The Thrilling ride

Once they hit the main road, Solrine excitedly informed Stellan that their first adventure of the night was about to begin. Without warning, she increased the speed of the bike and expertly maneuvered through the lanes, eventually reaching a free highway where she accelerated even more.

The experience was absolutely surreal for Stellan. He couldn't believe that it was a lady riding the bike with such skill and confidence. Solrine's ability to swerve and curve through the lanes showcased her expertise and experience.

Although Stellan had indulged in speed before, it was mostly with sports cars. Riding on a motorbike gave him a completely different vibe. He had always been interested in bikes, but his mother's fear of accidents had squashed his dreams. She had forbidden him from owning or even indulging in one.

Trusting in Solrine's expertise, Stellan let himself relax and fully immerse himself in the exhilaration of the bike ride, feeling the cool breeze against his skin on this chilly night.

The ride continued as they toured through the bustling city. The sight of the duo on the bike caught the attention of many people, leaving them amazed and intrigued. It was quite unusual to see a girl taking the lead on the bike, especially with the guy in a suit. It added a touch of comedy and peculiarity to the scene.

After a while, Solrine parked the motorbike by the river near the long bridge. Stellan hopped off the bike and took off his helmet, flashing a big smile.

"This is so exhilarating! It's absolutely amazing how well you can handle this bike. You've really impressed me, Miss Tour Guide. So, what's our next destination? I can't wait! I'm having such a great time!" Stellan ranted excitedly, not even giving Solrine a chance to catch her breath.

Solrine calmly took off her helmet and smiled. "I'm glad you enjoyed it, especially since you're my very first passenger. Consider yourself honored," she said with a hint of pride in her voice.

"Yes, Your Highness. I am truly honored to be your first passenger," Stellan replied sarcastically.

"What's with that tone, Mister? You think I'm joking? I don't just give anyone a ride on my beloved speedy spud. You're special, because I fancy you tonight," she said, getting off her bike to face Stellan, who was being quite dramatic. He placed his left hand on his chest and the other on his mouth, letting out a soft gasp. Then he moved his hand to his eyes, pretending to wipe away tears. "I am utterly shocked and moved by your kind generosity towards me. I am equally honored to ride on our dear speedy spud," he said, fanning his face. "Oh, my goodness, you've truly touched my heart."

Solrine couldn't help but smile and find amusement in Stellan's behavior. It was so different from the vibe he usually gave off. She thought to herself that approaching him and spending the night together was definitely the right decision. He had managed to make her forget about her sadness and life issues, even if just for a little while. She was truly enjoying his company, as if he were the magical happy pill she had been needing.

"Stop with the drama, Mister Stellan!" she exclaimed, bursting into laughter and playfully slapping his shoulder. She wanted him to know that his dramatic act didn't suit him at all. Stellan paused and looked at her for a moment before speaking.

"I'm glad to see you genuinely laughing," he said calmly. Solrine looked at him, slightly confused. She wondered what he meant.

"When you walked into the bar, it was clear that something bad had happened to you," Stellan continued, maintaining eye contact. "It seemed like you came here not just to relieve stress like the rest of us, but to distract yourself from overwhelming feelings and thoughts. You were forcing yourself to engage in conversation and smile, hiding the pain in your heart. It was as if you were trying to naturally boost your serotonin and dopamine without relying on substances."

Solrine was shocked by Stellan's perceptive words. She hadn't expected him to see through her like that. She wondered how he had managed to notice her true intentions.

He placed his hands on Solrine's shoulders, showing the noticeable height difference between them. It was as if he were gently massaging her shoulders, applying a little pressure. Solrine was taken aback by this unexpected gesture.

Solrine's eyes glistened with unshed tears, as if she were on the verge of breaking down. She was trying her best to hold herself together. Stellan dropped his hands from her shoulders to her upper arms, giving them a reassuring squeeze.

"I commend you for not giving in to your inner demons," he said, his voice filled with empathy. "I'm glad I could be a distraction for you and that I could make you genuinely smile. These little moments we're sharing together, Miss Tour Guide," he said, smiling at her. Solrine chuckled at the nickname he had given her on a whim.

"I commend you for staying strong," he continued, his face solemn. Solrine became suspicious and asked, "Do you know me from before?"

Stellan shook his head. "No, I promise you that I have never met you or seen you before tonight. I was solely attracted to you and also drawn to your boldness," he explained.

He patted her arm gently, trying to ease her mind. "Don't worry, I won't ask you about what happened. I won't push you to tell me. I'm just here to be a distraction and provide comforting arms," he reassured her, countering her suspicions that he would pry into her troubles.

Stellan playfully extended his arms and patted his chest, jokingly inviting Solrine over. But Solrine gave him a look as if he were up to no good. Stellan, a bit surprised, asked, "Why are you looking at me with that eye?"

He then dramatically placed his hands on his chest, pretending to be hurt, and said, "I am humbly beseeching you, my noble consolation arms, generously offering myself. People would kill for such benevolent treatment, yet you accuse me with those eyes!" He playfully flicked her forehead and teasingly called her "Miss Tour Guide," pretending to be angry.

Solrine, with trembling fists, hands, and lips, responded defiantly, "I didn't ask for it, and I can choose to reject it, Mister!" Stellan's gaze softened as he realized that Solrine was struggling to open up to him.

Stellan was just joking around, trying to lighten the mood. He didn't mean any harm. Stellan, realizing that she was uncomfortable, quickly changed his tone and apologized.

"I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. I was just trying to make you laugh," Stellan said, his gaze softening. He could see that Solrine was struggling with opening up to him, and he didn't want to push her too much.

After some intense stares at each other, "I think it's best we head back to town, Mister. The night tour is over, and I don't want to show my vulnerabilities to people." Solrine said, turning towards her bike, getting ready to mount it.

Stellan suddenly envelops Solrine in a bear hug, catching her off guard. She immediately becomes defensive and asks, "What are you doing?"

Stellan simply responds, "You need this, Solrine."

She replied sharply, almost shouting, "I don't need it! Now get your fucking hands off me, Stellan. I don't need your sympathy..." Her voice started to thin out as she trailed off. She was shocked at how openly he could read her, especially when she had her guard up. Did she let her guard down?

Instead, he pulled her closer to him and said, "It's okay, Solrine. I'm a stranger, and we probably won't cross paths again after today."

He continued, as she kept trying to escape his embrace, "I can sense that you have a lot of anger and sorrow bottled up inside. You're fighting your inner demons on your own. I know it's hard for you to open up but think of this night as an escape from your inner self. Let it all out, Solrine. I'll be here for you. You really need this."

Suddenly, she couldn't hold it in anymore. She broke down, as if she had no strength left. Tears streamed down her face as she cried uncontrollably.

Stellan gently turned Solrine to face him, embracing her tightly as she trembled in his arms. With her trembling hands, she pulled Stellan closer and wrapped her arms around his neck, crying uncontrollably. "I might deserve it, Stellan. I brought it upon myself. All I want is a peaceful life, to do what I want and like. Is that a crime? Why do I have to be punished for it? Why?" she sobbed. "My life is utterly ruined, Stellan. I don't think I'm worthy of my family and best friends anymore. I don't think I deserve them." She poured out her feelings of self-blame and despair.

Stellan kept patting her head and back softly, holding her gently, offering comfort and reassurance. "What should I do?" she repeated several times, her voice shaking.

Solrine's fear for her future became evident as she confessed her thoughts of suicide, comparing it to discarding someone's hard work and setting it ablaze. But she couldn't bear the thought of hurting her mother in such a way.

"I understand that you're scared for your future, Solrine," Stellan responded. "But you must remember that taking your own life is a cowardly act. You're doing fine, Solrine. Keep going, because you are strong. You can make your mom proud again, and your family and friends deserve you."

"Stellan..." she chimed in with a shaky voice, holding onto his clothes as if her life depended on it.

Stellan's voice was gentle yet resolute as he urged her to release the negative thoughts that plagued her. "Hush now, child. Don't let those negative thoughts prevail. You can do it, Solrine. It's okay to let it all out, Let the pain flow, and I'll be here for you." Stellan said, still holding her and comforting her with gentle pats.

As Stellan continued to hold her and offer his support, Solrine found solace in his presence, knowing that she wasn't alone in her struggles, at least just for this night.