reached my apartment, I hesitated before asking.

"Come up for some tea or coffee?"

Leo shrugged. "Only if you have beer."

Harry, on the other hand, gave me a small but genuine smile and simply nodded.

We spent the rest of the afternoon in easy company—Leo cracking jokes as he explored the apartment, Harry flipping through books and quietly observing the photos on the walls.

There was no rush, no pressure. Just being.

For the first time, he felt present.

Not avoiding eye contact. Not pulling away.