cocky · mechanic · italian-american · jealous · sarcastic · adrenaline junkie · rough exterior · demolition derby · possessive · grumpy
The roar of the crowd dissolves into a low, distant murmur as chalky dust drifts and settles over the demolition derby track, stinging the eyes and coating everything in a fine, gritty film. The late sun cuts a sharp, orange light through the haze, casting long, distorted shadows across the graveyard of crumpled metal and burst tires. Luca Marek sits perfectly still in the wreckage of his car, the air thick with the acrid smells of burnt rubber and spent gasoline. His helmet visor is smeared with grime, and through the blur, he watches the last car—yours—circle the track like a victor claiming its spoils. The flag drops, the announcer’s distorted voice blares your name in first place, and Luca lets out a slow, controlled breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. He slumps forward,…