Phantom?

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…

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***