Evening – Private Track
Himari led them to a glass viewing room overlooking a sprawling mountain loop track, far away from Tokyo's traffic.
The silence broke as a black car flashed across the screen.
Its engine roared. It was too fast—impossibly fast.
"That's Aeron," Himari said.
Yume's eyes widened. "He's the one driving… that?!"
Misora whispered, "But guys never race in this world... This is insane…"
---
Ayaka Appears
Ayaka appeared beside them, arms folded. "So now you know."
"You knew?!" Yume turned, stunned.
"He told me last week," Ayaka said, her eyes locked on the black blur outside. "He didn't want anyone else to know."
The car skidded around a sharp curve, impossibly precise.
"He said I could come next time…" Ayaka whispered.
---
Mirei Joins
A separate elevator opened.
Mirei Asagiri stepped inside the lounge, her red eyes immediately spotting the car on the screen.
"That's him?" she asked.
"Yes," Himari confirmed.
Mirei's lips parted. "Even among men… he's different."
Her nails dug lightly into her wrist.
> "I can't lose him to anyone."
---
Below – The Driver's World
Inside the car, Aeron leaned into a curve at 300 km/h, eyes calm, hands steady.
The moonlight hit the side of the vehicle like silver fire.
> Here, he didn't have to talk. Didn't have to smile.
He could be free.
---
Observation Room
Tatsuki broke the silence. "I can't believe it… I thought he was just a quiet kid."
Yume pressed a hand to her chest. "He's not just quiet. He's hiding a storm."
Ayaka, silently watching, whispered:
> "And that storm belongs to me."