After losing Karupin… well… it was hard for Ryoma.
He did not go to school for a week.
The tennis courts practically seemed deserted without his presence.
Everyone was worried.
And no one could get in touch with the Prince of Tennis himself. Tons of worried messages we left on his answering machine. From Oishi's message worring about his kohai to Sakuno asking why he was gone.
For the 17 year-old, things were so different.
His stomach seemed so bare that week because it was not occupied by his beloved Himalayan cat anymore. This is the first time in 9 years he has not had Karupin sleep on his pillow at night.
Another stray tear crawled down his cheek. The pain of his loss spread throughout his body as he felt the cold wetness on his face.
Shoving a handful of chips in his mouth, and gulping down the rest of the ponta, he went back to watching the latest tennis tournament on his tv. Trying to forget about the pain. Trying….
A few days later, he finally decided to head back to Seigaku, even though he still wasn't alright.
He said nothing to anyone the whole day. Everyone knew that Ryoma wasn't that social… but come on! He wasn't even saying his old 'Made Made Dane'!
And when the teacher called on him to answer a question… his gave a stare that made the teacher just go onto the next student.
And even tennis practice made the whole tennis club wonder about their captain.
"What is wrong with Echizen-buchou?" Ask one of the new freshman on the team.
Their coach, Inui-senpai, just shrugged. "There is a 90% chance that something happened to someone or something around him."
"I know what happened." A voice said behind Inui.
Inui didn't even turn around, already knowing who it was. "What happened then Fuji?"
The brunettes usual smile was gone, and an unusual frown replaced it. "Karupin." He said quietly. "Echizen had to put Karupin to sleep…"
Behind Inui's glasses, it clicked. Something this dramatic happening in Echizen's life would be the only way to make him act like this.
And only 2 things could make him this depressed.
Karupin and…
"How did you learn of this news Fuji?" Inui asked.
One word came from the brunette's lips.
"Tezuka."
To be continued!!
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Hope you enjoyed!
~Mizuki-sempai