– On a motorcycle? – Rose asked, with surprise and a hint of caution in her voice.
– Why not? Who else would give you a ride but me?
– I usually prefer cars – Rose said uncertainly, not wanting to refuse but hesitant to accept immediately.
– You just don't know what it's like. Come on! I promise I won't go over a hundred.
– But I'm wearing a dress – Rose protested, already knowing she'd accept anyway.
– Even better – Roman said ambiguously, trying to reassure her – don't worry, I won't be inappropriate. It's a birthday present! Come on, hop on!
The powerful Honda was ready to roar when Rose clumsily mounted behind Roman.
– Hold on tight!
Shyly, Rose hugged him firmly. Lights of the night city flashed before her eyes, cars, people, and much else that didn't matter at all to her in that moment.
Their night ride across Warsaw lasted about half an hour. Then Roman slowed, turning into an alley.
– I want to show you something.
In a few minutes, they stopped near a multi-story office tower, "Tower on the Waterfront.
– Come on – Roman said, taking her hand gently. – Trust me, you'll like it.
Her heart fluttered from his touch, and the world felt insignificant. She wasn't afraid, only slightly excited, and the warm hand of Roman filled her with confidence that he would never hurt her.
– It seems closed here – Rose said timidly. It was long past midnight.
– Not for us – Roman answered, quickly dialing a number.
Soon a young guard appeared, smiling at Roman and glancing at Rose with curiosity.
– Hi, Dan! How's work?
– Great! And how are you?
– Fine! I want to show my friend the night city. You don't mind? By the way, it's her birthday!
– Congratulations! Of course, come in. You know I can't refuse my best friend.
Minutes later, they were on the top floor, gazing at the stunning beauty of the modern city. Rose had never seen Warsaw from such a height. Billions of lights twinkled in every shade, reflecting in the dark river below. Cars flashed by occasionally, but all earthly life seemed distant. Only the stars and the reflection in the eyes of the boy next to her mattered.
Goosebumps ran across her skin, not just from the view. The wonderful boy, near her for years but unnoticed, held her hand. She feared admitting that she was just an ordinary girl, yet Roman liked her too.
– Amazing, isn't it? Warsaw center and silence… I come here sometimes to think. Turn off the phone and look into the distance…
– I didn't think you were… – Rose didn't know how to continue, already regretting her words.
– What?
– Sensitive, sentimental, or romantic. You always seemed like one of those spoiled "rich kids" who think they're all that… Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you – she added.
– Don't apologize. It's true. Often I behave like this, to match expectations, otherwise people wouldn't take me seriously…
– And all the girls would stop chasing you – Rose giggled.
– I don't need all, just one. The one who truly loves me. Not fancy cars, motorcycles, or my father's money, but me, with all my strengths and flaws.
He spoke so sincerely that Rose believed him, though she knew how smoothly he could talk to girls.
– You know, sometimes I regret not being an ordinary guy from an ordinary family. I'm tired of these social events, pretending to be someone I'm not. Sure, many dream of my life, but I'm not always happy with it. I'd be fine with an ordinary life…
– You say that because – Rose interrupted – you've never lived an ordinary life…
– Sorry! Why did I even start this conversation? Today's your birthday, and I made you my personal therapist. But I just felt like talking… with you… because you're different… you… are… Look, a shooting star! Make a wish!
Rose had one wish. Like every girl her age, she dreamed of true love, filling her thoughts and life. She couldn't imagine that her dream had already begun to come true, as the boy next to her was in the sweetest dreams of probably dozens, if not hundreds, of girls.
He wasn't arrogant or self-absorbed as she thought. Talking to him was pleasant. Only one expectation was true – he was so charming that she alternated between happiness, confusion, and shyness.
– Made your wish? – Roman asked.
– What?
– A wish? Did you make one?
– Of course.
– It will come true. It's your birthday.
Whether from the summer chill or excitement, Rose shivered slightly. In a spacious half-empty room, nights could be cool.
– You're freezing! Why didn't you say?
He took off his branded motorcycle jacket and draped it over her shoulders. She smelled his cologne, so masculine, pleasant, and alluring…
– Thanks, I didn't even notice I was cold.
– You'll never be cold again when I'm around.
A brief silence fell. Rose was surprised, Roman embarrassed by his own words. Then the calm of the night was broken by powerful chords from his phone. Roman quickly silenced it, but it was enough for Rose to recognize her favorite song.
– Skillet! I love them! – she exclaimed.
– You keep surprising me. So beautiful girls can practice karate and listen to rock!
Roman was increasingly amazed by how many common interests they shared. He felt a growing desire to know her better and closer, imagining what other unusual sides of her personality he might discover.
– I love loud, powerful music. Too bad the neighbors don't share my passion – Rose joked. – What time is it?
– Time for you to go home, probably.
– Yes, my parents are worried. And there's an exam tomorrow. I need at least a little sleep. Have you studied?
– Are you joking? Have you ever seen me study? I can write and count, that's enough. Filling my head with useless knowledge is pointless!
– You're right in some ways – Rose smiled.
– And you'll let me copy? – Roman winked.
– Well, you behaved well today, so I think you deserve it.
– Perfect. Now I can sleep peacefully. Let's go, I'll take you home.
He took her hand. His touch was strong yet boyishly shy.
– Am I embarrassing him? – Rose thought. – Probably, since I don't cling to him like those other girls chasing cars and gifts. I don't need that. I want true love.
Finally home, inspired by unexpected events, sensitive and creative Rose wrote several poetic lines in her diary:
Love is you, love is me,
Love is our tender harmony.
Love is joy, love is pain,
Sometimes love drives us insane.
Love is a song, a magical tale,
Enchanting night and gentle veil.
Love is velvet, kissing the skin,
Love is a power that dwells within.
Love is dreams, love is flight,
Innocent tears in the night.
Love is sorrow from loss we bear,
Love is heaven, though hell's near.
Playful Cupid, let arrows fly,
Love comes sudden, swift as sky.
Like a bullet piercing the heart,
Love surprises, right from the start.
Love is the key that doors unfold,
Revealing dreams more precious than gold.
Believe in love, let it softly arrive,
And watch our souls bloom and come alive.