Mending the Lunar Scars

Chapter 19

Luca's heart pounded with a mix of excitement and anticipation as he stepped out of the car, the crisp winter air biting at his face. He had finally arrived in Amerson, the city that would host the prestigious Winter Arc championship.

He checked into the luxurious hotel where his reservations had been made, the opulent lobby a stark contrast to the gritty world of underground racing. As he approached the reception counter, he presented his identification, his eyes scanning the room for any familiar faces.

A receptionist, dressed in a sleek uniform, greeted him with a polite smile. "Welcome, sir. Your room is on the 12th floor. Please follow Mr. Prinx, he will escort you to your room."

Luca nodded, his gaze following the smartly dressed bellhop who was already walking towards the elevators. As he stepped into the elevator, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. This was it. This was his chance to prove himself, to make a name for himself in the world of underground racing.

He checked into his room, a spacious suite with panoramic views of the city. After organizing his luggage, he took a moment to relax and reflect on his journey. It had been a long flight, but it was worth the travel.

With the racing events scheduled for tomorrow, he still had a few hours to explore the city and see if he could find any trace of Raya. Amerson was a small town, and he had made a list of places she usually visited, based on her social media profile.

As he stepped out of the hotel, he was greeted by the crisp winter air and the bustling energy of the city streets. The town was adorned with festive decorations, a stark contrast to the quiet solitude of his life back home.

Luca began his search, his heart filled with a mixture of hope and anticipation. He visited the places he knew Raya frequented, hoping to catch a glimpse of her, or at least a sign of her presence.

After spending hours at places she visited, Luca couldn't find her or have any sign of her arrival. He was deeply sad and disappointed, a wave of despair washing over him. With a heavy heart, he returned to his hotel room, his hopes dashed.

His disappointment was a bitter pill to swallow, but he knew he couldn't let it affect his focus for tomorrow's important race. He took a deep breath, trying to shake off the melancholy.

Despite his disappointment, Luca took his sleeping pills and went to sleep, hoping that rest would restore his spirits and prepare him for the challenges ahead. As he drifted off to sleep, he dreamt of Raya, her face a blur of longing and regret. He hoped that someday, they would be reunited, that their paths would cross once again.

Next Day

The next morning, Luca woke up feeling refreshed and excited for his first race. He got out of bed and moved towards the bathroom to take a cold shower. In the year since he had last seen Raya, his physique had undergone a remarkable transformation.

His once lean frame had filled out, his muscles rippling beneath his skin. His hair, previously longer and slightly tousled, was now a buzz cut, giving him a more rugged and determined look. His eyes, a striking shade of blue, seemed to hold a newfound intensity, a reflection of the inner strength he had cultivated.

As he stepped out of the shower, he admired his reflection in the mirror. He was no longer the same boy who had been heartbroken by Raya's loss. He had grown stronger, more resilient, and more determined than ever.

As he got ready for his race, he heard a knock on his door. Curious, he opened it, his heart pounding with anticipation.

"Stephy? How come you're here?" he asked, his voice filled with surprise.