Led by the Wind through the Sky

Yours or Mine

"P'Prapai."

Seeing him again brought back all those feelings that Rena had almost forgotten about. It felt like such a long time ago since she had seen him since she had talked to him, and even longer still since he had looked at her like this.

This had been what she had hoped for when she had chosen her outfit for tonight. Rena had wanted to capture Prapai's attention. She just wished that he hadn't found her right at this moment when her head was a mess.

"Everyone's talking about you tonight, so I just had to come and see for myself."

Somehow Rena managed to pull herself together. She stepped closer to Prapai and ran her fingers along the opening of his jacket, acting just as she would have before. Before meeting Sky.

"Is that so?"

"They also said that you weren't alone."

"I didn't know you were one for gossip, P'Pai."

"Only if it interests me. Is it true?"

Prapai tried to act nonchalant, but she could see the curiosity in his eyes. Rena tried not to smile and instead shrugged her shoulders.

"You weren't interested anymore, so... I made myself a new friend. It gets lonely at these races, you know, or perhaps you don't, Mr Popular."

"Hm, well we can't have you feeling lonely. Can I meet your new friend?"

"Oh! You know him."

"I do?"

Rena nodded.

"He goes to my university, and we just happened to bump into each other one day. I can see why he captured your attention."

"Who - you mean...?"

"Sky. I'm here with Sky."

"Sky. You... and Sky?"

"Came here together. Yes."

"Where is he?"

"With Rain, and so I assume P'Phayu."

Prapai went to head towards the mechanic's tent, but Rena stepped in front of him. He went to step around her, but she moved into his way again. She didn't know if it was because he was leaving her or heading for Sky, but it made her feel weird. She didn't like it.

"Rena."

"So eager to get away from me... what happened between you two?"

"I'm not eager, and I don't know what you mean."

"You took Sky home that night, right? One night with him and you're still thinking about him months later... it must have been one hell of a night. Maybe I should find out for myself?"

Rena turned to walk away, but before she could a hand on her arm stopped her. Looking back at Prapai, she was startled by the dark look on Prapai's face.

"What game are you playing?"

"Me? I don't play games. You're the player, P'Pai."

She was telling the truth. Rena wasn't playing a game with Sky. She genuinely likes him. However, she knew saying that would get a reaction from Prapai, although she hadn't expected it to be such a strong one.

When he tried to move past her again, she blocked his path.

"Why do you keep standing in my way?"

"I promised Sky I wouldn't let anyone bother him if he came here with me tonight."

"How do you know he won't want to see me?"

"I'd say friend's intuition, but I don't think that will be enough for you, so... I'll ask him."

Rena watched as Prapai's eyes darted behind her and a smug smile appeared on his face.

"No need. He's coming to me."

She whipped around to see Sky walking towards them. He didn't look happy. Her heart clenched and for some reason, she felt guilty.

"Sky! I was just -"

"Let her go."

Rena was confused until she remembered that Prapai still had a hold of her arm. The racer quickly let go and she held her arm to her chest. He hadn't been holding her tightly, so she didn't think it would bruise, but the phantom feeling of his grip stayed with her.

Sky moved to stand in front of her, between her and Prapai. The racer's smug smile reappeared as the two stared at each other.

"I've been hoping to see you again."

Rena looked up at Sky. She could just see enough of his profile to watch him smile. It was a fake smile.

"How funny, I was hoping never to see you again."

"Aw, don't be like that. I'm sure you've thought about that night we spent together."

Sky tensed up at Prapai's words and Rena quickly interrupted. She held onto Sky's arm.

"Sky, I want to go home."

Sky looked down at her and smiled softly.

"Let's go."

Turning away from Prapai without a word, Sky wrapped an arm around Rena's shoulders as they walked away. She heard Prapai call after them and it took her considerable effort not to look back at him. Instead, she glanced up at Sky and thought about how he came to save her, even if it wasn't needed. This was not how she thought tonight would go.