Early morning light filtered through the glass façade of the computer warehouse, casting soft reflections on rows of high-end components and sleek gaming rigs. Hisashi pushed open the door, greeted instantly by the cool embrace of the air conditioning. The faint hum of cooling fans blended with the quiet murmur of customers, creating an atmosphere of tech-fueled focus.
Dressed casually in short denim jeans and a tank top, her Nuka Cola cap perched confidently on her head, Hisashi strode to the counter with her PC tower cradled in her arms. The weight was a familiar reassurance, a testament to countless late nights spent gaming and tinkering. She placed it down with a quiet thud, adjusting her cap before catching the attention of a store rep.
"Hey there! What can I do for you?" the rep asked, flashing a friendly smile.
"I need a new graphics card," Hisashi replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Something beefy enough for newer games. Any suggestions?"
"Got it," the rep nodded, glancing at her tower. "Let me grab one of our specialists."
As the rep disappeared into the back, Hisashi took the opportunity to explore, her eyes flitting over meticulously built rigs and gaming setups displayed like trophies. The store felt like a haven, each piece of equipment sparking a mix of curiosity and admiration.
When she heard footsteps approaching, she turned, expecting a standard-issue techie. Instead, she froze, her eyes widening in disbelief. There, walking toward her, was Hen Akoto—but not the adrenaline-fueled racer she knew. This Hen was buttoned-up, wearing a crisp polo shirt tucked into slacks, a tie knotted neatly at his neck, and a pair of square-framed glasses perched on his nose. His hair was tied back, adding to the polished look that was as startling as it was endearing.
"Hen?" she blurted, her voice a mix of shock and amusement.
"Hisashi?" he echoed, equally stunned. A faint blush crept up his cheeks as he adjusted his glasses, his usual swagger replaced with a sheepish charm.
"What are you doing here?" they both asked at the same time, their voices overlapping.
Hen chuckled first, rubbing the back of his neck. "I, uh, work here," he admitted, his voice a little uncertain. "Helps me keep up with the latest tech."
"You?" Hisashi asked, barely containing her grin. "Here? With the tie and glasses? I didn't think you had a geek mode."
Hen laughed softly, his blush deepening. "It's… a side gig," he confessed, gesturing awkwardly. "What about you? I didn't know you were into computers."
"I've been gaming since I could reach a keyboard," Hisashi replied casually. "But my graphics card's struggling, so I figured I'd upgrade."
Hen's interest piqued. "You game?"
"Obviously," she said, leaning casually against the counter. "My reflexes are sharp for a reason."
"Guess you'll need more than just a new card," Hen teased, his professional demeanor beginning to fade as his usual charisma returned. "Let's see what you've got here."
Hen's gaze flicked to her PC tower, grateful for the distraction. "Yeah, definitely," he said quickly. As he leaned over to examine her setup, the faint scent of her shampoo—fresh and subtly sweet—wafted over to him, making his pulse quicken.
He started explaining some of the options for upgrading her graphics card, but his voice wavered slightly. With Hisashi standing so close, her proximity was both thrilling and disarming. Her casual confidence only made her more magnetic, and Hen found it increasingly difficult to focus on the specs.
"So, uh," he stammered, clearing his throat. "Your current card's decent, but upgrading to something like the RTX 4070 would give you a big boost in performance. Especially for high-end games." He adjusted his glasses again, trying to maintain composure. "It's, uh, great for multitasking too. Like streaming or editing."
Hisashi tilted her head, her curious gaze locked on him. "You okay?" she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Hen forced a smile, his cheeks tinged pink. "Yeah, just… thinking about the best setup for you."
"Uh-huh," Hisashi replied, her smirk growing as she caught the slight nervousness in his tone. "Well, Mr. IT, I trust your expertise."
Hen busied himself with the tower, his fingers moving quickly to check compatibility and configurations. Her presence was impossible to ignore, and every time she leaned closer to peer over his shoulder, his heart raced.
"You've got a solid build," he remarked, eager to focus on something neutral. "Did you build it yourself?"
"Yeah," Hisashi replied, her tone casual but proud. "I've always been into this kind of stuff. It's like solving a puzzle, only the reward is better frame rates."
Hen's admiration deepened, his smile genuine. "That's… really impressive. Not everyone can pull off a build this clean."
Hisashi shrugged, though her smile revealed she appreciated the compliment. "Thanks. It's fun, you know?"
As they finalized the upgrade, Hen offered to help carry her PC to her car. When they reached her vehicle, he gently placed the tower in the trunk. Turning to face her, he opened his mouth to speak, but Hisashi moved first. Grabbing his tie with playful confidence, she tugged him closer.
Hen's breath hitched as her lips met his in a brief but firm kiss. The world tilted slightly, the moment charged with an energy he hadn't anticipated. When she pulled back, her eyes sparkled with mischief.
"Thanks for the help, Hen," she said, her voice warm and teasing. "And if you're ever online, look for SawaBlack."
Hen stood rooted in place as she climbed into her car and drove off, her taillights disappearing around the corner. He touched his tie absently, a dazed smile spreading across his face.
When he walked back into the store, Greg was waiting with a knowing smirk. "Good client service today?" Greg teased.
"Shut it, Greg," Hen muttered, adjusting his glasses and heading to the back.
Greg chuckled, shaking his head. "Man, some guys have all the luck."
_______
The city streets lay quiet under the dim golden glow of streetlights, the world hushed save for the steady growl of Hisashi's Nissan Silvia S13 as it carved through the night. The air was crisp and cool, whipping through her open window as strands of her hair danced with the breeze. Her hands gripped the steering wheel with practiced confidence, the texture of the leather worn and familiar, grounding her in the present moment.
The engine purred beneath her, a sound she knew intimately. It was more than a machine—it was an extension of her. As she pressed the accelerator, the car surged forward, its response immediate, as if it shared her desire to push harder, faster. The city blurred past, its muted lights streaking in her peripheral vision. There was nothing like this—this intoxicating mix of power, precision, and freedom.
Her S13 wasn't the flashiest car, but it was hers—crafted to balance power and finesse. The stock CA18DET engine purred with reliable energy, a testament to her father's lessons. She didn't need exaggerated modifications; her bond with the car was more than enough to elevate its performance. It was intimate, almost sacred, each gear shift a whispered conversation between driver and machine.
Every twist and turn of the road brought a surge of adrenaline, her movements fluid and deliberate as the car obeyed her every command. As she pushed the boundaries of her limits, she felt her father's presence like a steady hand on her shoulder. His voice echoed in her mind, soft yet sure:
"Feel the road, Hisashi. It's a dance—driver and car moving as one."
Her lips quirked into a bittersweet smile as memories washed over her: the warm sound of his laughter, his hands guiding hers on the wheel, the glow of pride in his eyes whenever she mastered a new skill. This was their legacy, shared in the language of speed and control.
As she rounded a sharp corner, a glimmer of headlights in her rearview mirror broke her focus. She squinted against the glare, her pulse quickening. The car behind her revved its engine—a low, throaty growl that sent a shiver down her spine. Recognition bloomed as she caught the unmistakable lines of a white Nissan S14.
Hen Akoto.
The sight of his car sent a jolt of energy through her, sharpening her senses and tugging a grin to her face. Of course, it was him. Hisashi knew that sound anywhere, the way his car moved like an extension of his will, mirroring her own. He wasn't chasing her. He was matching her pace—a quiet challenge wrapped in a gesture of camaraderie.
Her foot pressed harder on the accelerator, inviting him to keep up. The S13's engine roared its approval, propelling her forward as Hen's S14 mirrored her movements. The two cars danced through the streets in perfect synchrony, weaving an unspoken story with each turn and acceleration.
She glanced in the mirror, catching sight of his intense gaze locked on her, his focus unyielding. Her heart thudded, a mix of exhilaration and curiosity. What was he thinking, following her like this? Was it a test, a game, or something deeper?
The road stretched out before them like a blank canvas, the city a backdrop to their shared performance. Hisashi's playful grin widened as she pushed her car harder, testing Hen's resolve. His S14 responded in kind, the headlights unwavering as he stayed close, refusing to let her pull away.
When she glanced back again, their eyes met through the glass—a fleeting but electric connection that sent a thrill coursing through her veins. In that moment, words were unnecessary. The shared language of the drive spoke volumes, a conversation of revs, turns, and the hum of engines.
With a sharp turn, Hisashi pressed forward, her S13 gliding effortlessly around the bend. She knew he'd be right behind her, and he was, the S14 maintaining its elegant dance. The night was alive with the sound of their cars, the empty streets transformed into a private stage for two.
In the unspoken rhythm of the chase, there was trust, respect, and a burgeoning connection. For Hisashi, the road wasn't just a path—it was a place to find herself, to remember her father, and now, to share something wordless but profound with Hen Akoto.
As they approached another turn, she stole one last glance at the S14 and its driver. Hen's expression was focused yet relaxed, a small, knowing smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. It was a look that said, I see you.
With a final glance in the rearview mirror, she caught Hen's eyes through the windshield, their gazes locking for a brief, intense second. Then, with a burst of speed, she took the next turn, the S13's engine purring contentedly as it carried her into the night, with Hen Akoto close behind, sharing in the unspoken thrill of the drive.