Annyeongz One-shots

20. Full Throttle for Her

The neon lights reflected off the polished chrome of Yujin's Yamaha NMAX as he sat still, eyes focused, hands firm on the handlebars. He wasn’t just a racer—he was the racer. Every legal race held at Seoul’s midnight circuit had his name on the top. Undefeated. Calm. Precise. Deadly fast.

He wasn’t there for attention or money. He raced for the thrill. For the way the wind hit him at 160 km/h. For the feeling of weightless freedom.

As the traffic light blinked red and the countdown started, a familiar presence pulled up beside him.

Kang Minjae.

The guy was loud, flashy, and arrogant—Yujin's longtime rival. He had the kind of smirk you wanted to punch and a voice that never stopped bragging. But this time, Minjae wasn’t alone.

Seated quietly behind him was a girl Yujin had noticed more times than he cared to admit.

Jang Wonyoung.

Long brown hair, soft eyes, and a quiet sadness that clung to her like perfume. Yujin had seen her with Minjae too often—being ignored, belittled, even embarrassed when Minjae flirted with other girls in front of her. One time, Yujin even vented to his friend Jaehyun about it.

"She looks like she's dying inside every time he pulls that crap," Yujin had muttered.

"Then do something, man," Jaehyun had said. "You’re not just a racer. You’re human. Be the guy she should’ve been with.”

Tonight, Minjae seemed cockier than usual.

He looked over, grinning. “Let’s raise the stakes.”

Yujin didn’t respond.

“If you beat me, you get her,” Minjae said, nodding back at Wonyoung like she was an object. “She’s tired of me anyway. Maybe you can be her hero.”

Yujin’s jaw tensed.

“And if I win,” Minjae continued, “I want your NMAX.”

Yujin glanced at Wonyoung. She didn’t look up. Her eyes were on her lap, hands shaking slightly. But in that small second, she tilted her head up just enough to meet his eyes—and Yujin saw something.

Not a plea for help.

A silent scream.

“I accept,” Yujin said quietly, but with fire in his voice.

The crowd held its breath. The countdown hit zero.

The race began.

Minjae took the first lead, weaving through traffic like a man possessed. But Yujin didn’t panic. He analyzed. Waited. Played the long game. Then came the final stretch—a narrow bend by the riverside with only enough space for one to slip through.

Yujin made his move.

His NMAX sliced forward like a blade, sliding just inches past Minjae’s front wheel.

He crossed the finish line first.

The crowd exploded. But Yujin ignored them all. He turned off the ignition and got off his bike. Minjae arrived seconds later, panting and furious.

“A deal’s a deal,” Minjae growled. He yanked off his helmet and snapped at Wonyoung, “Go. He’s yours now.”

She stood still.

Wonyoung didn’t move—not toward Minjae, not toward Yujin.

She looked... lost.

Yujin didn’t say anything. Instead, he walked toward her slowly, removed his helmet, and spoke gently.