Chapter: The Race and the Flashbacks
The morning sun spilled across the garage, where the four friends prepped their bikes for the next race. Tim cracked a joke as he wiped down his helmet.
"Why are we even talking about that bastard?" Tim scoffed. "We don't even know his face."
William rolled his eyes, fixing his jacket with flair.
"Maybe he hides it because he's not handsome like me," he teased.
"Or maybe you're just insecure someone finally beat your pretty-boy charm," East replied dryly from the corner, smirking.
Jun chuckled softly, sipping on a sports drink.
"Does it even matter what he looks like?" he asked.
William narrowed his eyes.
"Of course it matters. I have a reputation!"
Just then, Tim clapped his hands and grinned.
"Chill, boys. Maybe he is more handsome than you, William."
William's jaw dropped.
"You bastard! You wanna die today?" he shouted as he chased Tim around the garage.
Laughter echoed as East shook his head, amused. Jun watched them with a fond smile—it felt good to be part of this chaos.
---
At the racetrack, the announcer's voice rang out across the stadium as the four bikes lined up. Engines roared. Adrenaline rushed.
The first round went smoothly—Jun rode like the wind, focused and sharp. But in the second round, flashes burst across his vision. Blurred cars. Screams. Blood. A memory? A dream? His grip trembled slightly. His heart raced beyond reason.
He finished the lap but stopped too suddenly. His friends noticed right away.
"What was that?" Tim asked, panting from the speed but looking worried.
"You almost crashed," William added.
East stepped closer, voice calm but serious.
"Did you skip your doctor's appointment again?"
Jun looked away, guilty.
"I… yeah, I skipped it."
Without saying a word, the three of them dragged Jun to the hospital.
After a quiet wait, the doctor gave the results.
"He's emotionally unstable. His trauma and suppressed memories are triggering sudden responses. He needs to stay on his medication and be supervised by someone close."
Back in the hallway, East exploded.
"Do you want to die, Jun?" His voice trembled with fury. "What were you thinking, pushing yourself like that on the track?"
Everyone went silent.
"You're one of the best racers. Use your damn mind!"
William gently touched East's shoulder.
"Hey... it's okay."
Tim, trying to lighten the mood, added,
"Man, I've never seen you this mad.
William,"Last time you were that mad on me because i skipped a shower."
"YOU SKIPPED A SHOWER?!" Tim shouted in horror. "You're disgusting!"
William groaned. " You even don't change clothes! But I sprayed perfume!"
Everyone burst out laughing, including East, who pouted like a scolded puppy.
He wrapped his arms around William and said softly,
"Don't be mad at me... I just care."
William leaned in, nearly kissing him.
"You're lucky you're cute."
"Ew! Get a room!" Tim gagged playfully.
Jun chuckled. "You guys never change."
Later that evening, they each went their separate ways to rest. Or so it seemed.
Jun, saying he had a headache, promised to sleep early—but instead, he ended up alone at a bar, sitting at the counter.
A drink was served. He didn't even speak. He just watched the liquid swirl in the glass.
Then, a quiet presence entered.
Yan.
Jun didn't say anything when he sat beside him. Yan didn't ask why Jun was there either.
They didn't exchange names or questions. They just drank. Two strangers. Or maybe something more.
A silence settled bet
ween them—familiar, eerie, magnetic.
And that's where the night ended.
End of Chapter