Tom Kaulitz

The girl had known Tom Kaulitz for about four years. It all started with casual acquaintance, casual conversation, and occasional meetings, but over time, they became much more. She always felt calm around Tom. He never pressured her, never forced her to change, never created senseless jealous scenes. Their relationship was surprisingly easy and warm, as if they had long ago found the very person they had been searching for their entire lives.

Tom loved to take care of her in his own way. Sometimes it was quiet evenings at home, sometimes long conversations at night, and sometimes his favorite pastime—riding together on a motorcycle through the city at night. He adored the speed, the roar of the engine, and the feeling of freedom on empty roads. Especially at night, when the streets were almost empty and the streetlights stretched like golden lines along the highway.

Today was just such an evening.

Cool air crept under his jacket as the girl sat behind Tom, holding tightly to him. He confidently rode the motorcycle through the night streets, occasionally accelerating a little faster than usual, as if he specifically wanted to hear her quiet laughter behind him. The girl had long since gotten used to these rides and felt completely safe next to him.

At one of the intersections, Tom stopped at a red light. It was quiet, only the engine rumbled softly beneath them. A sudden idea struck the girl. She slowly placed her palms on his abs over his T-shirt and squeezed her fingers lightly, feeling him tense in surprise. Tom froze for literally a second. Through his helmet, she noticed how he quickly glanced first at the road ahead, and then down at her hands. He even seemed slightly confused, a rare occurrence for him.

• Uh, where... he muttered with a quiet chuckle.