CHAPTER FOUR

"Ah, Miko-chan, how are you?"

"I'm fine thank you. And you?" she asked courteously.

"Not bad myself." The elder chuckled. "How are your studies going?"

Miko thought for a while. "Well, they're alright so far. Who knows what the future has in store for us."

Takahashi Emi let out a laugh, unaware of the meaning behind her words. "You are quite right dear. Quite right."

The pair continued to talk, occasionally changing the subject as someone came to greet and join them in conversation.

Soon, as few more guests joined Miko and Takahashi Emi, Miko spotted Ryosuke making his way up the stairs. Curious of where he was off to among so many people, she excused herself and followed him.

Oblivious of which way he had gone, she made her way to his room, thinking that was the only place he could be.

She knocked on the door lightly and opened it when there was no response.

"Ryosuke?"

She slipped into the room and found herself looking at him straight in the eye as he sat behind his desk. She smiled graciously but didn't break eye contact with him.

"Is there a race tonight too?" she asked.

He nodded and moved his eyes back to his computer. "A new team in town."

"I see."

Miko moved towards his bed, placed her bag down and sat on it.

"You aren't pressuring him are you?"

"I am simply letting him concentrate." He replied, fully aware of who she was talking about. "He will do fine if he knows his ways."

"I'm sure he does. After all, he's lucky to have a brother like you."

A knock at the door caused Miko to look up. Ryosuke, however, didn't move a muscle. The door opened and Keisuke's head appeared behind it. He noticed Miko's presence and immediately blushed of embarrassment.

"I didn't interrupt anything did I?" he asked sheepishly.

Miko gave him a reassuring smile and shook her head. "No please; come in."

The young blonde moved into the room unsurely and began to fidget with his fingers.

"Aniki," he said. "I've finished watching the video again."

His brother nodded and moved over to him. Miko listened with amazement as Ryosuke gave his brother simple, yet effective tips for the race.