Chapter 21

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows over the parking lot, where the DFurious team gathered for one of their regular practice sessions. Cars lined the lot, their hoods popped open as team members checked engines, adjusted tires, and prepped for the evening's runs. The air was thick with the scent of fuel and the low rumble of engines, an electric energy that signaled the excitement to come.

Hisashi stood near her black Nissan S13, arms crossed, her eyes scanning the crew as they prepared. She had spent weeks training, proving herself time and again, and the question she'd been holding back could no longer be suppressed.

Turning toward Alexander, who was busy tapping on his tablet, she spoke, her tone steady but tinged with impatience. "When am I finally going to race?"

Alexander glanced up, his expression calm but thoughtful as he processed her question. "It's not just about readiness, Hisashi. You need to understand the—"

Before he could finish, Hen Akoto's voice cut through the air, sharp and decisive. "Not yet."

The firmness in his tone made everyone within earshot pause. Hisashi's head snapped toward Hen, her brows furrowing in confusion and frustration. "Not yet?" she repeated, her voice steady but challenging. "Are you trying to shield me back?"

Hen stepped forward, his gaze locking with hers, the intensity in his expression unmistakable. "This isn't about shielding," he replied, his voice low but commanding. "It's about strategy. DriftOne's been pushing boundaries lately, and I'm not putting you on the front lines just to prove a point."

Hisashi took a step closer, her frustration evident. "I didn't join this team to be sidelined. I've trained. I've shown what I can do. Or are you saying I'm not good enough?"

Hen's jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing as he met her gaze. "You're good, Hisashi. Better than most. But this isn't just about skill. It's about timing, knowing when to move and when to wait. You think I'm holding you back? I'm trying to make sure you're ready for what's out there."

The tension between them crackled like static, drawing the attention of nearby team members. Alexander sighed, stepping between them to diffuse the situation. "Alright, alright," he said, raising his hands. "Let's not turn this into a full-blown argument."

Hisashi's gaze flicked to Alexander, her frustration still simmering beneath the surface. "Then explain it to me," she demanded, her voice firm. "If not now, then when?"

Alexander exchanged a glance with Hen, who gave a small, reluctant nod. Turning back to Hisashi, Alexander said, "It's not about doubting you, Hisashi. You're a valuable member of this team. But DriftOne isn't just another racing crew. They play dirty, and they'll target anyone who poses a threat. We're waiting for the right moment to introduce you because we need them to underestimate you."

Hisashi's shoulders relaxed slightly as she absorbed his words, though the frustration didn't entirely fade. "So you're saying this is about strategy, not protection."

"Exactly," Alexander affirmed. "When you race, it won't just be to prove yourself. It'll be to make an impact they won't forget."

Hen's voice softened as he added, "We're not holding you back, Hisashi. We're setting you up to win."

For a moment, the tension between them eased, replaced by a quiet understanding. Hisashi gave a small nod, her determination undimmed. "Fine," she said, her voice steady. "But when the time comes, don't expect me to hold back."

Hen's lips twitched into a faint smile, his fiery gaze meeting hers. "I wouldn't dream of it."

The sun shone brightly over the bustling water park, Umi no Oukoku, the lively chatter of families and the splashing of water creating a symphony of summer joy. Hisashi reclined in her beach chair, arms crossed in mild frustration, while Xiangua, ever the embodiment of relaxation, basked in the sunlight next to her, drink in hand.

"Let it go and relax for once, Shi," Xiangua said, her voice laced with amusement as she adjusted her sunhat to better shield her face.

Hisashi let out a grunt, her annoyance evident as she gestured toward the distant water slides and pools. "I'm being sidelined. I'm not even sure if it's because of my abilities or his personal agenda."

Xiangua cracked open one eye, giving her friend a curious look. "Personal agenda? Are we finally getting somewhere juicy?"

Hisashi sighed, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her swimsuit, the navy fabric contrasting with her sun-kissed skin. "I'm not sure anymore."

Sensing her friend's frustration, Xiangua sat up, her colorful bikini catching the sunlight as she adjusted her posture. "You think there's something more to it? Like… feel-feelings?" she teased, her tone both playful and probing.

Hisashi's glare could have cut through glass, but before she could retort, she turned the tables. "Says the person who won't admit why Yuri suddenly invited us here."

Caught off guard, Xiangua opened her mouth to protest, but any defense she might have mustered was cut short by a familiar voice.

"Ladies, I see you're enjoying the sponsorship of my deeds today."

Yuri's voice was as smooth as ever, carrying a playful charm that matched his confident stride. Hisashi and Xiangua turned to see him approach, drinks in hand, his trademark mischievous smile firmly in place.

"We appreciate your generosity, Dr. Yuri," Xiangua quipped, flashing him a grin as she accepted her drink.

"Thank you," Hisashi added politely, though her tone lacked Xiangua's flirtatious edge.

Yuri bowed dramatically, his smile widening. "On the house, ladies. Enjoy your time here." With a wink, he turned to leave, his presence lingering like the refreshing coolness of their drinks.

Once he was out of earshot, Xiangua muttered under her breath, "I couldn't say no to that charming face."

"You just can't deny a pretty face," Hisashi teased, her smirk widening as Xiangua groaned in mock annoyance.

"Oh, you're asking for it now!" Xiangua declared, scooping up a handful of water from the edge of the pool and splashing it over Hisashi.

Hisashi gasped, mock outrage evident. "You did not!" She retaliated with a splash of her own, pulling Xiangua into an impromptu water fight that quickly devolved into gleeful chaos.

The two women giggled and shrieked as they chased each other through the shallows, sending arcs of water into the air. Hisashi ducked behind a fountain for cover, her eyes sparkling with mischief as Xiangua tried to outmaneuver her.

In a burst of playfulness, Hisashi darted out, but her foot slipped on the slick tiles. She felt herself tumbling forward, bracing for an inevitable splash, when a pair of strong arms caught her mid-fall.

Startled, Hisashi looked up to find Hen Akoto standing before her, his eyes filled with concern and surprise. Her breath hitched as she realized how close they were, his hands steadying her against his chest.

Hen Akoto's swimwear accentuated his athletic and muscular physique, showcasing his toned body with confidence. He wore sleek, form-fitting swim trunks in a deep navy blue, which contrasted beautifully against his pale skin. The fabric clung to his sculpted thighs and hips, emphasizing his strength and agility as he moved through the water.

With his bare chest exposed to the warm sun, Hen Akoto exuded a natural confidence. His defined muscles rippled with each movement, the light casting shadows across his chiseled torso. His wavy strands of hair, slightly damp, cascaded beside his face, framing his features with a touch of casual elegance. The long strands of his vibrant red hair, tied in a loose ponytail, trailed down his back, adding a striking contrast to the darker hues of his swim trunks.

"Are you okay?" Hen Akoto asked, his voice gentle yet urgent as he helped Hisashi regain her footing. His grip on her arms was firm but careful, his eyes searching hers for any sign of distress.

Hisashi blinked in surprise, momentarily taken aback by Akoto's unexpected presence. Her heart raced, not just from the near fall but from the sudden awareness of how close they were. She could feel the warmth radiating from his body, the strength in his hold, and the way his damp hair clung to his face, making him look effortlessly handsome.

"I-I'm fine," she stammered, a flush rising to her cheeks as she steadied herself with his support. Her gaze flickered over his chest, taking in the way his muscles tensed and relaxed, and she quickly looked away, embarrassed by her own reaction. The realization that she was seeing him with so much skin exposed made her blush deepen, and she hoped the water droplets on her face could mask the heat creeping up her neck.

Xiangua, who had been watching from a distance, approached with a smirk plastered across her face. "Takawara, what are you doing here?" she asked, barely masking her amusement.

Hen ran a hand through his damp hair, his sheepish chuckle adding to his already disarming charm. "Yuri invited me. Said it'd be a nice change of pace."

Hisashi, still flustered from their encounter, muttered something unintelligible as she adjusted her swimsuit. Xiangua, however, took the opportunity to tease. "Well, I guess it's not every day you get to play knight in shining armor."

Hen raised an eyebrow, a faint blush creeping up his neck as he glanced at Hisashi. "Just making sure everyone stays in one piece."

Hisashi, regaining her composure, shot him a grateful but teasing look. "Guess that makes you the lifeguard today."

Hen chuckled, his confidence returning as he gestured toward the pool. "Only if you promise not to keep me too busy."

Hen Akoto's eyes landed on Yuri, standing casually by the refreshment table, the rim of his beer bottle pressed lightly to his lips as he sipped with an infuriatingly knowing grin. That smirk was all too familiar, a signature of Yuri's mischievous nature. Hen let out a quiet sigh, shaking his head, unable to suppress the small smile tugging at his own lips.

Of course, it's you, you sneaky fox, he thought. It was classic Yuri—effortlessly pulling strings to orchestrate moments like these, creating opportunities for connection without ever getting his hands dirty. Subtlety was his art, and Hen couldn't decide whether to be annoyed or impressed.

Yuri, noticing Hen's realization, took his time sauntering over, his steps leisurely, his grin widening with each second. When he reached them, he leaned in with that trademark charm. "Niko," he began smoothly, his tone carrying the faintest note of teasing, "why don't you show Hisashi around? It's her first time here."

Hisashi blinked, caught off guard by Yuri's suggestion but intrigued nonetheless. She glanced at Hen, their eyes meeting in a moment that seemed to stretch a little too long. The earlier fluster from their close encounter lingered, but Yuri's sly setup added a layer of curiosity that stirred something new in her chest.

"I'd love that," she said finally, her voice steady despite the fluttering inside her. She smiled at Hen, the tension easing as she noticed his small, encouraging grin.

Hen nodded, his demeanor shifting into an easy confidence. "Come on," he said, extending a hand toward her. "I'll show you the best spots."

As Hisashi slipped her hand into his, she felt a warmth that steadied her nerves, and as they began walking, a quiet anticipation settled between them.