01| THE TOURIST

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Serenei hadn't been home when Sean had arrived, she had been sleeping over at friends' house since her dad was bringing lady friends home. She wasn't even sure when he would come. She was chilling in the garage re-organizing some car parts.

The sound of the car drifting parallel inside the entrance made her roll her eyes and grin. Han stepped out of his car with a subtle smirk on his face.

Han, with a subtle smirk, stepped into the garage and queried, "Don't you ever go home?"

"I consider this home Han." Serenei responded.

Noting the car keys swinging on his finger, Han casually remarked, "Wasn't your brother supposed to arrive soon?"

"Honestly, don't know." Serenei shrugged.

"Go home and get ready, you're going with me tonight," he declared from his office, glancing at stacks of papers.

"I said to Reiko that I'd go with her" she protested.

"and I said you're going with me."

"Yes, Han. As simple as that" she rolled her eyes and waved him goodbye. She sat in her car and drove away.

Later that night, upon speaking with her father, Serenei learned that Sean had arrived the day before, though his current whereabouts remained unknown. Choosing not to comment on her father's irresponsible behavior, she hastily dressed and departed.

Clad in a snug, long-sleeved black shirt and jeans, Serenei added small earrings to her ensemble, no need for a cross necklace as it was a constant accessory. As she stepped out of the house, a honk startled her, revealing Han in the driver's seat, wearing a knowing smile.

"Didn't we agree to meet there?"

"Changed my mind," he replied.

"Well, change it back." she insisted.

"You play hard to get and I'll play hard to get rid of. Either way, please get in the car."

After a brief ride, they arrived at the designated spot in the garage, where Han's car was parked. As they approached DK, Serenei discovered that the bar where she worked was his, and her employment there was based on his appreciation for her appearance. Despite their occasional conflicts, they maintained a somewhat amicable relationship.

Ah, the cars.

In the vibrant streets of Tokyo, car culture was a pulsating heartbeat, a rhythm echoing through the city's veins. Sleek, colorful vehicles adorned with flashy decals and dazzling lights zipped through the neon-lit nights.

Each car seemed like a personalized work of art, a reflection of its owner's personality and style. Racing events transformed ordinary roads into battlegrounds, where drivers showcased their skills in a symphony of speed and precision.

The air was thick with the scent of burning rubber and the distant hum of engines. Tokyo's car culture wasn't just about transportation; it was a dance, a celebration, and an expression of passion for the road.

Seeking out Reiko, Serenei inquired, "Hey DK, seen Reiko?" pointing toward Neela's approaching car. Serenei, admiring Neela's vehicle, overheard their argument about driving techniques.

"- cause the way you drive is wrong!" Reiko groaned at Neela. It had been approximately two seconds since Neela had parked and they were already arguing.

"I don't need a computer to tell me about my throttle response," Neela bit back.

"Then we're done here," Earl said unphased.

A familiar face approached, and Serenei struggled to place it until realization dawned.

"Sean! What the fuck are you doing here?" She embraced him, unsure if she was mad or happy to see him.

"Well, got sent here 'cause I went full-on Dukes of Hazzard shit on some kid" he explained.

"No shit, but you shouldn't be here. You do one wrong here and your ass is set for jail " she warned, a lingering smile on her face.

"I'll take my shot."

"Not if I shoot you first."

Reiko and Earl departed to explore other cars, leaving Seri with Twinkie, who engaged with her brother. Feeling confident in leaving Sean in Twinkie's care, Serenei joined DK, Morimoto, and Han. However, attention quickly shifted back to her brother as Takashi noticed an unfamiliar guy talking to Neela.

But not a second after that, the attention had been averted back to her brother. Takashi's eyes trailed over the scene and found an unknown guy talking to his girl.

"Who's the tourist?" Takashi inquired mischievously, foreshadowing the impending confrontation.

"What's with you and school girls D? You're moving up in the world, you gotta elevate your company." Han teased loudly, prompting Takashi to approach the new guy. Han leaned back, casually sliding an arm around Serenei.

"Han. That guy is Sean. My half-brother," she laughed, fully aware that trouble was brewing.

"Thought he looked familiar..." Han said. Serenei smirked, they looked nothing alike.

"So when are you going to elevate your company?" she asked, referring to Han's earlier comment.

"You are as elevated as it gets, my dear." he flirted, attempting a kiss that landed on her cheek as she turned away.

"Aren't you hot?" he questioned, gesturing toward her clothing.

"I'm always hot" she quipped, standing up with Han following suit.

"Oy!"

Han, Morimoto, Serenei, and a few onlookers formed a crowd as Sean became the center of attention. Twinkie intervened, Han struggled to contain his laughter, and DK's involvement with Neela added complexity to the situation.

"He was just leaving." he was assuring.

"I don't know man." DK wrapped his arms around Neela. Serenei sighed at the sight. The poor girl was slowly getting caught in all of his antics and she soon wouldn't be able to get out. He followed with a mumble in Japanese.

"Sorry I don't speak Japanese," Sean said as he glanced behind DK to see a familiar face - Serenei. She shook her head disapprovingly, and Han found the entire spectacle quite entertaining.

DK kissed Neela's cheek. "understand that, Gaijin?" he grinned.

TOKYO DRIFT, Han Lue  ✓Where stories live. Discover now