Mid-April.
Morning had already begun its slow climb toward noon.
Sunlight poured across the grounds of Tracen Academy—not harsh, not yet summer—but bright enough to cast long, clean shadows across the walkways. A quiet kind of warmth settled in, the kind that made the air feel still rather than alive.
It was the weekend.
And like most weekends, the dormitories had emptied out.
Hallways that were usually filled with chatter and footsteps now sat in a soft, undisturbed silence. Doors closed. Curtains drawn. The occasional breeze slipping through open windows, stirring just enough movement to remind the place it wasn't abandoned.
Inside the Ritto Dormitory.
Silence Suzuka's room.
Still.
Orderly.
And currently occupied by only one person.
Suzuka knelt on the floor, posture straight, movements precise.
Two suitcases sat open in front of her—both already half-filled. Neatly folded clothes lined the interior: casual wear, travel attire, and carefully selected essentials placed with intention rather than haste.
Nothing was thrown in.
Everything had its place.
She reached over, lifting a folded white blouse, giving it one final adjustment before setting it down into the case. Her fingers smoothed over the fabric, flattening even the slightest crease.
A pause.
Then she reached for a smaller pouch—documents, travel necessities—and tucked it into the inner compartment.
Click.
The zipper slid smoothly across.
Then the second.
Click.
Both suitcases closed.
Suzuka rested her hands lightly on top of them and exhaled.
"…That should be it for now."
Her voice was quiet, almost blending into the room itself.
Two days.
In two days, she would be leaving Japan.
Destination—France.
More specifically—
Monaco.
April 24.
The Monaco Grand Prix.
A name that carried weight even beyond racing circles. History carved into narrow streets. Corners that demanded perfection. No runoff. No forgiveness.
And this time—
She wasn't just attending.
She had been invited.
By McLaren.
To drive something far more significant than just a car.
An ex-James Hunt McLaren M23D.
The very machine that carried him to the 1976 World Championship.
A car that didn't just belong to history—
It was history.
Suzuka's gaze drifted slightly.
Behind her.
To the other side of the room.
Special Week's space.
Her luggage sat there—already packed. Closed. Ready.
Too ready.
Suzuka tilted her head slightly.
"…It's strange."
She stood slowly, brushing her hands lightly against her skirt as she rose.
Step by step, she walked closer.
Her eyes shifted to the bed.
Neatly made.
Untouched.
"…She's been leaving every weekend."
A pause.
Her expression didn't change much—but there was thought behind it.
"…And she should be preparing for the trip too."
There was no frustration in her voice.
Only quiet observation.
Then—
She shook her head once, gently dismissing the thought.
"Maybe she has her reasons."
Knock. Knock.
The sound cut cleanly through the silence.
Suzuka turned immediately.
Measured steps carried her to the door. Her hand reached for the handle, twisting it open without hesitation.
Standing outside—
Symboli Rudolf
And beside her—
Forever Young
Forever Young wasted no time.
She pulled off her glasses with one hand, her energy practically spilling forward as she leaned slightly toward the doorway.
"Hey Suzuka!"
She waved, bright and animated.
Suzuka smiled faintly.
A small, natural chuckle followed.
"Good morning, Forever-san."
Forever Young immediately peeked past Suzuka's shoulder, eyes scanning the room.
The suitcases didn't escape her notice.
"Ooh!"
She leaned in just a bit more.
"You're traveling somewhere?"
Suzuka nodded once.
"In two days. Yes."
Forever Young straightened, placing one hand on her hip.
"Where to?"
Suzuka stepped slightly to the side, giving them space as she answered.
"Monaco."
That did it.
Forever Young's eyes lit up instantly.
"Ooooooh!! I've always wanted to go to Monaco!"
She pulled both hands up to her chest, excitement barely contained.
"Can I come?!"
Suzuka chuckled softly, lifting a hand to scratch her cheek.
"I'll ask Zak if I can bring you along."
A small smile.
"…No promises."
Suzuka crossed her arms lightly.
"So—what brings you two here?"
Rudolf stepped forward then, posture composed as always.
"Since we won't be here for a while," she began, voice calm and measured, "I thought it would be a good idea to take a short trip."
A brief pause.
"To Okutama."
Her eyes met Suzuka's.
"Lunch. Sightseeing. This time of year is ideal—before the summer crowds arrive."
Suzuka nodded almost immediately.
"Of course. I'd love to join."
Forever Young pumped her fist once.
"Alright! Let's go!"
She turned on her heel without waiting, already heading down the hallway toward her own room—likely to get ready at record speed.
Suzuka leaned slightly out of the doorway, watching her go.
A small exhale.
"...She's in a good mood."
Rudolf chuckled, covering her mouth lightly with her hand.
"Yes."
There was a knowing look in her eyes.
"Whatever Gold City, King Halo, McQueen, Sirius, and Nice Nature did…"
A faint smirk.
"It worked."
She shifted her gaze slightly, thoughtful now.
"She's been driving the Shuto almost every day."
A pause.
"Finding her peace."
Her tone softened just slightly.
"And it seems she's returned to how we know her."
A small nod.
"Energetic. Lively."
Suzuka nodded in agreement.
"…Driving does that."
A brief silence passed between them.
Comfortable.
"Give me ten to fifteen minutes," Suzuka said, stepping back into her room. "I'll get ready."
Rudolf nodded once.
"Take your time."
She turned, beginning to walk away—
Then stopped.
A glance over her shoulder.
"King Halo and Sirius Symboli will be joining us."
A slight pause.
"Possibly McQueen as well."
Suzuka nodded.
"Any company is always appreciated."
Rudolf gave a small wink.
"Always."
The door closed with a soft click.
Silence returned.
Suzuka exhaled once more, then turned toward her closet.
She slid it open.
Inside—orderly rows of clothing, just like everything else about her.
Her hand hovered briefly—
Then selected a casual outfit.
Simple.
Comfortable.
Suitable for a drive.
As she began to change—
The quiet morning slowly shifted.
Not into noise.
But into movement.
Because today—
Wasn't about racing.
Not yet.
It was about the road.
And whatever waited for them—
Out in Okutama.
Time passed quickly.
The quiet of the dorms gave way to movement—footsteps, doors opening, the faint echo of voices returning to life.
Down at the parking area.
Cars sat lined up in formation.
Engines off.
Metal still cool.
Waiting.
A small group had already gathered.
Symboli Rudolf
Forever Young
And Sirius Symboli
All standing around—
Forever Young's GR GT.
Rudolf stepped closer first.
Her hand found the flush door handle, fingers pressing inward with a precise motion.
Click.
The handle popped outward.
She pulled the door open smoothly and leaned slightly inside.
Her eyes scanned the cabin.
"…Oh?"
A small note of surprise.
"This is… unexpectedly comfortable."
Leather.
Soft-touch materials.
A cockpit designed not just for speed—but for distance.
Her gaze shifted across the dash—digital displays, clean interfaces, modern controls.
"…And well-equipped," she added. "You've got the latest technology integrated here."
Forever Young beamed, arms folding proudly.
"That's right! She's perfect for relaxing drives too!"
Rudolf chuckled softly, stepping back out and resting a hand on the door.
"A grand tourer."
She nodded once.
"A category built exactly for that purpose. Long distances. Comfort. Stability."
A faint smile.
"The kind of car that makes you want to keep driving."
Sirius let out a quiet chuckle from the side.
"Relaxing, huh?"
She tilted her head slightly, smirk forming.
"Did you see her on the Shuto a couple weeks ago?"
Her eyes closed briefly as she lowered her head, recalling it.
"That wasn't a cruiser."
A pause.
"That was something else entirely."
She opened her eyes again, looking at Forever Young.
"In one run—she went from calm to ruthless."
A slight grin.
"Zero to one hundred."
Rudolf let out a soft laugh.
"Seems like Gold City taught you well."
Forever Young nodded quickly.
"Mhm! She's amazing! A natural when it comes to the Shuto!"
Rudolf shook her head lightly, straightening her posture.
"You should ask Maruzensky for advice too."
She folded her arms.
"She's one of the first Umas to ever own a car."
Forever Young blinked.
Eyes widening.
"Wait—Maruzensky-san was one of the first?!"
Rudolf nodded.
"Yes."
A small, amused exhale.
"I followed soon after."
A slight pause.
"…Though I'd say she didn't exactly suggest it."
Sirius snorted softly.
"'Coerced' is one way to put it."
Rudolf smiled.
"Encouraged. Persistently."
Forever Young leaned in closer, curiosity clear.
"Any tips for driving on the Shuto, Kaichou?"
Rudolf paused.
Thinking.
Her arms crossed, one hand lifting to her chin as her fingers tapped lightly.
A few seconds passed.
Then she looked directly at Forever Young.
"Enjoy it."
Simple.
But firm.
"Take everything in—the road, the car, the moment."
Her voice softened slightly.
"And don't rush it."
A pause.
"Use the road to clear your mind."
Her eyes held steady.
"Let the drive carry away whatever you're holding onto."
Silence followed for a second.
Forever Young blinked.
"…Wow."
A small breath escaped her.
"That's… actually really inspiring."
Right on cue—
Footsteps approached.
The group turned.
Walking toward them—
Silence Suzuka
King Halo
…and McQueen, now rejoining from the side.
Sirius was the first to react.
Her gaze immediately locked onto McQueen's outfit.
A grin spread across her face.
"You're not seriously wearing that brown coat, are you?"
McQueen raised an eyebrow.
"What about it?"
Sirius gestured loosely.
"Ankle boots. Brown coat."
She tilted her head.
"Are you not trying to do a Steve McQueen impression?"
Her eyes flicked briefly toward McQueen's Mustang.
"Or are the rumors true?"
McQueen's eyes narrowed slightly.
"The hell are you implying?"
Sirius smirked.
"You own a Mustang built like the one from Bullitt."
She motioned behind her.
"And a Porsche 917K that you casually drive on public roads."
A pause.
She leaned in slightly.
"You're not beating the allegations."
McQueen let out a short chuckle.
"It's coincidence."
She shrugged.
"These are just the only casual clothes I have that actually fit driving the Mustang."
Rudolf smirked from the side.
"Which—ironically—matches what he wore in the film."
King Halo laughed.
"Speaking of that—"
She glanced at McQueen.
"Charger."
McQueen froze.
Slowly turning her head.
"…Don't tell me."
King Halo grinned.
"Taiki Shuttle's '69 Charger just arrived from the States."
Silence.
McQueen's expression tightened.
"…Oh dear eclipse…"
Suzuka chuckled lightly.
"Relax."
She folded her arms.
"It's orange."
A small pause.
"Very… orange."
Recognition hit.
McQueen exhaled sharply.
"Oh."
Relief.
"Thank you."
She wiped a hand across her forehead.
"For a second there, I thought I'd actually have to live up to that name."
A short wave of laughter moved through the group.
Suzuka rubbed her eye slightly, then looked around.
"So."
Her tone shifted.
"Who's leading?"
Rudolf raised her hand slightly.
"I will."
Suzuka nodded.
"Perfect."
She glanced around once more.
Then back at Rudolf.
"Shall we?"
Rudolf gave a single nod.
"Let's."
As the group began to split toward their cars—
King Halo stepped closer to Suzuka, tapping her lightly on the shoulder.
"Since you're leaving soon…"
She tilted her head.
"Ride with me."
A small smirk.
"Take it easy for the next couple of days."
Suzuka chuckled.
"I was about to ask you the same thing."
She nodded once.
"I don't feel like driving today."
A pause.
"…Not before the trip."
They moved together toward the R32.
Suzuka reached for the passenger-side handle.
Click.
The door opened.
She lowered herself into the bucket seat, adjusting slightly as she settled in.
Thud.
Door shut.
King Halo circled around to the driver's side, slipping in with familiarity.
Immediately, she reached for her harness—pulling the shoulder straps over, tightening them down.
Suzuka mirrored the motion, guiding the belts into place across her shoulders.
Click.
She glanced over.
"Any changes recently?"
King Halo smirked slightly as she secured the latch.
"Yeah."
A small nod.
"Full exhaust overhaul."
She turned slightly toward Suzuka.
"Fujitsubo equal-length downpipe."
A pause.
"Tomei exhaust."
Her hand reached for the key.
"So—expect it to be louder."
She inserted it.
Twisted.
Crank—crank—
The engine turned over—
Then—
WROOOM—
The RB26 came to life.
A sharper note than before.
Cleaner.
More defined.
The sound bounced off the surrounding walls of the parking area, filling the space with a tight, metallic growl.
Suzuka listened closely.
Then nodded.
"…Smoother."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, analyzing.
"And higher pitch—even at idle."
Halo nodded in agreement.
"It really opens up at high RPM."
A faint grin.
"She howls now."
Her hand pulled the handbrake up slightly.
Thumb pressed the release.
Then lowered it smoothly.
Ahead—
Rudolf's RX-7 FB GSL-SE began to roll forward.
Followed by Forever Young's GR GT.
Then McQueen's Mustang.
And Sirius' F355.
Halo pressed the clutch in.
Shifted into first.
Her right foot gently brought the revs up.
Then—
Slow release.
The car began to crawl forward.
Controlled.
Smooth.
She turned the wheel right, following the Mustang ahead.
One by one—
The convoy exited the parking area.
Out into the streets of Tokyo.
The day had begun.
And the road ahead—
Was waiting.
Two hours passed.
The skyline of Tokyo slowly gave way—glass towers thinning out, roads opening wider, the rhythm of traffic loosening its grip.
Concrete turned to forest.
Straight lines turned into curves.
And before long—
They were deep within the mountains of Okutama.
The convoy climbed steadily through the winding roads.
Guardrails tracing the edges of cliffs.
Dense trees lining both sides, their leaves catching the afternoon light in shifting patterns as the cars passed through.
Engines echoed differently here.
Sharper.
Closer.
Every throttle input bouncing off rock walls and disappearing into the valleys below.
Eventually—
They pulled into a familiar stop.
Tsukiyomi No.1 Parking Lot.
Hara, Okutama.
A quiet overlook.
One that opened out toward—
Okutama Lake.
The cars rolled in one by one.
Rudolf first.
Then Forever Young.
McQueen.
Sirius.
And finally—
King Halo's R32.
Halo eased off the throttle, clutch in—
Downshift.
Second.
Then first.
The car crawled forward into position.
A gentle brake input.
Stop.
Engines shut down almost in sequence.
One after another.
Click.
Tick… tick… tick…
Cooling metal filled the air again.
The sun had begun its descent.
3:30 PM.
Not quite golden hour—
But close.
Doors opened.
Footsteps followed.
The group naturally drifted toward the railing overlooking the lake.
Drawn in by the view.
Forever Young stretched first.
Both arms raised high above her head, back arching slightly as she let out a long breath.
"Man…!"
A satisfied grin spread across her face.
"That was some great winding roads!"
McQueen nodded, a small chuckle escaping her.
"It really is."
She glanced back briefly toward the road they came from.
"Flows nicely. Technical—but not punishing."
King Halo stepped forward, stretching her arms out in front of her, hands clasped as she rolled her shoulders.
"For once…"
She smirked slightly.
"A proper relaxing drive."
A glance toward the others.
"No one doing anything stupid."
Rudolf nodded in agreement.
"You're absolutely right."
Sirius let out a quiet laugh.
"Just us."
She tilted her head slightly, taking in the air.
"And empty mountain roads."
They reached the railing.
And looked out.
Okutama Lake stretched wide beneath them.
The surface calm.
Almost glass-like.
Deep blue hues reflecting the sky above, broken only by faint ripples drifting across the surface.
The surrounding mountains stood tall, their silhouettes beginning to soften as the light shifted.
Suzuka stepped closer.
Closed her eyes.
A slow breath in.
Cool air filling her lungs.
Then—
A quiet exhale.
Her eyes opened again, gaze settling on the horizon.
"…I can't wait."
A pause.
"For Monaco."
Forever Young snapped her fingers suddenly.
"Ah—right!"
She leaned over the railing slightly, turning toward Suzuka.
"Your friends—any word?"
Suzuka nodded.
"Yeah."
A small smile.
"Zak said he'd be happy to have you come along."
That was all it took.
Forever Young pumped her fist.
"Alright!"
Her excitement came through instantly.
"That's awesome!"
Suzuka chuckled softly at her reaction.
Then turned slightly toward Rudolf.
"By the way—while we're gone…"
A pause.
"Air Groove will be acting as Student Council President, right?"
Rudolf nodded.
"That's correct."
"She'll be handling everything in our absence."
Then—
It cut through the calm.
A sound.
Distant at first.
But rising.
An engine.
The group turned toward the entrance road.
A four-cylinder.
High-strung.
And beneath it—
A faint, distinct whine.
Supercharger.
The sound grew louder—
Then—
It appeared.
A panda-colored Toyota AE86 Levin burst into view from a right-hand bend.
Fast.
As it approached the hairpin—
BRAKES—
The front dipped sharply.
Front-left wheel—
Lock.
For a brief moment—
Smoke.
Light.
Then released.
Weight shifted.
Rear stepped out—
The car rotated cleanly into the corner.
A drift.
Controlled.
Deliberate.
The rear slid wide—but never crossed the line.
The driver held it steady—
Throttle modulation precise—
Steering corrections minimal—
The AE86 carved through the hairpin in one continuous motion—
Then straightened out smoothly on exit.
Gone.
Silence returned.
King Halo sighed.
"…I guess I spoke too soon."
Rudolf chuckled lightly.
"Relax."
She crossed her arms.
"It could've been worse."
Her eyes remained on the road.
"They kept it within their lane."
A small nod.
"That alone shows discipline."
Halo nodded.
"Fair enough."
McQueen tilted her head slightly, thinking.
"I heard something."
A pause.
"A whine."
She looked at the others.
"Supercharger?"
Suzuka nodded.
"Possibly."
A slight tilt of her head.
"AE86s don't come supercharged from factory."
Rudolf raised a finger.
"Unless—"
She glanced toward Suzuka.
"Engine swap."
Suzuka met her gaze.
"4A-GZE."
Rudolf nodded.
"From an AW11 MR2."
Suzuka gave a small nod.
"That would explain it."
Before anyone could add more—
A voice spoke up nearby.
A bystander.
Seated on a bench not far from them.
"She's been coming here for a few weeks now."
The group turned toward him.
He leaned back slightly, arms resting on the bench.
"Practicing."
A small nod toward the road.
"Drifting."
He exhaled.
"Getting better each time too."
A faint smile.
"Reminds me of when I used to run these roads."
Silence settled over the group again.
King Halo's brows furrowed slightly.
"…She?"
She glanced toward Rudolf.
Rudolf gave a small shrug.
"Could be anyone."
A pause.
"Unlikely an Uma."
McQueen nodded.
"We haven't seen anything like that on campus."
Forever Young looked between them.
Then toward the road.
Then back again.
Something lingered in her expression—
But she didn't say anything.
Instead—
She turned to Rudolf.
"So—"
A small grin.
"Back to Saitama?"
"Grab food before heading to Tokyo?"
Rudolf nodded.
"Sounds like a plan."
Suzuka turned toward Forever Young.
"Mind if I ride with you on the way back?"
A small exhale.
"I'd like to get some rest."
Forever Young winked instantly.
Thumbs up.
"No problem!"
A confident grin.
"I'll keep it smooth."
Suzuka let out a soft laugh.
"…Good."
A slight nod.
"Sounds like a plan."
Behind them—
The lake remained calm.
But somewhere beyond the curves—
That AE86 was still out there.
Running.
Learning.
Getting faster.
The group dispersed from the overlook.
Footsteps echoed lightly against pavement as they returned to their cars.
Doors opened.
Seats taken.
Harnesses pulled tight.
Engines—
One by one—
Came back to life.
The convoy rolled out once more.
This time—
Heading down.
They traced their way back through the mountain routes, tires humming softly against asphalt as the late afternoon light filtered through the trees.
They passed over Mito Bridge—
Steel structure briefly framing the sky before giving way to forest again.
Then onto National Route 139—
Before transitioning westward to National Route 411.
Ōme-Kaidō Avenue.
Rudolf led the pack.
Her RX-7 setting a steady, composed pace.
Behind her—
Forever Young.
Then McQueen.
And King Halo bringing up the rear.
The road began to follow the river.
Guardrails hugging its curves.
Water rushing below, visible in flashes between trees.
The convoy flowed through it smoothly—
No sudden inputs.
No aggressive driving.
Just rhythm.
They crossed Minedani Bridge.
Then passed by the Okutama Tsurunoyu Onsen source—
Steam faintly visible in the distance.
And ahead—
A tunnel.
The cars entered one by one.
Sound changed instantly.
Engines echoed.
Compressed.
Amplified.
Inside the GR GT—
It was calm.
The faint hum of the twin-turbo V8 filled the cabin.
Not loud.
Not intrusive.
Just present.
Suzuka leaned slightly into her seat, her posture relaxed as her eyes moved across the interior again.
"…It really is comfortable."
A small nod followed.
"I can see why you chose this."
Forever Young smiled, hands steady on the wheel.
"Yep!"
A light tap on the steering wheel.
"Fast, stylish… and it's got everything I want."
A slight grin.
"And it's fast."
Suzuka chuckled softly.
"Of course that matters too."
A brief pause.
Then—
"And when the aftermarket parts start coming out…"
She glanced at her.
"You'll modify it, won't you?"
Forever Young gave a quick wink.
"Absolutely."
A confident nod.
"Gotta keep up with all of you somehow."
The tunnel exit approached.
Light at the end growing brighter—
Then—
A sound.
Fast.
Closing in.
Both of them picked up on it immediately.
Another car.
Before either could react—
It surged past them.
Inside the tunnel—
Crossing over the broken white line—
A clean, legal overtake.
The same car.
The panda-colored AE86 Levin.
It shot forward—
Passing the GR GT—
Then continuing up—
Closing in on Rudolf's RX-7.
Forever Young's eyes tracked it as it went by.
"There it is again…"
Suzuka chuckled lightly.
"Relax."
Her tone calm.
"It's a legal pass."
A small glance toward her.
"We're cruising—not racing."
Forever Young laughed.
"I know, I know!"
The AE86 continued ahead—
Clearing Rudolf's RX-7 just before the tunnel exit.
Then—
They emerged into the light.
Immediately—
The road tightened.
A fast left-hander.
Leading directly into—
A right-hand hairpin.
Rudolf's voice came through over the radio.
Calm.
Measured.
"…That's not a place to rush."
Ahead—
The AE86 didn't slow as much as expected.
Rudolf shook her head slightly.
"Fast left… into a hairpin right…"
A pause.
"…This could go wrong."
The AE86 entered the left-hander.
Weight shifted.
Rear stepped out.
Then—
Transition.
The rear swung from right—
To left—
Throttle—
Brake—
Balance.
No lock-up.
No hesitation.
The car rotated—
Perfectly.
An inertia drift.
It flowed seamlessly into the right-hand hairpin—
Still within its lane.
Still controlled.
No wasted motion.
No correction beyond what was needed.
Just—
Execution.
Rudolf's eyes narrowed slightly.
Then widened.
"…That's…"
A quiet breath.
"…serious skill."
She nodded to herself.
"Whoever you are…"
A faint smile.
"…I'm impressed."
The AE86 straightened out cleanly on exit.
And then—
Slowed.
The pace dropped.
As if the display was over.
Inside the GR GT—
Suzuka's phone rang.
She picked it up.
Glanced at the screen.
Sirius Symboli
She answered.
"Hello?"
Sirius' voice came through—light, amused.
"Hey Suzuka… did you see that idiot in the Eight-Six?"
Suzuka chuckled softly.
"I wouldn't call her an idiot."
Her tone calm.
"She passed you legally."
A small pause.
"And she's clearly skilled."
Sirius laughed on the other end.
"I know, I know."
A brief chuckle.
"I was joking."
A pause.
"But yeah…"
"She's good."
Suzuka smiled slightly.
"Focus on the road."
Sirius laughed again.
"Yeah, yeah—I will."
The call ended.
Suzuka lowered her phone.
Slipped it back into her jacket pocket.
A quiet chuckle escaped her.
"Sirius-san hasn't changed."
Forever Young smirked.
"What about Kaichou?"
Suzuka shook her head slightly.
"…Sometimes."
A faint smirk formed.
"But every now and then—"
"She says something that could give Air Groove a migraine."
Forever Young laughed.
"Now that I want to hear."
The convoy pressed on.
The mountains slowly gave way once more—tight corners easing into wider roads, dense forest thinning into scattered buildings, and eventually—
Saitama.
Within thirty minutes—
They had exited the last of the winding sections and merged into more familiar roads.
Traffic returned.
Streetlights.
Signs.
The distant hum of the highway.
They pulled into a small ramen shop just off the roadside.
Nothing fancy.
Just a quiet, local place—positioned conveniently near the highway entrance that would take them back to Tokyo.
Engines off.
Doors opened.
The group stepped inside.
Time passed.
Bowls emptied.
Chopsticks set down.
Warm broth replaced by the lingering satisfaction of a good meal after a long drive.
Now—
They remained seated.
Drinks in hand.
Letting the moment stretch just a little longer before the final leg home.
Sirius Symboli lifted her soda, taking a slow sip before placing it gently back onto the wooden table.
A soft tap.
She leaned back slightly.
Casual.
"Say…"
Her gaze shifted across the group.
"You think I could still catch the Monaco Historic if I leave two days before?"
Forever Young let out a small chuckle, swirling her drink slightly.
"And what—fly there last minute?"
She smirked.
"You might want to start booking tonight."
Sirius didn't respond immediately.
Instead—
She leaned back further into her seat.
One arm resting over the backrest.
A faint smirk forming.
"You do know…"
A pause.
"I have a pilot's license."
That landed.
Forever Young blinked.
Then—
Mid-sip—
She choked.
Coughing.
Quickly setting her drink down as she tried to recover.
"Y–You what?!"
Sirius blinked once.
Calm as ever.
"I own an aircraft."
A small shrug.
"Nothing extravagant. General aviation."
Forever Young narrowed her eyes slightly.
Suspicious.
"…Private jet?"
Sirius shook her head.
"No."
A small grin.
"Single-engine piston."
That only made Forever Young lean in closer.
Both elbows now on the table.
Hands clasped.
"Alright."
A grin.
"Now you've got my attention."
Sirius crossed her legs.
Relaxed.
"Beechcraft Bonanza V35B."
A short pause.
"Turbocharged six-cylinder."
Forever Young's eyes narrowed further.
Analyzing.
"…Model year?"
Sirius snapped her fingers and pointed.
"1970."
Forever Young leaned back.
A low chuckle escaping.
"So…"
She tilted her head.
"About as old as Maruzensky's Countach."
Sirius leaned forward slightly this time.
Expression sharpening just a bit.
"Reliable."
A firm nod.
"Very."
Forever Young sighed dramatically.
"I wish Mayano was here."
King Halo laughed.
"And what—listen to her talk about fighter jets all day?"
She leaned forward slightly.
"All she ever goes on about is the F-14 Tomcat."
A smirk.
"That one jet Tom Cruise flew in that movie she loves."
Mejiro McQueen took a calm sip of her coffee.
Set it back down neatly onto its coaster.
"Anything related to civil aviation…"
She glanced toward Sirius.
"…ask her."
A slight nod.
"She knows more than she lets on."
Rudolf, who had been quietly checking her phone, glanced up.
Her eyes moved across the group.
Then toward the time.
"…We should get going."
Her tone shifted—back to composed and directive.
"It'll be best to return before curfew."
Chairs slid back.
Soft scraping against the floor.
The group stood.
Gathered their things.
And headed out.
The evening air greeted them as they stepped outside.
Cooler now.
Hints of night beginning to settle in.
They crossed the street together.
Toward the parking lot.
Their cars waiting—
Right where they left them.
Engines soon to start again.
For the final stretch—
Back to Tokyo.
They reached the parking lot.
Streetlights had begun to flicker on—one by one—casting a warm glow across the asphalt. The evening air had cooled, carrying with it the distant hum of traffic from the highway nearby.
The group stepped off the sidewalk.
Crossed toward their cars.
Then—
King Halo stopped.
Her gaze shifted past the row of parked vehicles.
Locked onto something.
"…Hey."
Her voice slowed.
"…Isn't that the same Eight-Six from earlier?"
The others paused.
Turned.
Followed her line of sight.
There it was.
Parked near the edge of the lot.
Panda-colored.
Compact.
Unassuming—
Until you knew what it could do.
Symboli Rudolf narrowed her eyes slightly.
"…Yeah."
A small nod.
"That's the one."
As if on cue—
The driver-side window rolled down.
A gas station attendant stepped up, handing over the bill.
And in that brief moment—
The interior became visible.
Everything—
Stopped.
King Halo's eyes widened.
Forever Young's jaw slowly dropped.
Sirius Symboli went completely still.
Mejiro McQueen blinked—once… twice… then again.
Rudolf froze—
Then immediately facepalmed.
King Halo spoke first.
And even then—it came out broken.
"…Wh—what…"
A pause.
"…What in the flying hell?"
Forever Young rubbed both eyes hard.
"…Yeah, no."
A nervous laugh.
"I'm seeing things."
Sirius exhaled slowly, scratching the back of her head.
For once—
No comment.
Rudolf muttered under her breath.
"…Never in a million years…"
And Suzuka—
She didn't move.
She blinked once.
Then again.
Her lips parted slightly.
A quiet breath escaping.
"…Sp… Spe-chan…"
Because behind the wheel—
Of that AE86—
Was Special Week.
Silence hung in the air for a full second.
Then King Halo stepped forward, grabbing Suzuka lightly by the arm.
"…Come on."
A small exhale.
"Let's go talk to her."
Across the lot—
The attendant walked away.
Transaction done.
Special Week reached for the manual window crank—
Then paused.
She had seen them.
All of them.
Walking toward her.
A bead of sweat rolled down her temple.
"…Uh oh…"
King Halo reached the car first.
She rested a fist lightly on the roof and leaned down toward the open window.
"Special Week."
Special Week blinked.
Nervous.
"…U-uh… did I do something wrong?"
King Halo shook her head.
"No."
A small glance back at Suzuka—still processing.
"Not exactly."
She sighed.
Then looked back at Special Week.
"I think you just gave Suzuka an aneurysm."
Special Week jolted.
The harness stopped her from moving too far.
"W-What?!"
She fumbled quickly—
Hands moving to the buckle.
Click.
Harness released.
She pushed the door open and stepped out quickly.
Almost stumbling in the process before catching herself.
"S-Suzuka-san?!"
She rushed over.
"A-Are you okay?!"
King Halo sighed, rubbing her temple.
"She's fine."
A beat.
"…Physically."
She glanced sideways.
"But sometimes…"
A faint smirk.
"You really do operate on a different wavelength."
Suzuka finally moved.
A slow inhale.
Then—
A long exhale.
She lifted her head.
Eyes settling on Special Week.
Opened her mouth—
Closed it—
Looked away for a second—
Then back again.
"…Never…"
A pause.
"…in a million years…"
Her voice steadied.
"…would I expect this."
A blink.
Then—
Clear.
Direct.
"When in the hell did you start driving like that?"
Behind her—
Rudolf rubbed the back of her neck, teeth slightly clenched.
Sirius leaned her head back slightly.
"…Ouch."
Special Week scratched the back of her head nervously.
"P-Please don't be mad!"
She bowed slightly.
"I—I was going to tell you! I swear!"
Suzuka sighed.
Then—
A small chuckle escaped her.
"I'm not mad."
She shook her head.
"…Just surprised."
Her gaze shifted to the AE86.
Taking it in properly now.
"I'm just wondering…"
A slight tilt of her head.
"When."
"…How."
"…And why."
Special Week exhaled in relief, leaning lightly against the car door.
"I thought you were mad…"
She shook her head quickly.
"But—uh—yeah…"
She glanced at the car.
"I got it a couple weeks ago."
A pause.
"From a guy named Wataru."
Her eyes softened slightly.
"He said it served him well… but it was time to let it go."
She placed a hand lightly on the hood.
"I figured…"
A small smile.
"It was a good deal."
Then looked back at Suzuka.
"And I needed something practical."
King Halo leaned into the cabin.
Took a proper look.
Half roll cage.
Bucket seats.
Racing harness.
Minimal interior.
And even at idle—
That unmistakable—
supercharger whine.
She pulled back out slowly.
Raised an eyebrow.
"…Practical."
Special Week waved her hand quickly.
"I mean—it's reliable!"
A grin.
"And fun!"
McQueen crossed her arms, smirking.
"The 'fun' being the supercharger?"
Special Week nodded immediately.
"Y-Yes!"
She pointed toward the engine bay.
"Wataru-san said it's a 4A-GZE swap—from an MR2."
A pause.
"With extra work done—cams, ignition…"
"And then an aftermarket supercharger setup."
McQueen tilted her head slightly.
"…Power?"
Special Week tapped her chin.
"From what he told me…"
A glance up.
"…Around 280 horsepower?"
A beat.
Then she added—
"He had to swap it after blowing the old engine."
"Something about debris getting sucked in during a run at Shomaru Pass…"
She pointed at the hood.
"I had him put the white hood back on."
"He used to run carbon."
"I told him to keep it."
Sirius stepped closer, observing more carefully now.
The stance.
The fitment.
The details.
"Work wheels…"
She crouched slightly.
"Ride height's dialed in."
A glance up.
"Front lip… mesh Levin grille…"
"And Cibie fogs."
She stood back up.
A small nod.
"…It suits you."
Finally—
Rudolf stepped forward.
Suzuka and Halo instinctively gave her space.
Special Week stiffened slightly.
Rudolf stopped in front of her.
Then—
Smiled.
"You've got a fine machine, Spe-chan."
Special Week blinked—
Then bowed quickly.
"O-Oh! Thank you very much, Kaichou!"
Rudolf extended her hand.
"…Never thought I'd say this."
A faint smile.
"But—"
"Welcome to the club."
Special Week's eyes lit up instantly.
She reached forward—
Grasped Rudolf's hand firmly.
"Thank you, Kaichou!"
Around them—
The night settled in.
Streetlights glowing.
Engines cooling.
And somewhere between surprise and pride—
A new chapter had quietly begun.
Not just for the road ahead—
But for Special Week herself.