Crime, Betrayal, and Love (A Seventeen Street Racing AU)

LXIII | Start of the End

I feel underdressed. The preliminary races had seemed very casual. Apparently, that wasn't the same for the finals, and no one had decided to tell me to pack well.

Now, I'm standing in the corner of a lounge, trying to blend in with the wall. I'll have to go into town tomorrow to buy something better than decent jeans and a band tee.

"It really isn't that bad," Jisoo sighs, joining me in my corner of shame.

"Nobody else is even wearing jeans," I groan. "And you're one to speak. You're wearing a dress!"

"A casual dress."

"Hardly." The dress fell to her knees and was a pristine white. Only Jisoo could wear that color for so long and not stain it.

"I don't think anybody in here is judging you."

"You don't know that," I huff, even though she's almost definitely right.

Maybe I could believe it if Jeonghan wasn't staring at me. He hasn't stopped the entire night. Although, I doubt his watch is from my wardrobe. Whatever he and his mysterious accomplice were talking about was happening tonight.

"Come on!" Jisoo grabs onto my arm and pulls me into the lounge. "S.Coups got the fancy lounge for us. We might as well use it!"

"Actually, this is thanks to Jennie. Apparently, she trusts we'll do well." S.Coups turns his attention to me. "So, we have you to thank for this." He offers me a small smile and nods before walking off again. Always one of few words.

Jisoo elbows me, wiggling her eyebrows. "See. Nobody can judge you now."

Rolling my eyes, I finally submit to her. "Fine. But you're helping me find better clothes for the next race."

"Gladly!"

Still holding onto me, Jisoo pulls me to the mini self-serve bar in the corner, and I finally take the opportunity to appreciate the luxury lounge. However, it still feels crowded, considering how many members are roaming. All the competing racers, besides S.Coups, who's talking to Jeonghan, Hoshi, and DK, are on the ground floor, either preparing to race or collecting bets.

I'm surprised that the self-proclaimed' best collector' is mingling here when he could be making money. It has something to do with his unknown plan.

"What do you want to drink?" Jisoo asks, bringing out a bottle of soju from the fridge.

"I'm good for now." I want to keep a clear head tonight, even though a drink would help calm my mind.

"Suit yourself," Jisoo shrugs, popping open the bottle and pouring shots. Wonwoo and Jun, who are surprisingly not accompanied by Sana, quickly make their way over to join in the fun.

As the trio begins to take shots, I slink off, moving to stand by the window and observe the track below. Or, more accurately, find Mingyu.

It's easy to spot the hot red car among the other racers. The twenty stands out from the other red cars.

One other red car stands out, Yangyang's, stationed in third place. He stands beside it, happily waving to the crowd.

My heart falls when I don't see Mingyu beside his vehicle or anywhere else on the track. I doubt he's already in his car. There are still fifteen minutes until the race starts, and there's a good chance it'll end up starting late.

Trying to keep my mind focused, I scan over the other cars, testing myself on how many I recognize. S.Coups and Dino's are the first cars I notice. After that, Jooehon's orange and Ryujin's violet stick out brightly. I barely recognize the car but see a Got7 member standing beside a blue sports car. Mark, I think.