The Contagious

4°

Alleia rushed and grabbed her Porsche sports car, speeding towards the scene. Upon arrival at the street, a throng of people had gathered, displaying their sport racing cars and gearing up for the impending race.

Exiting her car, Alleia was ushered towards the main event. "Look who we have here," one of the racers approached Alleia, eyes full of admiration. "The queen racer."

"We come in peace, tonight's the night," Alleia replied, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Just as you like it," he added, gesturing towards her car. Alleia beamed with joy as she observed her modified racing car. "That looks more stunning," she remarked, inspecting every detail inside and out.

"Thank you, Jack!" Alleia expressed her gratitude.

"Are you not joining tonight's race?" he inquired.

"Of course, I'll test drive my baby first," Alleia replied, scanning the lively surroundings where the race had already commenced before her arrival. "Did I miss the race? Who's in the lead?" she asked, curiosity piqued by the intensifying crowd.

"We've got someone new, started just yesterday and has been dominating. He's won race after race," Jack informed her, fueling Alleia's curiosity even more.

"I've missed quite a lot, it seems," she chuckled.

"Hey there! Finally, you're here," Anisha approached Alleia, hugging her best friend—her partner in crime.

"Hey! Are there any slots left for the next race?" Alleia inquired of Anisha.

"Maybe, because that new guy keeps snagging slots and everyone's challenging him," Anisha revealed, sparking Alleia's competitive spirit as she felt her territory being encroached upon.

While they conversed, the race concluded amidst a roaring crowd cheering and congratulating the mystery winner.

"The race is finished. Let's see," Alleia gestured, exuding a charismatic air, leaning against her sports car in the street.

One thing was certain: a typical girl wouldn't slip out at night for a thrill among others. One of Alleia's concealed passions from her relatives was her late-night obsession with car racing. She didn't partake in drinking or revelry, finding solace in racing as a means to release tension and stress.

"Daniel, Daniel!" The crowd cheered for his name, while several girls approached him to offer congratulations, his demeanor reflecting pure astonishment and enjoyment.

"Thank you, thank you," Daniel expressed his gratitude to everyone approaching him, gathering with his friends for a celebratory drink.

Alleia glanced at the mysterious guy, biting her lip. "I see a Tokyo import?" she asked Anisha.

"I think so," Anisha replied, slightly taken aback by Alleia's question. "How about we grab a drink first and chat about our office work?" Anisha suggested, diverting Alleia's attention away from approaching the new guy.

"Sure, a drink. But no work talk; I've had enough for today," Alleia replied, still eyeing Daniel. "But he seems familiar. Where have I seen you?" she asked, as Anisha steered her towards the bar.

"What's up today?" Anisha inquired, noticing Alleia's tense demeanor.

"I had dinner at my fiancé's family, and I just can't deal with his mother and even Nicholas. He seems different lately," Alleia grumbled.