Mysterious Racer X

Chapter 8 - Collapse

Risa was on high energy. She not only got to enjoy the night to be with an artform she loves, she was also there with this woman whom she had been curious about for quite a while.

To her, there was this comforting assurance. She felt so safe and protected whenever she was with this woman. The situation sounds weird and awkward, but it doesn't matter to her who the face behind the helmet is. Racer X was her knight—hopefully, she will get to know her better as days go by. It was no question that tonight, this was so magical to her.

Leni had mixed feelings. If only she knew about the invitation, she wouldn't have to go through the craziest things to be in with her right now. Technically it was so easy for her to just whisper to Risa's ear that she was Racer X, but something was stopping her. The fear that Risa is still angry with her and if she is still hanging on to her feelings or officially letting go.

They both stopped thinking about their own personal what if's when the music began to play. It was the Laendler, the dance from The Sound of Music. Leni was familiar with the dance. Considering that she had watched the musical film and stage play a couple of times years ago, she worried that she might be unable to catch up or be in sync with Risa on the dancefloor.

In one of their numerous private conversations, Leni knew how much Risa wanted to dance, but she was picky with her partners. "She rather dances alone than rather picking just anyone," She remembers. Then she remembered how she joked that she was willing to dance with Leni if she could. She remembered that moment so much in a flashback.

***

"But alam mo," Risa said as she grabbed her coffee mug from the table, sipping her coffee slowly. "I wouldn't mind dancing with you, Leonor."

"You know too well that I am not good at dancing, Ris." Leni replied, "It might not be able to catch up with you."

"But you'll never know di ba?" Risa chuckled, "You owe me a dance. Don't forget that."

"I am not sure if that will happen," Leni answered.

***

I feel so stupid. Leni thought. She is feeling all the regret. Now she is not sure if those moments will ever come back again.

But that moment is finally happening, well, sort of.

As the orchestra played the intro of the Laendler, everyone on the dance floor bowed to each other's partners.

When Leni held Risa's hand and their eyes locked on each other, it was like her feet and hands had minds of their own. Leni was entirely in sync with Risa's movements. They weren't sure what had happened, but somehow, they brought themselves to the center of the dancefloor, surrounded by the other dancers. The other audience members who didn't dance had their eyes focused on both Risa and Racer X. Some people knew Racer X, while some of them were curious about who this anonymous person was. Regardless, both of them seemed to have a great time.

"You're pretty good at this." Leni complemented Risa as their feet moved to the music,

"Of course, classic, eh." Risa smiled, "You're not so bad yourself, ah."

"Kailangan talaga. Ganda ng dance partner ko. I shouldn't disappoint my Queen di ba?" Leni pulled Risa closer as they continued swaying to the music.

"I'm not a ruler of a Kingdom, Racer X!" Risa joked as she gently placed her hands on Leni's shoulder.

"Not yet." Leni chuckled softly.

"Cute ng tawa mo. I thought you were the serious type."

"I am only serious with other people." Leni placed her hands on Risa's waist,