As the last flickers of their shared cigarette dimmed against the dark sky, Arashi flicked the butt into the ashtray, watching the thin smoke dissipate into the cool night air. Esme leaned against the wall, her cigarette dangling loosely from her fingers, the ember glowing faintly against her thoughtful expression.

  Arashi asked, glancing at her.

  Esme nodded, stubbing out her cigarette.

  The ride back to the garage was a familiar rhythm—Arashi’s bike growling beneath them, the wind tugging at their clothes as the road unwound ahead. But as they pulled into the lot, the sight of a gleaming Ford Mustang parked out front broke the usual serenity. The car’s aggressive stance gleamed under the faint streetlights, flanked by two broad-shouldered men leaning casually against its hood.

  Arashi killed the engine, the low rumble of the bike giving way to silence. Esme slid off first, her posture growing subtly tense as she edged closer to him.

  One of the men, tall and built like a linebacker, raised a hand in greeting, a grin stretching across his face. he called, his voice booming with easy confidence. His eyes flicked to Esme, and his grin widened.

  Arashi smirked faintly, his usual air of nonchalance firmly in place. he replied, his tone as smooth as the night.

  The man barked out a laugh and extended a hand toward Arashi.

  Arashi stepped forward, his calm yet commanding presence diffusing the tension in the air. He clasped the man’s outstretched hand in a firm shake, a ghost of a grin tugging at his lips.

  he said smoothly, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. Then, he turned slightly, gesturing toward Esme, who was peeking from behind him, her eyes wide but curious.

  Bruno let out a deep, rumbling laugh, his grin broadening. He gave Esme an exaggerated nod of approval.

  Esme stepped out from behind Arashi, her shyness melting into a polite smile as she extended her hand.

  Bruno gave her hand a gentle shake, his grip surprisingly light for a man his size.

  Arashi chuckled, leaning casually against his bike.

  Arashi’s sharp eyes flicked past Bruno, landing on a younger man hovering near the Mustang. His smirk grew as he called out,

  The young man hesitated for a moment before shuffling closer, his hands shoved deep into his jacket pockets. His gaze darted nervously to Esme, and Arashi’s smirk widened as he teased,

  Esme’s breath hitched as the words my girl left Arashi’s lips, her cheeks immediately heating up in a blush that she couldn’t hide. She glanced up at him, a mix of surprise and flustered delight flickering in her eyes.

  Brad stammered, holding his hands up as if to ward off the accusation. But his quick glance at Esme betrayed a flash of embarrassment.

  Bruno let out a hearty laugh, slapping Brad’s shoulder.

  Esme fidgeted nervously, her cheeks still tinged pink as she stepped forward. she said, her voice soft but steady. She offered a shy smile, glancing between Bruno and Brad.

  Bruno chuckled, crossing his massive arms over his chest. he said with a nod of approval.

  Arashi leaned back against his bike, his arms casually crossed as he explained to Esme,

  Esme nodded politely, her usual confidence starting to peek through.

  Turning his attention to Bruno, Arashi tilted his head, his smirk sharp.

  Bruno let out a booming laugh, slapping his thigh.

  Arashi barked out a laugh, his signature cocky charm on full display.

  His laughter masked the faint flicker of something darker beneath the surface. What he didn’t say—and wouldn’t say—was that on April 27th, the day Bruno had texted asking how life was going, he’d been a trainwreck. Lana’s absence had left a void he hadn’t been ready to admit. Instead of answering, he’d buried the pain, letting it stew in silence.

  Bruno didn’t press, only shaking his head with a smirk.

  Esme glanced up at him, curiosity and concern flickering in her green-brown eyes, but she said nothing, sensing there was more to the story than what Arashi let on.

  Bruno cracked his knuckles, leaning back slightly with a grin that spoke volumes. he said, the excitement in his voice palpable.

  Arashi’s smirk deepened, always in control of the situation. He flicked a glance toward the young mechanic, his tone playful but firm.

  Bruno burst out laughing, shaking his head. He turned his gaze to Brad, who was still trying to shrink into the background.

  Brad’s face flushed, and he mumbled, But his voice lacked conviction, and everyone in the group knew the truth.

  Arashi let out a low chuckle, his eyes glinting with mischief.

  Esme glanced between the men, a curious smile tugging at her lips.

  Bruno’s grin turned sly.

  Arashi’s gaze sharpened, his smirk turning into something more predatory as he locked eyes with Bruno. ” His voice was firm, a hint of warning beneath the playful tone.

  Esme's cheeks flushed crimson, her heart skipping a beat at the possessiveness in his words. She shifted her weight awkwardly, trying to mask the rush of emotion she felt at being claimed so openly.

  Bruno raised his hands, feigning innocence with a chuckle. His grin was mischievous, like he wasn’t quite ready to back down just yet.

  Arashi’s smirk returned, his voice low and confident. He let the words hang in the air, a playful challenge in his tone.

  The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

  Esme swallowed hard, her mind briefly flashing to the idea of being in the arms of a man like Bruno, and it made her pulse quicken. She forced herself to stay composed, mentally shaking off the thought. There was no need to get distracted. She could handle herself, especially with Arashi so close.

  Esme couldn’t help herself, the naughty edge to her words slipping out as she smirked up at Arashi.

  The room went still for a moment, and then Bruno erupted into laughter, his deep, booming voice filling the space. He doubled over, his laughter rattling the air.

  Arashi, caught off guard by Esme’s playful jab, pouted dramatically, crossing his arms in mock offense. he said, his tone playful but tinged with mock hurt.

  He quickly shifted gears, though, his usual cool demeanor returning as he looked at the group.

  Brad’s eyes practically sparkled at the mention of food. He shot to his feet, his grin wide.

  Esme couldn’t help but chuckle at the infectious excitement in the air, her earlier nerves melting away. It was moments like this that made everything feel lighter.

  Arashi picked up his phone and dialed the Pizza Corner, his voice smooth as ever.

  He hung up the phone with a satisfied nod and turned back to the group. They got to work loading the body onto Arashi’s truck, their movements coordinated and efficient. Just as they finished, the pizza delivery arrived.

  Arashi handed over the cash with a quick nod of thanks. Brad, ever the eager one, grabbed the box in a flash and sprinted inside, looking like he hadn’t eaten in days. Bruno muttered under his breath, shaking his head with a laugh.

  Esme watched in awe as Brad dug in, devouring slice after slice with impressive speed. It was both comical and slightly impressive. But when Brad caught her watching, he slowed down, feeling self-conscious.

  Esme said, her voice light and teasing as she tried to ease the tension. She chuckled, hoping to bring the same energy back to the table.

  Brad blinked, his cheeks turning a bit red as he realized what she had just said. He started eating faster, his earlier hesitation melting away.

  Arashi, still leaning casually against the truck, only smirked at the exchange, his eyes never leaving Bruno as they continued chatting.

  Bruno asked, his tone curious.

  Arashi replied smoothly, his gaze shifting toward the familiar space where his prized car rested.

  Esme’s curiosity piqued as she overheard them. Bruno asked, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.

  Esme turned to Arashi, eager to hear the story.

  Arashi’s smirk turned more nostalgic as he answered,

  Before Arashi could continue, Bruno cut in, chuckling.

  Brad, who had been distracted by his pizza, heard the conversation and burst into loud laughter. But the laughter quickly turned into a fit of coughing as he choked on a piece of pizza, struggling to catch his breath.

  “I KNEW IT, YOU OLD WOLFFFFF!!!” Arashi suddenly exploded, his tone a mix of playful outrage and mock anger. He threw his hands up, shaking his head as if he’d just been betrayed in the most hilarious way.

  Bruno leaned back, grinning even wider.

  he teased, clearly enjoying the moment.

  Esme watched the playful banter between them, her lips curling into a smile. It was clear there was a bond between these two, built on years of friendship and countless moments like this one.

  Brad, still recovering from his pizza mishap, gave a lazy wave.

  Arashi shot Brad a look, his face still pretending to be angry but the corner of his lips twitching with a smile.

  Brad quickly raised both hands in mock surrender, grinning sheepishly.

  Arashi leaned in, his smirk growing as he looked at Brad with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

  Brad froze for a second, his face turning a shade of red. he stammered, looking utterly flustered.

  Arashi chuckled darkly, enjoying the discomfort he’d just caused.

  Bruno burst into laughter again, nearly choking on his own spit.

  Esme couldn’t help but giggle at the scene, the way Arashi effortlessly toyed with Brad. There was something charming about his confidence, the way he always knew how to keep things light while pushing the boundaries.

  Brad, now completely red in the face, shot Arashi a playful glare.

  Esme’s curiosity got the better of her as she turned to Bruno, her tone softening with genuine interest. She paused, glancing at Arashi with a softer expression.

  Bruno immediately feigned a dramatic gasp, placing both hands on his broad chest as if struck by a powerful wave of emotion. he said with a mock-crying tone.

  His expression matched the over-the-top drama, his eyes wide and filled with exaggerated grief as he clutched his chest like it was about to explode.

  Arashi, who’d been leaning back with a smirk, rolled his eyes and threw up his hands in mock surrender.

  Esme giggled at the show, the tension lightened by the playful banter between the men. “You two are impossible,” she teased, her smile warm as she looked between them.

  Bruno’s expression shifted as he continued, his voice turning a bit more reflective.

  Arashi’s face darkened as Bruno spoke, but he didn’t interrupt.

  Bruno continued, unaware of the shift in Arashi’s mood.

  Esme’s expression softened as she softly interrupted, her voice filled with understanding. she said quietly, her words hanging in the air with a heavy weight.

  Bruno nodded, his face turning more somber for a moment. “Yeah… just a few days after that, his dad passed. Left him the garage, and that R33…” He let out a small chuckle, shaking his head.

  Esme looked at Arashi, her expression a mixture of sympathy and admiration, knowing that there was so much more beneath the surface of his cool, distant exterior.

  Esme’s voice softened, her eyes filled with empathy as she looked at Arashi. “

  Arashi gave her a faint smile, his usual playful demeanor returning. His voice was warm, reassuring. He reached over and gently patted her hand, his touch soft but comforting.

  Bruno, sensing the shift in the mood, cleared his throat and took a step back, giving Arashi and Esme some space. he added, his tone more serious now.

  Arashi looked at Bruno, nodding briefly.

  Esme’s gaze lingered on Arashi for a moment longer, and then she smiled gently, hoping to lighten the mood.

  Arashi gave her a playful grin. he teased, his usual charm creeping back into his voice.

  Esme pretended to protest, her voice filled with playful disbelief.

  Arashi raised an eyebrow, smirking.

  Before Esme could respond, Bruno burst out laughing, slamming his hand onto the table. He nearly choked on his own laughter, clearly enjoying the teasing and the moment’s energy.

  Esme blushed, her cheeks turning a soft pink as she shot a look at Arashi, her playful innocence shining through. Arashi just smirked back, shaking his head in mock exasperation.

  Arashi said, his voice dripping with amusement.

  Bruno wiped tears from his eyes, still laughing.

  Arashi asked, glancing around.

  Brad’s voice came from the other room.

  Arashi turned to see Brad, his eyes widening.

  Brad grinned sheepishly, hands raised in mock surrender.

  Arashi quickly snapped, his tone laced with mild annoyance but amusement.

  After that, Arashi grabbed his phone and sent a text to Tiffany He chuckled to himself as he hit send, then transferred $25,000 to Tiffany’s account.

  He sent $5,000 to Bruno, $5,000 to Brad, and $10,000 to Esme.

  Arashi said with a grin.

  Bruno laughed, shaking his head.

  Esme blushed as she looked up at Arashi. Her cheeks turned redder as she felt his unending love and care for her.

  Arashi gave her a soft smile, his gaze warm.

  Brad, now fully dressed, interrupted with a grin.

  Bruno burst out laughing.

  Arashi rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

  TO BE CONTINUED.