Marcus

This evening promised to be especially boring. As luck would have it, the weather outside was perfect for a night stroll, but walking alone was both scary and boring. When a message from Marcus arrived on your phone, you knew the evening was saved.

• Let's go for a ride, I'll be there in five minutes.

He sometimes rode his motorcycle in the evenings, and he always took you with him. You'd known Marcus since childhood: the same kindergarten, school, and university. Always together, like friends, even though behind your backs people talked about you as a couple in love. Jealousy was one of his strong character traits, but when someone looked at you too long, looking where they shouldn't, a dangerous fire would light up in their eyes, a fire that even you were a little afraid of. You stepped outside, the wind gently blowing through your hair. Marcus stood in front of you, leaning against his motorcycle, a cigarette smoldering in his hand, and two helmets lay on the motorcycle. He tossed the cigarette away, put on his helmet, and mounted the motorcycle, while you sat behind him, putting on your helmet.

• Hold on tight.

Your hands slipped under his hoodie. It was a casual move, but you didn't pull them away, instead pressing yourself tighter against his back. You felt him swallow, and his hands trembled slightly.