Chapter Twelve

July 2019

As Hisashi stepped through the door, the familiar sight of her black cat, Sawa, greeted her. The way the little panther always waited for her return never failed to warm her heart. With a gentle nudge against her legs, Sawa welcomed her home, her affectionate gesture a reminder of the bond they shared.

Hisashi smiled, crouching down to give Sawa a gentle scratch behind the ears before opening the door wider to let her inside. With a contented meow, Sawa darted into the kitchen, her hunger clear as she eagerly awaited her dinner.

She chuckled softly, following Sawa into the kitchen to prepare her meal. As she filled Sawa's bowl with food, she couldn't help but marvel at the way her furry companion brought a sense of joy and companionship to her life.

Once Sawa was happily occupy with her meal, Hisashi made her way to the sofa, sinking down into its welcoming embrace. With a soft sigh, she draped a cushion across her lap, the weight of the day's events beginning to settle upon her.

Glancing at the clock on the wall, she noted the late hour with a sense of resignation. The stillness of the house suggested her uncle had long since retired to bed, leaving her to unwind in the quiet solitude of the night. As she settled onto the sofa, Sawa curled up beside her, Hisashi stroked the cat's soft fur absentmindedly, lost in her own thoughts.

With a weary smile, Hisashi closed her eyes, allowing the gentle rhythm of Sawa's contented purring to lull her into a state of relaxation. Despite the lateness of the hour, she knew that in the company of her beloved cat; she was home, surrounded by love and warmth.

The quiet of the house enveloped her, the only sound the gentle hum of the refrigerator and Sawa's soft purring. It was a comforting silence, a welcome respite from the chaos of the outside world.

But amidst the tranquility, Hisashi's mind was anything but calm. Thoughts of Hen Akoto and their kiss earlier swirled in her mind, a whirlwind of emotions threatening to overwhelm her.

On one hand, she felt an undeniable excitement and attraction towards Hen Akoto. His charismatic nature and genuine demeanor had drawn her in from the moment they met, and the kiss had only intensified those feelings.

But she couldn't shake the fear of being hurt again. The memory of her past relationships, each ending in heartache and disappointment, loomed large in her mind. She had worked hard to build up her walls, to protect herself from the pain of rejection and betrayal. And now, with Hen Akoto , she found herself torn between the desire to let go and the fear of being hurt once more.

She couldn't shake the nagging feeling that she was out of her depth in this world of social dynamics and romantic entanglements. While Hen Akoto seemed to effortlessly navigate the complexities of relationships, she felt like a fish out of water, uncertain of how to proceed.

She had always been more comfortable behind the wheel of a car than amid a social gathering. While others her age were out partying and drinking, she had spent her time honing her skills on the racetrack, pursuing her passion with single-minded determination.

But now, faced with the prospect of romance and intimacy, she felt woefully unprepared. She feared that her lack of experience would be glaringly obvious to Hen Akoto, that he would see her as naïve and inexperienced compared to the other girls vying for his attention.

And yet, despite her insecurities, she couldn't deny the pull she felt towards him. There was something about Hen Akoto that drew her in, something beyond his social prowess and charismatic charm. It was a connection that she couldn't quite put into words, but one that she felt deep in her heart.

As she grappled with her conflicting emotions, she knew she needed to find a balance between her fears and her desires. She couldn't let her experiences dictate her future happiness, nor could she ignore the undeniable chemistry between her and Hen Akoto.

Hisashi sat quietly staring at the roof the purring of her cat intensifying. As she rested her head , memories began to flood back, taking her to a time when life was simpler, when she was just a ten-year-old girl who idolized her father. To a place such worries were the least.

She could almost hear the rumble of engines and the smell of gasoline, the sounds and scents that were part of her childhood. Her father, a towering figure in her young life, had taken her to a race practice track one weekend. It was a place of noise and excitement, a world that fascinated her even at that tender age.

"Are you ready, Hisashi?" her father had asked, his voice filled with the kind of warmth that made her feel safe and loved. He was dressed in his racing gear, the helmet tucked under his arm, his eyes gleaming with the thrill of the upcoming drive.

Hisashi, her eyes wide with excitement, had nodded vigorously. "Yes, Papa!" she had exclaimed, bouncing on the balls of her feet, barely able to contain her enthusiasm.

He had smiled at her, that familiar, reassuring smile that made her feel like everything in the world was right. "Alright then," he had said, taking her small hand in his and leading her toward his car. It was a sleek, powerful machine, all curves and chrome, with the number 13 painted boldly on the side.

As they approached the car, her father had crouched down to her level. "Do you trust me, Hisashi?" he had asked, his tone suddenly serious.

Hisashi had looked into his eyes, her own reflecting nothing but pure, unwavering trust. "I do, Papa," she had whispered, the words carrying a weight far beyond her years.

He had lifted her into the passenger seat, strapping her in carefully, making sure she was secure. "This is going to be fast," he had warned, his voice tinged with excitement. "But I'll be right here with you."

The moment the engine roared to life, Hisashi had felt a thrill unlike anything she had ever known. The vibrations of the car, the way it seemed to hum with power beneath her, made her heart race with anticipation.

As they sped down the track, the world outside became a blur of colors and shapes. Her father's hands moved skillfully on the wheel, his focus intense but calm. He had pointed out the curves of the track, explaining how to navigate them, his voice clear and steady despite the speed.

"Feel the way the car moves, Hisashi," he had said, his tone instructive yet gentle. "It's like dancing, but with the road. You have to understand it, respect it."

She had listened intently, absorbing every word, every nuance of his voice. The wind had whipped through her hair, the g-forces pressing her back into the seat, but she hadn't felt fear. She had felt alive, connected to her father in a way that words couldn't describe.

When they finally came to a stop, her father had turned to her, his face beaming with pride. "What do you think, champ?" he had asked, ruffling her hair.

Hisashi had grinned, her face flushed with excitement. "Can we go again?" she had asked eagerly, her voice full of wonder and joy.

He had laughed, the sound rich and full, wrapping her in its warmth. "You're just like me," he had said, his eyes twinkling with affection. "Maybe one day, you'll be out there on the track, too."

That memory, so vivid and precious, lingered in Hisashi's mind, her heart aching with a longing for those simpler times. Her father had been her hero, her guide in a world that could be both thrilling and terrifying. He had taught her to love the thrill of the race, the beauty of speed, and the importance of trust.

As the last rays of sunlight dipped below the horizon, Hisashi wiped away the single tear that had escaped down her cheek. She missed him more than words could express, but she knew that his lessons, his love, were still with her, guiding her in every decision she made.

With a deep breath, she pulled herself from the memories. Her father had shown her the path, and now it was up to her to walk it every step of the way.

*****

Hisashi and Xiangua sat across from each other in a cozy diner, the morning sun streaming through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the small, bustling space. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon filled the air, mingling with the chatter of other diners. Their breakfast plates were half-eaten, but the conversation between them had just started to pick up.

Xiangua took a sip of her coffee, her eyes studying Hisashi's face as she placed her cup back on the table. "You seem quieter than usual," she remarked, tilting her head slightly. "Something on your mind?"

Hisashi hesitated for a moment, her fork pausing mid-air. She glanced around the diner, as if making sure no one was eavesdropping, before setting her fork down and meeting Xiangua's curious gaze. "Actually, there is something I've been meaning to tell you," she said, her voice soft but carrying a hint of excitement.

Xiangua leaned in, her interest piqued. "What is it? You know you can tell me anything."

Hisashi bit her lip, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Hen Akoto and I… we kissed."

Xiangua's eyes widened in surprise, her hand instinctively reaching for her coffee cup, which she nearly knocked over in her shock. "You what?!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of disbelief and excitement. "When did this happen? And why am I just hearing about it now?"

Hisashi laughed, the sound light and a bit nervous. "It happened a few nights ago," she confessed, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I've been trying to process it, I guess. It's all just… a lot."

"A lot?" Xiangua repeated, her eyebrows shooting up as she leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "Girl, this is huge! How could you not tell me right away?"

Hisashi shrugged, her eyes drifting to her plate as she absentmindedly pushed her scrambled eggs around with her fork. "I don't know… I guess I wasn't sure how to feel about it, or what it even meant."

Xiangua's expression softened, and she reached across the table to gently touch Hisashi's hand. "Hey, I get it. But you know I'm here for you, right? To help you sort through all the feelings and figure this out."

Hisashi nodded, her smile returning, this time more genuine. "I know, Xiangua. And I appreciate that. It's just… Hen and I have never been close, but this feels different. It's like everything shifted."

Xiangua grinned, a twinkle of mischief in her eyes. "So, how was it? The kiss, I mean."

Hisashi couldn't help but laugh, her shoulders relaxing as she leaned back in her seat. "It was… amazing," she admitted, her eyes lighting up at the memory. "It felt right, you know? Like something it's been building up to for a long time."

Xiangua nodded knowingly, a wide smile spreading across her face. "Sounds like it's been a long time coming. But what now? What are you going to do?"

Hisashi sighed, her fingers drumming lightly on the edge of the table. "That's the part I'm still figuring out. I mean, I want to see where this goes, but I'm also scared of ruining what we already have."

Xiangua squeezed her hand, her voice gentle and reassuring. "Whatever happens, just remember to be honest with him—and with yourself. You deserve to be happy, Hisashi, and if Takawara's the one who makes you feel that way, then go for it."

Hisashi smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Thanks, Xiangua. I really needed to hear that."

Xiangua winked playfully, picking up her coffee again. "Anytime. Now, let's finish breakfast before it gets cold. And you better keep me updated on everything that happens next, got it?"

Hisashi laughed, nodding as she picked up her fork. "I promise," she said, feeling lighter as they continued their meal, the warmth of their friendship enveloping them like a comforting embrace.