After Racer Darling's Betrayal, I Part

On the first day of a new year, after Darling successfully defended her championship title in the year's first race.

Excited to finally reveal myself as the team's elusive mystery coach, I approached the lounge only to overhear her and Gunner's blush-inducing pants from outside the door.

"Melody, you little temptress, you're going to drain me dry!"

"It's not my fault you're out of shape."

"Oh, by the way, my husband's coming to celebrate with me soon. You can't leave any marks on me."

Just as those words fell, I received a text from Melody.

Every word expressed her love for me.

Each letter pierced my heart like a dagger.

I didn't reply. Instead, I opened a chat with a profile totally black.

[I accept your previous invitation, but I can't afford a plane ticket right now.]

The reply came swiftly: [Don't worry about that. I'll send someone to pick you up.]