Crime, Betrayal, and Love (A Seventeen Street Racing AU)

XXIX | Getting Closer

After the announcement, Joshua plops down into his seat and places his face into the palms of his hands. The gesture didn't go unnoticed, and it gets stares from people nearby.

Once he sees his distressed friend, Jeonghan begins to push his way down the aisle until he reaches Joshua. Grabbing onto his arm, Jeonghan pulls Joshua up and leads him out of the row, where Jeonghan starts questioning the other man.

Meanwhile, the countdown for the race went by, and I turn my eyes just in time to catch the flag drop, and the cars begin to speed.

But, even while the race holds steady, I can't stop looking over at the duo discussing in a secretive manner.

My watching doesn't go unnoticed, and it doesn't take long for Jeonghan to wave me over. It's not hard to tell Joshua told him that I know Changkyun. The fierce anger in Jeonghan's eyes gives it away.

"I'll be right back," I whisper to Jisoo.

She looks between me and the furious Jeonghan. "What's going on?"

I want to tell her, but Jeonghan rolls his eyes and waves for me to come again, "I'll explain later." I push past her, which makes Jisoo let out a disappointed sigh.

As soon as I'm in earshot of the two men, which happens to be right beside them because of how loud it is in the stadium, Jeonghan whisper-shouts, "You know I.M.?"

It's obvious who he's referring to. However, the nickname confuses me, "I.M.?" I question.

Jeonghan rolls his eyes again, and his jaw clenches, "That Monsta X boy you're friends with."

I'm unsure how to respond. Obviously, I know him, and at this point, there's no denying it, yet admitting it feels like too big of a burden, especially to Jeonghan. I look to Joshua hoping for help, but he shares Jeonghan's anger, although to a lesser degree, at least of what's displayed.

"I just found out about tha-" I say in an attempt to clear things up, but Jeonghan cuts me off before I can finish.

"And you didn't think to tell us?" He doesn't raise his voice much, but it's enough to gain a few looks.

I debate telling him that Mingyu and DK know. It was nice of them to help me and Jisoo with it, even going out of their way to do so. But, Jeonghan's likely to find out soon anyways, and I don't need to give him any more reason to dislike me. "Mingyu and DK know," I just barely mumble the words out.

I'm not sure how, but Jeonghan makes out my words, most likely by reading my lips. "You've got to be fucking kidding me," He groans and covers his face with both hands. "Of course, it's those two."

Joshua shakes his head, "Always the 97ens getting in trouble."

In a moment of awkwardness, I turn my attention to the TVs displaying the race. Rosé's quick announcement of the new track didn't live up to what was shown.

The first track had been replaced by a new dirt road. The first new addition is the cluster of different curves and abrupt turns. Not only that, but there are no longer lights properly displaying where the road is, bringing tonight's race to a whole new level of danger. The cameras are in night vision, so the viewers can still see the race without aiding the racers. The addition of the green tint will be strange.

However, likely the most problematic change is the different paths each racer can take. Which makes the race seem rigged, leaving up the fates of the winners to lucky guesses.

My view happens to aim at Jin's car. It's difficult to see its color with the green night vision over it, and I only know it's Jin because of the familiar space-like patterns across the sides. Originally blue, the designs now look neon teal.