Be My Babe | Initial D

Chapter 14

I gave myself a week before following Keisuke's advice, I woke up and made my way downstairs to find Uncle Yashi. Bowing respectfully, I expressed my gratitude, "Thank you for having me." He pulled me into a warm hug, assuring me, "You're always welcome."

The roadster sat in the garage, a testament to the events of the past few days. Uncle Yashi, being the supportive figure he was, offered to take me home. Clad in his surprisingly comfortable clothes, I settled into the passenger seat of the 200SX as we made our way back to my house. The anticipation of what awaited me weighed heavily on my mind.

The drive was quiet, my attempts to avoid biting the inside of my cheek betraying my nervousness. Upon reaching my house, Uncle Yashi insisted on accompanying me inside, and I hesitantly agreed.

Opening the door, I greeted the silent household with a quiet "Hello," peeking my head through. As I fully entered the house, I walked into the living room and saw my dad seated on the couch. The table held remnants of alcohol and a few cigarette butts, signaling a tumultuous evening. He looked up, spotting me, and stood up with a slight stumble, pulling me into a tight embrace.

It had been a long time since my father hugged me, and the scent of alcohol hung heavily in the air. Concern etched my face as I wondered about the events that transpired in my absence.

He held onto me for a moment, his grip unsteady. As he finally released me, I took a step back, examining his face for any signs of distress. His eyes, clouded and tired, met mine, and a mixture of emotions flashed across his face.

"Dad, what happened?" I asked, my voice soft but laced with concern.

He sighed, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "It's been a rough couple of days, sweetheart. I heard about your race, and I... I couldn't handle it well."

My heart sank. I hadn't anticipated the impact my actions would have on him. "I'm sorry, Dad. I didn't mean to cause you any trouble."

He shook his head, a bitter smile forming on his lips. "No, no, it's not your fault. I've been struggling with my own demons. Your success just brought them to the surface."

Uncle Yashi, standing nearby, chimed in. "I'll leave you two to talk. Remember, I'm here for you, Y/N." He patted my shoulder before discreetly exiting the room.

"I can't watch you put yourself in danger like that," my dad said, his voice strained. "You're my daughter, and I can't bear the thought of something happening to you out there on those roads."

"But Dad, it's what I love, what I'm good at," I pleaded, my eyes searching his for understanding. "I want to prove that I can make a name for myself, not just live in the shadows of others."

He sighed heavily, his gaze shifting to the floor. "It's not that simple, Y/N. There are things you don't understand, dangers beyond just racing. I've seen too many lives disrupted by this lifestyle."

The realization hit me. It wasn't just about the racing; there were underlying issues, secrets that he wasn't ready to share. "Dad, please. I can handle it. I'll be careful," I reassured him, though uncertainty lingered in my own voice.

He shook his head, a conflicted expression on his face. "It's not just about you being careful. You have a future...you have potential...you can be SOMETHING"