Street Racer || Yang Jungwon

°•♡•° / 58

—— Seori

The morning air was crisp as I made my way to school, the familiar hustle and bustle of students greeting the new day. Yet, even as I walked through the gates, a sense of unease prickled at the back of my mind. I could feel eyes on me, and when I glanced to the side, my suspicions were confirmed.

Jiyeon and her cronies stood near the lockers, their gazes fixed on me like predators watching their prey. Jiyeon, with her impeccably styled hair and carefully crafted smile, seemed to be at the center of their attention. It wasn’t a friendly smile—there was something lurking behind it, a hint of malice that sent a shiver down my spine. She was definitely still up to something, and I couldn't shake the nagging thought that she might have been in the bushes, watching me and Jungwon during our reunion date.

The memory of that night replayed in my mind, the warmth of Jungwon's embrace contrasting sharply with the cold, calculating look in Jiyeon’s eyes. What if she had seen us? What if she had been spying, planning her next move? The thought made my stomach twist with anxiety.

I tried to push the thoughts away, focusing instead on Yeji, who walked beside me, her fingers flying across her phone screen as she texted Jake. Jake was one of Jungwon’s friends, and from the way Yeji’s lips curved into a satisfied smile, I could tell they were talking about us.

"Your plan worked, you know," I said, trying to sound lighthearted despite the knot of worry tightening in my chest. "Jungwon and I are back together, and I guess I have you to thank for that."

Yeji glanced up from her phone, her smile widening. "Of course it worked! You two were meant to be. It just needed a little push." She winked at me before turning her attention back to her phone, probably sending Jake a play-by-play of our morning.

I smiled back, but it felt forced. I couldn’t tell Yeji about Jiyeon—not yet. I didn’t want to drag her into my paranoia, especially when she was so happy with Jake. Still, the weight of Jiyeon’s stare stayed with me all day, a constant reminder that she was still out there, still scheming.

Classes passed by in a blur, and before I knew it, the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. Relief washed over me as I gathered my things, eager to leave the school grounds and the unsettling presence of Jiyeon behind.

As I stepped outside, my heart lifted at the sight of Jungwon waiting by his car. He leaned against the hood, his expression softening as soon as he saw me. The tension that had been building all day melted away, replaced by the comfort of knowing I was safe with him.

"Hey," I greeted him, slipping my hand into his as he pulled me close.

"Hey yourself," Jungwon murmured, his voice low and soothing. "Rough day?"

I sighed, leaning my head against his shoulder. "Just... school stuff. You know how it is."

He didn’t press for details, and I was grateful for that. Instead, he opened the car door for me, and soon we were driving away from the school, leaving the worries of the day behind. The hum of the engine and the familiar streets passing by were a welcome distraction, and I found myself relaxing more with each passing moment.

"Where are we going?" I asked as we turned onto a road I recognized as leading away from my house.

Jungwon flashed me a smile. "I thought we could hang out at the racing house for a bit. The guys are there, and it’s been a while since we all hung out together."

I nodded, the idea of spending time with his friends actually sounding like a good way to unwind. The racing house was more than just a place where Jungwon and his friends worked on their cars and prepared for races—it was a haven, a place where I always felt welcome. Plus, I missed the camaraderie, the easy banter that flowed between the guys.