Act: 5 Chapter 4 | The White Star Of Araumi

The following afternoon—Lyney's Gas Station.

It was just another normal day.

The steady hum of engines, the occasional honk of a passing car, and the rhythmic clatter of tools from the garage filled the air, blending into the familiar sounds of the bustling station.

Near the pumps, Collei approached a customer who had just pulled up in a sleek Civic Type R. With practiced efficiency, she got to work—filling the tank, wiping down the windshield, and handling the usual duties with calm precision, her eyes flicking over the car's polished lines as she worked, a momentary flash of recognition.

Meanwhile, over by the garage, March, Amber, Seele, and Beidou were deep in conversation.

"It's crazy, right? Collei's just your average teenager, fresh out of high school," Beidou mused, arms crossed as she leaned against a post.

"No kidding." March shook her head with a chuckle. "Last night, it was like she became a different person. She was completely glued to the road—even with me screaming my head off in the backseat!"

Seele, who had been listening quietly, suddenly turned to March. "Hey, you mentioned that Collei asked you to sit in the back seat? Why was that?"

March tapped her chin, frowning slightly. "I dunno. She never really explained it. Not even on the way back."

Seele smirked, her eyes gleaming with insight. "I think I know why."

Beidou and March leaned in, curiosity piqued.

"Come on, spill it!" they demanded in unison.

Seele straightened up, her tone laced with mischief. "Because March is annoying!"

Beidou and March dramatically collapsed, the weight of the words sinking in.

Then, a beat later, both burst into laughter.

March wiped away tears, still giggling. "Alright, alright—you got me!"

Nearby, Lyney, who had been working on a car, crossed his arms with mock annoyance.

"Seriously? You guys forgot the basics of racing in wet conditions?" Lyney shook his head. "The reason Collei asked March to sit in the back was for weight distribution. More weight in the rear = better traction in the rain. And knowing Collei, she probably figured that out the second she saw the weather."

The group paused, the realization hitting them all at once.

Amber, leaning casually against the back of her SilEighty, raised an eyebrow. "Now that I think about it, you guys said Collei was hesitant to accept challenges in the past, right?"

Beidou, Seele, and March nodded in unison. "Yeah?"

Amber smiled knowingly, her voice tinged with understanding. "Well, just look at her last night. She took that challenge like it was nothing. She was practically glued to the road. Seems like she's really becoming a true street racer."

Everyone exchanged glances, nodding in agreement.

"Totally," Beidou said, grinning as she glanced toward Collei.

Her gaze shifted toward the Eight-Six, now parked near the pumps, the rain-slicked roads still fresh in her mind. "It's still wild to think about how, when she first started racing, she didn't even know what an Eight-Six was." Beidou chuckled. "But look at her now—she's starting to get the hang of the street racing mindset. Even in those conditions, she handled the Eight-Six like a pro."

Amber pushed off from her car and strolled over to Collei, who had just finished up with the customer.

Collei noticed her approaching and smiled. "Oh hey, Amber."

Amber's grin widened, the challenge already forming in her mind. "So, Collei, how about we head to Yougou Lake tonight? We can take my car."

For a moment, Collei hesitated—then her face flushed slightly, and she nodded.

"Sure thing, Amber. I've got time."

As the sun began to set, Collei pulled into her driveway.

She let the engine idle for a moment, staring at the Eight-Six parked under the dimming light. Its once-pristine white paint was now splattered with dried mud, remnants of the stormy battle the night before. The slick coating from the rain still clung to the car's curves, but it was more than just a mess—it was a testament to the performance. The Eight-Six had held its ground against the S2000, even when conditions were stacked against it.

Collei sighed. "What a mess… Must be from all the rain last night. Well, time to clean her up."

She headed inside, quickly changing into something more comfortable—a simple brown sleeveless dress—before grabbing a bucket and filling it with soapy water.

Stepping back outside, she got to work.

The pressure washer hummed to life as she rinsed off the grime. Water droplets glistened under the fading sunlight, rolling down the car's sleek body, the sound of the spray echoing faintly in the quiet evening. Once the surface was clear, she grabbed a microfiber cloth, dipping it into the sudsy water and carefully scrubbing every inch. Her hands moved with the same precision she had shown the night before—every stroke deliberate, every motion measured.

She worked with focused precision, taking extra care with the tires. Dipping a small brush into soapy water, she scrubbed the black-and-silver deep-dish Watanabe wheels, ensuring every detail was immaculate, just like her driving. The tires, still holding the marks from the high-speed cornering and drifting, were carefully wiped clean.

Inside the house, Arlecchino was on the phone, her voice carrying a playful edge as she leaned back on the couch. "What a surprise, Lisa! Been a while, hasn't it? Let me guess—another accident? You're in the hospital again?"

The phone crackled with laughter. "You're too funny, Arlecchino! But no, not this time. Actually, I've been hearing a lot about your daughter. Word is, she's quite the prodigy."

Arlecchino's lips curled into a proud smile. "That's my girl. She's been getting faster and faster lately."

Lisa's voice took on an intrigued tone. "That's great to hear. By the way, have you heard she's going up against Ningguang this Saturday? Ten on the line."

Arlecchino raised an eyebrow, a thoughtful look crossing her features. "Ningguang, huh? Should I know who she is?"

Lisa scoffed. "You seriously don't? She's the fastest street racer in Narukami Prefecture! Even the Stewards over in FOM are talking about her."

Arlecchino leaned forward slightly, her eyes narrowing in thought, her mind running over the possibilities. She hadn't been involved in racing for years, but hearing this name stirred something old in her.

Meanwhile, outside, Collei continued drying the Eight-Six, her movements methodical, lost in her own world. She stepped back, admiring the shine of the car—each curve, every line, all reflecting her own steady progress.

Lisa's voice crackled through the speaker. "So tell me, Arlecchino—who do you think is gonna win?"

Arlecchino chuckled softly, a hint of challenge in her tone. "I don't know. But we'll all find out on Saturday, won't we?"

Lisa's laughter rang through the phone. "You haven't changed a bit. You still scare me with those monstrous drifts from back in the day."

Arlecchino smirked. "That was years ago, Lisa."

In the background, a muffled voice called out, "Ms. Minci, the race is about to start."

Lisa sighed. "Gotta run, Arlecchino. Let's talk soon."

The call ended with a soft beep.

Arlecchino stood up and made her way outside.

She spotted Collei wiping the sweat from her brow, taking a step back to admire her work. The Eight-Six gleamed under the evening light, spotless and ready for battle once more.

Collei smiled. "Good as new!"

From a distance, Arlecchino watched silently, arms crossed, a small, almost imperceptible smile on her face.

Then, without a word, she turned and headed back inside.

Collei remained where she was, basking in the quiet satisfaction of a job well done. The Eight-Six was her pride—each cleaning, each race, and every victory was another step toward mastering her craft.

That night, Amber and Collei made their way up to Yougou Lake.

The Sileighty's engine roared as it hugged the curves of the winding mountain road. Each turn echoed with the growl of the turbocharged inline-four, the exhaust note bouncing off the cliffs. But Amber drifted through them with effortless precision, as if the road had been carved just for her.

Collei, hands gripping the seat, watched in awe.

"I gotta say, Amber... I'm impressed. You drive this well!"

Amber shot her a playful grin, her confidence shining through. "Thanks, Collei! You know, I've been driving this course every day since I moved back."

As they approached the final hairpin, Amber slammed the brakes. The tires screeched in protest as she flicked the wheel, initiating a smooth drift. The car glided sideways, counter-steering perfectly, before straightening out and charging toward the final stretch.

At the summit, Amber eased off the gas, the Sileighty purring softly as they pulled into a scenic parking spot. Both stepped out, their eyes drawn to the vast, star-lit sky.

The lake below was a mirror of the heavens, its surface untouched, glowing under the moonlight.

Collei took a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "Look at that view... It's so peaceful."

Amber leaned against the wooden barrier, her gaze lost among the stars. "Yeah... it sure is..." Her voice was softer now, almost as if sharing a secret with the night.

After a quiet moment, she turned to Collei. "You know... this reminds me of when we were kids. Our parents used to bring us here—to bond, together."

Collei let out a small, nostalgic laugh. "Yeah... those were the days."

Amber folded her arms, the cool night breeze brushing against her skin. "And now, here we are again. Except this time... I know you're going to win this race."

Collei stepped closer, her eyes glinting with quiet determination. "I hope so too, Amber."

For a few moments, they stood there, absorbed in the silence. It was a comfortable quiet, one that didn't need words to fill the space between them.

Then, Collei spoke again, her voice quieter, but steady.

"Amber... you know something?"

Amber turned to face her, smiling softly. "Hm?"

Collei hesitated, then chuckled, the hint of a blush dusting her cheeks. "This feels just like the night we first met."

Amber's heart skipped a beat.

She felt the memory crash into her all at once—the shy, socially anxious girl standing in the corner, and herself—the loud, confident one, always getting along with everyone.

"How could I forget?" Amber laughed lightly. "You barely talked to anyone back then, and I was the energetic one, dragging you into every conversation."

Her voice grew softer, thoughtful. "But look at you now… interacting with everyone… becoming a street racing legend."

Collei's face turned a deeper shade of red, her gaze dropping. "Well… I couldn't have done it without you, you know." She looked up, her expression more serious now.

"You were always there for me—when I was too anxious to talk to anyone, when the others didn't pick me. You chose me for your school projects. You gave me a chance."

Amber's breath caught for just a second.

The world around them seemed to disappear—the hum of cicadas fading, the soft rustling of trees becoming distant.

All that remained was the night sky, the reflection of the stars in the lake, and the weight of something unspoken between them.

Collei took a hesitant step closer, her hands trembling slightly.

"Amber… there's something I need to tell you."

Amber turned fully toward her now, giving her undivided attention. She reached out, placing a comforting hand over Collei's, her touch warm despite the cool air.

"Yeah, Collei? What is it?"

Collei swallowed hard, took a slow, shaky breath, and finally, she said it.

"I… I have feelings for you. M-more than just friendship."

Her voice wavered, but her gaze held steady, filled with uncertainty, hope, and something deeper.

"You've been my light… my inspiration. And I think… I think I'm in love with you."

Amber's eyes widened, her breath catching.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Then, a blush spread across Amber's cheeks. Her heart raced, pounding against her ribs.

"Collei… I…" She hesitated, then smiled softly. "I've felt the same way since that night in Amakane."

Collei's eyes widened. "R-really!? You mean it?"

Amber nodded, warmth flooding her voice. "Of course I do. You're an amazing person, Collei. Your kindness, your drive, the way you drift through those hairpins… It all amazes me."

Collei let out a breath—one she didn't realize she had been holding. A single tear slipped from her eye, but this time, it wasn't from sadness.

"Amber… I… I don't know what to say."

Amber took a step forward and, without hesitation, wrapped Collei in a warm, comforting hug.

"Then don't say anything."

She held her close, their bodies pressed together under the endless sky.

"Let's just enjoy this moment."

The stars continued to shine, their light casting a soft glow over the two of them.

And for the first time in a long time, everything felt right.

The world beyond Yougou Lake, the racetrack, the upcoming battle against Ningguang—none of it mattered.

Not tonight.

Tonight, it was just them.

The night air around Yougou Lake felt crisp, the silence interrupted only by the distant hum of the breeze through the trees. For a long moment, neither Amber nor Collei spoke, each savoring the tranquility of the moment and the weight of what had just been confessed.

Amber's arms were wrapped around Collei, holding her close, as if the embrace alone could erase any doubts or uncertainties that lingered in the air. Collei's heart fluttered with a mixture of relief and joy, but also something else—something that made her feel more connected to Amber than ever before. She felt safe, content, and for once, completely at peace with the world around her.

Eventually, Amber pulled back slightly, still holding Collei by the shoulders. She looked into Collei's eyes, her expression soft but serious.

"Collei," Amber started, her voice low and gentle, "you're going to crush it on Saturday. I know you will."

Collei smiled, a nervous but confident grin, as she brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "I'm going to try my best. I know Ningguang's fast, but I'm not backing down. Not now."

Amber nodded, her smile never faltering. "That's the spirit." She reached for Collei's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "No matter what happens, you've already come so far. I'm proud of you, always."

A soft laugh escaped Collei's lips, though it was filled with a touch of nervousness. "Thanks, Amber. I… I couldn't have gotten this far without you. You've been there for me when no one else was."

Amber smiled, brushing her thumb across Collei's hand. "That's what friends are for."

The words hung in the air, but they didn't need to be said again. They both knew that there was more to their bond now—something deeper, something new that was yet to fully unfold.

The stillness of the night pressed in around them, the only sound the faint rustling of the leaves and the soft lapping of the water against the shore. It felt like time had slowed, the world beyond them forgotten for just a moment.

As Collei looked up at the stars, she thought about everything that had led her here—her struggles, her doubts, and the long road she had traveled to reach this point. But she also thought of Amber—the one who had never given up on her, who had always been there to encourage her, push her, and now… hold her when she needed it most.

The future felt uncertain, especially with the race against Ningguang looming, but tonight? Tonight, Collei knew she wasn't alone. She had Amber by her side, and with that thought, she felt a newfound strength surge within her.

"I think I'm ready for whatever comes next," Collei whispered, her voice full of conviction.

Amber squeezed her hand once more, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. "I know you are."

They stood there for a while longer, watching the stars above and the lake's shimmering reflection, each of them lost in their own thoughts but united by the quiet bond they shared.

The night would end eventually, and the race would come. But for now, it was just the two of them, standing together under the vast, starry sky, with nothing else mattering but the moment they were in.

And as the cool wind whispered through the trees, Collei couldn't help but smile, knowing that no matter what tomorrow held, she had found something truly precious tonight.

The following morning at the gas station…

Pela's white MR2 rumbled into the lot, its engine purring as she smoothly pulled up beside the office. The sleek, mid-engine sports car glinted under the early sun, its polished body catching the light just right.

Stepping out, Pela grinned mischievously, holding up a flash drive. "Hey, guys! Thought you might want to see something."

March, arms crossed with a smug expression, smirked. "Oooh! Is it your 'homework,' Pela?"

Pela rolled her eyes, tapping March on the shoulder. "Cut it out, March. This is about the upcoming race."

That instantly grabbed everyone's attention.

Beidou, leaning casually against the garage entrance, raised an eyebrow. "Something for Collei, I presume?"

Pela nodded, twirling the flash drive between her fingers. "Yeah. And trust me—this is gonna shock you."

Inside the office...

The small, cluttered room smelled of motor oil and stale coffee. Pela plugged the flash drive into her laptop, and within seconds, a series of videos popped up on the screen.

Beidou frowned, her arms crossed. "This just looks like a random street race."

"Wait for it." Pela smirked as she paused the video, just as the action was about to pick up.

March squinted at the screen. "That's just an RX-7 FC. So what?"

Pela shook her head, eyes gleaming. "Not just any RX-7 FC. Watch this."

She clicked to the next clip, revealing a nighttime race in Narukami Prefecture. The camera zoomed in on a white FC3S, its headlights cutting through the darkness. The car slid cleanly through a tight corner, tires gripping the pavement with immaculate precision. Then, as the race ended, the driver's side door swung open—

And out stepped a young woman with piercing golden eyes.

"HOLY SHIT! That's Ningguang!" March practically shouted, leaning closer to the screen.

Pela slowed the video down, allowing everyone to take in the sight of a much younger Ningguang stepping out of the plain white RX-7—before she had become a street racing legend.

Beidou let out a low whistle. "Damn… look how young she was."

Seele, arms folded, studied the background closely. "This looks like Araumi… Pela, where'd you even get these videos?"

Pela smirked, clearly enjoying the moment. "Some old friends from my racing days sent them over. This footage is from five or six years ago—back when Ningguang was still known as the 'White Star of Araumi.' Long before she and Keqing teamed up."

Beidou raised an eyebrow. "So she was a lone wolf back then?"

Pela nodded. "Exactly. And even then, she was terrifyingly fast."

At that moment, Lyney strolled into the room, hands tucked casually in his pockets. "Hey, what are y'all watching?"

Seele instantly slammed the laptop shut. "Nothing, Lyney!"

Lyney chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Relax. I'm not gonna snitch. Now, c'mon, open it back up—I want to see this."

Pela grinned and clicked play again.

On-screen, the RX-7 danced through the streets like it was untouchable. Ningguang's precise control, aggressive yet effortless drifts, and perfect throttle timing made it look as though she owned the road.

Lyney whistled. "So this is the girl Collei's going up against tomorrow, huh?"

Beidou sighed, rubbing the back of her head. "I don't know, man… Collei might not stand a chance."

March immediately spun toward her. "What are you talking about, Beidou!? She's gonna win, right?"

Seele's expression darkened. "You don't get it, March. Ningguang is fast. Like, really fast."

She pointed at the screen as another clip played—a tight, downhill battle where Ningguang took the inside line at an impossible speed, leaving her opponent in the dust.

"Every single street race she's entered, she's never lost."

March's breath hitched. "Never?"

Seele shook her head. "Not once. And here's the worst part—" she met everyone's gaze, her voice dropping slightly.

"She claims she's never even given 100% in any of those races."

Silence fell over the room.

Pela leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. "That means Collei isn't just facing some top-tier racer. She's facing someone who's been holding back… and still winning."

March swallowed hard. "So… what do we do?"

Beidou exhaled deeply. "Hope that Collei has something up her sleeve. Because if she doesn't… she might not just lose—she might get left in the dust."

Evening in Araumi – At a Small Café

The sun cast a golden hue over Araumi, the warm colors painting the streets as Ningguang and Keqing sat by a window, their coffee cups steaming in the fading light.

Keqing scrolled through her phone, then looked up. "I got an email from a racing team in Inazuma City. They want to discuss a future opportunity with you."

Ningguang set her cup down gently, her gaze distant. "Tell them no thanks."

Keqing blinked. "No thanks!? But why!? This could be huge!"

Ningguang leaned back in her chair, a knowing smirk on her lips. "Because I'm not interested in going pro. Not even a little."

Keqing stared at her in disbelief. "You're kidding, right? Ningguang, you have insane talent! You could be competing at the highest level—sponsors, world-class tuning, everything!"

Ningguang picked up her coffee again, her eyes drifting toward the streets outside. "The only racing that matters is here. On the streets. No sponsors breathing down my neck. No contract obligations. Just me, my car, and the road."

Keqing sighed, shaking her head. "You're impossible."

Ningguang chuckled, a low sound that made her words all the more pointed. "And yet, here we are."

Later That Night – Yougou, Near the Skating Rink

The hum of an AE86's engine echoed as Arlecchino's black-and-white panda Trueno rolled into Lyney's gas station. The driver's side window lowered, revealing Arlecchino's smirking face.

"Hey, Lyney. You done? Let's take a ride and test out the new suspension settings."

Lyney glanced up, eyebrows raised. "With you?"

Arlecchino's smirk deepened. "Yeah. But don't worry—it's an easy ride."

Lyney muttered under his breath, already regretting this. "Sure… 'easy ride' my ass."

The Ride Begins – Yougou Pass

The AE86 cruised down a straightaway, the city lights flickering in the distance. Arlecchino kept the car at a steady pace, the low growl of the 4A-GE engine filling the cabin.

For a moment, everything seemed calm.

Lyney broke the silence. "So, Arlecchino… you didn't mess with Collei's suspension settings for the race, did you?"

Arlecchino didn't flinch. "I did."

Then she tightened her grip on the wheel. "Lyney, I'm gonna pick up the pace here."

Lyney's eyes widened. "Wait, right now—?"

Before he could react, Arlecchino slammed the gas. The AE86 jerked forward, its tires screeching as the engine roared.

"SHIT—!" Lyney barely had time to grab the overhead handle and brace himself as the car shot toward a sharp hairpin.

The moment they reached the turn, Arlecchino's foot slammed the brakes. In an instant, she downshifted from fourth to second, flicked the wheel, and initiated a perfect drift. The AE86 slid through the corner, the G-forces slamming Lyney against the door.

"Amazing entry speeds! I can feel the G-force pushing me out of the car!" Lyney shouted, eyes wide.

Then he turned to Arlecchino—

And his heart nearly stopped.

She had both hands off the wheel.

"AAAAAAAAH! ARLECCHINO! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!?" Lyney screamed.

Arlecchino, completely unfazed, reached for a pack of cigarettes. "Relax. Just grabbing a smoke."

"WHO'S STEERING THE DAMN CAR!?"

The AE86's drift started to widen—dangerously close to the guardrail.

Lyney's knuckles turned white as he gripped the handle for dear life. "I CAN'T WATCH!"

At the last possible second, Arlecchino casually tapped the wheel back into place with her knee, straightening the car just inches from disaster.

She lit the cigarette, took a drag, and exhaled. "Not bad."

Lyney sat there, pale, his breathing ragged. "Not bad!? YOU NEARLY KILLED US!"

Arlecchino smirked. "That was just warming up."

She flicked the cigarette into the ashtray, cracked her neck, and downshifted again.

"Now… time to get serious."

"WHAAAAAAT!?" Lyney's voice cracked as the AE86 lunged forward.

Another hairpin. Another perfect drift.

The night had only just begun.

The Following Afternoon – Araumi, FC3S Tuning Session

The sun hung low as Ningguang leaned against the hood of her white RX-7 FC3S, watching Keqing inspect the tuning adjustments.

Keqing wiped her hands on a rag. "Alright, so what's the final setup?"

Ningguang crossed her arms, satisfied. "Engine, tires, suspension—all dialed in."

Keqing glanced at the engine bay. "How much horsepower now?"

Ningguang's smirk returned. "280."

Keqing's jaw dropped. "280!? You had at least 350 before! Why the hell did you lower it!?"

Ningguang chuckled. "Keqing, I thought you'd remember. Power on a downhill isn't everything."

Keqing facepalmed. "Ugh. Right. You and your damn technique-over-power mindset."

Ningguang giggled, closing the hood. "Come on. Let's head down. We've got a race to prepare for."

As they walked toward the road, Keqing followed slightly behind. The streets were quiet—no races happening in broad daylight.

Ningguang's gaze drifted toward the horizon, her voice quiet but firm.

"I'm no longer a team leader, Keqing."

"I'm just the lone wolf. The White Star of Araumi."

The weight of her words settled in the evening air.

The Gathering at Lyney's Gas Station – 9:00 PM

The roar of modified engines filled the air as dozens of cars rolled into Lyney's gas station, headlights slicing through the night. The atmosphere was electric—drivers fine-tuning their machines, spectators chatting in excited murmurs.

Lyney stood off to the side, arms crossed, watching the cars head toward the pass. His eyes narrowed.

"Looks like they're heading up to Yougou. No turning back now. This race is gonna be massive."

Behind him, a familiar voice called out. "Hey, boss."

Lyney turned to see Beidou approaching.

"Oh, hey, Beidou."

Beidou slung her bag over her shoulder. "I locked up the pumps and cleaned the garage. I'm heading up now."

Lyney smirked. "Gonna watch the race, huh?"

Beidou nodded. "Yeah. Seele, Pela, March, and Amber are coming too."

Lyney raised an eyebrow. "But let me guess—you still don't think Collei has a shot?"

Beidou sighed. "She's good, no doubt. But Ningguang's on another level. She's a former circuit racer. Collei? She just graduated high school."

Before Lyney could respond, the rumble of approaching cars filled the station.

The convoy pulled in:

Seele's Devil Z led the pack, its RB26 engine purring like a beast.

March's Supra rumbled beside it, flames occasionally spitting from the exhaust.

Pela's MR2 and Amber's Sileighty followed closely behind.

Beidou gave Lyney a nod. "I'm off." She climbed into Seele's Devil Z, and with a rev of their engines, the convoy roared toward Yougou.

As the sound of their cars faded into the distance, Lyney turned back into his office, collapsing onto the couch. He stared at the ceiling for a moment before chuckling to himself.

"The only reason I believe Collei might win is 'cause she's got the same attitude as Arlecchino behind the wheel… and that girl can be one crazy son of a bitch."

The Road to Yougou – 9:15 PM

The convoy reached the lower section of the pass, the crowd already piling in.

Beidou leaned against the window, scanning the sheer number of spectators.

"I knew it. This crowd's gonna be massive."

Seele sighed, shifting gears. "If I were Collei, I'd be shitting my pants right about now."

Five hairpins later, a deep blue GT86 pulled into a rest area overlooking the course.

A spotter nudged his friend. "Hey, isn't that Amakane's GT86?"

The other guy nodded. "Yeah. That's definitely it."

The driver's door swung open, and Eula Lawrence stepped out. She walked toward the guardrail, arms crossed, watching the road ahead. The neon lights of Araumi flickered below, but her focus was solely on the pass.

"This is the perfect spot to watch Collei race Ningguang," she muttered to herself.

Yougou Pass – Starting Line – 9:30 PM

At the top of the mountain, the crowd waited in restless anticipation.

March checked her phone. "Almost 9:30. They should be here any minute now."

Right on cue, the rumble of a rotary engine echoed through the air.

Ningguang's FC3S arrived first, rolling smoothly into the lot. Keqing parked at the rest area while Ningguang pulled up to the starting line. She climbed out of her RX-7, leaned against it, arms crossed, surveying the scene.

"The AE86 isn't here yet." Her crimson eyes scanned the area.

Keqing smirked. "She's always like that—showing up fashionably late."

Ningguang inhaled deeply, then exhaled, her expression unreadable.

Then, she turned to Keqing and spoke—her voice calm, yet absolute.

"Keqing… the day I lose a race? That'll be the day I retire."

Keqing's eyes widened. "Retire!? You can't be serious!"

Ningguang waved a hand dismissively. "Relax. I don't mean quitting street racing altogether. Just stepping down from the number one spot."

Then, her smirk returned.

"But don't get it twisted—I'm not planning on losing anytime soon."

Keqing let out a breath. "Hah… you really don't change, do you?"

Just then—

The rumble of a high-revving inline-four pierced the air.

Collei's AE86 rolled into view, its pop-up headlights slicing through the night.

The crowd erupted in cheers and murmurs.

"There she is!"

"The Downhill Ace finally showed up!"

"It's happening! This is it!"

Collei's black-and-white Trueno came to a stop at the start line.

The two racers had finally arrived.

It was all or nothing.