The following afternoon was just another normal day at Lyney's Gas Station. Collei approached a customer who had just pulled up in a sleek Civic Type R. With practiced efficiency, she began attending to it—filling the tank, wiping down the windshield, and handling all the usual duties with a calm precision. Meanwhile, by the garage, March, Amber, Seele, and Beidou were deep in conversation.
"That's crazy, right? Collei's just your average teenager, fresh out of high school," Beidou commented with a raised eyebrow.
"No kidding. When she was racing last night, it was like she turned into a completely different person. She was glued to the road, even with me screaming my head off," March added, laughing at the memory.
Seele, who had been listening quietly, turned to March with a curious expression. "Hey, you mentioned Collei asked you to sit in the back seat? Why was that?"
March tapped her chin, lost in thought. "I don't know. She didn't say anything about it. Not even on the way back."
Seele smirked. "I think I know why."
Beidou and March leaned in, eager to hear more. "Come on, spill it!" they both urged.
Seele straightened up, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Because March is annoying!"
With that, Beidou and March both dramatically collapsed, only to leap up seconds later, bursting into laughter.
March wiped tears from her eyes, still giggling. "Alright, alright, you caught me!"
Lyney, who had been working nearby, crossed his arms with a look of mock annoyance. "Seriously? You guys forgot the basics of racing in wet conditions? The reason Collei asked March to sit in the back is to help her gain extra traction with the weight distribution. And knowing Collei, she probably figured that out the second she saw the rain."
Amber, leaning casually against the back of her Sileighty, raised an eyebrow. "Now that I think of it, you said Collei was hesitant to accept challenges in the past, right?"
March, Seele, and Beidou responded almost in unison. "Yeah?"
Amber smiled knowingly. "Well, just look at her last night. She took that challenge like it was nothing. Seems like she's really becoming a true street racer."
Everyone nodded in agreement, exchanging knowing looks. "Totally agree," Beidou added, grinning.
Beidou's gaze shifted to Collei, who was finishing up with the customer. "It's still wild to think about how, when she first started racing, she didn't even know what an Eight-Six was. But look at her now—she's getting the hang of the street racing mindset."
Amber pushed off from her car and walked toward Collei, who had just finished tending to the Civic.
Collei noticed her approaching and smiled. "Oh hey, Amber."
Amber's grin widened. "So, Collei, how about we head to Yougou Lake tonight? We can take my car."
Collei's face flushed slightly as she nodded. "Sure thing, Amber. I've got time."
As the sun began to set, Collei pulled into her driveway at home and paused for a moment, looking at the Eight-Six parked under the dimming light. She sighed, eyeing the dirty car. "What a mess. Must be from all the rain last night… Well, time to clean her up."
She headed inside to change into her casual clothes—a simple brown sleeveless dress—before grabbing a bucket and filling it with water and soap. Stepping back outside, she began washing the Eight-Six, using a pressure washer to rinse off the dirt and grime that had accumulated on its surface. Once it was rinsed, she grabbed a microfiber cloth and dipped it into car soap, methodically wiping the car down to remove any remaining mud and dirt.
Collei worked with focused precision, taking extra care to clean the tires. She grabbed a small brush, dipped it into soapy water, and scrubbed the sidewalls of the tires and the black-and-silver, deep-dished Watanabe wheels.
Inside, Arlecchino was on the phone with an old racing friend, Lisa, from her past.
"What a surprise, Lisa! Been a while, hasn't it? Let me guess—another accident? You're in the hospital again?" Arlecchino chuckled, knowing her old friend's history with crashes.
The phone crackled with Lisa's laughter. "You're too funny, Arlecchino! But no, I'm not in the hospital this time. Actually, I've been hearing a lot about your daughter. Word is, she's quite the prodigy."
Arlecchino smiled proudly. "That's my girl. She's been getting faster and faster lately."
Lisa's voice softened with a hint of intrigue. "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. "Ningguang, huh? Should I know who she is?"
Lisa scoffed playfully. "You seriously don't know her? She's the fastest street racer in the Narukami Prefecture! Even the Stewards over in FOM are talking about her."
Meanwhile, Collei was still busy outside, rinsing the Eight-Six and beginning to dry it with a microfiber cloth.
Arlecchino, who had been silently listening in the background, spoke up. "And she's racing my daughter this Saturday?"
"Yep. So tell me, Arlecchino, who do you think is going to win?" Lisa's voice was full of curiosity.
Arlecchino chuckled. "I don't know, but we'll all find out on Saturday, won't we?"
Lisa's laughter rang out through the phone. "You haven't changed a bit. You still scare me with those monstrous drifts from back in the day."
Arlecchino grinned. "That was years ago, Lisa."
In the background, a voice called out, "Ms. Minci, the race is about to start."
Lisa turned away for a moment. "I gotta run, Arlecchino. Let's talk soon."
The call ended, and Arlecchino stood up, heading outside to check on Collei.
Collei had just finished wiping the sweat from her brow, admiring the now-clean Eight-Six. As she looked over the car, she smiled. "Good as new!"
Arlecchino, watching from a distance, also smiled but chose to remain silent. After a moment, she turned and headed back inside, leaving Collei to enjoy the quiet satisfaction of a job well done.
That night, Amber and Collei were headed up to Yougou Lake. The roar of the Sileighty echoed around the curves of the winding road, each turn amplifying the engine's growl. Amber, however, drifted through them with ease, as though the road had been carved just for her.
Collei's eyes widened in awe. "I gotta say, Amber. I'm impressed. You drive this well!"
Amber chuckled, her grin wide and confident. "Thanks, Collei! You know, I've been driving this course every day since I moved back."
As they approached the final hairpin, Amber slammed on the brakes, the tires squealing as she expertly drifted through the curve with practiced precision. The car shot down the straight stretch toward the finish line, where Amber eased off the gas, gradually slowing as they neared Yougou Lake.
They pulled into a popular parking spot, the engine quieting to a soft hum. Both stepped out and gazed at the vast, glowing night sky, their attention drawn to the calm, peaceful lake below them, its surface reflecting the stars above.
Collei inhaled deeply, her voice barely above a whisper. "Look at that view. It's so... peaceful."
Amber leaned against the wooden barrier, her gaze lost in the stars. "Yeah... it sure is..." Her words were soft, like a secret shared between them and the night.
"You know, Collei," Amber continued, her voice gentle, "this reminds me of when we were kids. Our parents always brought us here, for us to bond... together."
Collei let out a small, nostalgic laugh. "Yeah... those were the days."
Amber's arms folded across her chest as she leaned further against the barrier. "Oh, yeah? I know you're going to win this race."
Collei stepped closer to her, the hint of a smile playing on her lips. "I hope so too, Amber."
For a few moments, the two of them stood in companionable silence, both absorbing the peaceful stillness of the lake. The quiet was comfortable, like an old friendship that didn't need words to fill the gaps.
Then, Collei spoke again, her voice quiet but steady. "You know something, Amber?"
Amber turned to face her, still smiling softly. "Hm?"
Collei's smile widened, but there was something more vulnerable in her eyes now. "This feels just like the night we first met."
Amber's heart skipped a beat. She blushed, the memory hitting her all at once. "How could I forget? You were so socially anxious, and there I was—the energetic one, the one who got along with everyone."
Her gaze softened as she looked at Collei, her voice thoughtful. "But look at you now... all grown up, interacting with everyone... and now, a street racing superstar."
Collei blushed, her head ducking slightly. "Well... I couldn't have done it without you, you know. You were always there for me—helping me when I was too anxious to talk to anyone, even when the others didn't pick me. You chose me for your school projects. You gave me a chance."
The two of them turned back toward the Nissan Sileighty, the night sky above reflecting off its flawless blue paint. For a moment, the world around them seemed to disappear, leaving only the hum of the night and the quiet beat of their hearts.
Collei took a hesitant step closer, her hands trembling slightly. "Amber... there's something I need to tell you."
Amber's attention was fully on her now. She placed a comforting hand over Collei's, her gaze soft but intent. "Yes, Collei? Anything you want to tell me."
Collei took a slow, shaky breath before releasing it, her voice growing softer. "I... I have feelings for you. M-more than just friendship."
She looked up at Amber, her eyes filled with uncertainty, but also something more—a quiet hope. "Y-you've been my light... my inspiration. And I think... I think I'm in love with you."
Amber's heart raced, her eyes widening in surprise. A blush spread across her cheeks. "Collei... I... I've been feeling the same way since that day in Amakane. I just... I didn't know how to say it, not after everything that happened that night."
Collei's face turned a deep shade of red. "R-really!? You mean it?"
Amber nodded, her voice full of warmth and sincerity. "Of course I do. You're an amazing person, Collei. Your skill, your kindness, the way you drift through those hairpins... It all amazes me."
A single tear slipped from Collei's eye as she looked at Amber, her voice breaking. "Amber... I... I don't know what to say."
Amber reached out, pulling Collei into a warm, comforting hug. "Then don't say anything. Let's just enjoy this moment, together."
The stars continued to shine brightly above, their light casting a soft glow over the two of them. In that moment, everything felt right, as if time had paused just for them. The world beyond Yougou Lake and the racetrack seemed to fade into the background, leaving only Amber and Collei, embracing the quiet and the warmth they had always shared.
The following morning at the gas station, Pela pulls up beside the office.
She parks her MR2 and steps out with a grin. "Hey, guys! Thought you might want to see something," she says, holding up a flash drive.
"Oooh! Is it your 'homework,' Pela?" March teases, smugly crossing her arms.
Pela, unamused, taps March's shoulder. "Cut it out, March! This is something about the upcoming race."
Beidou looks up, intrigued. "Could it be something for Collei, I presume?"
Pela nods enthusiastically. "Yes. And trust me, it'll shock you," she adds, waving the flash drive for emphasis.
Inside the office, Pela plugs the flash drive into her laptop, bringing up a compilation of videos.
"This is just a street race somewhere, Pela. How's this supposed to help Collei?" Beidou watches skeptically as the video plays.
"Wait till you see," Pela says, anticipation in her voice. She pauses the video at just the right moment.
"That's just an RX7 FC," March points out, raising an eyebrow.
Pela shakes her head. "Not just any RX7 FC. Let me play the next video."
She clicks to the next clip, revealing a street race around the Narukami Prefecture. The camera zooms in on a white FC, and the door swings open to reveal a young woman stepping out.
"HOLY SHIT! That's Ningguang!" March exclaims in disbelief.
Pela slows the video down, letting everyone take in the sight of a much younger Ningguang stepping out of the plain white FC3S, before her rise to prominence.
"Look at how young she is!" Beidou comments, impressed.
Seele leans forward. "That looks like Araumi to me... Say, Pela, where did you get these videos?"
Pela grins. "Some of my guys from the old days shared this with me. It's from about 5 or 6 years ago. Back then, Ningguang was known as the 'White Star of Araumi.' That's long before she and Keqing teamed up. Back then, she was a lone wolf."
As they continue to watch, Lyney walks in, raising an eyebrow. "Hey, what are y'all watching?"
Seele immediately blocks the laptop screen. "Nothing, Lyney!"
Lyney laughs, waving his hands. "No, no. It's all okay. Keep playing it. I want to see this."
Pela hits play again, and they watch as Ningguang dominates the corners with massive drifts, weaving through the race with controlled precision.
"So, this is the girl Collei's going to race tomorrow, huh?" Lyney comments, gesturing at the FC3S on screen.
Beidou sighs deeply. "I don't know. Looks to me like Collei might not stand a chance against her."
March gasps. "What are you talking about, Beidou!? She's gonna win, right?"
Seele shakes her head in disapproval. "Ningguang's fast. Like, really fast. Every single street race she's entered, she's never lost. To this day, she holds the longest winning streak. And here's the kicker—she claims she's never given 100% in any of those races."
Hours pass, and the sun begins to set over Araumi. At a nearby café, Ningguang and Keqing are deep in conversation.
"So, I got an email from a racing team over in Inazuma City," Keqing says, taking a sip of her coffee. "They want to discuss a future racing opportunity with you."
Ningguang sets her cup down gently. "Tell them no thanks."
Keqing's eyes widen. "No thanks? But why!? This could be a huge opportunity for you!"
Ningguang smirks, leaning back. "Because I'm not interested in going professional. Not even the slightest bit."
"And waste your talent here, on the streets? Come on, Ningguang! Who knows what kind of opportunities you could have there?" Keqing presses, trying to persuade her.
"The only racing that catches my attention is here. On the streets. This is where I can express my true skills. No sponsors judging my every move. No contract obligations. Nothing of that," Ningguang replies, taking another sip of her coffee.
Later that night, Arlecchino's AE86 pulls up at Lyney's gas station.
She rolls down the window and leans out, calling to Lyney. "Hey, Lyney. You done? Let's go for a ride in Yougou and test out the new suspension settings."
Lyney stares at her, slightly hesitant. "Uh, with you?"
"Yeah," Arlecchino smirks. "But it's going to be an easy ride. No big deal."
"Easy ride, huh? Fine. But I have a feeling I might regret this," Lyney mutters under his breath.
Moments later, they're driving down a straightaway near the skating rink in Yougou, Arlecchino maintaining a mild pace.
Lyney decides to break the silence. "So, Arlecchino. You didn't adjust the suspension for Collei's upcoming race with Ningguang, did you?"
Arlecchino doesn't flinch. "I did."
Then she tightens her grip on the steering wheel. "Lyney, I'm gonna pick up the pace here."
Lyney's eyes widen. "Like, right now!?"
He grabs onto the overhead handle and the door handle as Arlecchino smirks, pushing the accelerator to the floor. The AE86 jolts forward, accelerating rapidly.
The car speeds toward a hairpin turn. As the corner approaches, Arlecchino slams on the brakes, downshifting from fourth to second and initiating a perfect drift. The car slides through the corner with incredible speed.
"Amazing entry speeds! I can feel the G-forces pushing me out of the door!" Lyney exclaims, holding on tight.
As they drift through the turn, Lyney glances over at Arlecchino, only to find her driving with both hands off the wheel.
"AAARGH! WHAT ARE YOU DOING, ARLECCHINO!?" Lyney yells, panic rising in his voice.
"What does it look like to you? I'm just taking a piece of cigar," she responds casually, tapping the box of cigarettes.
"THEN WHO'S STEERING THE DAMN CAR!?" Lyney shouts.
The AE86's drift starts to straighten out, dangerously close to the guardrail. Arlecchino struggles to light her cigarette. It catches fire, and she opens the ashtray.
"YOU'RE NOT EVEN WATCHING THE ROAD!" Lyney yells, his grip tightening. "I CAN'T WATCH!"
The car straightens out just in time, narrowly avoiding the guardrail by mere centimeters.
Arlecchino smirks, unfazed. "Not bad."
She puts the cigarette out and looks over at Lyney. "Now that's done, time to get serious."
Lyney stares at her, wide-eyed. "WHA—WHAT!?"
Arlecchino grins and downshifts again, stomping the gas. The AE86 surges forward, faster than before. They reach another hairpin, and Arlecchino expertly drifts through it once more.
The following afternoon in Araumi, Keqing and Ningguang are finalizing the FC3S's tuning for the race.
"The engine, tires, and suspension have all been dialed in for tonight's race," Ningguang says, crossing her arms, a look of satisfaction on her face.
"So, with the engine tuning, how much horsepower is she pushing now?" Keqing asks, eyeing the car with curiosity.
Ningguang smirks. "Around 280 horsepower now."
Keqing's jaw drops. "Only 280!? Why did you lower the output? You had at least 350 before!"
Ningguang laughs. "I thought you'd remember. Power on a downhill isn't always the solution."
"Oh, right," Keqing mutters, facepalming.
Ningguang giggles. "Come on, Keqing. Let's head down. We've got to prepare."
On their way down, Keqing follows Ningguang, who leads the way. The streets are quiet for now—no races happening in broad daylight.
"I'm no longer a team leader, Keqing. Now, I'm just the lone wolf. The White Star of Araumi," Ningguang mutters to herself, the weight of her words settling in.
That night, the roar of modified engines fills the air as cars gather around Lyney's gas station.
Lyney watches from a distance, his eyes narrowing as the cars head toward the pass.
"Looks like they're headed up to the pass. There's no turning back now. This race is going to be massive," he mutters to himself.
Beidou approaches from behind, breaking his concentration. "Hey, boss."
"Oh, hey," Lyney replies, turning around.
"I finished locking up the pumps and cleaning the garage. I'll be heading up to the pass now," Beidou says, slinging her bag over her shoulder.
Lyney smiles. "Thanks, Beidou. You're going to watch the race, right?"
Beidou nods. "Yeah. Seele, Pela, March, and Amber will be there too."
Lyney raises an eyebrow. "I see. But I guess you still don't have much hope that Collei might win?"
"I don't know, boss," Beidou sighs. "She's talented, no doubt. But she's got no experience compared to Ningguang. Plus, she just graduated from high school. Ningguang, on the other hand, is a former circuit racer."
Moments later, the convoy of cars pulls into the gas station.
Seele's Devil Z leads, followed by March's Supra, Pela's MR2, and Amber's Sileighty.
"Well, boss. I'm off," Beidou says before hopping into Seele's Devil Z. The convoy drives off toward Yougou.
Lyney heads inside his office, flopping down on the couch. "The only reason I believe Collei might win is because she has the same attitude as Arlecchino behind the wheel... And she can be one crazy son of a bitch."
As Beidou and Seele make their way up to Yougou, Beidou takes in the sea of spectators.
"I knew it. This crowd's gonna be massive," Beidou says, shaking her head.
Seele sighs. "If I were Collei, I'd be shitting my pants right about now."
Five hairpins later, a blue GT86 pulls up to a rest area.
"Hey, isn't that Amakane's GT86?" a spotter calls out.
"Yeah. That's definitely the GT86," another spectator responds.
Eula steps out, walking toward the guardrail. She takes a moment to breathe, watching the scene unfold.
"Looks like this is the perfect spot to watch Collei race Ningguang," she mutters to herself.
At the top of Yougou, the crowd eagerly awaits the arrival of the two racers.
March checks her phone. "It's almost 9:30. They should be here any minute now."
Right on cue, Ningguang and Keqing arrive. Keqing parks at the rest area while Ningguang turns around and parks at the start line. Ningguang steps out of her FC and leans against it, waiting.
"Looks like the AE86 isn't here yet," Ningguang observes, scanning the surroundings.
Keqing smirks. "She's always like that. Always shows up fashionably late to a race."
Ningguang takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "Keqing, I've got to tell you something. The day I lose a race… that'll be the day I retire."
Keqing's eyes widen. "Retire!? You can't retire yet!"
Ningguang waves her hand dismissively. "Relax, Keqing. When I say retire, I don't mean quitting street racing altogether. I just mean stepping down from the number one spot. But don't get it twisted—I'm not planning on losing anytime soon."
Then, the Downhill Ace finally shows up. Collei's AE86 rolls into view, its pop-up headlights lighting up the night.
The two racers have finally arrived. It's now all or nothing.