LOVE IN THE FAST LANE=================
Chapter 18b.1 – Camera…Act 4 Scene 1 – Via E-mailTakamina stretched her arms as she sat up on her bed. “I hate how the weather gets cold nowada-ah..ah….ACHOO!” she sneezed.
And I hate it even more when I wake up sneezing and with a stuffy nose… Seeing that her cousins are already up, she fixed her bed and headed downstairs. Haruna glanced at her direction while lounging in the living room, busy scanning their laptop.
“Ohayo, Takamina. Want some apples?” Haruna greeted, showing her cousin a plateful of the sliced fruit.
“Thanks. Where’s Miicha-ah…ah… ACHOO!” Takamina sneezed again, reaching for the tissue box on the coffee table.
“Gesundheit. Miichan’s taking a bath right now. Wow, cold weather doesn’t really agree on you Takamina. You should keep warm. You know how bipolar the weather gets nowadays.” Haruna replied as she patted the sofa, motioning Takamina to sit beside her. “We just received an email from the headquarters this morning. Miichan already read this before she got in the bathroom.” She added, positioning the laptop so Takamina can take a closer look.
To: Takahashi Minami, Kojima Haruna, Minegishi Minami
Cc: Suguira Midori
Subject: Recon Mission
Our Research team has been diligent in tracking and checking the Yamamoto brothers’ assests and finances. It has come to our attention that the number of their teams has increased in the past two months. We would like you to go on a recon mission to check how the brothers operate and see if they are eyeing to buy any specific team and see if they are making illegal transactions during the races.
Attached on this email are some scheduled races that the Yamamoto brothers’ team/s would likely participate to. We will expect an immediate report for every race that you go to.
Takahashi Hisao
TSOA Chief of Staff“Seriously?! They want us to do a recon mission at a time like this?” Takamina groaned, slouching beside Haruna.
“It is understandable since it is part of our mission.” Haruna shrugged.
“I take it that Takamina already read the email?” Miichan asked, toweling her hair dry as she joined her cousins in the living room.
“Yup, and I think she’s not liking the idea already, with the schedule that she keeps lately.” Haruna teased, making Takamina groan again and hide her face with a throw pillow.
*****Act 5 Scene 1 – Stop and stareAtsuko stepped inside the garage and noticed that Kira’s staff is busy assembling their equipments for the music video.
I guess the next scene is here… Atsuko thought. Seeing Haruna and Miichan sitting just behind Kira who was looking at her monitors, she decided to join them.
I might as well watch with Haruna-chan and Miichan.The two cousins sat comfortably and waved Atsuko to come over. “Ohayo, Acchan. Come sit with us, the next scene will be shot in couple of minutes.” Miichan smiled, pointing at Takamina, Jurina and Sasshi who were already in their positions for the shoot.
“Okay, places everyone! We’ll start the next scene now.” Kira announced. Haruna, Miichan and Atsuko looked on as the assistant director slapped the clapboard in front of the camera, starting the shoot.
Takamina, Jurina and Sasshi hovered over a racing car to check the engine under the hood of the car. “Takamina, are you sure it’s okay to talk while we’re being filmed?” Sasshi asked nervously as she checked the brake fluid bottle.
“Hai, I already asked Kira-sensei. She told me that any conversation will be muted by Ray-san’s song. And besides, I’m the only one who has to say something that’s written on the script and it’s only a sentence so don’t worry Sasshi.”
“This music video isn’t that much different from working really… I mean, it’s just a bit different since we are still working while being filmed.” Jurina whined, checking the oil level of the car.
“Since we are already working, we might as well do it properly so that it will save time.” Takamina answered as she reached for the transmission.
Sasshi and Jurina heard someone approach them, slowly standing up straight and stared at the person heading their way while Takamina still busied herself checking the engine of the car. Takamina felt Jurina tap her on the shoulder and looked at her curiously. Takamina followed Jurina’s gaze and her eyes widened in surprise. Ray stopped in front of them, dressed in a short sundress, waving shyly specifically at Takamina.
Takamina, finally realizing her manners, quickly stood up straight, not noticing the hood of the ca ̶
*THUNK!*
“Itai~…” Takamina whispered as she rubbed her head, making Ray jog where she is standing.
“Are you okay Nami?” Ray asked worriedly, placing her hand on top of Takamina’s head.
“Uh… hai…” Takamina managed to smile as she looked at Ray, remembering that she has something to say. “Um… by the way, that dress looks nice on you.” She said, making the diva blush.“CUT! Good job Takamina! Though banging your head on the hood seems unexpected, it will make the video more realistic.” Kira shouted, giving Takamina a thumbs up while making everyone around them laugh.
“Oh boy, whatever Takamina did to make Ray blush doesn’t really look good.” Miichan whispered to Haruna as she looked at Atsuko’s worried face.
----------After the shoot, Takamina decided to finish tuning up the car.
There, this baby’s all set. And as always, my hands are dirty. Now where is my towel… Takamina sighed in satisfaction as she searched her backpocket to wipe her hands.
“Ohayo, Takamina….” Atsuko shyly walked on Takamina’s direction. “I noticed you don’t have a towel like you usually do so… here, I deliberately got this from your cubby when I went to your locker room this morning.” She added, handing the drifter a clean towel.
“Ah, that’s sweet of you Acchan. Thanks…” Takamina smiled, wiping her hands with the offered towel.
“Ano…” Atsuko mumbled, looking down on the floor as if it took her interest.
“Yes Acchan, do you have something to ask?”
“I was just wondering… you seemed to get along with Ray lately… on the scene I mean.”
“Oh… that. Well, it seemed that Kira-sensei gave Ray-san and I two different scripts. I didn’t notice that Ray-san was already in the scene that time and I just have to say one single line.” Takamina said, shrugging her shoulders.
Atsuko giggled at Takamina’s explanation.
Yokatta… I was worrying for nothing.Takamina rose an eyebrow, “Eh? What are you giggling about?”
“Nothing at all Takamina, nothing at all. Ano, would you like to go home together later after work?” Atsuko asked.
This is one of the things that I hate about that recon mission… “Gomen ne, Acchan. I can’t drive you home later tonight. I ah… I mean, Haruna, Miichan and I have to visit our Grandparents for their wedding anniversary... yeah, it’s their anniversary today.” Takamina stammered, making up an excuse.
I have to tell Haruna and Miichan about that excuse that I made, or else Atsuko and her sisters might get suspicious.“Oh, I see. I hope you’ll enjoy your night with your grandparents then. Maybe someday, my sisters and I will get the chance to meet them.” Atsuko answered, making Takamina blush. “Let’s see what your cousins and my sisters are up to Takamina. I think they’re hanging out at the pantry right now.” She continued, linking her hand on Takamina’s arm and guided her to the pantry.
----------Ray narrowed her eyes as she saw Atsuko holding on to Takamina as they pass by. Ray is sitting beside Kira, reviewing the scened that they just filmed a while ago.
Maeda’s taking advantage of Nami while I’m not on her side. I have to do something about it. Ray thought.
Her frustrated look became devious as she thought of a plan. “Kira-sensei, do you have a moment?”
“Yes Ray-san?” Kira answered, still looking on the monitors as she and her assistant reviewed every angle of the scene being played.
“I have a suggestion that we can do for my music video.”
Kira swiveled her chair to face the diva, “Oh really? Do tell…” the director answered, waiting for Ray’s suggestion.
*****Act 5 Scene 2 – Daikoku Futo, YokohamaTakamina shivered as she looked up in the night sky. It was almost around 10 in the evening when she parked their 2012 crystal black pearl Civic Coupe at Daikoku Pier near the Yokohama Bay Bridge.
This place looks like Wal-Mart on Christmas when we went on vacation in New York. Takamina thought as she pocketed the car keys.
Daikoku Futo is a tiny man-made island which serves as a customs yard and a freeway byspass around Yokohama City. In the middle of the island is a highway rest stop which serves as a meeting place for racers of all sorts before tearing up the Tokyo streets.
“So this is the legendary Daikoku Futo. How come we haven’t been here before?” Miichan said as she got out from the car and looked around the area. Various cars are parked and arranged in neat and orderly manner, and a lot of people are comfortable seated in their families, enjoying what seems like a picnic with their kids.
“It’s because we’re trained to be agents since we were kids, that’s why.” Haruna rolled her eyes, yet seemed excited to be in the area at the same time.
A tall man nearby noticed the cousins and decided to approach them. “Hello there ladies, are you new in the racing scene? I am Hachirou by the way; I’m sort of like a tour guide for this place and I take bets for the racers every night.” He introduced himself as he took a long drag of his cigarette.
“Sugoi! Would you give us a tour Hachirou onii-san? My cousins and I would like to know more about the races and maybe place some bets on some racers.” Miichan batted her eyebrows as she squeeled in delight.
Ah… kawaii~ “Ah… of course, of course! I’d be happy to take you to a small tour for free tonight. This place should have more cute girls like you three. Ano, if you could follow me please then we could start the tour.” Hachirou stammered, walking ahead of the cousins.
“Wow, your cuteness is in full throttle…” Takamina whispered to Miichan as Haruna giggled in agreement.
Miichan smiled then flicked her hair, “Admit it Takamina, it worked plus it served our purpose. Let’s go girls; we don’t want to keep our onii-san waiting.”
----------Hachirou guided the cousins in a nearby fastfood restaurant and pointed out at a long row big four-door sedans. “This is where all the VIP’s park. They are not about speed, though their cars are packed with horsepower.” He explained, as the cousins looked on to the VIP cars which are customized with TVs, speakers and packed with high-end luxury parts.
“I don’t think that’s our thing onii-san…” Haruna pouted as they followed the tour guide.
“Next to the VIP cars are the light automobiles.” Hachirou almost shouted to the cousins when they passed to where the light cars are parked. Loud blaring of Japanese pop music can be heard around the area, and some girls wearing kinky clothes are dancing, gyrating and jumping to the beat.
“I think that’s more of our thing…” Miichan whispered to her cousins, pointing out to the hyperactive dancing girls.
“You just sounded like an oji-san, Miichan.” Takamina whispered back.
“You don’t have to be shy Takamina, since you’re quite a man yourself.” Haruna said, adding her two cents.
“Oi.”
----------Takamina, Haruna and Miichan stopped at the middle of the lot in awe. “Oh. My. God. This place has the wildest sports cars anyone can ever dream of having…” Miichan whispered, eyeing the GT-Rs parked accordingly to models in one lane. Different cars like Lancers, Imprezas and Skylines are lined up opposite to each other as if ready for their next racing battle.
“Yeah, and it seems our target owns one of your dream cars Miichan.” Takamina whispered as she stared to one of the contenders. Haruna and Miichan followed her gaze and saw what their cousin is talking about. Beside one of the Subaru Impreza rally cars stood Jun, who was eyeing possible opponents in front of him.
“Ah ojou-san, you seem interested in the Yamamoto team. A lot of people place their bets on that team because they win most of their races.” Hachirou explained when he saw the cousins stare at Jun’s direction.
“They seem to be a very formidable team onii-san. Do they have a scheduled race tonight?” Haruna asked.
“I don’t think they are going for a race tonight. That guy named Jun is very picky when it comes to their opponents. Ah, but they do have a scheduled race tomorrow night.” Hachirou answered, flipping a small notebook that he fished out of his backpocket.
Takamina nodded to Haruna and Miichan as if conveying something. Her two cousins nodded in reply, “Ano onii-san, if that’s the case, we’ll be on our way.” Miichan said.
“Eh? Leaving so soon ojou-san?”
“Gomen ne, onii-san. As first time expectators, we would like to bet on a team that will surely win. Don’t worry, we’ll come back tomorrow night for the race.” Takamina added.
“I guess that’s understandable. Please come back soon. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the races.” Hachirou smiled, giving them a small salute as the cousins took their leave.
*****Act 6 Scene 1 – Change of PlansThe next day…
Atsuko hummed softly as she entered the garage. She’s used to loud noises due to clanging of tools and engines running, but it seems that the activities inside the garage is different this morning. Spotting Yuko and some of the Flag Girls near where the Pit Crew is working, she decided to join them.
“Yuko onee-chan, what’s going on? And why does Rena look like… um, irritated?” Atsuko asked her sister, pointing at her team mate who is pouting at something.
“That’s the reason why…” Yuko said off handedly, pointing at the scene in front of her. A cameraman is hovering over the area where Takamina and Jurina are working on a motorcycle. Beside Takamina stood Ray, who was asking rapid questions regarding different parts of a motorcycle. Takamina on the other hand, answered each questions enthusiastically, thinking that Ray is suddenly becoming interested in knowing more about the racing industry.
“Those cameramen hovering around Takamina and Jurina just spoiled my day. Here I thought I could sit beside my Jurina while she works today.” Rena pouted even more.
“Ohoho,
your Jurina you say…” Yuko teased, making Rena blush. “Anyway Acchan, according to Mariko onee-chan, it’s Kira-sensei’s new instruction. Whenever that diva is around Takamina, they will be filmed by one of those cameramen. She said that it’s for the new single’s DVD… something about a behind the scenes thing.” Yuko’s eyebrow suddenly hiked up, “I think I know who’s behind all of this…”
Atsuko looked at the scene that’s transpiring in front of them. Ray noticed three set of eyes looking at her, while listening to Takamina explain how a motorcycle engine works.
Watch and learn Maeda… Ray thought as she smirked at the Ace’s direction. “So, Nami… how does this thing work again?” Ray pointed at the cylinders of the engine. She strategically placed her hand on Takamina’s shoulder, then lazily roamed it around Takamina’s back until her hand landed on the drifter’s waist.
“Oh, that’s what you call a cylinder. Here’s how it works…” Takamina babbled on as she explained the engine part of the motorcycle, not noticing Ray’s roaming hand.
Ray smirked at Atsuko’s direction while half listening to Takamina’s explanations.
That’s how you do it Maeda. I hope you’re taking down notes. Atsuko gasped as she saw Ray getting bolder in her interaction with Takamina. She can’t help but feel the dread creeping up inside of her heart.
*****Act 6 Scene 2 – There’s always a first…It’s lunchbreak and the cousins is sitting on their usual table with Atsuko, Mariko and Yuko. Takamina sighed in relief as she ate her katsudon,
Finally… some much needed rest. It’s a good thing that Sarukawa-shachou pulled Ray for a recording in their studio. I don’t know if I could stand it any longer whenever a cameraman follows me wherever I go.“Wow, it’s been a while since we sat down to lunch together. How are you Mariko-chan? I hope my cousin Miichan here is taking care of you.” Haruna asked as she pointed a thumb towards Miichan who is sitting beside her.
Mariko rolled her eyes and giggled, “Work has been a drag since I’m taking care of your race schedules and Ray-san’s music video. She’s being a pain lately. Oh, and don’t worry about my Miichan, she takes care of me in more ways than one…” she cryptically said and winked at Miichan.
“Too much information Mariko onee-chan…” Yuko choked on her juice.
“You’re just jealous Yuko-chan because Haruna is being tsundere.” Miichan teased back, ignoring Haruna’s pout at her. “Anyway Takamina, how are you lately with Ray-san? It seems that you’re getting comfortable with her hanging unto you.” Miichan asked.
“Oh… that. Ever since the shoot started, I’m beginning to think that Ray-san’s actually a nice person. Plus, she seems that she started to take an interest in knowing about cars and in the races that we do.” Takamina explained.
Mariko rested her chin on the palm of her intertwined hands, “You mean you’re not miffed with her anymore? She was a bitch at Haruna when you first met her and besides, she stole a kiss from you.” She inquired.
“Of course it annoyed me that Ray-san treated my cousin badly, but I believe in giving other people a second chance to change for the better. I hope that she’d change how she treats others for her own good.” Takamina explained.
“And about that stolen kiss…?” Mariko pushed thru her question.
“Well, she’s actually my first ki ̶ “
“EH?! Majide?!” Haruna and Miichan interrupted. Atsuko’s spoon stopped halfway to her mouth when she heard that bit of information.
Takamina rolled her eyes, “Seriously, yes it was my first kiss. If I had my first kiss in the past, you two could’ve been the first to know.”
“Are you trying to tell us that it didn’t affect you that much when she gave you your first kiss?” Yuko asked, noticing Atsuko put down her spoon.
“Of course it ̶ ̶ “ Takamina stopped when she saw Atsuko suddenly stand up from her seat. “Acchan, is there something wrong?” she asked, seeing that she didn’t touch most of her lunch.
“I think I just lost my appetite. Excuse me…” Atsuko whispered then walked out of the pantry. Takamina gave Mariko and Yuko a questioning gaze. The two sisters simply shrugged their shoulders, a worried expression clearly evident on their face.
To be continued...
Minna, thank you for being patient with my update.
Everything seemed to take most of my time lately
Anyway, I hope you'll enjoy this update. Please leave a comment as I always enjoy reading it (and everyone's comments are my motivation to improve my writing as well
) Thank you for reading!
Topic: Love in the Fast Lane (multipairing) 24/11/2012 [Will be revamped/continued] (Read 159618 times)