“Since when do they check for DUIs on bikes?” I tilted my head, asking yfully.


    “They do. And…” Philip took my arm gently, unlike Alvin, who always gripped me so tightly it hurt. “It’s dangerous for you to ride after drinking.”


    Philip was so considerate.


    I smiled and said, “Isn’t that why you’re here?”


    “If you really want to ride, we can do it another time. But not tonight,” he said, guiding me toward the bike.


    Philip hopped on and helped me sit on the back. “Hold on tight, Zoe. Don’t fall off.”


    I grabbed the fabric at his waist. “Got it.”


    The wind rushed by as we rode. Philip, the boy on a bike-that was the memory he gave me. Alvin had never ridden a bike. He only ever rode a motorcycle.


    They were brothers, but they werepletely different. One was refined and gentle, the other wild and unruly.


    “Feeling down today?” Philip’s voice broke through the quiet.


    “No, I’m fine,” I lied, turning away.


    “You still can’t let go of Alvin, can you?” Philip asked.


    I snorted, raising my hand to give him a yful punch. “Who said I can’t let him go? I’ve already moved on. After today, he and I have nothing to do with each other. He’s him, and I’m me.”


    Philip didn’t say anything else, just kept riding forward. After a while, I spoke up. “Take me to the hotel. I’ve got work tomorrow.”


    “Zoe,” Philip called out suddenly.


    I was about to answer when he asked, “Why is it that in your eyes, it’s always just Alvin? Why can’t you see me the way you see him?”


    My grip on his shirt tightened, my heart skipping a beat.


    I wasn’t blind. I had known for a while that Philip had feelings for me, but I hadn’t wanted to acknowledge it.


    Now, it was clear. He didn’t really just see me as his little sister.


    “Because he’s my fiancé. That’s what everyone told me,” I answered, my voice soft but firm.


    “Now you’re not with him anymore, so what about me?” Philip paused, then said, “Do I have a chance?”


    My heart raced, and I couldn’t answer right away. It took me a long while before I finally said, “You’re my brother.”


    Philip didn’t respond. He just kept riding, and by the time we reached the hotel, I had to get off the bike.


    But the alcohol had taken its toll, and I nearly stumbled and fell. Philip caught me in time, his arms steadying me. He parked the bike and said, “Let me take you upstairs.”


    “No, it’s fine.” I tried to pull away.


    But Philip didn’t let go. Instead, he tightened his grip. “Zoe, I don’t just want to be your brother. I want to take care of you. For the rest of my life.”


    I froze, my throat tightening.


    “Zoe, if you were still with Alvin, I would never say this. But now that you’re not, I want to take a chance,” Philip’s voice was low, heavy in the night air, pressing down on my chest like a weight.


    I struggled to breathe, unable to speak.


    I pinched the palm of my hand hard, forcing myself to look up and say, “I’ve only ever seen you as a brother. From the very beginning, till now.”


    The hurt in Philip’s eyes was unmistakable, his voice filled with pain as he said, “Then… can we try, from now on, for you not to see me as your brother?”


    Just then, I heard a familiar voice. “Zoe, what are you doing up sote? Don’t you have work tomorrow?”


    It was Josh. In the dark, he was wearing a gray loungewear set, hotel slippers on his feet, but he moved toward us with steady


    steps.


    I was momentarily distracted, and before I knew it, my wrist was firmly held. Josh had grabbed me, and at the same time, Philip pulled on my other hand.