This chapter is for a friend who is a stalker/lurker in the forums with an original name
LOVE IN THE FAST LANE=================
Chapter 17 – Challenge
Takamina tapped her pencil on the logbook attached on a clipboard as she made her inspection of the race car that Miichan will use for the upcoming competition. Everything seemed in tiptop shape… she thought, ticking off the car parts that she already checked.
Let’s see… Window net – check!... Battery mount – check!... Stickers… Takamina walked her way to the driver’s seat where Miichan is also helping in the inspection, checking the racing seat and seat belts.
“Miichan, are the safety stickers in place, especially on the emergency kill switch?” Takamina peeked inside the driver’s side of the car.
Miichan, who is sitting on the driver’s seat, is checking the durability of the roll cage and how the driver’s seat is firmly attached to the tubular structure that forms the cage. “Yup, everything seems to be in place...” She said, pointing at the sticker just beside of the steering wheel.
Takamina ticked off the final item to be checked as Miichan got out of the car. “This car that you’re gonna use looks good isn’t it Miichan?” she said. Mariko was able to convince Honda to sponsor a car for the team by submitting the designs made by the team’s engineers Honda gladly accepted Mariko’s proposal that they applied the engine and applied the designs of the engine and the exterior of the car and named it the limited edition Honda AKB #48 NSX-GT 2011.
Miichan tapped her chin as she circled the car. For her, the car looks impressive. Sae was in charge of overseeing the paint job and design with Sayaka’s approval. The car is painted pink that gradiates to black, with the team’s name “AKB” painted white on the hood of the car. A white number 48 are painted on the roof and either sides of the car with their major sponsor’s name emblazoned just behind it. Various different sponsor stickers are also adorned in the car. “I think I’m gonna name this baby…
Gachapin.” Miichan said with finality in her voice.
“Gachapin?” Takamina said, raising an eyebrow in confusion.
“Yup, I remember Sayaka-chan calling me that… so I’m gonna name it Gachapin just to irritate her.” Miichan said, sticking out her tongue.
“But it’s not even green!” Takamina reasoned, pointing at the car.
As the two were about to argue about the name of the car, Haruna made her way towards them after inspecting each of the spare tires for the race. “How’s the inspection coming along?” she asked.
“It’s already finished. Miichan just named the car Gachapin for crying out loud.” Takamina answered, pointing her thumb to Miichan.
“But it’s not even green…” Haruna said, tilting her head sideways as she looked at the car.
“I already said that to her…” Takamina mumbled.
Miichan pouted, “Fine then, I’ll call her GachaPINK since you’re arguing about the color of the car.”
“You’re lucky that the car doesn’t know how to talk or it could’ve complained about the name you gave it.” Haruna said, making Takamina and Miichan laugh. Haruna decided to change the topic of conversation and smiled devilishly at Takamina. “Anyway Takamina, how does it feels that there are two girls who are fighting for your affection?” she asked, nudging Takamina’s side.
Takamina inwardly groaned as she tapped the clipboard on her forehead, hiding her face in the process. “Mou, don’t remind me of what happened this morning. It’s awkward enough that I have to stand in between them while they stare at each other as if they want to rip each other’s heads off!” Takamina said, her shoulders slump as she placed her clipboard on a nearby table.
“I gotta hand it to you Takamina… girls seem to notice you without you putting much effort. Hotaru wants to be your bride… and lo and behold - here comes the very charismatic diva Ray who seemed to believe that you’ve confessed your undying love to her, thus giving you a new nickname. You’re manning up!” Miichan winked, slapping her hand on Takamina’s shoulder.
Takamina narrowed eyes and gave out a sarcastic little laugh at Miichan. “How many times do I have to tell you: I.Am.Not.A.Man! I’m still a girl the last time I checked this morning thank you very much.”
Sayaka walked past the three cousins as she tacked a paper on the bulleting board beside where Takamina was standing. She clapped her hands, signaling for the entire crew to gather in front of her. “Team I have an announcement for you. I’ve attended the meeting with Mariko-chan and Ray-san and handed me the list of the members that will be included in the Music Video. You can check if you’re names are included in the list.” Sayaka said, patting the paper she just attached on the board.
Since the three cousins were just beside Sayaka during the announcement, they were the first ones who stood in front of the board as the rest of the Pit Crew flocked to read the list:
Race Car Driver / Ray’s partner – Takahashi Minami
Members of the Pit Crew included:
Kitahara Rie
Kuramochi Asuka
Matsui Jurina
Miyazawa Sae
Sashihara Rino
Takajo Aki
*any changes in the list will be announced later on*“I don’t know if I should feel happy or scared that you’ve been chosen Takamina…” Miichan mumbled.
Takamina pinched the bridge of her nose between her thumb and index finger, “Great… juuuuuust great…”
*****
At the Flag Girls Studio – Lounge Room…Atsuko sighed as she continued writing in her notebook. This didn’t go unnoticed by Yuko and the other girls that are sitting beside her in the lounge room.
“Ano… Atsuko-chan… its okay to vent out but, I think you’re already drilling a hole in your notebook.” Tomochin said, holding Atsuko’s hand to prevent damaging her notebook further.
Atsuko blinked and stared at her notebook. “Ah, gomen… I’m just irritated, that’s all.”
“What are you writing anyway Acchan?” Yuko asked, propping her feet on the coffee table as she slouched on the couch beside her youngest sister.
“Oh it’s nothing… well it IS something… I’ve been meaning to give this to Takamina but I haven’t finished it yet.” Atsuko replied, flipping her notebook to write on a new page.
“Aww… that’s so sweet.” Tomochin cooed. A clicking of heels interrupted their conversations as they saw Yukirin enter the lounge room towards their bulleting board.
“Hey Yukirin, where have you been?” Chii-chan asked as every member walked towards the bulleting board.
“Mariko-chan asked me to join the meeting and informed me that I’ll be the make-up artist for the music video. I don’t know if I’m gonna enjoy doing Ray’s makeup during the video production.” Yukirin scowled, tacking the paper in place on the board.
“Well, you could mess up her makeup… accidentally that is.” Yuko suggested with a devilish grin.
“Nah, it’ll be too obvious. Anyway, I was also asked to post this on our bulletin board. It’s the list of the members who will be in the music video.” Yukirin pointed at the board.
The Flag Girls suddenly huddled in front of the bulletin board to read the list:
Race Car Driver / Ray’s partner – Takahashi Minami
Members of the Flag Girls included:
Itano Tomomi
Kasai Tomomi
Matsubara Natsumi
Matsui Rena
Miyazaki Miho
Nakata Chisato
Watanabe Mayu
*any changes in the list will be announced later on*“How come everyone’s included except for Atsuko-chan and Yuko-chan?” Tomo-mi asked.
“I don’t really care since its Ray-san’s music video.” Yuko answered off handedly.
“But Yuko-chan, you’re our captain and Atsuko-chan is our Ace so it is kinda weird that’s all.” Mayuyu said.
Atsuko stared at the list and frowned as she saw who will be Ray’s partner in the video. “I think I know who is behind all this. I’m gonna talk to Mariko onee-chan.” She said, tearing up the paper from the board and stomped her way to Mariko’s office.
“Oi Acchan! Don’t let me miss all the fun!” Yuko yelled, running after her sister.
*****
Atsuko is fuming as she stomped towards Mariko’s office, ignoring Yuko who is keeping up with her pace. She purposely slammed the door open as she barged in the office.
“Mariko onee-chan! What’s the meaning of thi – oh… it’s you… what are you doing here? Where is Mariko onee-chan?” Atsuko narrowed her eyes dangerously to the person sitting on the couch reading a magazine.
Ray continued to flip through the pages of the magazine, “Mariko-san asked me to stay here as she went out to meet the director of the music video at the lobby.” She answered abruptly.
“Care to explain this?” Atsuko asked, holding the paper in front of Ray’s face.
“It’s a list of names… I expect that you know how to read Maeda.”
“Why is Mariko onee-chan not included? She’s also a member of the Flag Girls you know.” Yuko asked, crossing her arms over her chest.
“Mariko-san will be co-producing the video so she voluntarily declined to be added in the lineup.”
“How about Yuko onee-chan, I think it’s in the protocol that the team’s captain should be included.” Atsuko said.
“She’ll just ruin my music video by being irritable.” Ray said, placing the magazine back to the coffee table in front of her.
“Actually you did me a huge favor. Now I don’t have to put up with your diva attitude.” Yuko said sarcastically. “Why is my youngest sister not in the list? She’s the Ace of the team.” Yuko added.
“Conflict of interest.” Ray said as she stood in front of the two sisters. Yuko and Atsuko looked at each other, wondering what Ray means.
“It is obvious that you like my Nami, Maeda. I intend to have her to myself.”
“Nami? I don’t think Takamina will like that nickname. Stay away from her. You’re not good for her.” Atsuko said.
Ray let out a short laugh. “How would you know? I know my Nami is still single. That means I have a shot in getting her to love me.”
Yuko almost gagged at what Ray said. “Don’t flatter yourself Ray-san. Takamina won’t pick you as her girlfriend.” Yuko mocked.
Ray raised an eyebrow, then turned to face Atsuko. “Oh yeah? Well then, tell me Maeda: did Nami ever ask you to be her girlfriend?”
Atsuko was stunned at the question. “Well… I…”
It is obvious that Takamina likes me… right?Ray smirked seeing that Atsuko became flustered at her blunt question. “Did you even tell her that you like her?”
“I…”
I’ve been teasing her all this time… “If ever Nami has shown you kindness, don’t you think that it’s just part of her nature?”
“…”
Takamina is kind to everybody… I am more than just a “somebody” to her right?“Did Nami ever admit that she loves you? “
“…”
No…“Tch... Pity... I expected that you would answer those questions easily.”
“STOP IT!” Atsuko screamed at Ray, feeling her heart beat faster, her breath quickening as doubt and fear entered her mind.
“Ha! You are such a fool Maeda! You’re not even honest with your feelings!” Ray continued to mock Atsuko. Yuko inwardly growled as she gently pulled her younger sister behind her back, standing face to face with the diva.
“I swear… one more harsh word to my little sister, I swear! I’ll punch your face so hard that no one will recognize you, not even your own mother.” Yuko whispered between clenched teeth. As Ray was about to respond to Yuko’s taunting, Mariko and Sarukawa-shachou entered the office.
“That’s enough!” Mariko yelled at the three. Mariko and Sarukawa Keiji have been standing by the door since Ray started taunting Atsuko. The two managers didn’t expect things to go this far.
Mariko slowly walked between Ray and Yuko, eyeing the three younger women in her office. “I won’t tolerate any misconduct in my office or anywhere inside this headquarters. If you three have a score to settle, do it in a calm way. Violence or trash talking won’t get you anywhere.” Mariko said seriously.
Keiji sighed as he stood beside his prodigy. “Ray, we’re the one who asked for their help for your music video. I suggest you keep your temper in check until we finish shooting for your music video.” He said, knowing that Ray won’t simply apologize to anybody. Anyway, we have to meet the director at the studio. Mariko-san, Ray and I will go ahead to the studio.” Keiji said as he coaxed Ray out of the office.
Mariko simply nodded at Sarukawa-shachou. Sighing in relief, she looked at her two younger sisters, unsure of what to say. Yuko is still furiously looking at the door while Atsuko stiffly stood as she stared at the floor. Knowing that her sister has nothing to say as of this time, she pulled them close to her and hugged them tight.
*****
At the studio…The members of the team who were included in the list are already gathered by the time Mariko, Atsuko and Yuko arrived. Haruna and Miichan is also there out of curiosity and support for Takamina. When Atsuko is about to stand beside the drifter, Ray beat her to it by pulling Takamina to her in front of the group. Takamina sighed and stood stiffly beside the diva who started babbling on how excited she is for this project. The display of Ray’s aggressiveness didn’t go unnoticed by Atsuko and the rest of the team.
“Minna, thank you for being a part of the Monkey Pro’s project.” Keiji announced with a loud voice. “I am happy to introduce to you one of the talented music video directors in our country – Fumetsu Kira!” everyone in attendance applauded for the newcomer.
A petite, long-haired young lady smiled as she bowed to the group. “Good afternoon everyone. I’m happy to be a part of this production. Yoroshiku onegai shimashu.” Kira said with a smile as she adjusted her Gucci eyeglasses.”
“Fumetsu-sensei, would you like to take a tour of the headquarters to get to know the lay of the land?” Mariko asked.
“I’d love to Mariko-san, and please, call me Kira. This will give me a general idea of the flow of the music video.” Kira said. “I’d prefer if some of the actors will accompany us as well.”
Ray’s ears perked at Kira’s suggestion. “Mariko-san! Nami and I will accompany you in the tour.” Ray suggested, grabbing Takamina’s arm.
“Nami? Seriously?” Haruna whispered to Yuko which was heard by Miichan and Atsuko.
“I already told that witch-with-a-capital-b that “Nami” doesn’t suit as nickname for Takamina.” Atsuko answered, staring at Ray fawning over the drifter.
“Uh… okaaay… Very well then, thank you for being here to meet Kira-sensei. You may all go now and continue with your tasks for the day.” Mariko winked at everybody as she guided the Kira for the tour while Keiji and Ray, who is dragging Takamina along, followed her.
*****
Takamina sighed as she tried to look attentive as Mariko lead their small group at the headquarter’s race track.
I’m bored… I’d rather fix some engine trouble than be here walking around and listening to Ray’s unending chatter… she inwardly thought.
“Your race track is a perfect setting for the theme of the music video. I can already imagine how Ray-san’s video will turn out.” Kira said, scanning the vast area around her as they walked.
“Kira-sensei is amazing, isn’t she? I heard that she’s not one of those conventional directors who just stick to the script. She’s also kind to consider the opinions and suggestions of the actors and her staff whenever she works.” Ray whispered to Takamina’s ear.
“Oh really? She must be something then.” Takamina answered as she tried to put some space between them to no avail.
“After this tour, would you like to go out with me? I’m sure Mariko-san and Sayaka-kun won’t mind you leaving early for the day.” Ray purred, wrapping her hands on Takamina’s arm.
“Ano… Takamina… can I talk to you for a moment?” asked Atsuko as she approached the two as they were walking.
Takamina’s face lightened up as she saw Atsuko. “Sure Acchan! Is there anything I can do for you?” Takamina asked with a dimpled smile.
Now that Atsuko had Takamina’s attention, she desperately searched for something to ask. She only thought of interrupting them before the diva sunk in her claws that she hadn’t thought ahead of a reason for the intrusion.
“Well Maeda, what do you want from Nami? She’s waiting you know.” hissed Ray.
Takamina finally thought of an idea and called for Keiji’s attention. “Ano, Sarukawa-shacho, can you please accompany Ray for the rest of the tour? I’m afraid that I am needed somewhere that I have to leave.” Takamina asked.
Keiji nodded, “Sure Takahashi-san, thank you for accompanying us. Come on Ray, Mariko-san and Kira-san are waiting.” Keiji said, dragging along the diva.
As the rest of the group continued with the tour, Takamina grabbed Atsuko’s arm and hastily walked back to the studio. “Thank you for pulling me out from that tour Acchan. It’s so boring and Ray has been chattering endlessly about anything!” Takamina said, not letting go of Atsuko’s hand as they walk. “Anyway, what are you going to ask me?”
Atsuko smiled, “Nothing really. I just realized that I haven’t spent time with you today that I have to pull you out of that tour.”
“Do you have anything to do for the rest of the day?”
“I’ve finished the entire scheduled task for me today. Why’d you ask?”
“Well… we can call it a day and have tea at the Berry Parlour. I know Mariko-chan and Sayaka-chan won’t mind us leaving early for the day. I’ll just send them a message that we already left. I’ll also drive you home afterwards.” Takamina suggested.
“I’d love to. It’s the best thing that I’ve heard today.” Atsuko blushed as they walk, feeling the warmth in their intertwined fingers.
*****
After the tour finally ended, Ray stormed her way back to the studio. She is furious because of the fact that Takamina was able to escape from her grasp with Atsuko. She made her way to the lounge room where Yuko and the rest of the Flag Girls were chatting over a cup of afternoon coffee.
“Where’s my Nami?” Ray asked to no one in particular.
Tomochin raised an eyebrow at Ray’s attitude, “Where’s
your Nami?”
Ray rolled her eyes in frustration. “Okay let me repeat that – where’s Takamina?”
Tomochin smiled in amusement as she looked at Yuko who was smiling devilishly. “Oh you don’t know? She already left the headquarters... with Atsuko-chan.” Tomochin answered casually as she poured Tomo-mi another cup of coffee.
Ray furrowed her eyebrows at what she heard. “That Maeda….” Ray whispered in frustration.
Yuko had to laugh at the diva’s reaction. “Looks like my little sister was able to nab Takamina right under your nose.” Yuko said sarcastically, making the Flag Girls giggle.
Ray narrowed her eyes as she stomped away from the lounge room.
If that’s how you want things to be Maeda then fine! Two can play at this game…To be continued...
Hi everyone! Thank you for always being patient with me
I hope that everyone will like this new chapter
Please do leave a coment if you have time! Thanks again!
Topic: Love in the Fast Lane (multipairing) 24/11/2012 [Will be revamped/continued] (Read 159670 times)