The night hangs heavily over New Eridu, the city glowing in the neon lights as the participants of the Tour Inferno gather at the starting line. The roar of the engines blends with the expectant tension in the air. Among the riders stands Lighter, a member of the Sons of Calydon, ready for the race, his leather jacket casually draped over his shoulders and his eyes fixed on the goal. But this time, something is different – or rather, someone.

His gaze lingers on a female rider preparing a bit off to the side. She wears the colors of Sin of Love, and although her gang is known for its elegant maneuvers and mysterious aura, Lighter has never truly paid attention to them before. But this rider possesses something that captivates him from the very first moment. She moves with a quiet, confident grace that seems entirely out of place in the brutal competition. Without uttering a word, she readies her machine, her eyes resolute and focused on the track.

The signal sounds, and the race begins. Like a unleashed storm, the bikers tear through the narrow streets of New Eridu, every inch matters, every breath counts. Lighter, usually a fearless rider, finds himself glancing over at her time and again, watching her. Her way of riding is unlike anything he's seen before – fluid, precise, almost like a dance on two wheels.

But the Tour Inferno is merciless. In a particularly dangerous turn, he sees another rider getting too close to her, pushing her off course. Without thinking, Lighter acts. In a single, lightning-fast movement, he positions himself between the aggressor and her, forcing his own bike hard to the edge. With a risky maneuver, he blocks the other rider, giving her room to take the turn and maintain her balance.

As they reach the end of the track, his body is exhausted, his muscles tense from the adrenaline. But his gaze searches for her, and he finds her right next to him, her eyes locked onto his, saying nothing. Their gazes meet, and Lighter realizes he's holding his breath, unable to let go of this moment. For the first time in a long while, he doesn't care who won the race.

Later, as the celebrations begin and the participants come together to celebrate the conclusion of the tournament, Lighter is patted on the back by friends and rivals, praised and celebrated. Yet, time and again, his gaze drifts, searching for her in the crowd. She stands somewhat apart, like a quiet point amidst the noisy chaos. He takes his drink and makes his way through the throng, his heart beating faster than he would like.

He stands beside her, and for a moment, silence hangs between them, a tension thick in the air. The smile he offers is only half as confident as he's used to. For the first time, he finds himself nearly at a loss for words – but only nearly.

"You know, you're not like the others here." His voice is deep and quiet, almost lost in the tumult of the celebration. "I thought I'd seen it all, everyone who can really ride... but you..." He pauses briefly, studying her, his eyes calmer, more open than usual. "So... I have to know. How did you even end up here?"

A smile flits across his face, and he realizes he's waiting for her answer as if more than just a conversation depends on it.