AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Hi, I'm back! And I'm so, so sorry for the VERY late update. Things have been pretty busy, but don't worry; that doesn't mean I'm abandoning this story ok…

Thanks to those who had left reviews here and in my email. You guys are so wonderful, I feel like crying already. Hehe.

Alright, do let me know what you guys think of this next chapter. Hope you still leave some feedback so that I can improve on the next few chapters, ok? I fear that my way of writing has somewhat changed for the worse this past year and I hope it hasn't deteriorated that badly. :P

Chapter 5: Just Another Adrenaline Rush

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"I feel just like a local god when I'm with the boys
We do what we want, yes we do what we want!"

- Local God, Everclear

-

-

"Shimatta! I should have known!"

Chiharu huffed out from the back as she stared into the dark streets. "I really should have known!"

Both she and Kyoko were stealthily creeping out of their dorm when they bumped into two dark figures in the hallway, drawing muffled squeaks from all four parties. To their utter surprise, it was none other than Tomoyo and Sakura, also clad in black from head to toe, with the same mission - sneaking out to witness the car race.

And naturally, Tomoyo had also parked her GTO a couple of blocks away from school for her planned getaway. Since it was pointless to go separately when they could all go together, the both of them ended up in the backseat of the classic 1969 model.

"Well, you know I rarely miss any interesting races." Tomoyo chuckled as she pulled out of the parking lot. The incredulous look on Chiharu's face was so funny, she wished she had turned her videocamera turned on.

"I didn't think you'd want to go, since you've got your board meeting later in the morning." Chiharu scowled. "Well, you should have told me you were going!"

"And you should have, too. Besides, when I spotted you moving Kyoko's bike earlier, I figured you might want to go by yourself."

"Fine. Well, you still should have asked me, anyway…" Chiharu grumbled. Damn it. So much for moving the Interceptor.

As if reading her thoughts, Kyoko smirked. "Serves you right for touching my bike without permission."

"Urusai!"

Sakura, who had been conversing on her cell phone, finally hung up and faced her cousin with a worried expression. "Hoe, Tomoyo-chan! Benji said there's been some changes. The race will be starting at two, instead of two-thirty. And at Kidori Street instead!"

The others nodded, not at all surprised with the altered schedule. It wasn't uncommon for illegal racers to make last minute changes – a standard manouver to avoid getting caught by the authorities.

Chiharu swore under her breath as she read her watch. Twenty minutes past one. "Kuso! That means we have less than forty minutes to get there!"

"Don't worry." Tomoyo smiled innocently. If there's anyone who was most capable of time management, it was her. "Let me handle that."

She slammed on the brakes - catching everyone off guard - then steered an abrupt U-turn, causing them all to shift brusquely in their seats, especially the noisy duo behind.

"Ooommpphh!" Kyoko grunted out loud when Chiharu slammed into her side, elbowing her ribcage. The lack of balance had sent the both of them sprawling into her side of the vehicle. "Oiii! Itai!"

"Ehhhh! Tomoyo-chan!" Sakura grabbed on to her seat tightly and cried out, "You should have warned us first!"

"Ok, hang on, girls." With that, she took the fastest route to Central Tomoeda at a breakneck speed, leaving a loud screech and a trail of smoke in their wake.

-

-

Kidori Street was packed with lots of buzzing spectators and flashy cars. Loud music blasted from vehicles loaded with full audio systems, transforming the once-quiet street into an uproarious, trendy environment. Scantily clad girls were walking around flirtatiously, while the males were flaunting their own assets – modified pounds of heavy metal, hot engines and designer wheels.

Yamazaki Takashi checked his watch impatiently. It was only twelve minutes before game time. He got out of his Audi to join his friends who were standing around it. The turnout got his immediate attention. "Wow! Fullhouse!"

Eriol pushed his opaque blue glasses down his nose and scanned the crowd. "It's damn packed tonight."

"Yeah, I guess everyone's deprived of some action." Akira stated cheekily as he fixed his gaze on a group of skimpy girls. He whistled out loud as they passed him.

Hugo chuckled and lightly nudged Eriol in the ribs. "Hmmm, I see some Amamiya brats." He nodded his chin towards his right.

"Well, that explains the foul stench in the air," Syaoran commented with bitter resentment as he spotted some familiar faces from the Amamiya gang. He was about to make more crude remarks when a thin figure approached them from behind.

"Hello!" The skinny young man, with both his head and goatee dyed lime-green, slapped Takashi's back in acknowledgement. It was none other than Central Tomoeda's infamous street rat, knowned to all as Greenhead Tony.

"It's a wonderful night, isn't it?" The race organizer nodded enthusiastically to the rest of tbe Eastern boys, before launching a subtle reminder. "Now, now… Let's hope there won't be any trouble tonight, gentlemen. I'd like to see this race run smoothly and successfully. A lot of good money to be made here…"

"Don't worry, Tony. We won't start anything," Eriol smiled in return. Not unless provoked, he thought to himself. He'd noticed some of his boys were already exchanging glares with their nemesis, but knew they won't do anything without his permission.

Tony patted his back affectionately, too eager to start the race soon. "Great! Knew I could count on you guys to keep the peace in Central!"

Syaoran rolled his eyes and muttered something unintelligible. As if the Reed boys hadn't been involved in most of the fights here.

Tony conveniently ignored the raging Li beast. "Listen guys, there's been an increase in the amount of bets, and so I'm raising the stakes. Five thousand for the winner, excluding my share. How about that, eh? Sweet?"

Takashi whistled out loud. No wonder Tony was glowing inside out; the street-pimp would be earning at least half of that amount!

"Hai! And to make this night even more interesting, I've decided to squeeze in another racer." Tony grinned in anticipation. It was going to be one scary race!

"A fifth competitor?" Eriol calmly raised a brow at that. If four cars storming down the narrow road were bad enough, five cars would be painfully interesting. Or rather, interestingly painful.

"Doesn't matter! I'm going to be five thousand dollars richer today!" Takashi smiled at his friends. Nothing was going to stop him from winning.

"Don't be too cocky, if I were you," Hugo teased his friend. "For all you know, this last minute contender may just kick your sorry ass."

Akira pointed his finger at a sleek silver vehicle approaching the four competing cars. "Here comes your new racer, Yamazaki."

Takashi frowned hard at the offensive newcomer. A BMW Roadster? Bring it on. He gave a sweet fake smile. "Oh, really? Let's go say hi to our latest rival, shall we?" When faced against all odds, only intimidation works best on one's enemy.

-

-

"Thank god we made it. Ten minutes before the race! Well done, Tomoyo-chan." Sakura beamed as she watched her friend lock the GTO with the press of a remote.

"Arigatou."

Chiharu stretched her neck in anticipation and looked around. They had stopped at a secluded parking lot to avoid any of the spectators sitting or accidentally scratching her precious car. It was a considerably safe distance from the crowd, on a gentle slope where they could view the street from a higher altitude.

"Ahhh… There's nothing more pleasing than the sounds of revving engines and the gathering of an enthusiastic crowd." She smiled jauntily.

"Hmpph. Not even a Lambhorgini in sight…" Kyoko complained despite taking in all the beautifully modified fast cars that were mostly Honda Civics, Acuras, Dodge Neons, BMWs, Ford Mustangs, Nissans and Mazdas. Anything but her favourite Italian brands.

"Kyoko, you do realise that a Lambhorgini or Ferrari is way beyond every local kid's budget… Except for, maybe, Tomoyo-chan and my brother." Sakura teased.

"Well, even I wouldn't want to own that. A classic Maserati coupe would be just nice." Tomoyo wrinkled her nose at the thought of driving around the neighbourhood in a too tecchy-looking Lamborghini. It would be too weird for her.

"By the way, remember our emergency plan. Should we split up after the race, we'll all meet at that Central park," she added in her no-nonsense tone as the group quickly made their way down towards the crowd.

"Hai!" Chiharu agreed. "Oh, I see Benji and Hori! Come on, come on, let's hurry!"

-

-

"So what have you found out about that dealer?"

"Only that he's not from the West. He goes by the nickname Daru."

"I suspected just as much; that he's not from our area," Tomoyo casually commented while powering up her latest Canon video camera. From what she had gathered so far, no one really knew who he was. "So any idea where he's from?"

"I'm not sure. No one seems to know." Hori shrugged. "He just pops in and from out of nowhere."

"Like Houdini?" Chiharu, who was studying the crowd, drawled out sarcastically. She was upset over the whole drug dealing issue in her club, and the fact that the intruder managed to get away with it too many times. Chiharu didn't like being made a fool.

"Find out what you can about him. Every little dirt." Tomoyo smiled out that order while busy filming their surroundings.

Hori stifled a grin. It was like as if she was requesting what she'd want for breakfast. "Hai, Tomoyo-san. I'm on it already."

"Then don't take too damn long." Chiharu snarled at her assistant. Time was running out and the sooner they get rid of the vermin, the better.

Her frown instantly diminished when she noticed her current favourite person in the crowd. "Ooh! I see Tony! Gotta go now, need to place my bet before the race begins." She dashed away in a blink of an eye.

"And just where do you think you're going?" Tomoyo swung around to focus the videocam on a certain green-eye girl who was slowly inching away from them.

"I just saw something very cute. I want to go check it out, ok? Maybe get some ideas for my new car." Sakura pointed her can of cola towards her intended location. "There! I'll be real quick. You just stay here and continue your business with Hori."

"Hmm…" Tomoyo gauged the distance and nodded hesitantly, her over-protectiveness set in full mode. "Alright, but don't wander around too far." There were too many unfamiliar faces of whom, she assumed, could only be from other parts of Tomoeda.

Sakura rolled her eyes and walked away mumbling. "I'm 18 already, old enough to take care of myself…" She quickly blended into the crowd and made her way towards the latest object of her fascination.

Half-listening to Hori's idle banter about his displeasure with the presence of some guy named Li, Tomoyo watched with an eagle's eye as her pretty cousin strolled away.

-

-

She squealed in delight when she finally stood in front of the hot pink Honda Prelude.

"Ooh, look at this! Kirei! I'd love to own one soon," She whispered to herself and walked around the car in awe. It had black flowers painted on the doors, matching black spoiler and wings, and bright pink under-body neon lights. It was perfection.

Sakura sipped on her diet coke and studied the flowery designs intently. She would like something like that on her car. And so transfixed was she, that she didn't notice a hard figure bumping into her from the side. "Ahh!" She squeaked out, having managed to catch her balance in time.

"Baka!" The young man turned around to glare at his offender – namely her. "Watch it, dammit! Are you blind or what?"

Sakura grimaced and instinctively apologised, as was her habit to do so when someone was angry with her. She quickly backed off several steps away from him for added measure. This guy seemed to be fuming.

"I-I didn't mean to… I'm so sorry. Really. Are you okay?" she stammered out, horrified by her clumsiness. And the fact that no one – except Touya – had ever dared to bark at her in such a manner had really left her stunned.

He made no assurances that things were somewhat all right, as any sane person would do. Instead, he answered her with a scowl and had more biting remarks in return. "Yeah, well look where you're going next time! Grow some eyes and brains, will you? God save me from anxious dimwits." He threw her another disgruntled look after glancing at his shirt.

There was a small dark patch where her some of her drink had spilled on him. Oops. Sakura bit her lower lip. It wasn't really that bad, was it? And she had already said she was sorry. Moreover, wasn't he also not paying attention to where he was going?

Hoping to placate him, she opened her mouth to offer some tissue paper, but he rudely stalked away before she could get a word out. So she simply stood still, half confused, and watched the brown-haired guy leave.

Sakura exhaled loudly then shook her head in disbelief.

Wow. What a grouchy fellow.

-

-

"Ahh, I was wondering if you'd show up. You're in?" Tony looked up from his notebook.

Chiharu beamed with joy. She seldom had the opportunities to attend races in Central Tomoeda, what with her busy schedule lately. "Yes, of course! And I don't do small."

"As always." Tony nodded in understanding. These loaded brats never place small stakes. Well, not that he was complaining. Business was always good with all these folks around.

"So those are the guys, ne?" She pointed to four shiny cars at the starting line.

"Hai, and probably another BMW Roadster, too."

"Five cars altogether?" Chiharu grinned evilly.

"Just trying to spice up my race a little. More prospect for me and the winner, you know." Tony rubbed his forefinger and thumb together to reinforce that statement. "People love watching tough races. Especially dangerous ones." He wiggled his eyebrows cheekily.

"I also agree." Chiharu tapped a finger on her chin. "Hmmm, I'm having difficulty choosing between the black Audi and the red Acura. What do you think?"

"My personal opinion? The Audi. It's always been hot with the locals." Tony pointed towards the said driver, a pleasant looking guy with a smug smile. "And he's also tonight's favourite."

"Hmmm, honto ni…" Chiharu nodded, taking in the car, which looked too well-kept for an accomplished racemobile. "Okay, I'll be back in a jiffy."

"Where are you going?"

"I'm simply going to further evaluate my last option before staking bets."

Tony raised both brows. An Amamiya girl heading towards a Reed group? And not just any Reed boys, but The Reed boys. Nuh-uh. Definitely not a good idea. Was she mad? Or does she not know?

"No wait, Chiharu –" But before he could intercept her, a muscular arm clamped around his shoulders to pull him away.

"Tony, Tony! Need to talk to you." Yosano Matsu, youngest son of the Yosano triad leader, appeared from behind. He then grinned at Chiharu in acknowledgement, "Gomen, Mihara, but this is important."

"Sure go on ahead, Matsu… I was just about to leave." Chiharu winked at the handsome man and skipped away happily.

"Demo… Matte!" Tony glanced back helplessly at her retreating figure and cursed softly. Shit. She'd better not cause any fights later.

-

-

"Wow, guys. Hot!"

Takashi fixed his gaze on a pretty redhead, all clad in jet black, who was busy checking out the neighbouring car. She looked to be either a serious punter or some chick looking for a piece of the real action. "I'm gonna get so lucky tonight."

"When you mentioned lucky, you're talking about the race right? Not that pretty girl," Akira ginned.

Hugo laughed at that, "Hai, she is hot. But way out of your league, Yamazaki."

Takashi snorted at his friends and pointed his index finger in warning. "Never underestimate the charms of Yamazaki Takashi. I always get to date more girls than you losers."

"That's only because we let you have them."

Takashi ignored the barb. As the girl approached, he assumed a cool demeanour and leaned against the door. "Well, hello there." He flashed his best charming smile, hoping to engage in a simple conversation and acquire her name. And he'd surely prove those assholes wrong.

Unfortunately, she merely ignored him and scrutinised his car in silence.

Eriol raised a brow. "Losing your touch, Mr Smooth?"

"Urusai." He threw his friends a seething look and moved behind the pretty girl. Since she was busy looking at his car, he grinned at her rear in full appreciation. Her cropped shirt and tight jeans fitted so snugly, it left little to the imagination…

However, Takashi was undeterred by her coldness. When the first launch fails, change tactics. He tried to impress her with his expertise. "This is an Audi TT 25. 1.8 engine with a 6 speed manual, and of course, fully tuned for maximum performance." He nodded with confidence. "It even has the latest Turbo –"

"Look, I know what it is, okay." Much to his amazement, she straightened up and gave him a cool look. "And I don't remember asking you anything." She promptly dismissed him by turning her attention back to his car.

Adding insult to injury, Syaoran drawled out loudly, "You sound like a salesman, Yamazaki!"

Both Hugo and Akira snickered. They decided they liked the girl the moment she didn't fall easily to the Yamazaki charm.

Takashi blinked in surprise. No girl had ever, ever given him the cut direct before. Never. Does she not realise he's the infamous Yamazaki of the East? He swiftly regained his composure and snapped back to action. "Shut up, Li."

Folding his arms in a relaxed stance, he continued watching the fiesty redhead. "Feel free to further inspect my prized possession, sexy. If you're interested, I can take you for a test drive. It'll be the best ride of your life, I promise you." He grinned at the double meaning of his words, hoping to gain a reaction from her.

"Hentai." Chiharu threw him a scorching look and walked around the black car. It looked… boring. No fancy decorations, alterations, bumpers, nor spoilers. The present concept of modded cars – the latest fad! – was to custom not only one's engines, but its external looks altogether. This Mr Lame Charmer seemed to be very outdated. Kamisama, is this guy for real?

"Hey, did you really get this tuned? Doesn't look so special to me," She mocked at him.

It totally wiped the glow right off his face.

"Want me to open the damn bonnet for you? A car doesn't have to look so fancy in order to win a race, just in case you didn't know how a race actually happens!" Takashi gritted out, ignoring the fact that he was the one getting exasperated. Was she laughing at him? Okay, insulting one's car was not a funny matter. He would whack any guy for such audacity.

Before either of them could continue, the heated conversation was interrupted. "Tomodachi, the race is about to begin in a minute! So, get ready." Tony quickly squeezed in between them, hoping to cool the rising tension. One could feel the heat from miles away.

"So what's your decision, koibito? Which one shall it be?" He casually looped his arm over Chiharu's shoulder and gave her a wink, igniting a glare from Takashi.

"Hmmm…" Chiharu paused to feign great interest in the black machine. "Well… This is a good car…" She slowly ran a fingertip across its sleek surface and smiled at Yamazaki – while tuning out the groans from the males nearby – before firing another insult, "But not good enough for me."

"Wha-?" Takashi dropped his smile and growled out loud in dismay. Before he could utter another word, she rudely turned away again.

"Tony, I'm placing my full bet on the Honda." She nodded confidently towards a fully customised, electric blue Honda S2000 that belonged to a racer from the Kagawa triad. "I'm sure the racer could see much better with bigger eyes."

"Hey! I'll have you know that the Kagawa loser can't even drive well. You'll be wasting your money, girlie!" Takashi's face hardened, somewhat bothered by her veiled insult. His eyes weren't that small, for god's sake!

She pretended not to hear him.

"And one more thing, Tony… double it up!"

"What?" Exclaimed both guys. The rest of the crowd around them simply gaped at her in shock.

She assumed they were his supporters and were insulted on his behalf. Even more her pleasure. Chiharu gloated inwardly at that. Take that, jerk.

"You heard me. Double my bet." She gave Conceited Audi guy another sickeningly sweet smile that sent him over the edge, before allowing herself to be dragged away by a confused, panicky Tony.

"You are driving me mad…" Tony pulled her away as far as possible – he didn't care which direction – in hopes to avoid any unnecessary disputes. He hadn't failed to notice Tomoyo and Hori signalling towards the squabbling duo from a distance.

When they were out of sight and hearing range, Chiharu countered her order, "Oh, scratch that action. I deliberately said it to spite him."

"What?" Tony inhaled loudly. All that just out of spite? "Chiharu, you're such a tease." And really out of your mind. He laughed out loud nervously, "Okayy… So what's your real final answer?"

"Oh, come on, we both know his Audi is a sure winner. The bugger's also too determined to win tonight."

Tony nodded his head in agreement. It takes more than just a good car to win a race, and Yamazaki Takashi has got it all. However… "You're really sure about this? Absolutely sure? Honto?"

He wondered if she was aware that she was betting on a Reed member, but decided not to say anything lest she withdraw her bet. Chiharu always places big money, and such bets helped increase his commission.

"Hai. You heard me."

-

-

5, 4, 3, 2, 1! Vrooooommmmm!

"Gambatte!" The crowd cheered out loud as the five cars zoomed off at a crazed speed, leaving a trail of smoke in their wake.

The racing route was far from simple. It had started from 5th Kidori Street all the way down to 2nd Kidori Street, before entering the branching roads of the quiet Gagami Street, then down the narrow 4th Centro Road that meandered all the way back to the starting point.

And since there was no rule that they had to stick to the main roads at all times, the competitors could take some shortcuts along the small lanes that weave in and out of the main Streets, just as long as they kept to the planned route. And Tony had posted some lookouts on top of some of the nearby buildings just to make sure nobody cheated.

Kyoko grinned as she watched the event unfold. It was a one hell of a thrilling race, considering the determination showed by each racer and the dangerous swerves they made in effort to avoid collisions or to nudge another competitor to the side. As soon as all five cars moved on to another street and were plain out of sight, she jumped with glee and anticipation.

"So excited? I don't remember you betting on this race." Chiharu commented on her roommate.

"Yah, well, I figured that it would be a very close competition and I really couldn't foresee who would emerge the winner." Kyoko shrugged. She had heard that all of tonight's racers were equally accomplished winners of past races. Since she couldn't predict an obvious winner, she'd rather not sacrfice any of her money.

Tomoyo nodded as she steadily focused her Canon on the crowd around her. "But in my opinion, it could be the Audi or the Honda. Or maybe the Acura might get lucky, too."

"Better the Audi, for my sake."

"Oh? And here I thought you made your immense dislike for that guy known to all." Sakura smiled. Her ears were still ringing from Chiharu's earlier bitching on proud, perverted males with small beady eyes.

"My bet is at stake here." Chiharu snapped and hoped that the Audi guy was as good as he had claimed to be. All other competitors had started out strong, and she couldn't help but feel a slight tinge of dreadful apprehension. Though losing five hundred dollars was not much of a problem, she simply could not stand losing.

Kyoko found the urge to tease irresistable, "Could have fooled me."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Hori grinned at his boss, "Tony and those who saw you speak with the Audi guy were convinced that you've finally met your match. We've never come across anyone who had suffered some of your wrath and not back away in fear."

"What the… That's not true!"

Kyoko laughed out loud at Chiharu's indignant gasp. "This Audi guy must be really something, ne."

"I hate that guy!"

Tomoyo giggled and zoomed in on Chiharu's frown as she watched Hori and Kyoko tease their friend again. The others simply watched and smiled in agreement while they waited for the racers to return.

-

-

There was tension rising in the air as the spectators mingled with one another while awaiting the final scene of the race. The wait was long, painful and so exciting. Almost everyone was gushing about how it had started and who they predicted would be the winner.

Eriol folded his arms across his chest and gazed around in boredom. Almost nine minutes had passed by and if Yamazaki was going to need a longer time to complete the route, he was obviously losing his touch. Eriol knew he could do it in less than eight.

As if reading his mind, Syaoran glanced at his watch and grumbled, "What is taking him so long?"

Akira offered a possible explanation. "Maybe the other racers got too aggressive? You saw how they immediately tried to knock each other aside at the start…"

Hugo frowned at that. "Damn. I hope nothing happens to him." He couldn't help but utter a silent prayer for his friend's safety.

Eriol slapped his friend on the back. "You worry too much, Hugosi. Yamazaki can handle himself on the road." As if on cue, they heard faint revving sounds and screeching of wheels approaching. Eriol grinned, "See."

The congregration grew from deadly silent to loud cheers as almost everyone moved upfront to gain a better visual on the closing scene. Finally! Everyone watched in anticipation as only two remaining vehicles came into view from the end of the road. When they noticed who the racers were, they cheered even louder, ignoring the few curses from those who had already lost their bets.

Tony smiled in delight as the crowd got more rowdy during the last precious minute. In an attempt to gain a better view, he had actually stood on a makeshift table and encouraged the racers by beckoning to them. Nevermind that they would not be paying attention to him, but damn, it was so exciting! He patted his pocket to ensure that the betting invoices and money were secured. He'll be earning at least two thousand dollars tonight!

All the Reed supporters whooped with joy as they recognized the ferocious black Audi speeding towards them. It was a close competition between their friend and an insignificant Honda driver, but they were defintely sure Yamazaki Takashi would win.

Hugo watched his friend swerve and bump against his sole competitor for five thousand bucks and respect. "Takashi will be boasting his win for the next few days. And I'm already dreading it…" He commented lightly, knowing full well how Takashi would deliberately irritate them.

Syaoran grunted in agreement, "I'm already immune to it, though."

-

-

"Damn it, move out of my way!" Chiharu jostled and hustled her way until she was upfront. Everyone was now lined up along the road to welcome the soon-to-be winner, fully ignoring the possible danger should any of the cars accidentally deviate away from the road.

"Oh, kamisama, Chiharu!" Kyoko grabbed her friend's arm in sheer excitement. And as much as she loved every moment, she dreaded that it would end so soon. Both cars were now approaching the finishing line at a demonic speed, merely inches ahead of each other. "I don't think I can stand this! It's too much adrenaline for me!" She gasped and clutched her chest with her other hand.

Chiharu frowned at Kyoko's dramatic flair. It irritated her whenever her fiesty roommate let her emotions get hold of her. "Would you stop exaggerating?"

Sakura, who was standing behind them, chuckled lightly and craned her neck to see past Chiharu, who was several inches taller. "They're coming closer!"

Kyoko squealed with the crowd as the Audi managed to whiz ahead of the Acura after being pushed lightly.

"Hmm… Looks like Chiharu's Audi guy is a hot favourite. Especially with those folks, there," Commented Tomoyo who was now recording the scene from her raised position on top of a bench.

The rest of the girls looked towards the direction where most of the cheering came from whenever the Audi racer gained an advantage. Kyoko raised her eyebrows as she recognized one or two of the girls who stood with that group. "Reeds."

"Damn nuisance," Chiharu grumbled, feeling irritated that she was supporting the same racer the Reed group was.

"And he's not my Audi guy! I told you I hate that bugger."

-

-

The last few kilometers had the both racers vying neck-to-neck for the kill. Whenever the Audi was ahead, the Acura would catch up and overtake. Then, the Audi would move ahead and the Acura would do the same. It was a repetition until the Acura driver got tired and resorted to dirty tricks.

He positioned his car an inch alongside the Audi and tried to shove the offending vehicle off the track as they moved forward together.

"Bloody hell!" Takashi cursed out loud at his oponent's determination. Time was running out and he had to quickly do something to secure his position.

In a sudden fit of desperation, Takashi slowed to allow the Acura to move into his path, before he accelerated and deliberately swerved to his right this time. He bumped the Acura hard on the side, uncaring if his Audi would have a huge bent.

Unfortunately, the Acura driver managed to regain his composure and tried to knock him again.

As they approached the finishing line, Takashi growled and gave his opponent one final shove to the side. If he was not going to win this race, no one else would. He watched at the corner of his eye as his opponent temporarily lost control of the car and swayed off-track.

It was a split of a second's advantage and Takashi took the opportunity to move into the centre of the road, effectively blocking the Audi from easily overtaking him. He increased his speed to the maximum, stepping the pedal with all his might. "Arrrrghhhhhhhh!"

Hell, Yes! His mood heightened as the smell of sweet victory slowly filled his senses.

Takashi exhaled in relief and chuckled to himself. Thank god! He dared not slow down until he was a good distance away from the finishing line. Then, he made a roundabout turn and headed back to the congregation spot.

-

-

"Yes! Way to go, Yamazaki!" Hugo raised both fists in the air as he watched the speedfest came to a close. He moved ahead to join the majority of the crowd who had favoured Takashi. All of them cheered in unison as they waited for him to return to receive his cash prize and compliments. None of them glanced at the Acura driver who had stormed out of his car and kicked up a big fuss at the dents on his car.

Takashi finally stopped his car and was immediately surrounded by his supporters, who dragged him out of his car and showered him with pats and congratulatory remarks. Some of the girls even gave him hugs and kisses. He smiled and thanked all of them while his eyes gazed around to silently search for a certain red-head. She had to be somewhere nearby and he was eager to see her reaction at his winning. Not good enough, indeed!

"Look at that! He's got the girls all over him." Akira, who was lingering at the back with the remaining Reed boys, grinned at his best friends. "Come, Li, Hiiragizawa. Let's go congratulate our winner. He can't have all the ladies to himself. It's against the rules."

Syaoran waved him off, "You go ahead. I hate getting into crowds." Especially those with girls in them.

However, Eriol wouldn't have any of that. "Excuses! Come along, spoilsport. It wouldn't hurt to share your relative's joy." He half-pushed his cousin towards a chuckling Akira who grabbed Syaoran by the shirt.

"Oi! My shirt!"

Eriol trailed behind the duo who were now engaged in a shirt-pulling contest to see who had more strength to drag the other party. He was about to comment on their childishness when he caught a glance of a girl standing on a bench some distance away.

It was only natural to spot her, given her high position atop the bench. And he couldn't really see her face because she was holding a videocam directly in front of her, so intent on filming the surrounding crowd. Just another die-hard racing fan.

Eriol stole a second glance. There was nothing special about her outfit – a black tank top and leather Capri pants, together with a pair of Converse chucks. But there was something vaguely familiar about the girl that he couldn't quite place his finger on. Something about the way she stood or that wavy hair.

He was about to dismiss her from sight when, coincidentally, she moved her camera to the side in order to cast an unobstructed smile at someone.

Kuso!

His heart skipped a beat. Or two. That strange clenching feeling was suddenly back in full force as recognition sank in.

Eriol hastily took off his light shades and blinked to confirm the visage. Kuso. It's really her. She looked a little different from the first time he had met her. In fact, she looked better now, without any darkness or gloom shadowing her face.

Syaoran sensed his cousin's delay and looked back with a frown. "Oi, Hiiragizawa. What's wrong? What are you looking at?" It wasn't like Eriol to be distracted easily.

He peered towards the direction at which Eriol had his gaze fixed upon. Oddly, there wasn't any commotion going on there. And he didn't think Eriol would be interested in a cameragirl, unless… she was stealing snapshots of them. He frowned and decided he would like to rip the video camera off that papparazzi girl.

Eriol simply waved his cousin off with an inpromptu excuse, "Nothing. Look, I need to go talk to Kisuke. He's standing right over there. You guys go ahead first." Tuning out Syaoran's questions, he quickly turned away, afraid to lose sight of the dark-haired girl again.

And just as he was about to take the first step towards her, all hell broke loose.

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Preview of Chap 6:

"Were you following me?" He whispered harshly. God, she'd better not be one of those desperate girls stalking him wherever he was in school.

"Nani! I don't even know you!"

Syaoran cupped his palm against her mouth even harder. "Shh!" He hissed. "Urusai! You're going to get us caught!"

"Mmmphh…mpph" Sakura quit slapping his arm and pointed to her nose while she heaved repeatedly from shortage of breath.

Syaoran instantly released her, but not before noticing the rapid rising and falling movements of her chest. Damn. Look away.

Sakura gasped for air then moved closer to whisper very softly. "Gomen ne, I really couldn't breathe."

He ignored her. Or at the very least, tried to ignore her close proximity. And how her body was brushed up against his arm.

Double damn. It was going to be one hell of a long night.

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