"Hmm… why's it so cold these days?" Rio muttered, slowly opening his eyes. He tried to sit up but paused—the weight of Xanthia's hand rested on his chest. Her breathing was slow and warm, body curled beside him like she'd found the coziest bed in the world.
He smiled faintly, brushing a few strands of golden hair away from her eyes.
> "What should I even do…? I want her to sleep like this forever. But we're already way too late getting home. Not that I care. Just being here, watching her like this… seeing this quiet, secret little place—spending time with her the whole day… Gods, screw them. They never helped me anyway. As long as she's with me, I'm good."
"You talk to yourself?" Xanthia's sleepy voice interrupted his thoughts. "And that much?" She stretched, yawning with arms overhead. "Oaaah… my head is spinning. We were totally blasted last night."
"We?!" Rio shot her a look. "I wasn't much drunk. And you were the one teasing a creepy old man."
"I remember everything," she said with a grin. "You're just too innocent—that's why I like you!" She reached over and pulled at his cheeks.
"Ow ow ow—stop it! I'm not a kid! And for the record… innocence is a choice!"
(Is she saying that because I didn't kiss her last night…? Ugh, forget it. Maybe someday. For now—just enjoy the moment.)
Suddenly, his comm rang with a familiar voice message.
> [V.Mail_Mom]: Rio, I know you're relaxing a bit… but your dad's asking for you! Get back, or I'm not saving you from his scoldings this time!
"Damn, it's already 13:08?! I lost track of time!"
"Relax," Xanthia said, already gathering her scattered clothes. "We didn't cause any trouble, and we're not hurt. It's fine."
"Yeah, but my dad's overprotective. He scolds me even if I go to the City Mall without texting him."
URRRCHH!! Rustling noises.
"I'll wait in the car," she said, slipping into her jacket. "You go grab me a drink—and something for yourself too."
"Alright, I'll catch up."
Rio walked toward the beachfront café. As he passed a shaded table, he caught a glimpse of someone familiar.
Mary. Laughing and chatting with three guys and four girls, drink in hand.
(Didn't she say she'd be practicing for her breakthrough today? Hmm… maybe this is her real personality. Whatever—her choice.)
A waiter stepped up. "Would you like lunch, sir?"
"No-no, I'm good. Just coffee for her, and—ah, this… Night DRIVE for me."
Moments later, Rio returned with the drinks.
"Why were you late?" Xanthia teased as he handed her the coffee. "Did you go into a strip club? Or fall into a bathroom portal?"
"Still drunk, I see," Rio muttered, climbing into the car. "Why would a 17-year-old go to a strip club? Here—coffee for you, Night DRIVE for me."
She laughed. "So that drink really is your go-to."
"Nah," he said, starting the engine. "They didn't have my usual, so this was the best second option. Anyway, seatbelt up—we're going through the Sonic Tunnel."
"Ooooh, fun!" Xanthia fastened her belt with excitement.
VROOOOOOOMM!
The NASCAR ULTIMATA roared to life—a beast of a convertible crafted by the legendary Hijosa Nakamito. One of only 5 in existence. And these days , it was theirs.
Wind blasted their hair as the car shot through the neon-lit tunnel.
"This speed is insane…" Xanthia grinned. "I wonder what it'll feel like when I reach Solar-level—or when I get my own GodWar suit."
"Well," Rio said, eyes on the road, "If you want a GodWar, the Maiden Lady of the Ryunn Legacy might just forge one for you."
Xanthia's brows rose. "Wait—who? I've never heard of any genius like that in the Ryunn lineage."
"I'll tell you later." He smiled. "Weren't you going to ask me something?"
"I will. When the time's right." She suddenly stood up, arms outstretched to the wind. "Look! We're nearly in the city!"
"Hey, sit down! You'll get us pulled over!"
"How about this—after the tournament, we go on a real adventure?" she shouted, her voice mixing with the wind.
"Bad idea," Rio shouted back. "But… if you insist, I'm in."
(She acts all innocent around others, but with me? She's like a wild child—playful, unpredictable. Kind of like Nyxara… just less mature. Still, if I have to get stronger for my family, for Maru, and for her—then so be it.)
CLUTCH—UK! Brakes hissed as the car pulled into the villa estate.
"Welcome, young master!" Two guards saluted as the security post opened.
"Home sweet hell," Xanthia whispered. "It's like a goat walking into a lion's den—for you, at least. Maybe a lil' for me too." She was trembling slightly… with excitement.
(This girl's crazy… but amazing.)
Suddenly—a voice echoed in Rio's head.
> [Dense Voice]: The first star of your fate… has begun to move.
(Hey—what was that?! Where were you when I needed you? You could've helped me win her completely.)
> [Dense Voice]: Such things don't interest a god like me. And using me to "get laid"? You fool. I'm not your wingman!
"Oi! Rio!! Come on, what are you doing outside?!" Xanthia and Erame called from the door.
He grinned, shaking off the surreal voice in his head, and jogged forward.
> Some days begin like dreams, and end like omens. But today… today felt like both.