Chapter 4. Woo. Now we're getting somewhere. So this chapter almost doubled in length, mostly because I wanted to work on developing an OC who will be prominent throughout the story and I didn't want him just to seem thrown in like he was when I first wrote this. Also, I'm giving Manami an actual background. I actually really liked the way I wrote some of this chapter the first time so, for those of you who have read my first time through you'll notice large passages that are almost untouched. Once again, and I hate sounding needy but it helps me write, a lot are reviews. Even if it's just "I really liked (insert thing here) please continue writing." I will continue writing because it lets me know that I'm doing at least something right.
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Anxiety filled, I found that I woke up relatively early that next morning. Opening the drawer to my nightstand I grab my .45 pistol out, quickly getting dressed, I slip the handgun into my bag along with the ammunition out of the safe beneath my bed. Grabbing my wallet, I make sure that my permit is still valid, hoping that the gun control class still happens at this time every Friday.
Arriving, I smile at the instructor who looked almost shocked to see me there, after the initial look of shock though, he continued on taking tab of who was and wasn't there. This class was one of the longest hours of my life, but I had to sit through it, finally escaping I made my way to the only firing range in Tokyo. Handing them my permit and the paper saying that I attended a class in the past month I'm handed a pair of noise cancelling earmuffs and given one of the stalls.
Pushing my glasses up my nose and adjusting my earmuffs I load my handgun, taking aim at the human outline on the paper I focus intensely and fire with purpose. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten. As each of the casings drop onto the counter I press the button bringing the paper forward. Dropping out the empty magazine I throw both that and the casings into their proper receptacles, looking back up I smile, "Ten for ten, impressive." Turning around I see one of the monitors on duty looking over my shoulder, "Most women who come in here are too terrified to even hit the target."
I shrug, "Safety first, yes? And knowing how they work makes me safer than the woman who is simply petrified at what a gun can do."
He chuckles, "I suppose that's true." Handing him back the earmuffs I thank him for his time, "Wait, ma'am. I don't believe I've seen you here before."
Stopping I turn around smile still on my face, "Not unless you worked here five years ago."
"…Oh. You were at college then?" He seemed hopeful.
I chuckled, "No, work in the US."
He looked crestfallen, "Ah," looking at him more closely I can't help but smile, he looked no older than twenty-five, "You look much younger than you…" his eyes widen, "I apologize, I didn't mean to presume."
Laughing lightly I bow lightly, "Don't worry about it, I'm Manami Hara. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Manami Hara." Testing my name, he bows in return, "You're not related to the Prime Minister, Yuichiro Hara are you?"
"His daughter." I smile slightly, mostly out of politeness. "Please don't tell anyone about this, yes?" He nods dumbly, almost certainly out of shock. "Thank you so much." Taking my papers back from the front desk I make my way back out to my car. Feeling a million times more confident in this weekend.
I decided a final trip to the mountains was in order; I collected plenty of data yesterday but I needed to test my new tune up, make sure that I did indeed pick the correct shocks for this particular job. Hours were spent on the mountains today – I only stopped when my stomach finally demanded nourishment. Picking up something on the way home I eat quickly at my now empty workbench – apparently, Kamata's men did stop by last night. Finishing lunch, I run over and check my safe. Money all there I smile, all in all, working for Kamata isn't a bad gig. It pays better than almost anything else, removing the cash I store it in my safe upstairs after taking out enough to wager tonight.
Running the dynamo and other diagnostic tests on the Audi I crunch the numbers and smile – perfect. Nothing was out of order, everything was behaving in the way that I expected it to. Pushing my glasses up my nose I do the last of the math, pencil scratching furiously at the paper, sighing in relief I see the last of my math work out, "Thank God."
Looking up I see that it's almost five in the afternoon, cursing quietly I bound up the stairs to my apartment, I was expected in an hour and a half and I haven't even showered yet today. Continuing to scream curses as I enter the bathroom I take probably the quickest shower of my life, making my way into my bedroom I flop onto my bed clutching the towel around my chest tightly. What was I supposed to wear to this anyway? Grabbing my phone I decide to call the one person that I know can help, "Satoshi. I need help."
He chuckled lightly, "What do you need help with Miichan?"
"No. Not that nickname."
"Yes that nickname, now explain the situation."
"Are you doing anything tonight?"
"No?"
"How fast can you get over to my new apartment?"
"Do you have the address handy?" Quickly muttering the address to him I can hear him grin over the phone, "I'll be there in ten and I'm not knocking." Irritated I hang up, honestly, how is that I became friends with this man anyway? Drying my hair as well as I could I'm dressed in undergarments as well as the fluffiest bathrobe I own. Hearing him open the front door I walk out to greet him, "Miichan I'm home."
Walking over I can't help but smile and giggle at the ridiculous look on his face, "I missed you, Satoshi."
Pulling him into a tight hug he chuckles, "So what on earth was so important that you called me while half-naked?"
"The races are tonight."
"And?"
"I have to be pretty."
"Miichan." There was a warning in his tone.
"I'm serious Satoshi."
"So am I. You are pretty."
"No. Will you please just dress me and do my hair and makeup?"
Pulling me into the bedroom I can practically feel the menacing grin on his face, "You do realize what you just asked for, correct Miichan?"
"I'm desperate."
"Sit. Nice to know I'm what you call for in desperation."
"Would you rather it be someone else?" Lying back on the bed I stare up at the ceiling, hearing Satoshi rooting through my closet I roll my eyes and cover my face with a pillow.
Satoshi was a story and a half – he's been my best friend for as long as I can remember, friends since birth you coul say. His parents were politically involved so when our fathers would have meetings our mothers would meet and bring the two of us along. It was kind of hard not to be friends with someone that you've known for that long – and it continued through primary school through the end of our undergraduate years. Satoshi ended up at the same US college that I did; he was studying photography though, not engineering. We were flatmates from sophomore through senior year.
After college though, Satoshi returned to Japan to start his own photography studio. He's hired out now for every Tokyo fashion show and is known worldwide. I stayed in the states, got my PhD and worked over there since – it's been five years since we've seen each other.
"Miichan, where are all of your girl clothes?"
"Mhm?" I sit up, broken out of my stupor, "What exactly are you looking for, Satoshi?"
"Anything that doesn't say 'Men's Large'. What are you even doing with men's larges?"
I shrug, "They're comfortable. Dresses are over in the other closet." Motioning over to the other wall I watch as a grin spreads across his face as he opens the door, "Mum went out on a shopping spree when she heard I was coming back."
"Remind me to kiss your mother the next time I see her." Scoffing I fall back onto my bed, "Nope. Get up. I want your hair straightened, now." Puffing out my cheeks I stomp into the bathroom, "Good Miichan." Pulling out my straightener I wait for it to heat up when I hear from my bedroom, "Purple or blue?"
"Purple."
"I thought so too, blue looks so much better on you – plus it matches your eyes."
"Satoshi, why did you even ask if you weren't going to take my opinion?"
"I had to know that you were still alive and hadn't managed to kill yourself with the straightener."
"I have to be there in an hour."
Satoshi scoffed, "Try three, m'dear."
"I'm racing tonight, I have to be there."
"Miichan, why did you wait until now to call me?"
"…I was working on my car." Knowing that he was rolling his eyes I shouted back, "I can hear you rolling your eyes, Satoshi!"
Ignoring me he continued, "Are you finished yet, woman?"
"I think so, but who knows with you…" Walking back into the bedroom I notice Satoshi sitting on my bed with a needle and thread taking up the hem of my dress a good six inches, "…Satoshi, what do you think you're doing?"
"Making you," finishing the stich he holds it up, and mutters a 'much better' before continuing with air quotes, "pretty. Now put it on while I restraighten your hair, because honestly Miichan you did an awful job."
"Shut up." Scowling at him I drop the robe and attempt to slide in this far too short dress feeling him tug at my waist length ebony hair, I grunt feeling my back pressed into his chest, "Next time you need your car serviced find yourself a new mechanic, Satoshi."
"Hush, I don't trust anyone else to touch my car. Especially after the problems I've had these five years. Now stand still," plugging the straightener in with one hand he tugs me over to him again, using my hair as a leash, "you have such pretty hair, Miichan."
Grabbing my brush off the dresser he begins to brush it in a way that reminds me of stripping wires, "I thought you said I had beautiful hair, Satoshi."
"Yes, and now I'm going to make it even more beautiful." Rolling my eyes I watch through the mirror as he double teams my hair with both a straightener and a curling iron, taking my pin straight locks and transforming them into the most gorgeous of curls I have ever seen in my life, he doesn't allow me time to assess my look yet, "No. No peeking, now I have to do your makeup." Pouting I let him have his way with the various amounts of makeup that were shoved into one of the drawers of my bureau, "I'm assuming that your mother bought these for you too?"
Keeping my eyes closed, only after he yelled at me I smile, "You know me so well, Satoshi." Eyebrow plucking, moisturizing, and makeup-ing later he steps out of the way of my reflection so that he can grab the proper pair of shoes for the situation. Padding over to the mirror I tilt my head, almost confused by the woman in the mirror, "Satoshi, what did you do?" She was beautiful, exotic even. My lighter skin tone and blue eyes seemed almost alien, my limbs seemed longer and it felt awkward not to have glasses on. But I wasn't me. No, this wasn't – couldn't be Manami Hara.
"I don't get why you don't wear contacts more often Mii–" Pausing he looked over at me, worried by my expression. "Miichan, what's wrong?"
Bringing over the over-the-knee boots he held my hand as I slipped them on, "I don't feel like me anymore," walking closer to the mirror I touch my reflection, almost certain that as soon as I make contact, the mirror will shatter. "Never mind," looking over at the clock my eyes widen I might actually make it in time, attempting to run over to Satoshi I manage to trip over my own feet, as he grips my waist I peck both of his cheeks, "You're wonderful. I'll talk to you soon, okay? I have races to win. Thank you again for tonight."
Almost tripping over these ridiculous boots again and again as I make my way to my car by the time I actually manage to get into the driver's seat I'm surprised my shins aren't all black and blue. Pulling up the address that Takashi sent me yesterday I put it into the GPS and sigh as I realize it's only a five minute drive.
Pulling up to the parking garage I see someone leaning against the wall, apparently to lift the gate, muttering that I was here to race he peered inside the car, seeing how I was dressed he shrugged, pressing the button he left me up without another word. Peering through the sea of cars I find Takashi and Han easily, the swarm of models around the two men had yet to be rivaled as I pulled up I watched as the sea parted and I ended up parking next to Takashi.
Climbing out, I gripped the side mirror for dear life as I attempted to steady myself in these heels, perhaps I should have suggested a shorter heel – I can't even remember the last time I wore heels, walking over to Takashi the women all turn and appraise me, pretending I can't see them I walk over and lean against his car, "Evening, Takashi."
"Hara." His face might as well have been made of stone.
"Jesus Christ, don't look so pleased to see me."
"Good I won't." This was going to be a long night if I can't get him to stop acting like I just murdered his puppy.
"Are you still holding a grudge for the time I broke your nose in high school?"
A deep blush begins to take root on his face, making me smile – at least there's a reaction, "Shut up, Hara. You're late." Pulling the two women on either side of him closer he returns his attention to them.
"I apologize. I was having problems finding something to wear."
"Well, if nothing else you can say that your decision was well worth the wait. I'm Han."
Smiling I turn around, new found confidence surges through me in my outfit choice and the fact that he now seriously has no idea who I am, "I know exactly who you are. We spoke yesterday on the mountain; I had the model of a car while you had the models themselves." His eyes widened, obviously not expecting that turn of events. "Now if you'll excuse me," turning back to my car I grin at the sight of a large group of people all gathered around it, "I have a car to show off." Opening the hood of my car I step back and watch as everyone circles around.
Hearing the familiar sound of shuffling footsteps I walk back towards the trunk of the car, pretending to grab some tools and gauges to do last minute tuning, even though I know that I will touch absolutely nothing on this car. Hearing the shuffling then head back towards me I take the last ten seconds of solidarity to get my thoughts in order. He's just a guy. A guy who called you ugly when he saw you normally yesterday, get over this ridiculous crush now before you get hurt. "Hey."
Looking up I see him leaning against Takashi's car, "Impressive engine you got there, who built it for you?"
Finger going to the bridge of my nose, it falters as I realize that there's nothing there, "I did."
"Oh? It's impressive."
"Like I told you yesterday, you cars were decent enough."
Hearing Takashi's voice over the crowd I peek my head over the car, "Yes, Takashi?"
As he motions me over I quickly leave Han's side, "You're up first. Against Kaede, he's the owner of the electric blue 2008 Dodge Viper you see over there." Pointing to it out to me I nod, "You think that your foreign piece of trash can beat it."
"Don't worry your pretty little head about it." As I attempt to pat him on the head he swats at my hand. "Who else in this place has an engine built my Manami Hara? He won't even know what hit him"
"Good because you're up." He scoffs, pushing me back towards my car; I hadn't realized how close the two of us had gotten during the short conversation. Most of the women that had been hanging around him began glaring at me. "Don't worry; I'll be at the top of the complex waiting for the keys to my car."
Putting down my hood I start the car and smirk as everyone's faces transform into one of awe. Reaching the arbitrated starting line I begin to rev the engine, watching as my opponent pulls up, rolling down my window I take a breath, perhaps being pretty did have its advantages, batting my eyelashes I look over, "Hey, what do you say we make this a little more fun?"
"I'm listening."
"Five thousand."
"And your number?"
Internally I scoffed, after tonight you won't ever want to see me again. "Why not?" If it meant five thousand, what did I have to lose?
Rerolling up my window, I zone into the current thing that matters; not the money, not the guy in the car next to me, winning this race. Looking up, I see that it's Han that's going to signal us to go; pointing to the girl on my side she says 'Ready', looking to the other side another scantily clad woman says 'Set'. Waiting for the two of us to make eye contact with him, he smirks and says "Go."
Shifting into first gear, I'm on the gas, the shifting is as easy as it was in the mountains, coming up to the first turn, I see that I'm a good three car lengths ahead of the Viper, easing into my first drift I make it look easy, I hope. Getting out of the turn, I realize how much easier this is than the mountains, the grip of the pavement is better and there's more give on the shocks. I let out a giggle and come up to the next turn, precision and comfort controlling the drifting part of the race, reaching the last drift I realize that I have to drift for almost 360⁰. "Too easy," I mutter to myself, getting into the turn I adjust my steering wheel for the first half of the turn, then halfway through I readjust for the last half. Ending up on the roof of the complex, I see the huge crowd begin to circle my car. Turning off the engine, I can feel a huge grin spread across my face. Climbing out of the driver's seat I exit the car. Seeing Takashi there I smile and walk up to him, "Told you that it would be no problem. Now will you stop looking at me like I killed your puppy?"
As Kaede exits his car he throws a set of keys towards Takashi, making his way towards me, "Nice race there."
His reaches out to move one of the curls from my face but before his hand can grab it I have his wrist in my hand, smirking Takashi says, "If you value your hand you'll move it away from her." The other man's eyes widen, handing me my wad of cash I smirk and wink as he walks off I roll my eyes, "You're cruel, you know that right?"
"No." Looking up at him I roll my eyes, "Don't you have a Morimoto to order around right now?"
He nods then says, "You still have two more races tonight." Pulling another guy toward him, he chuckles, "Although Morimoto, your race with the gaijin is first. Make sure you let him know how stupid he is for messing with my girl." Turning to me he mutters, "My uncle wanted me to tell you that the money that you win tonight will be in its usual place by the middle of next week, he'll call you when he knows more." Recognizing some other girl with black hair, I think he called her Neela, he left me alone; well, not alone, with a group of screaming fans who just witnessed me win the first race of the night.
Sighing, I get back into my car and drive it back down to the bottom floor where all the other cars are. Parking next to Takashi again, I figured I should cheer Morimoto on; I have to be Kamata's and Takashi's good side until I get my money next week. Cheering on their other employees was an equally good way to do so. Watching the next race start, it was more or less the same as my race, except it wasn't Han that started the race. The American taking the early lead I wince, not a good start for Morimoto; Takashi wasn't going to be pleased. Not wanting to be murdered by the throngs of people that were once again racing towards to top floor, I decide to stay back until most of the people were at the top. Thinking that I'm the only one left, I head to the elevator only to be greeted by Han.
"Hello again."
"Hello Miss Hara."
"Nice to know you pay attention." Watching as he grabs a chip from his bag, "It is equally nice to know that you're still having problems quitting smoking."
"How did you–"
I cut him off with a grin, "I've known you for longer than you realize Han. Well, we're here. You should probably get back to your models now shouldn't you? I mean, you don't want to keep them waiting."
Standing over by Takashi I wait for the American's and Morimoto's car to appear on the rooftop and as the American's car emerges from the lower levels of the parking garage I grimace and hear Takashi cursing under his breath, following him over as he hands the keys over to Han I hear "Pleasure doing business."
Reaching the edge of the roof I see that Takashi is now leaning against the cement wall, "Hey." It was worth a shot, I mean, I might be able to stop Takashi from doing anything stupid; like going after the American or beating up Morimoto. The second, I pause, doesn't seem like such a bad thing though. Seeing him look up I lean next to him, "Relax, it was one car; you'll have three to replace the one you lost."
"And what if you lose?"
Looking over at him I scoff, "Please Takashi, what do you take me for? There's no way I'm going to lose."
"Morimoto just did."
"Did you replace his engine?" I was met with silence, "That's why. Han's a great mechanic, he can't hold a candle to me – but he does a good enough job to put most people out of business." Looking up at him I jab my elbow into his side, "Besides, I'm not racing any of Han's guys am I? It'll be like taking candy from a baby." Pushing him back towards the center of the roof I say, "Now stop acting like your five, go grab yourself a model or two and watch as I win you two more cars."
