“Show me how you handle her! I hope she’s not just for show.”
“I’m not as good as you, but I’ll give it a shot.” He started the car and revved the engine in place.
The girl glanced at him. “Showing off?”
”He laughed. “A little.”
She smiled softly, then tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, unaware of the way his gaze lingered on her.
“Beautiful.”
“What?” She didn’t hear him, so he repeated louder.
“Your smile—it's enchantingly beautiful!”
She blushed and looked away. “Thanks. Just drive already.”
Damn, that was so nice… and awkward at the same time!
“Okay.” The guy was charmed by the shy look on her face.
She’s such a cutie!
The car roared down the track. Insane speed once again sent adrenaline rushing through their veins.
The turn into the airport was already in sight. But the guy had no intention of slowing down.
They exchanged grins, and he flew into the curve at full speed. The car skidded sideways, but he managed to stay on the road.
Heading toward the hangars, he entered a drift—but his skill didn’t match the stranger’s. The brunette missed several turns and nearly crashed into a hangar once.
Parking next to the girl’s car, the pair stepped outside.
The blonde inspected the car from all sides, then exhaled and sat on the hood of the emerald beast. “Whew. Haven’t felt that scared in a car in a long time.”
She looked at him in surprise. “Is this really your car?”
The guy walked over and sat beside her.
“Or were you just trying to show off for a girl and misjudged your limits?”
He thoughtfully ran his index finger across his inviting lips. The girl held her breath, watching the gesture.
“Showing off for a girl. And yeah, it’s not my car… It’s my father’s,” the guy visibly deflated after saying that.
The girl noticed the pain and sorrow in his brown eyes. “He’s gone, isn’t he?”
“How did you know?” The guy raised his thick, dark eyebrows.
“I saw it in your eyes.”
“Didn’t realize it was that obvious.”
She placed a hand on his shoulder. “What was he like?”
“Incredible.”
“I’m sure he’ll always stay in your heart just like that.”
“Thank you.”
They exchanged soft smiles and looked up at the sky. The moon was fading, giving way to the rising sun.
“Are you saying that because…” The guy hesitated but still asked. “You lost someone, too?”
The girl tucked the front strands of her hair behind her ears with both hands and looked down at the asphalt. “Not long ago. My parents—both in one day. Only my grandfather’s left.”
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Silence held everything in place for a moment.
His warm palm gently covered her hand. “I’m sorry.”
“Stop it. You just asked—same as I did.” Unexpectedly, she smiled and hugged him.
Pulling back, she placed her hand on his chest. “He’s with you. Always.”
His heart’s beating so loud!
…
“Thank you for everything. It was unforgettable.” She gently brushed her lips against his cheek and headed toward her car, while he stood frozen by what had just happened.
And just as she reached the door of her little beast, he called out to her.
“Wait!”
She turned to him instantly, as if she’d been hoping for it.
“What’s your name?”
The girl lifted the corners of her lips. “Miliana. You can call me Mili.”
“That’s a lovely name. Mili.” The guy looked straight into her eyes.
“Thanks. And yours?”
“Ashton. Just Ash.” He smiled softly.
“Beautiful name.”
“Thanks.” Ash gave a brief smile and lowered his gaze for a moment.
I want to do something for her… Anything.
“Well, now we’re officially introduced!” the girl opened the Ford’s door.
I’ve never felt this before! Such an intense pull toward him. I don’t want to leave!
“Wait, Mili!” He stepped closer and gently took her hand.
Her breath caught instantly.
“Do me a favor.”
The girl looked at the brunette in confusion. “What kind?”
“I think my dad would’ve been happy to see you behind the wheel of his car.”
She was stunned. That was the last thing she expected to hear. “What do you mean?” Mili’s eyes widened.
“You handle it beautifully. And me… You saw for yourself. Besides, it’s not really mine! Today… it felt like I was driving with him—my father. Thank you for that,” he spoke so fast, he was out of breath.
“That’s nice to hear…” she paused, then protested. “But let me ask—are you insane?”
He took both her hands and held her delicate palms tightly.
So cold!
“Please take it,” he pleaded desperately.
“I can’t. It’s your father’s. How could I take something that holds his memory?” Mili shook her head, refusing to accept his decision.
Ash pulled her into a tight hug. She flinched, eyes wide with surprise.
What is he doing?
“I understand that this is all strange and unexpected, and you may even think it's silly… but please accept this gift. I really want it to be yours.”
His sincerity, mixed with that strange pull she felt toward him, stirred a storm of emotions. Mili couldn’t hold them in anymore. Her eyes welled up.
“Take it, and I’ll know she won’t just sit gathering dust in a garage. And you said it yourself—she's your dream.”
“Just because I said that doesn’t mean you have to make my dreams come true!” Her blue eyes released small tears that slipped onto her pink cheeks.
He stepped back and looked into her eyes, still holding her hands. “Why are you crying?” Ash asked, confused.
Her smile lit up her tear-streaked face. “I don’t know. Maybe because you’re a silly.”
“Ahaha.” Ash laughed, gently wiping her tears with his fingertips. “So… do you accept?” He was nearly crying himself.
Who would’ve thought a midnight meeting would turn into a spontaneous gift?
“I… I don’t know. And don’t you start crying!”
Ash smiled. “Alright.”
“I’ll accept your gift.”
He rushed to hug her. Mili blushed.
Seriously, how many times? It’s so awkward… but so nice!
“Thank you,” he whispered, holding her tightly.
“And thank you. This gift is incredibly dear to my heart.”
“I’m so glad.”
“Still… all of this feels so strange.” She lifted her eyes to him—a little bewildered, but so gentle.
“Is it?…”
They laughed involuntarily, feeling a warm sensation stir inside them from each other’s gaze and smile.
“I’ll send someone to you. He’ll get the paperwork done quickly.”
“Okay.”
They exchanged contacts and agreed to meet again.
Ash looked at the car and said dreamily, “Dad would’ve been happy to see you behind the wheel.”
“You think so?”
“I’m sure of it.”
Smiles lit up their faces once again.
“Look!” the girl gasped in awe. “The sunrise!”
Ash took her hand, and they sat together on the car’s hood.
The teens watched in silence as the horizon bloomed with breathtaking colors.
That morning’s sunrise was nothing short of magical.
