Seung-ho laughed and punched Luke playfully on the arm.
"I'm just messing with you, man. This ride is sick!"
He turned to the blonde-haired guy.
"Hey, Jake. What's up?"
Jake shrugged nonchalantly.
"Not much, just waiting for you to finish your little heart-to-heart with your dad."
Seung-ho rolled his eyes but couldn't help smiling.
"Yeah, yeah. You know how he gets."
He climbed into the backseat of the truck, settling in between Luke and Jake.
"So, what's the plan for today?"
Luke grinned mischievously.
"Well, since it's your last day in New York before moving to Ulsan City..."
"...we thought we'd show you a good time," Jake finished, his blue eyes gleaming with excitement.
Seung-ho felt a flutter of anticipation in his chest. He knew these two could get him into trouble, but he trusted them completely.
"I agree let's go to the underground racing I want to watch cars race each other," Seung-ho said.
Seung-ho waved back at the group of racers, a confident smirk playing on his lips. He had earned their respect and admiration through his unparalleled skills as a mechanic. Even the most seasoned professionals sought his expertise to fine-tune their vehicles.
As they approached the track, the air was thick with the scent of gasoline and the roar of engines. Seung-ho felt right at home amidst the chaos and adrenaline.
"Seung-ho! You're here!" a burly man with a thick beard exclaimed, pulling him into a bear hug.
"Hey, Mike," Seung-ho greeted, patting the man's back.
"Just came to watch the races today."
Mike raised an eyebrow.
"Just watching? Come on, we could use your skills out there!"
Seung-ho chuckled and shook his head.
"Maybe next time. I'm heading to South Korea tomorrow, so I'm just here to enjoy the show."
"What!" Everyone shouted and pushed each other.
Seung-ho laughed at their shocked reactions, holding up his hands in a calming gesture.
"I know, I know. It's sudden. But my dad's moving the family business there, so we're relocating."
Mike frowned, concern etched on his face.
"That's a shame, kid. We'll miss you around here."
Seung-ho smiled warmly at his friend.
"Thanks, Mike. I'll miss you guys too. But who knows? Maybe I'll start an underground racing scene in Ulsan City."
The group erupted into cheers and laughter at the idea. Seung-ho grinned, knowing he had left his mark on this place.
As the races began, Seung-ho leaned against the fence, his eyes fixed on the sleek vehicles speeding around the track.
"But bro you're just seventeen years old your future is limitless, ever since two years ago you never stepped on the race track again," Dickson said.
"Don't want to bother anyway I want to watch cars," Seung-ho said as he walked toward the fence and he cheered loudly.
As the races intensified, Seung-ho's excitement grew. The roar of the engines, the screech of tires on asphalt, and the camaraderie of his friends fueled his adrenaline. He felt alive in this moment, untouched by the weight of his secret life and the Criminal Gossip System that controlled his every move.
Suddenly, a piercing screech echoed through the air as one of the racers lost control, spinning out violently. Seung-ho's heart raced as he watched the car careen towards the fence where he stood. Time seemed to slow down as he instinctively braced himself for impact.
Just inches away from him, the car slammed into a concrete barrier, metal crumpling and glass shattering.
Seung-ho jumped over the fence as he slammed his fits into the car and he grabbed Zion out of the car who coughed out blood and Seung-ho dragged him out and then boom!
Boom!
The car exploded. Glass pierced in Seung-ho back but he didn't scream but fainted from the explosion.
When Seung-ho woke up he was in the hospital bandage up. He slowly sat up and he saw his father Lucas who pulled on his ear.
"You brat! Only know how to make this old man worry," Lucas said.
"Dad I am your good son," Seung-ho said with a pout.
Lucas sighed and sat down on the bed next to his son, his expression softening.
"You are my good son, Seung-ho. But you scared me half to death. I thought I lost you."
Seung-ho reached out and took his father's hand, squeezing it gently.
"I'm okay, Dad. Just a few scratches."
Lucas raised an eyebrow at his son's nonchalant attitude.
"A few scratches? You were unconscious for hours, and the doctors said you were lucky to be alive. That explosion could have killed you."
Seung-ho shrugged, trying to downplay the severity of the situation.
"It's not like it's the first time I've cheated death, Dad."
Lucas's eyes narrowed at his son's words. He knew there was more to Seung-ho's story than he was letting on. Lucas smacked Seung-ho head he really didn't wear this boy temper came from his or his mother he hasn't seen in a long time.
"I'm serious, Seung-ho. You can't keep putting yourself in dangerous situations like this. I know you're strong and resilient, but even you have your limits."
Seung-ho looked away, his jaw clenched tightly.
"It's not like I planned for that to happen, Dad. It just... it happened."
Lucas sighed heavily, knowing that pushing the issue further would only drive his son away.
"Just promise me one thing, Seung-ho. Promise me you'll be more careful. I can't bear the thought of losing you."
Seung-ho turned back to his father, his eyes softening slightly.
"I promise, Dad. I'll be more careful."
Lucas smiled weakly and patted Seung-ho's hand.
"That's all I ask. Now get some rest. We have a big day tomorrow - we're moving to Ulsan City."
Seung-ho groaned dramatically.
"Do we have to? Can't we just stay here?"
"No can do, kiddo. Business calls."
Seung-ho slumped back against the pillow, resigned to his fate.
"Dad how long is the flight from New York City to South Korea in Ulsan City?" Seung-ho asked as he laid on his stomach. Lucas grabbed his phone and finished his call before he stared at his son for a long time.
This brat has the worst temper.
"The flight time and the time zone let me check," Lucas said.
Lucas tapped away on his phone, calculating the flight duration and time zone difference.
"Okay, so the direct flight from New York City to Seoul, South Korea takes around 13 hours and 30 minutes. Then, it's about an hour's drive from Seoul to Ulsan City."
He looked up at Seung-ho, who was now staring at the ceiling with a bored expression.
"So, that's about 14 hours of travel time, plus the hour drive. And considering the time zone difference..."
Lucas paused, doing a quick mental calculation.
"...it'll be around noon local time when we arrive in Ulsan City."
Seung-ho groaned again, burying his face in his pillow.
"That's so long! I'm gonna be stuck on that plane for forever!"
Lucas chuckled and ruffled Seung-ho's hair.
"You'll survive, brat. Besides, think of all the movies you can watch and games you can play."
Seung-ho peeked out from under his pillow, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Can I play on your phone? Mine's broken."
"No way," Lucas said firmly.