Unexpected

Part 10

I'm getting miked up and having my makeup slightly redone before filming starts. I do wish that they were less picky about my looks. When I was on camera for media obligations for Formula 2, I was mostly bare faced. You can't wear makeup during practice sessions or while racing when you're covered in a balaclava and helmet. And when you're done and take it all off, you have creases on your face and hat head. And oftentimes sweaty armpits and torso. So what do they think they're going to do when they film at the races?

"You're ready," I'm told. "You'll meet him inside this building. He's just finished a release event." They give me directions and send me on my merry way (with several cameramen).

"Come in!" I hear after I knock.

"It's me again," I say. I see that Sangil is expecting me, with freshly washed hair and clean clothes.

"Hello," he says shyly.

"You came back. He didn't scare you away?" asks Suhyun.

I'm not sure how much to joke around, because I don't want to hurt his feelings. "He didn't, but I might scare him today."

Sangil's eyes narrow, and a small frown mars his lips.

"It's race track day," I tell him. "We should be going. It's an hourlong drive from here. Gentlemen," I say, bowing to Snuper, "Where is amazing. So is Weekend Secret. Good luck with promotions."

Sangil and I walk to the GTR, which has already been outfitted with cameras. We easily settle in and are on our way. The beginning of our drive starts out with silence and awkwardness, which Sangil soon breaks.

"Taewoong and Sebin translated the lyrics for Where from Korean. You'll give them a big head by complimenting it."

"It's a good song," I say. "I'll have to post it on social media when the album gets released."

"How have you been?" he asks after another moment of silence.

"Good. I'm settling in at my new apartment, and I stop by the factory several times a week, train, and practice on the simulator."

"What is the simulator?"

"It's a replica of the race car with the tracks programmed in so I can practice 'racing' when I'm not at the actual circuit. Since we get so few hours of real time practice. Like an advanced video game."

He nods.

"What have you been doing?" I ask him.

"We've been promoting this Japanese mini album."

"And what does that entail?"

"Singing and dancing, a chat or game, meeting fans face to face, signing autographs and taking selfies."

"With the fans?"

"Yes." Another pause. "What exactly will we be doing at the track?"

"I'll drive you around for a few laps, and then you can be behind the wheel."

The conversation may have had a rocky start, but we're chatting comfortably by the time we arrive at Fuji Speedway. My brother is already there, with a family owned car (since Nissan wouldn't let Sangil drive the GTR on track). We get out, and I introduce them.

"This is Shim Sangil. Shim-sama, this is my younger brother, Kira. And this beauty is a Honda S2000." I reach into the car for a pair of helmets. "Safety first." I put mine on and hand the other one to him. "You're not wearing earrings, are you?"

Sangil shakes his head and pulls the helmet over his head.

"You look good," I tell him.

"Is that because you can't see my face properly?" he retorts.