"Did you see that?!"
"That Impreza has crazy speed!"
"No way that FD is going to keep up!"
Keisuke felt himself begin to shake. I'm nowhere near his level, why would you want me to race him Aniki? Why doesn't this guy interest you? He thought as he turned away from the crowd walking towards his car.
"Keisuke" Akemi called her voice brought him back to reality, he stopped and turned finding that she was giving him a worried look. "Don't tell me that guy's stupid comments bothered you."
"It's not that" he said flustered digging in his pockets for the car key. "I'll explain on the way down."
"Way down!" said Akemi surprised following him back to the FD. "You're going to follow them?" Keisuke walked over to the passenger side and pulled the door open for Akemi. She sighed "I'm going to trust you on this."
"Leaving so soon" he heard a voice say as he shut the door. "No way you're going to catch up to him you know, he's the best downhill driver in Saitama" said Shoma as Keisuke turned the face him, he wore a smug look.
"If I want to follow him it's my friggin' problem not yours" spat Keisuke as he walked over to the driver's side.
"Just don't say I didn't warn you kid."
Keisuke shut his door a little harder than intended, he started the car and left the parking lot, anger and confusion surging through his veins. He was going to figure out why his brother wished for him to race the Impreza. Once he had left the parking lot Keisuke drove down at his usual speed, Akemi said she trusted him after all, he knew this road like the back of his hand. Every corner came naturally to him. Driving down the only thought in his mind was the speed of the Impreza. He probably didn't even exit at top speed, drivers like that never do. Aniki wouldn't he be the kind of opponent that'd interest you?
He had two more corners left and just as Shoma said he wasn't able to catch up to Nishiki. "You're still bothered by that guy in the Impreza?"
Keisuke kept his eyes on the road before him. "Guys like him piss me off, speed is one of the factors of racing, it can't determine a race alone."
"That sounds like something Ryosuke would say."
Keisuke nodded as they arrived at the base of the mountain, the blue FD was nowhere to be seen instead the crowd was gather in a circle around two people, the red Impreza parked nearby the crowd as was the familiar white FC.
The blond parked the car beside the FC and turned to Akemi. "Stay here, I'm just going to get Aniki then we'll go back to Takasaki."
Akemi sighed "I'm only staying because it's freezing outside but if I think there's any trouble I'm jumping out of this car."
Keisuke nodded undoing his harness and jumped out the car walking quickly towards the crowd, just as he predicted in the middle stood his brother face to face with Nishiki. The blonde pushed his way through the crowd.
"The White Comet of Akagi denying a challenger a race, if you ask me that's a coward's move!"
"As I've said before, a race with you isn't something I'd look forward to" answered Ryosuke calmly as Nishiki glared at him.
"I've beat three of the best racers this area's got-"
"That doesn't mean anything to me, as I've said before, you don't interest me as an opponent."
Nishiki's face was red and just as he was about to grab Ryosuke's collar Keisuke stepped in front of his brother at this point livid. "Put a hand on my brother and I'll make sure you never use them again!" he shouted pushing Nishiki.
"This little shit is your brother" said NIshiki mockingly pointing at Keisuke. "Wow, poor thing can't drive-"
"Shut the hell up!" shouted Keisuke as he felt Ryosuke put a hand on his shoulder as a signal for Keisuke to calm down. "If you want to race my brother you'll have to go through me first!"
Nishiki's smile faded and was replaced with a look of pity "You're not my kind of opponent."
Before Keisuke could react Ryosuke spoke. "By the time spring comes Keisuke will be the kind of opponent you seek."
Nishiki snorted "no way the kid's going to race me, he doesn't have the guts-"
"I'll race you, hell I'll race you on your turf!" shouted Keisuke his fists clenched at his side.
Nishiki smirked and turned to Ryosuke "let's make this fair, if he manages to catch my attention I'll race him anywhere."
Ryosuke nodded "we accept your terms" he said as Nishiki glared at Keisuke, he then turned to the older Takahashi.
"Well then pretty boy, I'll probably die waiting for this race to happen" he said now wearing a bored look. "I'll see you Comet, I'll put end to that winning streak of yours." With that he turned his back on the brothers and the crowd began to disperse.
Ryosuke walked away and Keisuke followed before he could say a word Ryosuke spoke. "Tonight rest, we'll talk about this in the morning."
With that he watched his brother walk to the FC. He took a quick glance in Nishiki's direction and his heart sank. "I'd rather fall off a cliff than lose to him" muttered Keisuke as he stepped back into the car.
The drive to Takasaki was mostly silent except for the static of the radio as Akemi looked through the stations. Until she spoke "Are you going to race him?" she asked, he took a quick glance in her direction. She had her head against the window "Well?" she said impatient, he nodded.
"I'm nowhere near his level, the speed on that car. I couldn't keep up with him" he said the frustration evident in his voice.
"You'll get there" she said as the electronic music played in the background. "Just be patient, it's not going to happen overnight but you'll the best racer out there" she said then she turned up the radio diminishing the possibility of a conversation afterward.
As soon as he placed the cigarette on his lips he felt relief. On his right Yuta had already lit his cigarette and passed Keisuke the lighter. "You know it's a miracle no one's caught us up here" said Yuta after taking a drag.
"No one comes up here anymore" answered Keisuke his mind still on the conversation he had with Ryosuke before leaving Takasaki. "Aniki is misplacing his faith, even if dedicate all the time in the world there's no way I could compete with Nishiki" thought the blonde.
"You've been pretty quiet these past few days."
"And you've been talkative" responded Keisuke after lighting his cigarette. Yuta sighed as he looked down at the school grounds.
"I'm serious, if you keep thinking that hard you're going to fry your brain" said Yuta jokingly, Keisuke punched him on the shoulder. "But really what's gotten into you? Did you screw up the car?
"No my car's fine" said Keisuke after taking a drag.
His mind went back to the conversation with his brother.
"If you're going to catch Nishiki's attention you'll have to start racing outside of Akagi"
"Aniki, I can't... I mean I've never driven any other mountain pass-" began Keisuke running his hand through his hair.
"We'll race together, outside of Akagi, in a few months our names will be known throughout Gunma." Keisuke turned to his brother who was pulling a cigarette out of its pack. "If you do as I tell you, you'll be one of the fastest drivers around."
The door behind the burst open the boys turned towards the ruckus, without a second thought Keisuke hid the cigarette behind his back and Yuta threw his away.
"So this is what you guys do during P.E" said Akemi wearing the school gym uniform, black sweatpants and a white t-shirt.
"You shouldn't scare people like that" said Yuta sighing in relief. Keisuke put out his cigarette.
"You shouldn't be up here smoking anyway" she said leaning against the door frame. "Anyway class is almost over so I'll skip with you two for the meanwhile." She walked over to the boys and took her place next to Yuta. "You know from up here the city looks nice."
The bell rung loudly, Akemi immediately walked away. "I'll see you guys by the gate!" she shouted walking away, Yuta gave her a thumbs up while Keisuke nodded.
"We should get going" said Yuta, the boys walked towards the door back into the school. After collecting their bags and their shoes out of their lockers they headed towards the gate where Akemi stood holding her bag.
"You guys want to grab coffee?" she asked as when the boys were a few feet away.
"I've got nothing to do" answered Yuta they turned to Keisuke who shook his head.
"I have work today" he said and they walked to the corner.
Yuta patted his back. "You know I'm proud of you, I didn't think you'd last in retail." Akemi chuckled.
"Well I need the money for gas, so I just suck it up" he said as they crossed the street. Once they crossed Yuta and Akemi walked away after saying their good-byes.
His time at the bakery flew by, at the end of his shift Keisuke walked home thinking about the conversation with his brother.
"It's almost winter Aniki, we only have a few weeks before everything begins to ice up, and even if I begin to race outside of Akagi nothing guarantees me I'll win any of the races." The blond crossed the street; a loud guitar riff interrupted his thoughts. Keisuke pulled his cellphone out of his pocket and looked down at the screen before answering.
"Keisuke, I've found your first opponent" said Ryosuke, Keisuke bit the inside of his cheek.
"Who is it?" asked Keisuke as he stopped at the bus stop.
"We'll talk about that when I get home; just make sure you do as I told you."
"Yeah you want me to start running, I still have no idea why-"
"I'll explain it to you tomorrow" said Ryosuke interrupting him "I'll be home late, make sure you get some sleep."
Before Keisuke could utter another word his brother had hung up, He took a seat at the bus stop and stuffed the phone into the pocket of his jacket. "What does running have to do with racing?" he muttered. He knew his brother probably had a reason behind it, but it drove him crazy not knowing. It only served to remind him how different he was from the older Takahashi. His brother was always calculating his next move, his words. Meanwhile Keisuke didn't really think things through; he let his emotions get the best of him.
Once he made it home Keisuke walked into his room and threw his belongings on the floor and walked out towards the balcony pulling his cigarettes out of his pocket. He lit up his cigarette and took a drag looking up at the night sky, today the skies were clear. After finishing his cigarette Keisuke threw himself on his bed suddenly feeling tired he took a look at his watch. "I still have time; she doesn't get out for a while." With that as his last thought Keisuke closed his eyes slowly falling asleep.
CLINK!CLINK!
Keisuke slowly opened his eyes at the sound of something bouncing off his window, he frowned, rocks were being thrown at his window. On his night table he heard his cellphone ring, he picked it up.
"Are you home?"
Keisuke frowned "Akemi, aren't you supposed to be at work?" he asked whilst trying to stifle a yawn as he got up from his bed and walked out to the balcony. There she was holding a bag in her hand, dressed in her pajamas.
"Don't tell me you're going to leave me outside!" she said in her usual cheerful tone but to Keisuke something sounded off.
"Fine, I'm coming downstairs" he said shutting the door to the balcony behind him, he looked down at the time. What the hell is she doing out at two o'clock in the morning? he thought as he walked towards the door. Lucky for him his mother was asleep and his father was out late at work.
He pulled the door open and found her standing underneath the lamp post, it took her a few seconds to notice his presence and once she did Keisuke's eyes widened.
"What the hell happened to you?!" he shouted walking towards her, the right side of her face was bruised and on her left cheek she had an open cut that stained her collar.
She put her index finger to her lips "Don't be so loud!" she whispered as he began to examine her face and noticed the bruise on her neck.
"Who the hell did this?" he asked anger evident in his voice, Akemi pulled away from his touch.
"Let's just say my father isn't too happy…" said Akemi pushing her bag into his arms. "It's cold, you don't mind if I come in for a bit?"
Keisuke led her inside. "Where were you going?" he asked trying to calm down.
"I was thinking about going to Yuta's, he lives closer to school than Yuki does" she said taking off her slippers. Keisuke placed her bag on the floor and headed to the living room where he stopped her to examine her face. With each second the anger was worse.
Asshole, he's at least twice her size! he thought taking a look at the cut on her cheek. "How the hell did this happen?" he asked, she sighed.
"He found out I failed the college entrance exams" she said looking away from Keisuke.
"That's no reason to beat the shit out of you" he said clenching his fists. "That cut might need stiches" the blond said signaling for Akemi to sit down, she took her seat on the dark couch as Keisuke went and retrieved the first aid kit. "That son of a bitch, coward, if I ever get my hands on him…" he muttered angrily taking the first aid back to the living room where Akemi sat looking down at her feet. "Look up" he said kneeling in front her looking through the first aid kit.
"Listen, I only came here because I thought you'd be awake" she said as he opened an alcohol swab. "I was going to walk to Yuta's, but it's kind of a long walk-"
She stopped talking when he took her chin and began applying the alcohol swab to the cut on her cheek. Akemi flinched and bit her lip. "You're lucky that shit's not going to need stiches" he said trying to keep his voice as calm as possible. "I'll take you to Yuta's once we've gotten the swelling goes down, or you'll end up scaring him" he said.
Akemi smiled as her eyes began to water. "Ok" she mumbled as he closed the first aid kit and noticed that even after he cleaned the cut it kept bleeding profusely.
"Get up" he said taking her hand Akemi looked up at him, tears running down her face. "We're going to the hospital" he said noticing the clueless look on her face that shifted into fear when he said the word 'hospital.'
"Are you insane?! They'll call the police!" she said in a panicked tone pulling herself away from Keisuke.
"It's the right thing to do! Have you taken a look at yourself!" he said louder than intended, she placed her hand over his mouth.
"You're going to wake up everyone in this house!"
Keisuke sighed as she removed her hand off his mouth. "Fine, but someone needs to look at that cut, it's bleeding pretty bad" he said sitting on the couch, she sat down next to him. "You can't stay with him" said Keisuke turning towards her.
"I don't have anyone else" she said playing with a loose string on her shirt.
"Your mother? What about her?" he asked and immediately regretting doing so when she suddenly started crying her shoulders shaking "Akemi" he said putting an arm around her trying to calm her.
"She left, m-m-my father kicked her out" she said wiping her face "she couldn't take his abuse, she n-never told me why, but my guess was she was with another man." Akemi put her head on his shoulder now slowly calming down. "She left during my f-f-first year of junior high school."
Keisuke stood still fearing any movement might cause her to cry again. "She doesn't keep in contact with you?"
Akemi took her head off his shoulder and looked away. "I was supposed to leave with her but a couple of days before we met she died."
Shit…what the hell am I supposed to do? Say 'I'm sorry', that's not going to fix anything he thought but before he could speak Keisuke heard the door. They stood up, Akemi covering her face and Keisuke ready to run to the garage if need be.
"Keisuke?" he heard his older brother say as he walked into the living room, the blond sighed in relief. Akemi took her hands away from her face, Ryosuke's eyes widened slightly as he walked towards them. Akemi turned towards Keisuke panicked but before the blond could say anything his brother was examining Akemi's face.
"That's going to need stiches" said Ryosuke as he turned to Keisuke. "We'll go to the hospital-"
Akemi shook her head; Keisuke began to feel frustration. "How the hell could you still defend him?!" shouted Keisuke. "Look at what he did to you!"
"I'm not going to the police" she said calmly turning to Ryosuke before she continued to speak. "Do you by any chance know how to stitch?"
"No, I haven't done them before" answered Ryosuke. "I have a friend who could, she's on duty tonight." Akemi looked up at Keisuke and then turned to Ryosuke.
"I'll go as long as the police isn't involved."
Keisuke glared at her then glanced over at his brother who wore a pensive look. "I can't guarantee that" he said turning to Keisuke "but I'll make a couple of calls and see what I can do."
Akemi gave him a small smile "thanks."
Ryosuke nodded and then walked towards the kitchen pulling his cellphone out of his pocket. Keisuke followed "Aniki, what the hell? That guy deserves to go to jail!" said Keisuke angrily.
"I can't force that on her Keisuke" replied the older brother calmly. "I feel the same way you do, all I can do is help her get that stitched before it gets worse." He then placed his phone on his ear and began speaking to someone, Keisuke couldn't guess who.
He watched Akemi look down at her phone as if expecting a call. Keisuke walked back towards her. "Akemi" he said she put her phone away and looked up at him "Aniki's going to help solve this" he finished hoping it offered some comfort to her.
"I don't know how to thank you two" she said taking his hand in her own. For a moment Keisuke froze. Her hands were warm and smaller than his, the tone of her voice was as kind as it usually was.
"it's nothing" he answered in a voice that sounded foreign to his ears he even noticed the look of surprise on her face. Before she could speak Ryosuke walked back into the living room.
"Keisuke you'll follow me" he said the younger brother nodded, Akemi went to go pick up her bag. "You don't need the bag; you'll stay here tonight" said Ryosuke as he now lead them out of the living room towards the garage.
They followed Ryosuke out into the garage, Keisuke opened the door for Akemi and proceeded to take his seat in the driver's side and started the car. In front of him his brother had already stated the FC and was opening the garage. He shifted gears and followed his brother onto the city's dark streets.
He heard the sound of an electronic beat, he took a glance to the side and saw Akemi turning the radio's dials. Keisuke turned at the corner following Ryosuke into the more populated parts of the city. They remained silent for the rest of drive making each minute crawl by, he was grateful when they finally arrived. Keisuke parked next to his brother, he undid his four-point harness and stepped out of the car as his brother walked towards them.
"Don't bring attention to yourselves" he said signaling Keisuke and Akemi to follow him. Before Keisuke could move Akemi walked in front of him covering her left cheek with the sleeve of her shirt. All Keisuke could hear was commotion that was usually seen in hospitals, nurses left and right, doctors delivering the news to families. He took a glance at Akemi who kept her eyes on Ryosuke's back.
Before he could speak Ryosuke stopped at a nurse's station, the nurse lead them to an empty office where a young woman sat her dark hair up in a bun. She stood up as they walked in. "It's nice to see you again Ryosuke" she said pleasantly before turning to Akemi "I'm assuming you're the patient." Akemi nodded as the young woman walked up to her and removed her hand from her cheek. "It'll need stitches but after two weeks or so you should be fine." She turned to the brothers "I'm afraid you'll have to leave."
"No" said Akemi turning to Keisuke, the young woman nodded.
"Alright, they can stay" she said gesturing Akemi to take a seat, the boys stood up Keisuke watched as the doctor got everything ready.
"She'll be fine Keisuke" whispered Ryosuke upon seeing the worried look on his face. Keisuke nodded and watched the young doctor begin to stich Akemi's face. She flinched but didn't say a word.
"How did this happen?" asked the doctor. The room went silent, Keisuke felt he could cut the tension with a knife. "I see a lot of bruising on you face and neck, were you attacked?"
Akemi bit her lip as she shook her head. Keisuke couldn't help but feel rage. "Yes she was, tell her-"
"Keisuke!" he heard Ryosuke say in a tone he used to get Keisuke to be quiet. The doctor looked up at them as she finished stitching Akemi and putting a gauze pad on her cheek.
"We're done; it'll heal in about two weeks, make sure not to get it wet, and be careful not to let it get infected" she said cheerfully as Akemi stood up with a smile.
"Thank you" she said shaking the doctor's hand.
"It's okay, anything for a friend" she said her eyes on Ryosuke "right Ryosuke."
"Yes, now I'm afraid we have to leave" he said shaking her hand, the young woman, for a moment, Keisuke thought was going to faint.
He chuckled as he watched his older brother trying to get away from the doctor. Akemi stood next to him with a smile. "It's funny, wherever Ryosuke goes, he's sure to find a girl who'll try to conquer him."
Keisuke turned to Akemi, the collar of her pajamas were stained with blood. He broke out of his trance when Akemi pulled on his arm, the three walked to the parking lot as Ryosuke explained to Akemi how to care for the stitches and what were the signs of infection. Keisuke listened as he watched her walk in front of him. His mind began to wander, for a moment he even wondered if the girl in front of him was Akemi. She's my friend, nothing more he thought as they walked out onto the parking lot.
"Keisuke go straight home" he heard his brother say before he stepped into the FC. Keisuke nodded opening the door for Akemi then stepping into his own. He did his seatbelt and turned the car on. He shifted the car in reverse and followed Ryosuke home.
The drive back to the house was uneventful, Akemi chose a radio station and hummed along with it. He kept his eyes on the road, traffic had slowed down allowing him to drive freely. Keisuke stopped at a red light and took the opportunity to take a glance at Akemi. Her head rested against the window.
"Keisuke, the light's green" she said pointing out the traffic light. He cursed and looked away as he shifted gears and drove past the light. "What are you going to do for Christmas eve?" she asked turning off the radio.
"I have no plans so far, my parents are going on a trip and Aniki is probably going to go out" he answered as he felt his heart rate increase.
"My father and his wife are probably going somewhere too" she said, then again there was silence. Thankfully the drive wasn't far and they arrived at the house, Ryosuke had wished them a good night before disappearing up the stairs. Keisuke picked up Akemi's bag from the living room.
"Follow me, I'll take you to the guest room" he said as he walked towards the stairs, she followed him, he walked to the end of the hall and opened the door allowing him to go in first. He turned on the light. The room was small compared to the others but it was well organized, in one corner was the small desk used by Tsugumi and on the other side was a bed covered in pink sheets. "You'll stay here tonight; I'll text you whenever it's safe to come out" he said laying the bag next to the bed. He turned his back on her until she spoke.
"Keisuke, I'm sorry I woke you up for this" she said sitting on the bed.
Keisuke turned towards her, he felt something foreign to him. His heart beat a little faster, he ignored it and sat down next to Akemi.
"It's not an issue, go to sleep" he said avoiding her gaze, until he felt her lips against his cheek. Before she could turn away he turned towards her, all he could see were her lips. Akemi placed a hand on his cheek her hot breath mingled with his, it was then that Keisuke took the plunge and closed the gap between them.
Keisuke thought his heart would burst, it wasn't like he had never kissed a girl before, but this was different. His eyes were closed but he didn't need them. Her lips were sweet, Keisuke held her face trying not to damage the stiches, she had her hands on his chest. He moved his hand down to her neck.
In his pocket Keisuke could feel his phone vibrate as her hands traveled to his thigh. He bit her bottom lip as he laid her against the bed, one hand held him up whilst another traveled down her chest.
He felt his phone vibrate again, this time it was enough to break his trance. He pulled away and opened his eyes. Like him she was out of breath, he quickly stood up and answered.
"Keisuke, where are you?" asked his brother, in the background Keisuke could hear him typing.
He cleared his throat "I'm in my room" he said taking a quick glance at Akemi, who was sitting up and her eyes met his for a moment before she looked her face red.
"If you say so, come to my room" said Ryosuke, Keisuke could practically see his brother smile knowingly. "There is something we need to talk about."
"Ok" he said then shut his phone. Keisuke took a deep breath before turning to Akemi who was now looking through her bag. "Aniki needs to talk" he said trying to sound as if nothing had happened even if his hands were shaking and his heart threatened to jump out of his chest.
"Go ahead" she said taking a quick glance at him trying to keep her voice in a normal tone of voice. "I'll be okay."
He nodded and turned his back on her and walked out of the room towards his brother's room, Keisuke replayed what had just happened in the back of his mind. It all caused him confusion.
The blond knocked on his older brother's door despite seeing the soft light coming out of it.
"Come in."
He twisted the doorknob and walked in taking his usual seat on Ryosuke's bed. "What is it Aniki?" he asked, his brother turned away from his laptop and looked at him.
"I thought you'd want to know who your next opponent was" said Ryosuke, by the look on his face Keisuke could tell his brother was examining his appearance. "The race will take place on Mt. Myogi" he began turning back to the computer. "He's a one of the few to have beaten Nishiki."
"You're crazy Aniki" protested Keisuke "I can't keep up with Nishiki , I'm going to be able to keep up with this guy!" He felt impatient now searching his pockets for his cigarettes.
"You will Keisuke, in fact we're going to go watch his next race" said Ryosuke now typing on his laptop.
"What kind of car does he drive?" asked Keisuke pulling out his cigarettes but failing to find his lighter.
"A green DC2" answered Ryosuke as he stopped typing for a moment and reached into his pocket throwing his lighter at Keisuke who caught it. "If you want to know more about that particular car you'll have to do the research" continued Ryosuke now back on his laptop.
Keisuke lit his cigarette and took a drag "what's his name?" asked Keisuke as he stood up and walked towards his brother's desk, he dropped the lighter and opened the door to his brother's balcony.
"Tanaka Takeo" said Ryosuke, Keisuke could hear him stand up and walk towards the balcony. "You weren't in your room" said the older of the two.
Keisuke turned to his brother who wore a small smile. "How do you know?" asked Keisuke before taking a drag of his cigarette.
"I opened the door, you weren't in bed" answered his brother as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "I'm guessing you were talking to Kaneda."
Keisuke nodded before putting out his cigarette.
"Whatever is going on between you two, make sure her father doesn't find out" said Ryosuke as Keisuke turned towards him stunned. "Don't give me that clueless look Keisuke, anyone who spends more than five minutes with both of you knows what's going on."
"Aniki, I –"
"You don't owe me any explanations Keisuke, get some sleep" said Ryosuke with his hand on Keisuke's shoulder. "Tonight is Tanaka's next race, we'll go and observe."
Keisuke nodded walking back into the room until he heard his brother's voice. "I want you to clear your head." The blonde stopped to face his brother who still on the balcony. The blond nodded and walked out of the room back to his own, once in his room he threw himself onto his bed letting his exhausting take over.
For Keisuke it seemed like no time had passed by when he felt someone pat him on the shoulder, he groaned keeping his eyes closed. "Keisuke!" shouted the voice, recognizing the voice Keisuke opened an eye.
"Tsugumi" he said gruffly "it's too early."
"It's two o'clock in the afternoon" she said shaking him. "Don't be lazy! Ryosuke is taking us out!"
"Good for you" mumbled Keisuke, then he heard another voice.
"I guess your cousin wasn't lying when she said you had a messy room" he heard Akemi say amused. Keisuke sat up yawning, the girls stood at the foot of his bed. Akemi had her hair hanging around her face, both of the girls wore sweaters and dark pants. When Akemi's eyes met with his he felt as if electricity had surged through his body.
"We'd better get going, he needs to shower" said Tsugumi pulling on Akemi's sleeve, she nodded and followed the young girl out of the room.
He threw himself back onto his bed the thoughts of last night creeping into his mind. He felt a mixture of satisfaction and confusion. Keisuke stood up and walked over to the chair he had in the middle of the room, it was the laundry chair as he liked to call it. From there he picked up a pair of jeans and a decent looking sweater, and headed for the bathroom. Tonight's the race thought Keisuke as he stepped into the shower. He began to wonder what kind of driver Tanaka would be, was he calculating like Ryosuke, or was he bold and daring. "Whatever happens, I have to win" he uttered as the image of Nishiki crept up in the back of his mind. He stepped out of the shower and got dressed. He headed downstairs finding Tsugumi sitting with Akemi talking at the dinner table. Keisuke walked past them to the entrance of the garage where he had left a pair of sneakers.
"I see Tsugumi finally woke you up" he heard Ryosuke say amused. Keisuke turned to his brother.
"Tsugumi said we were going out" he said, Ryosuke nodded.
"I finished my work a few hours ago, I thought the four of us could go around town. Then I'll take Tsugumi home" said Ryosuke walking past his brother. "I put Akemi's bag next to your car, I'll go get them."
Keisuke nodded and took the keys off the hook in the garage. He picked up the bag and put it in the back. If you act natural she won't have a reason to mention last night, he thought shutting the trunk. It was just a kiss; it's not like I haven't done it before.
He heard his brother walk in with the girls, Tsugumi followed Ryosuke to the FC while Akemi walked towards Keisuke who opened the door. He stepped into the driver's seat and started the car without looking at her.
The car was silent as he drove out of the garage, he could only hear he soft purring of his 13b engine. Keisuke bit the inside of his cheek, what was he supposed to do? He couldn't say he didn't like it, in fact he enjoyed their moment last night. She probably feels like crap about it he thought stopping at a red light behind his brother.
"Last night" she began just loud enough for Keisuke to hear "I-I…I…"
He began to feel impatient. "Last night what?" he said harshly keeping his eyes on the road, she was silent. He stood silent for a few moments, he then spoke as if were an afterthought. "I…last night, I liked it."
"What?!" he heard her say surprised, although he wasn't looking he could tell her eyes were on him.
Keisuke could only feel his face become pale. What the hell did I just do?!
"You…liked it…" she said repeating his words softly. He turned a corner as he followed the white FC.
"It's what I just said" he answered back as he straightened the car. There was a sudden uncomfortable silence for what seemed like hours before she spoke.
"I…I enjoyed it, it's just, I…I feel things-"
Keisuke raised an eyebrow taking a glance at her. "Things" he repeated trying not to laugh. She slapped his arm.
"Don't be stupid!" Akemi said as they stopped outside a book store. "I really…I have feelings for you." Keisuke pulled up the emergency brake and turned the car off. He felt numb for a moment, then his body began to heat up, Keisuke turned towards her. She was looking back at him pink cheeks.
Images kept coming up onto his mind, but only one stood out. The night he decided to leave the gang behind. He'd never forget the look on her face. "I'm no good" he said but before he could turn away she grabbed his sleeve.
"I don't care about what you've done" she said as her eyes began to water. "I'm not even asking to date you, just having you around-"
A sudden rush of something unknown overcame him before he knew Keisuke kissed her, and like the night before it felt exciting to a point that scared him. A soft knock on Akemi's window brought him back to reality. He quickly stepped out of the car and Akemi did the same.
Ryosuke smiled at them before turning his back on them and headed to the bookstore.
"He saw us" said Akemi running her fingers through her hair. Keisuke walked in front of her to the bookstore. Once inside they spilt up, Keisuke walked behind his brother to where they kept the car magazine and books.
Keisuke picked up a couple of books he found interesting and a couple of magazine, he glanced over at his brother who was skimming through a magazine. "I hope you're going to read those" he heard Ryosuke say.
"I am" answered Keisuke, looking around he noticed people begin to point at Ryosuke, others whispered and stared. "Guess everyone in town knows who you are" said Keisuke. Ryosuke put the magazine down.
"Follow me Keisuke" he said walking down the aisle, he followed his brother. "Remember what I said last night?" he asked, Keisuke nodded. "Do what you will, but keep a clear head, today you need to study Tanaka or you'll lose your race against him."
Keisuke nodded as he stepped up to the cash register. Once he paid for his items he took a glance at outside noticing that Akemi and Tsugumi were chatting animatedly. He walked outside with his brother behind him. They spent the rest of the afternoon together, walking to different stores and even heading to a nearby park to eat crepes. When it was time to go the brothers spilt up and agreed to meet each other at the house.
"Are you still staying at Yuta's?" asked Keisuke as they left the park. She shook her head.
"I'm just going back home, I'm pretty sure my father's cooled down" she said fastening her four-point harness, he started the car. "If I don't go back he'll start looking for me."
The blond nodded as he drove towards Akemi's home. She cleared her throat "about what I said before, I…" before she went she took a deep breath "I meant it, I'm not asking to date you-"
"I know" he answered as the turned a corner. "I... don't understand" he began taking a glance at his side mirror before switching lanes trying to think of what to say next. "I… don't know what's going on, but..." before he continued he tightened his grip on the steering wheel. In this sort of situation his brother would've known what to say.
"It's okay, you don't have to say anything" said Akemi, he felt her pat his knee. "We can talk about this later." Relief washed over him, for now he didn't need to figure out what was going on. He stopped at a red light. "Stop at the next corner, I'll walk from there" she said he took a glance at her "it's best if my father doesn't see anyone dropping me off" she added.
Keisuke did as she said and stopped at the following corner, he undid his seatbelt, pulled out her bag from the back and stepped out of the car. "I'll got the bag" he said before she could reach in to the back. He handed it to her.
"Thanks" she said her face pink and she took a step back. "I'll see you at school."
He nodded as she waved at him, Keisuke walked back to his car looking down at his watch. "Six o'clock, good. It only takes an hour from here to Mt. Myogi" he thought as he put on his four-point harness. He watched Akemi open the gate before driving off, he'd make it in time to leave with his brother for the race. His heart raced. Sure he had participated in other races but those guys were nowhere Nishiki's level. "I'll be fine, I'll just do as Aniki says." He thought as he drove back to his home.
Keisuke got there quickly and parked in the garage where he found his brother having a cigarette. He stepped out of the car "Aniki, when do we leave?" he asked, Ryosuke turned to his brother.
"At eight, we'll be there before the race starts" he said putting out his cigarette. "Eat something before we leave."
Keisuke nodded and walked into the house. For the next two hours Keisuke wandered around the house trying to keep himself occupied, there were to two things he didn't want to think about. The upcoming race and Akemi. Both of them brought on different emotions. The race was exciting, yet nerve racking. While Akemi just brought him confusion, he had no idea how to feel. When it was time to go he met his brother outside and stepped into the passenger side of the FC. "I want you to observe Tanaka, and later we'll discuss what you've observed" began Ryosuke as his brother did his seat belt. "You'll need to pay attention to everything, details are important Keisuke."
"I got it Aniki, I'll do my best" said Keisuke.
As Ryosuke drove Keisuke observed. He watched everything from the way he shifted gears to his footwork. At times Keisuke wished he was just as intelligent and methodical as his brother. For every situation Ryosuke had an answer, nothing ever escaped him. In Keisuke's case he wasn't as patient or observant as his brother. Today he'd try his best to learn from the race they were to observe.
Keisuke looked at the signs, they were getting there, as they reached the base of the mountain he saw the cars parked at the base parking at the far end he saw the green DC2. His brother drove into the parking the car a few feet away from the DC2. There was already a small crowd in the area, they stared at the white FC. Even out here people know who Aniki is he thought surprised. Once Ryosuke had parked the car Keisuke undid his four-point harness and stepped out of the car after his brother did. The people around them began to comment as the brothers walked over to the green DC2.
"Is that the FC from Akagi?"
"He's going to challenge Takeo!"
"If they race it'll be epic!"
Ryosuke paid no attention to the crowd as he walked up to a young man around Keisuke's height. He had shoulder length dark hair, small eyes and nose. He put out a cigarette before paying attention to them.
"By the way the crowd's reacting I'm guessing you're the White Comet of Akagi" said the young man stretching his hand out to Ryosuke. "Tanaka Takeo" he said with a toothy smile.
Ryosuke took his hand and shook it. "I'm afraid I'm not here to ask you for a race Tanaka" said Ryosuke. Tanaka looked taken a back.
"Well then what brings you around here?" he asked taking a glance at Keisuke.
"We came to observe your race tonight" answered Rysosuke, Tanaka smiled.
A girl stepped out of the DC2 glaring at the brothers. "I hope you aren't here to challenge Takeo, his agenda's full" she said haughtily.
"Calm down Erika" said Tanaka wrapping his arm around her shoulder. Keisuke took a glance at her, she was tall, pale skin and dark hair. "Maybe after tonight's race one of you will ask to race me."
The girl stared at the boys then smirked "I knew I recognized you two, you're Hajime Takahashi's kids."
Ryosuke frowned as Keisuke spoke. "How the hell would you know who we are?"
"I attended the last gala your parents hosted" she said before turning to Takeo. "Darling don't waste your time with them."
Keisuke frowned as his brother pointed out an incoming car. A dark blue EK9 made its way into the parking lot.
"Well fellas, I invite you to observe" Tanaka said to the brothers pulling out his keys from his pocket.
Ryosuke walked back to the FC with Keisuke behind him. Keisuke took his seat and fastened his four-point harness as his brother drove the FC behind the DC2.
"I've seen this car before…it was in that magazine. Ok think…" Keisuke watched Erika begin the countdown. "It's a front wheel drive so is the EK9, I'm guessing one wouldn't have an advantage against another."
"GO!"
The cars shot off the start line including the FC. Keisuke noticed that the green car had let the dark blue car go in front.
"Why is he letting that guy take the lead?" asked Keisuke, he had no clue why anyone would put themselves behind.
"You'll find the answer, just watch" answered his brother calmly. Keisuke nodded and kept his eyes on the race before him.
Tanaka, he's so calm, we're reaching the first corner and he looks unfazed thought Keisuke. The EK9 kept trying to make space between himself and Tanaka. It looks like he's getting desperate, but why? We aren't anywhere near the end. Tanaka was right behind him, inches from his rear bumper. As they made it through the first corner Keisuke noticed a shift in the DC2.
He was only observing the EK9, but it's only just the first corner. He can't have the guy all figured out yet thought Keisuke on the edge of his seat. Tanaka reminded him of his brother only Tanaka seemed more aggressive.
Tanaka drove smoothly and kept close to his opponents' bumper. Keisuke watched him the only illumination coming from the car's headlights. He's putting pressure on the guy, is this as fast as he can go; once the DC2 takes the lead he'll have lost the race.
Keisuke felt his stomach drop he took a glance to the side remembering they were going uphill. "We're at the half point on the course Keisuke, I want you to watch closely" said Ryosuke.
Keisuke nodded and kept his eyes on the race before him. He began to notice at the speed the DC2 entered the corners, and although Ryosuke could keep up Keisuke knew he couldn't. If I had been driving Tanaka would've left me in the dust, how the hell does Aniki think I can even match this guy's speed!
Corner in, corner out the DC2 stayed behind until they entered the last corner, a downhill left , Tanaka was on the outside. "What the hell is he doing?!" shouted Keisuke leaning forward to get a closer look. The blue car slowed down when it was mere inches from the guardrail. "He's just won the race, right Aniki?" asked Keisuke turning to his brother who remained quiet. "That guy in the EK9 let Tanaka get to him!"
At that comment Ryosuke smirked.
"He was only playing with the guy, testing him out before he made his move" Keisuke went on as they drove past the EK9. It was too dark to see the driver but Keisuke could only guess he wasn't too happy at the moment. Once parked Keisuke stepped out of the car and searched for Tanaka. Even if he was to lose he felt there was something to be learned. The thought was enough to give him an itch, he needed to drive.
He watched Tanaka step out of the car and shake hands with his opponent, he then turned to the brothers.
"What did you think?" he asked them as he searched his pockets.
"I want to race you" said Keisuke before Ryosuke could speak.
Tanaka smiled as he lit his cigarette. "Alright then, how about after winter" He then took out his hand, Keisuke took it.
"I'm Takahashi Keisuke" he said, Tanaka nodded.
"Then I'll be here waiting Keisuke, I hope you don't disappoint me. I'm tired of my winning streak; it bores me" said Tanaka taking a drag of his cigarette. "Train him well White Comet."
"I'm confident Keisuke will be the one to bring that winning streak to an end" said Ryosuke.
The brothers then turned their backs on Tanaka as he received the adoring fans that began to surround him. Keisuke took a glance back; he knew this next race would be anything but easy.
A/N: Hello readers, sorry for the late post of this Chapter. RL hit me hard, but I finally finished editing this chapter thanks to my awesome beta reader, Shadow55419. Remember to R&R. Until next time.