Start Small, End Big.

We Should Celebrate

By the same quiet roadside where Liam and Hope confessed their feelings for each other, the two overlook the outskirts of Montreal. The city skyline stretches out before them, a breathtaking backdrop to their unfolding moment. Their hands are entwined, their hearts beating in sync as they bask in the glow of Liam's recent achievement. Liam grins from ear to ear, excitement brimming as he prepares to share the news.

Liam: Hope, I have something exciting to tell you.

Hope's hand tightens slightly around Liam's in anticipation.

Hope: What is it, Liam?

Liam, still in disbelief, speaks with enthusiasm.

Liam: I got my racing license today! I'm officially a licensed racer!

Hope's eyes light up with pride and joy. She throws her arms around Liam, her voice bubbling with excitement.

Hope: Liam, that's amazing! I knew you could do it!

Liam chuckles softly.

Liam: Thanks, Hope. It's been a journey, but I can't believe it's real.

As they pull away from the hug, Hope's eyes sparkle with admiration for the man before her, his passion and determination shining through.

Hope: Liam, you never cease to amaze me. I'm so proud of you.

Liam gazes into her eyes, his emotions surging.

Liam: That means a lot, Hope. Having you here makes it all the more special.

In that moment, he feels a wave of love and gratitude for Hope, knowing her unwavering support played a huge role in his success.

Hope: So, how do you want to celebrate?

Liam considers for a moment, weighing their options.

Liam: How about we go out for dinner? Just the two of us. Somewhere nice, where we can relax and soak it all in.

Hope beams at the idea.

Hope: I love that plan. Let's do it.

They make their way to Liam's car, the anticipation of the evening ahead filling them with excitement. Liam opens the car door for Hope with a playful bow.

Liam: After you, my lady.

Hope laughs, playing along.

Hope: Why, thank you, kind sir.

As they drive through the city streets, their laughter mingles with the soft hum of the engine. Liam steals glances at Hope, marveling at the way the city lights reflect in her eyes. He reaches over, taking her hand in his.

Liam: Hope, I have something else I want to say.

She turns to face him, curiosity alight in her expression.

Hope: What is it, Liam?

Liam's voice is gentle, full of love.

Liam: I'm so grateful to have you in my life. I know I don't say it enough, but your love and support mean everything to me.

Hope's heart swells with emotion.

Hope: Liam, I feel the same way. You've brought so much joy into my life. I'm glad to see you beaming with happiness.

Their words hang in the air, a silent vow of love and devotion. Pulling into the restaurant parking lot, Liam takes her hand again.

Liam: Shall we?

Hope smiles through glistening tears, looking at the man she loves deeply.

Hope: Let's make tonight a night to remember.

As they step into the restaurant, their hearts overflow with love and gratitude. They celebrate Liam's achievement and the journey they've begun together, knowing their future is brimming with endless possibilities.

*****

Elsewhere...

A black GR Corolla drifts around a sharp bend under the starlit sky on a long country road outside Montreal. Tires screech with precision as the three-cylinder engine roars, its sound reverberating off the walls of a tunnel. The car slices through the air, speeding along the winding road at 80 miles per hour. The camera zooms in on the driver—a relatively older man with a focused, intense gaze locked on the road ahead. He crosses a finish line marked subtly along the route, where another man waits, holding a stopwatch.

Mysterious Man: That's 40 seconds faster than the N Demon's time. I think you're ready, Arturo.

The driver, Arturo, steps out of the car, his expression unreadable as he approaches the man with the stopwatch.

Arturo: Huh. Maybe I am ready. Let's challenge him—and fast. I heard he got his racing license. He might be leaving the streets soon.

The mysterious man smirks knowingly.

Mysterious Man: Don't worry. I've got people on it.

*****

Back at the restaurant...

Liam and Hope are mid-conversation when three men enter, ignoring the hostess and making their way straight to their table. One of them leans casually on the table, his presence commanding attention.

Guy 1: Are you Liam Allard?

Liam and Hope exchange nervous glances before Liam responds cautiously.

Liam: Um, yeah. Do I know you?

Guy 2: That's not important. We're here to deliver a message... for the N Demon.

Liam's expression hardens, his demeanor shifting as the weight of their words sinks in.