You know, it's funny how I never get to see your eyes as often as I should. We've known each other for quite a while yet I still haven't seen your eyes. Sure you let people see them once in a while but that's not what I want. Why don't you open your eyes anyway? It's not like your eyes are not beautiful. In fact, they are truly remarkable to be able to pierce into one's soul, And I'm sure that's not all your eyes would show…I know there's something else, and I want to see it, at least before I leave…

..oOo..

"Ne, buchou what are you looking at?" Eiji asked seeing the buchou looking at a distance. Tezuka acknowledged his presence but ignored the question as he continued his intent gaze at a certain person. Eiji, somewhat annoyed and somewhat amused, tried to follow the captain's sight but failed when Tezuka spoke.

"Are you done with the warm-up laps?"

"Hai"

"Oishi! Have a practice game with Kikumaru." Tezuka called trying to find a way to rid off the company as he continued to observe the tensai. Of course, Eiji being oblivious to this just smiled and bounced.

"Yay! A game with Oishi!"

…oOo…

Why are you looking at me Tezuka? I can feel the weight of your stare on my back…Why? Is there something wrong? Don't I meet your standards?

…oOo…

"Game set and match, Fuji!"

"Good game Fuji-kun." Kawamura said as he shook Fuji's hand bashfully.

"You too Taka-san" Fuji said, smiling.

…oOo…

"Minna, practice is over. Freshmen pick up the balls and fix the nets. The others may go to the showers." Tezuka commanded signaling the end of afternoon practice.

"Yes buchou"

"Fuji" Tezuka said as he approached Fuji on a bench fixing his things. Fuji looked up. "Aah, Tezuka"

"Do you have a minute?" Tezuka asked uncertainty in his voice.

"Uhmm…I still have some errands to do. Maybe tomorrow?" Fuji said half-knowing what they would talk about. He wasn't oblivious to the fact that his friend's injury is being a threat to his career and no, he didn't want to hear that Tezuka will be gone for a while.

"Ah" Tezuka replied failing to hide the disappointment in his voice. "Well…Ja"

"Ja" Fuji replied.

…oOo…

Why don't you just tell it to someone else Tezuka? I'm not unaware that maybe you would go to some palce far away to treat your shoulder. Maybe that's why you wanted to talk to me a while ago right? You wanted to tell me that you'll be gone for a while then persuade me to be the substitute captain. Well maybe that's not it but still…right, tomorrow…I guess I'm just not ready today. Tomorrow I will listen to you and be brave…I hope.

"Syusuke! Dinner's ready!"

"Hai"

…oOo…

I know you don't have errands to run, Fuji, but why did you lie to me? You could've just said that you do hnot wish to talk to me. That would've been easier for me. I'll be leaving soon but there's something I want to do before I leave…

…oOo…

Silence.

It's been like this ever since they came to the rooftop. Somehow this was not a strange silence anymore. They were now accustomed to this kind of silence.

"I'm leaving." Tezuka broke the silence. Fuji didn't reply for a moment and just looked above. This was what he was avoiding and hoping not to hear.

"Don't worry Tezuka the team won't fall apart in the minutes that you'll be gone." Fuji said even though he knew that Tezuka won't just be gone for a day nevertheless, minutes.

"To Germany" Tezuka ignored Fuji's comment. This time Fuji was really silenced for a long time. He felt everything go kaboom at that statement. Oh how he feared that this day would come.

"That far huh?" Fuji managed to say while keeping his voice from croaking and his tears at bay. Tezuka just nodded.

"When will you come back?" Fuji asked, now facing the reality.

"As soon as my arm gets healed" Tezuka replied. Fuji sighed and leaned further on the fence.

"So when you come back you'll be the perfect Tezuka Kunimitsu…" Fuji said with a fake smile.

"Aah…I'll be able to fight with whomever." Tezuka said.

"With whomever?"

"With whomever" Fuji didn't say anything anymore. He just tried to enjoy some of the last moments in Tezuka's silent company before he leaves even though it hurts.

"Fuji" Fuji looked up as Tezuka called him.

"Open your eyes." Tezuka said still commanding as ever.

'What? Why does he want to…?'

"Just…please open your eyes." Tezuka this time pleaded. 'I just want to see them so I have something to remember when I leave.' Tezuka thought

Fuji hesitated at first but then he slowly opened his eyes. 'I guess you would find out about it sooner or later.' Fuji thought.

Tezuka was surprised. He was Fuji's tears flow from his azure eyes. Sadness reflected on them. Tezuka didn't know what to do but he hugged Fuji tightly as if to say it's okay. He didn'yt know but something in Fuji's eyes told him to do so. Fuji was surprised as well but soon relaxed in the embrace.

"That's why I never wanted to show my eyes. I'm afraid to show my feelings. I'm afraid that you would know. My eyes are the windows of my emotions. My emotions and feelings were my most important possessions thus leading me to this. I wanted to hide it, fearing that you would drift away from me…but now you're leaving…" Fuji trailed, still in Tezuka's embrace.

"I'll be back…I promise" Tezuka said while he slightly ruffled Fuji's chestnut hair. They stayed like that for a while in silence before Fuji broke it off.

"I won't be able to see you off…" Fuji said as he walked away, saving no room for any complaints.Tezuka sighed. 'I'm glad to see the real you Syusuke...'