Be My Babe | Initial D

Chapter 20

Uncle Yashi's call disrupted the quiet rhythm of my day. His carefully chosen words sparked suspicion, leaving me uneasy about his intentions. Despite the inner turmoil, the prospect of helping with a car in the garage offered a temporary escape from the overwhelming thoughts that haunted me. I hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly agreed, hoping that the mechanical familiarity of the garage might bring some semblance of normalcy to my fractured world.

As I stepped into the garage, the familiar scent of motor oil and metal surrounded me, momentarily grounding my restless mind. I sought out Kai, the one constant in this turbulent storm. Popping my head into his space, I announced my impromptu trip to Gunma. His response was immediate: he'd drive.

Preparation became a ritual, a silent agreement to face the unknown together. I adorned myself in practicality—grey overalls, a puffer jacket for warmth, and a pair of New Balances, each piece reflecting a semblance of readiness for whatever lay ahead. The engine's low hum mirrored the anticipation building within me as we embarked on this unplanned journey.

The familiar click of the seatbelt and the resonating engine sound filled the air as Kai and I settled into the MR2. In the passenger seat, I gazed out onto the road ahead, my thoughts weaving between uncertainty and a strange sense of liberation. As we lit up our cigarettes, the shared exhale of smoke mingled with the brisk wind, creating a momentary haze—a symbolic departure from the shadows that clung to us.

The road stretched ahead, a pathway to answers and perhaps more questions. The rhythmic hum of the engine and the scent of tobacco became a backdrop to the unspoken understanding between us. In the face of the unknown, the road ahead held the promise of discovery and the potential for healing the wounds that lingered within.

Kai dropped me off at the garage, having arranged with Uncle Yashi to stick around in case I needed a lift home or if I intended to stay with him. Stepping into the familiar space, I greeted Uncle Yashi with a warm hug. He held two cups in his hands, and I teasingly asked if one was already prepared for me.

He chuckled, placing the cups on the workbench, and directed me to wait a moment. As he headed into the workshop, my eyes fell on Takumi's 86, its bonnet down and visibly in need of some attention. I couldn't resist running my fingers over the dirty surface, a silent acknowledgment of the iconic car's history.

However, my attention quickly shifted to the corner where the unmistakable silhouette of a Silvertop 4A-GEU engine caught my eye. It was a marvel, a beautiful piece of machinery boasting the elegance of a 20-valve setup. I found myself in awe, whispering my admiration for the engine's craftsmanship.

A gruff voice interrupted my admiration, "You think you can handle it?" I turned to see Mr. Fujiwara standing there, a presence that demanded respect. I stammered out a greeting, expressing my honor at meeting him, and involuntarily bowed to both him and the 86. Uncles reassurance that my dad didn't know I was working with Fujiwara eased my nerves.

As my gaze lingered on the 86, I couldn't help but ask the obvious question, "So the engine blew?" Bunta Fujiwara hummed in agreement, setting the stage for the challenging yet exciting task ahead.

I popped the bonnet open, examining the aftermath of the damage inflicted on the engine. "He really did a number on it," I remarked, walking over to the engine crane and swiftly maneuvering it into place. While Uncle Yashi and Mr. Fujiwara engaged in conversation, I wasted no time and began the intricate dance of disassembling the car.