A/N: Hello! I had this idea in my mind for some time, and I wanted to post this up, before I could forget. I will be continuing my other POT stories, so don't worry xD

My main OC for this story is, Sato Asuka. I will post a picture of her on my profile soon, as well as what she'll look like when she's 25 years old XD She plays violin, and isn't really the best at sports. She school she will be attending is Hyoutei Academy, where the rich (and arrogant) attend.

If you DON'T LIKE OCs, which I understand - then you don't have to read this. I haven't completely grasped the personalities of the Hyoutei tennis regulars. Please feel free to note my mistakes, and criticise. Flames are okay, just are long they're not to vile and accusing. ==

Thank you. :D

Prince of Tennis rightfully belongs to Takeshi Konomi. I don't own it, I only own my OCs

Full Summary: Sato Asuka had recently transferred to Hyoutei Academy on a music scholarship, hoping to fulfil her dreams and find what she had lost, long ago. Eh? But what are the tennis regulars doing in the picture? Shishido Ryou x OC. OC

~Heart's Melody~
|Chapter 1|
-It begins…-

Her right arm moved swiftly, drawing on the strings of her violin. She didn't hear anything, except for the beautiful music that her violin made. A soft smile settled on her lips, as she slightly raised her arm, ignoring the pain prickling her shoulder, as she made her way to the D string, and allowed her bow to slowly move down the string, giving her a deep satisfaction as her violin thrummed. The girl lifted her chin from her chin rest and lowered her arms, a sigh of relief escaped her lips. Her brown eyes darted to the door, to see if anyone was listening. She sighed, and her shoulders sagged.

"Not calling yet, eh?" She muttered as she glanced at her mobile phone, and placed her violin delicately in the case. Quickly, zipping it shut, she stalked out of the room, her chocolate brown eyes clearly expressing how she feels. "Okaa-san, "Otou-san," she whispered, and clasped her hands together, "Please come home soon…"

Sato Asuka sighed for the umpteenth time, her slender fingers tapping impatiently on the table. Her hand moved gracefully, as if she was simply playing the piano. Her brown hair was neatly tied in a ponytail, held by a satin, blue ribbon. Matching brown eyes stared into the distance, watching the trees' branches sway freely, and elegantly whilst white clouds drift away slowly. Her black violin case, was settled against the couch she was seated upon her.

"Sato Asuka. Please come in," a tall, elegant woman dressed in a charcoal grey suit said, as she gestured with her hand, "I apologise for the delay. The principal, is unable to see you, because he is attending an important meeting. However, Sakaki-sensei, one of Hyoutei's finest music teachers will see your performance. Good luck, Sato-san." Asuka nodded, too nervous to speak, her stomach was already filled with butterflies as she clutched the strap of her violin case tightly. She took a deep breath.

'You can do this, Asuka,' she told herself, 'You can get the scholarship, you can do this.' Taking another deep breath, she knocked on the door of Music Room 1.

"Come in."

Asuka opened the door, her knees trembling as she walked in, and gently closed the porcelain white door by the polished golden doorknob. She gulped, as she saw a man with an unyielding expression, dressed neatly a brownish-burgundy suit. She saw a grand piano situated in the middle of the room, sofas and chairs neatly arranged, plenty of stands, and instruments' cases raging from smallest to largest. Asuka licked her lips nervously, as she approached him, whom she presumed to be Sakaki Tarou. Every now and then, her eyes would flicker to everything in the room, admiring them, and resisted the envy that clawed at her. Even the painted portraits of great composers such as Bach, Mozart, Beethoven – and many more seem to raise their noses smugly in the air, as if they truly believed that the exquisite room meets up to their high standards. Hyoutei Academy did really live up to its name. Though almost all the entire students in the school come from wealthy families.

"Hello, Asuka-san," Sakaki spoke, his firm expression not wavering, "I trust you that you had warmed up with your violin in that room."

"Yes, Sakaki-sensei," Asuka answered politely, "Thank you for allowing me the time to warm up."

Sakaki nodded, though he noted with disapproval the nervous look in Asuka's eyes. "The year had already begun, even though only two months had passed. Are you still willing to continue this?"

Asuka nodded, feeling her throat getting dry. "Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Sakaki nodded, and handed her a piece of paper. Her eyes widened with shock, "Y-You want me to play all of these?" She stammered.

Sakaki nodded, "Yes. Hyoutei has extremely high expectations for scholarship students. Don't think applying for a music scholarship at Hyoutei is simple. If you want to leave, you may."

Asuka rapidly shook her head, she had waited two whole months for this. She didn't want her to burden her family for paying her school fees. Her parents work day and night, sometimes as even going far to other countries for money, even leaving her at home, trusting her to take care of herself. "No," she said, her voice getting strong, "I'll do it."

Sakaki nodded, "Excellent, what shall it be first, piano or violin? We'll start with scales on each of them."

Asuka pursed her lips determinedly, she wasn't going to be backing out now.

"Congratulations, Asuka-san," Sakaki praised.

"Eh?" Asuka looked up from nursing her sore, and tired fingers.

"You performed simply astounding, despite several minor mistakes. As expected of you, since you had won numerous major and minor music contests. You're accepted into Hyoutei Academy. Congratulations," Sakaki smiled slightly, and held out his hand for a hand shake.

Asuka gasped, slowly taking in the news. Then, she squealed in pure delight, happiness dancing over her face. She eagerly grabbed his hand and shook it, her eyes sparkling, "Thank you, Sakaki-sensei. I'll work hard! I promise!" She gabbled, her face glowing with pleasure.

Sakaki easily retrieved his hand from the delighted girl, with an awkward smile. "I'll be seeing you next week them. Good-bye."

"Thank you!" Asuka bowed, and stayed like that till he left the room. She ran her hand eagerly over the grand piano's lid. "Guess I'll be seeing you again, I really wish I had an amazing piano like this at home!" She giggled, and skipped happily to the door, her eyes feasted on the violin cases.

She pulled out a mobile phone and dialled in a number rapidly, shutting the door behind her. She held the phone to her ear, eagerly waiting as she strolled around to find the office.

Beep…beep…Beep!

"Hey, Mum! Guess what? I've been…hello? Hello?"

"The number you called is currently unavailable. Please leave a – beep!" Asuka slammed her finger on the button, and snapped it shut, sadness reflecting her eyes. "Guess they're too busy to call me and to answer their phones," Asuka sighed sadly, and trudged towards the office, wherever that is.

"I want to go back to Seigaku," Asuka whispered to herself, as the her students immediately waltzed out of the room, as the bell rang, "At least people are nicer…" When she introduced herself, all her new classmates took one glance at her, and instantly paid attention to someone else. She had a feeling she was 10% disliked…mainly because of her status as a 'commoner/scholarship student.'

Only one person was in the room, except for her. She peered curiously at him, who happened to be seater right next to her. The boy was quietly snoring, his head buried in his arms, his hair messily astray.

"Ano…excuse me," Asuka said, as she poked him, "Class had ended…"

The boy continued to snore away. Asuka sweat-dropped, and sighed. She grabbed her violin case and left the class room, quietly as possibly. The orange haired boy stirred, and blink, squinting his eyes to see the brunette girl leave the classroom, clutching a violin case. He rubbed his eyes, still blurred with sleep, and yawned loudly whilst stretching his arms lazily.

Sato Asuka's POV

"This place is insane," I whispered, as I clutched my violin case nervously, "This…'cafeteria' is like a five stars restaurant, plus a buffet." I eyed, the mountain of jelly, which varies in all colours. I sighed. "I want to go back to Seigaku…even though I didn't have much friends there," I muttered. At least Seigaku is normal. I trudged sadly to wherever my feet led me. "I wonder how, Momo, Eiji, and Fuji are doing…" I sighed, as I thought of my friends. Even though Momo is a 2nd year, I find Momo to be so friendly and open, he even cried when I told him that I would be transferring to another school.

"Asuka-senpai," Momoshiro wailed loudly as he flailed his arms, "Are you seriously going to transfer?"

"Gomen, Gomen, Momo-chan," I apologised, fighting back tears, and strangely laugher (because Momo looks funny), "It's just that…that school, it may be the key to guide me to my dreams. You know how I want to be a famous violinist. That school has several music rooms, and professional music teachers. I waited a long time for this, and you know how Seigaku is more into sports than music… So yea…" I hung my head, tears forming in my eyes.

"It's your dream, ne? Senpai?" Momo asked. I looked up, to find a big grin facing me. "You really want to achieve right, senpai?" I nodded. "Well…" He gave a thumbs-up, "You can do it senpai! Go and show the world what you can do!"

I gasped, surprised, and slowly, I relaxed to a smile. "Arigatou, Momo-chan!" The tears trickled down my cheeks, "Arigatou! Ne, Momo, you're in the tennis club aren't you? I might drop by sometime, because the school is in the Tokyo area – it's close to Seigaku, I think! And Momo, show the world what you can do! Be a top tennis player!" I smiled brightly at my kouhai, who was already bawling his eyes out.

I sighed, a gentle smile flitted onto my lips. Momo…he is such a great friend, encouraging me to do my best. Eiji and Fuji had been my classmates ever since we were first years. I met Eiji in the 3rd year, when he went on his knees, and begged me to copy my homework. After that, he kept on hugging me to death, and gave me a nickname, 'Su-chibi-chan.' Really…that idiot. Do I look really that short? But I can't help smiling, but it froze when I thought of Fuji… That git…he once tricked me to eating wasabi ice cream, saying that it was green tea ice-cream! T-THAT MORON! Humph. Well…I didn't really had much friends ever since I was little, because I had been obsessed with music, and only devoted my attention to it ever since. I was considered an 'anti-social' back in Seigaku.

"Hey! Watch it!" A gruff voice broke me out of my thoughts. I looked up to find a boy with long, brown hair tied into a ponytail, with matching eyes, who nearly bumped into me. I scowled back at him, stupid rude git.

"What?" He snapped, "Move already! Does it look like I have all day?" My scowl deepened, but faded quickly away, once I realised, I was in an unfamiliar place. I quickly stepped aside, to let him pass, to avoid any further 'arguments'. Actually, cross that out, any further death wishes, for him from me, of course. Anyway…I'm lost. I groaned mentally and resisted the urge to bang my head against the wall.

I glowered at the long hair boy. 'A boy that has long hair?' I scowled, 'Weirdo… GAH! His hair is nicer than mine!' I really wish, I didn't have to do this, but since Hyoutei is literally a palace, I'm already lost. "A-Ano!" I called out, rather hesitantly. The boy abruptly stopped in his tracks, and turned slightly, to face him, his eyes narrowed in annoyance. "D-Do you know where the music room is?"

He narrowed his eyes even further, "Che, a waste of my time. Stupid shortie." With that, he turned back to the front and walked away, slouching with arrogance and overwhelming pride.

"H-Hey!" I yelled, "I'm not short!" I huffed in annoyance, as that – that girly boy ignored me and stalked off. I'm only 158cm! Just because I'm slightly shorter than an average 15 years old girl, doesn't mean I deserve to be called 'Shortie!' Who the heck has long hair unless they're a girl! His hair is longer, and finer than mine too, I scowled, "Rich morons," I angrily kicked at the wall, only to be resulted in sore toes. I whimpered in pain, and cursed my bad luck. "I'll find the music room…soon…" I hope.

I stood in front of Music Room 8, only to hear laughter and music flowing from the piano. "Too many people," I deadpanned, looking displeased. Music Rooms from 1 to 8, had been full. ALL of them. And apparently, those 8 music rooms are the finest. There are a few soundproof music rooms downstairs, but they're small, only having an upright piano, and a couple of stands, huddled in the corner, with at least a few chairs. I sighed. I really wanted to go into one of those beautiful music rooms and play my violin. I groaned, and trudged downstairs.

Next thing I knew, I was in front of Music Room 11. My eye twitched. How many music rooms does Hyoutei have! Seigaku only had one, and that was always occupied by me, ever since I had been there. And the only music instrument there was a small grand piano.

I frowned, as I heard a soft, sweet sound flowing, from a piano inside. My brows creased, 'A beautiful, delicate sound,' I mused silently, 'Whoever is in there, has talent.' I smiled as I recognised the piece, "One Summer Day, by Hisaishi Joe. Just beautiful…" I slowly pushed the ajar down opened, and managed to peek my head in. I gasped silently, as I saw a young boy with silver hair, and soft brown eyes, his fingers dancing over the piano keys. I couldn't help but smile as the gentle melody swept over me. The boy, still not noticing me, ended the song, allowing the music to echo softly. He gently lifted his hand, and his eyes still lingered on the piano keys, as if he still wanted to play more.

I clapped my hands enthusiastically once the thrum had ended. "That was amazing!" I gasped, my eyes sparkling, a huge grin stretching on my face, "It…It was simply astounding!" His head abruptly spun towards me, his eyes widened with shock. "Eh…Gomenasai!" I bowed, colliding with the door in process, "Ow!" I whimpered, and rubbed the top of my head. I gave a sheepish grin at the boy, "Gomen, gomen. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, because…eh…before I knew it, I was standing in front of here, because I was hoping to find a place to practice, and then, I heard your amazing playing!" My eyes twinkled, "It's was really beautiful! I haven't heard something like that in a long time!"

The boy stood up, and rubbed the back of his head, and gave an embarrassed chuckle, "It wasn't a big deal, just practice." He bowed, "Thank you," he smiled, "I'm really pleased and flattered. Though, I'm not really that good…"

"Nonsense!" I said, "You're really talented, you know. I'm Sato Asuka. 3rd year."

"Thank you. Eh…! You're in 3rd year?" the boy gasped, looked surprised.

I huffed my cheeks in annoyance, "Am I really that short or something?" I scowled, "Ah well…"

"Gomen, senpai," the boy waved his hands in apology, "Sorry if I hurt your feelings! I'm Ootori Choutarou. 2nd year."

I gasped, "2nd year? No way! B-But you're so tall!" I buried my face in my hands, "I seriously need to drink more milk…"

"Don't worry, Sato-senpai!" Choutarou gave me a reassuring smile, "Height doesn't really matter. Besides, you still look very young. You can still do things a child likes, like going to the park…and…eh…" His voice trailed off, and a guilty look formed on him face.

I laughed, "Thanks, Ootori-kun. Call me Asuka!"

"Ok…Asuka-senpai," Choutarou mused, "Ne, Asuka-senpai. I never seen you around before? Did you just transfer?"

"Yup," I answered, "I came here on a music scholarship."

"Eh!" Choutarou's eyes looked really to pop out of their sockets, "R-Really? A-A Music Scholarship? But, scholarships are really hard to get for this school, especially in music, since we really have high standards."

I shrugged, gently placed my case on the floor, my hands settled on top of it. "I guess," I admitted, "I was really nervous, when I had to perform in front of Sasaki-sensei." I shivered, remembering the polite, yet unyielding look on his eye. He kind of reminds me of Tezuka Kunimitsu, a complete ice cube...

"Amazing, senpai!" Choutarou gasped, "You must be really good at music then!"

"Ehehe, thank you Ootori-kun," I blushed, obviously flattered, "Not really though…" My eyes fell on some piano music sheets on the top of the upright piano. "Canon…" I mused, "Interesting… Ne, Ootori-kun, want to do a duet?" I held up the sheet.

"Canon? But I don't have the violin sheet for this."

"Don't worry about it." My eyes swept over the notes, and hummed them. I scanned through the four pages. "Ok! Do you want to do this, Ootori-kun?" I held up the sheets of paper, beaming brightly at him, "It's okay if don't want to."

"No, no, no! It's an honour!" Choutarou immediately sat down on the seat. I blinked, and smiled, and placed the sheets on the piano rack. I opened the zipped of my violin case, and gently took out my violin. I attached the shoulder rest, and took my bow. I immediately drew my bow on the strings, nodding with approval with the sound. I took my place behind Choutarou, where I have a nice view of the sheets. "Ok, ready?" He nodded, and placed his fingers on the keys. "3…2…1…start."

I looked at my kouhai, whilst I drew on my violin strings. He had his eyes peacefully closed, whilst his fingers bounced on the piano keys, playing perfectly to the tune. I frowned, there was something about him…that I don't really like.

It struck me.

He's better at me in music, regardless if he played the violin or not.

He have 'this' that I lost, a long time ago. The ability to play with the heart.

When I was young, I enjoyed playing on the violin so much, that I didn't even feel the pain from my shoulder and arm, from holding the violin and bow too much. That time, I felt like I was the happiest person on earth, only my violin and I. But, when I won competitions, and passed my music tests, without battling much as an eyelid, expectations grew higher… Pressure caved onto me, causing me aim for nothing but perfection. My music never had the joyful, happy bounce, nor my heart pounding in happiness ever again. I only aimed for playing the song correctly, every note correctly played, aiming for the 'perfect music'. When I played with my heart, I couldn't care less about the mistakes I made. Now…I reprimanded myself for even the tiniest mistakes. And if a piece was too hard for me, I gave it up straightaway, unlike when I was younger – tackling every song, even if it was the hardest thing in the world, I never gave up back then. Now… I mentally sighed. I can't feel my heart pounding happily every time I touched the strings with my bow, nor the happy feeling within. I only aim for perfection. Perfection.

Sure, I might smile when I play my violin, but it isn't the same. I know I smile, because I'm satisfied.

I sighed as I drew the last note of Canon, the violin echoing the sound, even after I lifted my bow off the strings. "Senpai?" I looked up to Choutarou's eager, warm brown eyes staring into mine. "Yes?" "That was awesome, Asuka-senpai!" He praised, "Every note you play were perfect! Even when we got to the really fast bit, you played it like a professional! No, even better than a professional!"

I blushed, till I was a tomato, "E-Eh, arigatou, Ootori-kun," I smiled, "You're really kind. You know, you're better at music than I am."

Choutarou blinked a bit, surprised, and his cheeks slightly reddened. "Arigatou, Asuka-senpai. Um…Call me Choutarou, we're friends, right?"

I blinked. Friends? On my first day of Seigaku, everyone ignored me. The only thing that was my friend, was my violin, which I carried every single day. And the small grand piano, even though some of the keys were loose. Well, this sure is a surprise. "Of course! Thank you…Choutarou-kun."

He beamed, and glanced at his watch. "Oh no!" He gasped, "I'm late for tennis practice! Shishido-senpai will get mad!"

My eyes widened, "I'm so sorry!" I squeaked, "I made you play the duet, when you could have gone to practice instead." 'Shiseido?' I thought, frowning slightly thinking of that beauty thing company, 'What kind of name is that?'

"No, no, no, senpai!" Choutarou gabbled, as he grabbed his music sheets and tucked them in his folder, which he threw into his bag, "It's my fault, I lost all track of time!" He threw his bag over his shoulder, and picked up his tennis bag, "Thank you, senpai! See you next time!"

"See you," I said, feeling a bit confused. Choutarou smiled and left, the door slamming shut after him.

"What a nice boy…" I murmured, and ran my hand over the piano keys. I sighed. I wished I can play with all my heart again…

"Choutarou!" A brunette with his long tail tied into a ponytail yelled, "You're late!"

"Gomen, Shishido-senpai," Choutarou panted out an apology, "I was busy practicing piano."

Shishido scoffed, "That lame thing again? You'll get better in tennis, if you're not playing on that thing."

"Shishido-senpai!" Choutarou gasped, "The piano isn't lame!"

His senpai rolled his eyes, "Yea, whatever."

"Oh? Choutarou is finally here, eh?"

"Usu."

"Atobe-buchou!" Choutarou gasped.

"Ore-sama no bigi ni yoi na!" Atobe declared with his famous hair flick.

"Usu."

"Ah, Gomenasai, Atobe-buchou! I was practicing the piano and I suddenly lost track of them," Choutarou bowed to Atobe, "I'm really sorry, Buchou!"

"Choutarou. 20 laps around the court."

"Yes!"

"And tell Ore-sama why you were late to practice. You usually don't lose track of time."

"I met the music scholarship student."

"Music scholarship student?" Shishido scoffed, "Heard of academics and sports scholarship, but music?"

"Yes, Shishido. Music scholarship," a blue haired boy stepped towards them, and pushed his glasses slightly up. "I had heard rumours of a student who recently came to Hyoutei with a music scholarship."

"Huh. Music Scholarship, eh? Ore-sama is impressed."

"What?" Shishido deadpanned, "You're impressed over a lousy music scholarship."

"Of course, Shishido senpai!" Choutarou gasped, "You'll have to play at least two music instruments! A-And have to play hard pieces composed by great musicians, like Mozart, Bach, Beethoven and –"

"Yea, whatever," Shishido interrupted, unfazed.

"Oshitari. We have music, the last period, correct?"

"Yes, Atobe," Oshitari nodded.

"Good. Perhaps, Ore-sama can meet this 'famous music scholarship' commoner."

"Atobe-buchou! She's really nice, she can play the violin perfectly! I think she rivals Oshitari, himself in violin!" Choutarou protested, "And she's really modest and –"

"Rivals Oshitari, you say? Ore-sama will be looking forward to meeting this commoner." Atobe flicked his hair again, "Get to practice!" He ordered. Everyone scrambled off.

A/N: I hope the characters weren't too OOC. And that Asuka isn't a Mary Sue... *facepalm*

And if you're thinking that what Asuka had lost, as mentioned in the summary, it's the ability to play with the heart. I think music sounds better when played with the heart XD

I played violin before, for like less than 1 year, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a shame, when my Mum didn't want me to play violin anymore, so I can concentrate on my studies QAQ

I'm not very confident about writing music descriptions, and I'm pretty sure that Atobe can play the piano. If not...there's always singing. And Oshitari can definitely play the violin.

Choutarou is too kind, lol XD He just thinks that Asuka's violin skills are just as good as Oshitari. And I hope Shishido is just plain rude. But at least he gets more kinder/humble when he chops off his hair.

Ok, thank you for reading! :D :D :D