CHAPTER 1

Takahashi Ryousuke was sitting at his desk completely focused on the data displayed on the screen of the silver laptop when the door was pushed opened and the uninvited guest walked in, "I knew you would be here Aniki. Mother and Father are looking for you." He walked up to his brother and stared at the list of figures scattered across the screen and the graph that accompanied them. His brows scrunched up in confusion. How any of this made any sense to his brother was beyond him. He glanced at his brother before turning back to the screen, "Are you coming?"

Ryousuke nodded. He moved to save the new data and closed the laptop, "Let's go." He waited for his brother to exit the room first then followed suit, closing his bedroom door after him. The two brothers descended the stairs to rejoin their parents' party.

"Ah! Takahashi Ryousuke! It's good to see you again? How are your studies going?" A man asked stopping the older brother.

"Good Mr. Akatori. How is your family?" He asked politely as they shook hands.

"Very good, although I do wish my son took his studies as seriously as I heard you do with yours."

Ryousuke smiled simply, "I'm sure that he is doing fine."

"Ryousuke! There you are!" A woman came to his side, "Please excuse us a moment."

The man nodded and the woman led Ryousuke in another direction, "Your father has been looking for you. He would like you to meet someone."

The young man followed his mother silently.

They approached a man who looked to be about it his late forties, early fifties who was animatedly speaking with another couple about his age and a young lady. It was the latter that caught sight of their approaching form. Takahashi noticed the girl's gaze wonder and turned in its direction. A smile spread across his lips, "Ryousuke. Good. Come." He welcomed his eldest son and his wife into their circle, "This is my best friend from college Fukotomi Masao, his wife Yoko and his lovely daughter Mitsu and this is my other son Ryousuke. They've just moved here from Tokyo. Masao will be working at the hospital with us." He presented proudly. The young man bowed courteously to the family then shook hands with Masao.

"I hear you are in your last year of medical school," he motioned to his daughter, "Mitsu is also almost finished. She has two more years left."

Ryousuke offered a polite smile accompanied with and acknowledging nod. Something about her...

"Son, why don't you take Mitsu and go find your brother so we can talk?"

Ryousuke nodded, "Mitsu-chan?"

The young lady smiled politely and stepped away from her parents' side and followed him into the crowd of socializing people.

"Have you already met Keisuke?"

She nodded, "I have." She answered casually.

They walked in silence until Ryousuke spotted his brother by a side table being ogled by a middle-aged woman.

"Aniki!" The younger Takahashi called out in relief as he spotted his brother. He excused himself from the woman and rushed towards him, "Thank you! I had to get away from her!"

Mitsu smiled lightly.

"I see the two of you have met."

Ryousuke simply nodded. He had no idea what he was supposed to do with her, "Would you like something to drink?" He offered.

"No, thank you. I'm fine."

"Well I could definitely have one!" Keisuke exclaimed and started for the kitchen. Ryousuke turned to Mitsu and allowed her to pass him. She smiled lightly and followed the younger Takahashi. She was so bored. She still couldn't believe her parents had dragged her to one of their boring social parties. She couldn't understand why they had wanted her to come so badly. In the kitchen Keisuke was pouring himself some sake. He glanced up, "Are you sure you don't want some?"

Mitsu frowned, "You know what? I think I will have some of that." She said walking towards him.

Ryousuke watched as his little brother smiled and went to get her a cup. He maneuvered around the kitchen and leaned against the counter top across from where his brother and Mitsu had settled themselves to sip their drinks.

"Not so much Keisuke."

The younger brother nodded simply and finished the remainder of his drink before putting it away, "So Mitsu, how are you liking Gunma?"

"It's nice. Kind of quiet."

"So you're one of those big city people huh?"

Mitsu smile and shook her head before she sipped her Sake, "Not really. Missing my friends mostly." She answered softly.

"Well I'm sure you'll make new ones soon. Will you be studying at Gunma University?"

Mitsu nodded and sipped her drink.

"How are you getting there? Aniki maybe you can take her with you?" Keisuke suggested looking over at his silent brother.

"Oh no that's okay. I'll be driving my car." Mitsu declared. She glanced briefly at Ryousuke before turning quickly back to her drink.

Ryousuke noticed but remained impassive.

"Why don't you share a ride? I mean you're both going there anyway." Keisuke suggested. He turned to his brother for his support.

Mitsu shrugged, "I don't mind driving. It will help me learn about the area anyway."

Keisuke nodded, " I guess." He looked at his brother. He was quietly observing them.

"Could I ask you a question?" Mitsu asked looking up at Keisuke.

"Yes?"

"How far is Akagi?"

"Akagi?" Keisuke repeated curiously.

She nodded and glanced at Ryousuke for a brief second. He looked disinterested.

"Akagi." Mitsu confirmed, "I heard the view from there is spectacular."

Keisuke glanced at his brother, "Well, yes the view is nice. I guess I didn't expect you to ask about a mountain!" he chuckled, "Anyway, it's not that far. Ryousuke and I will be heading there tonight. Do you want to come?"

"Really?" The young lady said showing some excitement, "Tonight? What time are you going? I'd love to come if it's not too much trouble." She glanced at Ryousuke briefly again before turning back to the younger brother.

Keisuke glanced at his watch, "We usually leave at about 9:30. So in about fifteen minutes."

"And you're sure it wouldn't be too much trouble?"

"Of course not. But we're going to be there at least an hour or so. Aniki?" Keisuke turned to his brother.

The other man nodded simply. He uncrossed his arms and moved away from the counter, "You'll want to bring your jacket with you." He said setting his eyes on Mitsu. He met her gaze briefly but long enough to notice what he had expected to see. He turned away and left the kitchen.

Keisuke watched him with a frown. He turned to Mitsu.

"Is he always so quiet?"

"Depends on who's around."

Mitsu nodded and sipped her drink.

"He doesn't know you." Keisuke informed her.

Mitsu smiled.

"We should get ready. Ryousuke doesn't like to be late." He got to his feet, "We should let your parents know."

Mitsu nodded and finished the remainder of drink and brought the cup to the sink. She then followed Keisuke to where their parents were still happily talking to each other.

"I'm sorry to interrupt. Mom, Dad would it be okay if I go for a drive with Keisuke-san and Ryousuke-san for a while?"

Keisuke's parents turned to him.

"Where's your brother?" His father asked.

"Getting ready."

"Are you sure you want to go Mitsu-chan?" Keisuke's mother Emi asked surprised.

The young lady nodded, "I'm sure."

The adults exchanged looks.

"Wear your coat, okay?" Fukotomi Yoko said with a smile.

"Thanks Mom, Dad." She said smiling brightly. She turned to Keisuke who nodded and they walked off together.

The adults watched them a moment.

"Well Takahashi, looks like my daughter prefers your younger son!" Masao chuckled, "You'll just have to find someone else for Ryousuke!"

Takahashi Fujimaro frowned but nodded.

Keisuke led Mitsu out of the house after he had changed and she had collected her jacket.

Ryousuke had already started his car and was sitting and waiting for them. His eyes followed them as they approached his younger brother's car and climbed in. When the yellow FD's engine came to life, Ryousuke motioned for his brother to go first.

Nodding Keisuke backed out and headed down the long driveway to the road. Ryousuke followed him and they headed up to Akagi.

Mitsu glanced in the side view mirror. It's too bad he had decided to drive behind them. She had wanted to see him drive. She glanced at Keisuke from the corner of her eyes. Her gaze lowered to his hand as he smoothly shifted gears.

"So you two are the famous Takahashi Brothers from the Redsuns."

Keisuke smiled, "So you've heard of us."

"My father always mentions how you are the sons of his best friend. And I've seen you on a few magazine covers. Plus your car happens to mention your team name." She answered smiling.

"Are you a racing fan?" Keisuke asked glancing at her.

She shrugged, "A little."

"Is that why you're so interested in Akagi? You know we are going there to practice, right?"

"Sort of. Yes, I figured you were going to practice when you mentioned you were heading there tonight." She smiled, "Plus, I wanted to get away from the party. No offense."

"None, taken. Ryousuke and I don't like these parties either." Keisuke frowned. He looked in his rear view mirror, "Strange..." he mumbled to himself.

"What is?" Mitsu asked curiously.

"Oh. It's nothing. My brother usually drives closer behind me than this. He's pretty far back." Keisuke glanced back again.

Mitsu also looked through the side view mirror. From where they were, she couldn't get a good look at his driving ability. She sighed. Too bad...

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. How far away are we?"

"Not too far now."

"Okay." She looked out the window at the dark night. She turned to him, "So do you study medicine as well?"

"Me? No! Just a few courses here and there. Nothing serious." He answered casually.

"Not planning on following the family business?"

"No. I want to drive professionally."

Mitsu glanced at him. She could tell from the sound of his voice that he was completely serious and very determined, "It's good that you know exactly what you want to do. I like that." She said with a smile as she continued to stare out the window.

"What about you?"

"Me? I'm going to be a doctor of course!" She laughed.

Keisuke found her reaction amusing, "Why is that funny?"

"It's not." She replied smiling, "I don't know what else I would do if I wasn't going to be a doctor." She turned to give him a smile.

He smiled back.

"So..."

"Hmm?"

"Is the famous Keisuke-san seeing anyone?" She asked.

Keisuke glanced at her in surprise, "You're very blunt."

Mitsu nodded, "Sometimes." She waited for him to answer and when he didn't he urged him, "So?"

"No." Keisuke answered finally, "I don't have time for distractions."

"Distractions?" Mitsu repeated raising an eyebrow.

He nodded simply and didn't offer an explanation.

"That's a little harsh."

Keisuke shrugged, "Well I know what can happen when women enter a racer's life."

Mitsu wanted to ask him more but refrained from doing so. She didn't know him well enough to be asking him such personal questions.

"Does Ryousuke-san believe as you do?"

Keisuke shrugged, "More than likely." He answered simply, "We're at the base now." He said as he glanced back at his brother. He was still several car lengths back.

"You guys are close." Mitsu said softly.

Keisuke nodded.

"You're lucky to have a brother."

Keisuke glanced at her. Was she lonely, "There has to be something good about being an only child too."

Mitsu smile, "Yes. That's true." She turned to look at the passing scenery, "Is there generally a lot of traffic on Akagi?"

"Mainly on Holidays or when word gets out of a race happening here." He glanced back. Ryousuke's headlights were no longer in view. He frowned. What was going on?

"Something wrong?"

"No. Nothing. Here we are." Keisuke said and parked his car beside a few other cars, "This is the rest of the Redsuns team and that guy over there the other racer for Ryousuke's Project D team"

"Project D?"

Keisuke nodded, "Come on I'll introduce you before my brother gets here and we have to start."

They got out of the car. He waved to everyone and joined them. One by one, he introduced Mitsu to all of them, "And this is Fujiwara Takumi from Project D."

"Nice to meet you." She said shaking his hand. He looked young.

He nodded and she saw a slight blush creep onto his face. How cute... She smiled and turned as she heard the distinct sound a rotary engine approaching.

The famous white FC appeared and came to a halt beside the newer generation of the same car. The engine was turned off and Takahashi Ryousuke stepped out. Everyone quieted and turned to him.

Mitsu watched with interest as everyone watched his casual approach and waited for him to speak. They all respected him so much. Her eyes rested on the man everyone was waiting on. His face was blank. His posture showed confidence and he moved fluidly as only a person in exceptional physical shape can. He was intimidating...

"Today's session will be shorter than usual. Kenta, I will speak with you first." He said and motioned for the teenager to follow him to his car where he pulled out his laptop and started discussing something with the young racer. When they were done, Kenta climbed into his car and started his first practice run. One by one, each member of the Redsuns were pulled aside and given individualized and specific instructions. They were very organized Mitsu noticed. Finally it was Keisuke's turn.

"I'm going to go watch by the guard rail." Mitsu said and walked away from him when his older brother called for him.

Keisuke went over to his brother and listened as he gave him instructions. Keisuke nodded and turned to leave.

Ryousuke watched as he climbed in his car and headed down the mountain. He then walked over to the two support vans parked close to the guardrail to speak to the crew and look over the team members. He opened his laptop and entered a few details.

"She's definitely cute." He heard one of the crew members exclaim. He silently took a deep breath and released it. Patience. Kenta re-appeared and Ryousuke went to speak with him.

Mitsu watched him from the corner of her eyes. He was even more fascinating than anything she had ever heard or seen about him. And definitely an enormous mystery.

"You too huh?"

Mitsu's head swiveled at the sound of the voice. She smiled at the man who stood beside her watching Takahashi Ryousuke, "I'm sorry?"

He turned to her and smiled then nodded over at Ryousuke, "You're a fan of his too."

Mitsu's brows raised curiously, "And why would you think that?"

"You're staring at him aren't you?" He said casually.

"That's because I'd really like to hear what he's saying to everyone." She informed him.

"Right." He turned to her again, "You seem like a nice young lady. So let me give you a piece of advice."

Mitsu nodded curiously.

The man glanced at Ryousuke briefly again before turning to meet her eyes, "Don't get too attached. Takahashi Ryousuke is not known as the 'Lone' White Comet of Akagi for nothing."

She stared at him confused, "I think you misunderstand. I'm not at all interested in Ryousuke-san like that."

The man smiled softly, "You just remember what I said kid." He said and walked back to the other crew members who were currently busy collecting additional data from the other racers.

She watched him walk away. Then with one last glance at Ryousuke who was finishing up with Kenta, she turned to look down the mountain again. Why was he warning her about Takahashi Ryousuke? Attached to Ryousuke? Ha! She barely knew him!

"Learning anything new?"

She jumped slightly at the sound of his voice.

Ryousuke stepped to her side and looked down the mountain. He turned to her.

"You scared me." She said taking a deep breath.

The young man looked at her then turned his attention to the team members again.

"Okay what did I ever do to you?" She asked placing her hands on her hips as she fully turned to glare at him.

Ryousuke ignored her and pulled open his laptop to enter something in its database.

"You are really very rude." She exclaimed feeling the frustration building inside of her. What was happening here? Was she letting a man get the best of her? She took a cleansing breath and turned to look at the racers again.

Ryousuke eyed her carefully. Now what? She was watching his team carefully; collecting valuable information no doubt, "Do you see something interesting?"

"Oh, so he speaks!" Mitsu said giving him a side glance, "And yes. The view is amazing."

So that's how she was going to go about it, "What do you drive?"

Mitsu frowned at the sudden off topic question then she shrugged, "Nothing special."

"So you don't know..."

Mitsu laughed and rolled her eyes, "Yeah, that's it." She answered amused.

Ryousuke cocked one eyebrow.

Mitsu noticed and coloured slightly. Oops. She had to be careful around this guy or he'd find out everything she had worked so hard to conceal.

"Excuse me." The young man said and went to meet another team member as he reached the peak.

Mitsu let out a deep breath. Prudence. She had to be careful around Takahashi Ryousuke. She had a feeling that he was on to her secret. This wasn't good... She stepped over the guardrail and sat down releasing another sigh. All she had to do was not let him get to her. Better yet all she needed to do was stay clear of him. To her relief, Takahashi Ryousuke did not approach her again until they had reached his house and then only in the company of her parents and his family did he politely bid her goodbye.

Mitsu followed her parents to their car and climbed in.

"Did you have fun dear?"

"Yes, it wasn't too bad. I still don't see why I couldn't just have stayed home."

"I wanted you to meet my good friend and his family sweety." Her father explained glancing in the rear view mirror at his daughter.

Mitsu simply smiled then turned to look out the window.

"Aniki, are you still awake?" Keisuke called knocking on the door.

"Yes."

Keisuke entered the room and sat down on his brother's bed, "What are you doing?"

"Analyzing the data we collected tonight."

"Oh." He looked about the room, "So what did you think about Mitsu-chan?"

Ryousuke stopped tying and turned in his chair to face his younger brother, "Be careful with what you say when you are around her Keisuke. She knows who we are."

Keisuke frowned, "I know. She told me in the car ride to Akagi." He cocked his head to the side curiously, "What's wrong Aniki?"

"I have a suspicion, but I need to be sure about it first." He said and turned back to his laptop.

"About Mitsu?"

His brother didn't answer.

"She seems nice."

"She knows more than she's letting on." Ryousuke said casually. The mixture of fire and challenge he had seen burning in her eyes was proof of that...