Under the Shadows

Soundtrack:

- A Forest – The Cure (okay, I know this song is very well-known, but it was also the soundtrack of a 2024 French movie called "Beating Hearts" and if I have one thing to say: GO WATCH IT NOW!! srlsy, it's the best romance movie of the freaking decade, a modern Bonnie & Clyde with phenomenal actors and soundtracks AND a beautiful cinematography. the French title is "L'amour ouf", which means "Unhinged love", and it absolutely sums up the movie relationship, which also makes me think a lot abt Dante and Elyne).

**

Elyne's breath came in ragged gasps, her pulse hammering against her ribs as she sprinted through the crowded streets, weaving past bodies and barely registering the angry shouts that followed in her wake. The asphalt beneath her heels felt unsteady, like the ground itself was shifting with every frantic step she took. She could taste the salt of her sweat, feel the burn in her lungs, but none of it mattered. She had to keep moving.

Dante.

The name echoed through her mind like a lifeline, the single thing anchoring her in the chaos. She could almost see him, waiting for her, pacing with that restless energy of his, running a hand through his hair, his green eyes scanning the horizon for her. And if she didn't make it? Elyne swallowed hard against the panic clawing at her throat. No. That wasn't an option.

Her eyes darted around, searching, calculating. The traffic was a disaster—cars jammed together in a symphony of honking horns and shouting drivers. There was no way she'd make it through in time, not on foot, not with the entire city grinding to a halt. And taxis? Forget it. They weren't moving any faster than the pedestrians clogging the sidewalks. She had minutes, not hours.

That's when he appeared, like a miracle—leaning casually against his sleek, black sports bike, twirling his helmet absently in one hand, the other scrolling through his phone. He looked up just as she approached, and her heart slammed against her ribs. This was it. No time to hesitate.

She forced a smile, the kind that had gotten her out of tight spots before, tilting her head just enough to let her hair fall over one shoulder. "Nice ride," she purred, letting her eyes drag over the contours of the bike with an appreciative gleam. "I've always wanted to get on one of these."

The guy blinked, clearly not expecting the attention. His gaze flickered over her—taking in the curve of her miniskirt, the teasing dip of her neckline, the ridiculous heels she was still wearing. Exactly the kind of look that screamed trouble, in the best possible way.

Elyne bit her lip, watching him swallow hard. Hooked. "Think I could try?" she asked, her voice light, playful, lacing it with just enough intrigue to make it impossible to refuse.

He hesitated, looking torn between common sense and the allure of the moment. "Uh... I mean, yeah, sure. Just, uh, be careful." His voice was rougher now, distracted, and he held out the helmet like it was an invitation to something much more than a ride.

Elyne took it, her fingers grazing his just enough to send a little thrill through him—she could see it in his eyes, the way they darkened with intrigue. Climbing onto the bike, she made sure to move slowly, deliberately, feeling the weight of his gaze on her legs, the way her skirt rode up just enough to keep him mesmerized. She settled into the seat, feeling the powerful hum of the machine beneath her, and grinned down at him.

"Wow," she said, running a hand along the handlebars. "I think I could get used to this."

She let out a soft laugh, playing right into the role. She leaned forward slightly, running her hand along the sleek metal as if she were genuinely impressed. "Mind if I turn the key? Just to hear it really roar?" she asked, her voice dripping with playful curiosity.