Phoenix
Part 45: Discovering the Heart
Inside the car, silence reigns. City lights glide past the windows. Phoenix keeps her hands in her lap, nervously playing with her red dress, her gaze wandering outside. Albatross sits behind the wheel, watching her every movement.
PHOENIX:
“So… you’re really not going to tell me where you’re taking me?”
ALBATROSS:
“No. If I told you, it wouldn’t be exciting.”
Phoenix turns toward him, tense.
PHOENIX:
“Exciting? Right now it’s just scary! I don’t know where we are, and I don’t know why I’m here!”
Albatross replies with a half-smile.
ALBATROSS:
“Because right now, you’re the only one who matters.”
Phoenix laughs out loud, but the sound is edged with nervous tension.
PHOENIX:
“Really? Is this jealousy? Just because someone dared to ask me to dance at the party?”
Albatross leans slightly closer, his voice deep and playful, but his eyes serious.
ALBATROSS:
“Yes. I’m jealous. Because I don’t like the idea of someone else getting close to you.”
Phoenix raises an eyebrow.
PHOENIX:
“And why should that matter to you? We’re not even… anything.”
ALBATROSS:
“Exactly because of that. Because… I can’t stand it when others… when others smile at you.”
Phoenix leans back slightly, but their eyes meet. The air practically vibrates.
PHOENIX:
“And where are you taking me anyway? You still haven’t said.”
ALBATROSS:
“You’ll find out soon. Until then… don’t rush your heartbeat.”
Phoenix snaps back, irritated but teasing.
PHOENIX:
“Don’t provoke me! I don’t know what to do with you.”
ALBATROSS:
“That’s exactly why I like this situation. And… because right now, you can’t run away.”
The hum of the engine and the electric tension between them are the only sounds breaking the silence. Phoenix almost feels the space around them shrinking, every movement and every glance intensified—yet somehow drawing them closer.
PHOENIX:
“Fine… but if I get scared now… and… and upset… you will too…”
ALBATROSS:
“Then I will too. That’s exactly how it works.”
Phoenix lets out a quiet sigh, her hand curling into a fist as she tries to process the storm of emotions. She doesn’t know where he’s taking her—but she feels that every movement Albatross makes shapes the space around her.
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