"May I kiss your forehead, Crimson?" She doesn't recoil or say a word, so I press my lips gently against her forehead. It's a tender and fleeting moment, but it fills me with a warmth that I can't explain.
"Just because a relationship has an expirat...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
DREXEL GENESIS
"It's finally the time for the 'Ultimate dirt race of love'!!" Archer holds up a rolled-up book like a microphone and yells excitedly as if I wasn't nervous enough.
"The Dirt race," Jed corrects him by taking his book back, but he stares at the book for a while before putting it back on the seat with a mumble, "I don't need this today." I bite my lip to keep in my smile.
"Finally, the moment we've all been waiting for. The ultimate challenge that will determine the fate of Crimson's future boyfriend. Who will it be? Drexel Genesis or Kash Grater? Ladies and gentlemen, stay tuned until the end to see who-"
"-Will you shut up, Archer?" Zeke interrupts with an eye roll. "You're making it sound like they're fighting for their lives or something. Do you secretly want to be a commentator?"
"Oh, come on. I've never been this excited for a race before. Let me enjoy it," Archer complains before leaning back in his seat.
I park my car next to the Dirt Race track and we all get out, feeling the cold air that blankets the dark sky and lit-up ground.
"Are you kidding me?" I exhale as I look around at the huge crowd that has gathered around the track. Seriously? I've never raced in front of so many people.
"Wow, Kash really went all out. Looks like he's spread the word," Jed observes, placing his hand on my shoulder. "How are you feeling?"
"Annoyed. I wanted this to be a private matter, not a public exhibition race," I grumble.
"Don't let it stop you from doing your best, Drex," Archer says sternly.
I nod and scan the crowd, trying to spot my rival, but to my frustration, I can't find him.
"Hey, Drex," comes the joshing voice of Archer. "Here comes the girl of the day."
My head instinctively turns towards the girls, but I quickly realise what he said and shoot him a warning glare. "Girl of the- Don't you dare say it out loud, you little piece of trashcan," I lowly seethe at my best friend who had my death threats looming over his head. He just innocently shrugs before waving at Crimson and Ayla.
I take a deep breath and remind myself to stay focused. No matter what happens today, I need to stay strong and face it head-on. It's time to man up, Drexel.
"Hey, Scarlet. Come to see me win?" I coolly ask despite the snickers in the background.
"It's Crimson," she says and looks around at the increasing crowd with amazed eyes. "Wow, this atmosphere, it's buzzing! Is today's race very significant?"
"Yeah. I'm racing against Kash but he has spread the word about today to many people. So that's the reason for the crowd," I begrudgingly reply.
"Ah, I see. Kash races too? Is it only you two racing tonight?"
