Red-Line Chapter 14 : Zinaida
I can't believe it......she, no, Zinaida......asked me to go out with her........This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!! I can't wait!
We were on our way back to the hotel, and until now I can't keep smiling because Zinaida asked me out for a date. I'm so excited!
"Kagiyama-san!"
-"Yes Kyosuke, what is it?"
"You won't believe it, Tori won in a snow race!"
-"Really?"
"Yes! He beat the local that is an unsuspected racer, it was a girl!"
-"A girl, you say? Hmm...Tori-san, what is the name of the girl who you just raced against?"
"She's Zinaida, Zinaida Kalina."
-"Did you say 'Kalina'?"
"Hai. Why, what is it, Kagiyama-san?"
-"Hmmm.....Kyosuke, I'm going out. I'll have Yamato take care of things around here. I'll borrow your Evo for a while, I need to go somwhere."
"Yes, Kagiyama-san."
Kairi left like he was in a hurry. Me and Kyosuke were a bit puzzled, "Kyosuke-san, why did Kagiyama-san left in such a hurry??"
-"Beats me. Maybe he remembered someone when you mentioned Zinaida's name. I dunno...."
"Oh, ok... Oh no, i forgot to tell Kagiyama-san about my 'plans' for tomorrow."
-"Your 'plans', eh? Hehe, you can tell him later."
*meanwhile, Kairi went to a small house in the not-so-far side of town.*
"Frank!"
-"Kairi, is that you??"
"Yes, it's me. Long time no see."
-"Long time no see, too. Come inside."
"Where's your daughter?"
-"She went out, said she was going to race with someone."
"Heh, so...you already taught your little girl how to race at a young age."
-"Of course. A racer has to pass on his skills to the next generation, right? Haha!"
Just then, a white car stopped in front of the house.
*later that evening*
Kairi was back. I didn't tell him right away my "plans", because I think he needs some rest. I waited for not more than one hour.
"Uhm, Kagiyama-san..."
-"Yes, what is it, Tori?"
"...uhm.....I was thinking.......I want to ask permission.....to go out tomorrow.....with somebody........"
-"Is it a girl?"
!!WHAT THE?! How'd he knew?!?!
"Uhm......yes......"
-"Take care. With those snow tires you won't have problems navigating the snow roads."
"Hai! Arigato gozaimasu, Kagiyama-san!"
Wow, that was quick. But now that I have Kairi's permission, I'm good to go! Man, I can't wait!
*the next day*
I headed to the place where we decided to meet, that place where we first met.
I saw her, waiting. I quickly pulled over to the side of the road.
"Zinaida! Have you been waiting here for a while?"
-"No, I just got here. I asked my dad to drop me off here, he was going somewhere."
"I see. So, shall we....uh...get going??"
-"Yes, let's go!" She smiled.
So, off we went. She sat in the passenger seat, I glanced at her as she sat. Man is she beautiful! Her skin is white and smooth, her clothes are cute today, it's as if she wore them just for this occasion. I'm getting nervous!
First stop, the coffee shop. It was a bit colder than usual today, so she wanted to get something to warm her up. I got her a cup of hot chocolate, I got one for me too.
"Uhm, Tori... it's a bit crowded in here, do you want to go someplace else?"
-"Sure, where do you want to go?"
"Let's see...the park should be a nice place. Let's have our hot chocolate there."
-"Okay, that's a great idea!"
So, off to the park we went. As we parked, we looked for an empty bench to sit. Luckily, we saw a couple leave on a bench near the port. "Let's sit there," I said.
"Say, Tori..."
-"What is it?"
"About the race yesterday...I was really surprised and impressed at you. (she looks at her cup of hot choco) My father was a racer, he taught me how to drive and to navigate that snow course since I was 15, and since I don't have much interests and hobbies back then it was okay for me. As I continued driving, I got hooked. I began to appreciate cars in that way, and eventually, like them. I got faster and faster every day, my father honed my skills without me even knowing that his real intention was to make me a race driver. (she holds her cup a bit tighter) After just 2 years, I learned a lot. Since then, a few racers have challenged and tried to best me, but all failed."
"I have found no one to beat me, that is, until yesterday. (she looks at me) You're a great driver, Tori. You really are."
-"Really?? Me?? Well, hehe, i..........don't know what to say......"
"(chuckles)"
After drinking the hot chocolate, we ate at a nearby restaurant at the park. Then, we decided to call it a day. She told me that I should drop her off at the "meeting place". While on our way, she opened up a conversation.
"Uhm....Tori...."
-"What is it?"
"This car......the car you're driving.....I remember my father used to tell me his experiences when he was still racing. He seldom mentions about a racer who drives a car exactly the same as yours, yes, this yellow Honda I'm talking about. He told me how great the driver was, they were always competing at each other every race, because of that they developed a friendly rivalry. He always smiles when he tells those things to me. He must have enjoyed his years of racing back then. I'm happy for him."
-"I see. Well, this car ain't that much, but it's still a great car! Haha!"
"Yeah, hehe....hmm, as far as I can remember, that driver Father was talking about was, i think he was Japanese, same as you. I forgot his name, i think it was K---"
-"Oh, we're here."
"Well, this is it. You're leaving tomorrow, are you?"
-"Yeah, we still have to pursue our goal, to be the best."
"I wish the best of luck to you and your team. Take care!"
As I dropped her off, I left. Man, I enjoyed today, the smile on my face just won't go away!
*the next day*
We were preparing our stuff for our next destination, we are to leave by 10 a.m. sharp. Everyone was in a hurry, final checks were made when we got to the airport.
"Do you everything ready? Kyosuke? Tori?"
"Hai, Kagiyama-san."
"Hai, Kagiyama-san."
Suddenly, I heard someone shout, "Tori!!"
I looked back, I was surprised it was Zinaida!
"Tori, *catches breath* so, you're leaving now.."
-"Yes."
"I.....I want to give you something. Here, it's a picture of me and my Celica. I want you to have it." (she hands me the photo)
-"Uh, thanks! Here, I have something to give to you too. It's a picture of me and my Civic, well we could say we exchanged pictures, haha!"
"Hehe.........uhm.....Tori....."
-"What is it?"
"Take care......(she whispers me)
I love you," the she kisses me in the cheek.
Time froze for me. She said the three magic words. SHE. KISSED. ME. I just wanted to faint, huuuuuh......
As we flew off, I can't stop thinking about her. She must be feeling the same, too. This warm feeling, I daydreamed as we got to our next destination:
Sweden. As the plane was about to land, I can see the mountains afar. I was amazed, "Woooooow..."
The alps were breath-taking. I wonder what challenges awaits us here....
next on Red-Line - Chapter 15 : The Dogfight at the Alps
don't miss it!!
Bless the guy, he spent half the chapter blushing! 
Looking forward to more soon. 
We're joking that even on his date with this apparently lovely lady, he gets side tracted by a Spoon Civic and goes chasing it.
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