nyctophilia
[ nĭk′tə-fĭl′ē-ə ]
n.
a preference for the night or darkness
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"Oh we're definitely killing them then, I need to pad my stats anyway."
"You sound like a serial killer."
"I know, I still wonder why...
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I swung my leg over the bike, settling into the seat behind San. He adjusted himself slightly, his posture steady as he prepared to drive. Rihyun climbed onto the other bike with Hongjoong, her movements smooth and practiced. I placed my hands around San’s waist, just like I had countless times before, but this time, something felt different. My heart was racing, and my palms felt clammy against the leather of his jacket.
Is this what people feel when they have a crush? The fluttery, jittery feeling in their stomachs? I remember Rihyun describing something similar when she first started liking Hongjoong.
“Hey, you’re tickling me.” San said with a soft chuckle, breaking my train of thought.
I glanced down and realized I’d been fidgeting with my hands against his sides. Embarrassed, I quickly pulled them back, “S-Sorry.” I stammered.
San turned his head slightly, just enough for me to see the sharp lines of his side profile illuminated by the faint streetlight overhead, “Nervous?” he asked, his voice soft but tinged with curiosity.
I hesitated before giving a small nod.
His lips curled into a smile, his dimple making a brief appearance, “Don’t be. I’m here, Rihyun’s here, and Hongjoong hyung’s here. We’ll finish this mission and kick those mafia dudes’ asses.” His laugh was light and infectious, drawing a giggle out of me despite my nerves.
I adjusted myself slightly, leaning closer until my chest brushed against his back. Resting my head on his shoulder, I murmured, “Let’s go.”
He nodded, lifting the kickstand with a quick motion. From the corner of my eye, I saw Hongjoong doing the same before revving the engine of his bike. Soon, we were off, the quiet hum of the engines breaking the stillness of the night.
The mission file had said the location of the mafia’s headquarters was about an hour away. As the bikes glided through the dark streets, the cool night air brushed against my face, and I fought to keep my eyes open. The rhythmic motion of the ride and the warmth radiating from San’s back made it harder to resist the pull of sleep.
San and Hongjoong drove close together, Hongjoong leading the way since he’d been given the directions earlier.
“We’re almost there. Be prepared.” Hongjoong’s voice crackled through the earpiece.
“Should we break in or sneak in?” I asked, shaking off the drowsiness.
“Sneaking in sounds better.” Hongjoong replied after a brief pause, “Our main priority is the jewel, not the gang. But if they attack us, we have no choice but to fight back.”
