The roar of engines reverberated through the arena, a sound that made Namtan's pulse quicken. She gripped the steering wheel, her focus locked on the endless stretch of asphalt ahead. The international championship race was not just a competition—it was her proving ground.

"Four laps left," Ciize's voice crackled through the radio. "You've got a three-second lead. Just hold it steady."

"I know," Namtan muttered, sweat dripping down her temple despite the air-conditioned cockpit. She adjusted her grip, her eyes darting to the rearview mirror. A red blur closed in fast—Film's car.

Film had been a thorn in her side since the season began, all swagger and cocky grins. On and off the track, she had a way of getting under Namtan's skin. And now, that red monster of a car was closing the gap.

Namtan's jaw tightened as she shifted gears, her car responding with a growl.

"Not today," she whispered.

---

Film grinned behind her visor as she saw Namtan's car ahead. Her pulse thrummed in time with the engine's roar. This was her favorite part of racing—the chase.

"Don't let her psych you out," Earn's voice came through the comms. "Focus on the turn ahead."

"Relax," Film said, effortlessly weaving past a slower racer. "I've got this."

The track curved sharply, a test of nerves and precision. Namtan took it perfectly, hugging the inner edge. Film followed close behind, her car's front nearly brushing Namtan's rear bumper.

"You think you're untouchable?" Film muttered, her fingers tightening around the wheel.

Suddenly, a screeching sound tore through the air. Namtan's car wobbled, her control faltering as if she'd hit something invisible.

"What the—" Namtan fought to regain balance, but her car spun out, forcing her to swerve wildly.

Film barely had time to react. Her car clipped Namtan's as she veered to avoid the collision, sending both vehicles skidding across the track. Sparks flew as metal scraped against metal. The audience gasped.

The two cars came to a halt just feet from the barrier, smoke billowing from their hoods.

---

Namtan stumbled out of her car, her face flushed with anger. Film was already out, pulling off her helmet, her expression equally furious.

"You're insane!" Namtan snapped, storming toward her. "You don't know how to control your car!"

"Me?!" Film shot back, her voice rising above the crowd's murmurs. "You're the one who lost it! Maybe you should check your tires before a race."

Namtan's fists clenched. "Don't you dare—"

"Enough!" Earn and Ciize rushed over, stepping between the two before it could escalate.

Ciize shot Namtan a warning glance. "Not here. Not now."

Earn pulled Film back, muttering, "You're not helping your case."

As officials swarmed to assess the scene, a camera crew captured every angle of the confrontation. Namtan and Film glared at each other, their rivalry etched into the headlines before either could say another word.

---

Hours later, in the sterile conference room of the racing league headquarters, both women sat across from their furious sponsors.

"This is unacceptable," one of the executives barked. "Two of the league's top racers in a stunt like that? Do you have any idea how much this will cost us in damages and PR?"

"It wasn't my fault—" Namtan began, but her sponsor cut her off.

"Enough. Both of you. This ends now."

Film leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. "What are you suggesting?"

The executive's gaze was cold. "A partnership. For the rest of the season, you two are a team. One car, one goal. You'll win back the public's favor and keep this league afloat."

Namtan's jaw dropped. "Absolutely not."

"Agreed," Film said flatly.

The executive slammed his fist on the table. "Then you're both out of the championship. Permanently."

The room fell silent.

After a long pause, Film leaned forward, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Looks like we don't have a choice, do we?"

Namtan's glare could have melted steel, but she managed a curt nod.

"Fine," she said, her voice clipped. "But don't expect this to be easy."

Film smirked, already envisioning ways to make Namtan regret agreeing.

"Oh, don't worry," Film said lightly. "I wouldn't dream of it."

---