What started out as my English holiday homework became this. Can't say I'm upset though, 'coz I really think I did a pretty good job. Then again, you guys are the judges, so, yeah. I know I should be updating Tenisu no Himesama, my other fic but I guess I needed a break.
iRAYUMi does not own Prince of Tennis
Running along the corridor, I hoped that I wasn't late for my story-telling competition. When I finally reached the hall, I breathed a sigh of relief. Using the reflection on the locker, I wiped the sweat on my forehead with my old blue handkerchief. Smiling confidently, I went up on stage. I was ready. My eyes scanned the audience and I could feel my heart skipping a beat.
I made my way to the centre of the stage anyway, my footsteps echoing behind me. I felt like I started flawlessly and was only getting better when a certain, horrifying thought struck me.
'I can't remember the rest of the story…'
I could feel the tears streaming in my eyes but I kept myself from sobbing. Clutching at the ribbon on my school uniform, I looked down. Even if I did cry, no one would see. I pretended not to hear the audience's whispers. Each silent murmur was a stab to my pride and confidence. My body was trembling. I had to remember those words.
I sighed in defeat and that was when my mind cleared. I remembered! The pauses I made were no longer awkward nor were they forced. Each time I paused, I could see the anticipation sparkling in the audience's eyes. My turn was over all too soon. I completed the story and bowed; following that, I walked off the stage.
My heart was beating furiously in my ribcage. The consolation prize winners had just been announced and I was not one of them. Then third place, then second. I watched from behind the curtain as they went up to accept their prizes. The next few words were like a mumble to me. All I heard was the emcee announcing my name and the next second, I was being pushed out of the stage wings. I accepted the trophy gratefully.
The moment it was all over, I ran all the way home, too excited to show the fruits of my labour to him. When I did enter the house, he was sitting on the sofa, reading a newspaper. I tackled him to the floor and held up my trophy for him to see. The corners of his mouth twitched up in a smile. I opened my mouth to say it. My mind went blank. It was déjà vu all over again.
This time, I was determined not to let my forgetfulness get the better of me. I had practiced saying it a hundred times, sometimes, even in front of my mirror, but when the moment came, I just couldn't open my mouth! I knew he was staring at me expectantly but I shrugged it off. I had to learn to improvise.
"N...n...nii-san, h…h…happy b…b…birthday. I…I…I love y…y…you."
In reply he pulled me close and hugged him. I grinned hopefully. Improvising worked! In a way, the practice did pay off. I handed him the trophy he smiled. I knew then and there, he was just trying to hide his tears.
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