A sigh escaped Xavier's lips as he confessed, "Alright, well, sometimes Rose just becomes a bit too much to handle, you know? She's always pushing the boundaries."

Raising an eyebrow, Levi asked further, "Boundaries? What's she doing?"

Xavier, rolling his eyes, complained, "Constant demands, high expectations. It's like she expects me to read her mind."

Levi smirked. "Sounds like a handful." Seizing the opportunity, he inquired with a glint in his eyes, "But what demands are we talking about?"

Unaware of Levi's suggestive tone, Xavier jumped into the specifics while running a hand through his hair. "It's everything, Levi. Endless meetings, last-minute changes to her schedule, and she expects me to be on call 24/7."

Levi's curiosity getting the best of him as he interrogated further, "Sounds intense. What else?"

Xavier, caught up in venting, continued, "She has a knack for perfection, great for her brand, but it makes my job ten times harder. It's like she sees flaws where no one else does."

Nodding, Levi observed, a hint of disappointment in his expression, "So, it's the pressure to meet her standards that's getting to you?"

Xavier frowned as he agreed. "Yeah, and it doesn't stop there. Personal errands, dealing with her social calendar, and lately, she's been on my case about Vincent."

Leaning in with a sly smile, Levi coaxed Xavier to go on further. "Vincent? What's the issue there?"

Xavier, now revealing a hint of jealousy, confessed, "She thinks I should keep an eye on him. It's not my job to babysit her love life, but she doesn't see it that way."

Levi smirked as he teased, "Complicated, huh?"

Xavier sighed as he nodded his head in agreement. "You have no idea. It's a constant juggling act, and right now, I just need a breather."

Levi said, "I thought this was going to be a steamy story, Xavier, but it sounds like you've become a total slave to work!"

Xavier, puzzled at first, realised what Levi meant and shot him a look. "Get your head out of the gutter, Levi. It's not that kind of drama!"

A hint of blush covered Xavier's face, caused by the unexpected turn in the conversation. Levi chuckled, realising he might have pushed the boundaries of his curiosity a bit too far.

While Xavier bared his soul to Levi, the other gang members gathered in a small group, discussing the recent underground events. Bits of that conversation sailed through the night air.

"Have you heard about the new player in the east district?" one of them asked. His voice was low yet crafty.

"Yeah, word is they're making some bold moves," another replied, casting a cautious glance around.

Amid the talk, one of the gang members, dressed in a white leather jacket, bob cut hairs accentuating her bold facial features, Mia, chimed in, "The streets may change, but the game remains the same. We adapt, or we get left behind."

As the moon illuminated the scene, Xavier found comfort in the company of those who accepted him with scars and all. Navigating through the shadows of his professional challenges and personal dilemmas.

The bikes, which were once the very instruments of rebellion, now echoed the harmony of their friendship, the engines fading into the quiet of the night, leaving behind a sense of closure to a night of confessions.

***

A rosy glow painted the evening, as Rose stepped out of her car, her dress singing tales of elegance that captivated every eye.

The air played with her hairs as she surveyed the venue for Martin's birthday celebration. The decorations, lively atmosphere, all of it was setting a stage for the grand celebration.

Entering the venue, Rose caught the attention of everyone present there. Her gaze located Martin within the crowd.

Approaching him with a smile, she extended a bouquet of lovely flowers, a sweet gesture that both surprised and pleased Martin.

"Happy birthday, Martin," Rose uttered, her words seemed to carry warmth and sincerity.

Martin thanked her with a genuine smile. Amid the birthday bash. Laughter and melodies surrounded Shawn, Martin, and their intimate circle of renowned friends. Shawn's laughter filled the air while Rose indulged herself in conversations with other guests.

Her eyes shifted to steal a glance at Shawn, but he seemed to have vanished. Leaving her puzzled, she began scanning the surroundings for any sign of his presence.

As curiosity filled her, she slipped away, excusing herself. Rose walked into the corridor. There was an urgency in her search for Shawn.

A figure bumped into her, disrupting her search, strong arms enveloping her. Startled, she pushed the man away, only to realise that it was Shawn,

"Shawn, what on earth?" Rose scolded playfully.

She guided him towards the sofa to relax a bit. Shawn, the only company in this intimate setting, sat beside Rose. On the plush sofa, the solitude surrounded them like a warm blanket.

With a boyish grin, Shawn glanced at Rose. "You're a hard one to catch tonight, Rose."

"Well, you're not the easiest to find either, disappearing into thin air," she responded, a playful glint in her eyes.

Shawn's tipsy antics took over as he took Rose's hands, holding them against his cheeks. "You're warm! Much better than those cold drinks downstairs."

Witnessing his adorable behaviour, Rose couldn't help but laugh. "You're something else, Shawn. Enjoying the party a bit too much, aren't you?"

Shawn's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Just a bit! But you make it better."

Their conversation flowed smoothly, a perfect blend of giggles and heartfelt exchanges.

Just then, Rose stood up gracefully, smiling at Shawn's adorable antics. "It was fun spending time with you, Shawn."

He pouted playfully. "Don't go just yet!"

His eyes seemed to be asking the same question again and again, Won't you stay? Won't you play a little longer with me? It's just like that of a puppy. Nice try, but I like cats! Still, he is acting so cute that I might just take a bite!

As the moonlight painted a mesmerising night scene. Shawn and Rose, seeking a sweet escape from the party's commotion, engaged in a light conversation. The silence was adding depth to their interaction.

Slowly Shawn extended a hand towards her, his fingertips grazing a strand of Rose's hair, gently tucking it behind her ear.

"You have no idea," Shawn murmured softly. His voice was barely audible above a whisper. "How captivating you are, Rose."

Rose gasped for air as Shawn leaned in. "Shawn..." she breathed, her eyes tracing his every movement.

In that moment, when the night was still shimmering with the moonlight, Shawn's lips met Rose's in a tender and fleeting kiss.

Suddenly, morning's soft rays filtered into the room, pulling Rose awake from the vivid dream she had been so immersed into.

Completely confused at first, she slowly realised that she was in Vincent's embrace, a stark contrast to the what she had experienced with Shawn in her dream.

"A dream, huh?" Rose whispered to herself, meeting Vincent's gaze, who was watching her sleep this entire time. "Seems like I took a lovely tour to the world of dreams! But what is it that you're staring at, so intently?"

"Not telling! Well, welcome back." Vincent teased, a hint of warmth softening his stoic expressions.

Rose snuggled closer, enjoying the warmth of their embrace. "I must say, waking up to you isn't too bad either."

"Is that so? You're not so bad yourself," Vincent taunted, a rare playfulness lacing his words.

Bringing her lips closer to Vincent's ears, Rose whispered with a mischievous glint in her eyes, "You look so dashing in the morning light, wrapped in that quilt with nothing on, you know!"

A little offended yet amused at her words, Vincent narrowed his eyes, leaning his head towards Rose. "Careful now, you might make me blush."

"Impossible! I've never seen stone statues blush." Rose laughed, rubbing her nose against his.

"Well, this 'stone statue' happens to enjoy your company," he replied, as he tightened his arms around her a little.

Rose smirked. "Admit it, Vincent. You'd miss my charm if I weren't here."

"Charm? More like a hurricane wrapped in allure!" Vincent teased, planting a playful kiss on her forehead.

"Hey, I'm a delicate flower," Rose protested, laughing as she cuddled against him.

"Right, a flower that causes chaos wherever it blooms," Vincent chuckled.

In that moment, Rose thought of that dream for what it was - a mere illusion that briefly fascinated her.

With Vincent by her side, she accepted the reality before her, the unexpected warmth he provided, a warmth that felt similar to the so-called love they cannot feel.

Rose slipped out of bed, walking towards the bathroom. Starting to get ready for the day's challenges. Her expressions were back to the usual ones she always had, like that of a blank paper.

A few minutes later, Vincent, too, emerged from the bed. Beginning to get ready for work, his movements were swift as he moved between the space inside their hideout.

Just as Rose was about to walk out of the door, Vincent caught up with her, planting a tender peck on her cheek-an unexpected gesture that left a lingering warmth.

This subtle exchange added a layer of understanding as they readied themselves for the outside world.