(A/N Kojima Engineering is a F2 reaching team that was the predecessor to the Hero's racing team in Japan. Seemed like a good team to root for if you're not cheering for Haruka.)
As she made her way through the stands, she glanced up at the round track sprawling on the field below. Clearly visible from her box seat was the black and white finish line. A moment of pride flashed through her that she thought to book such a close spot to observe the action. At least in her mind, that seemed to be the logical location to observe much of the event. Watching the track below, her eyes moved to the hectic movements that could be seen in the garages that lined the track. Maybe she understood these macho event more than she gave herself credit.
"A fan of the redwing car? Or just a fan of Tenoh himself?" Michiru heard a voice next to her. She glanced at the man taking the remaining seat in the box, a friendly smile upon his face.
"Pardon me?" She asked, obviously not understanding the references.
"I noticed you were watching the pits. I was trying to determine if we'd be civil box mates for the race," chuckling as he pointed to the garages. Michiru nodded in understanding, turning to face the man. This is what she had hoped for with upgraded box seats for the better view, and slightly more refined fans. "I'm a fan of Kojima's car," the man continued, nodding his head in the direction of an all black car with blue racing stripes.
"Is he a favorite for today's race?" She asked, studying the way the middle aged man tried to hide his shocked expression.
"Well, they're the current front runner in standings. Tenoh's team has caused a lot of buzz for both the car and the driver. Raising quickly in the leaderboard, if Tenoh wins this race, he'll have more points than Kohima. So I guess you could call him the underdog for this race."
Michiru listened intently to his explanation for the current standings, the point system, and even some of his commentary on what was happening in the pits. She also now knew that the pits were the garages, but why they would call them a pit when they look nothing like a pit was beyond her. The man she shared the box with was kind enough, once he figured that she had barley a basic knowledge of the pre race events. Sussing she lucked out sharing a box with a random stranger that was not rowdy, she was content with letting him talk.
Her attention was drawn back tp the track as the crowed began the roar loudly, drowning out the voice of the man. Shortly after, the sounds of engines coming to life roared over the crowd as they began to make a slow lap around the track and moving into starting position. Her eye was drawn to a red and white race car with a familiar red and gold wing adorning the roof of the car. Shaking the thought of the blonde the popped into her head at the clear wing on the roof, she focused back on the starting line. The flag was thrown and cars engines thundered as they launched forward in contention for the lead. Watching closely the golden wings as they weaved between cars, moving from the middle of the pack towards the front. Closer to the black car that she knew as the car to beat. Soon the two cars were far ahead of the rest. Michiru clenched her hands together as she watched how close the two danced with each other. A glance at her box mate confirmed his nervousness as he watched the race for the lead. As the two cars rounded the turn at the far side from their seats, the red car made a shuffle in front of the black car, effectively cutting it off. Michiru found herself holding her breath as the cars appeared to touch. The move evidently dangerous, even to a novice. As she saw the checked flag wave with the red car still in front of the black car, she finally released her breath.
"Congratulations!" The man called out to her, raising his hands in celebration that Michiru's 'team' won. She flashed him the victory sign, as her eyes travel back to the garage where the red car had come to rest. From her perch, she could make out the driver exiting the car, and removing his helmet. Suddenly she froze when she thought she saw a crop of familiar blonde hair was reveled from the helmet. That can't possibly be him, can it? She questioned to herself, deciding the only way to know for sure was to try to make her way to the track.
A large number of fans also had the desire to celebrate with the teams as well, as there was a bottleneck at the entrance to the track. Michiru was almost ready to give up. She really didn't need to be down there. There is no way that could be the same blonde from the cafe. What are the chances that she'd find him here of all places, winning the race? She reasoned as she began to make her way against the crowd, heading towards the exit.
"Michiru!" She heard a familiar high pitched voice through the crowd. She glanced up to find a familiar pair of baby blue eyes and long golden locks just steps away from her.
"Minako?!" She called out to her friend as Minako reached out for her hand, pulling her from the sea of race fans.
"I never thought I'd see you here," the blonde commented as she wrapped her arms around Michiru. "What brings you to the race?" Minako asked as she pulled herself away from the artist giving her a questioning look. Before she could answer, Minako had steered her into a hallway just opposite from the gate everyone was trying to work through. Happy that her friend guided her to the alcove, granting some relief from the crowd.
"Research for my next publication," Michiru finally answered with a secretive smile. "More importantly, what are you doing here?" She returned the questioning glance to her blonde friend. Minako was a well known model, so to find her at a racetrack is a little out of character. Taking in her friend's appearance, she was still dressed appropriate for a model with the heels to match, leading her to assume she's here for business. The heels at least help explain how the shorter girl was able to spot her easily in the crowd.
"I've just signed on to be a model for the new line, and their car was a favorite for the win. My manager convinced me to make an appearance. Say, weren't you trying to get down to the winners circle?" The model asked as her eyes lit up. Before Michiru could answer, the blonde began pulling her once again down the hallway. "I was just on my way there myself. You can go the VIP route with me. They want me in the winners circle for some PR shots. My beauty really stands out with the stark background, so it's an excellent idea."
Minako continued her ramblings of the photos she planned to get on the field, only pausing to flash a smile to the large guard standing at the door at the end of the hallway. He gave them both a once over before opening the door, the sunlight almost blinding them both as they stepped out on to the center of the track. Michiru glanced around, not expecting to find herself past all of the barriers that isolated them from the other fans on the outer edge of the track. She held Minako's hand tightly, as there was no way to explain her presence if they got separated.
Minako suddenly halted, causing Michiru to focus on what got her attention. She watched as the racer from the red car stood a few feet in front of them. The red and white racing suit matching the car perfectly, complete with the golden wing emblem on the racer's back. The wind was dancing in his blonde hair, and one look at the teal blue eyes made it unmistakable that she serendipitously found herself in front of the mysterious blonde.
Both girls watched as the blonde and two other racers made their way to the center to accept their prizes. As the announcer came over the speaker to announce the trophy ceremony, Michiru stood focused on the blonde, his smile reaching all the way to his teal eyes as the wind continued to play with his hair.
She was suddenly pulled from her trance when she felt Minako release her hand. "Time for me to get to work," she said with a wink as she made her way towards the winners. She watched as Minako posed with the three winners, wondering how the model effortlessly engaged them to pose together. Shortly after, Minako was posing with just the blonde winner, with his arm wrapped around her waist as they both flashed the victory sign. Michiru felt a pang of jealously at the familiarity that Minako displayed, when she spent the night prior trying to guess the blonde's name.
The crowd began to clear out slowly as the celebration at the podium died down. Looking around, she noticed even Minako faded in the background, likely trying to get some shots with the cars. Glancing at the remaining people standing around, looking for the VIP badges given to super fans that she still needed to greet. As her eyes continued scanning the crowd, she suddenly caught sight of unmistakable teal hair. Her breath hitched slightly before she regained control ad glided towards the smaller woman.
"You told me you weren't into these kinds of events," Haruka murmured as she snuck up on the teal haired woman.
"Excuse me?" Squeaked out as she spun around, and Haruka leaned towards her in what could be seen as an accusing manner. Her ocean blue eyes going wide with surprise as she found herself face to face with the blonde.
"At the cafe... around the third unique way you told me to go away," Haruka continued, the smirk widening across her face. There was an electricity that shot through her system when she connected with those blue eyes, forcing her to create some distance between them. Adopting the a casual stance with her arms across her chest, enlivened for the smaller woman's reason for being there.
"Well... I... just wanted to congratulate you on your win," the teal haired woman shuddered out, a slight curl on her lips. She turned away as the pink became a little more evident in her cheeks, but Haruka caught it anyway. She was almost so lost in her amusement, she nearly missed the teal hair woman's retreating form.
"Hold on!" Haruka called out, causing the teal haired woman to look back at her. "You came all this way, why not enjoy an after party," extending her hand to the smaller woman. Her smiled widened at the challenge before her when the teal haired woman responded with an eye roll.
Michiru stepped out of the car taking the offered hand of the valet as she looked up a the mansion that stood before her. She glanced down at the strapless gown adoring her figure, wondering how she found herself standing at the entrance to the after party rather than home in her pajamas. Well, it was obvious how exactly that happened.
Thinking back to the racetrack after she congratulated the blonde, she turned to make a hasty exit before he gets any ideas on why she's there. As she made her way towards the exit, she hears her name called out above the crowd. She turns to find Minako running towards her excited about something. "Michiru! I got passes to the afterparty" Minako called out happily as she waved her arms in the air. Before the model could advance any closer to the artist, a photographer called to her to pose. Michiru shrugged off and steps towards the exit. It made sense for the model to attend and didn't change the fact that she was still trying to make her escape. Minako is distracted and her window is getting smaller by the minute.
Continuing to back away slowly, she feels a grip on her shoulder halting her in place. A husky voice mummers from behind her, "you weren't going to leave without your party invitation? I know some ladies need a whole afternoon to get put together, but you'd still be hopelessly lost without the address, hmm?" A hand extends over the opposite shoulder, the invitation laid within his palm. She carefully retrieved the invitation, pausing for a moment as the fresh scent of the blonde invades her senses. Realizing at that point how close the two were, and at that moment how calm she felt. No longer wishing to disappear into the crowd, feeling content to stay there in that moment. The serene spell broke as he leaned closer to add for only Michiru to hear, "you'll be my special guest as my fee for breakfast." Spinning around to face him, swallowing the shock from his suggestion. Instead giving the cool expression she had perfected, the challenge evident on her face.
"Michiru!" The sound of Minako's voice forcing both to take a step away from the other. The blonde model stood in between the two, glancing first at Haruka whom suddenly found something staring at something in the sky that caught his attention. Knowing the tall blonde was certainly teasing the teal haired artist she smiled, "I didn't know you were aquatinted with Haruka! Why didn't you just say so in the first place! We can just go to the race together next time!" Michiru glanced up at Haruka, now smirking at his new found knowledge, but pretending to be too innocent to say something in front of Minako. "Then you're attending the party as well, we can get ready together!" Minako continued, her excitement spilling over as the rambled with the plans for the evening.
Michiru couldn't focus on her friend's suggestions, instead turning back towards the racer. Rather than the smirk she expected, she was met with Haruka's intense teal eyes. She was captivated as she watched Haruka test her name on his lips. "Michiru" he spoke just above a whisper as her eyes met his gaze again.
He subtly lifted his finger to the side of his own mouth never breaking eye contact. Michiru instinctively moved her finger to the same spot on her own face, thinking there was something there. Elegantly covering her mouth with her hand and maintaining her graceful manner, she glanced back at Haruka. The cheshire grin was back as he chuckled to himself. Michiru's face turned red and her blood boiled as she grabbed the still chattering Minako's wrist.
"Come on, we have much to accomplish!" She called out she he could hear as she pulls her friend off the field towards the exit. If he's going to play these games with her, he will soon find out who he's playing with.
Michiru returns her focus to the exorbitant entrance to the mansion when she feels Minako standing at her side. Wearing her her own figure hugging design, featuring sequins that seemed to be dripping from her body. She had her long blonde hair tied up with more of the same drop shaped sequins coming off of the updo. The model played the part of a Venus love goddess perfectly for the cameras. Moving seamlessly from one pose to the next, she watched the golden hair beauty in her element. Michiru was surprised when there was a number of photographers called for her to stop and pose for them. Her royal blue strapless dress and long teal locks cascading down over one of her shoulders seemed plain compared to the model's coordinated attire.
"I told you that you'd be a head turner," she giggled, rejoining her side. Flashes continued around them, Michiru focused solely on not falling with the blinding lights. Her focus was redirected when she thought she heard something about Haruka's watching them. "Just keep smiling, you look amazing," Minako whispered through her smile as she continued to navigate both woman through the door.
"I don't understand how you can do that just about every day," Michiru complimented her friend as they accepted drinks. Users continued to escort them from the main entryway to the large ballroom like area where subtle music was an undertone to the many conversing attendees.
"Ara, got used to it, I guess. Stares would follow me no matter what, playing to the camera just worked to my advantage." Giving a subtle smile as she took a slip from her glass, Minako feigned a bigger grin as two older gentlemen approached. Introductions were made to both men, and Michiru made note that both were important to Minako, or at least her career with the golden blondes more refined actions. The shorter of the two men tried to provide a business card to her, complimenting her graceful presence. Continuing through the ballroom, she made mention to keep the card in case the pictures taken at their entry make any headlines. Eyes widening, finally realizing the caliper of guests in attendance. Smiling inwardly at how the night morphed to more than just getting a reaction from the racer.
Posing once again for a photo with the hosts for the evening, a second wave of guests approached upon them both requesting introductions to the lovely young ladies. Michiru knew she would be beholden to Minako for navigating her through the guests, ensuring that she had the introductions to the more prominent guests. Every time a new introduction began, she held her breath for a moment before realizing it was not whom she sought. The important introduction to the racer seemed to be elusive. Knowing that she could not be upset with Minako since she never really mentioned to the model anything about the racer, she didn't mention it to the model. Plus, she was exceeding the number of professional connections Michiru had on any occasion. So many wanted to know the beautiful woman being escorted by the model. Michiru acculturated with seemingly natural elegance to engage in conversations about her current projects, numerous interested in backing her art projects. She chuckled to herself as she thought of her managers reaction to the amount of calls come Monday.
She glanced around, her amusement fizzling given that the one person she wanted to see had been avoiding her. Haruka was avoiding her. Her lips curled up as she tested the name in her head again. The astounded look on Haruka's face when he learned Michiru's name, as well as the unintentional reveal of his name only deepened their game. Even if he was upset with her for some reason, she was invited as his guest. Impishness glinted in her eyes thinking of the ways she can tease the blonde for being so rude to his guest. Occasionally while scanning the room, she would catch sight of a familiar blonde crop of hair, and then the flash of intense teal eyes would move away as soon as she connected with them. Even though Michiru clearly had Haruka's attention with as many time as she caught his eyes upon her, he didn't approach her.
Although she was dejected that Haruka did not seek her out, she did not approach him either. All the times she sought out the blonde, she found him surrounded by more people that she would know how to handle. He was the guest of honor due to his win earlier that day. Even Minako didn't attempt to command his attention and although unspoken, the indication was clear to Michiru.
Requiring a break from the unchanging conversations, she made her way towards a quite hallways to rest her mind. Observing a handful of paintings in what could be described as a small gallery on the way to the restrooms, comfortably with a bench placed for long term viewing. Taking a seat, looking the piece in front of her she began to relax into her own world.
"Enjoying your private showing? It's not fair for your to go into your own world and leave me here to the vultures," She heard a familiar voice behind her, his tall figure leaning against the wall just opposite the bench. She quickly rose from her seat, wondering if she strayed to far from the party, but relaxed some under his perching stare. His eyes and head moved with her as she stood, but his relaxed posture never changed. Realizing how naked she felt under his stare, a chill went down her spine.
"I don't like the way you're looking at me" she added with an eyebrow arched. The blonde man gave her a cheshire smile, secret and playful. He finally moved from his leaning position with ease to a fully standing position.
"Alright then, I'll leave." Even though the statement sounded final, the side smile and lilt of his voice indicated otherwise. Michiru fumed as she watched him leave, her eyes greedily watching him as his body flowed from one step to another.