Disclaimer: I don't own Initial D; it is one of my favorite comics. I hope that my fanfic won't offend any Initial D's fans. I have created a female Takumi instead under the name of Tatsuki; I hope you will like them. This is a fanfic. All characters except for Initial D's characters are all imaginary characters. Most of the details are fictional and any similarities are coincidence.
Their lives returned back to their usual hectic days after the Christmas holidays. Ryosuke had a busy clinical practice at the hospital while Tatsuki was busy with her end-year meetings and concert rehearsals. She had been driving to and fro between Shibukawa and Tokyo every day. She had dyed her hair black for the time being.
Two days before New Year Eve, Tatsuki was at Tokyo Bay recce the concert area before her rehearsal session. She tested the sound system before she began her rehearsal. It took only an hour before she left the venue, right after she finished. She had a small gathering with her friends in Roppongi club for their little year-end party. Tatsuki leaned back in her seat lazily with a glass of wine in her hand. She watched her friends dancing on the floor, not interested in joining them. She had too much dance practice for the past week. As she was in her boyish apparel and look, some girls had approached her. Her cool attitude drew more of their attentions. Haruka came into her rescue after a while. She sat down on Tatsuki's lap, wrapping her arms around her neck and took a sip of her wine, looking at the girls around. Tatsuki placed her hand on her waist, pulling her friend closer before she lightly kissed Haruka's neck. Shin was smiling at their friends' act and took a few pictures of them. He sent a few of them to someone who would be interested.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
Ryosuke looked at the mail icon on his laptop screen. He clicked on it and was staring at the intimate pictures of the girl he was interested. He looked at the clock and grabbed the key. He looked at the picture again, agreed that the photographer did a good job taking such a cool and intimacy shot. He almost did not recognize the girl he was in love with. He walked downstairs and met with his brother who just got home.
"Aniki, where are you going at this hour?" Keisuke asked.
"I need to get something," he replied.
Keisuke puzzled at his brother's expression which was telling otherwise. Ryosuke was in a hurry and was irritated about something. The white RX7 sped off in no time. It was heading towards Shibukawa. At the same time, Tatsuki was already made her way home and was on the highway. She left the club after that intimacy act. She was relieved that those girls did not recognize who she was. As she was approaching her house, she saw the white RX7 was waiting along the shopping street before her house. She followed his car and soon, they were both heading towards Maebashi. She pulled over along the road in front of his house. She got out of her car and was immediately pulled into his embrace. She was standing dumbfounded by his sudden reaction.
"What's wrong?" Tatsuki asked after some moments and slowly rubbed off his knitted brows.
Ryosuke took a deep breath, calming himself not to do anything harsh. He took her hand and led her into his house. The sound of his brother coming home alerted Keisuke. He stood at his door startled by the sight of his brother holding hand with the Akina driver. Ryosuke led her to his laptop with her picture holding a girl in his arms on the screen. Tatsuki stunned for a second and smirked at the sender. Keisuke was shocked when he saw that picture too. He looked at the girl with suspicion on her gender preferences. Ryosuke pushed his brother out of his room and locked the door.
Tatsuki sat on his chair and was smiling at the older man. She felt that he was overreacting. She explained that it was just an act to keep some girls away. She then told him that she was very tired after a day of work. She pleaded with him to let her go home to rest. Ryosuke tapped on his lap, asking to come over.
"I want to have that kinda picture of you and me," he said.
Tatsuki paused for a second before obediently walked over and sat on his lap, the way that Haruka did. She thought they were just taking a picture. Ryosuke slowly help her took off her parkas, leaving only a V-neck long sleeve t-shirt. He could smell her sweet flora scent as he lowered his head to her neckline. She took the camera from his hand and did some selfie. He held her tight as he placed a gentle kiss on her neckline, slowly nibbed along her soft skin. She was so tempting that he could not resist his desire to mark her, biting on her soft skin. Tatsuki cried out and looked at the man with question. Ryosuke whispered softly as his lips were lingering on her ear. Tatsuki felt very ticklish as he continued.
"Ryo..." her words were buried in his kiss as he passionately kissed her.
Tatsuki was lost in this new sensation as he deepened their kisses. He held her closer with his hand at the back of her neck and tasted her sweetness as much as he wanted. Tatsuki made the most beautiful sound as she drowned in his make-out.
"You're gorgeous," he whispered with his forehead pressed against hers.
Ryosuke finally came back to his sense before he had gone too far. He looked at the girl on his lap. She looked up at Ryosuke as she was breathing hard. She slowly looked down where his hand was resting. She immediately turned her face away and tried to put herself together. She sat up, adjusting her dared not look at him anymore. Her face was as red as tomato, feeling so embarrassed.
"I love what we just did. You enjoyed it too, didn't you?" he said.
"It is wrong. We shouldn't do that," Tatsuki argued with guilt when she thought of how her father would react if he knew.
Ryosuke pulled her closer and held her tightly. He apologized for his rashness behavior as he wiped her tears away. They got carried away. She sat up and went into the bathroom. She stood at the mirror, looking at the kiss marks on her neck and collar bone. She could not deny that she felt good, her feelings were aligned with his. She liked his kiss and the way he touched her. She washed her face, checked her outfit and got out.
"Are you okay?" Ryosuke asked anxiously.
Tatsuki nodded and put on her parkas. She knew he was worried about her. She walked to the door with Ryosuke followed behind.
"I see you the day after tomorrow at noon," she reminded him of the new year eve dates.
"Are you angry?" He asked.
"No, but you've caused me a lot of trouble" she replied as she pointed at the hickeys on her neck.
"You're too sweet for me to resist," he whispered to her before kissed her cheek.
"Don't send me and don't follow. Get inside and rest," she pouted and drove off immediately.
Tatsuki was driving the car with half consciousness as her mind was occupied with Ryosuke. She stopped at the roadside, trying to calm herself down. She could still feel the heat on her neck. His dominant kisses could still be felt on her lips. The sensation was lingering while her heart was racing. She knew that she was already fell in love with this guy, though she did not ready to admit it.
Ryosuke was picking his clothes for today countdown concert. He chose Aint black cashmere shirt, a black over coat and a pair of dark denim jeans. The white RX7 was slowly driving down the street in late morning.
Tatsuki was just woken up and stilled in dazed. She took a long shower, taking her own sweet time with herself. She dried her short hair while humming along. She wore a white long sleeve tee and a black knitted oversized turtleneck sweater with a pair of jeans. She finished with a black knitted cap and mask.
She waved goodbye to her father before she left for work with Ryosuke. She was listening to the tonight songs and sang along. She smiled at the driver, confirming that she was in a good mood. She told him to go to straight to Tokyo Bay as she booked a table for lunch. They had some time to explore the area together and could have dinner too.
Tatsuki led Ryosuke to Pallete Town for window shopping and cafe hopping. They shared ice cream, crapes and many others together. She had been wanting to come here for a long time. Ryosuke was smiling at her cute behavior. They were nothing far from a lovey-dovey couple. They took a Ferris wheel at sunset. Ryosuke captured every moment with his camera. He kissed her passionately in that cabin. Her schedule was fifteen minutes before midnight so she had ample time to get ready. She leaned against his chest as she took another selfie. They had a candlelight dinner at one of a restaurant before they proceeded over to concert area.
Tatsuki held his hand as she led him into her dressing room. Her personal stylist, Jen, and her personal assistant, Gina, were already waiting for a long time. Ryosuke sat down and watched how her stylist transformed her into Luna's look. Jen was staring at the little kiss marks on her neckline for seconds before she covered it. Tatsuki then changed into her pink outfit before she covered herself in a black oversized coat. Gina took some pictures of her and Ryosuke for her boss. Gina and Jen brought Ryosuke out to their designated area to watch her concert. He was impressed by her performance on stage. She loved the stage and he could feel how happy she was being up there. She did the last song after the countdown was over. She sat on her chair with Jen cleaning her makeup and took off the wig. She was finally able to change back to her clothes. She led Ryosuke out of the place. They were walking to Rainbow Bridge.
"Happy New Year," she said as she looked at the illuminated bridge.
"Happy New Year," he said and pulled her into his embrace.
"I'm joining your expeditionary team. So please look after me from now on," she added as she smiled brightly at him and her arms were wrapped around his waist.
"Really?" Ryosuke looked down at her with a smile.
"I thought you already knew my answer," she looked up at him.
"I thought you would take a longer time to give me this answer," he replied.
"Let's go home, it's getting late," he added and walked hand in hand to the car.
Tatsuki looked at her fingers interlocking with his. She smiled as she got used to being close to him. She knew that she had already allowed him into her life, though she was not ready to give their relationship a status. Being in his racing team, they could see each other more often and learn more about him. She felt at ease having him around in whatever she did. She dozed off while leaning on the window of the car. Ryosuke knew that she must be very tired. He drove slowly along the highway. He stopped in front of her house. The girl was still asleep. He gently tucked her hair behind and fondled her sleeping face. Tatsuki woke up by his gentle action. They were very close to each other as Ryosuke leaned over. He cupped her face and gently planted his kiss on her lips. He kissed her passionately with one hand on the seat back and the other at the back of her head. He broke off their kisses and looked into her cloudy eyes. Tatsuki blinked her eyes a few times, trying to regain her conscious. They got out of the car. He walked her to the door before he wrapped his arms around her waist. He turned her around for another kiss but Tatsuki turned her head aside.
"What you did just now was..." Tatsuki's face was flushed red as she paused.
"You like it, didn't you?" Ryosuke whispered, blowing his hot breath at her reddened ear.
Tatsuki looked away from him. She felt very embarrassed to allow him to go that far again. She quickly composed herself.
"Oh! Ryosuke, I have my concerts at Tokyo Dome from 15th to 20th this month. Can you come and watch?" She said and was about to open the door.
"I think I can try," he replied.
"I'll be staying in Tokyo during that time," she added. "By the way, can you ask if Keisuke wants any tickets. Which day and how many, thanks,"
"I'll let you know," he said and watched her get into her house.
Ryosuke came home almost at dawn. He soaked himself in the hot bathtub, thinking about his new team. It was inspired by Kaori's questions and their conversation so he named the team "Project D". Only he knew what was the letter "D" standing for. It was dedicated to his dreams and her as a farewell gift from him. It had been a long while when he last thought of Kaori. He was so occupied with studies, racing theory and Tatsuki. After that, he would completely move on with his life and love.
He laid in his bed considering if he should go to her concert. He could see the sparks in her eyes, wishing that he could be there. Especially, when she said she was staying in Tokyo. It was very enticing for him. Back to his racing team, he had gotten his drivers confirmed and he was left with the mechanic for Keisuke's car. He reminded himself to get Tatsuki's work schedule later.
At Fujiwara's house, Tatsuki was lying on her bed contemplating on things she had for this new year. Most of those important issues had been solved and rescheduled. Zyne Corporation had been operated in full swing for the past months. She had assistants assisting with the management of the new company. She kept Friday and weekend free to suit the racing team. She had two weeks practice sessions for her first concert, Moon Play. The feeling of his kisses was still lingering on her lips. She felt odd when she was anticipating for more. She slowly fell asleep and curled up under the blanket.
Tatsuki went back to her routine again after new year. She got back from Akina after her morning delivery and practice. She then washed up and got ready to school in the car that her father prepared. She was not in school uniform but in her school sports attire instead. She went to the gym every morning to train for her concert. The girl was seen running on the treadmill and singing. She spent most of her morning there.
In the afternoon, Tatsuki would be at Sun Entertainment dance studio with her dancer teams. She practiced hard to make sure that her concert would be perfect. After dinner, she would be going to the Sun production house in suburb of Tokyo to check on the stage, visual and sound equipment and many more.
As the dates drew closer, she was so busy that she went home almost midnight every day. Bunta was checking on his daughter, ensuring that she was in good physical condition and well rested. He got his chauffeur to fetch her for the time being so that she could have more rest during traveling.
Tatsuki dropped by Tokyo University Hospital in the afternoon. She waited for almost thirty minutes before she spotted him out from auditorium. She gave him an A4 size envelope and ran back to her car. Ryosuke looked at the Mercedes Benz S500 that was leaving the campus. He did not see her for more than a week, knowing well that she was busy. He got into his car before looking into the envelope. It was a pass which was definitely for him and a stack of tickets. He realized that he forgot about asking Keisuke. She just gave him a few of each day.
She hopped out of her car once she reached Tokyo Dome. She was here to monitor the construction of the stage and the audio system. Sun Entertainment had its own event and structural engineering team. Tatsuki watched the engineers installing the back screens and lighting panels. She left shortly after.
Keisuke was very excited when Ryosuke gave him the concert tickets. He looked at the dates and wondered if he must choose which date to go. Ryosuke told the younger brother that he could give to anyone. Keisuke then snatched the pass from his brother. He was surprised that Ryosuke had the All-Area pass. He teased his brother that it was an advantage to have a girlfriend like Tatsuki. Ryosuke smacked Keisuke's head and returned to his room.
Ryosuke was staring at the ID pass in his hand. He had not seen her for more than a week. He could see that she was thinner today, but still looking very energetic. He knew if he wanted to see her, he must go to the concert. He put the pass in the drawer and turned his attention to his studies.
Ryosuke came up to Akina early the next morning. It was a very cold winter with slippery road on Akina. The sound of Hachi-Roku was roaring down the hill, sliding itself through the corner. He could see how serious she was behind the steering wheel. She looked dashing when she was serious. He was surprised at her persistence as she was practicing without anyone instructed. Tatsuki stopped her car next to his.
"Why are you here?" Tatsuki asked when she noticed that he was still on the Akina.
"I should let Keisuke see for himself what you're doing every day," he said impressively.
"It's very cold out here, I'd better go first," Tatsuki shivered as she was in just a long sleeve wool sweater.
"Can I stay at your place during your concert?" Ryosuke asked after she got into the car.
She nodded and drove off. Ryosuke smiled and got into his car. The two cars were racing down the course before they went their separate ways. Tatsuki slowly packed her luggage for a short stay in Tokyo. She gave her father an All-Area pass before leaving. Bunta promised to go to her concert tomorrow. He reminded her to get a good rest tonight. She hugged her father before she left.
It was a different feeling from her piano performance. The audience was different and it was her first time standing in front of forty thousand people. She was very excited with anxiety. She arrived at Tokyo Dome in the morning. She went around checking the equipment, stage and last the orchestra band. She tested the sound and visual system. Lastly, she confirmed on the safety feature of the stage and the hall. She had a simple lunch before she prepared for their full-dress rehearsal.
Ryosuke dropped by Tokyo Dome to see her after his afternoon class. He walked into the dome with his pass hanging on his neck. He sat down at the empty seat and watched the rehearsal. He always mesmerized by her beauty at work. A full three hours rehearsal was slowly unveiled. Tatsuki pointed out places that the dancers needed to work on. She then walked over the musicians and was sitting down for some discussion. She then watched the video for the overall stage performance. She gestured Ryosuke to come over. They were watching the video together, while the dancers were practicing their moves again. Jen walked over and began to remove whatever accessories on her. She then helped with washing her hair which had done the hair extensions. She made full use of her time. Gina brought a few bento boxes for them.
After Tatsuki was done with her work, she walked out of the hall with Ryosuke. She gave him her penthouse key and card. She told him that she had his clothes in there so he did not need to pack his luggage. Ryosuke nodded and sent her to the black Mercedes sedan.
Tatsuki was sounding asleep on her king-sized bed till noon. She sat up with her eyes closed. She slowly got up and began some stretching. Bunta walked into his daughter's penthouse with some food. He was waiting for her to wake up. Tatsuki walked down the stairs in her short satin bathrobe.
"Dad, I'm starving," Tatsuki said.
Bunta led her to the dining table full of food. He gave her a glass of water first. He looked at the girl picking some strawberries and apples. She picked a few of them and slowly eating. She looked at her father who was wearing turtleneck knitted sweater with a black coat and a pair of denim. She gave him a thumb up for being in the right attire for her concert. She finished her lunch with a glass of milk before she went up to change. She was just in a total black thermal inner-wear, a black cashmere shirt and black jeans. She put on a black mask and a black cap before she left the house with her father.
Bunta was sitting in the middle of the dome, watching his daughter walking around, checking on the equipment and system for the last time. They then walked into the dressing room to see the row of outfits for today. The opening outfits was a glittering finished pink blazer with a creamy white fitted tube top and a pair of matching pink pants. He looked at the row of clothes from the jumpsuits to those sexy little dresses. He was wondering if it was necessary. Her other assistant, Fina, was assigned to take care of her father and guests. Ryosuke came in the evening with a big bouquet of peonies.
"How do you know what I like?" Tatsuki beamed at the bouquet she received.
"Great! At least, I got it right at the first try," he said with a smile.
Bunta sighed at his daughter, noticing how she was behaving with Ryosuke. He was quite confident that this guy would be his son-in-law in the future. Fina led both of them to their designated seats. Tatsuki's four best friends were already seated. Kaito arrived just in time for the opening. He sat beside Bunta while greeting Ryosuke. They were watching the screen with an interesting opening leading to her appearance. As the music blasted through the dome while the light was off, the crowd was cheering and waving their light sticks. She opened her concert with two hypes up songs. She was lively and energetic on the stage. She played piano and sang a few of her popular songs which the audience sang along. Her three hours concert came to the end with audiences shouting encores. She came back on stage in her last outfits, a white dress and was singing "Utterly Trapped".
Tatsuki sat in her dressing room, waiting for Jen to clean her hair. Her friends were gathering around and complimenting on her performance. They were so chatty, leaving no room for Bunta and Ryosuke to talk to her.
"Dad, are you staying here tonight? It's too late to go back," she asked with concern.
"I'm staying at our house and you too," he replied.
Tatsuki slowly texted Ryosuke to stay at her penthouse for tonight. She would see him tomorrow. Ryosuke told Bunta that he was leaving first. He waved to the four friends of Tatsuki and Kaito. Bunta gave Tatsuki some supper as he knew she must be starving. She then carried Ryosuke's bouquet of peonies home. It was a three-story house in the middle of upscale residential area in Tokyo. It was the first in many years that both Kaito and Tatsuki were staying in this mansion. Kaito had his own room on the second floor. Tatsuki's room occupied the whole third floor of the house.
Tatsuki woke up at noon and went straight to her penthouse after lunch. She met Ryosuke in the penthouse as he was working on his laptop. She slowly arranged the peonies in a white vase. She walked over to the man and showed him her library. Ryosuke was stunned by how huge her library was. She showed him the shelves full of medical science related books. She even told him that he could just use this room. Soon, she left the house to Tokyo Dome.
Ryosuke was on the phone with Keisuke who was calling to tell him how great was Tatsuki's concert yesterday. Keisuke asked if Ryosuke was going tonight so they could meet up. Ryosuke told his brother to go ahead as he was still revising his school work. He was actually reading the news of Luna's concert in the newspapers. It was a successful one. Many fans were upset that they did not get the tickets. Her pictures in various sexy outfits were all over the news.
Tatsuki came back at midnight. She was greeted by Ryosuke who had her supper ready on the table. She sat down and tucked in. She shared her food with him. She told him that she had a guest appearance tonight. He looked into her eyes and asked who was the guest. Tatsuki smiled at his reaction. She knew that he would get jealous and asked him to go to her concert tomorrow. They then helped to wash up the dishes before they sat on the sofa. They were chatting and Tatsuki just fell asleep in the midst of their conversation. He carried her to the bed upstairs, realized how skinny she was. He placed a good night kiss on her forehead before he left her room.
Tatsuki walked into the library at the midday. She was in her singlets and shorts. She saw Ryosuke was doing some research at the table. She looked over at what he was reading. She went to her bookshelf and picked some related books on life sciences for him. He took a quick glance at the books and the girl. She sat down beside him, overlooking his laptop screen. She just opened a page in one of the books and pushed it to him.
"How did you know what I'm looking for?" he asked curiously.
"I've read all the books in here," she replied and turned pages in another book.
"It's a pity that you don't study medicine," he remarked.
"Doctors are not god. And I'm not good at detaching my feelings from something..." she said softly with her mind drifting away.
Ryosuke rubbed her head, messing her already messy hair. He must have touched on her sensitive side accidentally. Tatsuki got up after a while and went back to her room. In just a few minutes, the solemn sound of violin filled the entire penthouse. Those books that she found were very helpful to his research. The notes were very well written with easy-to-understand concepts maps. He finished his research and assignments before he checked on the girl.
Tatsuki came down in her black sweater and jeans. She looked at his matching attire with a smile. They left the penthouse together in the afternoon.
Ryosuke and Tatsuki were staying together in the penthouse for the past four nights. He did not go to her concert every night. However, he was seen with her tonight as it was her last night at the concert. He met with his brother and friends.
Tonight's show had a very special guest who flew in from Hong Kong. With more than half of the audiences were from overseas, this heightens the atmosphere when she introduced her guest, Erica Lam. They sang a few Chinese version of her songs. The concert ended with a minute long firework above Tokyo Dome. Tatsuki walked around, thanking each of her staffs and audience.
She returned to her dressing room with Jen waiting to clean up her face and hair before releasing her home. She had a thanking party at the Imperial Hotel. She then changed into her own black attire before she went to find Ryosuke. She waved at Keisuke and his friends. She generously took some pictures with the guys. She wanted Ryosuke to join the thank you party with her. Keisuke left shortly after with his friends.
Tatsuki had some drinks at the party. She was talking to various people in the entertainment industry. She was sitting at a corner talking with Erica on her new movies. She was very keen on one of her new movies. She offered her expertise in music for the movie. It was a pleasant conversation between the two ladies. Ryosuke had already changed her drinks to a nonalcoholic one.
Ryosuke and Tatsuki walked into the penthouse hand in hand. She sat on the sofa, looking at the night scenery of Tokyo. She was a little high on alcohol and the excitement of her first concert. She was finally relaxed after this major event was over. At last, she could have a relaxed work schedule for this year.
"I will email you my schedule later. I left with my piano and violin recital in March. By the way, do you want tickets?" Tatsuki said.
"My mother will be very happy," he replied.
"So, you are not going?" she asked with a faint disappointment when she noticed his hidden meaning in his answer.
"I should be busy especially if there's a battle, you know that," he said and squeezed her hand.
"Hn..." Tatsuki nodded in blank expression.
Both of them were just sitting in silence. They were lost in their own thoughts. Tatsuki's mind was now replaying a painful past memory that she had forgotten for more than a decade. Ryosuke looked down at the sleeping girl in his arms while he was watching the sun rising over the horizon. He knew that he was getting busier as spring drew near. He silently told the girl in his arms to wait till Project D was over. The only thing he did not notice was he had just unlocked her pandora's box unintentionally.
Ryosuke returned home in the afternoon. He was in full concentration at his studies and his team preparation. On the other hand, Tatsuki was still staying overnight in Tokyo. She had a band practice in the morning and meeting in the afternoon. Her four best friends were perplexed by her sudden cold and reserved behavior this morning. It reminded them of little Tatsuki that they grew up with. The little Tatsuki that isolated herself from everyone for years. Haruka walked over to her friend after the practice and wrapped her arms around. Tatsuki just stood still, allowing her friend to hug her as long as she wanted. It took Tatsuki a long moment to respond to Haruka, patting her back a few times lightly. Tatsuki's changes was noticed by all her executive assistants as soon as she stepped into the office.
Tatsuki met Bunta on Monday night. She sat down with her father, looking troubled. Bunta knew what was troubling her and it was something he expected her to face sooner or later. He gave her some advices and left her alone to think about it. Tatsuki laid on her bed and recounted the time they were together. His reaction had some kind of emotional impact on her and she did not like it. She went up to her Akina cottage on the next day. She spent all her time and energy on finding new inspiration. She stood in the middle of the warehouse, looking around. After a long moment, she began to drew her plan on an A1 paper. It was something that no one expected her to do such things. She spent the morning in her warehouse and afternoon at her laboratory. She made herself fully occupied with work and hobbies that exhausted her every day. No one knew what she was busy with and seemed to disappear from everyone's sight.
9th February at 9am. Tatsuki appeared in front of the camera in her new look, releasing her brand-new album "Chapter Two". The boyish blonde hair girl had given her fan a big shock that shook Asia entertainment industry. Her music video "Strand" and "Promise at Sunset" were featured at all billboards, television and radio shows and many music stores.
Tatsuki gave a very short interview with the new quote to her audience, "Let's the music do the talking". She left the conference room immediately. She put on her knitted cap and was on her way to Zeal Labs. She had retreated into her cold and no-nonsense self that she used to be when she was younger.
Ryosuke watched her news on the television in the hospital cafeteria during his lunch break. He was a bit taken aback by her distance personality showed on the screen. He did not contact her for more than two weeks after her concert. He thought it was just an image that she wanted to portray.
Two weeks later, Fumihiro contacted Tatsuki to inform about their first meeting at Matsumoto garage in Maebashi. Tatsuki had been working in her Zyne Corporation office in Shinjuku for the past one week. She also had a very strict schedule to adhere as her recital drew near. She slowly got shower and changed into her current style of clothes. She wore a black long sleeve thermal tee, a black oversized sleeveless hoodie with graphic and a pair of black jeans. She put on her Patek Philippe Nautilus, a Cartier Panthere ring on her index finger, a black mask with embroidery and an Aviator sunglass. She looked at the mirror, finally checked herself before she got into the house car, Hachi-Roku. Kaito had been tagging along every day since they were on their Zyne project.
The Hachi-Roku and a white FD3S pulled over in front of the garage. Kaito and Tatsuki got out of the car. She pulled the hoodie over her head as she walked inside. The Project D members were already waiting at the table. They looked at the new comer with some surprises when they thought the "boy" was at the wrong place. There was no trace of the Akina driver that they knew. Her cold and distance aura emitted, causing a surprise to everyone around the table. Tatsuki greeted the guys politely and sat down at the empty seat at the end of the table. She pulled off her hoodie, showing her creamy blonde hair. It was not a secret anymore when her album was released weeks ago. The guys turned their head and staring at the youngest driver in their team. She hid her plain expression behind the mirror sunglasses. On the other hand, Kaito was waiting outside the room while the Project D were having their first meeting.
Ryosuke fixed his eyes at his downhill driver as he briefed them on their team and a battle that was planned in March within Gunma. He asked Matsumoto to check and work on Hachi-Roku setting. He gave each of his drivers a footage of the course they were going to race to study. The distance interaction between Ryosuke and Tatsuki was a strange sight to everyone who knew how they were doing earlier.
Kaito placed her laptop on the table for her. Tatsuki then played the CD that she just received. She also put on her headphones and was tapping her finger to the rhythm, as she watched the video. Her gaze was fixed on the screen while her hand was grabbing a thermal flask from her bag. She knew that she still needed to wait for car to be done before leaving. After ten rounds of watching, she kept her laptop and slowly walked over to see how Matsumoto was doing with her car.
Ryosuke tapped on her shoulder and asked her meet him outside. Tatsuki looked at Kaito, gesturing him to not to follow her. She followed Ryosuke and stopped at an arm length from him. He was asking about her sudden change. Tatsuki looked up at him and slowly kept her sunglasses.
"After much consideration, I think we should just remain as acquaintances or the most teammates. I'm not upset with anything. I might sway previously, rest assured that it will never happened again," she said in a very calm and distance voice.
"Takahashi-San, you're busy and so am I. Sometimes feeling attached to something isn't a good thing. I was getting greedy at times and expecting more from you. I do feel disappointed, upset when things didn't go as I expected and I don't like those feelings. I don't like things that uncontrollable," she added and paused for a second. "You're a very nice person, but... forget about it... I'm sure you're a good leader and I'm here to learn and become a faster driver. Let's stick to this. I feel comfortable this way and I hope you respect my decision," she added.
He was stunned when he heard she called him, Takahashi-San. Her voice was so cold and detached when talking to him. Her words were like a knife piercing through his heart. He knew that they shared the same feelings but it seemed that he had given her too much time with herself. His mind was thinking as he replayed her words. How could he forget that she told him once that she was not good at detaching herself from something or someone. He was questioning himself of what had he done that disappointed her and upset her to this extent. He thought everything was going well between them. He felt a big wall that she built to keep herself from him. He could not find any appropriate words to say. With just a few minutes conversation, she cut him out of her life completely. She had pushed him back to where he was first standing in just a few minutes.
"Tatsuki, I don't know what had I done wrong that made you feel this way. I will do as you wish. But I want you to know that I'm serious with you before, now and in the future," Ryosuke said with his eyes fixed on hers.
"Thank you for your understanding." Tatsuki bowed politely before she handed him an envelope. "Please pass this to Mrs. Takahashi and I hope she will enjoy my performance."
She returned to the garage, standing next to Kaito. They were looking at the guys working on her car. Ryosuke looked at the purple envelope in his hand with some regrets. He finally realized what had gone wrong. He knew wholeheartedly that she wanted him to be there but he turned her down. It would be different if he had explained to her. He found himself mistakenly drew a line between themselves. He knew that she was happier when he was at her concert and performance. This reminded him of Bunta who was always at the first day of her concerts. He never thought it was important until now. She did not need him all the time but he should be there for her every important moment. He looked up at the sky, wondering what if...
Keisuke stood not far from Kaito and Tatsuki, wanted to started a conversation with them. Her cold and serious composure was so much like his brother. He was quite curious about their conversation earlier. His brother seemed lost after she left. While Tatsuki was still in the same calmness as before.
"Settled?" Kaito asked as his eyes were on the Trueno.
"Hn, no more grey area. It's better this way, don't you think so?" Tatsuki said with a plain face.
"What if..." Kaito said.
"There's no such thing. You know me. I'm not that kind of person," she brushed him off.
"I think he must be regretting by now. Will you give him a chance if he." Kaito paused when he met her furious gazes. "Will... I mean in the future... okay! okay! I don't ask anymore."
"After this team disbands, there'll be no reason for us to see each other anymore," Tatsuki told her brother-cum-friend.
Kaito put his hand on her head, messing her hair as he said, "Sometimes, you should just follow your heart. Don't be too rational. There's nothing to be fear of being in a relationship. You know your happiness is the most important thing to us."
"I'm happy now. You and dad are thinking too much," Tatsuki shook her head.
"You know I'm leaving at the end of this year after we achieved our goal," Kaito said.
"Hn, it's a good opportunity. I'll get Hana to prepare the necessary before you leave," Tatsuki said. They planned to get their racing team to enter the international championships after their trials in Japan.
"Wanna go with me?" Kaito asked, knowing her answer.
"I'll visit you, Onichan. You know Zyne needs me," she replied, as their company was just established.
Kaito smiled gently at the girl who was his light. He looked up at the entrance of the garage. There stood a man that held her heart. He understood how Ryosuke was feeling at this moment.
Keisuke heard their conversation and slowly realized something had happened between his brother and the Akina driver.
Tatsuki straightened herself up and walked to her car that was done with the setting. Matsumoto asked if she wanted to go for a test drive. She nodded and drove off with Matsumoto in the passenger seat. She told her mechanic of whatever she felt while driving. It was vague but Matsumoto understood her words. It was the first time he sat in her car. He could not help with the thrill of being in one of the best downhill driver's cars. He was looking forward to how Ryosuke was going to transform her skills to the next level.
While Tatsuki was out for test run with Matsumoto, Kaito walked over to Ryosuke. He did not know how he ended up in this situation. He slowly narrated a part of Tatsuki's past so that he would understand why she was acting this way. With a slightest bit of feeling of abandoned, Tatsuki would do whatever she could to protect herself. Ryosuke thanked Kaito for his explanation and understanding her actions. Kaito told him what she was doing in the past few weeks. He then returned to where he was standing where Tatsuki left earlier. He knew that Tatsuki loved Ryosuke and he wanted to see her happy. Upon hearing about Tatsuki, Ryosuke began to worry about her feelings and wellbeing.
Matsumoto told her to wait for a little tweak before she left. She stood at the side watching. She sipped some tea while waiting. The mechanic told her that she could look for him anytime if she needed his help with her car. She nodded and cued Kaito to leave. She bid everyone goodbye and left the garage immediately.
Ryosuke looked at the vanishing Hachi-Roku as he was still standing at the same spot. Matsumoto came up with the Hachi-Roku new setting. Ryosuke immediately returned to his usual self and looked at the information.
Tatsuki came back to her warehouse at lake Akina. She changed into her home clothes before continuing on the carpentry work at this warehouse. The whole warehouse was under renovation for the past two weeks. She was quietly working on the new open kitchen at the corner of the building.
Her unusual quiet behavior for the past one month had worried Bunta. He came up to check on his daughter and almost had a shock of his life when he saw her standing at the top of scaffolding. The height of the warehouse was 6.5 meters. He carefully climbed up to see what she was doing. She was installing the chandelier and light track on the ceiling.
Tatsuki was so engrossed in the installation that she did not notice her father's presence. She slowly squatted down to take the next component, continuing with her work. Bunta helped her take the lightbulb as he sat on the plank. They slowly climbed down the scaffolding after she finished. Tatsuki hugged her father immediately after she reached the ground.
"He said he was serious with me," she told him.
Bunta stroked her back, comforting the girl. Tatsuki then told her father about the first race next Saturday. She told him that the first few races were in Gunma so it would be no problem with her daily delivery. The expeditionary race would start in April after her graduation and performance. So, she would be leaving on Friday for practice session before the actual race on Saturday. She would be back on Sunday morning, the same time as her usual delivery time. She would do the delivery before she took her rest.
"Tsuki-Chan, you should have a good talk with him. In any relationship, communication is very important," Bunta told his daughter.
He knew that they shared the same personality when it came to relationship. Once they fell in love, they would never fall for another person. One love in their entire life was their forte. He walked her to the bedroom on the second floor.
"It's time for you to go to bed, be a good girl," Bunta said, as he patted her to sleep.
After the Project D first battle in Gunma, Tatsuki was preparing for her graduation concert. She and her friends were now at the school, checking on the stage, equipment and sound system before their concert started at six in the evening. Seiki Academy had organized such concerts every five years. Many of their alumni were coming back to their school to watch the performance. Those who were attending Tokyo University could just watch from the building across.
The concert began exactly at six with the first song sung by Asahi. Next was Miyu, followed by Shin. Haruka appeared at one end of the stage. The crowd was cheering as soon as Tatsuki sang her song, but she was not on the stage. Tatsuki slowly walked into the school from the main gate, passing her audience. She joined her friends on the stage and the real concert began. The concert lasted for two hours. Ryosuke was standing at the second floor of the Business Administration building, watching Tatsuki with his classmates.
Ryosuke had been bothered by Tatsuki's behavior since their Project D meeting. Her distant attitude at the first battle last weekend indicated that he had to do something before he lost her completely. He gave her a text message, asking her out for a talk. His classmates were asking him to join them for dinner. Ryosuke politely rejected as he was still waiting for her reply.
Tatsuki sat down on a chair after the concert. She raised her brow when she saw Ryosuke's message. She was not sure if she wanted to see him right now. Haruka sat down beside her friend. She was encouraging Tatsuki to hear Ryosuke out. Tatsuki let out a soft sigh after some consideration.
Ryosuke was now standing in front of a skyscraper in Shinjuku. Two men in black suits were leading him to meet their boss. Tatsuki was wearing a black wool sweater and jeans, standing at the rooftop sky garden. Ryosuke looked at the girl who captured his heart. It was a very cold and windy night. Tatsuki led him to the solarium with dinner ready to be served. They were having dinner together quietly.
Both of them then sat at the couches in the patio near the garden. Tatsuki was listening to Ryosuke sharing with her about his past. It was the first time he bared his private life with someone. She looked at the man sitting next to her as he narrated his story and Kaori. Kaori was his love interest before he met Tatsuki. He got to know Kaori during his freshman year and they hung out frequently during the first year. It was also the same time that he got to know Hojo Rin. Rin was his respected Sempai and a good friend who introduced him to the gusto for racing. He was attracted to Kaori for her maturity and kind of discrepancies personality. He was not aware of Kaori's and Rin's relationship. He was in an awkward situation when he knew that Kaori was Rin's fiancée. Both Kaori and him had good feeling for each other and they spent more time together. Kaori was very upset when her parents and Rin's family had pressured her to continue her engagement with Rin.
Tatsuki watched Ryosuke speaking in agony as he recalled those heartbreaking memories. She put her hand on his and gave him a light squeeze as she solaced him. He continued after a pause. The memory of his last meeting with Kaori was replayed in his head. Tatsuki let out a deep sigh when she heard that Kaori had ended her life eventually. She had no comment on Kaori's decision. However, Kaori had left some problems for the two men. Rin was very furious when he found out that Ryosuke was the guy that Kaori loved. He even blamed Ryosuke for Kaori's death and they were no longer friends. Rin held grudges against him since her death. Tatsuki squeezed his hand hard when she saw how painful he was. She knew he must be hiding his pain and sorrow behind his matured composure.
Ryosuke remained silent for several minutes before he recounted his feelings for Tatsuki. He looked at the soft pale hand that placed on his. He knew that they had good feeling with each other. However, he never seriously spoke to her about his feelings for her. It was different from what he felt for Kaori. They were not just enjoying their time together, but they were in love with each other. The embraces and kisses they shared were the evidence of how they felt for each other. He did not give her enough confidence and security in their relationship that he had asked from her father. He took his time telling her about his feelings for her and asked if she could give him a chance to make up to her. Tatsuki looked at his eyes, seeing only her reflection in them. She became uncertain about her decision as she was too afraid of the final outcome. Tatsuki slowly pulled her hand out of his hand. She stood up, ruffled her hair and walked over to the garden. She wrapped herself as she let the cool breeze of the night refresh her mind. Ryosuke watched her from the couch. He did not want to press her to make a decision.
Tatsuki recalled his conversation and the time they shared since summer last year. She did not want to run away from her feelings for him. Her conversation with her father popped up. If she were to give him another chance, she would have to be prepared to accept him as who he really was. She knew how emotional and irrational she could be sometimes. She was too scared of her experience in the past. Her father was right that they needed a good communication if they wished to continue their relationship.
"It's very cold here. Let's go inside," Ryosuke held her freezing hands, rubbing his hands with hers to gain some heat.
Ryosuke led Tatsuki into the solarium. He gave her a cup of hot tea to warm herself. He could see the slight change in her eyes.
"Can you give me some time to think through?" Tatsuki asked after a long silence.
"I'll wait for your answer. I won't give up even if your answer is a no," he replied.
"Are you going back to Gunma tonight?" she asked.
"I have morning class tomorrow," he shook his head.
Tatsuki nodded and led him down the rooftop. She offered him a place to stay for a night. Soon, they arrived at her penthouse in Roppongi. Tatsuki pointed to the guest room before she went to her room upstairs.
"Tatsuki," Ryosuke called her as she was walking up the stairs. "Will you be free in the afternoon? Can you go out with me?"
Tatsuki stopped at the middle of the stairs and looked down at Ryosuke. She nodded and continued walking up. She leaned against the door after she entered her room. She could not help but smiled when he asked her out. Ryosuke was also smiling after she agreed to go out with him. He looked at the clock, showing 1am. This was going to be his best birthday ever.
Tatsuki prepared English breakfast for both of them this morning. Ryosuke was wearing a white shirt with navy suit today. He sat down at the bar counter, waiting for Tatsuki. Tatsuki came down in her black suit and sat down beside him. He noticed how skinny she was. Tatsuki ate her breakfast quietly. They left the penthouse after half an hour.
Ryosuke drove off in his FC while Tatsuki was driving a white Honda S800 roadster. He watched the girl turned to the street toward Shinjuku. He then drove towards his university campus. Tatsuki got into FW Group office early this morning. She was sitting on her desk, reading reports and assigning some work. After a few hours of hard work, she stood by the panoramic view of Tokyo in her office. Across the building she was standing, it was another skyscraper of the same design. That was Twin Shinjuku by FW Group. She was at the rooftop garden of that building last night.
Ding!
Tatsuki looked at the text message in her phone. It was from the Project D, invite her over to celebrate their team leader's birthday. She left the office and went to the small confectionery shop at the ground floor. She spent time in the kitchen preparing a small cake for him. She walked around the shopping mall, finding an appropriate gift.
Ryosuke hurried out of his class after the dismissal. He went to a nearby chocolatier to get a box of chocolate. He then paced off to the next class. At noon, he walked out of the class with his classmates. His classmates were asking out for lunch. However, Ryosuke turned down as he had an arrangement for the afternoon. He saw a blonde "boy" in the black suit waiting along the corridor. He hurriedly walked over, leaving his classmates behind.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," he said to Tatsuki.
Tatsuki waved her hand, gesturing to him that it was alright. Both of them then left the campus together. Tatsuki looked up at Ryosuke when he gave her a box of chocolate. Today was White Day. However, she did not give him anything last month so she was not sure if she should take it. They went to Ginza for lunch and then headed to Omotesando Hill. The combination of two good looking people walking down the shopping street attracted attention from the passersby and tourists around them. Many heads turned as they walked past or stopped at some luxury stores. Tatsuki found a few hidden 'gems' in some small alley. They sat a cozy cafe for a break.
They returned to the penthouse in the evening. They had dinner together. Tatsuki brought out a small cake and the gift.
"Happy birthday," she said.
Ryosuke thanked her and made a wish before he blew the candle. It was a simple celebration that worth remembering for him. They left the penthouse afterward. Ryosuke asked if she wanted to join their team at a club. Tatsuki declined as she had been staying up late for a few nights consecutively. He nodded and sent her home.
To be Continued...