Morning sunlight hung low at eight, its golden warmth filtering through a thin veil of mist.
Everyone in the Cunning Hares had finished breakfast and were preparing for departure to the Outer Ring.
"These tasks are all yours. I'll go invite our Proxy. Sound good?"
Sol Mercer adjusted his jacket, admiring his reflection with a self-satisfied nod.
He was, after all, about to take a girl for a ride. One had to look sharp for that.
"Why can't I go?"
Nicole Demara stood with her hands on her hips, irritation flaring.
The guy looked like a peacock mid–mating season—so blatant he didn't even bother pretending otherwise.
"Because someone as important as you, Boss Nicole, needs to stay here—hold the fort and manage the big picture." Sol smiled, flattering her with perfect smoothness. "Asking a Proxy is a small errand. Let me handle it."
"Hmph. That's more like it!"
Nicole's face brightened instantly, pride sparkling in her eyes.
"Then it's settled. You guys get ready. I'll head out with Belle soon."
Sol waved and swung a leg over his motorcycle. "And hey, Anby—I'll grab a few more videotapes for you."
"Mm."
Anby Demara gave a small nod and smiled.
"Don't worry, Boss Sol! Leave it to me!"
Billy Kid thumped his chest confidently.
Sol raised his thumb in approval, twisted the throttle, and the bike roared away in a burst of speed.
Why not drive a car?
Because no girl could hug your waist in a car, of course.
And the faster the motorcycle, the more fun the ride. Those who knew, knew.
…
Sixth Street, RandomPlay Video Store.
Sol parked his motorcycle in the open space outside, then stepped inside the shop.
Belle was there, dressed in her usual bright outfit—an energetic young woman who looked a little sleepy from the early morning. That trace of drowsiness made her seem even cuter.
Behind the counter, Wise was talking to their Bangboo, likely reminding it not to fall asleep while on duty.
"Morning, Belle. You look gorgeous as always."
Sol waved cheerfully, smiling from ear to ear.
"Sol! What are you doing here!?"
Belle stood up in surprise, her sleepiness instantly gone.
"Long time no see, Sol."
Wise subtly stepped between them, calm but watchful. "If you've got something to say, let's talk inside."
Belle slipped past him, pulling Sol to the sofa inside the room.
Wise followed helplessly.
"I'll get right to it," Sol began, his tone shifting to business. "I need a favor. Remember Canvas Street? That guy Perlman fled to the Outer Ring. Zhu Yuan and Qingyi passed us some intel, so we're heading there to track him down."
"You know the Outer Ring—plenty of Hollows, but few Carrots. We'll need a Proxy's help."
He grabbed a snack from the table, completely at ease.
Belle pouted, sitting down beside him, disappointment in her voice. "So that's it. I thought you came to hang out with me."
"Are you coming or not?" Sol caught her hand, gaze serious. "This is my lifelong request."
Belle blushed slightly. "You've been hanging around Nicole too long—you even say her lines now!"
Still, the line stirred a little nostalgia—Nicole hadn't said that in weeks.
"Ahem. Of course I'll go. But let go first, so we can pack up and move the HDD system."
Wise frowned deeper at the sight of their hands.
"No problem. I'll help."
Sol released her hand naturally, pretending nothing had happened.
"Hmph."
Belle let out a tiny, dissatisfied sound—no one could tell if it was aimed at Sol or her brother.
Soon, the two began closing up shop, packing the displayed videotapes back into boxes.
Before they finished, Sol picked out a few tapes—all of Anby's favorites.
"Hey! Just because we're friends doesn't mean you get freebies!"
Belle puffed her cheeks, looking annoyed.
"What do you take me for? I'm not that kind of guy."
Sol pinched her cheek lightly. "Here. One high-energy battery—enough power for a month."
He materialized the battery effortlessly and handed it over.
He knew the store had been struggling since Fairy opened. The battery was perfect help.
"Seriously? You're being that generous today?"
Belle eyed him, skeptical—not of the battery, but of him.
Sol grinned. "Consider it me paying for Anby's membership renewal."
Belle's brow creased slightly, her tone faintly sour. "Why not say it's for my snacks instead? I even treated you to hot pot last time."
"You don't need to buy snacks. Just come over to my place and eat all you want."
Sol smoothed the small frown from her forehead, smiling.
Belle's mood brightened instantly. "Hmph, I'm not going," she murmured softly, though her eyes sparkled.
While they flirted, Wise finished loading most of the supplies into the van.
"Belle," Sol leaned close and whispered, "I rode my bike today. Wanna take a spin?"
At least he'd waited until the work was done before asking, leaving Wise to do the heavy lifting alone.
Belle's eyes lit up. "Sure!" she said without hesitation.
At her age, how could she resist the call of speed and freedom?
Then, realizing something, she lowered her voice. "But we have to be quick—if my brother sees, he won't let me go."
"Then let's go."
Sol didn't waste a second, pulling her toward the door.
Moments later, Wise stepped out and saw Sol already astride the motorcycle.
Belle noticed him too and stuck out her tongue playfully. "Sorry, big bro! Sol and I will see you in the Outer Ring!"
She hopped onto the back seat, arms wrapping tightly around Sol's waist.
"Don't worry, Wise," Sol said, flashing his brightest grin. "With me here, Belle's completely safe."
The engine roared, and the motorcycle shot off like lightning.
'That's exactly why I don't feel safe,' Wise thought, clenching his fists.
"Slow down, Sol! I can't take it! Ahhh!"
Belle's startled cry mixed fear with excitement as she pressed herself against his back.
"Come on, admit it—it feels great, right?"
"It does!"
Eyes shut, Belle let the wind whip past her, heart racing with wild exhilaration.
"…"
Wise couldn't take it anymore. He slammed the store door shut, jumped into his car, and stepped on the gas to give chase.
No wonder people said Sol Mercer had skills—once he got behind the wheel, nobody—man or woman—stood a chance.