Act: 4 Chapter: 2 | The Spindrift's Request

A Meeting in the Night

That night, the team was parked at a quiet rest area near Corner A105 in Amakane Pass. The air was crisp, the scent of damp asphalt and gasoline mixing with the faint aroma of nearby pine trees. The only sounds were the distant chirping of insects, the occasional revving of an engine, and the rhythmic screech of tires gripping and releasing against the worn-out tarmac.

Beidou, Seele, Collei, and Pela sat atop the guardrail, watching local drivers attack the sharp 90-degree left-hander with precision. The cars were sleek, agile, and frighteningly fast. Each one entered the corner with aggression, the weight shifting, rear tires breaking traction before smoothly transitioning into a drift. The mastery of these drivers was evident—every movement was instinctual, every slide controlled. The sharpness of the turns and the intensity of their precision left no room for error.

March, leaning casually against her white JZA80 Supra, couldn't help but glance at Collei, her curiosity piqued by the quiet girl's demeanor. She pushed off the car and walked over, stepping closer to the guardrail.

"So… Collei?" March asked, her voice soft but full of genuine curiosity. "I know you haven't driven any passes besides Yougou, but what do you think of this one so far?"

Collei, sitting on the guardrail with her legs dangling, tapped a finger against her chin thoughtfully. Her green eyes flickered toward the road, scanning the layout with focused intent.

"I can't really say until I try driving here myself," Collei admitted, her voice calm, though there was a hint of admiration in her tone. "But from what I've seen from the back seat, this track is super tight. It's different from what I'm used to… way different."

Before March could respond, a deep, aggressive roar of a Flat-4 turbocharged engine split the quiet night air. It was distant at first, the sound bouncing off the surrounding hills, but it quickly grew louder, almost as if it were hunting them down.

Seele suddenly perked up, her eyes glinting with excitement. "Here it is!" she exclaimed, leaning forward in anticipation. "The GT86!"

And then it appeared—gleaming blue under the dim glow of the streetlights, the Toyota GT86 charging into the section ahead. The car was clean, polished to perfection, its sleek design cutting through the night like a predator on the hunt. As it approached the 90-degree left-hander, the driver braked hard, shifting weight forward before throwing the car sideways into a flawless braking drift.

The rear tires screamed as the car's tail kicked out, a spray of rubber smoke billowing into the cool night air. The driver danced on the throttle, feathering it just right to keep the car in a perfect, controlled slide through the corner. Then, as if the laws of physics didn't apply, the driver executed a seamless transition—a continuous inertia drift—effortlessly linking into the next corner without losing an ounce of speed.

Pela's jaw dropped in awe. "No way! A continuous inertia drift! And at those speeds?! They're fucking fast!"

Beidou watched with a knowing smirk, arms crossed, clearly impressed. She had seen a lot of fast drivers, but this? This was next level.

"I think we've seen enough," Beidou finally said, pushing herself off the guardrail with a grin. "Let's head home, guys."

The Night's Turn

Without hesitation, the group piled into their cars, engines roaring to life one after another. Headlights sliced through the darkness as they formed a convoy, smoothly flowing through the winding roads of Amakane Pass.

As they descended deeper into the pass, Beidou, who had been leading, gradually began to pick up the pace. The deep, throaty growl of her gunmetal gray R32 GT-R reverberated through the canyon walls, turbo spooling aggressively as she shifted up. The engine's raw power surged, its unmistakable roar filling the air, a sound that matched the wildness of the night itself.

March, now in the passenger seat of her Supra, noticed the change immediately. She leaned forward, her voice laced with curiosity, yet tinged with unease.

"Is it just me, or has Beidou picked up the pace a little?"

Collei, gripping the wheel tightly, focused intently on the road ahead. Her knuckles whitened as she tried to keep up. "Looks like it," she muttered, her eyes locked onto the tail lights of Beidou's GT-R. "She's pushing harder."

Seele, seated in the back, kept her gaze fixed on Beidou's movements. A subtle, uneasy frown tugged at her lips as she watched the R32's increasingly erratic line. Something wasn't right.

"She's out of her groove," Seele noted, brows furrowing with concern. "Beidou never drives this aggressively on unfamiliar roads. She usually takes it easy, especially on these tight turns."

And then—disaster struck.

As Beidou powered out of a corner, the turbo spooled harder than expected, and suddenly—the rear of the R32 snapped loose!

"Shit—!" Beidou barely had time to react. The car slid sideways, tires screeching in protest as the tail broke free. She immediately countersteered, fighting to regain control, but it was too late. The GT-R spun violently, the steering wheel jerking in her hands as the car rotated uncontrollably.

March gasped, her heart leaping into her throat. "JESUS! SHE SPUN!"

The R32 slid sideways across the road, barely coming to a stop inches away from March's Supra. The scent of burning rubber lingered in the cool night air.

Seele sighed, leaning back with her arms crossed. "Told you so. She doesn't drive like this unless something's off."

Before anyone could react further, another sound cut through the night—the familiar flutter of a turbo wastegate.

Collei's eyes darted to the rearview mirror. A pair of headlights loomed in the distance, steadily gaining on them.

"Looks like we've got company," she murmured, her voice calm, yet alert.

The familiar blue GT86 coasted toward them, not at race pace, but cruising as if the driver were simply heading home after a long day. Unlike the usual racers, the driver didn't try to rush past. They were just… watching, taking in the scene.

As the car approached, it slowed even more, rolling past the Supra and R32. The passenger-side window lowered with a soft mechanical hum.

A young woman with dark hair leaned slightly toward the window, a smirk on her lips. "Looks like someone went a bit too fast and overcompensated," she teased, though there was an undertone of concern in her voice.

The driver, a tall woman with platinum blonde hair, cast her passenger a quick glance before speaking. "Yeah. We should check on them."

The dark-haired passenger called out to the group. "Hey, are you guys okay? That looked like a nasty spin."

Beidou, still gripping the wheel with her knuckles white from the adrenaline rush, exhaled sharply before offering a sheepish grin. "Oh, um, yeah! I punched the gas a little too early, and the turbo spooled harder than I expected. Caught me off guard!"

Then, as if on instinct, she turned her head fully toward the driver of the GT86—and her heart stopped.

"No fucking way… Eula!?"

The platinum blonde driver's expression shifted instantly from concern to shock. "Beidou!?"

Inside the Supra, Collei froze, her breath catching in her throat as she stared at the GT86's passenger seat.

"Amber!?"

March, utterly lost in the moment, raised an eyebrow. "Amber?"

Collei turned to her, her voice a mixture of nostalgia and disbelief. "She's… an old friend. We were close in elementary school, but she moved away before high school."

Without another word, Collei opened the door of the Supra and stepped out, her boots lightly tapping against the cold asphalt. She took slow, hesitant steps toward the GT86.

"Amber?" Collei called out, her voice trembling ever so slightly.

Amber, still seated in the passenger seat, turned slowly. Her eyes widened as recognition dawned on her.

"Collei...?" she whispered, the shock in her voice unmistakable. It felt unreal, like a dream.

For a moment, the world faded away. The sounds of the cars, the engines, the nighttime air—all disappeared, leaving only the two of them standing there, suspended in the past they thought they'd left behind.

Amber finally broke the silence, her voice tinged with regret. "I... I'm sorry we have to meet like this."

Collei didn't look away, her gaze unwavering. "So do I, Amber."

Amber sighed, leaning back, her hand gripping her seatbelt in a mix of tension and disbelief. Eula, sensing the tension, put the GT86 into first gear and slowly drove away, the blue coupe disappearing into the night like a memory fading into the dark.

Beidou, still processing everything, fired up her R32's engine. The growl of the turbocharged beast was like a call to the road, and without another word, she revved the engine and followed them toward a nearby rest area.

The night was far from over.

Convenience Store Confrontation

The convoy rolled into a small 24-hour convenience store just before a major intersection. The store's flickering neon sign hummed against the quiet of the night, casting a dull green glow over the cracked pavement. A vending machine outside rattled slightly as it dispensed a drink to a half-awake trucker, who leaned against the wall with a long sigh.

The team parked their cars in a loose semi-circle, the faint ticking of cooling engines breaking the silence. The blue GT86 slid into a spot last, its tires whispering against the pavement as it eased into place near the entrance.

Beidou was the first to step out of her R32, slamming the door with a loud thud that seemed to echo across the empty lot. Without a word, she strode over to Eula, grabbing her by the wrist and dragging her off to the side. The streetlights overhead illuminated their tense faces, casting long shadows on the cracked concrete.

Beidou released her grip with a sharp exhale, turning to face the taller woman, her posture stiff and unyielding. "Alright, Eula. Enough of the bullshit. What's really going on? Are you really the fastest in Amakane?"

Eula met Beidou's intense gaze without flinching. Her icy-blue eyes, sharp as daggers, reflected the harsh light. "Yes. Yes, I am."

Beidou exhaled sharply, shaking her head in exasperation. She tilted her head back, her breath coming out in a low growl before turning on her heel, pacing. "Then why the hell didn't you just say that from the start? Would've saved us all a hell of a lot of time."

Eula let out a slow breath, her hands clasped behind her back. Her usual composed demeanor was now replaced with an unfamiliar uncertainty. "I don't know, Beidou. I really don't. Guess I wasn't thinking clearly."

Nearby, Collei quietly stepped out of March's Supra, her movements subtle, almost graceful. She made her way toward the GT86, her gaze catching Amber's, who was seated in the passenger seat. Noticing Collei approaching, Amber pushed the door open, stepping out onto the pavement, her presence radiant even in the dim light.

For a moment, the two just stared at each other, the neon glow reflecting in their eyes. Time seemed to pause, as if the years that had passed between them were suddenly insignificant. It was the same Amber, the same warmth in her eyes, the same confident stance.

Collei leaned casually against the GT86, folding her arms across her chest, a playful smile creeping onto her lips. "How've you been? It's been forever."

Amber's face lit up, her amber eyes sparkling in the dim light. "I've been great. Actually… I've been hearing a lot about you, Collei."

Collei blinked, her expression shifting from amusement to mild surprise. "Heard about me?"

Amber nodded, her voice teasing, as she took a step closer. "Oh yeah. The downhill ace of Yougou, racing against top-tier sports cars in your dad's AE86? That's wild. I almost didn't believe it when I first heard."

A warm flush crept onto Collei's cheeks, and she rubbed the back of her neck, trying to hide her flustered state. "I… I was just doing what I had to do."

Amber giggled, nudging her lightly. "You never change, huh?"

Collei chuckled awkwardly, scratching her cheek. "I don't know about that."

Amber's expression softened as she studied Collei, her voice quieter now, as if something deeper lingered beneath the surface. "You still look just as good as you did the first time I met you."

Collei's breath caught in her throat, her face flushing an unmistakable shade of red.

"O-Oh… uh… thanks?" she stammered, clearly taken off guard.

Amber's laugh rang out, light and carefree, cutting through the momentary tension. "God, Collei. You really haven't changed at all."

Collei shifted on her feet, trying to regain her composure. "So… Amber? Just wondering… do you live around here now?"

Amber tilted her head, a playful grin spreading across her face. "Actually, yeah. I moved back to Yougou a couple of months ago."

Collei's eyes widened in shock. "Wait, you moved back?!"

Amber winked, a glint of mischief in her gaze. "Yep! I'm back for good."

Collei's mind raced as her thoughts whirled, trying to process the news. "So… you and Eula—are you partners or something?"

Amber shook her head, her playful glint never fading from her eyes. "No, we're just friends. I helped her fine-tune the suspension in her GT86. Made sure it could handle all its potential."

Collei let out a small, relieved chuckle. "Oh, I see… Heh."

Amber's laughter filled the space between them, warm and genuine. "You're way too obvious, Collei."

Meanwhile, the conversation between Beidou and Eula had taken a much more serious turn.

Beidou crossed her arms, her gaze sharpening. "Tell me the truth. And I mean it. What are you really after, Eula?"

Eula hesitated for a moment, but her resolve was strong as she answered with unwavering certainty. "I'm after the Eight Six."

Beidou's eyes widened in surprise, her body stiffening with the weight of the revelation. "The Eight Six?"

Eula nodded firmly, her voice steady. "Yes. In fact… I want to step back from street racing for a while. I'm not here for the fame or the spotlight. I just want to drive. And drive as fast as I can. No more pressure, no more challenges every time someone decides they want to race."

Beidou's expression softened as understanding slowly settled in. The pieces were starting to fall into place.

"Now I get it…" Beidou muttered, her voice quiet but understanding. "You want your final race to be with one of your toughest opponents. You want the Eight Six to race you."

Eula gave a slow, firm nod, her voice resolute. "Yes. And if possible, I want that race to take place here, on my home course, in Amakane."

Beidou exhaled deeply, running a hand through her hair, her frustration melting away into something more contemplative. "I see. But come on, Eula. If you'd been straight with me from the start, I could've arranged for Collei to race you ages ago."

Eula sighed, rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly. "Yeah… I know. I'm sorry, Beidou."

Beidou studied her for a moment before placing a hand on her shoulder, her tone softer than before. "It's alright. Just… be honest with me next time, okay?"

Eula's lips curled into a small, rare smile. "I will. Thanks, Beidou."

Inside the convenience store, March, Seele, and Pela had been quietly observing the interaction between Collei and Amber through the store window.

Seele narrowed her eyes slightly, her curiosity piqued. "Is it just me, or is there something more going on between them?"

March folded her arms, tilting her head thoughtfully. "Yeah, I agree. Collei mentioned on the way here that they're childhood friends, so… yeah, I'd say there's definitely something deeper there."

Pela, who had been quietly watching, suddenly blushed, shifting her gaze down as if to hide her flustered reaction. "Not gonna lie… they make a pretty cute couple."

March and Seele immediately turned their heads toward Pela, raising their eyebrows in unison.

Pela's face turned an even deeper shade of red as she stammered, "Guys, get real! I'm just saying what's obvious!"

March smirked, nudging her playfully. "No, no. I totally get what you mean."

Seele nodded thoughtfully, her gaze returning to the two outside. "Yeah… they really do seem like a couple."

The three girls exchanged knowing looks before returning to their drinks, the air charged with a shared understanding as they continued watching the quiet moment unfold.

Outside, beneath the buzzing glow of the streetlights, the night air seemed thicker, full of unspoken words and old memories. A rekindled connection lingered in the air, palpable despite the silence.

The convenience store's neon lights flickered, casting long shadows as Eula made her way back to her GT86. Her footsteps were slow but deliberate, each step marked with quiet resolve. The crisp night air carried the distant hum of traffic from the main road.

She paused beside her car, glancing at Amber, her gaze lingering for a heartbeat. She hesitated for a moment before speaking, her voice barely above a whisper. "So, um… we part ways here, right?"

Amber nodded, her trademark confident smile in place. "Yep. Well, Eula, it's been a pleasure working with you."

Eula reached out, taking Amber's hand firmly. Their grip was brief but firm, a silent understanding passing between them. "Likewise, Amber. I'll see you when I see you."

With a smooth growl, the GT86 roared to life. Eula slid into the driver's seat, the car's tail lights flaring red as she pulled away, disappearing into the winding streets of Amakane.

Collei and Amber stood side by side, watching the GT86 fade into the distance. Neither spoke, but the silence between them was comfortable—filled with a quiet understanding, an unspoken connection that spoke louder than any words could.

Convenience Store Conversations

The automatic doors slid open with a soft whoosh, and Beidou stepped out into the cool night air, her stride confident and purposeful. Her eyes scanned the small group of friends gathered outside the convenience store, a knowing grin tugging at her lips. "So, what's this about Amber?" she asked, crossing her arms with a casual yet intrigued expression.

March tilted her head, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "We overheard part of their conversation," she began, a hint of mischief in her voice. "Apparently, Amber lives in Yougou now."

Beidou raised an eyebrow, her posture shifting into one of curiosity. "You don't say?"

Pela, still feeling a little embarrassed from their earlier conversation, leaned in closer and whispered, "Collei and Amber are really close. They've known each other since they were kids."

Beidou's eyes widened slightly, the realization dawning on her. "Ah, that makes sense now."

With a smirk, Beidou sauntered over to Collei and Amber, hands resting confidently on her hips. "Hey there, you two. Ready to head home?"

Collei and Amber exchanged a brief glance before Collei nodded. "Yeah, let's go."

Beidou twirled her R32's keys between her fingers, her grin widening. "How about you two take my R32 back to Yougou? You can catch up on the way. I'll ride with March in her Supra."

Collei blinked in surprise. "Are you sure?"

Beidou's carefree grin never faltered as she tossed the keys into the air. "Don't sweat it, kid. Have fun!"

Collei instinctively caught the keys, her mind racing for a moment before she turned to Amber, the excitement of the night suddenly feeling very real.

Amber chuckled softly, nudging Collei playfully. "Guess we're taking the Skyline tonight."

The team piled into their respective cars, the engines roaring to life one by one. The convoy quickly slipped onto the expressway, the city lights fading as the road stretched out before them, a world of possibilities in the darkness.

The Expressway – 10:30 PM

Inside March's Supra, the hum of the engine was steady, a rhythmic beat that matched the atmosphere of the night. The road was quiet, the occasional streetlight flashing overhead like fleeting stars. Beidou leaned forward, tapping March on the shoulder to break the stillness. "So, March. What do you think about Collei and Amber?" she asked, her voice low with curiosity.

March glanced briefly at the rearview mirror, her eyes catching sight of the R32 trailing behind them, before she refocused on the road. "Amber's a great friend to Collei. She told me a bit about their past."

Beidou raised an eyebrow, leaning in with interest. "Oh really? Do tell!"

March smirked, driving one-handed as she settled back slightly. "Keep your voice down, Beidou. Pela and Seele are asleep."

Beidou chuckled softly, lowering her voice to a more conspiratorial tone. "Alright, alright. Spill the beans."

March smiled, her expression softening with the memory. "Collei used to be really shy when she was younger—socially anxious, barely spoke to anyone outside of her family. She would only leave the house when absolutely necessary, like running errands with her dad. Then Amber showed up. She's one of those people who just clicks with everyone, you know? Always positive, always pulling people out of their shells. She helped Collei become who she is now."

Beidou let the words sink in for a moment, her gaze drifting to the passing road signs. "That's pretty cool. So Amber was like a... mentor to her, in a way?"

"Yeah," March agreed, her voice warm with affection for the story. "And look at Collei now. She's one of the most outgoing people I know, always able to make friends and hold a conversation. But with Amber? It's like there's this bond that runs deeper."

Beidou smirked, glancing out the window. "That explains a lot."

Inside the R32

The deep, throaty hum of the RB26 engine filled the cabin of the R32, the vibrations of the engine and the steady rhythm of the tires on the asphalt sending a rush of excitement through Collei's fingertips as she gripped the wheel. The stars twinkled above, but Amber's attention was fixed more on Collei than the night sky.

"So… Amber?" Collei began, her voice hesitant as she turned toward her friend.

Amber tilted her head, glancing over at Collei. "What's on your mind?"

Collei hesitated for a moment before asking, "Do you have your own car? And do you race?"

Amber laughed softly, her tone light and easy. "As a matter of fact, I do. I drive a blue Nissan Sileighty."

Collei's eyes widened slightly in confusion. "Sileighty?"

Amber's grin widened, a sparkle in her eyes. "Yep! It's a Nissan 180SX with the front end swapped out for a Nissan Silvia S13. The name comes from 'Sil' from Silvia and 'Eighty' from 180. Sileighty."

Collei's face lit up with recognition. "Oh! I get it now! So, do you race it?"

Amber's smile grew mischievous. "You bet I do. I mostly stick to the uphills, but I do the downhills every now and then, too."

Collei's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Actually, Beidou's team is still looking for an uphill ace in Yougou. I should call her!"

Before Amber could reply, Collei grabbed her phone and quickly dialed Beidou's number, eager to share the news.

The line clicked, and Beidou's voice came through the speaker, crackling slightly. "Yo, Collei. What's up?"

Collei grinned, barely able to contain her excitement. "Hey, Beidou. Are we still looking for an uphill ace?"

The phone crackled with a brief pause before Beidou responded, her voice brimming with anticipation. "Yeah, we are. Why?"

Collei's grin widened, her voice practically vibrating with excitement. "I'm with Amber right now. She drives a blue Nissan Sileighty, and she mostly races the uphills in Yougou."

There was a moment of silence, the phone crackling again before Beidou's voice shot through, electrified with recognition. "A blue Sileighty? I've seen that thing tearing up the uphill sections in Yougou! The driver's insane!"

Amber leaned toward the phone, smirking. "Yeah, that was me."

Beidou's voice cracked with disbelief. "Amber!? No way! Damn! So, how about joining the team? We need an uphill ace like you!"

Amber's grin only grew brighter, her heart pounding with excitement. "I'd be honored, Beidou."

Beidou's fist punched the air in triumph, even as she sat in the Supra. "Yes! We've got ourselves an Uphill Ace!"

Amber laughed softly, looking over at Collei with a fond smile. "Gotta love your team leader."

Collei chuckled, her eyes full of admiration as she glanced at Amber. "That's Beidou for you. Always full of energy."

The convoy continued its journey, the cars humming along the empty expressway. As the headlights of the vehicles sliced through the night, a new chapter was beginning. The road ahead might have been uncertain, but one thing was clear: they were ready for whatever came next.

Beneath the infinite stretch of stars, the night belonged to them.