Racing Rivals, Racing Hearts ☆ [Diego Brando x Reader]

Chivalry Isn't Dead Pt. 1 (55)

The journey to Kansas City had been fought with tension.

You, Johnny, and Gyro had been riding together for days to make it to Kansas City. The tension between you and Gyro steadily built. It had started with a minor disagreement over which route to take, but it had quickly escalated into a full-blown argument.

Gyro's voice was laced with frustration as he pointed ahead and said, "I'm telling you, this is the right way!"

You, equally stubborn, crossed your arms and retorted, "Well, I don't see how it's any better than the route I suggested."

The sun beat down on you both, adding to your irritation, as the sunset was soon approaching. Gyro's cheeks were flushed, and your brow was furrowed in annoyance. Neither of you was willing to back down.

Johnny, trying to play the mediator, chimed in, "Hey, guys, maybe you should take a look at the map from the newspaper. It might help you decide."

Gyro snapped, "Sometimes, Y/N, it's best to trust the experience of your fellow racers."

Your eyes flashed with frustration as you shot back, "Just because you've won races doesn't mean you're always right."

Johnny, holding up the newspaper map, offered, "Well, it looks like this route is a bit shorter, but this one has fewer obstacles."

Gyro's patience was wearing thin, and he couldn't hide the edge in his voice. "Y/N, is this about your pride?"

Your frustration boiled over, and your voice rose in anger. "Pride?! I'm just trying to lead us onto the safest route!"

Johnny, trying his best to keep the peace, offered a suggestion, "Look, why don't we split the difference? Take the route Gyro suggests, but stay alert for any obstacles."

You weren't having none of it. "Johnny, this is between me and Gyro. We don't need your input."

Your eyes met Gyro's. Neither of you were willing to back down, and the tension in the air grew.

Gyro scoffed, "Johnny's right, since he's not questioning my skills. We should take my route."

You pressed on, your voice unwavering, "Gyro, I'm not questioning your skills. We're a team, and we need to make these decisions together."

Gyro's frustration was noticeable beneath his response, "This is a race, Y/N, not a team-building exercise. If you can't trust me to lead, then maybe we shouldn't be partners."

Your chest grew with anger as you shot back, "Trust has to be earned, Gyro, and it goes both ways. I won't blindly follow someone just because of their reputation."

Gyro chuckled, "You're talking about reputation, now? So this is about your pride!"

"If this was about my pride, I'd be shoving in your face about my own reputation!" You cocked your head to the side.

Gyro smirked as he replied, "What, your reputation of always losing to Diego?"

"Ooh, you're one to talk—!"

Johnny, growing increasingly uncomfortable, tried to reason, "Guys, we can't waste time arguing like this. We're getting nowhere. Let's just continue traveling."

Johnny's words fell on deaf ears as you and Gyro locked eyes, the tension between you reaching a breaking point. The outcome of this argument would not only determine the route you took but also the dynamic of your partnership.

You pierced your lips, "I'm traveling my own way." You directed Lady Luck to the route you picked yourself.

Gyro yelled out at you, "Great! Have fun on your own— don't get knocked up!" He chuckled out loud which caused Johnny to shoot him a glare.