Chapter 31_ Beautiful Lady

Upon reaching Arya's apartment, Arya and Kane were summoned into Alex's room. "My esteemed advisors," he began, "I might have made a foolish decision." Kane raised a skeptic brow in response.

"What? Responding to Selma's comment on your photo?" Kane inquired, to which Alex shook his head.

"No, I did not. The issue at hand is that she messaged me this morning, proposing a go-kart race together." Alex divulged.

"But that's good news, isn't it?" Arya interjected.

"It was... until I started boasting about my prowess in karting and my exceptional piloting skills." Alex lamented, causing Arya to roll her eyes.

"I see... and how proficient are you actually at karting?" Kane probed.

"I know they have four wheels. And if you include the steering wheel, that makes five." Alex quipped, earning a chuckle from Kane.

"That's not quite how it works, Alex." Kane stated.

"Well, it doesn't matter because things took a turn for the worse. She could tell I was exaggerating and came up with a deal." Alex explained.

"What kind of deal?" Arya inquired.

"We race with the karts. If I win, she agrees to go on a date with me. But if I lose, it's over." Alex revealed.

"Goodness, Alex... What were you thinking? You excel in so many other areas. Why couldn't you brag about something you actually have knowledge of?" Arya scolded.

"Relax, Tigress. What's done is done. But perhaps we can salvage the situation." Kane suggested, prompting a hopeful look from Alex.

"Really?"

"Why not? How long has Selma been taking karting lessons?" Kane asked.

"I believe it's been about six months." Alex replied, to which Kane nodded.

"That's quite some time, but if you have a natural talent for it, I can teach you some nifty tricks. I believe you can hold your own. Who knows, you may even defeat her with some luck. How much time do we have to practice?" Kane proposed, causing Alex's eyes to sparkle with a grateful smile.

"About a week," replied Alex.

"It may not be much time, but if we utilize it wisely, we can go somewhere in just one week. Let's practice today before the match between me and that jerk takes place," Kane suggested, and Alex eagerly agreed.

"Great! Thank you so much, Kane. You're the best," Alex exclaimed with joy, causing Kane to smile back at him.

"Don't mention it, little buddy. It's the least I can do. However, remember not to make promises you can't keep," Kane advised, his face serious.

"It will become my personal motto from now on," Alex declared.


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The next day, Kane drove Alex to the karting track, accompanied by Arya. While Arya sat in the stands, Kane and Alex took to the race track for an intense training session. After a few laps, Alex was navigating the kart expertly.

"Now that you know the basics and have observed some maneuvers, it's time to put it all together," Kane stated, and Alex eagerly nodded.

"Yes!" he exclaimed.

"Just remember these three key things: avoid collisions with other karts, take advantage of the curves, and maintain the lead," Kane reminded him.

"Got it! But I have to admit, it would be satisfying to bump into another kart," Alex joked.

"Yes, in certain situations like one-on-one races, you can use it as a strategic move. However, be aware that it will also slow you down. The cleaner you race, the faster you'll go," Kane patiently explained, allowing his words to sink in.

"Understood!" Alex replied.

"So, are you ready for a racing test?" Kane asked, and Alex eagerly nodded, raising his fist in the air with excitement.

"Go, Alex, go!" Arya cheered loudly from the stands.

Soon, the engines were revving, and Alex and Kane were at the starting line. "Would you do us the honor of starting the race, beautiful lady?" Kane charmingly asked Arya with a wink.

"Commence the race, Arya," Alex chimed in with enthusiasm, causing Arya to smile at his excitement as she stood and raised her hand in the air.

"Ready? Set...Go!" At her command, the engines revved, the tires screeched, and Alex and Kane took off in a neck-and-neck race. The first bend approached quickly as Alex maintained a laser focus. He maneuvered through the center of the track and effortlessly took the curve without losing speed, but Kane pulled ahead and reminded him, "Cut through, Alex! From the outside in or you'll have to cover twice the distance."

"Alright," Alex replied as they zoomed past the track, heading towards the dreaded hairpin bend. Alex approached from the outer edge, but the curve was too narrow and he veered off track midway. "What happened?" he asked Kane as he cruised by.

"The only way to tackle that bend is to countersteer and drift, Alex," Kane instructed him.

"But that's insane," Alex scoffed, shaking his head.

"No, my boy...that's racing," Kane proclaimed.

"Come on, Alex! You can do it!" Arya cheered from the sidelines.

Before the final bend and the finish line, Kane fell behind and turned to Alex, saying, "Now your sole focus is to stay in the lead, Alex. No matter what."

"But you're a much better driver than me," Alex protested.

"It doesn't matter. You have the advantage now, so defend it," Kane countered, to which Alex nodded with determination. He pressed down on the pedal and gave it his all, but his timing was off and at the last second, he had to hit the brakes to avoid crashing. Kane flew past the finish line...

"Too fast, too soon, Alex. Timing is everything," Kane admonished as he stepped out of his kart with Alex following suit, shoulders slumped and a downcast expression.

Seeing the disappointment on his face, Kane tried to lift his spirits. "It's only your first day, Alex. You gave it your best shot, alright?" Alex nodded at Kane, and as they arrived at the pit, Arya joined them.

"How was your first day of practice?" She inquired, gazing up at Kane.

"We have a lot of work cut out for us. There is determination, but building confidence behind the wheel takes time." Kane remarked.

"Do you think Selma will outshine me on the track?" Alex inquired.

"Well...it will be a tough challenge, buddy. But...you still have ample time to devise a counter strategy to beat her." Kane stated with a sense of confidence, and Alex nodded, feeling reinvigorated. With a clear understanding of his abilities, he was less anxious about racing Selma and more focused on crafting a winning strategy.

"Thank you for the lesson, Kane. It was both informative and enjoyable." Alex exclaimed with a gleam in his eyes.

"Who would have thought you were such a fantastic teacher?" Arya quipped with a smile.

"When it comes to driving, I could teach a primate." Kane joked, handing Arya his helmet. "Would you like to give it a try under my supervision?"

"No, no, I don't think so. I have a fear of cars." Arya flatly refused, almost causing Kane to roll his eyes at her.

"Oh, Arya. But this is nothing like a car. A kart is like an oversized toy." Kane commented, but Arya shook her head in refusal.

"It may have looked like a toy on the track, but I'll pass." Arya stated, and Kane let out a sigh.

"If you let your fears dictate your actions, it will only make things worse next time, Arya." Kane remarked with a serious expression, causing Arya to avoid his gaze, looking anywhere but at him. Seeing she was adamant, Kane gave up trying to convince her as they left the karting place.