"Amaya?"
"Yeah?"
"That's my brother."
"...Eh?"
The unexpected revelation left her speechless for a couple of seconds before reality caught up with her. Her face cycled through five different emotions before finally settling on shock.
"He's your brother?! Why didn't you ever mention him?"
"I'm pretty sure I did," Natalie replied calmly.
"No, you didn't!"
Adrian spotted them among the crowd and started walking toward them with a faint smile. Amaya quickly composed herself.
"Amaya. Natalie." He gave them a small wave.
"Hey, Adrian. Are you okay after... you know, what happened this morning?" she asked, worry evident in her voice.
She was referring to his confrontation with Miss Evelyn.
"I'm perfectly fine. Thanks for asking." He smiled at her.
Amaya returned the smile, a faint blush coloring her cheeks, before Natalie briskly stepped between them.
"Ahem." A twinge of jealousy in her tone.
Adrian scratched the back of his head.
"Oh, Natalie. How was school today?"
She ignored the question, her gaze darting between the two of them before settling on Adrian.
"So, you're here to pick up your new girlfriend," she said with a knowing grin.
"Actually, I'm—"
She cut him off and turned to Amaya, who was desperately trying to make herself as small as possible to avoid her best friend's wrath.
"And you! Trying to go from best friend to sister-in-law, huh?"
Amaya's face instantly turned red as she tried to retort, but unfortunately, once Natalie started making assumptions, there was no stopping her.
Oh, here we go, Adrian thought with a wry smile.
Soon, Amaya was being bombarded with an endless stream of accusations from Natalie, each one leaving her face redder than the last.
Adrian sighed before stepping forward and pinching Natalie's cheek.
"Ow! Hey, let go! I'm not a kid!" she protested.
"Then stop acting like one. Now, will you finally listen to what I have to say?"
"Fine," she grumbled reluctantly.
Adrian released her cheek, and she immediately pulled away, rubbing the sore spot.
"Now that I have your attention, I'm here to pick you up."
"Wait... really?!" she asked, blinking in surprise.
"Yes. Now can we please go before Tyler decides to repeat what happened this morning? Because I don't think I'll be able to hold myself back again."
"What are we waiting for? Let's go."
She started pulling him away, but he stopped and glanced back at Amaya, who was still standing there, fidgeting with her fingers.
"Are you coming along? I have room for one more," he asked.
The invitation caught her off guard, making her jump slightly.
"O-oh, thank you, but I think I'll just go on my own," she said, not wanting to get between them.
"I insist. Besides, I don't like the idea of leaving you alone in case Tyler decides to try his luck again. He doesn't seem like the kind of guy to give up easily."
Natalie nodded in agreement.
"Come on. I don't want you walking home alone. Let's go."
Amaya lowered her gaze, clasping her hands together before giving a small nod.
"Okay then... thank you very much, Adrian."
Adrian smiled and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. Unlike his usual teasing smirk, this one was warm and reassuring.
"No need to be so formal. Isn't that what friends are for?"
The words made her blink.
W-we're friends?
Before she could dwell on what he'd said, Natalie impatiently grabbed both of them and started dragging them along.
"Let's go already! I'm so freaking tired."
Adrian chuckled.
"Okay, okay. I won't keep you waiting, Princess."
She opened her mouth to protest the nickname, but instead simply huffed.
"Hmph. As you should."
Adrian pulled out his two helmets and handed one to Amaya and the other to Natalie. Natalie strapped hers on with a bit of difficulty while Amaya looked at Adrian with concern.
"What about you? Don't you need one too?"
"I only have two helmets on me. Besides..." He flexed his bicep with a grin. "I'm pretty tough, don't you think?"
Amaya quickly looked away, pretending to be interested in literally anything else, while Natalie rolled her eyes.
Adrian climbed onto the motorcycle first, as expected. Amaya stepped forward to get on behind him, but a single warning glance from Natalie was enough to make her hesitate before quietly stepping aside, leaving the seat to her. Oblivious to the silent exchange, Adrian simply waited while Amaya climbed on last.
It was a little cramped with three people, but still manageable.
They soon set off. This time Adrian kept his speed in check. Carrying two passengers made him ride much more cautiously, much to Amaya's relief.
A few minutes later, they arrived in front of Amaya's house.
She quickly climbed off before turning back with a small smile.
"Goodbye, Natalie. Adrian."
"Bye, Amaya," Natalie replied with a wave.
Adrian simply gave her a nod.
Just as Amaya was about to head inside, her eyes lingered on the two of them sitting together on the motorcycle.
Adrian's slightly messy black hair, calm hazel-brown eyes, sharp jawline, and composed expression stood beside Natalie's chestnut hair, bright amber eyes, and softer features.
Adrian raised a brow. "What's the matter, missing me already?"
Amaya quickly snapped back to reality, blinking a few times as she realized she had been staring.
"N-nothing. Bye."
She turned around and hurried toward the porch, practically trying not to run.
"Say hi to your grandma for me!" Adrian called after her.
Amaya froze for a moment before turning around and giving him a quick thumbs up. Unfortunately, her attempt at acting normal ended when she nearly missed a step, stumbling slightly on the stairs before quickly recovering and disappearing inside.
Adrian watched the door close, a small amused smile appearing on his face.
Natalie shook her head behind him. "You're horrible."
"I can't help it. She can be so cute sometimes," Adrian replied casually, revving the engine.
Natalie didn't seem to take the comment as lightly as he did.
She crossed her arms over his shoulders, resting them around his neck. "What about me though?" she asked.
Adrian didn't hesitate.
"She's shy cute. You're different."
Natalie raised a brow. "Then what would you say I am?"
Adrian thought for a moment before answering.
"You're like a cat that tears up the curtains, never uses its litter box, and leaves fur everywhere... but still expects to be petted and pampered."
A small giggle escaped her as she shook her head at the comparison.
"Wow. That's your description of me?"
"Pretty accurate, isn't it?"
She couldn't argue with that.
Natalie was quiet for a moment before her expression softened.
"You're still so protective."
Adrian glanced back slightly.
"You just met her today, and you're already treating her the same way you treated me when I was younger."
Adrian looked forward again, his expression calm.
"I don't know. Maybe it's just because I like looking out for people who need it."
A small smile tugged at his lips.
"Or maybe it's because seeing her reminded me of you back then."
He turned back just enough to give her a side glance, brief but meaningful.
Natalie stared at him for a moment before a fond smile slowly appeared on her face. She let go of his shoulders and settled back into the seat.
Adrian pushed the throttle, and the motorcycle roared to life as they disappeared down the road.