Chasing Cars (GxG)

Prologue

Dane's POV

"Don't call me Rei, player." Her voice is ice-cold, slicing through the air and sending shivers crawling up my spine. But wait—player? Did she just call me a player?

I blink, taken aback, and stare at her in disbelief. Seriously? She didn't even react to my confession? Ugh, does she really think I'm just messing with her? With this face? Please.

I start to step closer, watching her expression, but she backs away instantly. "Am I scaring you?" I ask, smirking just a bit.

"Don't call me Rei, player." Her voice is ice-cold, slicing through the air and sending shivers crawling up my spine. But wait—player? Did she just call me a player?

I blink, taken aback, and stare at her in disbelief. Seriously? She didn't even react to my confession? Ugh, does she really think I'm just messing with her? With this face? Please.

I start to step closer, watching her expression, but she backs away instantly. "Am I scaring you?" I ask, smirking just a bit.

"Rei," I called her, and as she turns to face me, her eyes are bloodshot, brimming with a silent fury. How can her gaze go from calm to blazing red in a single word? The intensity of it matches the racing beat of my own heart, pounding like a drum in my chest.

I give a bitter smile, forcing myself to speak. "Do you hate me that much?" I ask softly. She freezes, and I hate it—hate how she makes me feel soft, how she turns me into someone I hardly recognize. It's like she has this hold over me, an effect that pulls me out of my comfort zone, changing how I choose my words, how I act.

"Stop playing innocent, Dane," she snaps, fire flashing in her eyes. "Hindi mo na ako madadaan sa mga paganyan ganyan mo. Kung si ate nagawa mong lokohin, ibahin mo ako—tanga nalang ang magpapadala sa mga sugarcoated mong salita!" Her sudden outburst catches me off-guard, leaving me standing there, stunned. She's looking at me with a glare that could cut glass. What the hell did I do wrong this time? I'm confused as hell.

I let out a laugh, though it's more forced than anything. "I don't know what you're talking about, Rei. Sa pagkakatanda ko, wala pa akong niloloko. Nilandi, oo. Pero niloko while in a relationship? Don't start with me, Missy."

"You're a monster, Dane," she says, the words hitting me harder than I expect. Monster?

"C'mon, Rei. You know me. You don't call me a monster." I try to laugh it off, hoping she's kidding, but the playful smile fades from my lips. She isn't saying anything, just staring at me, her eyes communicating what her lips won't. There's a hint of fear there, something dark. And that look—disappointment, maybe disgust—it stings, twisting my chest with a pain that catches me off-guard.

Maya maya ay tumigil narin ako sa kakatawa dahil nagmumukha nakong tanga, titigan lang ba naman ako nitong maganda sa harap ko. Pero teka, sinabi niya bang niloko ko ang ate niya. Sa pagkakaalam ko wala naman akong jinowa sa kapatid niya, ni minsan hindi ko pa nga nakausap e. Ito nanaman siya sa mga accusations niyang di na matapos tapos.

She started stepping toward me, and I swear my heart went into overdrive. Her brows were still furrowed, and I swallowed hard. Not out of nerves—no, not that—but damn, watching her storm toward me like that, fierce and adorable at once, was enough to make me lose my cool. She looked stunning tonight, and I couldn't help but admire her.

But then, damn. She slapped me, hard enough to make my head spin. What the actual hell?

I stared at her, completely thrown off. "Why—what was that for?" I hissed, trying to process the sting on my cheek.

"Para magising ka sa kagaguhan mo." Her voice was low and serious, and I froze. Holy hell, hearing her curse in Tagalog with that intense look—it sounded almost... expensive? I should've felt insulted, but I found myself more mesmerized than anything. I need help, guys. Send me to a mental facility already.

But the irritation started kicking in. Really? She slaps me, curses me out, and now we're just... standing here? Talking in circles? Who would be thrilled with this situation?

"From now on, stay away from me and my cousin," she ordered sharply. Cousin? My mind instantly flashed to Miss Kaye, her beloved cousin. Confusion washed over me, but then realization hit like a brick. She knows. She knows.

I stared at her, stunned, before I turned my back. There was nothing left to say. I didn't even know what to say. How did she find out? Damn it.

"Running away again? Seriously, Dane? 'Dyan ka lang ba magaling—ang talikuran ang taong binigyan mo ng maraming katanungan?" she challenged, her voice sharp as a blade, stopping me barely three steps away.

I turned back, my gaze cold. "You don't know everything, Rei," I said in frustration, then turned and kept walking, hoping she'd drop it.

But of course, she didn't. "Then tell me everything!" she called out, relentless. Damn it. Why was she so stubborn? Ignoring her, I picked up my pace, determined to leave her behind.

Then she said something that made me stop cold.

"So, it's true. You're just one of those assholes who think cheating makes them look cool." Her words hit me like a punch to the gut, my jaw clenched as I spun to face her.

But this time, I didn't hide behind sarcasm or bitterness. I gave her a real smile, one that felt too raw, too genuine. I saw her freeze, her expression shifting in surprise. Behind her thick-rimmed glasses, her almond eyes went wide. I get it, though—I'm all about smirks and taunts, not this.

"I told you already, Maxcilin. You don't know everything. So stop being nosy, young lady," I said, my tone formal. Her throat bobbed as she swallowed, and I couldn't help the amused smirk tugging at my lips. "And don't try putting too much interest in knowing me, 'cause you might regret it later. It's either you'll hate me even more, or you'll fall in love with me. So don't catch feelings, Rei. I can't hold you."

I threw her a playful smile. Her mouth fell open, her full lips parting as if to argue, but no words came out. Damn, those lips looked so inviting. Get a grip, I told myself. The girl's practically killing you with her stare.

I sighed, but she stayed silent, and I seized the chance to leave her standing there, trapped in her own thoughts.

As soon as I got into the car, I slammed the door shut and hit the gas, speeding down the road. My vision started to blur, and that's when I realized—damn it—I was crying. This is bullshit. How dare she accuse me without even knowing the full story? But even with everything, I couldn't bring myself to hate her. I should be furious, ready to cut her off, but instead... I'm stuck, unable to feel anything but this sickening pull towards her. It's ironic—I warned her not to fall for me, but here I am, feeling like I'm the one drowning in her.

You'll pay for this, Maxcilin Rei. I'll make sure you do.

I wiped my tears away, pushing down the ache in my chest, and pressed harder on the gas, letting the engine's roar drown out everything else.

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