Between his responsibilities at school, his job at the bakery and his weekends at the shop Keisuke had barely anytime to himself. It was now his third weekend working with Matsumoto.
"Ok, point out the spark plugs." Keisuke looked down at the engine and pointed them out to Matsumoto who smiled. "You're learning quickly."
Keisuke smiled, he had only been helping Matsumoto out for a few weekends and he could already identify the parts of an engine, he was lucky that his brother had made the mechanic his good friend.
"It's time for lunch, afterwards we'll work on the FD" said Matsumoto looking down at his watch, Keisuke nodded pulling out his car keys and reaching inside for his bento box. By the time he got outside of the shop all the other mechanics were outside talking amongst themselves, Keisuke took a seat next to one of the younger mechanics. He wore his dark hair in a ponytail and a pair of glasses sat on the bridge of his nose.
"I see you remembered to bring your lunch this week" said Tomiguchi pushing up his glasses.
"After almost starving to death last week" said Keisuke opening his box.
"Do you like how the FD's coming along?" asked Tomiguchi before putting his rice in his mouth.
"I can't wait to take it out for a drive with the new setup" said Keisuke with a smile, the thought of his beloved FD was one of the few things that kept him happy during the past few weeks. His home life was tense, and it only got worse since his brother was barely around. Ryosuke would get home late and would leave early; Keisuke's guess was that college was keeping him busy. He spent most of his nights alone on the Akagi slopes. "Matsumoto said it's almost done."
"Well maybe today after we get out of here you'll be able to drive it on Akagi" responded Tomiguchi. Keisuke nodded as he ate his lunch, he couldn't help but feel the excitement; soon his car would be ready for the mountain and then he could drive to his heart's content. So far they had installed a slightly larger turbo, installed the bucket seats and added a rear spoiler. Now he was going to change the worn out tires.
After a half an hour Keisuke found himself back in the shop with Matsumoto who worked beside him as they loosened the lugnuts before lifting the vehicle. Keisuke dealt with the rear tires as Matsumoto dealt with the front. The process didn't take long and once it was done all Keisuke could do was stare at the FD. "I promise I'll take you for a spin today" he thought before he followed Matsumoto to the next car, a black 180SX.
"What's wrong with this one?" asked Keisuke as Matsumoto popped open the hood.
"Nothing really, the driver just brings it by every once in a while to make sure everything's up to date" answered Matsumoto taking a step back. "Check the oil, the tires and the brakes, I'll watch."
Keisuke nodded, he had done this before. He got his hands on a nearby jack and used it to lift the car off the ground; he went to the back to get a toolbox and a small bucket and placed it under the car.
"Make sure not to spill the oil" he heard Matsumoto say and he got under the car. Keisuke carefully removed the drain plug, he followed by checking the tires and brakes under Matsumoto's watchful eye as the old oil fell into the small bucket. He then removed the old filter and replaced it with a new one. Once he emerged from under the car he could see Matsumoto nod. Once he was done Keisuke turned to the mechanic only to see him smile. "Good job Keisuke, you can leave for the day."
"Isn't it a bit too early?" asked Keisuke pulling a rag out of his pocket and using it to wipe his hands.
"Don't worry about it, just go take the FD for a drive, let me know how it goes."
Keisuke took his chance and quickly changed out of the jumpsuit into a pair of jeans and polo. Before turning on the car Keisuke looked down at his watch. "It's only five o'clock" he thought turning over the engine.
He drove around aimlessly deciding what he would do next; all he knew was that going home was off limits, Keisuke didn't feel like dealing with his father. Keisuke thought of visiting Yuta and headed in direction in which he lived. It was about a half hour drive but he made it only to find Yuta and Kyo in the garage.
Yuta waved at Keisuke as he stepped out of the car. "You've fixed up the FD" said Yuta catching Kyo's attention.
"I still don't understand why you'd buy that thing" said Kyo looking past Keisuke to get a better look at the FD. "Rotaries are pretty weak engines."
"Horsepower isn't everything" answered Keisuke pulling out his box of cigarettes. He watched Kyo smirk.
"Don't start debating again, I for one want to smoke in peace" said Yuta pulling out a cigarette from his pocket.
"You're so delicate sometimes Yuta, well I'm heading back inside, I'll leave two to talk" said Kyo as he turned his back on the two young men.
Yuta sighed as he lit up his cigarette. "So how is she driving?"
Keisuke smiled taking a glance at his car. "I'm still getting used to it."
"Maybe tonight you'll get lucky" said Yuta after taking a drag of his cigarette. "Akemi's supposed to be here."
"Isn't she supposed to be at work?" asked Keisuke taking the last drag of his cigarette.
"Not today, anyway it'll be good to be able to spend some time together; I hardly see either of you anymore" responded Yuta as they walked into the house.
"You've probably been bored to death without us" said Keisuke siting across form Yuta who sighed.
"Actually I've been filling out college applications" responded Yuta looking tired. "I'm going into business to be able to help Kyo with his racing career."
"I saw his picture in a magazine, they said he's already got a bunch of sponsors" said Keisuke taking a glance in the direction of the garage.
Yuta nodded "his career's starting off in the right direction" he then lowered his voice " but he is bored out of his mind, he's saying that circuit racing isn't giving him the same rush it used to."
Before Keisuke could respond they heard footsteps, it was Kyo leading Akemi to the living room.
"Hey, sorry I took so long" she said setting down a bag on the coffee table.
"Make yourself at home, if you need anything I'm in the garage" said Kyo before retreating. Akemi took a seat next to Yuta who reached for the bag.
"There's iced coffee and shrimp chips" she said pulling out a can of iced coffee and handing it to Keisuke. He took it noticing that she was careful to avoid his hand. "I saw the FD outside" she said catching his attention "it's looking really nice."
"It's getting there, it's missing some minor details but I should get it done over the weekend" said Keisuke as he opened his can of coffee. "I'm driving it up to Akagi tonight."
"You know at work they've been asking me, people are starting to notice the car especially since you're usually with your brother" said Akemi as she pulled the bag off the table to take a bag of chips.
Keisuke smiled for a moment, he knew his brother's FC was well-known around the area already; they even called it Akagi's White Comet.
"Soon enough you'll have people lining up to race you" said Yuta throwing the last bag of chips at Keisuke who caught it.
"You're exaggerating; I haven't gotten enough experience to race anyone" said Keisuke, he was content with his driving so far but he couldn't imagine how the stress of a race would affect it.
"What does your brother say?" asked Akemi putting the empty can of coffee on the table.
"Aniki says it's up to me to know when I'm ready for a race" answered Keisuke feeling slightly frustrated it had been a couple of weeks since the brothers were last together on the mountain.
"You've been at it the last few weeks" said Akemi, he turned towards her as she went on "I'm no expert but if you feel confident enough all that's left is an opponent."
"Just be careful who you choose to face" added Yuta "don't let your temper cloud your judgment."
Keisuke frowned slightly, Yuta's words reminded him of his brother's own. You'll know when you're ready Keisuke, just be sure to study your opponent before you make any moves.
Keisuke headed home his grip tight on the steering wheel, today would be the first time in weeks that he'd see his father and Keisuke didn't know how he'd react. Knowing his father he'd look for a fight as soon as Keisuke stepped into the house.
I just hope Aniki is home he thought as he turned the corner, from afar he could see his brother's FC parked outside the home, Ryosuke stood outside with a cigarette in hand. Keisuke parked his car behind the FC. He stepped out of the car and before he could say anything his brother spoke.
"Keisuke, it's not a good time for you to be home" said Ryosuke as he put out his cigarette "our father is having a business meeting."
He took a glance at the house then turned back to his brother. "Good, I wasn't in the mood for the old man anyway" he said "what are we going to do?"
"I was going to suggest getting dinner" answered Ryosuke taking a glance at the FD with a small smile. "Just follow me" he said walking back to his car, Keisuke did the same.
Once behind the wheel Keisuke couldn't help but feel like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders, for tonight he wouldn't have to face his father. He followed his brother into the city and the parked outside of a small family restaurant.
Keisuke stepped out of the car and watched his brother step out of the FC, he then couldn't help but notice the black 180SX parked next to the FC. It looks like the one from this afternoon he thought as he walked past it with his brother. He then noticed that there were more cars, most of them looked modified.
"A lot of the street racers from the area come here" said Ryosuke before they stepped inside.
"Why?" asked Keisuke his eyes looking around the parking lot one last time.
"Just like the convenience store, it's one of the few places still open after midnight" answered Ryosuke. Keisuke followed his brother who walked towards a table in the back, he recognized the person sitting at the table.
"Keisuke, it's good to see you" said Fumihiro as the brothers took their respective seats. At that moment Keisuke noticed a few people staring at them. "Ryosuke has made quite the name for himself" added Fumihiro before gaining Keisuke's attention.
"Yeah looks like it" answered Keisuke taking a glance at his brother who was unfazed.
"Fumihiro did you manage to get the information I asked you for?" asked Ryosuke as the waitress walked up to them.
"Of course I did" answered Fumihiro as he took a menu. Keisuke turned to his brother who looked up at the waitress who smiled at Keisuke, before he could recognize her.
"Mori"
"Takahashi! It's nice to see you" she said with a smile pulling out a small notepad from her pocket. "Well what would you guys like to start off with?" she asked taking a quick glance at Ryosuke.
"I'll have a black coffee" said the older sibling putting down the menu.
"I'll have an iced tea."
She then turned to Keisuke who put down the menu "an iced coffee."
"Alright then, whenever you guys are ready to order let me know, oh and Takahashi don't be a stranger" with those words she smiled and walked away.
Once she was out of view Ryosuke turned to Fumihiro who spoke. "I found out about the driver, he's experienced in street racing, comes from a rich family, name's Nishiki Hayate." Ryosuke wore a thoughtful look, as Fumihiro spoke.
"Why are you looking into this guy?" asked Keisuke perplexed as to what was going on.
"Last week he came up to me and asked me for a race" said Ryosuke without looking at Keisuke. "That same night I had seen him drive, he has some talent but he's arrogant."
"Are you going to race him?" asked Keisuke trying to not show any excitement.
"I don't think so" answered Ryosuke "hopefully he'll find someone else to bother."
Keisuke turned to Fumihiro who looked bewildered "then why look into him?" he asked.
"I was thinking of having Keisuke race him."
Keisuke frowned trying not to show the shock he suddenly felt, by the look on his brother's face he wasn't joking. "I've never raced anyone before" said Keisuke suddenly.
"You already have a grip on the basics, and you've had enough practice" began Ryosuke as their drinks arrived. "I think you're ready to start racing."
Keisuke couldn't tell if his brother noticed the shocked look in his face, he busied himself with his coffee. Fumihiro broke the silence "how's the FD?" he asked catching Keisuke's attention.
"It's good, it needs some minor details, I was thinking of going up to Akagi after dinner to test it out" he said taking a glance at his brother who gave him a small nod.
For the rest of their meal Keisuke rarely spoke, he listened to Fumihiro and Ryosuke's conversation they mostly spoke about his brother's recent races and Fumihiro's job. Keisuke listened but he couldn't shake what his brother had said. If Aniki thinks I'm ready to race, maybe I am thought Keisuke as he walked out to the parking lot behind his brother after saying their goodbyes to Fumihiro.
"Keisuke."
"Yeah" answered the blond as he opened the door to his car.
"Try and keep up with me" said Ryosuke, Keisuke felt himself smile. He quickly stepped into the FD and put on his seat belt before he noticed that the black 180SX was leaving the parking lot. Keisuke decided not to think about it as he started the car and released the emergency brake. His brother was already leaving the parking lot and Keisuke was only feet behind. In the city he kept close to his brother but the further they drove the less traffic there was and the faster he was forced to drive in order to keep up with Ryosuke. As they drove up the mountain Keisuke noticed a small flow of traffic begin to appear he drove past most of the cars in an effort to keep up with his brother who was only a few feet away.
Why the hell is there so much traffic? It's only ten o'clock he thought as he downshifted into a corner sliding beside the FC. It'd be a matter of minutes before reaching the summit, as the FC slowed down Keisuke did the same; he looked around and noticed a lot more cars than usual. Who the hell's racing tonight? He thought parking beside the FC. He stepped out of the car and noticed small groups begin to point at them some did openly while others tried not to make it so obvious. "What the hell are they staring at?" said Keisuke loudly slightly frustrated, people acted as if they had never seen two cars arrive together.
Ryosuke pulled a cigarette box from his pocket and turned to Keisuke. "Aren't you wondering why it's so busy tonight?" he asked as he looked for his lighter.
"You're racing" said Keisuke in response, Ryosuke shook his head.
"Rumor has it Kyo Sato's coming up tonight to race."
Keisuke frowned and looked around but didn't see the silver R32 anywhere. "I was just over at his house today, Yuta didn't say anything."
"Like I said, it's merely a rumor" said Ryosuke before taking a drag of his cigarette. Keisuke stuck his hands in his pockets as he looked around, there were mostly guys showing off their cars to one another, it was then again that he noticed the black 180SX from the restaurant, next to it stood a slender young man with dark hair cut just above his shoulder. For a moment he faced Keisuke stared back, after a few moments the young man walked towards him.
"It's been a while hasn't it?" said the young man with a cheeky smile Keisuke frowned pulling his hands out of his pocket.
"Who the hell are you?" he asked roughly.
"You seriously don't remember" said the guy. It'd a moment before Keisuke could remember the young man's face, he felt his heart sink. "I'm one of Haru's guys, I thought I'd never see your ugly mug again, but here we are" he said with a smirk.
"I'm not involved in that shit anymore" said Keisuke noticing that the young man had caught his brother's attention.
"I heard, which of these cars is yours?" he asked looking around.
"It's none of your business" responded Keisuke clenching his fist, the guy chuckled.
"C'mon, you're not going to race me? Here I thought you were some sort of hotshot" said the young man smirking. "Scared I'm going to kick your ass?"
"Not a chance."
"Race him."
Keisuke turned to face his brother, who wore a serious expression.
"You heard the man!" shouted the young man catching the attention of a few people nearby. "Folks you won't have to wait for a race!" he shouted, Keisuke felt himself about to grind his teeth out of frustration.
"Keisuke" he heard his brother say, Keisuke turned to face him "make sure you give these people something to talk about."
Keisuke nodded pulling the car keys out of his pocket, around them people began to cheer all of them waiting for a race.
It was only a few minutes before the FD and the 180SX were parked on the start line awaiting the countdown, beside his car was his brother giving Keisuke a reassuring look, on his right was his opponent revving his engine, Keisuke did the same his heart threating to jump out of his chest, his knuckles were solid white, he took a breath in an attempt to calm himself.
"Five!"
Keisuke took a glance at the 180SX beside him. This is insane Aniki! What the hell am I supposed to do? I can't just drive as I normally would, shit I shouldn't have accepted the race. He looked down at his hands, they shook slightly. Dammit, concentrate!
"Four!"
He placed his foot on the clutch biting the inside of his cheek.
"Three!"
He took a glance at his brother who gave him a small nod. He felt a sudden sense of comfort I can't lose, Aniki believes in me.
"Two!"
He took a glance at the 180SX and gritted his teeth.
"ONE! ….GO!"
With that Keisuke shifted the car in first gear and shot off the starting line with the 180SX taking the lead. Dammit! Thought Keisuke pushing his foot on the accelerator I'm not letting this guy beat me, Aniki said I was ready, just concentrate dammit! Keisuke kept his foot on the accelerator his eyes glued to the black machine's bumper. He knew that on the straightaway his FD could keep up with the black machine, all he had to worry about were the upcoming corners.
The first corner was just ahead Keisuke took a deep breath, he knew this course like the back of his hand, and there was nothing for him to be worried about. As he entered the first corner Keisuke downshifted taking the corner at full speed only inches away from his opponent's bumper.
You aren't going to shake me off! he thought as they exited the corner and flew towards the next.
At the sixth corner, a ninety degree left, the small crowd watched on as the two racers flew by with excited cheers from behind the inside guard rail. A few feet away from the small crowd that gathered to listen to the radio stood a young man with short dark hair wearing white slacks.
"There's nothing too exciting about this race, they're both amateurs, I think we've just wasted our time Shoma" said the young man turning to his friend who smiled.
"You're still after Takahashi Ryosuke. Shouldn't you give that up?" said Shoma leaning on a white EK9.
"It's none of your business, who do you think will win this race."
"I'd say the 180SX, the guy has more experience."
"You're right Shoma, but if any of the rumors are true that FD comes up every night, his knowledge of the course gives him the edge." The man replied before they went back to listening to the radio, surprised to hear the race had already reached the ninth corner.
Keisuke smirked as they approached the eleventh corner, a left hairpin, his bumper still only inches away from the black car ahead of him. As he prepared for the upcoming corner he felt himself getting impatient as they entered a side by side drift. Exiting the corner the black machine tried to widen the gap but was no match for the yellow FD. Keisuke pushed down on the accelerator knowing that the closer he got the more pressure the driver of the 180SX would feel.
You're going to screw up, and I'll be there to take the lead! Get out of my way! the young man thought as they pushed through the first set of multiple s-turns.
"You've got to be kidding!" shouted Yuta as Kyo turned his eyes on what would be the finish line.
"I just heard from one of the guys that Keisuke's racing a black 180SX" said Kyo while putting out a cigarette, leaning on his R32 was Yuta, his eyes glued to the small crowd that gathered to listen to the radios.
"To think just today he thought he wasn't ready to race" said Yuta.
"He's been trained by his brother and from what I've heard that guy's a demon" said Kyo with underlying excitement. "If the rumors are true, this race belongs to Keisuke."
"I hope you're right Kyo, I mean people are saying the guy in the 180SX has a lot more experience."
"Experience is one of the factors, but experience won't be the determining factor in this race."
"Can I ask you something Kyo?"
"Shoot."
"What brought us out here tonight?" Yuta asked pushing himself off the car, Kyo turned to his younger brother who looked up at him curiously.
"I want to race; so far I'm only interested in two racers, Fujimoto Shoma and Takahashi Ryosuke" Kyo felt himself smile "I'm thinking of challenging them to a race, hopefully one of them is around tonight."
All Keisuke could hear was the sound of his 13B engine roar, even his heartbeat was a distant sound. He went through the motions keeping as close as he could to the black machine pushing his beloved FD.
We've reached halfway point; I have to get past him thought Keisuke as they entered the left handed hairpin that marked the mid-point, this time Keisuke dared to get in as close as he could to the 180SX.
About midway through the corner the 180SX slowly drifted towards the outside of the hairpin. Before Keisuke could even form another thought he sped up the car taking the space left by his opponent.
"He's insane! The FD just took the inside line from the 180! HE'S GOT THE LEAD!" Played through the radio next to Ryosuke at the summit he felt himself smile for a moment, he knew his brother would win the race. Keep it up Keisuke and this race is yours.
As the two cars flew through the s-turn and the next hairpin the gap widened as Keisuke's opponent seemed to fight his car back onto proper lines. Once they reached the second set of multiple s-turns the gap closed to mere inches as the 180SX's engine screamed to comply with its master's orders.
Reaching the last set of hairpin turns Keisuke kept his guard up and his lines as clean as he could to keep the black machine behind him. At the first hairpin in the last stretch of the course the 180SX fell behind a little for safety's sake more than anything and Keisuke took advantage as he slid through faster than he'd ever thought safe before.
The gap didn't change through the remaining hairpins and Keisuke floored the throttle in hopes to open the gap between corners, but the 180SX sped up also and now the two cars were neck and neck with the next to last corner only feet away. Keisuke kept his foot on the gas, this race was his. All he had to do was scare the 180SX into slowing down before hitting the right handed u-turn; he felt his grip on the steering wheel get tighter.
"They're almost at the finish line; these guys are neck and neck!"
Yuta listened on in disbelief. Kyo turned to the finish line with his cigarette in hand.
"I can hear them!" shouted a young woman the crowd went silent.
Yuta ran towards the guardrail hoping to catch a glimpse of two machines.
Keisuke entered the last corner, his heartbeat intensified and the muscles in his hands felt tighter. He took a glance at the rearview mirror and noticed the 180SX falling behind a little more.
The crowd watched the yellow machine appear right before crossing the finish line for the win before coming to a screeching halt.
Keisuke laid his head on the steering wheel his heartbeat ringing in his ears, sweat dripping from his forehead. It was then Keisuke had finally realized what he wanted to do more than anything else in life.
He wanted to drive.
A/N: Hello readers sorry this update took so long, hopefully over the summer I should be able to update every two weeks. Before I go on I need to give my beta reader Shadow55419 a shout out for the racing scene.
Anyway remember to R&R. (Any form of CC is more than welcome :) )