Act: 4 Chapter 3 | Challenge Accepted.

The morning sun bathed the café in a soft, golden glow as Beidou and Collei sat at their usual corner booth, the air thick with the scent of freshly brewed coffee. The small café, tucked away from the busy streets of Yougou, had always been their haven. Today, though, the atmosphere was different. The usual lighthearted conversation was absent, replaced with a weighty silence as they both stared down at their cups.

Beidou leaned forward, her elbows resting on the table, hands steepled in front of her. Her gaze was steady, her tone serious. "So," she began, eyeing Collei carefully, "I talked to Eula last night. She wants to race you—on her home turf, no less—tomorrow night. Are you in?"

Collei took a slow sip from her cup, her eyes drifting to the window as she mulled over Beidou's words. The steam from the coffee curled into the air, offering a brief distraction. "I don't know, Beidou," she said finally, her voice low, almost hesitant. "Something feels off about her. After what you said at the restaurant… I can't shake the feeling that she's hiding something. She's been working hard to get close to you, trying to convince you to race me, but it's been feeling like there's more going on behind the scenes."

Beidou sighed, frustration creeping into her voice. "Collei, she's been wanting this race for a long time. She told me herself. This is her final race before stepping back from the scene. She wants to race the most challenging driver she can find—Ningguang's out of reach, and you're the only one left." She leaned back, letting the weight of her words sink in. "She wants to race you, Collei. This is what she's been building up to."

Collei paused, processing the information. The conversation shifted in her mind, the weight of what Beidou was asking her pressing down on her chest. The quiet murmurs of the café faded into the background as her mind raced back to a memory, one that she hadn't thought about in a long time.

The sharp scent of rubber and engine oil filled the air as Eula's GT86 screamed around the corner, perfect in its drift. Collei remembered it so vividly—the smooth, calculated way Eula handled every turn, her car sliding effortlessly through the hairpin. It was a display of skill that stuck with Collei, something she couldn't ignore.

Her eyes focused again, meeting Beidou's. "Alright," Collei said, her voice steady, her decision made. "I'll do it. I'll take the Eight-Six to Amakane Pass."

Beidou's face lit up with a grin, her excitement palpable. "Yes! Thanks, Collei! You're the best!" she exclaimed, leaning back in her chair, relieved.

Collei raised a finger, silencing Beidou before she could get too carried away. "But listen," she said, her voice firm, her tone sharp. "I'm doing this for you, Beidou. Not for her. I don't care about whatever personal drama is going on between you two. I'm only doing it because you asked me to. It better be worth it."

Beidou's grin faltered for a moment, her expression softening with understanding. "I get it, Collei. You have my word. It'll be worth it."

Collei nodded once, the storm in her eyes quieted, replaced with the steely focus that had always driven her on the track. "Good. Let's see what Eula's really made of."

Beidou chuckled, leaning back in her chair with a satisfied smile. "Hell yeah. Let's do this."

The two sat in silence for a moment, the quiet hum of the café around them grounding the tension in the air. The calm before the storm—before the race, and whatever else Eula was hiding, would come to light.

By the time afternoon rolled around, the news had already spread like wildfire through the gas station. Conversations halted as March's voice rang out, loud and incredulous, cutting through the usual hum of engines and the clattering of tools.

"WHAT!? You're telling me Collei actually agreed to race Amakane's GT86!? That's freakin' crazy!!!" March's eyes were wide, her disbelief echoing in the tone.

Seele, standing nearby with her arms crossed, let out a soft exhale, looking more thoughtful than alarmed. "I know," she admitted. "But once Collei makes up her mind, there's no backing out. You know how she is—when she commits, she follows through."

March rubbed her cheek in frustration. "It's just so unlike her to race anywhere outside of Yougou. This is her home turf, for crying out loud. Why the hell would she go to Amakane?"

Before Seele could offer any more insight, the familiar, deep rumble of an engine began to echo through the lot, growing louder by the second. A moment later, a sleek, electric-blue Nissan Sileighty slid into the station, its engine purring with the smoothness that only came from hours of careful tuning and maintenance.

Amber hopped out of the driver's seat, her usual energy radiating from her as she slammed the door shut behind her. "Hey! What do you think?" she asked, practically bouncing with excitement.

Seele's sharp gaze scanned the car, analyzing every detail before offering a nod of approval. "That shade of blue is perfect," she said, admiring the car's clean lines. "And those gold BBS LM wheels? Exquisite. You've really put some love into this thing."

Amber's face flushed with pride as she rubbed the back of her neck. "Gee, thanks, guys. I've been working on this build since I moved here. It's been a labor of love."

March, however, wasn't done yet. Her curiosity was piqued, and her gaze flicked toward the hood. "Alright, spill it. What's under there?"

Amber's grin grew wider as she leaned casually against the car, arms crossed. "SR20DET," she said, her voice brimming with pride. "Slightly modified, pushing around 480 horsepower to the rear wheels."

Seele and March exchanged a look of approval. That was more than enough power for a lightweight car like the Sileighty. Amber wasn't messing around.

Amber straightened, pushing herself off the car with a newfound energy. "So, the race is tonight, right?" she asked, clearly ready to jump into the action.

Both Seele and March nodded, though neither looked particularly excited. They weren't worried about Collei's skill—far from it. But there was something about this whole situation that felt off. The fact that Collei, the one who always stuck to the familiar streets of Yougou, was willing to leave her comfort zone and race on Amakane's turf… it made them uneasy.

Amber, noticing the shift in atmosphere, raised an eyebrow. "Mind if I come along?" she asked, sensing the tension in the air. "I'd love to watch the race."

Seele gave her a short nod. "Yeah, of course. Support's always welcome."

As the conversation continued, Lyney, who had been casually leaning against a post nearby, caught wind of the discussion. He didn't show much outward reaction, but his lips curled into a small, unreadable smile. "Looks like Collei's racing the GT86 from Amakane," he muttered to himself, a flicker of intrigue in his eyes. "Hmm. Interesting."

The tension mounted as the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the gas station. The stage was set, and soon Amakane Pass would be the battleground for one of the most anticipated races in recent memory. But beneath the surface of anticipation and excitement, something else lingered—an unshakable feeling that this wasn't just about speed. There were bigger stakes at play.

And Collei was about to find out exactly what.

A Change in the Wind

As the sun began its slow descent behind the horizon, painting the sky in a brilliant blend of orange and deep purple, Arlecchino found herself standing in her dimly lit kitchen, staring into the empty abyss of her fridge. The cold air barely reached her face before she sighed in frustration.

Milk? Gone. Eggs? Gone. Leftovers? Questionable at best.

She closed the door with a heavy sigh, running a hand through her hair. "Looks like we're taking the Eight Six for a spin to the grocery store," she muttered to herself, trying to ignore the gnawing feeling in the pit of her stomach.

Pulling on her jacket, she stepped outside, boots clicking sharply against the pavement of the driveway. The evening air was crisp, carrying the scent of gasoline and the distant hum of engines—comforting in its familiarity, like a second heartbeat.

But the second her eyes fell on her car, something stopped her dead in her tracks.

Her breath hitched, and her gaze locked on the empty space where her pride and joy—the Eight Six—had once stood.

"...What in the hell?" Her voice barely rose above a whisper, confusion clouding her thoughts. She blinked once. Twice. Three times.

The car was gone.

In its place, however, sat something entirely different.

A Toyota Supra. A sleek, aggressive MK4 version, gleaming under the waning light of the day. Wide-body stance. Rear spoiler. And a feeling of raw performance that made it clear—this wasn't just some random replacement. No, this was something entirely intentional.

Arlecchino's pulse quickened. "My Eight Six… turned into a Supra?" she whispered, her disbelief bordering on disbelief.

What the hell was going on?

She took a few hesitant steps forward, eyes scanning the Supra's details, each one more bewildering than the last. Then, her gaze fell to the windshield wiper—something sticking out from under it.

A note.

Her heart skipped a beat as she snatched it, hands trembling slightly as she unfolded the paper.

"Hey Dad, I borrowed the car. Here's your replacement—Collei."

Silence filled the driveway, the note crinkling faintly in her hand.

The weight of realization slowly pressed down on her chest. She exhaled sharply, teeth gritting together.

"Collei…" she muttered under her breath.

En Route to Amakane Pass

The convoy of three cars thundered down the expressway, engines roaring in a synchrony that made the night feel alive. The black-and-white Eight Six led the charge, with Amber's blue Sileighty hot on its heels, and Beidou's gunmetal-gray R32 Skyline following closely behind.

The rhythm of turbochargers spooling, engines growling, and blow-off valves fluttering reverberated through the air as the trio carved through the empty road, their headlights cutting through the night like beacons of speed.

Inside the Eight Six, March glanced at Collei, a quiet giggle escaping her. "Hope your dad doesn't mind driving my Supra tonight," she teased, her voice light, though a trace of concern lingered in her eyes.

Collei's hands tightened on the wheel, her gaze focused ahead, but there was an unreadable tension in her posture. "I hope not, too," she murmured, her voice steady, but the sharp edge beneath it was unmistakable. She was determined, but the nerves weren't easy to ignore.

Meanwhile, in the R32, the atmosphere was far less relaxed.

Seele sat rigidly in the passenger seat, arms crossed tightly as her eyes flickered from the road to Beidou. Her jaw was tight, her eyes narrow, clearly deep in thought. The rumble of the R32's engine barely covered the heaviness of the silence hanging between them.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Seele broke it. "Hey, Beidou... I gotta ask you something."

Beidou's gaze flickered over to her, but she didn't look away from the road. "What is it?"

Seele's voice dropped lower, as if testing the waters. "Whose side are you on, exactly?"

Beidou's grip on the wheel tightened, and for a moment, her eyes flickered to the side. But she kept her voice steady. "What are you talking about?"

Seele leaned forward, her voice sharpening. "Because from where I'm sitting, it seems like you're throwing Collei into the fire just to patch things up with Eula."

Beidou's lips pressed into a thin line. "That's a load of crap, Seele. You know that."

Seele's eyes narrowed, her anger simmering just below the surface. "Do I?" she shot back, voice cutting through the hum of the engine. "Then tell me this: Do you honestly think Collei stands a chance of winning this race? She's never seen Amakane before—she's never even run it once. Meanwhile, Eula? She could drive that course blindfolded."

Beidou's foot shifted on the pedal, her breath quickening as she fought to keep control of her thoughts. But the truth stung, even if she refused to admit it.

Seele's words cut deeper. "This race was decided before we even pulled onto the expressway. So tell me, Beidou—are you really okay with that?"

Beidou was silent, her jaw tightening with frustration, but there was no denying the unease in her eyes.

Seele, sensing the hesitation, leaned back. Her tone softened, but it still carried a cold edge. "You're putting Collei's streak, her reputation—everything—on the line for something you're not even sure of. And if it all crashes, if she loses, how do you think that's going to affect her?"

The weight of Seele's words hung between them, making Beidou's foot tap anxiously against the accelerator.

The Last Stop Before the Race

The convoy made a pit stop at a convenience store midway to Amakane, the flickering neon sign casting a muted glow over the lot. The air felt heavy with the unsaid things that lingered.

Engines fell silent, but the tension remained thick.

Beidou stepped out first, stretching her legs, but it was clear she wasn't there for a break. Her gaze hardened as she approached Collei.

"Collei," she started, her voice low, "I think it's best you back off from this race. Your win streak, your reputation—it's all on the line here. Don't worry about Eula. Me and Seele will handle the fallout."

Seele nodded firmly, her arms crossed over her chest. "Yeah. Turn back now, while you still can."

Collei didn't respond right away, her lips curling into a subtle smirk. She looked up at Beidou and Seele, her gaze unwavering.

"You're not heading back?" Beidou asked, disbelief in her voice.

"No," Collei said simply, her tone carrying a finality that left no room for argument.

Beidou stepped forward, her eyes filled with frustration. "Collei, you've seen what Eula can do! She'll leave you in the dust. You don't stand a chance on this course!"

Collei sighed, her eyes not leaving the horizon. "And I don't care. This isn't about winning or losing anymore."

Seele clenched her fists, her frustration rising. "You should care! You're the Eight Six of Yougou now. You've built a name for yourself!"

Collei's smirk deepened. "And I'm supposed to care about what people think of me? About what some strangers on Amakane think of me?"

She turned toward her Eight Six, the moonlight reflecting off the worn body of the car that had carried her through countless battles. "I won a couple of races. People started talking, started hyping me up like I'm some kind of legend. But you know what?" She let out a quiet chuckle. "Sometimes I wish they'd just shut up."

Silence stretched between them.

Seele, caught off guard by Collei's raw admission, took a slow step back, watching the girl she'd known for years. "Are you sure about this?"

Collei placed a hand on her car's roof, her smile unwavering, yet somehow filled with a new weight. "Of course. I want to tackle something different. I want a real challenge."

Her hands slid into the familiar grip of the wheel. The engine rumbled to life, a promise of speed and defiance as the night stretched before them.

Moments later, the group begins ascending Amakane, the engine notes of their cars blending with the quiet hum of the mountain's atmosphere. Collei takes the lead in the AE86, her grip firm on the wheel, eyes fixed ahead as the winding road unfolds before her. She knows this track like the back of her hand, every bend, every rise and fall of the asphalt already memorized in her mind. Behind her, Seele and Beidou follow closely in the R32, its engine growling like a beast in the night, while Amber trails behind in the Sileighty, the faint hum of its engine echoing in the cool air.

The rumble of engines reverberates through the mountain pass, headlights slicing through the darkness like searching eyes. The air smells faintly of burning rubber, gasoline, and the intoxicating scent of the night—a symphony of speed and raw adrenaline, carried on the wind.

Seele, a bit agitated, glances at Beidou, her voice dripping with frustration. "Sorry if I came off harsh earlier. But seriously, how the hell can we talk her out of this after that fucking monologue?"

Beidou, her arm casually hanging out of the window, looks ahead at Collei's car, focusing on the way the AE86 dances through the turns with near-perfect precision. The car's rear end drifts just enough to show mastery without losing control. Her voice is steady, but her eyes narrow as she watches the girl ahead. "I know, right? She's something else. You can never really figure her out. I don't know if she's got a gift or if there's just a screw loose in her head."

The convoy winds through the night, the road ahead narrowing as the mountain pass becomes more treacherous. Collei remains calm and composed, her eyes scanning the track with the precision of a seasoned driver. She anticipates the next curve, the shift in the car's balance, the subtle feedback through the wheel as the tires grip and slide in perfect harmony. Every sensation—the engine's growl, the tire's contact with the road, the shift of weight—is absorbed into her senses like a piece of a greater puzzle.

After a few minutes, they reach the summit—The Top of the Pass.

The gravel crunches under their tires as they come to a stop. The engines slowly cool, releasing a chorus of ticking sounds as metal contracts and exhaust systems give off a faint hiss. Steam rises from a few hoods, the night air as crisp as the stillness. Above them, the sky is vast, the moon hanging low in the sky, casting its silvery glow over the desolate road. This is the place—the sacred ground where legends are made or shattered.

Eula steps out of her GT86 with a fluid motion, a stretch of her arms and shoulders as she surveys the surroundings. Her eyes catch Collei finishing up with her own car, a brief moment of silence passing between them before she approaches. "Hey, Collei. Good to see you again," she says with a grin, her voice smooth, confident.

Collei returns the smirk, her calm demeanor unshaken. Her voice is cool, her smile almost predatory as she responds. "Likewise, Eula," she says, the amusement in her tone matched only by the intensity in her eyes. There's a stillness about her—too calm, too composed. It's unsettling.

As Eula steps closer, she studies Collei, almost distracted by how young she looks. It catches her off guard for a moment, a fleeting doubt passing through her mind.

Curiosity gets the better of her, and she speaks up. "I gotta say, kid. You're young. How old are you?"

Collei doesn't miss a beat, her gaze unwavering. "If you really want to know, I'm eighteen."

Eula's eyes widen in disbelief, her jaw dropping slightly. "Eighteen? You're still in Senior High?"

Collei's smirk widens just a little. "Not anymore. I graduated earlier this year."

Eula, momentarily stunned, shakes her head, trying to regain her composure. She leans against the side of her GT86, folding her arms across her chest, sizing up the girl in front of her. "Alright, then," she mutters, shifting her tone to something more serious. "Let's set the rules. We run a cat-and-mouse game. The idea is simple: if the mouse runs away, the mouse wins. If not, we switch positions until one of us comes out on top. Sound good?"

Collei's eyes gleam with confidence as she nods. "Sounds fair to me."

Eula stands with her arms relaxed but ready, as though the decision is already in her hands. "Since you're the outsider, and I'm the local here, I'll let you decide: do you want to chase me, or should I chase you?"

Before Collei can respond, the rest of the crew—Seele, Amber, Beidou, and March—crowd around her, eager to offer their input. They pull her to the side, guiding her toward Amber's Sileighty parked just a few feet away.

Seele leans in, her voice low, her words laced with thought. "Look, I think it's best you start in front of the GT86 for this first run. You can use this to learn the track, get a feel for Eula's driving."

Amber immediately shakes her head, her expression firm, brows furrowed in concern. "Bad idea. Seriously, bad idea, guys."

The others turn to Amber, surprised by her reaction. "How's that? Care to explain?" they ask in unison.

Amber raises an eyebrow, her tone playful but full of certainty. "If you let Collei be in front, she'll chase Eula. She loves learning an opponent's style. By halfway through the run, she'll have the data she needs to overtake. Trust me, let Eula do the chasing. That's the way to go."

The group exchanges looks, piecing together Amber's logic. It clicks.

Seele, now understanding, nods firmly. "Collei, you should chase her."

Collei's lips curl into a sly grin. "I was already thinking of chasing her," she says, her voice confident, with a quiet fire beneath it.

With a decisive nod, Collei straightens up, her gaze narrowing with determination. She walks toward Eula, ready for what's next. "I'll chase you, if that's alright."

Eula's eyes widen in surprise for a split second before frustration flickers in her gaze. For real? she thinks to herself. I wanted to study your style! Damn it.

Collei remains unfazed, nodding in acknowledgment as she heads back toward her car. She climbs into the driver's seat of her AE86, settling in with focused precision. Strapping herself into the harness with swift, practiced movements, she takes a breath. The ignition switch is flicked, and the 4A-GE engine rumbles to life with a low growl. Collei flicks the headlight switch, and the iconic pop-up headlights rise with a satisfying click, their beams cutting through the dark as the night air hums with anticipation.

Far below the excitement of Amakane Pass, in the quiet kitchen at Yougou, Arlecchino stirs a pot on the stove when her phone suddenly vibrates against the counter.

Annoyed, she mutters, "Damn. Just when I was making dinner."

She picks it up, answers it with a weary tone. "Harth's tofu shop. What's up?"

A crackling voice responds. "Arlecchino? It's Lyney."

Arlecchino's expression darkens. "Oh, it's you. Hurry up, I'm cooking dinner."

Lyney's voice grows more urgent. "I had to call you. Collei and the others went up to Amakane Pass tonight. You might want to know."

Arlecchino's expression hardens. She exhales sharply. "So the kid went up to Amakane Pass for another race. So what?"

A stunned silence follows, before Lyney's voice rises in disbelief. "So what?! Is that it? Collei's up there without any advice from you? How can you not care?"

Arlecchino scoffs dismissively, brushing off his concern. "That's all I have to say. I'm busy. Call me when dinner's done."

Back at Amakane, the tension thickens. The air crackles with anticipation. Beidou approaches Collei's AE86, slapping the roof with a firm, encouraging pat. "Alright, Collei. Best of luck, kid."

Collei smiles, the excitement barely hidden beneath her calm exterior. "Just to let you know, I'm the chaser for a reason."

The night hums with the electric buzz of anticipation, the scent of burnt rubber already filling the air as the race prepares to begin. This is Collei's first race in unfamiliar territory—and everything is about to change.