The friends gathered in the cafeteria after a long exhausting school day, all eyes turning to Elia as a smile nearly split her face.
Artyom muttered in confusion, "You didn't win, right??"
Elia burst out laughing at her friend's stupidity, then looked at everyone and said, "You're such a bunch of fools. You know well that the only thing that makes me happy is racing. And since the school day is over, then—"
Sophia cut her off in surprise: "Wait, don't you know?!"
"No, what am I supposed to know??"
"We're not going racing today. Did you forget it's Alexander's birthday?"
Ugh, how could I forget that?! I can't believe it, this means no racing today—so boring! Elia grumbled, glaring at her friends before asking, "So, where's the party going to be then?"
"Heh, as usual, you forget everything. It'll be at the nightclub in the eastern part of the city."
"Ah, fine. I'll be there on time."
---
~ Igor's group ~
Theodore entered the elevator heading down into a vast underground basement stretching in all directions. As soon as he stepped forward, he heard unbearable screams of pain. Covering his ears, he cautiously approached his friend.
Theodore whispered calmly, "Ivan, stop for a moment."
Ivan actually paused his torture of those in front of him, then replied in a cold voice that sent shivers down the bodies around him—including Theodore:
"Why in God's name are you interrupting my fun?"
"We have an important meeting, remember?"
Ivan hummed, then walked toward a group of people, shining the light on them. Their bodies hung from iron chains, blood splattered everywhere, even on the walls.
"Ah, you filthy rats. You won't escape after what you did last night. It saddens me to leave you now, but I'll be back. Don't miss me too much, hmm?"
Theodore sighed in boredom at his friend, while Ivan hummed again to show he was coming. Once they left the basement, Theodore asked about the meeting.
"It's with the Arkan gang, so it might take a while. It'll start at 8 PM until around 10 at the latest, at the Standirk club in the eastern part of the city."
"Ugh, I hate meeting those bastards. Damn them."
Theodore rolled his eyes at his friend's childish behavior, then they headed to the car toward their destination.
---
At the nightclub – 8:00 PM
The loud music shook the place as bodies moved to the beat, everyone celebrating Alexander's birthday.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Theodore and Ivan were in their meeting, which looked more like a battlefield than a business deal.
"Woooh, Alexander! Happy birthday, you brat. Finally, you're the same age as me."
"Idiot, did you forget your birthday was just last week?"
"Heh, I'm still older than you."
"Why the hell did you even remind her about my birthday?!"
No one paid much attention to the duo's quarrel; they were all used to it. Everyone else was busy dancing, enjoying themselves, and their shouts filled the club, attracting everyone's attention.
After some time, Elia decided she needed a drink. She climbed onto the stage and shouted at the top of her lungs:
"A toast to your birthday, Alexander the idiot! Haha!"
She tossed the glass aside, grabbed the microphone, and started singing—completely drunk. Elia couldn't handle alcohol. She danced and sang, oblivious to the eyes watching her.
Ivan was staring at Elia, amused by her childish moves, forgetting he was in a mafia leaders' meeting. Despite Theodore's attempts to drag his attention back, Ivan didn't care.
Eventually, the party ended, and the friends somehow managed to pull Elia off the stage. They tried to take her home, but she refused and went to her motorcycle instead.
After hugging her bike for almost half an hour, she finally dragged her heavy body onto it and rode off.
Theodore and Ivan left the club after the long meeting, during which Theodore had done his best to keep relations friendly despite his friend's reckless behavior.
"Tell me, what were you thinking? Do you know what your father will do if he finds out you ignored such an important meeting?"
"It was boring. Not my fault."
"God, give me patience. You'll give me a stroke one day."
"So, what about that girl?"
"What?"
"Don't think I didn't notice. You were staring at her like you were lovestruck."
"What? Impossible. It was just killing time, I…"
Suddenly, their car shook violently. The two friends looked at each other as Ivan shouted at the driver to slow down—but there was no response. Without warning, the car flipped over, the crash echoing as crowds rushed to the scene.
---
She opened her eyes slowly, disoriented. Trying to stand, her body refused to move. Elia gradually regained her senses, realizing what had happened: she had been riding fast when a car suddenly appeared out of nowhere and overturned.
Forcing herself up, she pulled her motorcycle off her leg—it had nearly been crushed if not for her safety gear.
Looking around in fear, she gasped in shock: a car dangled off the bridge's edge, flames slowly consuming it.
Trembling, Elia ran toward the car. Inside, she saw two people. Calling for help, others rushed forward to hold the car steady while she climbed inside.
She reached Theodore first, checking his pulse. He was alive. She dragged him out with difficulty, then went back in. She placed her hand on Ivan's neck, then leaned her ear to his chest to feel a pulse.
Suddenly, Elia felt someone grab her by the waist and pull her close. Their hot breaths mingled, and Elia gasped in shock as blood trickled from Ivan's mouth—he laughed at her expression.
Elia quickly pulled away, realizing the situation. She dragged Ivan, pressing his body against hers, then hurried to get him out. She handed him to the others outside, then fled the scene as police sirens wailed—after all, she had caused the accident, and she was an illegal street racer.
Riding fast, her heartbeat raced as she recalled Ivan's face, his touch on her waist, despite his injuries.
---
To be continued....