𝙰𝚞𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚛'𝚜 𝚙𝚘𝚟:

you look absolutely gorgeous. I wonder if it's the dress that's beautiful or you enhance its beauty by wearing it," Aria complimented eloquently.

Let me tell you guys  now Alizeh is adorned in a cherry red gown with full sleeves, complemented by a white diamond set, accentuating her already exquisite features to even greater magnificence.

Thankyou, "You look beautiful too, but the only thing missing here is your boyfriend to appreciate how stunning you look.” Where is he? You said you would introduce me to him today.

Alizeh remarked as she haven't seen him yet.

He was supposed to come, but he couldn't make it because his best friend’s have bike racing event today, Aria said, her face clouded with sadness.

Seeing her distraught expression, Alizeh thought for a moment and then spoke, "How about we go to the event together?" Aria took a while to process the suggestion, her thoughts tangled. Alizeh, noticing her hesitation, gently shook her and asked, "Are you even listening to me?"

Aria’s chain of thoughts was abruptly broken by Alizeh’s gentle nudge. Her eyes widened in surprise and excitement as she jumped up, wrapping her arms around Alizeh. "You’re not joking, are you? I mean, you really want to go?" The joy on Aria’s face was unmistakable.

"Yes, Let’s get moving and change into something more suitable. We can’t go in these clothes," Alizeh said with a grin. Aria nodded eagerly, her enthusiasm palpable

Thank you ," Aria said with heartfelt gratitude. " You know I was just about to suggest the same thing. By the way, you always understand me so effortlessly. Love you, mmuahhh."

"Love you too bestie" alizeh responded before both went inside to change their outfit.

As I descended the stairs, my mom's voice called out, "Azael, where are you going at this hour?”

Without pausing, I replied, "I have a bike racing event today, Mom"

Her footsteps followed mine, and soon she was standing before me, a worried expression clouding her face. "I've told you before, I don't want you participating in those races. As a mother, I can't help but worry. What if something terrible happens?”

I sighed, the familiar weight of this argument settling on my shoulders. "Mom, I understand your concern, I really do. But fate is inevitable, whether I race or not. This is something I love, something I'm passionate about."

Her eyes searched mine, looking for some way to sway me. "But why take the risk? You know how much you mean to me. The thought of anything happening to you is unbearable."

I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. "Mom, I know but I need you to trust me and believe that I'll be careful."

She remained silent for a moment, her worry etched deeply into her features. "I just want you to be safe," she whispered, her voice breaking.

"I know, Mom. And I promise I'll.

She finally nodded, though the worry didn't completely leave her eyes. "Alright, go now. But please, be careful."

I held her face gently in my hands, planting a kiss on her forehead. "I will, Mom. Thank you." before stepping through the door, making my wait out of the house.

       -ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Azael and Zeydan had been rivals since their first day of high school. Both were the best at everything they did—academics, sports, popularity. But if there was one thing that fueled their rivalry more than anything else, it was their shared passion for biking. They lived for the thrill, the speed, and most of all, the victory. The two of them had pushed each other to become the top riders in the city, but neither could ever claim the title outright. Their rivalry was a well-known spectacle, a daily clash of egos and determination.

Their competition had bred tension that grew more intense with each passing day. Snide remarks, heated glares, and a few well-timed pranks had become the norm between them. Their friends watched with a mixture of amusement and exasperation, but even they didn’t see the impending explosion coming.

It all came to a head during gym class that day, when a small argument over who had won a sprint escalated into a full-blown confrontation. Azael’s patience finally snapped. His eyes locked onto Zeydan with a fire that couldn’t be extinguished.

"Let’s settle this once and for all," Azael said, his voice cutting through the air with a cold, sharp edge. “A race. Tonight. And don't cry when you lose.”

Zeydan, ever the provocateur, leaned in with a cocky grin, unfazed by the challenge. "You’re on. Tonight, behind the school. And one more thing—the loser has to kiss one girl from the crowd.

Azael’s smirk was icy, a mirror to Man's arrogance. He had never lost to Zeydan before, and he didn’t plan to start now. “Let’s see who’ll be the one crying tonight, and kiss the girl.”

Zeydan's eyes flashed with something between surprise and excitement. Heloved a good gamble, and this one had just raised the stakes. “Challenge accepted,” he said, his voice steady with determination.

“Accepted,” Azael repeated, sealing the deal with a nod. There was no turning back now.

Tonight, the two best riders would finally settle their score.

*The Night of the Race**

The night was thick with anticipation. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a dim silver light over the quiet streets. The air was still, the only sound the soft hum of distant traffic and the occasional chirp of crickets. But Old Mill Road, usually deserted at this hour, was alive with energy.

A crowd had gathered, mostly students from their school, eager to see the two rivals go head-to-head. The atmosphere was electric, filled with whispers and excited chatter. The street lights flickered, casting eerie shadows on the ground as the crowd murmured in anticipation.

Azael and Zeydan stood at the starting line, bikes gleaming under the moonlight. Azael’s sleek, black sports bike contrasted with Zedan’s fiery red machine. Both bikes looked ready to explode off the line at the slightest touch.

The tension between the two riders was palpable, like a coiled spring ready to snap.

Zeydan’s heart pounded in his chest, adrenaline coursing through his veins. He gripped the handlebars tightly, his knuckles white. His eyes were fixed on the road ahead, every muscle in his body tense and ready.

Azael, on the other hand, exuded a calm confidence. He adjusted his gloves, smirking at Jake. He could feel the excitement thrumming in the air, and it fueled him. This was his moment to prove he was the best, to finally leave Jake in the dust.

The crowd’s excitement was contagious, their cheers growing louder as the moment of the race drew closer. They pressed forward, forming a loose barrier along the road, leaving just enough space for the bikes to tear through. Friends called out words of encouragement, while others placed bets on who would win.

"What happened? The bestfriend already abandoned you before the match even started. Zeydan said to Azael, taking a jab at him with a hint of disdain.”

"It's none of your concern," Azael replied to Zeydan, his tone dismissive.

"Alright bro, let’s not get angry. it’s not that big a deal, good luck with the race and can't wait to see you lose," Zeydan said to Azael, a smirk playing on his lips.

“Good luck with that you too”, azael replied, returning his smirk.

The whistle blows signalling the start of the race.

A friend of both rivals, Lia, stood in the middle of the road, ready to start the race. She raised her hand, holding a red bandana high in the air. The crowd fell silent, the tension almost unbearable.

“On your marks!” she called out, her voice clear and steady.

Azael and Zedan both leaned forward, their engines revving in unison, growling like beasts eager to be unleashed.

“Get set!”

Time seemed to slow down. Azael’s focus narrowed, his world shrinking to the stretch of road ahead of him. He could hear his own breathing, the thrum of his engine, and the pounding of his heart. .

Zedan’s mind was equally focused, every thought drowned out by the roar of his bike. He glanced at Azael, the fire of competition burning in his eyes. He couldn’t wait to defeat him.

“Go!”

The bandana dropped, and in an instant, the street erupted with noise. The bikes shot forward, tires screeching against the asphalt as they raced side by side into the night.

The crowd’s cheers rose to a fever pitch, their shouts echoing off the buildings lining the road. They could feel the rush of wind as the bikes sped past, the roar of the engines sending shivers down their spines. It was a blur of speed, a flash of black and red streaking down the street.

Azael’s bike roared beneath him, the engine vibrating through his entire body. He leaned into the bike, urging it to go faster, to push past its limits. The wind whipped against his face, but he didn’t care. He could feel Zedan close beside him, the red bike matching his pace. He could feel Zedan close beside him, the red bike matching his pace.

                    -ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

As I was about to push the limits of my bike's accelerator, my gaze abruptly fixed on the crowd. From the throng emerged a vision—a girl stepping through with an almost divine grace. She seemed otherworldly, like a celestial goddess moving through the mundane. Her beauty was the kind that didn’t scream for attention but whispered softly, drawing you in with an irresistible pull.

She's wearing a red mini dress that hugs her curves perfectly, her pale skin has a softness to it, like porcelain, glowing subtly even in the dimmest light. Her blue eyes are mesmerising, holding a depth that feels like staring into a clear sky after a storm, filled with an unspoken tenderness. Her long, brow hair cascaded down her back in soft natural curls, like waves of silk. But it was her eyes that held me most captive—those deep, mesmerising brown eyes that pulled me in with their fierce intensity, as if they held secrets meant only for me.”

"In this entire world, I have never seen a girl as breathtaking as her. My breath catches, my heart races uncontrollably since the moment I laid eyes on her. I can feel my pulse thundering in my veins. Why God, why would you hide such unparalleled beauty? She is a vision that leaves me utterly spellbound.”

"What are you doing, Azael? Focus on the race" I heard my classmate's Lia voice and realised that Zeydan had surged past me.Yet, I realised I had surpassed him in something far more significant—I was captivated by this girl’s radiant energy. I knew then that I might lose this race, no matter how hard I tried, because I was irresistibly drawn to her  mesmerised beauty.”

Still, I made one last attempt to avert my gaze from her and focused on my bike. But by then, it was too late; Zeydan had crossed the finish line, and the crowd was cheering for him. The race was over, and here I was, experiencing my first-ever defeat in a race. It was all thanks to my own distraction and mistakes.

Not mistake

But

A beautiful mistake

Zeydan sees me, with a devilish grin and gives me a triumphant smirk , and taunts me, "So, are you going to complete the challenge now?" It then struck me that, while I hadn’t merely fallen behind, I was now faced with the challenge I needed to conquer. I was contemplating this when Jaiden taunted me further, "What’s wrong?, Are you going to back out of your own words?”

Listening to his mockery, my jaw clenched in response and my fingers curling into fists, I declared, "Azael Khan never goes back on his word. What I have said, I will fulfil without fail.”

All eyes in the crowd were on me, but the one I was about to confront was somewhere else entirely. As I turned and advanced, my gaze fell upon her. Initially, she was engrossed in conversation with my best friend’s girlfriend. But as I drew closer, she sensed my gaze and turned a little and our gaze locked, and it became clear that I was heading straight for her. Many of the girls had already closed their eyes, perhaps thinking I would turn my attention elsewhere. Oh, poor souls, their hopes and dreams might shatter before them..

As I approached, our eyes met again , and a silent understanding passed between us. The tension was palpable, and it felt as though time itself had slowed down. Without a word, I closed the distance between us. In a bold, unexpected move, 𝘐 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘴 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴.