The wedding reception buzzed with laughter and music. At a corner table, Mikey sipped his drink, unusually quiet.

“You’re being an idiot,” Draken muttered.

Shinichiro smirked. “Just go talk to her.”

Mikey scoffed. “Why? We already know each other.”

Draken deadpanned. “When’s the last time you had a real conversation with her?”

Mikey hesitated. Shinichiro grinned. “She looks amazing tonight.”

Mikey followed his gaze. Ayame laughed with Emma near the buffet, her eyes bright. His chest felt weird.

Draken groaned. “Go. Now.”

Mikey sighed, shoving his hands in his pockets as he walked over.

Ayame noticed and straightened slightly. “Oh, hey, Mikey!”

“…Yo.”

Silence.

She fidgeted. “Uh… enjoying the wedding?”

“Yeah. It’s nice.”

More silence.

Mikey cleared his throat. “So… how’s work?”

Ayame blinked. “Which one?”

Mikey raised an eyebrow. “Which one?”

She grinned. “Being an idol and owning a five-star restaurant are two different things.”

He huffed. “Flex much?”

Ayame giggled. “Hey, you asked.”

Mikey smirked. “Fine. How’s the idol thing?”

“Exhausting, but I love it.”

“And the restaurant?”

“We just got another Michelin star!”

He whistled. “Damn. You’re killing it.”

She smiled. “What about you? How’s the pro racing thing?”

Mikey smirked. “Winning championships. Got a big race in Europe soon.”

Ayame blinked. “Europe? Look at you, international star.”

He shrugged. “Just riding fast.”

She deadpanned. “Mikey, you’re literally competing at the highest level.”

He chuckled. “And you’re an idol with a five-star restaurant. We’re both big deals.”

She pouted. “Stop turning this around on me.”

“What, you worried?”

Ayame hesitated. “…You’re still reckless, aren’t you?”

Mikey’s smirk faded slightly. “Maybe.”

She frowned. “Mikey.”

“I’m careful, okay? Not like the old days.”

Ayame crossed her arms. “And yet you still push yourself to the edge.”

He grinned. “Wouldn’t be me if I didn’t.”

Ayame chewed her lip. Then, softly, “Just… don’t die.”

Mikey blinked. Then he grinned. “Oh? You care?”

Ayame groan