The city was quiet again. Too quiet.
Celeste's words still echoed in Kaito's mind as he leaned on the railing.
> "International circuits. Tokyo, Monaco, California."
"Leave the ones who hold you back."
Her taillights vanished into the distance, leaving only the whisper of rain and the distant hum of the city below.
Kaito stared at his reflection in a nearby window — tired eyes, bruised knuckles, and a heart that didn't know which direction to turn anymore.
---
Later — RINK Garage
Shoji was still at work, a cigarette hanging from his lips, the faint smell of oil and steel filling the air. The LFA sat under the bright white lights — fender half-finished, paint stripped back, its once-perfect lines interrupted by scars.
"She's tough," Shoji muttered. "But not invincible."
Kaito approached, running his hand along the sanded surface. "Neither am I."
Shoji glanced over, brow furrowed. "Something's on your mind."
"Celeste came by."
"That racer from the Tokyo circuit?" Shoji whistled. "She doesn't waste time."
"She offered me a spot in the international series."
Shoji exhaled slowly. "That's big. You'd be running with pros. But…"
"But I'd have to leave everything here."
Shoji nodded. "Mari. Reika. The mountain. All of it."
He placed a hand on Kaito's shoulder. "Whatever you choose, make sure it's something you can live with — not just something you can drive away from."
Kaito didn't answer.
---
The Next Morning — Home
Mari was already awake when he came down. She was sitting at the table, still in her pajamas, her school bag beside her.
"You came home late again," she said quietly.
Kaito froze. "Couldn't sleep."
She looked up, eyes tired but searching. "You were with her, weren't you? The woman from the race."
Kaito swallowed hard. "She found me, yeah. Wanted to talk about… racing."
Mari looked down, her fingers tightening on her mug. "Racing again. It's always racing."
"Mari—"
"Do you ever think about what happens when you crash again?" she interrupted, voice trembling. "Because I do. Every night."
He couldn't find the words. The silence between them was louder than any engine.
She stood up, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "You said being alive was enough. But for me… it's not. I just want you to come home."
She left before he could reply.
---
Afternoon — RINK Garage
Reika's S2000 pulled up, tires crunching against the gravel. She hopped out, her jacket half-zipped, eyes sharper than usual.
"You look like hell," she said flatly.
Kaito smirked faintly. "Thanks. You always know how to cheer me up."
She circled the LFA, whistling. "So this is what happens when you push too hard."
"I don't stop until the car gives up."
"And what about you?" she asked. "When do you give up?"
He looked away. "Haven't decided yet."
Reika leaned against the hood, arms folded. "I heard Celeste was in town. She's bad news, Kaito. She doesn't race for thrill—she races for power."
He frowned. "You saying I shouldn't go?"
She shrugged. "I'm saying… you'd better figure out what you're leaving behind before you hit the throttle."
Before she could say more, a familiar voice called from the doorway.
"Kaito!"
They both turned. Mari stood there — uniform still on, rain dripping from her umbrella. She must've run straight from school.
Her eyes flicked between them. "You didn't tell me she'd be here."
Reika raised an eyebrow. "Relax, little sister. I'm just visiting."
Mari's cheeks flushed. "Don't call me that."
Kaito stepped forward, trying to cut the tension. "Mari, it's not what you think."
But her voice cracked as she said, "It always is."
The rain began again outside. Slow. Relentless.
And for the first time, Kaito realized he couldn't outrun this storm.
[End Of Chapter 12]