Chapter Thirteen

As the days passed without Hisashi's presence at the meetups, a palpable tension brewed among the members of the group chat. Speculations and questions swirled, with some members complaining about whether Hisashi harbored any negative feelings towards them, while others simply felt disheartened by her absence. The absence of their usually vibrant member cast a shadow over the group dynamics, leaving them feeling incomplete and uncertain about the future of their gatherings.

Hen Akoto, in particular, grappled with a sense of frustration and guilt, haunted by the thought that his actions might have contributed to Hisashi's decision to stay away. He couldn't shake the feeling that he had somehow caused her discomfort or offense, and the weight of his own unease weighed heavily on him.

Alexander, ever observant and attuned to the dynamics of the group, couldn't ignore the growing tension. Concerned for Hisashi's well-being and eager to understand the root cause of her absence, he reached out to her privately, hoping for some clarity. However, her response only deepened the mystery surrounding her sudden withdrawal. A simple explanation of being busy at work fell flat in the face of the obvious strain between Hisashi and Hen Akoto, leaving Alexander with more questions than answers.

"Did you just scare off a potential member with your personal interest?" Alexander asked, looking at the screen on his phone with a raised eyebrow.

Hen Akoto groaned, leaning back in his chair with a frustrated sigh. "She was interrogating me about social interactions," he muttered, trying to defend himself.

Alexander shot him a knowing glance, accustomed to Hen's tendency to twist words to suit his narrative. The corners of his mouth twitched in amusement as he watched Hen squirm under the weight of his own admission. Hen Akoto recalled the conversation in vivid detail, feeling a flush of embarrassment creep up his neck.

"I was surprised," Hen continued, his voice taking on a slightly defensive tone. "She was genuinely interested, and before I knew it, we were kissing."

Alexander sighed, rubbing his temples as if trying to ward off a headache. "Your instincts always seem to lead you to sex," he remarked, his tone a mix of exasperation and amusement.

"I was just trying to be sociable, you know?" Hen argued, his eyes wide with mock innocence. "She bombarded me with questions and asked what I needed to flirt with her."

"You really need to learn to take things slow sometimes—" Alexander began, his voice calm but firm, as if speaking to a child who needed guidance.

"Hey, she's nothing like the girls I usually go for," Hen interrupted, his hands gesturing animatedly as he tried to make his point.

"And that's why you can't stop talking about her. She's different, and you're into it. Don't deny it, Niko," Alexander interjected before Hen could protest further, using the nickname only close friends knew. His tone was teasing but laced with genuine observation. "I've noticed."

Hen opened his mouth to respond, but the memory of his interaction with the girl flashed through his mind, making him pause. "She was about to tell me her bra size—" he began, as if that were a valid excuse for his behavior.

Before he could finish, Alexander reached out and slapped the back of Hen's head, the sound of the light smack echoing in the small room. "Ow!" Hen yelped, rubbing the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "Okay, okay, I get it. I'll try to keep my enthusiasm in check next time."

Alexander chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "Just take it easy, man," he advised, his voice filled with a mix of brotherly concern and amusement.

Hen Akoto settled back in his seat, the playful banter between them subsiding. His thoughts drifted back to Hisashi, her image clear in his mind. He couldn't deny the intrigue she sparked within him, the way she stood out from everyone else he had met. There was something about her that was different, something that made him want to dig deeper, to understand her more.

He knew he needed to tread carefully if he wanted to explore whatever potential lay between them. It wasn't just about physical attraction; it was about the connection he felt, the way she challenged him, and how she made him feel alive in a way he hadn't experienced in a long time.

As he sat there, his gaze unfocused, Hen's mind raced with possibilities and what-ifs. He knew that whatever path he chose, he needed to approach it with care and thoughtfulness—traits he wasn't exactly known for. But for once, he was willing to try, because something about Hisashi made him want to be better, to be more.

And that realization both excited and terrified him.

*****

After two weeks of absence, the Black Panther appeared at the meeting. As Alexander began explaining some rules over his tablet, the Black Nissan S13 abruptly diverted the attention of many members. The sleek black vehicle swiftly parked a few feet away from their cars, commanding attention with its presence.

Hen Akoto, who had been leaning against the back of his trunk with his arms crossed, listening intently to Alexander, stood up abruptly as soon as he caught sight of the Black Panther. Locking gazes with the brunette, he gestured with his eyes for Hen to approach the black-haired girl.

Hisashi stepped out of her car, only to be greeted by Hen walking over towards her. Today she was more in a tomboyish attire of short jeans, boots and loosed stripe shirt. "You okay?" he asked, genuine concern clear in his voice.

Hisashi simply nodded, feeling overwhelmed by the sudden attention, and slowly avoided eye contact with the red-haired man.

"Look, I'm sorry—" Hen began, but Hisashi cut him off.

"Don't be," she interjected, her tone gentle yet firm. "I'm not good at these kinds of things."

Hen's expression softened, and he reached up to brush the back of his neck awkwardly. "Well," he chirped in, attempting to lighten the mood, "it was good. Don't get me wrong—" His voice trailed off, feeling foolish and embarrassed at the compliment.

"Do you want something to drink?" Hisashi cut in, her voice betraying a hint of nervousness. Without waiting for a response, she briskly passed by Hen and made her way to the usual convenience store, her steps purposeful yet slightly hurried.

Alexander was busy setting up races against some members, emphasizing the importance of practice with the upcoming season looming close.

"Kuro, you against Hisashi," he declared, prompting the short, amber-haired man to gasp in surprise before hurrying off to his blue Toyota Chaser. "Mani, copilot Kuro. Hen, copilot Hisashi."

Alexander's decision surprised Hen, but the corners of his mouth seemed to twitch with a smile. 'You slimy git,' Hen thought, though inwardly he felt content.

As they hopped into the black car, Hen Akoto noticed a hinted aroma of citrus emanating from within. Papers lay scattered on the center console, which Hisashi swiftly picked up and placed in the back. He fastened his seat belt and observed as Hisashi started the engine.

His eyes scrutinized her posture, noting a transformation in her demeanor. She seemed to exude a fiery aura, swiftly gripping the wheel, shifting gears with precision, her knuckles turning white momentarily as she effortlessly changed gears and revved the engine. Her timing was impeccable, her movements both fascinating and mesmerizing.

Each rev of the engine synchronized perfectly with her movements, and within minutes, she had overtaken the blue Toyota Chaser, taking the lead effortlessly. At the end of the race, Hisashi sighed in relief, wiping her forehead with the back of her hand as she transitioned from the serious, fierce driver to her casual, innocent personality.

"Well done," Hen Akoto commented, reminding the black-haired girl of his presence in the car.

"Have you ridden with another car?" Hen Akoto asked, a hint of excitement in his voice.

But before she could respond, Hen Akoto continued, "Come on," gesturing for her to follow as he headed towards his car.

*****

As they walked, Hisashi noticed some of the other team members observing them with raised eyebrows. It was unusual for Hen Akoto to invite anyone other than Alexander for laps, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity tinged with anticipation at the prospect of experiencing something new with him.

As Hisashi settled into the familiar vehicle, she noticed it was messier than before. Hen Akoto quickly cleaned up, grabbing empty iced tea bottles and tossing them into the back. Last time they were in the car, it was just a simple drive, not to mention it was the same place where their kiss had taken place. She shook her head hastily, trying to shake off the thought.

Hen Akoto, however, looked serious, his muscles tense as his car took off. Hisashi noticed the difference in the forced gravity between the vehicles. His car seemed to have more horsepower and additional modifications that altered the rhythm of the driving she was familiar with.

Her hand gripped the door, surprised by the speed, trying to tune in with the sound of this new car. Hen Akoto maneuvered his hands around the wheel, swiftly changing gears with his right hand, shifting his body weight from side to side to aid the swift movement of his feet.

The white car gracefully took the corners, dancing with the beautiful drift of smoke trailing behind. Each guided line intersected perfectly. His skills mesmerized Hisashi; no wonder he was the leader of the team. She thought she was good, but for the first time, she saw how amazing Hen Akoto felt during his run.

Near the end of his run, two bright white lights appeared in the rearview mirror. Hisashi covered her eyes for a moment, focusing on the image of the car behind them. The car revved its engine, almost like a challenge, closing the gap between them. Hen noticed the behavior and glanced at his rearview mirror, his eyes and expression instantly darkening.

The car behind began tailgating Hen, irritating the redhead and prompting him to speed up. Hisashi noticed his change in behavior, becoming more fierce than before. His teeth gritted, his arm muscles tensing with stress.

The car from behind expertly navigated one of their drifting corners, revving up to catch up with the White S14, now dancing beside them. Hisashi noticed the coating of the car was in a shimmering red color, its rims flashing with a silver-chromed hue. Judging by its form, she guessed it was a Toyota GR Supra. The windows were tinted, not as much as Hen's car, making it impossible for either of them to see who was inside.

Hen's voice broke the roar of both engines, his tone filled with irritation as he said, "DriftOne leader."

Hisashi's gaze shifted from Hen to the Red Supra running alongside them, mimicking Hen's movements, making it difficult to break away. The Red car edged closer to Hisashi's door, causing her breath to race.

"You goddamn son of a bitch!" Hen cursed, recognizing the aggressive tactics of their opponent.

Hen glanced at her and seems to noticed her breathing pattern. Despite knowing his skills to shake off the situation, with a growling response, Hen Akoto downshifted, his car's velocity diminishing as the Red Supra passed by them and continued into the night, revving its engine triumphantly. Hen's grip on the wheel tightened, the engine of his car now purring calmly. Hisashi relaxed beside him slightly, her breathing toning down and her knuckles relaxing. However, she was still shaken up, tears streaming down her cheeks.

This reaction seem to take Hen by surprise, prompting him to slow the car down and pull over to the nearest side lane. "Hisashi, are you okay?"

Both of her hands covered her face now, trying to calm her mind and feelings but failed to as her body trembled and a small sob escaped her lips. Hen parked the car, unbuckling his seat belt and placing a comforting hand on the girl's shoulder.

She instantly leaned into his chest, her sniffing intensifying as tears streamed down her hands. Shocked and surprised, he embraced her in his arms, his blue shirt dampening with her tears as his left hand gently caressed her black locks.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled.

"No," Hen replied, gently breaking the embrace and peering over her hands to find her gaze. "I shouldn't have engaged. These bastards are like this," he explained. "I tried to be as responsible as possible, but these people make it difficult. I shouldn't have put you in this situation—"

"I should move past it," Hisashi replied, wiping her tears with her hands and straightening up. "Old Habits."

Hen Akoto seems to hesitated for a bit but smiled weakly in return,"Let's get you back," Hen said, putting his seatbelt on and changing gears.

*****

During their way back, Hen rested his forearm on the center console. He felt the soft tips of Hisashi's fingers brushing against his forearm, a peaceful sensation washing over him. He looked over at the girl; she was facing away, gazing out of the window silently. Her warmth was very welcoming and relaxing, evoking a contented sigh from him.

As they drove back, the soft hum of the engine filled the car, mingling with the quiet ambiance of the night. The dim glow of streetlights passed by in a blur, casting fleeting shadows across Hisashi's face as she stared out the window. The gentle illumination, her features softened by the darkness outside framed her silhouette.

Hen stole glances at her from time to time, noticing the subtle rise and fall of her chest as she breathed, the delicate curve of her profile against the backdrop of the passing scenery. He couldn't help but feel a sense of protectiveness wash over him, a desire to shield her from the harsh realities of the world outside.

The air inside the car was thick with unspoken words, a weighty silence that hung between them like a heavy fog. Hen wanted to reach out, to offer words of comfort or reassurance, but he found himself at a loss for what to say. Instead, he focused on the steady rhythm of the road beneath them, the familiar sound of tires against pavement providing a semblance of stability amid turmoil.

As they neared their destination, Hen's grip on the steering wheel tightened ever so slightly. He couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air, a lingering sense of tension that seemed to envelop them both. Hisashi remained quiet, lost in her own thoughts, her presence a comforting anchor amid uncertainty.

Finally, they arrived back at their starting point, the familiar sight of the parking lot greeting them in the darkness. Hen parked the car with practiced ease, cutting the engine and letting the silence settle over them once more. He turned to Hisashi, his expression softened with concern.

"Are you going to be okay?" he asked gently, his voice barely above a whisper. Hisashi met his gaze, her eyes reflecting a mixture of emotions—vulnerability, gratitude, and something else that Hen couldn't quite name.

"I think so," she replied, her voice barely audible. "Thank you, Hen."

Hen nodded, a faint smile touching his lips. "Anytime," he said softly, reaching out to squeeze her hand in a silent gesture of support.

As Hisashi leaned in, Hen felt a rush of warmth flood his senses, his heart quickening in anticipation. Their lips met in a soft, tender kiss, a gentle exploration of emotions that had been building between them. Hisashi's tongue brushed against his lips, and Hen responded instinctively, deepening the kiss with a sense of longing and gratitude.

In that moment, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them enveloped in a cocoon of intimacy. The sensation of Hisashi's lips against his was electrifying, sending shivers down Hen's spine as he surrendered himself to the moment. There was a sense of familiarity in their embrace, as if some unseen force had drawn together them, bound by the unspoken connection that existed between them.

As they parted, their foreheads brushed in a silent exchange of understanding, a shared acknowledgment of the emotions that had passed between them.

"I do like it too," she said, earning a startled reaction from the redhead. Hisashi's words lingered in the air, a whispered confession that sent a thrill of excitement coursing through Hen's veins.

For a moment, they stood there in the quiet stillness of the night, their eyes locked in a shared gaze that spoke volumes with no words. And as they went their separate ways, Hen couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation stirring within him, a sense of possibility that whispered of new beginnings and the promise of something more.