"But both Eiji and Momo turned down my invitation, you know?"

Tezuka Kunimitsu, the captain of Seigaku who left the U17 training camp received a call from the prodigy of Seigaku who remained there.

Been almost an hour Tezuka was listening to Fuji's basically one sided conversation with the reason that he needs to fill the captain up with what he's missing out on.

"Yukimura and Shiraishi was also turned down by their teammates too. I wonder why they won't come to our rooms. Do you have any clues, Tezuka?"

You seriously asking?

It started with a how are you in Germany. We're all fine here too. The black jersey team returned. Today's training was hard and etc.

Now it went on to Fuji's life at the camp, mainly about his roommates and how close they are.

Listening to Fuji talk, Tezuka felt an unknown emotion. There were many things he wanted to talk about.

I am doing well also.

Keep up with the training. Don't let your guard down.

I think I know why.

Don't you also know the reason? You're just pretending to be oblivious.

What are you up to.

It seems that you are quite fond of your roommates.

Do you

miss me

But being the generally stoic captain, Tezuka wasn't one to talk to much in the first place so he just replied with an "hn."

Fuji must have known this too and went on with his conversation.

"You see, Shiraishi and Yukimura both said they have know idea. Anyway it's a good thing we hit off so nicely. Common interests and hobbies are really good for making friends. There's so many pots and vases in our room and it's simply wonderful. I also brought in two new cacti for this occasion and named them Kura-chan and Sei-chan and placed them next to Yut-ta, actually."

"Seems like your really fond of you roommates."

Tezuka felt uncomfortable by the second, listening to Fuji and finally let out a response.

But Fuji's reply only made him more uncomfortable.

"Of course! I think they're great. It's so fin and nice hanging out with them. Actually, since we bathe together these days, I had some trouble with Eiji who felt neglected the other day, you know."

"Hn."

There was a change in Tezuka's tone. And Fuji caught it immediately.

"What's wrong, Tezuka? Could it be you're jealous?"

"!"

Bullseye.

Right on the mark.

The genius Fuji Shusuke identified the emotion Tezuka Kunimitsu refused to admit.

"Mmm.. don't worry, Tezuka. I won't leave Seigaku regardless of how much I like my roommates. I still haven't beaten you yet, you know."

Then are you planning to leave when you beat me.

Swallowing the question he was afaid of the answer, Tezuka replied with honesty.

"I won't let my guard down."

"I can't wait. You know, when you were here I tried to postpone our match.. strange how things change... I kind of miss those days."

Those days.

When you were right next to me.

"I -"

I miss you.

But Tezuka immediately hid his true feelings.

"I must get going now. I enjoyed the call, Fuji. Don't let your guard down."

Something the captain can say to his teammate.

Tezuka tried to sound as usual as he pushed down his longing.

"Of course, Tezuka. You do your best too. I think I'll rest and take a look at my cacti. I'm sure my Yut-ta, Kura-chan, Sei-chan, and Mistu misses me by now. Then, bye for now Tezuka."

The call ended and Tezuka stood still, thinking. And finally brought up his emotions to the surface.

I miss you. Fuji.

I really want to see you.

And another thing that has been bothering him.

Yukimura. Shiraishi.

"There was an empty bed in room 201..."

Tezuka found another reason to hurry his return to Japan.

Time to train.

Hard.