Waaaaaaaaaaah! Sorry for the very late update!
Writer's block visited me these past few days and work has been on the way as always (or is it the other way around... lol kidding!) Anyway, hope you'll enjoy this veeeeeery long update! (well, for me it is long
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LOVE IN THE FAST LANE=================
Chapter 12b - Whole Day Affair
Lunch - Takamina x Atsuko10:00am… Same day.
Takamina is whistling while tinkering under one of the race cars.
Today is a nice day, she thought. Her whistling stopped when someone suddenly yanked her out of the car.
“Ahhh! Haruna! Why did you yank me out of the car for?” Takamina yelled in surprise, blinking at the bright lights from staying under the car for quite some time.
“Gomen ne. It’s not my idea to yank you from what you’re doing. It’s this squirrel girl’s idea… she has a favor to ask you.” Haruna said, pointing at Yuko who is clinging at her back.
“Mou, that’s not nice NyanNyan!” Yuko pouted, still clinging behind Haruna. “Anyway Takamina, about my favor… I promised Acchan yesterday that I’ll fetch her after she meet up with her friends… I completely forgot about it because I was preoccupied this morning.” Yuko leered at Haruna, making her blush.
Takamina sweatdropped. “Ano… and your favor?” she asked.
“I called at our house and it seems that our family driver is unavailable… and I have a scheduled shoot in thirty minutes. Can you please fetch her in my stead?” Yuko asked, batting her eyelashes.
Takamina’s eyebrow twitched. “Batting your eyelashes wouldn’t work at me. It’ll only work at her.” She said, pointing at Haruna.
“Oi.” Haruna said making Yuko pout.
“So… are you gonna fetch her for me? It’s your chance to spend time with her you know.” Yuko winked.
Sighing, Takamina gave Yuko a shy smile. “Wakatta… I’ll do it because it’s for Acchan, not you.” She teased. She then picked up her tools and made her way to their locker room to change.
Yuko beamed. “Arigato! Take care of my sister!” Yuko waved at Takamina’s retreating form, then went back to snuggling Haruna’s back.
*****
Outside a shopping mall, Atsuko is leisurely chatting with her friends, checking the window displays of each store.
"Ne Atsuko-chan, I heard from Yuko-sempai that you've been receiving flowers from a secret admirer... Is it true?" One of her friends asked.
Yuko onee-chan sure knows how to run the gossip mill. "Ah yeah, she's right Yumi-chan. It seemed that everyone already has an idea who the person is except me." Atsuko answered.
Though I wish she's the one behind all those gifts..."He~~ is it someone from the Flag Girls? From the Pit Crew? Yumi-chan and I watched one of the races your team participated in and I would say that one of your drivers is cute Atsuko-chan." another friend piped in.
Atsuko stopped in her tracks as she turned to face her friends. "We have three drivers. Which one are you talking about Miyuki-chan?" Atsuko asked. Oftentimes, Atsuko and her sisters invite their friends to watch races the AKB48 team participates in to gain more supporters for the team.
"Ah, I think Miyuki-chan is talking about the driver from your last race. I think her name is Takahashi -san, am I right Atsuko-chan?" Yumi asked.
Just as I thought. "Hai, her name is Takahashi Minami." Atsuko answered.
"Yes, that's her. Did you see how she crossed the finish line? She's so cool when she removed her helmet!" Miyuki babbled.
Atsuko rubbed her temples with one hand.
How could I forget? I wasn't exactly there to cheer her on. "Gomen ne Miyuki-chan. I can't seem to remember that." Atsuko said as an excuse.
"Too bad... She was such a dream that time. Ne Atsuko-chan... Can you introduce me to her? Is she dating someone or is she still single?" Miyuki continued with her babbling.
Great. One of my friends has a crush on her. "Ma... I'll ask her about tha-" Atsuko wasn't able to finish her sentence when a man bumped into her then made a run for it after grabbing her bag. "What the... MY BAG! STOP, THIEF!" she yelled as she and her friends tried to chase after the man.
*****
Takamina exited at the parking lot then made her way to where Yuko was supposed to meet Atsuko and her friends.
"Yuko said she'll meet them in front of the Power Mac store. Geez, why is it that the parking lot far from the mall?" she asked no one. A sudden shriek a couple of meters away from her stopped her musing.
"...MY BAG! STOP, THIEF!"
Takamina frowned then saw the supposed thief running towards her direction. "Che... I hate thieves, especially on broad daylight. Criminals are getting bolder these days." she thought. Takamina continued to walk calmly until the robber was within her reach. She hooked her arm on the robber's arm, effortlessly lifted the man using his momentum, and then slammed his body on the street. “You know, it’s not nice to take things from others.” Takamina said to the fallen man.
“Mind your own business bitch!” the man yelled as he quickly stood up, aiming a punch towards Takamina’s face. She effectively defended herself by executing an upward block and quickly retaliated by punching the man on his jaw. Takamina side-stepped, enclosed her left fist with her other hand then quickly turning, she elbowed the thief just below his chest, making him crumble and fall back on the pavement. She stomped her foot on the man’s chest, keeping him firmly lying on the street. “Man, you gotta need to learn some manners.” She said as she saw the security guards running towards her direction. Onlookers within the area applauded for apprehending the thief.
After talking to the guards, the thief was escorted to a nearby police station. Takamina picked up the stolen bag and saw three girls running towards her.
“Ano, thank you for… Ara, Takamina?” Atsuko said with a surprised look on her face.
Takamina gave her a shy smile as she handed Atsuko her bag. “Good morning Acchan, I believe this bag is yours?” she asked, scratching the back of her head.
Just as Atsuko was about to say something, Yumi and Miyuki hovered at Takamina. “Wow that was so cool! We saw everything that you did to that man!” Yumi exclaimed.
“Oh… My… God… it’s Takahashi-san! I finally got the chance to meet you! You’re way cooler and cuter in person!” Miyuki gushed, grabbing Takamina’s hand.
Takamina sweatdropped and looked at Atsuko. “Uh… thanks?” she mumbled.
Atsuko sighed, prying Miyuki’s hands off of Takamina’s. “Takamina, I’d like you to meet my friends – Yumi Hirasama and Miyuki Akiyama.” She introduced, gently wrapping her hands on Takamina’s arm.
“Y-Yoroshku…” Takamina greeted, tilting her head at the two.
Atsuko’s friends continued their gushing until they were interrupted by Atsuko. “Anyway, don’t you have “somewhere” else to go Yumi-chan… Miyuki-chan?” Atsuko raised an eyebrow then side-glanced at Takamina.
Yumi finally realizing what she’s talking about, glanced at her watch then grabbed Miyuki by the arm. “ You’re right Atsuko-chan! We’re supposed to meet someone for lunch, isn’t that right Miyuki-chan?” Yumi said nudging Miyuki for her to get the idea.
“He~~ where are we going?” Miyuki asked dumbfounded, still staring at Takamina.
Get a clue Miyuki-chan! Yumi thought. “Let’s just leave these two alone Miyuki-chan. Takamina, it’s nice meeting you! Hope to see you in your next race! Miyuki-chan, let’s go!” Yumi bowed and dragged Miyuki with her.
“Ah… Ja…” Takamina waved a hand at the two arguing as they left, she then looked at Atsuko. “You have… very interesting friends Acchan…” she said, making Atsuko giggle.
*****
Takamina and Atsuko continued walking along the stores outside the mall, only stopping whenever Atsuko sees something that catches her eye.
“Takamina, thank you for catching that thief, and for getting back my bag.” Atsuko whispered as she looked at a bracelet in one of the stores they’re in.
“You’re always welcome. I’m glad I’m there when that happened. Hey, is that a charm bracelet?” Takamina asked, pointing at the object in Atsuko’s hand.
“I guess so… it is kinda cute…” Atsuko replied, checking the little trinkets attached to the bracelet.
“Do you like it? Erm… to buy I mean?” Takamina further asked.
Smooth, Takamina. That’s really an awkward question to ask.Atsuko checked the price tag and then returned the item to the sales lady. “Like I said, it is cute, but not in my budget. Anyway Ta-Ka-Mi-Na… I think I haven’t thanked you properly yet.” Atsuko said in a low tone then slowly walked towards Takamina.
Takamina gulped, backing away from Atsuko’s advances.
So this is what a deer feels like when it is cornered by a… hunter... perhaps? “A-Acchan… y-you already said thank you a couple of minutes earlier. You heard her say that, right Miss?” Takamina asked the sales lady who just merely shrugged her shoulders and giggled at them.
Atsuko giggled as well at Takamina’s flustered state.
I might as well stop with the teasing or else Takamina might run out of the store without me. Atsuko grabbed Takamina’s hand and guided them both out of the store. “Since you don’t want me to say thank you any more, I’ll just treat you to lunch. I know a place where you'll enjoy the food.” She smiled dragging along Takamina.
*****
Takamina and Atsuko went to the Maisen restaurant that is near Omotesando station which is a couple of minutes away from the shopping mall. The said restaurant was a former public bath house which was renovated into a high-celinged restaurant with Japanese rooms, bars and western-styled rooms to accommodate the customers.
Takamina eyed the interior of the restaurant as they look at the menu. “Wow, this place looks great.” Takamina said to Atsuko who called for a waiter.
“I’ve been meaning to eat here since I saw great reviews in some food blogs, but I don’t know whom to invite since everyone seems busy. Since you seemed to be at the right place and the right time, consider yourself lucky to be dining with me here.” Atsuko teased.
“Gee, thanks…” Takamina said making Atsuko giggle.
“Speaking of convenience, I’m wondering why you were outside the shopping mall at that time? I was supposed to meet Yuko onee-chan.” Atsuko wondered.
Before Takamina could answer, the waiter arrived at their table. Atsuko ordered for the pork cutlet set meal and Nodate set meal while Takamina ordered for the pork fillet cutlet over rice. “Actually, Yuko-chan asked me to fetch you because she forgot that she has a photoshoot. I’m glad I agreed to meet up with you.” Takamina said as the waiter bustled at their table placing their drinks. Takamina looked at Atsuko then thought of something. “Say, do you have any idea how Mariko-chan and Yuko-chan got Haruna and Miichan’s numbers?” Takamina added.
Atsuko giggled remembering how Yuko got Haruna’s number. “Well, since Mariko onee-chan is the General Manager of the team, it is natural that she has all your information in your files at her office. Yuko onee-chan on the other hand, filched it from Haruna-chan’s file.” Atsuko said.
Somehow I envy my sisters just because of that.Seeing her somehow disappointed face, Takamina gave Atsuko a lopsided grin and held her hand out to Atsuko. “Give me your phone.”
“What?” Atsuko asked, giving Takamina a confused look.
Kawaii… Takamina giggled. “Just give me your phone Acchan.” She said. Atsuko reluctantly placed her iPhone in Takamina’s hand. Takamina tapped on the phone’s screen for a couple of seconds then gave back the phone to Atsuko.
“What did you do to my phone? Did you add some kind of tracking device to it?” Atsuko stared at her phone then raised an eyebrow towards Takamina.
Well, it is something that I might do because of my work. Takamina admittedly thought. “That’s silly Acchan. I added my contact details in your address book.” Takamina smiled then the waiter came back with their orders. Atsuko stared at her phone then opened her address book, a smile forming on her lips as she saw Takamina’s name with her contact details. She experimentally called the number and giggled when she heard Takamina’s ring tone.
~~♪♫ Aitakatta, Aitakatta, Aitakattaaaaaa ♪♫~~…“Just checking.” Atsuko teased, placing her phone back inside her bag. Both girls then said their thanks for the meal. Atsuko continued looking on to Takamina as they eat. Being the observant girl that she is, she noticed that Takamina is fond of meat, given the fact that Takamina’s favorite has always been katsudon. Without thinking, Atsuko, grabbed some vegetables with her chopsticks from her set meal and placed it in Takamina’s bowl.
“You know, you should always eat your vegetables.” Atsuko said clicking her chopsticks in front of Takamina.
Takamina just blinked and stared at the pickled vegetables inside her bowl. “You make it look like you’re my mom.” Takamina teased, picking up a piece of tomato with her chopsticks.
“Here I thought you would say that I look like your girlfriend or your wife.” Atsuko teasingly whispered as she ate. Takamina heard the teasing and almost missed popping the tomato in her mouth.
“Uh… let’s not get ahead of ourselves, shall we? We’ll just cross the bridge when we get there.” Takamina stammered.
“If you say so, Ta-Ka-Mi-Na.” Atsuko smiled. “Let’s finish our lunch then head back to the headquarters.” She said, adding more vegetables in Takamina’s bowl.
*****
After the hearty lunch, the two decided to walk back to the where she parked her car. “I forgot to ask you this Takamina… where did you learn to defend yourself from the thief?” Atsuko asked.
Takamina almost stumbled at her question. “Ah, well… when we were kids, Miichan wanted to study martial arts. The three of us studied Aikido. I also practiced Taekwondo and Kyūdo. Miichan also practices Karate while Haruna is still into Kickboxing.” Takamina replied.
And the three of us knows Jiujitsu and Muai Thai…“Sugoi… you three are cool. I mean, you can do self-defense and all that.” Atsuko replied. Takamina smiled at her as they walked. “If you want, I could teach you a thing or two… if you’re not busy that is.” Takamina suggested.
Atsuko nodded then decided to change the topic. “Ne Takamina, do you know anything about flowers?” She asked.
“That’s a weird question. Well, I know some of the meanings behind some flowers. For example, the rose means love, fidelity… and all that.” Takamina replied.
“Oh yeah? Well, tell me what you know about the lily.” Atsuko said. I want to know if you’re the one who’ve been giving me those lilies.
Takamina shrugged, “You don’t want to know about the lily.” She said, waving off the question.
Atsuko pouted at Takamina. “Well, I want to know about it because it has become my favorite recently.” She retorted.
“Ask me about the azaleas instead.” Takamina said, again not minding Atsuko’s request. “Okay, what about the azaleas…?” Atsuko asked.
“It means may you achieve financial security.” Takamina informed her. Atsuko made a weird face as she heard it. “Eh? Weird… now tell me about the lily.” Atsuko insisted.
Takamina sighed, walking ahead of Atsuko. Turning around the other girl, Takamina shoved her hands inside the pockets of her pants. “The lily means… the lily means I dare you to love me.” She replied then slowly walked back again.
Atsuko stopped in her tracks as she heard the answer, noticing her cheeks grow warm. Snapping out of her reverie, she quickened her pace to Takamina then laced her arm on hers. After a couple of minutes, Atsuko basked in the moment and they just walked comfortably towards the parking lot. She stared in wonder as Takamina opened the passenger door of a silver Mercedes Benz convertible for her.
“This is not one of the cars in the garage. Is this yours?” Atsuko asked in bewilderment as she got in the car.
“Yeah you could say that. Buckle up Atsuko hime-sama, I’m gonna drive us back to the garage. They might think that I took you somewhere far from Tokyo.” Takamina teased as she closed the passenger door.
You could take me anywhere Takamina. Atsuko thought as she sat comfortably in her seat then Takamina started the engine and drove off the parking lot.
*****
Takamina insisted in walking Atsuko inside the studio. When they finally reached the door of the dressing room, Atsuko stopped then faced her.
“Thank you again, for getting my bag and for being my date this afternoon.” Atsuko smiled.
Let’s see if Takamina will react to what I said.Takamina was taken aback but instead grabbed Atsuko’s hands. “I should be the one who should say thank you since you treated me for lunch this afternoon. W-Well, it’s not exactly a date Acchan… Maybe we can do that some other time?” she asked hopefully.
Atsuko almost held her breath at what she heard. She gently placed her hands on Takamina’s shoulders and gently smiled. “Yeah, we could do that some other time. But a girl like me wants to be asked out on her first date.” She suggested. Taking her chances, she inched her face towards Takamina’s aiming for a kiss. Atsuko stopped just as their lips touched when the dressing room door suddenly opened.
“Ah! Konnichiwa Acchan! Oh and Takamina too! Yo!” Yuko exclaimed as she burst open the door.
Atsuko and Takamina stood frozen for a few seconds then shyly parted from each other.
Great timing Yuko-chan... or not... Takamina thought.
“Konnichiwa, Yuko onee-chan.” Atsuko sighed disappointingly.
Mou! Yuko onee-chan has a weird sense of timing too! Yuko hugged the two girls and guided the three of them towards the garage. “Thanks for bringing back my sister Takamina! Well, enough being comfortable you two. Let’s check the other girls and see what they up to. Let's GO!” Yuko exclaimed, dragging Takamina and Atsuko along.
To be continued...
Author's Note: I adapted some of the lines regarding the meaning of the lilies from the movie Imagine Me and You... just so everyone knows.
Hope you like this update! Thanks for supporting my fic!
Topic: Love in the Fast Lane (multipairing) 24/11/2012 [Will be revamped/continued] (Read 159696 times)