The diner was quiet, the hum of the coffee machine the only sound in the background as Hisashi sat at the bar-like counter, absently scrolling through her phone. The card her uncle had given her lay beside her, a small but constant reminder of the race a few nights ago. She sighed, her thoughts drifting to the adrenaline-pumping thrill of the competition.
Racing was in her blood. Her father had always tried to include her in his world before he passed away, and her uncle Kumoku had taken up the mantle after her estrangement from her mother. For years, racing had been a family affair, a world shared only with her dad, Kumoku, and Kei. Now, the idea of stepping outside that circle was both exhilarating and daunting.
"We should just go," Xiangua's voice cut through her thoughts, sharp and teasing. "Who knows, you might meet some new meat."
Hisashi chuckled, shaking her head at her friend's choice of words. "You're that desperate, huh?"
Xiangua gasped in mock surprise, clutching the broom she was using to sweep the floor. "Desperate? Me? Of course not! I'm just looking out for you."
"Right," Hisashi said dryly, raising an eyebrow. "You just want to mock their stares when they find out I'm a girl."
Xiangua burst into laughter, doubling over as she hugged her stomach. "Oh, Hisashi, you know me too well! Okay, maybe a little," she admitted, her grin mischievous. "But come on, imagine their faces when you show them up. Priceless."
Hisashi rolled her eyes, trying to hide the small smile tugging at her lips. "You're impossible."
"Come on," Xiangua said, leaning the broom against the counter and sitting beside her. "We talked about this, remember? Trying new things, stepping out of the comfort zone? This is your chance."
"New things, huh?" Hisashi teased. "And here I thought I got enough drama just listening to your past relationships."
Xiangua scoffed, waving off the comment. "Hey, my love life is a carefully curated series of life lessons. You could learn a thing or two."
Hisashi laughed, shaking her head. "You're incorrigible."
"I'm serious!" Xiangua insisted, her tone turning earnest. "You love racing. This is your thing. Why not meet other people who share that passion? It's not always about romance, you know."
Hisashi glanced at the card again, the words "Takawara" etched in her mind. Maybe Xiangua had a point. She had never stepped beyond the confines of her family when it came to racing. This could be an opportunity to see what the world her father once belonged to was truly like.
Her eyes flicked to the clock on the wall. Xiangua noticed and immediately sprang into action, abandoning her broom and grabbing Hisashi's hands. "Josh!" Xiangua called toward the kitchen. "Can you finish up here for us? I promise I'll make it up to you."
Josh poked his head out from the kitchen, his chestnut hair messier than usual. He grinned. "No problem."
Xiangua didn't wait for a response from Hisashi. She tugged her off the stool and practically dragged her outside to the car. "Let's change and meet these drivers," Xiangua declared, her excitement contagious.
Hisashi sighed, but a small smile played on her lips. Maybe this was exactly what she needed.
__________
Fuhi Station buzzed with life, the roar of engines and the acrid scent of burning rubber mingling with the night air. This was the heart of the underground racing world—a stage where skill, pride, and adrenaline collided. Amidst the throng of drivers and enthusiasts, Hen Akoto Takawara, leader of the racing crew DFurious, stood with an air of quiet authority. His dark eyes, sharp and discerning, scanned the crowd, taking in every detail.
Hen's striking presence demanded attention. His fiery red hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail, save for a single strand that rebelliously fell against his temple. Freckles dusted his pale cheekbones, adding a hint of boyish charm to his rugged demeanor. Dressed in well-fitted jeans and a sleeveless shirt that highlighted his lean, athletic build, he exuded effortless confidence.
By his side, Alexander Arata, his trusted confidant, paced with an edge of urgency. Alexander's piercing brown eyes betrayed his concern, his tousled brunette hair catching the light as he spoke. "We need that talent, Hen," he said, his tone serious. "Kyogi's good, but even he struggles against Tawa. DriftOne's dominance is bleeding us dry."
Hen nodded, his thoughts drifting to the recent race with the mysterious S13. The memory of that night sent a jolt through his system. He hadn't told Alexander everything—not about the driver's silhouette, the long hair, or the graceful, almost otherworldly way the car had handled. The idea of a woman behind the wheel in this male-dominated world was almost unthinkable, yet tantalizing.
Before Hen could respond, the soft purr of an engine drew their attention. All eyes turned toward the sleek black S13 gliding into the parking lot, its presence commanding the crowd's attention. Hen's pulse quickened as the car rolled to a stop, the anticipation almost tangible in the air.
The passenger door opened, and a tall woman with long brown hair stepped out, her mischievous grin lighting up the night. She wore a frilly skirt and a snug V-neck top, her confidence unmistakable as she circled the car.
Then, the driver's door swung open, and the real enigma emerged. A woman with cascading black hair stepped out, her movements fluid and deliberate. Her indifferent expression only added to her allure, silencing the murmurs of the crowd.
Hen's breath caught in his throat. It's her.
The whispers started almost immediately. "It's a girl?" "No way she's the Black Panther." The skepticism was palpable.
Hen Akoto's mind was a haze of conflicted thoughts as he stared at the girl stepping out of the driver's seat. His usual composed demeanor had slipped, his sharp instincts dulled by the magnetic pull of her presence. Known for his charm and grace under pressure, Hen now found himself struck speechless.
"Niko," Alexander's voice cut through the haze, sharp and deliberate, but Hen barely registered it. His eyes were fixed on the girl.
Her friend, the taller one with an easy smile, laughed and waved off the growing murmurs in the crowd. "Oh no," she teased, her brown hair bouncing as she spoke, "she's the driver."
A ripple of disbelief swept through the onlookers. "No way," someone muttered skeptically.
The girl's reaction was immediate and unyielding. She crossed her arms over her chest, her brown eyes sharp and unflinching. "Want to find out for real?" she challenged, her tone carrying a warning that silenced the crowd's whispers.
Alexander stepped forward, his voice firm as he addressed the doubters. "That's not how we treat anyone here, let alone someone stepping into our world. Show some respect."
But Hen barely noticed Alexander's attempt to diffuse the situation. His attention was riveted to the girl—the way she stood her ground, her unwavering confidence. She had an air of defiance that sparked something deep within him, something primal and undeniable.
"Niko!" Alexander's voice was louder this time, jolting Hen back to the present. He blinked, forcing himself to focus on the situation. His cheeks felt warm, betraying his internal struggle. Regaining his composure, Hen cleared his throat, addressing the crowd with his usual commanding tone.
"Suck it up, guys," he said firmly, his voice cutting through the tension. "If she says she's the Black Panther, then she is. It's her skills that matter, not her gender." His dark eyes flicked to the girl, offering an unspoken reassurance.
The girl's lips curved into a mischievous smile, her eyes narrowing slightly. "If?" she echoed, her playful challenge catching Hen off guard. Her tone carried a note of mockery, daring him to doubt her further. "You can't handle the fact that the one who took down that Nissan 180SX was me? Because I'm a woman?"
Her words sent a ripple of laughter and murmurs through the group, but Hen's focus remained locked on her. His heart pounded as she closed the distance between them, her movements confident and deliberate.
His skin prickled, a sensation that wasn't unfamiliar but felt magnified in her presence. She radiated energy—a blend of defiance and allure—that left him unmoored.
As she closed the distance between them, Hen's skin prickled. His sharp eyes caught the faint outline of her bra beneath her bodysuit. He felt a pang of guilt as he realized he'd been caught staring, but her commanding presence made it hard to look away.
Focus, Takawara. Stop your hormones for once.
The woman's cheeks tinted slightly, but she didn't falter. She turned to her friend. "This was a bad idea, Xiangua. Let's go."
Before they could leave, Hen stepped forward. His voice steady, he called out, "Wait." She turned, her brow raised. "I'm sorry for the earlier doubts," he said earnestly. "We don't get many drivers like you. I'd hate to see someone with your talent walk away."
He extended a hand, his dark eyes meeting hers with sincerity. "Stay and show us what you've got."
The woman hesitated. Her friend nudged her with a playful grin. After a moment, she stepped forward, her hand meeting Hen's in a firm shake.
She reached out and grasped Hen's hand firmly. The moment their hands touched, an electrifying sensation coursed through them, a spark that seemed to ignite a connection between them. It was as if the energy from the earlier conflict had transformed into something entirely different, something powerful and unspoken.
Hen felt it too. The warmth of her's hand sent a pleasant shiver up his spine, the electricity of the moment charging the air around them. She seemed to feel it too; her brown eyes widened for just a moment before she masked it with a confident smile. Their eyes locked, and for a brief moment, the world around them seemed to fade away.
"That race was on point," he said, his voice low.
"It was," she replied, her grin widening.
A sudden roar of engines ripped through the air, accompanied by the high-pitched screech of tires. The yellow Nissan 180SX burst onto the scene, commanding attention with its audacious arrival. The headlights cast sharp beams across the gathering, amplifying the tension in the air.
From the driver's seat emerged Tawa with his spiked blonde tinted ends, his trademark smirk plastered across his face. His green eyes complimented his looks along with his tanned skin."Well, well, if it isn't the kids from the noobhood," he sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "What are you all doing here? Playing Hot Wheels?" His words were met with mocking laughter from the drivers of the cars that followed him, fueling the atmosphere of rivalry.
Alexander, leaning casually against a car, didn't let the taunt slide. With a smug grin, he countered, "Oh no, Tawa. We were just talking about how that S13 over there," he gestured toward the black car parked nearby, "whooped your ass on your own turf."
The words hit their mark. Tawa's smirk faltered, replaced by a scowl as his anger surged. His eyes flickered from the black S13 to Alexander, narrowing with fury. "You little punk—" he snarled, aggressively shoving his car door open to confront the group.
Before Tawa could step out, she moved with a boldness that stunned everyone. She kicked his car door back, forcing it to slam shut and leaving Tawa momentarily trapped in his seat. Standing tall, her arms crossed defiantly, she locked eyes with him, unyielding. "I suggest you stay where you are," she said coolly, her voice laced with steel.
"The fuck are you, bitch?" Tawa barked, momentarily taken aback by her audacity before erupting into a tirade of profanities. His tone was aggressive, laced with an attempt to reassert dominance.
Hen Akoto stepped forward, intent on diffusing the situation, but she raised a hand, her fiery determination silencing him. "I'm the one," she said sharply, her tone daring him to interrupt, "who broke that." With a swift movement, she yanked off his side mirror and held it up for everyone to see. "And who whooped your sorry ass."
Tawa's face flushed with rage as he shoved his door open again, stepping out. "You crazy bitch—how dare you!"
Her companion couldn't contain her laughter, her amusement bubbling over at Tawa's expense. Her mocking giggles only fueled his fury. Hen Akoto, now fully invested in the confrontation, stepped in between her and Tawa, his posture calm but commanding.
"That's no way to talk to a woman, Tawa," Hen said coldly, his voice carrying an edge that made even the onlookers pause.
"She broke my fucking mirror!" Tawa snapped, pointing angrily at the evidence still in Hisashi's hand.
"You don't seem to need it," she shot back, her tone dripping with sarcasm. She stood beside Hen Akoto, her fiery spirit unrelenting.
Hen Akoto's eyes never left Tawa's. "I suggest you go back to wherever you came from," he warned, his voice low but resolute.
Tawa's fury simmered, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. "You think you're tough because you've got your little crew backing you up?" he spat, trying to regain control of the situation.
"I think you're out of your league," Alexander chimed in, stepping up beside Hen. His presence added to the wall of solidarity against Tawa's aggression.
The other crew members moved in closer, their unified stance amplifying the shift in power dynamics. Her entrance had undeniably altered the group's energy, her confidence a spark that ignited the crew's cohesion.
Tawa glared at the group, his gaze lingering on her with a mixture of fury and disbelief. "You'll regret this," he hissed, spitting on the ground.
"Last time, that black eye of yours took a while to heal," Alexander remarked nonchalantly, leaning slightly toward Tawa. The reminder was sharp and effective.
Tawa's men shifted uncomfortably, muttering among themselves. "Let's go," one of them urged, sensing that the odds were no longer in their favor.
With a final glare, Tawa pointed at her. "I'll deal with you later," he growled.
She smirked, unfazed. "I'll be waiting, dumbass," she retorted, her words delivered with an air of finality.
As Tawa and his crew retreated, the tension in the air began to dissipate. Hen Akoto turned to her, his dark eyes filled with a mixture of admiration and amusement. "You have a habit of stirring things up, don't you?"
She shrugged, her grin unapologetic. "I don't tolerate idiots," she replied.
Alexander chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, Tawa just got schooled, and I loved every second of it."
The crew's laughter filled the air, easing the tension of the confrontation. Alexander turned to Hisashi, thoroughly impressed. "You're a fiery one," he said with a grin.
With her arms crossed and a smug smile, she replied confidently, "Eye for an eye."
Alexander extended his hand, his admiration evident. "I want to welcome you to the team. Right, Hen?"
She took a deep breath, still feeling the adrenaline coursing through her veins. She glanced at Hen Akoto, then shook her head, her voice steady but edged with uncertainty. "I don't have the intention of—"
Hen Akoto interrupted, his tone firm yet persuasive. "What's the point of coming here if not to be part of us? Besides, you just stirred the pot with Tawa. He's not backing down without a fight."
"This isn't what I was planning," she countered, frustration flickering in her eyes.
Hen crossed his arms, leaning slightly forward. "You trashed a DriftOne member, and not just any member. Tawa is reckless and dangerous. The fallout won't be rainbows and roses. These people don't play fair."
She scoffed, her frustration bubbling over. "He's a reckless asshole. I showed him he can be careful and still be good at it."
"By ripping off his side mirror?" Hen quipped, raising an eyebrow.
"He should've been careful with mine in the first place," she shot back, her tone defensive.
Their back-and-forth was like a fiery ping-pong match, drawing the amused attention of her companion, who watched with a grin as if binge-watching a drama series.
Hen's expression softened, though his determination remained unwavering. "Look," he began, his voice lowering. "You're a woman in a sport dominated by men like Tawa. You're strong, but he's dangerous, and he won't let this slide."
"I can take care of myself!" she snapped, her frustration spilling over as she turned and marched toward her black S13. "Let's go, Xiangua."
"Wait," Hen called after her, his voice tinged with urgency. But she ignored him, grabbing Xiangua's forearm and tugging her toward the car.
Hen caught up to her just as she reached the driver's side. Gently but firmly, he placed a hand on her shoulder, spinning her around to face him. "Just listen for a moment," he said, his tone softer now, almost pleading. "You've proven you're strong and capable. But this world isn't just about strength. It's about allies—about having people who've got your back."
She felt the warmth of his touch, a strange yet undeniable electricity that made her pause. She glanced up at him, her resolve momentarily faltering under the intensity of his gaze.
Hen leaned in slightly, his dark eyes locked onto hers. "You don't have to do this alone," he said earnestly. "We're stronger together. Let me help you."
She hesitated, her defiant demeanor giving way to a flicker of doubt. She searched his expression and found nothing but sincerity and concern. She hated to admit it, but he was right—this world wasn't one she could navigate alone.
"I'll think about it," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "No promises."
Hen smiled, relief softening his features. "That's all I ask."
The S13 hummed to life, its engine purring softly as she reversed out of the parking lot. As the taillights faded into the distance, Alexander clapped a hand on Hen's shoulder, grinning. "She's fire," he said, his tone filled with admiration.
Hen stared at the empty road where her car had disappeared, his heart still racing from the encounter. "We've got something special here, Hen," Alexander added, his grin widening.
Hen nodded, his jaw set with determination. "Yeah, we do. And I'm not letting her slip away," he said resolutely, already envisioning the powerful dynamic she would bring to their team—and the thrilling possibilities of what lay ahead.