Zero To A Hundred With You

Chapter 33: The Rounds

There was a week left before the qualifiers for the ROA Cup Round 2 would be announced. Teams from all over the country and the world had arrived to begin conducting tests. Inside Akinabalu Motorsport's garage, Alice and Sugimoto stood in front of their cars. The light dimly lit their vehicles parked side by side. They stared at their race cars, feeling confident in them.

"Man, I look so cool right now." Sugimoto told her.

"What a way to ruin the moment Senpai." Alice chuckled and punched his arm slightly.

As they were joking around, Ghazali went up to them.

"Alright team, I've talked to the stewards and they told me that the current testing session is full. So we'll be starting testing in the afternoon. You're free until then." Ghazali told them.

"Ah, that's a bummer." Alice muttered.

"I see, thanks for the info Gaz." Sugimoto told her.

"Glad to help, I'll call you guys if we need anything from you. Peace!" Ghazali said before leaving them alone.

Alice and Sugimoto now stood there, not knowing what to do. Then suddenly Sugimoto has an idea.

"Hey kid, let's check out our potential opponents." Sugimoto said.

"Sure. I guess It's better than rotting in the break room anyway." Alice told him.

They walked out of their garage and looked around. The paddock area was lively as drivers, mechanics, crews and stewards were all hanging out outside their garages. They all shared the same passion for motorsports, the scenery made Alice's eyes light up.

"Man look at all these people! It feels like it's a carnival!" Alice told him.

"It sure does. It looks like they're all enjoying themselves." Sugimoto replied.

As they were admiring the scenery, a familiar person walked towards them.

"Morning you two!" Kara told them.

"Morning Kara!" Alice cheerfully said.

"Morning Fujiwara." Sugimoto casually said.

Kara looks up at Sugimoto and notices that Sugimoto has dyed his hair. A small smirk formed on Kara's face.

"Oh wow Asashi, that looks great on you." Kara teased.

"It feels like your compliment isn't genuine." Sugimoto told her with a visible vein.

As Kara was teasing Sugimoto, Alice decided to ask Kara something.

"Hey Kara, are you practicing in the afternoon?" Alice asked.

"Nah we're practicing this morning. The team is currently preparing final touches before we roll out to the track." Kara told them.

"Ah, I see. We're practicing this afternoon. Good luck with practice." Alice told her.

"Thanks! I also heard that the Riversons will practice with you guys." Kara warned them.

"Richard?" Alice muttered.

She began having flashbacks to the restaurant incident. Sugimoto and Kara looked at her, a bit confused. Alice soon snaps out of it.

"What about Richard?" Sugimoto asked.

"N-Nothing, I was just thinking of ways to beat him again." Alice chuckled.

"I Love that confidence, Alice! You'll get'em, although I'm still confused about what went down between you." Kara said.

As they talked, Alice's teammate called her over. Kara gestured to them before turning back to Alice.

"I guess that's my queue, see ya later!" Kara told them.