End Of Heartache (OC x Canon)

Building A Friendship

Picking at the remnants of yesterday's dinner, Saki stared blankly at the television as it blared in the background, showing a program she hadn't paid attention to since entering this desolate hellhole.

Hayato wasn't here today - nor did she expect him to be. His promises always rang hollow, but damn if her bruised heart still yearned for any scrap of affection. If anything, his absences made the void within her ache all the more brutally.

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she reflected upon the shattered remains of the person she used to be. From shy gamer chick to scarred and weary junkie, drifting listlessly through a lifestyle built on shame and pain.

A part of her missed those simple days - logging countless hours into VRMMOs, surrounded by comfort food and her loving if eccentric circle of online pals.

Reluctantly, Saki grabbed her phone and texted Damion, "Hey... what are you up to today?" She texted, hoping he hadn't forgotten her...and that he meant what he said about having a friendship with her.

"Yokota Air Force Base is having an autocross event for Japanese and American military personnel today and I'm getting Ashley ready to go...you wanna come?" Damion texted, attaching a photo of Ashley kitted out with semi-slick tires.

Saki's eyes lit up as she read Damion's text, a smile spreading across her face. She missed him and their conversation. "I'd love to!" she replied eagerly. "Just let me know where and when, and I'll be there."

She was still aching from her current life, but just the thought of spending time with Damion made her feel a little better. Maybe he could help her find her way out, even if it was just by being a friend.

Saki eagerly awaited Damion's reply, her spirits lifting at the prospect of a new adventure with her new friend. She'd never been to an autocross event, and she was excited to experience something new.

In that moment, Saki clung to the hope that things could change—that she could break free from the life that had consumed her, if only for a little while longer. Damion's kindness and his genuine interest in her made her believe that she didn't have to be trapped in her past, even if only temporarily.

"I'll pick you up lol." Damion replied back.

Saki's heart skipped a beat at Damion's response. "Lol, sure!" she replied playfully. "I'll be ready!"

She grabbed a change of clothes and cleaned herself up as much as she could, wanting to appear presentable for Damion. Her heart raced as she waited for him outside the apartment.

As Damion's Viper pulled up, she couldn't help but feel excited and giddy, like a schoolgirl on her first date. She got in and buckled up, taking a moment to admire Ashley. "She's beautiful," Saki said with awe, not even realizing how excited she was to be a part of something so different from her usual routine.

"I'm new to all of this, though," she admitted as they drove towards the base. "What should I expect at an autocross event?" Saki asked, hoping this outing would be a fun and welcome break from her reality.

"Just have fun, Saki...that's it." Damion chuckled as he put the Viper into gear and pulled away from the curb.

Saki smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Fun," she echoed, feeling as though she hadn't had any in a very long time. It was a simple concept, yet it was something she'd lost along the way.

As they drove, she listened to the Viper's engine purr, feeling the wind in her hair for the first time in ages. It was a small thing, but it felt exhilarating to her.

"Thank you, Damion," she said sincerely, "for showing me something new and giving me a chance to have fun."

Saki's eyes widened as they approached the air base, taking in the sights. Soldiers in uniform, the sense of camaraderie, and the energy of the event. It was a world apart from her own.