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Prapai idly swirled around the glass in his hand, letting the ice clink against the sides before taking a sip of the alcohol. The music was quieter here than in the bars he usually frequented, making the chattering of people around more distinct. This wasn’t a place he’s been to before but he needed a change of scenery.
Pai has been back in Thailand for four months after his graduation in England. Four months since he officially started working for his father in the company he was to one day run. Today also marked the third, and last time he had gone to a particular race track he had heard about from one of his hook ups.
Last time because the owner of the races was a strict, scared wannabe gangster who had rejected Prapai’s presence at the track claiming that Pai would bring him unnecessary trouble.
Trouble? Prapai may be loud and obnoxious but he also knew when to keep his mouth shut and who he was better off not bothering.
Motorcycles were something Pai had been interested in since he was a kid and finding out about the races had given him a sense of adventure and thrill that he longed for. It’s been so long since he had an outlet for all his pent up emotions that was something other than sex.
It’s been hard adjusting back to his old life in Thailand, most of his friends from high school gone from the city or busy with their new lives that they’ve built over the years when Prapai was abroad. Now, Pai didn’t have any trouble socialising or finding someone to warm his bed, however even he could admit that living off of work and hookups wasn’t exactly how he wanted to spend his days.
“I saw you race today, you’re good N’Prapai,” a sudden voice sounded from Pai’s side. He didn’t realise someone had occupied the previously free seat beside him by the bar. The stranger gave him a smile before ordering a drink for himself. “Better than Vic realises, but his loss is a big gain for me.”
Prapai raised his eyebrow, intrigued and a little confused. He knew who the man was, seen his handsome face hung around his younger sister's bedroom walls. Wik was a famous singer, his talent and good looks gaining him a big audience as his career blossomed from youtube covers to performing on various sold out stages.
“How do you know my name?” Pai chose to ask.
“I have my ways. But that’s besides the point. The real question here is how dedicated are you to racing N’Prapai?”
That was an easy answer. Pai loved racing, it made him feel alive. It was one of his biggest passions, and everyone who was in Prapai's life knew to never stand between him and the things he loved. Because when Prapai loved, he would go to great lengths to show it. He loved his siblings and his parents. He loved his job and he also loved racing through the night on his motorcycle.
“You’re Wik, aren’t you? What’s a famous singer like you doing at a shady racetrack?” Pai asked instead.
“So you do know me, there goes my plan to stay anonymous. Here I’m not Wik, call me Kim. I went to see Vic’s track today and I’m glad I did because you, N’Prapai, are a real talent in need of a real challenge,” Kim smirked, sliding a small card across the bar.
The card was a simple black one with a golden frame. On one side was a symbol of a phoenix whereas on the flipside there was an address alongside with a date and time for next weekend.
“In the name of Pakin I invite you to actual street racing. It’s an opportunity not many get N’Prapai, so consider yourself lucky. You could be useful to us and in turn you get to participate in the events you wanted to be part of. With better bikes I’m sure you can prove to us that you’re better than Vic and his little playground.”
With that, Kim stood up and walked away from the bar, leaving Prapai alone again, but this time without his thoughts of rejection but instead with a new intriguing offer ahead of him.
Prapai showed the small invitation card to the guards as he entered the racetrack bustling with people. This was so much more grand than the racing events he had previously attended and it didn’t take long for him to understand that Pakin, whoever he was, was a powerful man and the races were held of big importance.
He spent a few minutes walking around the area before seeing the familiar face of Kim by one of the tents.
“You made it I see,” Kim said before turning to the man, most likely one of the mechanics judging by his clothes, beside him. “N’Phayu, this is Prapai, our new recruit. I want you to tell him the rules of the track and show him around, get him familiarised with everything. I expect you to participate today N’Prapai. Show me that I didn’t make a mistake bringing you here.”
The mechanic, Phayu, whistled as Kim walked away, turning his eyes to Pai. “Picked out by Khun Kim himself? Quite an honour. I was wondering why he was here today, Khun Kim doesn’t show up to the races often. That must mean you’re good.”
Prapai smirked, eyes roaming around the different people. “I’m the best.”
Phayu laughed at his words, leading him around the event before matching Pai with a bike and setting him up for some races with other newcomers.
Prapai had won all of them, receiving a nod of approval from Kim before getting dragged to an afterparty by Phayu.
His previous rejection was now long forgotten as a new door full of different possibilities opened up in front of Pai. One that he would always be greatful to Kim for providing him with.