𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧ˡᵉᵉ ʲᵉⁿᵒ

09

Running free. If Yuhwa was asked to describe underground racing in two words, she would've definitely said that. A sweet sense of freedom would always bloom in her stomach while driving her expensive car, which took her two years of saving up to buy. Of course, her brother Johnny kept his eyes on her, doing his best to protect his little sister.

Johnny regretted introducing this new world to her. After the accident he saw her changes, especially how she had chosen to spend her free time. Yuhwa barely came home to her normal, welcoming family, where her parents would wait for their daughter at the dinner table, where her younger brother  would lose his interest slowly to ramble on about his exciting day, where Johnny sat on the front porch, staring at the empty road.

"Racing was never an option, son." His father had told him once. "It's ruining your lives."

He wasn't completely wrong. Johnny recalled the times when he had to go home, injured from minor car crashes or when Yuhwa fractured her arm multiple times after trying to increase her acceleration.

Now that being said, Johnny watched as his other teammates cheered, screaming her name and Jeno's out loud to show their supportiveness. Holding the glass of wine Jisung had poured, he sighed as Chenle sat next to him, too tired to shout.

"I'm quitting." The black haired male spoke. His eyes were blank, the dark colour of his orbs going matt instead of giving out its usual shine. Chenle removed his nct, nct dream and 01 badge, hands slightly trembling and sweaty as he held them dearly. He placed them on the table before giving them a one last look.

"You can't leave without Taeyong's permission." Johnny took a sip from his glass. "And certainly not during the racing season."

"I have his approval." Chenle sighed.

"What's your reasoning?" Johnny questioned, trying to find a way to stop Chenle from quitting.

"I'm getting worse every year." He leaned against his chair hopelessly. "You don't see me winning any races anymore. After everything that had happened two years ago, I can't do anything properly. Not even something I used to love doing."

"We're getting bigger every year." Chenle continued. "And we're becoming the best yet I'm holding you guys down. I'm not giving our brand any wins- I'm not good enough, Johnny. I'm useless to NCT."

Johnny held his blank stare, studying the younger one's face carefully. He wasn't surprised to see Chenle in his worst state, rethinking his whole life. After all, he used to be like that as well, losing his love for underground racing and all.

"Fine." Johnny said finally. "Do as you wish."

●

"Guess who beat your ass!!!" Yuhwa stood in front of the NCT Dream members proudly. She wiggled her eyebrows at Jeno before taking a seat next to Johnny, who was busy texting Taeyong about Chenle's retirement.