Choices || Han Lue

𝑡 ℎ 𝑟 𝑒 𝑒

𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐧 𝐧𝐨𝐡

Kas felt uncomfortable with someone else in the car with her. In all the years that she was driving – racing – she didn't like people in her car. In Hyeok was being respectful, he wasn't touching anything but the handle of the door and the seatbelt. In Hyeok knew a piece of art when he saw it. Kas' car was more than just a car, it was her pride and joy. In Hyeok wasn't going to touch a single thing inside it without permission. 

Kas cleared her throat, "How do you know about the racing scene?" 

"I did have a life before I came to California – South Korea's got car culture too, you know." In Hyeok commented. He kept his eyes on the road as he continued, "The US has more brands of cars than what I'm used to." In Hyeok glanced around the inside of the car. "You paid a lot for this, huh?"

Kas didn't answer. 

"This is a Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG, those go for around 300,000. That a little over 9 digits in won, something like 410,000,000 won. Give or take." In Hyeok rattled off. Kas was shocked – she did not expect someone like In Hyeok to know what model car she had or how much she actually paid for it. She really didn't peg him for someone to like cars or even racing. "Would you like me to continue?" In Hyeok asked.

"No, I think I get the idea." Kas commented, tightening her grip on the steering wheel. "I didn't peg you for a car guy." Kas added.

In Hyeok scoffed. "I have a grandfather who babies a classic Impala, and you didn't peg me for a car guy?" In Hyeok asked, almost sounding insulted. Technically, In Hyeok was insulted – the term car guy just never sat well on his tongue. Anyone could be into cars, that was an issue with a lot of people. But also, In Hyeok felt like there was a stimga against him. Yes, he was Asian, and yes, he was smart. He liked cars and racing, and no, he didn't want to stick his nose deep into a book for school.

Kas gave him that. She stereotyped him, and technically, she was a stereotype herself. But she shouldn't have said that to In Hyeok. "Yeah... I wasn't thinking." Kas commented.

"While the car culture is awesome in South Korea, it's nothing like around the world. They only have just started in on making races flashy with colored cars and cool mods. But we are limited due to customs and the government." In Hyeok explained as Kas took a turn, heading down an alley way. "We aren't allowed to import mods from other countries. And if you're caught, you get about 90 days in jail." In Hyeok explained.

Kas chuckled. "That sounds like California. The cops 'round here try their hardest to stop the street racers, but we're too fast for them." Kas glanced over to In Hyeok. "And the ones who try to infiltrate our community get sucked in." Kas winked before looking from side-to-side. 

"Is there a reason we're taking the side roads?"

"A buddy of mine who works at the same garage I do, he said that the cops are on high alert tonight." As usual, it was nothing strange for the cops to be on high alert on a night where there was a confirmed race. "Ever since Toretto left town, the cops keep a close eye on the community, waiting to see if he shows his face again." Kas explained.