The sudden appearance of the Black Panther at the meet-up after two weeks of absence sent ripples of curiosity and whispers through the group. Alexander, who had been engrossed in explaining some updates on his tablet, paused mid-sentence as the unmistakable growl of the sleek S13's engine stole everyone's attention. The car glided into the lot with an aura of authority, parking just far enough to keep its occupant enigmatic but close enough to demand respect.
Hen Akoto's reaction was immediate. He pushed off the trunk of his car, his posture straightening as his sharp gaze locked onto the black Nissan. His mind raced, a blend of anticipation, relief, and nerves tangling together. As Hisashi stepped out of her car, dressed in a loose striped shirt, short jeans, and boots, Hen couldn't help but notice the subtle shift in her demeanor. She looked different—confident yet guarded, a blend of strength and vulnerability that tugged at something deep within him.
Alexander's knowing glance in Hen's direction was the only signal he needed. Without hesitation, Hen started toward her, his strides purposeful yet laced with a hint of hesitation. When he reached her, he immediately took note of the way her eyes darted away from his, her usual boldness replaced by a quiet unease.
"You okay?" he asked, his voice steady but edged with concern.
Hisashi nodded, her lips pressing together in a tight line as she avoided meeting his gaze. The intensity of Hen's presence felt overwhelming, and the weight of the weeks she'd spent avoiding him seemed to linger in the air between them.
Hen hesitated, his fingers flexing at his sides as he struggled to find the right words. "Look, I'm sorry—" he began, his tone earnest.
"Don't be," Hisashi interrupted, her voice soft but resolute. She finally glanced at him, her brown eyes carrying a depth of emotion she wasn't ready to unpack. "I'm just... not good at these kinds of things."
Hen exhaled slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly at her response. "Well," he said, attempting a small, self-deprecating smile, "it was good. Don't get me wrong—" His voice faltered, the weight of the compliment making him feel more exposed than he intended.
Hisashi blinked at him, caught off guard by the unexpected admission. A flicker of warmth crossed her face before she quickly masked it. "Do you want something to drink?" she asked abruptly, her voice tinged with nervousness as she moved to step past him.
Before Hen could respond, Hisashi was already walking toward the nearby convenience store, her pace brisk and her movements purposeful. Hen stood there for a moment, watching her retreating figure, torn between following her and giving her space. His heart pounded as he replayed their brief interaction in his mind, every nuance and glance leaving him more certain of one thing—this wasn't over.
Alexander, having observed the exchange from afar, smirked as he approached Hen. "Smooth, Niko. Real smooth."
Hen shot him a glare, but the flush on his cheeks betrayed his emotions. "Shut up, Alex."
Alexander chuckled, clapping Hen on the shoulder. "She showed up, didn't she? That's a win in itself. Now, go get your drink—and maybe your dignity—back."
Hen rolled his eyes but couldn't help the small grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. Alexander was right—she was here, and that was enough for now.
Hen barely managed to catch Hisashi at the entrance of the convenience store, his hurried steps almost colliding with hers. She stepped back just in time, holding up her hands in surprise.
"Sorry," Hen apologized quickly, his voice steady but tinged with nervousness.
Hisashi smiled softly, holding out a familiar bottle of iced tea. "That's okay. Here, thought you might need this."
Hen blinked, caught off guard by her thoughtfulness. He accepted the drink with a small, appreciative nod. "Thanks."
For a moment, they stood there in deliberate silence, sipping their drinks. The unspoken tension between them hung in the air, but neither seemed eager to break it. Hen's gaze flickered to her briefly, noticing how her dark hair framed her face in the afternoon light.
"So," Hisashi finally spoke, her tone casual, "what's the plan for today?"
Hen opened his mouth to respond, but before he could get a word out, Alexander's familiar voice cut through the moment.
"Ah, Hisashi!" Alexander approached with his tablet in hand, a grin spreading across his face. "We're putting Kuro in for practice. Can you race against him?"
Hisashi nodded, her curiosity piqued. "Sure."
"And Hen," Alexander added, turning his attention to the redhead, "I need you to copilot her."
Hen's eyes widened slightly at the unexpected request, but he quickly masked his surprise. He glanced at Alexander, noticing the mischievous glint in his friend's eyes. The corners of Hen's mouth twitched as he realized Alexander's ulterior motive. You slimy git, he thought, but inwardly he felt a sense of satisfaction.
"Fine," Hen agreed, his tone neutral as he tossed his empty iced tea bottle into a nearby recycling bin.
As they climbed into the Black Panther, Hen couldn't help but notice the faint aroma of citrus that lingered inside. The scent was subtle yet distinct, and it seemed to suit the car's sleek, confident aura. His eyes wandered to the center console, where a few scattered papers caught his attention.
"Let me get those," Hisashi said quickly, gathering the papers and neatly tucking them into the glove compartment. Her movements were quick but methodical, and Hen couldn't help but be impressed by her efficiency.
"So," Hen said as he adjusted his seatbelt, glancing at her with a hint of amusement, "you ready to show Kuro what you've got?"
Hisashi smirked, her hands resting confidently on the wheel. "Always."
Hen leaned back in his seat, a small smile playing on his lips. "Let's see if you can impress me again."
With a low growl, the engine roared to life, and the Black Panther rolled out of the parking lot with a smooth grace that matched its driver's composure. As they made their way to the track, Hen felt a mix of anticipation and curiosity building within him. It wasn't just the race ahead that intrigued him—it was the girl behind the wheel.
Hen's eyes lingered on Hisashi as she settled into her seat, her entire demeanor shifting as her hands gripped the wheel with determination. It was as if she had transformed into a different person—a commanding force exuding confidence and control. The way she leaned forward slightly, her posture precise yet relaxed, spoke of someone deeply connected to their machine.
Her fingers danced over the gear stick, her knuckles whitening momentarily as she shifted gears with an almost mechanical precision. The hum of the engine rose in harmony with her movements, each rev perfectly calculated to match her intent. Hen couldn't help but be mesmerized; every action was deliberate, her skill apparent in the fluidity of her motions.
As the race began, Hisashi's focus sharpened like a blade, her dark eyes narrowing as she read the road ahead. The roar of the Black Panther's engine filled the air, a growling beast ready to dominate. She maneuvered the car with an effortless grace, weaving through turns and hugging corners with a level of finesse that left Hen speechless.
In mere moments, she closed the gap between her and the blue Toyota Chaser ahead. Her timing was impeccable—she waited for the perfect opening, the tiniest window of opportunity, before pressing the gas pedal and overtaking with a smoothness that felt almost cinematic. The Chaser's driver faltered, unable to match her control and aggression, and the Black Panther roared ahead, claiming the lead as if it were always hers to take.
Hen's eyes flickered between the road and Hisashi, watching as her movements became an extension of the car itself. Her fiery aura was magnetic, her focus unrelenting. It was a stark contrast to the quiet, reserved demeanor she typically carried off the track.
When they crossed the finish line, Hisashi let out a long breath, her hands releasing the wheel as she leaned back against the seat. She wiped her forehead with the back of her hand, the fierce energy she exuded moments ago melting away as her casual, unassuming personality returned.
"Well done," Hen commented, his voice cutting through the lingering adrenaline in the air.
Hisashi blinked, momentarily surprised by his words, as though she had forgotten he was even in the car. Her lips curved into a modest smile, and she glanced at him, her expression soft and unguarded. "Thanks," she replied, her voice steady but tinged with quiet satisfaction.
"Have you ever run this track with another car?" Hen Akoto asked, his voice tinged with excitement, his dark eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Before Hisashi could reply, he turned on his heel, a confident grin spreading across his face. "Come on," he said, his tone a mix of challenge and invitation, as he gestured for her to follow him toward his car.