Drive Or Die
Summary: Natsuki who has just finished university, applies as a hired driver for a part time job. She is informed that her client would be Mr. Fujino of the Fujino Corporations. When she arrives on her first day, she is surprised to find that she wasn't appointed to Mr. Fujino himself but his daughter, Shizuru. What's even more shocking is when she finds out that her boss' daughter, is the dangerous and deadly heiress to a merciless Yakuza Clan?!
Chapter 1: Turning Point
"Let's see, junk, junk, junk, Mai… and junk." Natsuki sighed. She clicked her mouse a few times and soon all the junk mails were swept into the 'Deleted Messages' tab. Switching back to inbox, she opened the email she dubbed 'Mai.'
Congratulations!
From: Mai Tokiha
Sent: Today, 4:30 PM
To: its_kuga_bitch
Hey Natsuki, would you like to come over for dinner tonight? I was thinking we could eat together tonight to celebrate your final day of being a student… I know you've worked really hard these few years and now that you've finally graduated we can all forget that you stayed back a year and that I graduated before you, right? ;)
Natsuki's lips curved upwards slightly, at the last part. 'She's never going to let me live it down, is she?' The blunette continued looking through the message.
So reply or give me a call to let me know if you're up for it kay? I'll cook for us personally and now that you're finally legal, maybe you can bring over a bottle of wine as well?
Ps. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten your precious mayo. It's all set. So let me know a.s.a.p! ~
Natsuki allowed the smile to remain on her strong but delicately featured face, Mai's light-hearted message was all she needed to brighten up a horrendously long day. She had still been a university student up until four hours ago. Leaving the graduation hall after accepting her certificate, she did lunch and some hanging out with friends she met at the university, which to her dismay lasted longer than she hoped. After all, she accepted their invitation out of courtesy. By the time she arrived home it was already five in the evening.
Natsuki stretched and leaned back on her chair once she finished scanning her emails. As much as she loved getting dinner invites from her childhood friend, Mai, she had actually only been looking forward to reading one mail today, the reply to her job application. She had applied as a hired driver just a week ago and was eager to get a start on her life, she was seriously hoping she would be getting a client sooner than later. Masking her disappointment to no one in particular, she sighed once more and ran her fingers through her long midnight locks, resting her head back onto the chair.
Deciding that she had remained in that position long enough, she lazily turned her head to the bottom corner of her laptop's screen to read the time. 'It's already 5:30… I should give Mai a call before it gets too late.'
Natsuki leaned back up and snatched her phone off the receiver before pushing in some numbers on the dial.
"Hello?"
"Hey Mai."
"Natsuki! Did you get my email?"
Said girl chuckled. "Yes I did. I'm sorry I didn't reply sooner, I got… held up." Like hell she was going to reveal her little 'bonding session' with the college girls.
"Oh don't worry about it!" Natsuki could tell nothing would ruin Mai's joyful demeanor today. Her voice told her so.
"Haha someone sounds eager." The ex college student teased.
"Well, it's the day we've been waiting for. At least sound a little more excited." Mai scolded. "So? Can you make it?"
"I was just calling to tell you, yes. I can make it." Natsuki was genuinely in a good mood. "And what time should I be there?"
"You can drop by at seven."
"Cool, see you then." And with that, the phone call ended.
Setting the phone back into its place, Natsuki turned to the laptop. Just as she was about to shut it down, a notification emerged from the side of her screen. Turning her attention to the blue pop-up, she noticed that it was an email notification. Natsuki groaned with small dissatisfaction and wasted no time in clicking her inbox. 'Fujino Corporations? Why would they be sending me emails?' She clicked it open.
Job Application Reply
Dear Ms. Kuga,
Mr. Fujino, of the Fujino Corporations has requested for the hire of a personal driver. After selecting from a list of applicants, it is decided that you are the most preferred candidate and the disclosed details from your job application have been thoroughly looked at. We are impressed by your qualifications and therefore wish to hire you. You need not reply to this email but if you are interested, please look at the terms and conditions at the bottom of this page and wait for a call from the company to book an appointment for the interview. If you are uninterested, you may ignore this email and skip your job interview.
Thank you.
Haruka Suzushiro
Fujino Corporations Secretary
Natsuki blinked twice, then three more times. She couldn't believe her luck, she actually got her reply and directly from a client too! She was expecting a reply through the agency she signed up with. 'Well fuck, that was pleasantly unexpected…'. After spending time to silently go through the terms and conditions, she finally turned off her laptop with a yawn. As she looked to the side to check how much time had passed from the phone receiver, she mentally made note of how much longer she had and what she should probably do next to avoid being late… again. 'If I take a shower now, I should still have some time to stop by a wine shop before heading to Mai's.' She got off her chair and headed to the bathroom.
Natsuki brought her dark blue Ducati to a screeching halt and switched off the engine before entering the dimly-lit wine shop. She pushed the door open, making the bell on the handle jingle and catching the shopkeeper's attention. Holding her black helmet under one arm and her motorcycle keys in the other hand, she strode towards the woman at the counter, allowing her keys to dangle off her half-gloved finger. Unbeknownst to Natsuki, she was currently an extremely intoxicating sight- at least to the shopkeeper who had her breath stolen at that very moment.
The woman unconsciously reached up to play with a strand of her stylishly layered teal hair and cleared her throat. "Hello there, what may I help you with?"
Natsuki, who was looking at every direction in an attempt to pick out a bottle of suitable beverage for the night, brought her attention to the green-haired woman at the counter. "Oh, I was just uh… looking for a bottle of wine…"
The woman gave Natsuki a rather amused look and mimicked Natsuki's earlier action of looking around the shop. "Hm, well I do believe you came to the right place, I mean there's nothing but rows and rows of wine bottles stacked up along every edge and corner of this place." She smirked, "You're going to have to be a little more specific than that." Turning back to Natsuki, she winked.
Natsuki felt the heat rising in her face, due to annoyance or embarrassment, she did not know. "Um, something fruity but not too sweet...of good quality but not pretentious."
"Red or White?"
"I really don't mind." Natsuki managed a small smile.
"Alright follow me."
The girl led Natsuki to one of the fridges located at the end of the centre aisle. "Blackstone Merlot." She said as she gently caressed one of the bottle necks with her index finger, before pulling it out. "Affordable, fruity, wet..." she whispered the last word.
Natsuki clenched her jaw as she felt her heart beat speed up. "O-okay, thanks." She quickly took the bottle and started back towards the counter.
She reached for her wallet as the shop keeper packed the bottle into a paper bag. "How much is it?"
The girl reached for Natsuki's right hand from behind the counter and brushed her fingers over the top of the glove, startling Natsuki in the process. "What are you-"
"How are your knuckles?" She unstrapped and pulled off the glove very slowly. At this point Natsuki was in too much shock to comprehend what was happening. When the glove was off, she stroked Natsuki's knuckles once more. "You fractured your right knuckles two months ago due to excessive training...no?"
"Wait, how did you-"
"You are our university's boxing champion after all, everyone would have heard quite a bit about you."
Natsuki pulled her hand away. "You are from Fuuka University?"
The girl smiles, "Tomoe Marguerite, your underclassman in English Literature, and vice captain of the Athletics Team. I've seen you practicing in the gym sometimes when I train on the field."
Natsuki slid her glove back on. "I'm sorry, I thought I would have recognised you if... our university is vast so..."
Tomoe laughed, "Don't worry about it, I wouldn't expect a senior to recognise someone like me." She leaned closer to Natsuki over the counter and whispered in her ear, "The wine's on the house... if you promise to come again."
Natsuki took a moment to swallow. "Thank you I appreciate it, Tomoe. I'm kind of late so I have to get going." She grabbed the wine and turned to exit. "Have a good evening though," she allows another small smile.
"Oh and Natsuki?"
Natsuki stopped and turned around.
"Congratulations on graduating."
She smiles again, this time more genuinely. "Thank you, Tomoe."
Mai opened the door as soon as she heard the bell and gave her friend an excited hug. "Natsuki! Please come in, I made several dishes for you to indulge yourself in, you've earned it."
"You indulge me in your wonderful dishes anyway, Mai" Natsuki laughed.
"That is true, but tonight's special!"
The university graduate casually walked into the dining area only to be hit by the undeniably inviting aroma of grilled steak, home-made pasta sauce, cream of mushroom and mayonnaise-drenched salad. Her appetite was instantly whetted. To top it off, was Mai's exquisite taste in interior design and atmospheric propriety, her entire apartment was turned into a Michelin Star restaurant. "This is... this is amazing, Mai, you really didn't have to." Natsuki had to prevent a leakage from the corner of her mouth due to the constant gaping.
"Like I said, you earned it." Mai grinned and ushered Natsuki into her seat.
They caught up with each other as they enjoyed dinner. Mai graduated a year earlier than Natsuki and had since been promoted from her chef apprenticeship. She now works as a head chef in a hotel just off the edge of Fuuka beach and owns a car. She had been doing quite well for herself although the hard work hadn't allowed Mai much time to spend with her best friend. As a result, she pounces on every opportunity she gets, to have an undisturbed evening with Natsuki.
"I got the job, Mai. A direct email from Fujino Corporations, can you believe it?"
"No way! Do you realise how huge they are?"
"Yeah I know, the pay will be great." Natsuki took another sip of wine, marveling about how right Tomoe was about its taste.
"I have to ask though, of all the jobs you could have gotten with your resume. Why a driver? You don't even own a car," Mai asked mirthfully.
"I don't know, I just thought to myself that is was easy money. How hard can it be to drive a car around all day and earn money doing it? Beats being a taxi driver..."
"You're going to be sitting on your ass all day, don't get pudgy on me", Mai raised an eye brow as she took another sip.
Natsuki gave her a look as she placed her glass on the table. "It's just temporary anyway, this is to fund myself until I get my big break doing what I love. I won boxing championships for Fuuka University and now I want to win them for myself."
"Still as passionate as ever about your boxing, huh? Well I suppose that's good! If anyone messes with me, I'll know who to call." Mai playfully squeezed her friend's shoulder.
Natsuki raised her glass and gently tapped Mai's. "This is to our friendship, I don't know what I did to deserve you."
"Oh you, still a smooth talker I see. Why haven't you swooped anyone off their feet yet? I'd run out of paper if I tried to list down all the boys and girls who were after your heart."
Natsuki chuckled, "Oh please, Mai. I'm not sure I have time for those things yet, maybe one day. Enough of all this anyway, I'm dying for a movie catch up with my best friend. What should we marathon tonight?"
"Harry Potter?"
"... Harry Potter it is."
It was 2 am when Natsuki arrived home, half way through the movie marathon Mai had fallen asleep on her shoulder so she decided to call it a night. At the door, she pulled out her keys when her phone went off, startling her.
"Damn it." She looked at the screen. "No caller ID? Why would I be getting a call at this hour?"
She answered her phone without hesitation and tried not to sound too annoyed. "Hello, Natsuki speaking."
"Ms. Kuga? Great. Your interview is in an hour. I'll text you the location to meet and pick up your client."
Natsuki took a moment to let all that sink in before she responded, "Whoa, wait a minute, in an hour?" She looked at her phone, "It's 2 am!"
"Yes we are aware of that. However, Mr. Fujino requires his drivers to work late night shifts on some days. Is that going to be an issue? We can always arrange for someone else to-"
"No, that's fine. I'll attend the interview," Natsuki hastily replied. While the timing was inconvenient, she wanted the job at all cost and what better way to show dedication than attending an interview at 3 am. Then she remembered, she hadn't gotten a car from the agency yet. "Wait, I don't have a car."
"You have a... motorcycle?" The woman sounded like she was looking through Natsuki's application to confirm the last part.
"Yes, but-"
"That'll be fine, use that."
"Wait what? I doubt Mr. Fujino would be too happy about riding a-"
The woman interrupted again, "Don't worry, you won't be picking up Mr. Fujino. I have texted you the details, have a good night, Ms. Kuga" The woman hung up.
"What the fuck." Natsuki shrugged and headed for her Ducati. She was too tired to deal with this.
'This is the place?' A shiver ran through her spine as she looked at the foreboding, rusted warehouse in front of her. It looked like it used to be a slaughter house and had been abandoned for years, surely this was the wrong location. She checked her phone for the address once more, to see that it was correct. She furrowed her eyebrows as she tried to think of what to make of this.
The slamming of metal doors broke Natsuki out of her reverie and she turned to the direction of the noise. A tall girl with light brunette hair started making her way towards Natsuki and she found herself quite confused. "I'm sorry, I am looking for one of Mr. Fujino's associates, I have an interview with them. I was told to meet here, have I gotten the wrong address?" Natsuki was stunned at the girl's innate beauty, it was not of this world. Crimson eyes, stunning facial features, delicate but strong, she looked foreign.
"Ms. Kuga, is it?" Her voice was unbelievable. A smooth velvet, soft and pleasant yet something lurked underneath, a dangerous quality that shouldn't be unveiled. Natsuki couldn't quite put a finger on it but it was hypnotic to her ears.
"Yes, I'm sorry, this is not much of a car." Natsuki gestured to her bike playfully, hiding her nervousness.
The girl's lips curved upwards slightly, but she maintained an unreadable exterior. "Shizuru Fujino," She held her hand out, expecting Natsuki to shake it. "You work for my father but I'm conducting your interview." Natsuki's eyes widened in surprise and she took her hand. She felt electricity rush through her as her fingers brushed against Shizuru's warmth. She was undoubtedly, very physically attracted to this woman. She did not think it was a good idea to be attracted to her boss' daughter.
"It's nice to meet you, Ms. Fujino. I'm sorry, this was such short notice I haven't had a chance to obtain a proper vehicle yet," Natsuki almost stuttered.
The brunette stroked the back seat of the Ducati, admiring it, "This will do just fine".
Before Natsuki could say much else, Shizuru straddled the seat and wrapped her arms around Natsuki's waist. "Where are we going, Ms. Fujino?"
"Just go straight for now, stay on this road." Shizuru's request sounded more like an order. It was laden with strength and an intimidating darkness that gave Natsuki chills. Natsuki wondered why she was feeling a constant unease around this beautiful girl, why she felt so threatened by something so seemingly harmless. There was something cold underneath all the warmth. She revved her Ducati and continued down the road.
The night air sent constant cold breeze through Shizuru's hair as they rode in silence. Natsuki would have offered a spare helmet but she had a feeling her passenger delighted in the danger of the speed, unprotected. 10 minutes had gone by and neither have said a word, making Natsuki wonder if there was even going to be an interview at all. Finally, Shizuru spoke.
"Go faster," She whispered in Natsuki's ear. The biker's heart beat sped up in an instant as did her bike. They went above the speed limit and continued going higher, making Shizuru tighten her grip on Natsuki.
"Am I going too fast?" Natsuki had to raise her voice a little through the wind.
"This is perfect," Shizuru responded and leaned her head onto Natsuki's back, causing the other girl to stiffen up.
Another 10 minutes went by in silence and Natsuki could feel Shizuru's eyes burn through her. She felt like her entire body was being assaulted by crimson eyes even though she couldn't see it. She just knew Shizuru was eyeing her form. She faltered a little when Shizuru started touching her back with one hand, then the back of her neck, then her shoulders and eventually her biceps.
"Do you work out much?" Shizuru broke the silence and Natsuki was glad. She thought she was suffocating.
"I box. Have been doing it a while."
"Impressive... you have great form," Shizuru said as she let her free arm snake back in place around Natsuki's waist.
The latter's face heated up, but she is glad Shizuru's wandering hand was motionless once more. "Thank you, what about yourself?" Natsuki mentally slapped herself as she realised she had let such an unprofessional question slip through her lips. This was a job interview!
Shizuru smiled devilishly, "I engage in physical activities of all sorts, would you like to see for yourself?" Shizuru pressed her breasts and torso into Natsuki's back and the Ducati swerved. Natsuki could hear Shizuru laugh and the tension eased up a little. The threatening aura Natsuki was receiving from the woman before, disintegrated just a little.
'Is she flirting with me?' Natsuki wouldn't dare to find out.
Not before long, Shizuru gestured for Natsuki to slow down and when she pulled to a stop, they were back at the warehouse they started at. Shizuru gracefully got off the bike and adjusted her hair, "Thank you, Ms. Kuga, that was very enjoyable. You may leave now. You will be contacted about the job if you get it." Just as quickly as the threatening aura dissipated, it was back. It was almost as if during the ride, the wind blew away Shizuru's mask and she's slipped it back on. Natsuki was thoroughly confused, the way this woman can't be read is alarming. She is soft, polite and charming one moment and she screams danger, the next. Natsuki couldn't help but to be drawn to her.
"Oh, okay." She responded. She didn't know what to think at this point in time.
A black Range Rover with tinted windows pulled up a second later and Shizuru stepped inside. "Good night, Ms. Kuga," She said, emotionless, before it drove off.
Natsuki's eyes followed the SUV for a while, until a shiver from the cold brought her out of her thoughts. "What, the fuck," She said for the second time that night.
Once Natsuki was home in bed, she found it extremely difficult to go to sleep. She couldn't figure Shizuru out, and she wanted to, so badly. She had never been more confused than she was tonight. She shifted positions and buried her face into her pillow. Does she even want this job now? Would she rather be far away from that woman so she never has to think about her again? She grunted and tried to get some rest, after all it's been a long day.
Natsuki was awoken by the ringing of her phone. She looked at the time, "12 noon, damn I've been asleep for a while." Looking at the screen that read 'No Caller ID' her breath hitched for a second.
"Hello?"
"Good morning, Ms. Kuga." It was the woman who called her last night. "You have been appointed as a driver for Fujino Corporations, your car has been delivered to you. You start on Monday, please be presentable and show up to our building at 9 am. You will receive instructions once you stop at the lobby." The woman hung up once again.
Natsuki's eye twitched at the constant attitude she's been receiving. She got up and walked to her apartment window, sure enough in her parking bay, stood a black BMW with the same tinted windows from the SUV last night. She gaped in disbelief at how the company pulled off these stunts.
Shaking her head, she walked to her fridge and got the milk out. Opening her cupboard, she grabbed a bowl and a box of cereal and began pouring the contents into the bowl. Sitting on her sofa, she ate her cereal while contemplating her new job and once again was brought out of her thoughts by her phone ringing. It did not state 'No Caller ID' this time, but a number she did not recognise.
"This is Natsuki," She answered.
"Hello, Ms. Kuga," The voice replied. Natsuki felt her heart stop. It was that velvety but dangerous voice.
"Ms. Fujino?" Natsuki was astonished.
"Yes, I want you to pick me up from my father's company today at 2." There's that authority and power in her voice again.
Natsuki was starting to feel pushed around. First that rude woman on the phone, and now this unreadable tone. "But I start on Monday?"
"I know. This isn't business, I just wanted some coffee and maybe lunch, and I felt like some company today." The voice softened, it sounded almost lonely, almost. Natsuki was seriously confused for the hundredth time in the last 24 hours.
"Alright, I'll be there at 2." What could Shizuru possibly want with her? After all she's just a university graduate and the former was a multi-billionaire inheritor.
"Bring your Ducati," Shizuru said before hanging up.
End of the first chapter! I have not written fanfiction in a seriously long time, but I had this idea in my head and I just had to get it out. Gosh it's been years. Started when I was 14 and I'm now 21. I have no idea how much my writing style has changed but I'm too embarrassed to read my old stories to find out. Hope you guys have enjoyed this somewhat :)
Ash.