LOVE IN THE FAST LANE=================
CHAPTER 13 - TIE BREAKERAtsuko hummed softly as she entered the studio after visiting Mariko in her office. She’s been practicing a song that she will sing for their cousin’s wedding.
I wish I can finally memorize the lyrics… why did cousin Ami have to pick an English song for her bridal march! Atsuko thought helplessly. Chattering from the other Flag Girls stopped her from her thinking and she looked on curiously. Yukirin saw her come in and motioned her to join in with the conversation.
“Hey minna, what’s up?” Atsuko asked, folding her lyrics sheet and placed it inside her skirt pocket. She noticed that Rena was the center of attention of all the members.
“Glad that you could grace us with your presence, Atsuko-chan.” Yukirin teased. “You see, our Rena here seems to have a crush on someone from the Pit Crew and she is asking for advice from everyone.” She added. Everyone squealed for Rena, making the poor girl blush.
I hope it’s not Takamina, God knows how I would hate to have a rival from our team! Atsuko thought.
“Well, you see Atsuko-chan, I have a crush on Jurina, no… I am in love with Jurina. It’s just that… I don’t know if she feels the same for me. There, I said it. Is everyone happy now?” Rena pouted and blushed even harder when the girls cheered for her.
Atsuko sighed in relief. “Why don’t you just ask her? You were never a shy person when it comes to Jurina-chan.” She suggested.
“
*cough* Easy for you to say
*cough*” Tomochin mockingly coughed in her hand, making Tomomi and Yukirin laugh.
Rena giggled as she overheard Tomochin. “I don’t want to be the first one to tell her that. I want to know first how she feels for me. I could jinx it or something and I don’t want to look stupid. She’s very special to me and I really don’t want to be overconfident.” Rena mumbled, wriggling the handkerchief in her hand.
“You’re a teaser Atsuko-chan. Maybe you could suggest Rena something that’s subtle and won’t give away with Rena’s intention to Jurina-chan.” Mayu suggested. Atsuko was about to comment on being the tease among the group when she saw Rena’s pleading look.
Atsuko sighed and sat on a nearby chair, deep in thought. Suddenly she brightened up like she had a light bulb moment.
“Okay Rena-chan… this one’s foolproof. When you’re talking with Jurina-chan, place your hand on top of her thigh. Make it low enough so she won’t suspect anything, but high enough so that it’ll definitely gets her thinking. If she thinks of you only as a friend, she won’t blink an eye and just think that it’s a friendly gesture. If she is also interested in you, it’ll be enough to get her juices going.” Atsuko said with a satisfied smile. Everyone in the group stared in wonder at her, making her think that somehow she suggested something overboard.
“Well, that’s my imouto for you! Now I really think that it runs in the family. Mariko onee-chan would agree if she’s here with us.” Yuko joked.
“Sugoi… I never knew you were so devious Atsuko-chan…” Rena said. “Very well, I might as well try it. Thanks for the suggestion!” she added, clapping her hands as she thought of her opportunity to try the suggested plan.
That IS a devious plan. Takamina, why do I suddenly feel sorry for you? Yukirin thought as she looked at Atsuko’s innocent smile.
*****
The more Atsuko thought of her advice, the more she wondered if it would actually work. She thought that what she read from her shoujo mangas and romance novels were so different from real life. There’s only one person that she would certainly try her advice on – Takamina.
That may probably work. I’ll get to see if there are negative reactions from Takamina and Rena can tell me if it will work for Jurina-chan.During lunchtime in the pantry, Atsuko shared a table with her sisters together with Takamina, Haruna and Miichan. Mariko and Miichan were happily giggling and talking while the other two pairs looked at their interaction with amused faces.
“Seriously, if you’re gonna be sweet and lovey dovey with each other further, the rest of us in this table will get a cavity from all that sweetness oozing out from the two of you.” Takamina mumbled, making the rest of the girls in the table laugh at her observation.
“Don’t mind her Mariko, she’s just jealous you know.” Miichan smirked, hugging Mariko even closer to her.
I think I’ll test my suggestion to Rena-chan now. “Well Takamina, it is not really a bad thing since they do like each other, right?” Atsuko smiled at Takamina who was sitting beside her. She leaned towards Takamina a bit and placed her right hand on Takamina’s left thigh. Takamina did not miss Atsuko’s touch and nearly leapt straight up, almost knocking her chair over. Atsuko gaped at Takamina’s reaction.
“A-Acchan… y-your hand…” Takamina stammered.
Geez Takamina! Think of something quick! “I-It was c-cold…” she mumbled, sitting back on her chair.
Atsuko faced Takamina and gently rubbed Takamina’s upper arm, making the other girl shiver. “You felt that when you’re wearing your overalls? Are you coming down with a fever Takamina? You feel awfully warm.” Atsuko asked with a concerned tone on her voice. Mariko, Yuko, Miichan and Haruna looked at the two with amused looks on their faces as they just sat and listened to their conversation.
“I’m okay, really!” Takamina stammered, hastily finishing off her katsudon lunch. “Um… listen, I have to go check on some of the cars that needed some tune-up.” She added, standing up from her chair.
“Do you want me to go with you?” Atsuko asked as she was about to stand up as well.
“No!” Takamina said a little more desperate that she intended. “Ano… I mean, you might stain your clothes. You know how dirty it would get when you tune up a car.” Takamina added as she made her way outside the pantry towards the garage.
“That’s a lame excuse…” Miichan mumbled, earning a playful slap on the arm from Mariko. All Atsuko could do was stare at Takamina’s retreating form, wondering what had just happened. Suddenly they heard someone knock off a chair at the other table beside them and saw Jurina-chan awkwardly walk out of the pantry. Rena was staring at Jurina who seems to be in a hurry to get out of the pantry as well.
Yuko stared at the door and gave Atsuko a thumb’s up. “Hahahaha! It seems that your advice worked Acchan!” she bemused at her sister who was still curious to what just happened.
*****
After lunch when everyone finally went on with their tasks for the day, Rena tapped Atsuko’s shoulder when they were at the lounge area of the studio.
“It worked,” Rena simply said.
“How do you know?” Atsuko asked, trying to conceal her curiosity.
“I placed my hand on her thigh just as you said while we were chatting during lunch. I swear, Jurina-chan stood up like she felt something hot! You saw her walk out of the pantry like there’s no tomorrow, right Atsuko-chan? I don’t want to expect much but at least it gave me an idea that Jurina-chan likes me too. I hope she’ll find the courage to finally ask me out on a date.” Rena said excitedly, clasping her hands on her chest.
The whole time Rena was talking, Atsuko’s eyes were getting wider by the second.
“Acchan, our dresses finally arrived! You can try them on so that the seamstress can check if it fits. Yuko-chan is already trying hers on inside the dressing room.” Mariko said, walking towards their direction, holding a dress bag. Atsuko snapped from her wandering thoughts and excused herself to Rena as she walked towards her sister.
*****
Takamina almost dragged herself to the studio after checking almost all the race cars inside the garage.
Seriously, Acchan is in her teasing mood today. Takamina thought as she shivered, remembering how Atsuko’s touch affected her. Upon entering the studio, she saw Haruna and Miichan sitting at the lounge area, together with the other members of the Pit Crew. She saw that the Flag Girls was busy bustling about, looking at Yuko and Mariko wearing pristine gowns.
“Hey everyone, what’s going on in here? And why is Yuko-chan and Mariko-chan wearing gowns? Is there a photoshoot or something?” Takamina asked as she sat beside Haruna, placing her big notebook on her lap.
“They don’t have a photoshoot. Mariko told me that their cousin is getting married and they are the bridesmaids. Mariko is an exception because she is the maid of honor since she is almost the same age as their cousin.” Miichan informed her, eyeing Mariko who was wearing a light blue, strapless long gown.
“Hmmm… the gown fits perfectly for Yuko.” Haruna simply said as she looked at Yuko wearing a light blue empire cut gown that flows smoothly just past her knees.
“Atsuko-chan is still wearing hers inside the dressing room.” Jurina added as she stared at Rena who was with the other Flag Girls, busy chatting with Mariko and Yuko.
“Ne, Jurina-chan… why were you in a hurry to leave the pantry during our lunch?” Sae asked as she placed a tea set given to her by Yukirin on the coffee table.
Jurina blushed at Sae’s question. “Well, I just got flustered when Rena placed her hand on my thigh.” She mumbled, as her answered earned an earful of teasing from the Pit Crew members inside the studio.
“Hahaha! I think that’s her way of telling you that she likes you!” Sayaka suggested. Takamina almost choked on her tea when she heard the comment.
“Really? It’s good then because, I like her too.” Jurina answered honestly. Her answer made the Pit Crew holler while the rest of the Flag Girls looked at them with curious looks on their faces.
“Just ask her out then. I’m sure she’ll say yes since based on what you said, the feeling’s mutual.” Takamina suggested.
“You’re the one to talk Takamina…” Haruna teased her cousin then motioned Takamina to pour her another cup of tea.
Takamina blushed at the teasing and grabbed the teapot while Haruna still held on her cup on the table.
“Say when, Haruna.” Takamina simply said and began pouring the tea.
Everyone on the lounge area looked at the Flag Girls as they squealed at the direction of the dressing room. Takamina furrowed her eyebrows as everyone around her turned to watch the other girls huddled Atsuko when she got out of the dressing room. Takamina opened her mouth as if to speak but no sound came out when Atsuko finally came to her view.
“When… Takamina… when!… WHEN!!!” Haruna shouted, pulling her hand away from the overflowing teacup.
Takamina stopped her gawking just before she had poured all the contents of the teapot to the coffee table. She was awestruck not just because Atsuko’s gown fits perfectly, but mostly from Atsuko’s beauty.
Atsuko shyly stepped beside her sisters who were smiling in approval of her gown. She is also wearing a light blue gown which has a different style from her sisters. Takamina’s gaze started at Atsuko’s feet, which was enclosed in silver strappy stilettos, up to Atsuko’s light blue haltered gown which moderately covered her ample chest. Takamina’s eyes widened when she saw that the gown has slits past above the knee that shows Atsuko’s smooth legs as she walked. Takamina blushed at the sight, and then she began to notice that everyone around her is also staring at Atsuko.
“Oi minna… quit staring at her.” Takamina hissed. Haruna smirked at Takamina’s obvious over-protectiveness.
“But… just look at her!” Sae stammered, earning a glare from Yukirin who is ready to throw a makeup brush towards her direction. Takamina simply smiled, knowing what Sae is talking about.
*****
“Onee-chan, are you sure that this gown looks good on me?” Atsuko shyly asked Mariko, looking on at the seamstress bustled around her, placing pins for the final fitting while Yukirin styled her hair in a braided fashion that she likes as she suggested that Atsuko have her hair styled and her makeup done to complete her look.
Mariko raised an eyebrow and looked at Yuko who is also sporting the same expression. “It does look good on you Acchan. If you need more proof, just look at the Pit Crew looking at you.” Mariko pointed to where the Pit Crew is sitting, specifically pointing towards Takamina.
“I’m just not sure anymore onee-chan, especially when it comes to Takamina. Her facial expression is really amusing especially when she is flustered and all but I just couldn’t tell the expression in her eyes.” Atsuko whined, looking at Takamina.
“Excuse me from butting in this sister talk Mariko-chan,” Yukirin said as she tilted Atsuko’s face to put some liquid eyeliner on Atsuko’s eyelids. “Seriously Atsuko-chan, for someone who we call
The Ace in the Flag Girls team, you sure know how to nurture insecurity when it comes to Takamina.” Yukirin observed, making Mariko and Yuko giggle.
Atsuko pouted then looked again at the subject of their conversation. She furrowed her eyebrows as Takamina opened her notebook and began scribbling at it while looking at her. “Okay, here’s the question for you three – what do you see when Takamina looks at me?” Atsuko asked, making Mariko, Yuko and Yukirin look at the subject of their conversation.
“You know what Acchan… it’s either you’re totally clueless or you’re just playing dumb.” Yuko mumbled, still looking at Takamina. “It’s pretty obvious that she’s looking at you because you’re beautiful…”
“Or… there’s something more in her eyes…” Mariko added cryptically.
“You’re not really helping…” Atsuko pouted.
“Maybe, just maybe… Takamina is looking at you through love’s eyes.” Yukirin answered as she put some blush powder on Atsuko’s cheeks.
Love’s eyes… Atsuko wondered.
*****
After the seamtress finally finished checking the fit of the sisters’ gowns, the Flag Girls decided to have their personal photoshoot with them with the help of Amina, the head photographer. Atsuko thanked the heavens above when she changed back in her clothes and handed her gown to the seamstress. As she exited the dressing room, she noticed that Takamina is the only one left at the lounge area, still concentrating on her notebook.
I wonder why she didn’t headed back to the garage like the others… Atsuko thought and walked her way towards Takamina.
Takamina noticed Atsuko making her way towards her direction and suddenly closed the notebook and hid it behind her back. Atsuko noticed this and raised her eyebrows.
“Care to share what’s inside that big notebook of yours,
Ta-Ka-Mi-Na?” Atsuko asked as sat directly in front of Takamina.
“Well, I don’t mean to be rude Acchan, but it is kinda private…” Takamina stammered.
Atsuko pouted at Takamina’s response. “Mou~ are you telling me that you don’t trust me?”
“Ah, Iie… it’s just that… I know I’ll get embarrassed when you take a look at it.”
Atsuko tapped her chin for a few seconds then gave Takamina a devilish smile. “Okay then… how about we play a game for it. If you lose, I’ll get to take a peek on that notebook. If you win, it’s your decision if you want me to take a look or not.”
Takamina sighed at Atsuko’s suggestion.
Why are you so curious on what’s inside the notebook? “Okay… what kind of game would you like to play?”
“Staring contest.” Atsuko simply answered.
*****
Yukirin entered the studio after visiting Sae in the garage. Her ears perked up with interest as she heard Atsuko answered Takamina.
Oh ho ho! Another staring contest between Atsuko-chan and Takamina? Yukirin, your timing is almost always perfect. What’s the score again….
Takamina – 1 Atsuko – 1
Hehe, I hope this will break the tie between those two. Yukirin thought and decided to just observe as she leaned at the door.
*****
At Atsuko’s signal, the staring contest finally began. They didn’t decide on any specific rules about their game and that’s why Atsuko decided to distract Takamina by batting her eyelashes and biting her lower lip, remembering how Takamina reacted when she first did it.
“Acchan, are you trying to distract me?” Takamina grinned as she stared at Atsuko.
“Hehe, I’m just trying my luck… Are you hiding something special inside that notebook?”
Takamina raised an eyebrow at her question. “Well yeah, it is somehow special to me.”
Atsuko huffed at Takamina’s plain response.
This staring contest will take longer than I expected. I wonder if Takamina is already immune to my constant teasing… maybe not. Atsuko thought.
“What are you grinning about all of a sudden?” Takamina asked.
“Nothing… it’s just that, I just thought how giddy you were during lunch. Why did you suddenly ran towards the garage?” Atsuko asked.
It’s because of what you make me feel, Acchan… “Like I said during lunch, the race cars needs some tuning up.” Takamina replied.
Atsuko narrowed her eyes as she stared at Takamina’s eyes.
Somehow I don’t believe that Takamina. Oh, I know! I’ll ask a question that will really make her lose. “Ne, Ta-Ka-Mi-Na… am I pretty?” Atsuko innocently asked and batted her eyelashes again.
Gah! What’s with the question? “To tell you honestly, you’re far from pretty Acchan.” Takamina said with a matter-of-fact tone.
Atsuko’s eyes widened, and is now trying to contain her irritation towards Takamina’s response.
I hope she’s not insinuating that… “Are you saying that I’m ugly?!”
Takamina giggled at Atsuko’s reaction, realizing that Atsuko somehow interpreted her answer in a negative way. Takamina gave Atsuko a gentle smile, then reached at some stray strands of Atsuko’s hair and tucked it neatly beside her ear. “What I’m trying to say is that you’re not just pretty… you’re beautiful in my eyes Acchan.” Takamina whispered, never taking her eyes off of Atsuko.
Atsuko blinked at Takamina’s answer and is trying to stop the sudden rush of warmth that is traveling fast to her face.
What’s this? Her gaze seems to penetrate to my very soul… do you look at me with love’s eyes Takamina? Atsuko thought as she closed her eyes and lowered her head to hide her blush. Her eyes immediately opened when Atsuko realized what she just did.
“Looks like Takamina won the staring contest.” Yukirin whispered, mentally patting Takamina on the back.
Takamina grabbed her notebook and stood up, extending her hand to Atsuko. Atsuko appreciated that Takamina was not someone who would rub her victory into someone’s face.
“I promise Acchan, I’ll let you look inside my notebook. I haven’t finished most what’s in it. Once I’m done, you’ll be the first one to know.” Takamina said. Atsuko merely grabbed Takamina’s hand in silence as she stood up. “Come on, let’s check what your sisters and my cousins are up to. If we’re lucky, they might invite us to go to Berry Parlour for an afternoon snack.”
“Is this gonna be a date?” Atsuko asked sweetly as they slowly walked towards the exit of the studio.
“A-acchan…” Takamina whined as her cheeks suddenly became pink.
Atsuko inwardly giggled, as she hooked her right arm on Takamina’s left and intertwined their fingers.
At least I know my teasing still has the same effect to Takamina. “Just kidding Takamina. It’ll be a group date then!”
“Oi.” Takamina simply responded and smiled as she heard Atsuko’s laughter.
*****
As Takamina and Atsuko made their way out of the studio, they didn’t notice Yukirin who was resting her back beside the door as they walked. Yukirin smiled at the two’s interaction and quietly entered the studio to gather her things inside the makeup room.
“No one can really compete with someone who looks at you with love’s eyes.” Yukirin mused. “Takamina sure scored a lot of points in Atsuko-chan’s book with her answers. Now I know who broke the tie that has been nagging me for weeks.” She chuckled.
Takamina – 2 Atsuko - 1To be continued...
Oooooh! This is the 250th post in this fic!
Finally! An update!
I decided to break the tie between Takamina x Acchan's staring contest. Were you also expecting that Takamina will win?
Anyway, just to inform everyone, I won't be elaborating regarding my WMatsui pairing in this story. I just thought of the pair so that it'll fit in this chapter.
As always, if there are great feedbacks regarding it, I might consider inserting the pair to some chapters, but of course I'll be concentrating on our main 3 pairs in the story.
I hope you like this chapter! I would really love to read what everyone thought of this
Thanks for supporting my fic!
Topic: Love in the Fast Lane (multipairing) 24/11/2012 [Will be revamped/continued] (Read 195772 times)