Evening – Lucent Corporation Penthouse Lounge
The city below burned in twilight. Neon reflections shimmered across glass skyscrapers, but Aeron Kael wasn't looking at any of them. He sat on a black leather couch, hunched slightly, his hand gripping a cold glass of water — untouched.
His eyes were distant.
He hadn't been sleeping.
He hadn't been smiling.
He hadn't been living — not really — since that kiss, since the confessions, since the pressure began closing in.
Yume's soft words.
Mirei's bold declaration.
Ayaka's silent obsession.
Everyone wanted a piece of him.
And Aeron — Aeron didn't want anyone.
He just wanted to breathe.
"Rough day?"
Himari Kael stepped in, dressed in a silk blouse, her presence instantly filling the room. She noticed the tension in his posture.
"You've been spacing out more lately," she said gently. "You never ask for help, but your silence screams louder than anything."
Aeron said nothing.
"…Come with me," she said, tossing him a car keycard with a black feather insignia. "You need something different."
---
An Hour Later – Lucent Ridge, Private Access Road
It was like another world.
No buildings.
No noise.
Only silence, moonlight, and the distant chirp of mountain birds.
The road curved through the forest like a ribbon of silk, lit only by streetlamps Himari's company had installed herself.
"This is my personal track," Himari said, guiding him toward a hangar-like structure tucked beneath the trees. "It's off-grid. Secure. No eyes here. Just air and road."
They stepped inside.
And Aeron froze.
Inside were over thirty supercars — from fiery reds to diamond whites, lined like beasts in hibernation. Carbon-fiber bodies, custom spoilers, hand-tuned engines. The air smelled like horsepower and adrenaline.
"…This is insane," Aeron muttered.
"They're all mine. Built or collected over the years," Himari said, pride dancing in her voice. "Only your father knows about this place."
"Why are you showing me this?"
"Because I think you need something that's yours. Something that isn't pressure or expectations or women trying to own you."
Aeron's eyes slowly settled on a car.
A matte black hypercar, elegant and deadly, with a subtle silver trim and serpentine headlights. One of only ten ever made.
"That one," he said softly.
Himari smiled.
"Perfect choice. Let's see if you're as good behind the wheel as you are at keeping secrets."
---
Midnight – Private Track
For the first time in weeks… Aeron felt alive.
The engine purred like a beast, roaring as he glided around curves, no fear in his eyes — only precision. Himari watched from a raised deck, arms crossed, jaw slightly open.
He wasn't just a fast learner.
He was a natural.
She whispered to herself:
> "This boy's terrifying…"