A shoulder to lean on ( Joongdunk)

Part:16

"Hey, man, everything good?" A tall, striking young Irishman named Rhys clapped Joong on the shoulder, his tone full of casual camaraderie as he watched Joong recheck everything for what felt like the hundredth time.

"Of course, Rhys. I'm ready to hit the track." Joong clenched his fist with determination, shaking it lightly as he exchanged a glance with Rhys. Dressed head-to-toe in a sleek red , yellow and black racing suit, Joong's presence exuded sheer professionalism. His eyes, hidden behind the visor of his helmet, were locked on the track with unwavering focus-an aura that could steal the breath of anyone who looked his way.

"Joong, we're good to go," called out Alan, Joong's seasoned trainer, and Tan, his meticulous manager, in perfect unison. Joong turned to them, offering a confident nod. With a swift movement, he ran his fingers through his hair before slipping on his helmet once again. The world around him faded as he hopped into the car, his mind singularly focused on victory.

Meanwhile, on the bustling streets of the USA, tension was rising ,

"What the hell is up with all this traffic today?" Dunk groaned in frustration, drumming his fingers impatiently against the headrest of the car seat.

"It's the Indy500, man. This is normal," Henry, a laid-back American with a hint of a grin, replied. Dunk rolled his head back, sinking into the seat with a mix of irritation and anxiety.

"If Ple had told me earlier, I could've gotten you there first thing in the morning. The views around the track are incredible-you could've soaked it all in before the crowds showed up," Henry added with a hint of amusement.

"It's fine, Henry... We were tied up with the wedding last night and got in late. But now, I'm antsy. It's already 12:05 pm, and the race starts at 11:45. I don't even know if I'll catch any of it," Dunk replied, his impatience evident.

"Relax, Dunk. You'll see it," Henry assured, his calm demeanor barely masking the excitement brewing beneath the surface.

As they navigated through the traffic, Dunk pulled out his phone, his eyes fixed on an Instagram post showing uploaded a few minutes ago. His heart thudded in his chest-a mix of excitement, curiosity, and something else he couldn't quite put a finger on. He had barely shaken off the effects of last night's celebrations, driven only by an inexplicable pull towards someone he couldn't stop thinking about.

"We're here," Henry's voice snapped Dunk back to reality. He scrambled out of the car, following Henry toward the entrance.

The track was alive with energy, the roar of engines and the frenzied commentary creating a symphony of adrenaline.

"The track is on fire! Grayson's next-third place for now! But wait, Joong's up next!"

"Joong's on the track, though he doesn't need to push, and-hold on-a red flag!"

"Harley just edged ahead of Verstappen, and Hamilton's climbing! But Joong-
he's demoted the Mercedes!"

"Joong, Hamilton, Grayson, and Harley are all back out there, pushing for the top spot on this damp track!"

"Frantic action in the pits, as everyone prepares for one last attempt!"

"What a lap from Joong!"

"He's just found the best lap of his weekend when it mattered most-first place, right on Grayson's heels!"

The commentators' voices buzzed in Dunk's ears as he scanned the track, his heart hammering against his ribs. The whole venue was a cauldron of anticipation, the crowd roaring with excitement.