LOVE IN THE FAST LANE=================
Chapter 18d – Aaand… CUT!*****
Last Chapter… Mariko’s POV
The excitement of the fans and the continuous cheers of the Flag Girls is deafening to my ears. My Miichan is already at third place, and I know that she’s definitely gonna win this race.
“You can do it Miichan!” I squealed, clasping my hands on my chest. I prayed to any higher being who is somehow listening to me right now to make her win.
……
What’s this?
I squinted at Sayaka, Takamina and Haruna who are somehow uneasy as they blabbered on their headsets. From what I’m hearing from the announcers, it seemed that Miichan and the other two teams are in a tight battle for the first place.
“Be careful Miichan! Focus on controlling your car!” I heard Sae shout on her headset.
Before I was able to look at the track, I heard the most devasting sound that I know I will never forget…
*BOOM!*
My vision slowed as if like in the movies… I stood helpless as the other team’s car exploded and collided to my Miichan’s car.
The next thing I knew made my world spin out of its axis…
And then stop.
No….
No… this can’t be happening…
I didn’t pay attention to my sisters who are already beside me. All I could think of is I need to run to the race track to see if Miichan is still alive.
“Please onee-chan, don’t force your way to the race track. Let Sayaka-chan and the rest of the Pit Crew check Miichan’s condition.” Yuko pleaded helplessly.
“No, I won’t just stand here Yuko! Let. Me. GO!!!” I yelled.
I never yelled at Yuko-chan.
This is not real! She just told me she loves me!
Yuko didn’t listen to me as I tried to pry myself out from her grasp. I stopped when I felt Acchan hug me from behind and heard her whisper, “Onegai, onee-chan…”
My lips trembled uncontrollably on hearing Acchan’s plea. Finally, the floodgates of emotions burst open as I screamed,
“MIICHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!”*****
Act 12 Scene 1 – Back in your arms again…Sayaka rubbed her temples as Komorin and Sae took their leave to accompany the Emergency Crew towards where Miichan’s car stopped. Takamina and Haruna on the other hand, went immediately to Yuko and Atsuko’s side, still comforting the crying Mariko in their arms.
“Please Miichan, be okay…” Takamina whispered a silent prayer as she looked on wide screen TV at the middle of the field. She winced inwardly as the camera zoomed in and focused on Team Tokai’s burning car that is being attended to by the fire extinguishers of the racing circuit then moved on to the dilapidated car of their team.
ANNOUNCER 1: HONESTLY PARTNER, I’VE NEVER SEEN SUCH A HUGE EXPLOSION AND ACCIDENT IN MY ENTIRE CAREER AS A RACE ANNOUNCER. THIS WILL DEFINITELY GO DOWN THE HISTORY OF TWIN RING MUTEGI RACING.ANNOUNCER 2: IT’S GOOD TO KNOW THAT AN EMERGENCY FIRE TRUCK AND AMBULANCE ARE VERY EFFICIENT IN PUTTING OUT THE FIRE ON TEAM TOKAI’S CAR AND THE DRIVER WAS SAFELY RUSHED TO A NEARBY HOSPITAL. WE HAVE YET TO SEE THE CONDITION OF AKB48 TEAM’S DRIVER, MINEGISHI MINAMI.“I hope Miichan is okay NyanNyan… I don’t think Mariko onee-chan will handle it pretty well if something happens to her.” Yuko whispered to Haruna as she glanced at Mariko who is still sobbing in Atsuko’s arms.
“Don’t worry Yuko, Miichan is tougher than you think.” Haruna smiled, gently grabbing Yuko’s hand.
A wide collection of gasps and roaring cheers from the crowd caught the attention of each member of the Pit Crew and the Flag Girls. Sayaka grabbed her binoculars and immediately looked at the wreckage on the race tracks and pumped her fist in the air, earning curious looks from the other Pit Crew members.
“YES!!!” Sayaka yelled as she kept on looking in her binoculars.
“Nani? Is there something going on out there?” Takamina asked as she ran towards Sayaka’s side. The Crew Chief shoved the binoculars to Takamina to have her take a look to where she was looking a while ago. Takamina let out whoop, scanning at the direction to where Sayaka was previously looking at.
ANNOUNCER 1: I CAN’T BELIEVE IT! MINEGISHI-SAN GOT OUT OF THE CAR AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED! JUST LISTEN TO THOSE CHEERS FROM THE CROWD PARTNER!Mariko hiccupped and immediately glanced towards wide screen TV. She gasped when she saw Miichan slowly got out of the car as the Emergency Crew stopped on the finish line which was just a few meters from where Miichan’s car stopped. The fans continued cheering as they saw what Miichan did.
ANNOUNCER 2: LOOK AT WHAT MINEGISHI IS DOING PARTNER! SHE’S RUNNING TOWARDS THE FINISH LINE! I BET LIKE ANY OTHER ATHLETE OR MARATHON RUNNER, SHE WANTS TO FINISH THE RACE!The Flag Girls and Pit Crew cheered as they continued to witness everything on the wide screen. Miichan ran towards the finish line where Sae and Komorin were already waiting for her. The camera zoomed in at Miichan as she carefully removed her helmet, flicked her hair, and waved at the cheering crowd.
Yuko and Atsuko nodded at each other as they look at Mariko who let out a sob of relief while still looking at Miichan’s image. “Let’s go onee-chan, I bet Miichan would be happy to see you right now.” Atsuko said softly, helping Mariko stand up.
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The Emergency Crew drove Sae, Komorin and Miichan back at their Pit Stop wherein the entire AKB48 team is eagerly waiting. Photographers and reporters already crowded the van, snapping photos and waiting for Miichan to step out of the van.
“Because of that stunt that you did at the track, you became an instant star compared to Team Yamamoto.” Sae laughed, slapping Miichan’s shoulder.
Miichan smiled sheepishly at Sae, “Actually, I don’t feel like a star at all. I know I’ll be feeling the aftermath of the impact tomorrow morning when I wake up.” She replied, gently rubbing the back of her neck.
“Ano, Miichan… Mariko-sama was really scared you know.” Komorin said to the driver.
“I know… I was scared too.” Miichan whispered as they stopped in front of the team’s Pit Stop.
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Photographers, Cameramen and Sports Reporters flocked the Emergency Crew’s truck when it stopped in front of AKB48’s Pit Stop. Sae and Komorin blocked some of the media people to make way for Miichan to get out of the truck.
“Minegishi-san! How does it feel to have survived the collision?” “Do you think it is just a simple accident that happened?” “Minegishi-san! Over here!” “Minegishi-san!” the reporters yelled over the bright flashing of camera’s of the photographers that surrounded Miichan when she stepped out of the truck.
“I’ll deal with them Miichan. We should get you out of this crowd.” Sae said. As she was about to apologize to the media crowd, Miichan placed a hand on her shoulder and shook her head. “No, it’s okay Sae-chan, I can handle a few interviews for a couple of minutes.” Miichan said, letting out a deep breath as she faced the eagers reporters for her answers.
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Mariko smiled at her sisters as they walked their way out the Pit Stop. She’s always been the strong one, and she is glad to know that she can rely to Yuko and Atsuko whenever she needs somebody to lean to.
“Ara, what’s going on?” Atsuko furrowed her eyebrows as they stopped to see a mass of photographers and reporters a few meters away from the Pit Stop’s entrance.
“Looks like Miichan is here… Mariko onee-chan, I think you need to save Miichan again from a big crowd.” Yuko winked and slightly shoved Mariko for encouragement. Letting out a long breath, Mariko pulled her jacket closer to her body as her feet guided her towards the crowd outside.
I don’t care if my mascara is ruined or if my hair is a mess. I want to see and feel that my Miichan is alive. Mariko thought as she continued to jog past the Pit Crew and the Flag Girls then eventually ran to Miichan.
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“Minegishi-san, what can you say about the accident being a hindrance to your chance of winning the race?” A reporter shouted as she shoved the microphone on Miichan’s face.
Eh? I expected a more sensible question than that… Miichan thought and mentally facepalmed. “Everyone who participated in this competition is very much aware that accidents do happen during a race…” Miichan answered as she politely smiled in front of the flashing cameras. Her trail of thought got cut off as Komorin tapped her on the shoulder.
“Tell Sae-chan to give me another minute and I’ll politely decline any more interviews.” Miichan whispered to Komorin who was behind her back. She furrowed her eyebrows as Komorin’s tapping didn’t stop. Excusing herself to the overzealous crowd, she turned towards the other girl who didn’t know that she was already tapping Miichan’s chest. “Ano… Komorin… you can stop poking on my chest now…”
“Ah! Gomen! It’s just that…” Komorin trailed off as she pointed at a running figure towards them. Photographers stopped taking pictures and Reporters stopped asking random questions as they also looked at the direction where Komorin is pointing at.
Miichan gawked at the running figure, “M-Mariko?!” Miichan exclaimed. Upon hearing the name of the AKB48 Manager, the reporters whispered excitedly amongst themselves and parted like curtains as Mariko rushed towards them and immediately wrapped her arms around Miichan’s neck.
“Miichan, I’m so glad that you’re alive…” Mariko desperately whispered and kissed Miichan fully on the lips before the driver had the slightest chance to react. Though surprised, Miichan automatically wrapped her arms around Mariko’s waist and kissed her in return. Photographers automatically took shots of the couple as the Reporters started bombarding questions regarding Miichan’s relationship with the Manager.
“All right people, party’s over! Minegishi-san needs to see a doctor if she has any injuries from the crash.” Sayaka bellowed, putting her hands in front of her chest as if telling the people to give the couple some privacy. The crowd grumbled in disappointment but eventually left the area to do find the other teams who participated in the race.
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“You are such a baka Miichan…” Mariko sniffled as she let go of Miichan’s lips and rested her forehead on the other girl’s. “…scaring me like that after telling me that you love me…” she continued as tears started to trail down her cheeks.
Miichan bit her lip at the sight of the girl she loves crying in front of her, “I’m sorry… I was scared too. I’m not ready to die yet, because I just admitted what I really feel for you.” She whispered, wiping Mariko’s tears with a finger.
“Please… no more jokes about dying Miichan. I don’t know if I could handle it.” Mariko chided as she hugged Miichan.
“Ano… I hate to interrupt you two… sensei’s here to check up on you Miichan.” Takamina interrupted with Haruna and the said doctor beside her.
“Yo-Yohko-sensei?” Miichan exclaimed as the doctor waved and winked at her.
“You know who sensei is?” Mariko asked.
Ooops… “She… she’s our family doctor. Yeah, our family doctor! Takamina and Haruna know her too. Funny that she’s also the doctor for this event.” Miichan stammered.
Yohko laughed at Miichan’s excuse, “I am Dr. Yohko Suguira, and yes I am their family doctor. It’s a pleasure to meet you Shinoda-san, though I wish we could’ve met in a better situation than this.” Yohko greeted as Mariko bowed politely. “If you’ll excuse us Shinoda-san, I’d like to check up on Miichan inside the ambulance to make sure she didn’t incur any injuries.”
“Of course Suguira-sensei.” Mariko answered politely then faced Miichan. “I’ll be waiting at our designated parking if you need me… I love you.” Mariko said and kissed Miichan before heading to her sisters who were waiting with the rest of the Flag Girls team.
“I love you too…” Miichan answered back with a smile.
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Miichan sat on the stretcher inside the ambulance as Yohko started with her checkup. Takamina and Haruna informed the Pit Crew that they will be accompanying her and promised Sayaka to deliver the doctor’s report once Miichan’s checkup is finished.
“What brings you here Yohko-sensei? Not that we’re not happy to see you but, I know that you’re not really the doctor assigned for the event.” Takamina asked.
“The Chief forwarded Haruna’s report to me and Midori about your recon mission. I insisted that I should be here during the race because somehow, I know something big is going to happen. Of course, Midori insisted as well, but the Chief declined her request, knowing all too well that she’s kinda energetic if there’s something exciting going on around her.” Yohko rolled her eyes as she checked Miichan’s blood pressure.
Haruna giggled at the doctor’s response, “Yeah, we know what you mean Yohko-sensei.”
“So, what’s your diagnosis sensei? Any injuries?” Miichan asked as Yohko finally finished her checkup.
“Well, your brain’s still intact in your skull and you don’t seem to have broken any bones since you’re not complaining about any pain… for now.” Yohko teased. “Anyway, take this medical report to your Crew Chief and Manager. I’ll be sending a copy to the agency as well.” Yohko said as she wrote on a medical form and gave it to Takamina. “Midori and the rest of the team will head out to Team Tokai’s headquarters later tonight to investigate on the damaged car. Takamina, Haruna – Midori is expecting you to be there. Miichan on the other hand, will stay in your apartment to rest.”
“But Yohko-sensei…” Miichan complained.
“No buts… you’ll be feeling the impact of the crash in the next few days so I strongly advise you to rest for tonight.”
“Fine… let Takamina and Haruna have all the fun.” Miichan pouted and crossed her arms on her chest.
*****
Act 12 Scene 2 – InvestigationWednesday, Midnight…
Haruna and Takamina stepped out of Gakutenou as they finally arrived in front of Team Tokai’s headquarters. Walking towards the main gate, Takamina and Haruna showed their badges to their fellow agents who without question let them in.
“Takahashi-san, Kojima-san, Midori-sensei is waiting for you at the garage.” One of the agents informed them.
“Arigatou.” Takamina simply answered and made their way towards the said area in the headquarters.
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Midori flipped through Team Tokai’s racecar logbook as the other agents gathered evidences in the dilapidated racecar. She glanced sideways as she heard footsteps approaching towards her.
“Ohayo, Midori-sensei.” Haruna winked, giving Midori a small salute with her right hand.
“You’re right about the part being morning – it’s past midnight! What took you so long? We’ve already started gathering some possible evidences from the exploded race car.” Midori replied, closing the logbook with one hand.
“Gomen ne, Midori-sensei. Mariko-chan insisted that the whole team go out for dinner and we dropped Miichan off to the apartment thereafter so that she can take a rest.” Takamina explained as she wore her jacket.
“Ah, fine then. Yohko told me that Miichan didn’t have any injuries. Everyone in the agency is quite relieved to hear that good news, especially the Chief. Anyway, let’s get inside the owner’s office. We have yet to interview him about the incident.” Midori said, guiding the cousins to a small office beside the garage. Once inside, there were greeted by a sight of a weary middle-aged man sitting behind a big oak desk.
“Tokai-san, I’d like you to meet two of our finest addition to our agency. This is Special Agent Takahashi, and Special Agent Kojima.” Midori said as she placed her hands on each of the girl’s shoulder as she introduced them to man. Takamina and Haruna bowed politely and shook hands with the tired man.
“I’ve heard so much about you from Midori-san since she and the other agents have arrived a while ago. I am Kazuhiro Tokai, owner of the Tokai Racing Team. Please, make yourselves comfortable and have a seat.” Kazuhiro said, extending his hands to the chairs in front of his desk.
“Thank you for agreeing to have our agency look into this incident Tokai-san. I’ve already scanned your logbook and it shows that your car was in perfect condition before the race.” Midori informed everyone in the room as she placed the logbook on the desk.
“If that’s the case then, the explosion is not an accident, but definitely sabotage.” Takamina added. “Tokai-san, if you don’t mind me asking, do you have someone in mind who would do such a thing?” she asked as she looked at the owner of the racing team.
“I know that you would ask about that,” Kazuhiro sighed. “Another team is actually interested in buying us out, which of course I flatly declined. Though they offered a very tempting amount, I’m not a heartless owner who will just simply let a stranger handle what I’ve worked for in years. My Pit Crew is like an extended family for me, and I know once I sold everything, they will lose their jobs.” He continued.
“Which team are you referring to Tokai-san?” Haruna asked.
“Team Yamamoto, who happened to win the race. I’m sorry that Team AKB48’s car got into the accident as well. Jun threatened me that I’ll regret my decision for not selling the team to them.”
Jun you say… Takamina thought as she looked at Haruna who nodded back at her. “Did he threatened to kill you Tokai-san?” Takamina finally asked.
“No, but he did something worse – he targeted my family. Our racecar driver is my only son, who almost got killed inside the car. I don’t know if I could bear it if my son died in the explosion. Jun made sure that his threat is clear to me.” Kazuhiro whispered, leaning back to his swivel chair.
Haruna shook her head in disgust.
People are insane nowadays… the Yamamoto’s don’t care about anything when money is involved. “I’m sorry about the accident. We hope that your son is recuperating as we speak.” Haruna said.
“I thank the heavens above that he made it out alive. I can always repair or replace our race car anytime, but nothing can ever replace my son. This is the very reason why I want this incident to be investigated by the finest agency in Japan. I want to take this incident to court once you gathered evidence that will prove that they are behind the explosion.” Kazuhiro said with conviction.
“Wakatta. We will do our best then.” Midori answered, smiling inwardly as she saw the determined look on Takamina and Haruna’s faces.
*****
Act 13 Scene 1 – Black and WhiteTakamina gently opened the main door of their apartment and quietly entered the dimly light hallway. It’s already two in the morning, and the last thing that they want to happen is to wake Miichan just because they banged the door close as they arrived.
“Tadaima…” Haruna whispered to no one in particular as she removed her shoes and changed into her slippers. “I’m gonna check on Miichan if she’s resting.” She added, as she padded inside the living room and climbed up the stairs towards their shared bedroom.
Takamina slouched on their couch and stared listlessly at the ceiling. “It’s been almost a week that we haven’t got a decent night’s sleep…” Takamina whispered. Looking at the side of the living room, she stared at the baby grand piano that is tucked at a corner of their living room just beside a bay window.
Takamina pondered for a bit as she slowly stood up from the couch and made her way towards the piano. Opening the dark wood cover of the keys, she gently touched the white ivory keys with her fingertips and finally pressed the Middle C key with her right index finger.
“Miichan’s sleeping like a log… and I think I heard her snore as well.” Haruna giggled as she walked down the stairs. She curiously raised an eyebrow as she saw Takamina puttering around the piano, arranging some blank music sheets and sat comfortably in front of the musical instrument. “Aren’t you gonna sleep yet Takamina? It’s almost two in the morning and we still have work later.”
“I think I’ll be staying up for another hour. I have a song in my head that I need to play and write it down lest I forget it.” Takamina said.
“Fine then. Honestly, you really need to get some sleep Takamina, you’ve been kinda pale these past few days. Oyasumi.” Haruna said and headed back upstairs.
“Oyasumi, okaa-san.” Takamina teased. Closing her eyes, she began to play the ivory keys that echoed a soft melody in the apartment.
To be continued...
If there's a penalty for not writing an update for a very long time, I could've paid a very large fine right now
I'm sorry if this took me a very long time - Christmas season is always the busiest time of the year for me because of choir activities. I would like to thank everyone for being patient with me and still continues to support my writing
Please feel free to comment after reading this. I hope you enjoy the new installment
Topic: Love in the Fast Lane (multipairing) 24/11/2012 [Will be revamped/continued] (Read 195767 times)