After lunch, the two wandered the quieter alleys tucked just outside the city's busier streets.
The walk wasn't planned. Just one street led to another savoring the moment, and conversation filled the space between the steps.
They didn't talk about anything important, just silly banter and childhood stories, trading memories like old treasures.
It was simple, just a walk, but for Nova, it was oddly relaxing. For once, he found himself genuinely appreciating the quiet moments life had to offer.
But Nova noticed that Sophia laughed a little too often, even though Nova knew his jokes were always spot on. It was rare to have a day without bruises, without pressure so he just let her be.
She's just happy to unwind and forget all there is. He wasn't about to ruin it.
When the sun tilted lower and the clouds started turning warm, she checked her phone with a groan.
"I've got a late class," she said reluctantly.
"You don't wanna go?" Nova teased, after seeing her pouting face.
She was about to nod her head and agree, but stopped midway. "I can't. I have a test."
"I'll be alone though…" he said, leaning closer with a sad, pretend face.
Her cheeks flushed as he leaned in, the sudden closeness catching her off guard. She looked up at his confident handsome face and their eyes locked.
Neither of them said a word. They just stayed there, caught in the moment.
Then, without warning, Sophia closed her eyes, rose onto her toes, and gave him a quick kiss on the lips.
Nova froze, stunned by how bold she'd been. He barely had time to process it before she started to step back.
But he didn't let her.
His hands found her waist, pulling her close again.
He kissed her deeply this time, cupping her cheek as he pressed his lips firmly against hers, tasting the warmth and sweetness of her.
Sophia gasped at first, surprised by the sudden pull, but melted into the kiss after. Her arms wrapped around his neck, drawing him in as she kissed him back slow, eager, and wanting more.
After a few lingering seconds, they both finally pulled away, breathless. The romantic haze between them began to lift.
"I don't want to be late," Sophia said softly, her voice shy. Her face was bright red like a tomato.
Nova said nothing, he just nodded with a smile and drove her back.
She stared out the window on the way, but every now and then, he could feel her glance his way.
No words were exchanged when she got out. Just a soft 'Thanks' and a wave that lingered longer than needed.
He waited until she disappeared behind the university doors before leaning back in the driver's seat.
A breath left his lungs.
It wasn't a heavy day, but it wasn't light either. If anything, he might even call it perfect.
He pulled back onto the road.
The sky was still golden when his phone buzzed.
Sidekick Joel.
He tapped the earpiece. "Yeah?"
A beat of static, then Joel's voice came through, rough and flat as usual. "Found him."
Nova's hand tightened slightly on the wheel.
Joel continued, "One of the names that you wanted to be found. He's real. Name's Cyrus Vane. Small-time enforcer under one of the Viper-linked crews. Been hiding out east side of Bales for weeks. Thought he'd vanished, but he resurfaced."
A flicker of memory crawled up Nova's spine. It was one of the names that he got from Dante in the race. One of the people who ambushed him the other night.
Nova's voice dropped. "You sure?"
"I triple-checked. It's him. I've got a location. You want me to send it?"
Nova didn't answer for a second. "Send it."
There was no weight to his tone, but something sharp laced through the air after he said it.
Joel's voice cut in once more, quieter this time. "What's the call boss?"
Nova's fingers tapped against the steering wheel. "Call the others. Get them ready."
Joel paused. "Now?"
"Now. I want him alive." Nova's eyes narrowed on the road ahead, voice steady but cold. "We'll use him to find the rest."
A breath of static answered before Joel spoke again, understanding the weight of what Nova meant. "Alright. I'll round everyone. I'll send you the spot once I confirm it."
Nova didn't respond. He didn't need to.
By six o'clock, the city was already folding into evening. The sun hung low, casting orange lines across buildings and pavement.
In the south eastern part of Bales, where most buildings were littered with paint and graffiti, a black sedan slid through the alleys like a shadow blending in with its own.
Mari drove, one hand on the wheel, the other casually adjusting the volume of whatever beat hummed low from the speakers.
Joel sat in the back, a bag at his side, checking his messages one last time. Two more crew members filled the car, Luca and Trev, both carrying just enough gear to look like they weren't playing.
Nova sat in the passenger seat, eyes locked on the restaurant up ahead.
On the outside, the exterior exuded simpleness, white tiles, dusty windows, a flickering red sign. But beneath it, was a different beast entirely.
An illegal underground casino, run quietly by other gangs in this territory.
Joel leaned forward between the seats. "You sure about this? We go loud in that place, things get messy quick."
"We're not going loud," Nova said, still staring at the building. "We're just here to take someone. Make it fast and clean, no theatrics."
Mari scoffed. "You sure? I kinda wanted to stretch my legs."
"No. In, out. Secure the guy, vanish before anyone upstairs starts throwing bullets."
Joel raised an eyebrow. "You think they'll just let us grab one of their own and walk out?"
Nova finally turned back to the crew. His expression didn't shift, but his voice carried more weight this time. "If that guy is really part of Viper gang, then they're already trying to bury him. That kind of heat is dangerous, even for them. He's not protected. That's why we're doing this now."
Luca glanced out the window, adjusting the strap of his vest. "What if the rest of the crew that hit you is with him too?"
"Then we get lucky," Nova replied. "Either way, tonight we get that guy. It's a start."
The car rolled to a slow stop down the street, out of direct line of sight. The city noise outside was dull, muted even. The kind of quiet that meant things were happening, just not where anyone could see.
Nova opened the door and stepped out, the rest of the crew following, one by one.
He didn't say it out loud, but he felt it in his bones.
This was the beginning of making things even.