Adrian’s POV

The scent of gasoline and burning rubber filled the night air. Neon lights bled over the cracked asphalt, painting the crowd in shifting blues and reds. Engines roared in the distance, every sound vibrating through my chest like a warning.

I adjusted my gloves, the leather creaking against my knuckles. The matte black helmet shielded my face from curious eyes—though everyone here already knew who I was. Phantom. The man no one could beat. The man no one dared to challenge off the track.

The crowd was chanting my name, their voices blending into a wild roar. Phantom. Phantom. The sound sent a rush through me. Tonight, I was ready to have fun with my darling—my bike. We were going to race after a long time.

But for the first time in my life, my focus slipped.

That’s when I saw her.

She stood near the barricades, half-hidden by the crowd, her hair catching the glow of the streetlamps like it belonged under a spotlight. She wasn’t dressed for this world—no leather, no dark makeup—just a simple jacket and jeans, clutching a sketchbook to her chest as if it were armor.

She laughed at something her friend said, and the sound cut through the bass-heavy music, hitting me like a jolt of pure electricity.

Who the hell was she?

I never noticed faces in the crowd. Never cared. But there was something in the way she looked—carefree, untouched by the dirt of this city—that made the noise fade away. Her eyes screamed innocence. My gut told me she didn’t belong here.

A sharp voice buzzed in my earpiece, snapping me back.

“You’re up, Phantom.”

I swung my leg over the bike, the engine rumbling beneath me like a caged beast. But even as I rolled toward the starting line, my eyes found her again. She wasn’t even watching me—she was sketching in that book, completely unaware of my existence.

That was new. People came here to see me. And yet… she didn’t.

The race began. I tore down the streets like I was born for it, leaning into each turn with calculated precision. I crossed the finish line first—of course—but instead of celebrating, I spun the bike around, scanning the crowd. Like I was searching for something that was mine. Mine to look at. Mine to cherish.

But… she was gone.

The spot she’d stood in was empty. No trace she’d ever been there. I searched like a man possessed, but found nothing.

“Sir, who are you looking for?” a voice came from behind. It was Ethan, my assistant.

“No one,” I replied in my usual cold tone.

Maybe she was gone, but her face—those eyes, that laugh—had burned into me. Permanent. Unshakable.

I didn’t know her name. Didn’t know her story. But I knew one thing…

She’s MINE now.

And when I found her, she wouldn’t be leaving so easily.

At Home

After returning from the race track, I took a shower. But my mind kept circling back to her. Her eyes were so beautiful—

Thud!

“What the—” I looked up, and a basketball bounced at my feet. Dylan Chase.

“Fucker, why did you throw the ball at me?”

“Dude, chill. You were zoning out for a long time. I just helped you snap out of it,” he laughed, flopping onto the couch in my room. Dylan had been my best friend since childhood.

“Why didn’t you come to the race track?” I asked.

“I was at the basketball court. Tournament’s coming up, so coach made us practice late. And you know I’m the team captain—I can’t just leave early,” he said.

“Yeah, whatever,” I muttered.

“Oh, by the way,” Dylan added, “Mom told me to invite you. We’re having a party at our house this Sunday. You have to come.”

“Fine, I’ll be there. Now get out, fucker. I need to sleep,” I said, tossing the basketball back at him.

“Yes, yes, your Highness, I’m going,” he said mockingly. I chuckled at his childish behavior and lay down, my thoughts once again drifting back to her and soon sleep took over me and I drifted into it.

Aurora’s POV

The smell of oil and smoke clung to the night air, a heavy, almost intoxicating mix that didn’t quite match the excitement I’d imagined for my first time at a race.

I had come straight from my shift at the little bookstore downtown, my hair still faintly scented with coffee and old paper. Lena had been waiting outside, leaning against her car with that familiar mischievous grin. She didn’t even ask if I wanted to go—just tossed me a jacket and said, “Get in, sweetheart. You’re about to witness a masterpiece.”

She’d been talking about this “Phantom” guy for weeks, like he was some kind of living legend. I didn’t know much about him—only that Lena’s voice went softer when she said his name. I figured it was one of her harmless crushes.

When we got there, the place was loud. Bike engines roared like caged beasts, their deep growls vibrating in my ribs. Tires screeched against asphalt, the smell of burning rubber sharp in the cool night. The crowd was alive—cheering, shouting, riding the wave of adrenaline.

Still… something felt off. Not wrong exactly, but heavy. Too heavy. My gut told me there was something here I didn’t quite understand. I shrugged it off—maybe it was just first-timer nerves. I’d never been to one of these underground bike races before, so maybe this strange tension was just part of the thrill.

Lena, of course, was in her element. She leaned close, whispering something flirty that made me burst out laughing despite the knot in my stomach. She guided me through the crowd while I carried my sketchbook, pausing now and then to capture a flash of chrome, the lean of a biker poised at the start line, the way headlights cut through the darkness like silver blades.

Halfway through, Lena suddenly winced and pressed a hand to her stomach. The sparkle in her eyes dimmed.

“Ugh… I think I ate something bad earlier,” she muttered.

“Do you need to sit? We can leave—”

“We should go,” she interrupted quickly, forcing a small smile.

I didn’t argue. She looked pale, and the noise wasn’t helping. We pushed our way back through the crowd, the roar of engines fading behind us.

But instead of heading to her apartment, Lena drove straight to my place.

“You sure you’ll be okay?” I asked when we stepped inside.

She waved me off and collapsed onto my couch. “I’ll be fine, babe. Promise.”

That night, I didn’t think about the strange weight in the air at the race. I didn’t think about the way Lena’s eyes had darted toward the track before we left. I didn’t think about Phantom.

I just thought about my early class the next morning and the rare fact that Lena was staying at my place. And for the moment, that was enough.

The next morning, I woke up early and made breakfast for us both. When I saw the clock flashing 7:00, I nearly panicked. I had class at 8:30—I needed to leave soon.

I went straight to my room where Lena was sleeping.

“Lena,” I called softly, shaking her shoulder. “Wake up, I have to go to class.”

She stirred and mumbled, “Babe, you can go. I’m fine now.”

“Didn’t you have to work today?” I teased. “I already made breakfast for you. Now get up, I’m going to get ready.” I left her there, still half-asleep, and hurried to change.

At Uni

Of course, I forgot my supplies were almost gone. Sigh. I’d have to borrow from someone for today. Tomorrow was Sunday—I could shop then.

It was going to be a long day…

Author's POV

It was Sunday, just a day since the underground race. Adrian was restless. The memory of the girl with those eyes haunted him like a sweet curse. He had already ordered his assistant to pull up the details of every single person present that night. He needed to find her.

Meanwhile, Aurora had no idea that someone was losing his mind over her. She was too excited about her own plans—today she was finally going to buy her favorite art supplies. That always brought her peace.

Completely unaware that she had unknowingly become someone’s obsession, Aurora hummed happily as she got ready. She wore her baggy blue jeans with a black hoodie—black was her favorite color. Her silky black hair was tied into a messy bun, a little tinted lip balm glossed her lips, and she grabbed her black shoulder bag. Before stepping out, she tucked her decorated black diary inside—a seaside painting she had done on its cover.

She opened it and scribbled her plan:

“Yes, today is the day I will treat myself. First, I’ll get my favorite strawberry shake, then I’ll head to the art store.”

Her mood was light, innocent, carefree.

Out in the living room, Lena was lounging on the couch in pajamas, watching TV.

“Lena, I’m taking your car. Don’t wait for me for dinner, and don’t forget to eat on time.” Aurora said as she slipped on her shoes. “And don’t just laze around—finish your work too!”

“Okay, okay babe, don’t worry,” Lena chuckled. “I’ll eat, I’ll work. Drive safe. Love you!”

“Silly,” Aurora giggled before heading out.

On the other side of the city, Adrian was getting ready for Dylan’s house party. His mother had invited him, and he couldn’t refuse. He wore black jeans and a fitted black T-shirt that showed off his muscles. His hair was perfectly set, his aura dangerously captivating.

“I hope I meet her soon… she’s driving me crazy,” he muttered under his breath, sliding on his helmet before mounting his bike.

Fate had its own plan.

At a traffic signal, Aurora’s car stopped—and right beside it, a biker pulled up. The hum of his engine drew her attention. When she turned her head, her eyes landed on him. Adrian.

A strange pull tugged at him the moment their eyes met again. He lifted his visor slightly, his green eyes piercing into hers.

Aurora, being playful and oblivious, smirked and said,

“I think we should break up.”

Adrian’s brows furrowed. For a second, he was stunned. Then, in a low, commanding tone, he said each word deliberately:

“Take. That. Back.”

The light turned green, and they moved. Aurora blinked in surprise. Was he serious? Or just messing with her too? She shrugged it off, thinking maybe that’s how bikers acted—what did she know? It was her first time around someone like that.

But fate wasn’t done. At the very next signal, they stopped side by side again. He turned his head towards her, his voice low but firm.

“Take it back.”

Aurora chuckled nervously, raising her hands in mock surrender.

“Okay, okay… this time, I’ll take it back.”

The biker’s lips curved slightly, but he said nothing more.

Aurora continued her day as planned. She went to her favorite café and ordered her strawberry shake. Just as she was about to pay, the biker appeared, casually sliding money across the counter before she could react. By the time she turned around to say something, he was gone.

Confused, but shrugging it off, she headed to the art store. Every aisle filled her with joy—copic markers, acrylics, brushes. She was so absorbed in her little world that she didn’t notice someone watching her every move, every smile.

At the counter, just as she pulled out her wallet, he paid again.

This time, Aurora had had enough. She hurried after him, catching him before he could leave.

“Hey—why did you pay for me again? You’ve been doing this since the signal! Why are you following me? Who even are you?” she blurted, her words tumbling out in a rush.

Adrian turned slightly, a low chuckle escaping him.

“Is it stalking when you know I’m behind you, baby girl?”

Aurora froze, her mouth opening but no words coming out.

“Adrian,” he said finally, his voice deep. “My name is Adrian, baby girl. What’s yours?”

“What does my name have to do with you?” she shot back, trying to sound firm.

Before he could reply, his eyes fell on the keychain dangling from her bag. One word glimmered there—Aurora.

“Aurora…” he whispered with a smirk. “Beautiful name. But you shouldn’t put it on a keychain, baby girl. Makes it too easy for strangers.”

Aurora flushed, quickly masking her embarrassment with a glare.

“Whatever, mister. Let me pay you back. I don’t like others paying for me. At the signal I was joking.”

“Ohh?” His lips curved into a slow grin. “You want to pay me back? Then give me your number. I’ll collect later.”

Aurora rolled her eyes. “Nice way to ask for a number.”

“You’re the one who insisted on paying me back.”

Speechless, she sighed and muttered, “Yeah, yeah… whatever. Give me your phone.”

She quickly typed in her number and shoved the phone back at him.

“Here.”

“Thank you, baby girl,” he said smoothly, before surprising her—he lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. Then he mounted his bike, revved the engine, and rode away.

Aurora stood frozen, staring at her hand.

“Why… why did he kiss me like that? What a strange man…” She shook her head, but a small smile crept onto her lips. “Not gonna lie though… he was so handsome. And those green eyes…”

Shaking off the thought, she loaded her bags into the car.

“Whatever. I’m craving something spicy. I’ll eat and head home—it’s already evening.”

She drove off, not realizing that another pair of eyes had been watching her closely.

“I see you finally have a weakness… Let’s see how you protect her.”

Who that was—no one knew. But time always reveals its truths.