Chapter Text
Each time his hands gripped the handlebars tighter and twisted the throttle, he felt the speed hurl him forward, erasing every thought that wasn’t the imminent curve or the next rider he had to overtake. The wind cut across his face, cold and sharp, but it didn’t distract him. His entire world narrowed to the bike beneath him, the asphalt being devoured beneath its wheels, and the taillights he was slowly leaving behind.
As the road stretched out ahead, he leaned into the machine, chasing every extra inch of speed. The curves came fast, and his movements were precise. One by one, the competitors fell behind, their blurred silhouettes fading into the darkness as he surged forward, slicing through the air like a bullet.
The final stretch came into view in the distance, the lights of the finish line glowing faint but unmistakable. The roar of the crowd grew louder, but he barely heard it. It was just a distant echo; the only thing that mattered was that final push. He accelerated harder, teeth clenched, every muscle taut as adrenaline surged through his body.
When he finally crossed the finish line, he did so with the certainty that he had won. As always. He didn’t need to look back or wait for confirmation; victory was something he knew well. He lifted one hand slightly from the handlebars, a quick, arrogant gesture to the air as the roar of the crowd exploded around him.
The sound of the engine slowly faded, he eased off until he came to a stop in a clear area. He put his foot down and shut off the bike. Beomgyu removed his helmet, his blond hair slightly disheveled by sweat and wind. The cool night air brushed against his face, and for the first time during the entire race, he could clearly hear the shouts surrounding him.
"BG! BG!" the crowd chanted his nickname with a fervor that made him smile satisfied. With a proud expression and his jaw set, he looked around, briefly acknowledging those who approached him, euphoric over his victory.
While Beomgyu was still savoring the moment, he saw his friends pushing their way through the crowd toward him. Kai was the first to arrive, practically bouncing with excitement, a grin stretching from ear to ear.
“Beomgyu, that was incredible!” he shouted, giving him a slap on the back “The night’s barely started and we’re already swimming in cash! You’re a gold mine, man!”
Beomgyu laughed, enjoying Kai’s euphoria. He knew the bets had been high, and winning this race hadn’t just been a victory for him, but for everyone who trusted his skill "I told you, Huening-ah. Always trust me," he replied, as he placed his helmet on the bike.
However, before he could continue enjoying the moment, Soobin arrived behind Kai, wearing a very different expression. He wasn’t smiling. His gaze was fixed on Beomgyu, and while there wasn’t pure anger in his eyes, the concern on his face was unmistakable.
"Beomgyu…" he began, in that serious tone Beomgyu knew all too well.
Beomgyu let out a sigh, bracing himself for what was coming. He knew exactly what Soobin was about to say "What is it?" he asked, feigning innocence.
"What is it? Are you seriously asking me that?" Soobin shot back, crossing his arms "That dangerous curve before the finish line, Beomgyu. You know you’re supposed to slow down more there. You did slow down, yes but barely. If you’d gone in even a little faster, you would’ve flown off the track. Do you have any idea what could’ve happened?"
Beomgyu rolled his eyes "I know, I know. I slowed down. Nothing happened, right? I’m fine, we’re celebrating, we won… what more do you want?"
"It’s not about nothing happening once and assuming it’ll always be like that. These races aren’t a game, Beomgyu. I don’t care about the money or the bets."
Kai, still buzzing with energy, tried to defuse the situation "Come on, Soobin, don’t be so dramatic. Beomgyu’s got everything under control. And look how perfectly it all turned out! Do you know how many LOL skins we’re going to be able to buy with this?"
Soobin shot him a sharp look, but his concern remained focused on Beomgyu "You know I don’t agree with you continuing to do this. But if you’re going to do it, at least do it properly. I don’t want us picking up your pieces one day instead of celebrating."
Beomgyu, though he knew Soobin was right, simply gave him a pat on the shoulder "Relax, Soo. I know what I’m doing. But thanks for worrying, really. Nothing’s going to happen, trust me."
Soobin scoffed, unconvinced, but as always, he eventually gave in. There wasn’t much else he could do besides stay there, watching closely, making sure his friend didn’t do something even more reckless.
Beomgyu gave them one last look before moving towards where he had left his things. He leaned toward one of the chairs to grab the backpack he had left there, pulled out a bottle of water, and brought it to his lips, feeling the coolness run down his throat. As he headed toward a clear area, he passed by the other racers, most of them busy trying to cool off their frustration. But one in particular stood out, Wonwoo, his challenger for the night.
Beomgyu smiled with an arrogance he didn’t bother to hide. As he walked past Wonwoo, he leaned in just enough for only him to hear.
"Good race, Woo. Maybe next time you could try a little harder… though I doubt you’ll catch up to me."
Wonwoo shot him a look, clearly annoyed, but said nothing. Beomgyu relished that power, that control over his rivals. He knew his confidence and skill threw them off balance, and that only made him feel even more unbeatable.
As he walked away, still sipping his water, he noticed someone else approaching. Jungkook, the organizer of the races and one of the most respected figures in the world of illegal competitions. Jungkook walked with the kind of confidence only those in absolute control could afford. Beomgyu straightened up, ready for whatever was coming.
"Beomgyu," Jungkook began, with a smile that, though soft "I have to say, the best nights are the ones when you show up. I should thank you more often."
Beomgyu smiled, leaning slightly toward him, letting his gaze roam shamelessly over Jungkook from head to toe "Well, I try to keep things interesting."
Jungkook studied him for a moment, his smile widening "Speaking of keeping things interesting… I have an offer for you."
Beomgyu raised an eyebrow, curious.
"Ten grand for a race against one of my best guys."
Beomgyu took another sip of water, weighing the offer. Of course he was going to accept. None of the riders Jungkook had put against him before had ever been a real challenge.
"Ten grand? You’re underestimating me, hyung," Beomgyu said, a mischievous smile playing on his lips "But sure, I’ll take it. If that’s your way of trying to get my attention." Beomgyu couldn’t help but have a little fun flirting. He knew Jungkook was way out of his league, too old, too imposing… but damn, the man was a solid ten out of ten.
Jungkook laughed, amused by the blond’s blatant arrogance "You’re adorable, Beomgyu" he gave him one last look before turning on his heel. "The bet’s up to twenty grand," he said casually as he walked away. "Good luck. You’re going to need it."
Beomgyu followed him with his eyes, the bottle of water forgotten in his hand. He frowned, confused. What the hell was Jungkook implying? No one was better than him.
No one.