HOPE'S POV

In a moment, Tyler came into view with a gleaming red car. In just a glance, I could tell it was fit for a race with its aerodynamically curved figure, spotless paint, and leather interior. Still, I was proud to pick the car I chose for its beautiful shade of dark blue.

He parks beside me and lowered the car window. "Just a round?" he suggests, and I nod. I suppose the empty road is a one-way street which leads back to where we currently were.

Tyler flashed me a grin and I certainly did not miss the twinkle in his eyes. "The moment it reaches ten," he said, rolling the car window back up.

I was shocked to feel an unfamiliar smile take over my features, along with the overwhelming adrenaline which courses through my veins. I felt delirious and was vibrating with anticipation. The emotions I have missed since my father's death.

I patiently waited until the time staring back at me reflect ten, then I recalled Tyler's instructions from just a while ago and started moving the car. I sped it up, feeling more alive than I ever thought was possible. I slammed my feet on the accelerator, seeing as Tyler was just a few meters in the lead. I caught a glimpse of the look of astonishment on his face as I sped pass him. I believed he thought I would not be able to operate the car still.

Using the advantage of being in the lead, I steer right hastily with force, cutting into his lane. I threw my head back, laughing at his priceless face before focusing on the race once again. Excitement wired through my body as he emerged beside me with a determined expression plastered on his face.

I could see the corner in a distance, which I was quite worried about. This idea of racing with no history in cars was preposterous, and I could probably crash the car in a heartbeat. But I loved this absurdity - the pulse pounding in my temples, the stir in my soul.

Like in fighting, I could predict the moves he was going to make. When he was about to steer into my lane, I changed into his. That caught him by surprise, causing him to slow down and for me to steer back to the right.

I was now taking the lead again.

Upon encountering the first corner, I slowed down, going the safer route. I narrowed my eyes slightly, taking in how Tyler did a neat slide and ended up in front of me.

I could recall him teaching me about drifting, the move he did Just a few seconds ago. I planned to try it out in the next corner, despite how dangerous it looked.

The turn was just a few meters ahead. There was no way I could get in the lead again unless I ace the move. I already had all of my pressure on the pedal.

Once the next turn up came into view, I realized it was going to be a tough job considering I still had trouble doing the basics in driving. After unbuckling my seat belt, I reached for the clutch and violently turned the wheel. I guess the constant pestering for fast rides in my father's vehicle had come in useful. I would always look at how he controlled his car, in case I own one in the future. The vague memories of how he drove, along with the extra lesson Tyler gave less than an hour ago helped me in this race.

It was then when I found myself more than a meter ahead. Swiftly, I get the car running at its fastest speed again.

With a satisfied smile on my face, I continued the intense, yet utterly entertaining ride. Amusement danced in my eyes as I watched Tyler switched the lanes freely, trying to catch up but to no avail.

I was proud to know I had already learned the sequence in driving so quickly, though I had always grown up learning faster than others.

I had the vehicle in control, yet unaware of the third turn ahead. This time, Tyler was able to swerve his car in the corner professionally, and we found ourselves neck on neck, right beside each other.

The corner of his mouth tugged into a grin, and I returned it with a smile - one he had never seen before and one which had not been suppressed after the death of my father.

Something happened, and soon I realized his car was starting to trail behind. Using the opportunity, I drifted in the fourth and last corner, laughing as Tyler failed to do the same and ended slowing down much more.

As the car rental shop came in sight, I slammed my foot on the brakes, surpassing the invisible finishing line I had in my head.

Tyler came to a screeching halt beside me with an indecipherable expression taking over his features. I let out a quiet giggle at the look on his face as I exit the car.

"You were great," he commented, shock registering on his face as he got out of his cars. "Is there something you can't do?"

I replied with silence, causing him to add along with a chuckle, "right, you can't talk."

I had the sudden urge to prove that I could indeed talk and that I had a voice. Tyler made me feel as if talking would not make much difference. I could stay quiet, or start a conversation out of the blue, it would not affect our relationship either way.

It was difficult to admit, but we were friends. A pair which are comfortable, shares a bond and most of the time even trust each other.

That word was still toxic, but maybe trusting just one person would not end with me getting hurt. My father has always been one of the few I trusted, and I will always place him first. Although I had never understood how trusting another could end with someone getting hurt, I believed him.

Maybe just this once, I should open up.

"I'll bring you back home," he said, climbing into his car again. "After we return our cars."

I nodded, getting into the car I picked and tailing behind Tyler's.

He parked his car, but I had the fear of scratching it since reversing was beyond my abilities at the moment, so I climbed out for Tyler to help me.

"Impossible! That's your first time driving?" his uncle asked the second I stepped out of the car. A smile stretched across my lips as I bob my head. From the corner of my eye, I spot Tyler hop out of his parked car and enter the vehicle I used for the race.

Shock registered on his face as his eyes scanned my features. "You remind me of a very old friend of mine."

My eyes furrowed, curiosity at a peak.

"Yeah, he's a fast learner too, extremely talented, but unfortunately the man died from suicide," I bit my tongue, holding myself back from asking for his name because it was too much of a coincidence. My curiosity was once again awakened when I heard him mutter, "but I knew otherwise."

Before I could raise an eyebrow and encourage him to spill more of what he knew, and probably the name of the man he called an old friend, Tyler climbed out of the car the blue car and reached my side.

"She doesn't speak," he said, looking between me and his uncle.

"I just noticed," was his response.

Tyler bid goodbye to the old man before he led me to his personal car, "hop in."

I nodded slowly, watching as his uncle spare me a glance and forced a smile for his nephew.

Tyler started his car, driving to my place. He has been there countless number of times and did not hesitate to make the turns. The passing greenery becomes a hazy blur as he drove. I shifted uncomfortably while looking outside the window, trying my best to ignore Tyler's piercing stare on the back of my head for more than half the ride.

After being dropped off outside my apartment, I strolled back to my place with my bag behind me. I slumped on my bed once I enter my room, reflecting the time I had outside my home. Truthfully, I had fun and had smiled more than I ever did in the last few years.

I find my phone, then entered the screen to send Tyler a text message, hesitating before I hit send. I thought he might take a few moments before responding since he might still be driving, but his reply came in seconds.

"Thank you for today." Was my text to him.

His sudden reply caused a small smile to reach my lips, "you deserved it."

"You know, you shouldn't hide your talents." He sent after a while, then added, "or your voice."

I bit my lip, curious as to why he wanted to hear my voice. Having no utter idea how to answer him, I left him on read and place my phone aside, getting ready to leave for the gymnasium.

It was until Sunday when I came across Tyler while training. I thought we would be minding our own business and doing our separate workouts since the competition had already ended, but instead, he approaches me.

"Would you teach me the other moves you did?"

I frowned, looking into his eyes before giving in and showing him some of the more complex moves. He offered to have dinner with me, which I dreaded to answer. Staying away from him might be the best idea, but before I could reject, I found myself shrugging. It happened to be a yes to him, and I could not bring myself to back out.

He beamed, informing me that he would bring me to his place right after. My jaw dropped almost instantly, realizing we were not eating outside, but in his home with ordered food. I did not mind, but I did promise myself that I would never step into his house again. Something unpleasant was bound to happen, we might get too close and I could not help but worry.

Pushing the thoughts to the back of my head, I performed a move for him.

"So I have to go behind, reach underneath the jaw and choke that person with my elbow, grab the bicep then push his head forward?" Tyler said in disbelief. "Who made that up?"

I stifle a giggle, urging him to try the moves I just showed. "Who do I try that on?" he asked and scrunched his nose. I gave him a bored look, causing a frown to take over his features, "on you?"

I nodded, turning around so he was behind me. After a while of him being frozen, I scowled, giving him a side glance. "I just don't think it's right to choke you," he said sheepishly. I turn around abruptly, throwing a punch aimed for his face which I knew he would dodge. I slowed my moves down since he was still a beginner.

He caught my leg, foolishly letting go of my hand. I swing my arm, but before it landed on the side of his head, he ducked. I took the chance to turn around - which I dreaded to do since it was extremely unintelligent, but it was the only way to give him the chance to perform the move I taught.

It worked perfectly because soon I found his arm snaked around my neck and his body against my back. He was supposed to push my head forward, making sure to lock me in that posture, but he skipped that step.

I looked around my shoulder, encouraging him with a proud smile. We stayed in that position for a moment, looking into each other's eyes. I was itching to get out of our current spot, but I did not want to ruin his face since his arms were still rested around my neck.

I was caught by surprise when I realize he was leaning in. Without second thoughts, I grabbed his hand, and as a reflex, tripped him, twisted his arm and lock it behind his back.

"Sorry... I got too carried away, can you let go of me now?" he mumbled. I shot him an apologetic look before I let go and stepped out of the way.

"I think we should call it a day," he suggested, and I nodded in agreement. "Come on, we'll get to my place, you can have a shower there."

As I stepped into his car after we exit the gymnasium, I could not help but recollect the situation we were in minutes ago. He was leaning in to kiss me. I shut my eyes, avoiding to look at Tyler.

I was glad I showed him that I was not that vulnerable, helpless girl in love like the ones he dated - I was far from that. He stopped outside his place, which I could say I was fairly familiar with.

It felt different from the first time I have been to his house because I knew what to expect.

Knowing I had the permission to shower, I head for the bathroom first right after I picked out a set of clothes, which was the usual, revealing outfit which I dreaded to wear. But getting out of my current dirty clothes seemed to be the first thing in my mind at the moment.

I stepped out of the bathroom, furrowing my eyebrows as I hear a commotion from outside the room. There were a few voices that I could easily recognize.

"Hope, I forgot to say that I invited Grayson and Josh as well. Are you fine with it?" Tyler asked and I nod, I was used to them being around anyway. I remembered them discussing about hanging out together while in school, this must be the day they planned on meeting.

"There she is, beautiful girls always welcomed," Grayson said, eating a slice of pizza.

Josh chuckled, looking behind his shoulders to face me, "Hope, have a seat beside me," Josh said, patting on the empty spot next to him, which was sandwiched between him and Tyler. Shrugging, I made my way over and sat beside him since there was no other space.

Josh flashes me a shy smile, then looked away and ate a slice of pizza on his plate.

"It's been a long time since I had both of you over," Tyler stated, his eyes trained on me. I tried ignoring his gaze, helping myself with the food.

"Yeah, caught up with things concerning your father?" Josh asked, a small tug on the side of his lips. "But you'll be inviting us either way because we're your only friends."

He turns to me. "Tyler has severe trust issues."

I forced a smile at his statement, I doubted he had severe trust issues like me. I knew for a fact Josh was simply joking around since Tyler seemed to trust me with his things the moment I stepped into his home.

"Maybe because others might cheat on his feelings when they find out I'm much more good looking," Grayson added, still joking. It was true that Grayson was attractive, it was not hard to admit. But I would never judge a person by their looks. My stepfather looked like a great and honest man, but I knew his true colors.

"I made this guy pay with my genius skills the other day because he scammed me saying I'll be receiving shoes but I got a rock." He changed the topic, pouting, as he took another bite out of his pizza.

Josh snorted while Tyler stifled a laugh, but all I could do was raise an eyebrow.

"Grayson has sick technical knowledge when it comes to computers, it can be really useful at times," Tyler explained after studying my expression. I listened to their casual and friendly conversation. Despite the two guys beside me constantly stealing glances at me, it was a fairly good night until my phone rang from inside my pocket.

I shot them a smile, silently excusing myself. I pressed answer, frowning when I realized it was from my mother.

"Hope! I heard from teachers that you skipped school on Friday, are you sick?" I bit back a scoff, knowing clearly that she was simply faking to care. She only wanted me to pass my academic so I could grow with a steady job and earn some money for the family. I hummed in reply, not bothering to use words to answer.

"You're better now, right?" she asked and I hummed again, wanting to end our conversation as soon as possible.

"That's great, I can't wait for your short break. I have news to tell you," she said, before ending the call. I raised an eyebrow, she did not sound extremely happy, but there was a tiny hint of excitement.

I brushed it off, returning to the living room. I liked Tyler's friends, but it does not necessarily mean I trust them. I had no idea when I would be leaving, but I supposed it was after Grayson and Josh leaves.

"Don't you just hate it when people force you to do something for money?" Tyler complained, most likely referring to his father and the fight.

"Can't relate, but sure," Grayson shrugs.

"Can't either, but I'm sure it feels awful," Josh said.

"Yeah," I mumbled, making sure no one can hear me.

Tyler seemed to have been through something similar to what happened to me, the rough events just because of money and selfishness.

So maybe, just maybe, I can trust him after all.