Dara was no expert in cars or racing, but the vibrant energy pulsating through the small arena spoke volumes. It was evident that for those with interests in such pursuits, racing was undeniably a thrilling sport.

Buzzing sounds, engines roaring, warming up with anticipation for the upcoming race. The crowd's chatter mingled with the cheers of drunken enthusiasts, creating a cacophony of excitement. Despite the late hour, the atmosphere pulsed with life.

She couldn't help but be amazed by her surroundings. She couldn't believe that this was happening in the middle of winter, and in the small town of Mount Vernon, no less. It was unbelievable, yet impressive at the same time.

"What do you think?"

She spun on her heels at the sound of Jiyong's voice. He had gone somewhere to change, leaving her alone for a while in a dimly lit corner near the dugout. He had insisted on having her bundled up warm and cozy, with her hood up, to avoid attracting any unwanted male attention because of her 'prettiness'—words that had made her roll her eyes earlier.

But he was worrying for nothing. These men were drunk enough and too busy chatting with their friends about the race to notice a lone girl.

She faced Jiyong and was nearly speechless seeing him up close like this. He was so...so...

Throb

When Jiyong had mentioned racing as a pastime, Dara hadn't quite understood its allure. However, as she watched him stride confidently towards her in his racing uniform, she couldn't help but blush at how handsome he appeared, especially now that he was standing right in front of her.

He's so hot.

Throb

Jiyong was clad in a sleek black race suit that hugged his form perfectly, accentuating his physique. Accentuated by a vibrant green number 7 logo emblazoned both at the front and back, the suit exuded an aura of confidence. Completing the ensemble were black gloves and boots, while he held a black helmet in one hand. With his other hand raking through his hair, he looked almost shyly at her, a boyish grin lighting up his face.

In her eyes, he looked incredibly attractive and alluring, sparking a throbbing sensation between her legs as desire surged inside.

'Maybe it's not too late to cancel the race?' She unconsciously thought, longing for him to take her to bed again.

She shook her head. Damn, she needed to get a hold of herself.

No matter how horny she is about her man in front, she knew she had to appear at least somewhat elated about his race. He seemed genuinely excited to share this side of himself with her.

"So...?" Jiyong asked again.

Dara cleared her throat, snapping out of her impure thoughts. "You look...fine," she managed to say, though internally she was screaming, 'Sexy, hot, devilishly fine, damn, have you always been this hot? How come I didn't notice it before?'

He smirked as he looped an arm around her shoulders. "Just fine? How come you're drooling?"

"What?!" She blushed and instinctively wiped the drool off her face.

He laughed loudly. "Just kidding, babe." He grinned. "It's so fun teasing you."

She elbowed him on the stomach but he only laughed louder as he pecked a kiss on her hair.

"Ready?" he asked, pulling her close before leading her to where he had parked his sports car for the upcoming race.

It was the black Bugatti Divo she had seen before, a sleek and cool sports car that suited its owner perfectly.

She smiled at him, noting the excitement swirling around them as money was being wagered. The bets are on.

"Hmm..." she peeked at Jiyong, who was adjusting the gloves in his hands. "What type of racing is this?"

Jiyong looked at her. "Drag racing," he replied, glancing around the place. "Though it's small-scale. Just for fun." He shrugged. "Why?"

She had seen movies and knew about drag races, drifting races, and circuits, among others. She figured a drag race would be the shortest— and the shorter, the better, she guessed?

She leaned closer to him, whispering, "Is this legal?"

He smirked, grabbing her waist to pull her closer. "Come on, babe. Your boyfriend is a gangster. What do you think?"

She sweat-dropped. "Just be careful, okay? I hope no cops show up."

Jiyong laughed, ruffling her hair. "Don't worry. I'll get you out of here so fast, the cops won't even have time to turn on their sirens."

She frowned at him but then tiptoed to give him a peck on the lips. "Whatever. Good luck."

Jiyong shook his head, then gently pushed Dara to the side of his car and kissed her passionately on the lips, his tongue intertwining with hers, leaving her breathless.

Dazed from the intense kiss, Dara could only watch as Jiyong put on his helmet and guided her to her spot to sit.

"Don't blink and watch me win, babe. This race is for you."

Those were Jiyong's parting words as he confidently got into his car for the starting line.

It was the only moment she could finally even her breath. Jiyong had a way of sweeping her off her feet, leaving her cheeks flushed.

Ignoring the squeals behind her, one girl couldn't help but ask, "He's so sweet. Is he your boyfriend?"

Dara held her breath once more as she answered, "Yes."

------

Jiyong floored it.

Dara swallowed thickly, her eyes fixed on Jiyong's black car as she watched the other cars coming up awfully fast ahead of him at some point but he skillfully soared around them, gradually inching his way up from the back of the pack to the second place, and finally taking the lead in the race.

All this time, Dara was holding her breath, praying for his safety and at the same time, awestruck seeing Jiyong in his element. She watched in amazement as he soared through the race, surpassing his opponents with ease. The other racers stood no chance against him.

When the buzzer sounded, declaring No. 7 the winner, the arena erupted in thunderous cheers. Dara joined in the celebration, releasing the breath she didn't realize she had been holding. Jumping from her seat, she ran towards the spot where she knew Jiyong would be parking.

Emerging from his car, sweaty yet undeniably handsome, Jiyong's grin widened as he spotted Dara approaching. She couldn't contain her excitement as she leaped into his arms and peppered him with kisses on his face.

She's so proud of him.

------

Since then, she had attended several more of Jiyong's races, and to her amazement, he won every single one.

She even overheard people gossiping that No. 7 always emerged victorious and had never lost a race. Initially, she dismissed it as an exaggeration, but witnessing his races firsthand, she was starting to believe it.

Jiyong, in his element, was unstoppable. A demon on the race track, leaving only exhaust dust for his opponents.

Watching him race was a spectacle. He was truly unbeatable.

She couldn't help but regret not discovering this side of him sooner. She had been too self-absorbed to pay attention to his interests before.

That her boyfriend was so cool...and unapologetically rich.

The payout every time he won a race was truly impressive. If she were honest with herself, she found this side of him even more impressive than his gangster side.

"Wow, you earned a lot again this time," she remarked to Jiyong, who had just emerged from the bathroom, fresh from a shower.

She held up a stack of cash in her hand as he raised a brow at her, wiping his hair with a towel.

"Should I quit my job at the post office and just work as your manager?" she joked, placing the money on the bedside table and motioning for him to sit down.

He complied, and Dara took the towel to wipe his hair instead.

He smiled as he allowed her to fuss over him. "You know that my money is your money too, right?" he said, pausing. "Besides, you don't have to work, babe. I'm earning enough for both of us."

It wasn't the first time Jiyong had said this, but Dara chose to ignore it, as she always did.

She shook her head at him, dropping the towel on the floor before wrapping her arms around Jiyong's neck, inhaling his scent.

"Hmm. You smell so good," she remarked, changing the subject.

He chuckled, shaking his head as he hugged her back.

She smiled, relishing his warmth as she stifled a yawn. It was close to midnight now. "When's your next race?"

He stiffened, seeming to contemplate his response for a moment before lying back on the bed, pulling her with him. He caressed her back, appearing lost in thought.

"Jiyong?" she called, capturing his gaze.

He sighed, meeting her eyes with a troubled expression. "This weekend. But," he hesitated, his expression growing more serious. "this race is different, unlike any other races you've been to so far."

She gulped. "How different?" she asked cautiously.

He held her gaze, his expression unreadable as he answered, "It's a race where even most of the country's gang leaders participate."

Throb

A race where even gang leaders participate?

She swallowed her nervousness, but only one other man was in her mind right now. Woojae, District 1's leader—the man who had once hired hitmen after her.

Her heart pounded anxiously at the thought of encountering that psycho again.

Jiyong watched her closely, concern in his eyes. "Do you still want to go?" he asked gently.

She met his gaze squarely. She was no longer blind to the dangerous side of his life. She was his girlfriend now, his partner.

Clenching her fists, she replied in a voice laced with fear but determination, "Yes. Of course."

After all, she had chosen to be part of his world, no matter the risks.

---/tbc/---