On the highway from New Eridu to the Outer Ring…
A single motorcycle sped down the open road—two riders, one machine.
Far behind them, a car was chasing desperately, yet falling farther and farther behind.
The rushing wind swept through Belle's short blue hair, loose strands whipping across her vision.
Her soft, delicate face was slightly distorted by the fierce wind, forcing her to squint her eyes.
But Belle was thrilled—she had an urge to shout into the roaring air.
There was something instinctual in humans that longed for wind and freedom.
That was why cocky riders so easily won over naive girls: the motorcycle's speed gave them a physical sensation of wind and freedom.
And most girls mistook that fleeting rush for love—and tumbled headfirst into it.
Professionally, this was called the Suspension Bridge Effect.
Both theory and practice had long proven it very effective.
"Sol, are you happy?" Belle's voice carried through the wind, filled with unrestrained joy. "I'm so happy! This flying feeling—it's so cool!"
Her voice was distorted by the rushing air, which somehow made it sound even more exciting.
"Because Belle's here, I'm happy too."
Sol gripped the handlebars with ease—cruising at 120 miles per hour was nothing to him.
To be blunt, he could run much faster than this if he wanted.
He could literally achieve one bun per hundred kilometers fuel efficiency… though he didn't really need to eat anymore.
"Why are you suddenly saying things like that?" Belle's courage grew bolder in the wind as she teased, "If you think confessing your love while riding will make me fall for you, you're way too naive!"
"That's not what I meant." Sol smiled slightly, the sensation at his back remarkably pleasant. "I was saying, Belle's figure is pretty good—looks average, but actually has a lot of… potential."
Their pressed bodies transmitted warmth and motion through the fabric—almost like a rhythmic massage.
"You— you're impossible!"
Belle's cheeks flushed crimson as she realized just how intimate their position was. She instinctively tried to shift back a little.
"What? I can't hear you!"
Sol shouted deliberately, pretending not to understand.
"I said we're too close! We need to back off a bit!"
Belle yelled into his ear, her voice indignant.
"What? Go a bit farther?"
Sol's grin turned sly. "No problem! Hold tight—I'm speeding up!"
In an instant, the bike roared even faster.
Luckily, they were already outside the city limits—otherwise, they'd have been escorted to the Public Security Bureau for reckless driving.
"Ahhh!"
Belle shrieked, clutching Sol's waist even tighter.
"Woohoo!"
Sol laughed triumphantly, feeling the strong pressure from behind him.
After a while, Belle gradually adapted to the speed.
"Hey, you!" Her face pressed against Sol's back, she pinched his abs with mock fury. "You're the worst!"
"It's all Belle's fault—you're just too cute. Makes me want to get a little closer."
Sol ignored the mischievous hand at his stomach, chuckling as he spoke.
"Even if you say that, I'm not forgiving you!"
Belle's cheeks reddened again, but her fingers didn't stop moving.
Those abs—eight firm, perfectly defined abs!
So solid, so warm, so powerful!
And beneath those sculpted lines lay the untouchable forbidden zone!
"Careful, miss—any lower and I'll have to start charging extra."
Sol steered one-handed and tapped the wandering hand lightly.
Belle only giggled, leaning closer with a teasing glint in her eye. "Hehe, so you do get scared sometimes. That's rare."
The rush of wind had ignited something in her—like she'd drunk too much jet fuel, unlocking a new form.
No, perhaps it was her true form—the unleashed Gremlin Belle.
"Try touching again when we stop," Sol said with a sly smile, his tone almost taunting.
If he weren't driving right now, he'd definitely make her pay for that teasing.
Belle's face flushed, her heart pounding, then she smirked wickedly. "Then I'll touch you now… and not touch you later, just to spite you."
"…"
Sol didn't respond, just smiled faintly.
Oh, foolish girl—how do you know that wasn't part of my plan?
Laughing and bickering all the way, the two sped toward the Outer Ring.
"Look! That's the Cunning Hares' car—Billy's driving!"
Belle's eyes widened as she spotted a familiar vehicle ahead.
At the moment, the Hares' car was still in front—but at the motorcycle's speed, they'd catch up in no time.
"Nicole and Billy left early, huh? Didn't think I'd catch up this fast."
Sol grinned.
"Sol, act normal when we reach them."
Belle shifted her hands from his waist to his jacket, forcing her delighted expression into something more composed.
She couldn't help it—in front of Sol's official girlfriend, she had to at least pretend to behave.
Even the roaring wind couldn't hide her guilty conscience.
A few minutes later—
Sol and Belle's motorcycle caught up with the Cunning Hares' old sedan.
Belle waved cheerfully. "Hey there, everyone! Long time no see!"
"So, it's you, store manager! I knew you'd come through!"
Billy drove one-handed, waving enthusiastically.
"Good morning, store manager."
Anby greeted calmly, though her gaze lingered on Belle's hands and where they rested.
Nicole, Nekomata, and Baal each offered polite hellos.
Then, after the formalities, Nicole leaned out and said, "Proxy, Sol's motorcycle is way too fast—it's not safe! Come sit with us instead. The car's much more stable and safe!"
Belle, enjoying the wind too much to give up her seat, smiled. "That wouldn't be fair—your car's already full. There's no room left."
"No problem, I can make room! I'll take Sol's bike instead."
Nicole waved generously. "Hurry, let's switch—you'll catch a cold out here!"
"I can make room too," Anby said calmly.
"Actually, I can too," Nekomata muttered softly, her eyes sparkling as she stared at the motorcycle.
What cat didn't want to ride a cool, powerful bike? Compared to that slow old car, this was pure thrill!
"I can make room too!" Billy raised his hand eagerly, eyes gleaming.
After all, the Starlight Knight's mount was a motorcycle—sleek, strong, and dazzlingly cool!
Belle froze, realizing with shock how popular Sol's backseat had suddenly become.
But she wasn't ready to give up yet!
She pinched Sol's waist—a silent signal to speed up.
Then turned back toward Nicole with a bright, teasing smile. "No need, everyone! I just want to test my limits a little longer!"
"See you in Blazewood Town, Nicole!"
Sol revved the throttle and laughed as they surged ahead.
The motorcycle blazed past the old sedan, leaving a cloud of black exhaust in its wake.
"Ahh! After them!"
Nicole smacked Billy on the head, her teeth clenched.
Now she understood.
Somehow, without anyone noticing—Belle and Sol had gotten way too close.
Unforgivable!
Why, oh why, was she always the one getting shortchanged?!
…
From high above, the Outer Ring highway twisted like a silver ribbon across the wasteland.
A sleek motorcycle led the way, with two cars chasing close behind—each with their own desperate reason to press forward.
One for love yet to blossom.
One for love to protect.
And one for a sister's love.