Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis.
Lady Monozuki: I don't really have much to say about this piece. I wrote it whilst reading Pride and Prejudice. My mind works in strange ways. Anyway, enjoy the short piece.
If asked to compare his life to anything in the world, he would have to respond with the analogy of tennis. You never know what you are going to encounter until that first serve. If you think you're prepared, then they'll come at you with a twist that goes opposite of what you expect. The unpredictability of each shot is enough to keep you on your toes. Once you start to figure out a pattern, they switch on you and attack with more force. Occasionally, you are able to control the spin that life gives you. However, then they start throwing slices that breaks your zone.
Tezuka Kunimitsu's life very much resembled a tennis match. Every morning seemed like stepping out on a court against an unknown player. All he had to do was think of counters to keep the games as the day progresses. However, sometimes he is forced to give up points until he is able beat a move that he has yet to come across. Today, however, is the same battle as the one all week. One person stood across the net with a fiery glare that refuses to be ignored. No matter how hard he tries, he cannot ignore the challenge and by the end of the day, he is confused.
He always took twists in stride, never once being surprised. The same, however, could not be said of this one. He had tried to ignore the player at first, but ended up pulled in anyway. He had never even thought about liking someone the same gender as himself. Yet, the attraction was there and growing every day. He thought about denying everything and moving on. But every time he let his thoughts stray from the match, he lost a point. Somehow, he was losing the match five to zero. No matter how hard he tried, the score would not change. A long rally ensued as he tried to sort out his feelings and thoughts.
"Ne buchou," he heard.
His heart skipped a beat and he held his breath. He lost another point. Tezuka looked up into those fiery golden eyes.
"Hn?"
"You're staring again," the person said.
Another point lost on his part. He let his guard down too many times.
"Ah, gomen Echizen."
"You seem distracted as of late and you keep looking at me. Is there something wrong?"
He tried to think of a response. What could he say to the person that he was currently infatuated with? All he knew was that he lost another point, bringing the game to match point.
"Saa Tezuka, I think you better tell him," he heard.
He looked up to see his smiling friend. He closed his eyes. Yes, he might as well. He lost the game anyway.
"Echizen," he started. He never got to finish his sentence when he felt soft lips press against his own.
"I know, buchou."
He stared at the young freshman with disbelief.
"H-how-?"
"Mada mada dane."
He really couldn't find a way to counter Ryoma.
~End~