A/N: Hello readers, sorry for the slow updates. School has kept me busier than usual, I hope you enjoy this chapter and as always I have to thank my beta Shadow55419 for all the help. R&R
"It's starting to get cold" said Yuta pulling his scarf closer to his face, Keisuke walked beside him.
"It's only autumn Yuta" Keisuke stated as they walked out of the school gates.
Akemi walked in front of them with her cell phone in her hand.
"What are you going to do over the break?" asked Yuta.
"That's so far away, why are you even asking?" answered Keisuke as they caught up to Akemi who quickly put her cellphone away.
"It's called trying to make conversation" said Yuta as Akemi turned to face them, her face paler than it usually was. Before she could say anything Keisuke spoke.
"What the hell's wrong with you?" he blurted out, Akemi gave him an exasperated look.
"I'm covering someone's shift at the store" she said pulling out her cell phone completely ignoring Keisuke's remark.
"Alright then, I'll see you two later" said Yuta as he headed back home while Keisuke and Akemi walked to work.
"You didn't answer my question" said Keisuke as they waited at the corner to cross the street.
"I'm probably coming down with a cold" she said keeping her eyes on the traffic lights. "You know, climate change."
"Bullshit" said Keisuke as the light changed, Akemi glared at Keisuke for a moment.
"Call it what you will Keisuke" she said as they continued to walk towards the bus stop. "Are you still driving?" she asked.
"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"
"Well you work a lot, now that I think about it, I haven't seen you race." said Akemi as the boarded the bus taking seats next to each other.
"You could come to my next one." responded Keisuke taking a quick glance at her; her eyes were on him her skin slightly pink.
"Alright just let me know ahead of time so I can make arrangements at work" said Akemi. For the rest of their ride they were silent. "This is my stop" Akemi said as she stood and held on to her backpack. She waved at him, he smiled at her. As soon as she was out of sight his mind wandered back towards his FD and .
He had participated in a few races during the past few weeks and during all of them he had the feeling of the adrenaline pumping through his veins, the roaring of his 13B engine as he chased his opponents. Racing brought him closer to his brother and kept him out of the house until the late hours of the night. The bus made a second stop; Keisuke got off and headed towards the bakery.
As he walked into the bakery the bell rang alerting its owner. "Keisuke, you're finally here" said Nakamura as he handed a costumer his change. "The rush is going to start soon; you man the cash register while I prepare the cheesecakes."
Keisuke nodded and walked to the back of the bakery dropping his bag and coat. He quickly put on his apron and went to man the cash register while Nakamura filled the displays with sweets, during all his time at the bakery there was only one thought on Keisuke's mind. His beloved FD, he was desperate to get home and drive.
The bell rang alerting Keisuke, he put on his best smile as he noticed a group of students walk in. Great he thought noticing their uniforms, they were from his school. One of them was Fuji Setsuko, the class representative of his first year. "Good afternoon, what can I help you with?" he asked the students as they approached the counter, one of the girls he recognized from his class.
"You're Takahashi" she said looking surprised, normally Keisuke would've rolled his eyes or maybe said something nasty, but he was at work and he needed the money for gas.
"Yeah that's me" he said in what he thought to be a calm tone.
"You're always hanging with Sato and Kaneda" Emi said. Keisuke turned towards her.
"Emi of course he is, only those would hang out with a delinquent like him" said Fuji.
"Fuji!" said Emi giving her a warning look.
"What would you like to order?" responded Keisuke harshly; Fuji looked down at the sweets.
"I want a chocolate cake" she said and as he served it to her she went on "I don't know why it upsets you; everyone at school knows you're no good."
As she handed Keisuke the money her could feel the blood ringing in his ears. "Here's your change" said Keisuke, she took the change smirking. From behind him Keisuke heard a door open.
"Things are running smoothly" said Nakamura walking towards the display with a tray full of sweets.
Keisuke nodded his eyes on Fuji She's lucky I need the money. For most of his shift Keisuke was stuck behind the counter attending customers or sweeping the floor. His shift at the bakery went by quickly allowing Keisuke to get home just before dinner.
As he entered the house he noticed his brother in the kitchen talking to his mother in whispers. Keisuke strained his ears but could not hear what was going on, he only watched as his mother walked away towards the dining room. Although curious Keisuke decided it was best to go to his room and keep out of his parents' sight, today he didn't feel like wasting his energy on his parents.
"Keisuke" he heard his brother say just as he was about to enter his room. "We need to talk." Keisuke frowned but followed Ryosuke into his room.
"Aniki if it's bad news I don't want to hear it, I had a shit day at work-" Keisuke took one look at his brother and kept quiet.
"There's a party that the Kanedas are hosting this upcoming weekend, it's some sort of gathering of people in the medical field-"
"Don't tell me the old geezer wants us to go" said Keisuke frustrated, Ryosuke nodded.
"Now he's still upset about your last outburst, Mom told me he's going to call you into his office after dinner" said Ryosuke giving his brother a warning look "this time just do as he says, we'll go and be a few hours-"
"And we'll ditch the party and go have some real fun" said Keisuke finishing his brother's sentence. "Alright, I'll try not to argue with the old man" he said standing; Ryosuke did the same and led Keisuke out of the room.
Keisuke headed to his room and changed into more comfortable clothes before heading downstairs for dinner. By the time Keisuke walked down the stairs his father was in the dining room sitting with his mother and brother.
"Sit" said his father pointing to the seat across from Ryosuke. Keisuke took his seat quietly remembering his brother's words.
I just have to put on a show for the old man he thought serving himself rice.
Dr. Takahashi mostly spoke to Ryosuke and his wife, only small phrases were said to Keisuke. The blond kept his mouth shut but his mind wandered back to school.
In the back of his mind all he could see was Akemi, her hair done in its messy bun, the smile she always wore. Keisuke poured himself water, lately he'd been thinking about her more often than before. What the hell am I thinking he thought looking up at his brother and noticed he was engrossed in a conversation with his father.
"Keisuke, honey, is there anything wrong?" he heard his mother ask, the blond shook his head as he took the last bite of his rice.
In an hour dinner was over and his father, just as his brother said, called Keisuke into his office. He followed, glaring holes into the back of his father's head the whole way.
"Sit" said the elder Takahashi as he took a seat behind his desk. Keisuke pulled the chair and took a seat. "I heard from your mother you haven't applied to any colleges yet."
Keisuke shifted in his chair, he bit down on his tongue. Like you even give a shit about me he thought trying to remain expressionless, which was proving to be easier said than done.
"I took the liberty of sending some applications on your behalf; see Keisuke a part time job isn't going to prepare you for life."
"I know" said Keisuke coarsely as he carefully thought out his next few words hoping his facial expressions wouldn't betray him. "I didn't need you to send applications on my behalf."
His father gave him a strange look before going on "this upcoming weekend there's a sort of networking event, Kaneda's hosting it in the hotel in Takasaki, I need you and your brother to be there. It's about time you make important friends."
It took all of Keisuke's strength to not roll his eyes, he bit the inside of his cheek trying to remain expressionless, which earned him a strange look from his father. Networking, you just want to show off.
"Well that's all, you can go now Keisuke, I have work to do" said Dr. Takahashi.
Keisuke practically jumped out of his seat and left the office, he could already feel his blood pressure rising.
Stupid old man, I'm not going to college he thought as he walked towards the garage, he pulled the keys out of his pocket. In less than a few minutes Keisuke was out of his home and on the familiar streets heading towards the Mt. Akagi, on his way he stopped at the convenience store as he did most nights.
Before he got out of the car he noticed Akemi walk out of the store in the opposite direction that she usually walked with her bag over her shoulder, she stopped when she noticed the FD.
"Where are you going?" he asked as he stepped out of the car.
"Nowhere, I-I mean I don't know" she said nervously. "What about you?"
"I was going up to Akagi but it's kind of early, and traffic doesn't slow down until nine" he answered leaning on his FD. "Want to get some coffee?"
Akemi nodded he walked over to the passenger side of the car and opened the door for her. "What were you doing at the store?" she asked.
"I was going to grab an iced coffee" he answered after that the car went silent a few minutes before Keisuke spoke again. "So how was your shift at the store?"
"It was okay" she answered "It different from the night shift, you know, busy and all." Keisuke nodded as they parked outside a small family restaurant. They stepped out of the car into the cold air, the two walked into the restaurant.
Why the hell is she so quiet? He thought as they were seated. Akemi sat in front of him looking down at the menu.
"Hello, I'm your waitress tonight" said the young woman who had arrived. "Have you had enough time to look at the menu? Or would you like to order?"
"I don't think we need anymore time" said Keisuke he looked up at Akemi. "I'd like an iced coffee."
"I'll have one as well" she said handing the menu to the waitress who walked away. Akemi tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. "How was the bakery today?"
"Shitty, now what the hell is going on with you?" he asked bluntly. Akemi sighed as if she were trying to keep her voice steady.
"I had to leave the apartment Yuki and I rented" said Akemi "We just couldn't afford it anymore, so I moved back in with my father." She wiped her face as if to keep herself from crying. "It sucks, hell I got mugged last night on my way home." Keisuke's eyes widened but before he could speak she cut him off, "the bastard just got my watch before I managed to get away with a swift kick where it counts."
"How the hell could you be smiling?!" he snapped Akemi looked taken aback. "If you were being followed you should've called me!"
"I was using my trip to get some exercise in-"
He glared at her before speaking "that's it, I'll get you to work and home from it" from the look on her face Akemi knew his tone was final.
"Y-you really don't need to do that" she muttered looking down at her hands. "I'm fine-"
"I'm doing it because I want to" he said in what he believed was a calm tone of voice interrupting her; she looked up at him her cheeks pink. A strange sensation came over him, he couldn't interpret it. It's not like she isn't attractive. He thought trying to justify his recent thoughts any guy who doesn't see that is blind.
Keisuke was grateful when he heard Akemi change the subject. "Is your family going to my father's gala on Saturday?" she asked bringing Keisuke back to reality.
"Yeah, the old man mentioned it; he said it was some kind of networking thing."
Akemi smiled "at least I know I won't be bored out of my mind." He smiled back before drinking his coffee.
Keisuke's evening went smoothly, after coffee they drove around for a couple of hours. It was quiet but in Keisuke's mind it was also calming.
"Keisuke"
"Hm."
"Thanks" she whispered as they stopped at a red light. Keisuke took a glance at her and noticed she was wiping her face. He didn't say anything but nodded and for Akemi that was more than enough.
Keisuke groaned cursing under his breath as he tried to do his own bow tie in front of the hotel's bathroom mirror. "Keisuke please tell me you're done doing your tie."
He sighed stupid bullshit party, I can't believe we're going to spend the night here. "I can't get this stupid shit on!" shouted Keiuske frustrated at his reflection as he heard his brother's footsteps.
Ryosuke who now stood behind his brother chuckled at the mess Keisuke had made with his tie. The blond glared at his brother who began to help him. "You've got to learn this, I'm not going to always be around" said the older brother Keisuke rolled his eyes as he watched his brother do his bow tie.
"You know how I hate these bullshit events" said Keisuke now turning back to mirror fixing his messy hair.
"I'm not fond of them myself but it's a necessary evil."
Before Keisuke could continue talking there was a loud knock on the door, the older brother walked out of the bathroom and Keisuke followed.
"Are you two done?" asked their mother as she walked in.
"Yeah, where's the old man?" asked Keisuke sticking his hands in his pockets.
"Your father is at the elevator waiting, c'mon or we'll be late" she said signaling her sons to walk out the door.
Keisuke followed his brother into the hallway. "We'll only be here a couple of hours" whispered Ryosuke. "In exactly two hours I'll wait for you in the parking lot."
Keisuke nodded as they approached their father, his eyes were on Keisuke. Before the doctor could say something his wife spoke. "Let's go, or we'll be late." The doctor nodded as he pressed the button for the elevator.
"Tonight is an important event for the clinic" he said taking a glance at Keisuke as they walked into the elevator. "I'm going to close a deal with Kaneda and some of the people in his circle" he continued as the elevator doors closed this time he stared at Keisuke, "I don't have to tell you how important this is."
"We know father" said Ryosuke as Keisuke glared at his father who turned away waiting for the elevator doors to open. "Keisuke" he heard his brother whisper "make sure to keep your cool."
The blond nodded as they headed out of the elevator and into the ballroom. He looked around at the lavish décor. I can't believe people actually come to these things he thought as he walked into the room. Around him he saw people in small groups having conversations. Two more hours he thought looking down at his watch.
"Is this your younger brother?" he heard someone say as they walked up to his brother.
"Yes this is Keisuke, you remember the Yukimuras" said Ryosuke politely as he gave Keisuke a warning look.
Keisuke shook his head, the couple smiled politely. "Of course you wouldn't remember, you were a kid the last time we saw you" said the older man, his wife however wore a disapproving look.
"It looks like you've changed a lot since then" she began turning to Ryosuke "it seems like your mother wasn't lying when she mentioned her youngest had a wild spirit." Keisuke tried smiling politely and got the older woman to smile back at him. "I hear you're in medical school, following your father's footsteps."
"Yes" said Ryosuke in the tone he reserved for conversation that didn't interest him. Keisuke tried not to smile.
"How about you?" asked the older man, Keisuke looked around making sure the man was talking to him. "Have you decided what you're going to do after school?"
For a moment he glanced at his brother who looked half-bored to death listening to Mrs. Yukimura. "I'm still looking at my options." It was then that he heard Mrs. Yukimura chuckle.
"Seems like your brother is rather undecisive, your parents must be disappointed. You two are night and day."
Before Ryosuke could stop him Keisuke spoke. "I'm right here" he said roughly glaring at the woman.
"My brother is fine the way he is Mrs. Yukimura, now if you'll excuse us there are other people we should be speaking to" said Ryosuke as he practically dragged Keisuke away from the woman who wore a shocked look. "Keisuke" whispered the older brother once they were out of earshot.
"What was I supposed to do? Just let the old hag talk to me like that!" snapped Keisuke, his brother sighed.
"I know it's frustrating but you have to learn how to handle these kind of people-"
"You sound like the old man, as if being a hypocrite is going to get me places!" said Keisuke interrupting his brother as two familiar young men approached them.
"I like this as much as you do Keisuke" whispered Ryosuke discontentment evident in his voice.
"It's been a while Ryosuke" said the older young man while the younger turned to Keisuke. It was Tamura Hiroshi, the captain of the male track team. "Heard you got into medical school" he said holding up a glass of champagne "everyone in our class knew you'd get in, your brother is probably going to go down the same road."
Ryosuke gave him a cordial smile, while Keisuke tried to keep a straight face as his brother glanced at him.
"No way" said the younger Tamura shaking his head. "Not with your record at school."
"Like you're any better" said a young woman, they all turned facing Akemi who stood behind Keisuke. "All you're good for is running around after girls." The older young men chuckled; the younger Tamura flushed.
"Kaneda it's nice to see you, I assume you've come to take Keisuke from us" said Ryosuke with a knowing look, Akemi flushed.
"I guess that means you don't mind me borrowing him for a few" she said shyer than what she usual was. Keisuke felt her hand grab onto his arm.
"I'll see you in a few Aniki" said Keisuke saying good-bye to his brother and ignoring the Tamuras.
He followed her away from the crowd; a couple of people watched them as they walked by. Ignoring it he followed to the lobby of the hotel. Where she sat on a couch, Keisuke took the seat in front of her. "I saw you with the Yukimuras" she said amusement evident in her voice "the face she made when you walked away" she continued imitating the woman's look.
"That old hag is just a stupid hypocritical socialite" he said as Akemi chuckled pulling off her heels.
"You brought the car; I'm guessing you're going to ditch this party."
Keisuke nodded undoing his tie and slipping it into his pocket. He watched as she looked out the window. "What about you?" he asked, she turned towards him, and for a moment she looked pensive.
"I don't know, my father isn't paying much attention to me so I could get away with it…"
Before Keisuke could form a thought he blurted out "you can come with me if you want."
She smiled but it slowly faded as she looked past Keisuke, he turned around to find a tall young woman walk towards them, she wore a red form fitting dress and held a glass of champagne. "Akemi darling what are you doing out here?" she asked kindly.
He watched as Akemi stood up "It's none of your business" she said angrily walking away leaving her shoes behind. The young woman turned to Keisuke who simply stood up and picked up the shoes following Akemi towards the door. Who the hell is this woman? He thought but before he could ask the woman spoke.
"Your father wants to introduce you to some of his friends" the young woman followed Akemi outside.
"My asshhole father just wants to see which of his friends children wants to take me off his hands" spat Akemi turning her back on the woman who glanced at Keisuke. Just as he was about to speak Akemi turned towards them livid. "He has nothing to do with this!" Akemi snapped at the woman who frowned.
"Akemi, don't make me tell your father-" she began warningly.
Akemi threw her head back laughing causing Keisuke to jump back. "What's my father going to do? Beat me?" she shouted.
The young woman smirked "When I'm done talking to your father a beating will be the least of your worries you little brat."
"At least I'm not some desperate slut" whispered Akemi in a venomous tone. Without looking back Akemi walked out to the parking lot, Keisuke followed after he gathered his jaw off the floor.
"Stupid whore" she mumbled angrily leaving Keisuke standing there awkwardly holding a pair of heels. "Thinks she actually going to cause me trouble, she's out of her friggin' mind if she thinks I'm going to show her some respect."
"Before you go any further put on your shoes" he said pushing her heels into her arms. Akemi looked down at her feet and blushed. "What the hell was that all about?" he asked as Akemi put on her heels.
"She's my stepmother" said Akemi as she put on her second shoe "they got married a few weeks ago" she finished. Keisuke frowned looking back at the hotel.
"She looks kind of young for your father" commented Keisuke as they walked towards the FD. Now that I come to think of it Akemi's never really talked about her family he thought as he opened the passenger side. He walked over to the driver's side and took a seat starting the car before he slipped on his seatbelt. He pressed down on the clutch and shifted the car in reverse before she spoke.
"I know I looked of crazy back there-"
"Crazy is putting it politely."
He couldn't see the expression on her face but he knew she was back to her old self when he felt her slap his arm. "Where are we going?"
"Up to Akagi" he said simply as he stopped at a red light. He heard the static from the radio as Akemi looked for a station, normally he didn't listen to music as he drove, driving from his was a time to reflect and when he was racing it took all of his concentration.
All he could hear was the soft sound of a piano playing as he drove out of the city onto the highway. He took a glance at her and saw that she was looking out the window. Keisuke then kept his eyes on the road, as they went up the mountain. He kept at a normal speed, normally he'd race to the summit but today he had a passenger and that changed the whole thing. Keisuke heard the sound of an engine getting close to his car; he took a glance at the rearview mirror. I've seen those headlights before, maybe in that magazine Aniki got me he thought not thinking much of it until the car was inches from his bumper flashing it headlights. Keisuke clenched his teeth hoping Akemi wouldn't notice. I'm not racing you, if you're in a rush just go past me he thought giving the car some room to get past him instead all he got were flashing headlights.
"I'm guessing he wants to race" said Akemi turning around, Keisuke bit the inside of his cheek, he felt his blood pressure rise.
"He's not getting a race" said Keisuke mostly to himself. The car gave up and drove past Keisuke; he took a glance and noticed it was a red Impreza. That car isn't from around here he thought going through the pictures in his head. I've never seen it around here before.
"Are you okay?" asked Akemi noticing the frustrated look on Keisuke's as he tried to keep up with the Impreza.
How the hell could he be going at that speed! Thought Keisuke as he watched the Impreza enter the corner at a speed Keisuke wasn't used to. He felt his foot push down on the gas, his grip tight on the steering wheel. He blocked out anything else, this driver, whoever they were, wasn't going to get rid of him. He was going to find out who they were.
"Keisuke, hey! Stop zoning out on me!" he heard Akemi plead, it was only then that he remembered that she was in the car with him, he lifted his foot off the throttle. He felt her hand on his shoulder.
"I've never seen that car before" said Keisuke.
"It's not from around here, it has Saitama plates" she said as they arrived at the summit. Keisuke looked around, the area was crowded and there was a blue FD ready to race. "Looks busy" commented Akemi as Keisuke parked the car next to a white EG6, leaning on it were two men, he estimated that they were around his brother's age.
Keisuke exited the car and it was then that he noticed the red Impreza parked on the other side of the EG6. "I feel bad for that FD" he heard the taller of the two say loudly, "it has a coward for a driver." Keisuke turned noticing the man look straight at him, he smirked. "Doesn't that embarrass you, hell you couldn't even give your girlfriend a decent show." Keisuke felt his face become hot, he shut his door and made his way over to the man. He wore brown slacks with a dark sweater. "Where the hell did you come from?" he said taking in Keisuke's appearance.
"Nishiki don't start shit" said the shorter of the two stepping in between them.
"You're always killing my fun Shoma" he said sighing. "Listen kid I've got a show to put on, why don't you watch and learn something from it" said Nishiki walking away towards his car.
"Listen, I'm sorry, Nishiki..he's got a mouth on him."
Keisuke glared at Shoma as he felt Akemi take his wrist. "Don't get yourself in trouble, let's just watch the race."
He turned and walked with Akemi towards what would be the starting line, the Impreza drove past him before Keisuke came to a realization.
"Nishiki…" he whispered, the conversation with his brother and Fumihiro came to mind. Keisuke watched the Impreza take its place next to the blue FD. The way he drove up…Aniki, there's no way I could race someone like that he thought watching the two cars take off. He clenched his fist If he offers to race me, what the hell am I supposed to do, I'm not ready for this.