The roar of the crowd was deafening, a tidal wave of sound that crashed over the podium and swept through the stands. The checkered flag was still waving in the hands of the track official, its black and white squares snapping in the mountain breeze. The scent of burnt rubber and fuel hung thick in the air, mixing with the cool, crisp wind that swept down from the peaks.

Jason stood on the highest step of the podium, the golden trophy held high above his head, his grin so wide it almost hurt. The trophy was heavy and solid, shining as it reflected the flashing lights of cameras and the faces of the cheering crowd. The metal was cool against his palms but his heart was burning with triumph.

He had done it!!

He had finally won Cedar International.

The check, ten million dollars, was tucked safely into his jacket pocket.

He laughed out loud, the sound bright and uncontained, lost in the noise of the crowd.

Dominique stood at the edge of the podium, his phone raised, clicking photo after photo. His eyes were wet, his vision blurry but he didn’t bother to wipe them away.

Hazel leaned toward Bella, her voice barely audible over the noise. "He’s crying."

Bella smiled, her eyes soft. "He always cries for Jason. He’s a big softie."

Jason and Dom’s bond was deep. Jason had once told her that Dom was sometimes like his mother, crying in happiness every time he won.

When Jason finally descended from the podium, trophy still in hand, Dominique rushed forward and wrapped his arms around him.

Dominique said, his voice thick with emotion, his arms tightening around Jason’s shoulders, his face buried in the crook of his neck. "Bro, I’m so proud of you."

Jason hugged him back, his own eyes glassy. "I’m so proud of myself," he said, his voice emotional.

They pulled back, both of them laughing. Dominique wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.

Dominique said, his voice still shaky but filled with admiration. "You were incredible out there. That last turn? I almost had a heart attack."

Jason admitted, his grin returning. "I almost had one too. I saw the cliff and thought, ’Well, this is it.’"

Dominique laughed, relief flooding his voice. "But you didn’t crash."

Jason grinned, his confidence returning. "I didn’t crash."

Dominique beamed, his eyes shining. "Because you’re amazing."

Jason nodded, his chest puffing out slightly. "Because I’m amazing."

Bella stepped forward and hugged him next, her voice warm. "You were amazing, Jason. We were so scared, but you were amazing."

Jason grinned, his eyes bright. "I was terrified, to be honest."

Dominique waved his hand dismissively, a teasing smile on his face. "Couldn’t tell. You looked like a pro."

Jason smirked, his tone playful. "I am a pro."

Dominique corrected with a teasing smile. "You were a pro today." 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

Hazel shook his hand, a rare smile on her face. "Congratulations. That was impressive driving."

Jason beamed, his cheeks flushing with pride. "Coming from you, that means a lot."

Scarlett stepped forward, her arms crossed, a smirk on her face. "Not bad, race boy. Not bad at all."

Jason raised an eyebrow, his expression amused. "Not bad? I just won the biggest race of my career."

Scarlett shrugged, her smirk widening. "I’ve seen better."

Jason laughed, his eyes sparkling. "Liar."

Scarlett laughed too, her face softening. "Fine. You were amazing. Happy?"

Jason nodded, his grin returning. "Very."

Zion clapped him on the shoulder, his voice warm and sincere. "Congratulations, man. That was some serious driving out there."

Jason nodded gratefully. "Thanks, Zion. Means a lot."

⊹₊˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧˚₊⊹

Then Winter stepped forward.

She had been standing a little apart, her dark eyes fixed on him, her expression unreadable. The wind played with her hair.

Jason’s breath caught.

"Winter," he said, his voice soft.

She stopped in front of him and looked at him for a long moment. Her dark eyes were unreadable, but there was a hint of excitement in them, a spark that he had never seen before.

Winter said, her voice calm but with a hint of warmth. "You drove well."

Jason blinked, his heart skipping. "Thank you."

Winter tilted her head, her dark eyes studying him. "You were brave. That turn near the cliff, most drivers would have slowed down."

Jason’s heart started beating faster. He could feel his cheeks growing warm.

Winter continued, her voice thoughtful. "The way you handled the car was precise and controlled. You knew exactly what you were doing. You didn’t let fear control you."

Jason’s cheeks turned pink. A deep, warm blush spread across his face.

He stammered, looking down at his feet. "I... I just... I practiced a lot."

Winter nodded, her expression unchanged. "It showed."

Jason’s blush deepened. He looked back at her, his voice small, almost shy. "You really think so?"

Winter said simply, her gaze steady. "Yes."

He opened his mouth to say something, but no words came out. His mind had gone completely blank, wiped clean by the simple approval of her words.

Winter waited for a moment, then turned and walked back to Bella’s side.

Jason stared after her, his face still red, his heart pounding in his chest.

Dominique, who had been watching him closely, finally noticed something. Do Jason like Winter? But how was that possible? Jason wasn’t someone who fell for anyone easily.

He walked over and nudged Jason in a teasing manner.

Dominique said, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Bro, are you okay?"

Jason blinked, still staring at Winter’s back. "What?"

Dominique chuckled, gesturing at Jason’s face. "Your face is the color of your car."

Jason touched his cheek, his voice confused. "It is?"

Dominique nodded, his grin widening. "Yeah."

Jason cleared his throat and looked away, his blush deepening. "Shut up."

Dominique laughed, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

⊹₊˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧˚₊⊹

The mountain air was cold and sharp, biting at their cheeks as they walked across the parking lot. The stars were out, scattered across the dark sky like diamonds, each one twinkling with its own cold, distant light. The distant sound of the arena faded behind them, replaced by the rustle of wind through the trees, the soft crunch of gravel under their feet, and the occasional distant howl of a night bird.

Jason was still excited, his trophy tucked under one arm, the check safely in his pocket. He kept glancing at both, as if expecting them to disappear.

Jason said for the tenth time, his voice filled with disbelief and joy. "I still can’t believe it. I actually won. Ten million dollars. Ten million."

Dominique patted his back, his tone teasing. "We know, bro. You’ve said it seventeen times."

Jason grinned, his eyes bright. "Seventeen? That’s it? I thought I said it more."

Dominique smirked. "You said it more in your head."

Jason laughed, the sound warm and carefree.

Bella walked beside him, her hands in her coat pockets. She glanced at him, a small smile on her face.

Bella said, her voice playful. "Hey, Jason."

Jason turned to her, curiosity in his eyes. "Yeah?"

Bella’s smile widened. "I have a surprise for you."

Jason’s eyes lit up with excitement. "A surprise? What kind of surprise?"