Disclaimer: Sadly, I don't own Prince of Tennis. The rights belongKonomi Takeshi and Shonen Jump.
Author's note: The fic is revised, featuring the O.C. as Ryoma's older sister Ran. Heihatsu means "coincidence," which will make more sense in the future. As much as I loved An, I think this version is better suited for the story and pairing. She'll still show up in the fic and hopefully, I'll do her justice. Thankyou for all the reviews for previous version, and I hope these turn of eventsaren't too disappointing.
PROLOGUE
The bright scenery held little interest for Shishido Ryo. At forty feet above earth on a metro train, he was all too familiar with the sights of the Tokyo metropolis. Attractive giggling girls, on the other hand, were an occasional delight.
Though Shishido couldn't hear their muffled whispers, he had a very good idea of the subject discussing behind hands. They could not have been older than sixteen, he surmised. But they were older, of course, and he felt all the more smug and flattered by their attentions. Judging from their colorful attire, they appeared to be heading out for a city shopping spree or fun activity of some sort.
With some time to waste, he decided to amuse himself in the most productive manner. A sly wink coupled with his smile became a good start to the giggles that followed for the next stops. Shishido was so caught up in his entertainment that he failed to avoid a colliding body from the side.
"Gomen," the person said indifferently.
The Hyotei tennis regular glared at the passenger's back as he readjusted his duffle bag straps. He massaged his shoulder for good measure. If the girl had noticed the display of pain, she gave no indication otherwise. Worse – with the train fully occupied as it was, she held onto the nearest overhead straps stationed across from him. The deafening music didn't help improve his opinion either or other passengers for the matter.
On first impression, she was another ignorant tourist. After closer observation, he reconsidered. The girl's light skin and auburn strands easily detracted from her otherwise subtle Asian facial features. From her determinedly withdrawn focus, it apparently wasn't her first encounter of public curiosity.
Shishido shifted his attention back to the girls and proceeded to resume his flirting. They, in return, were particularly eager, having been robbed of it for minutes. Indeed, he more or less made it up to them with smiles, winks, and seemingly devoted attention.
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught the girl's reflection gazing at his admirers' merriment. Her mirror image boldly met his gaze. Oblique as the reflection was, Shishido saw a trace of an amused smirk on her lips. He raised his eyebrows and nodded ever so slightly as if to respond nonverbally, "Why not?" He then lowered his eyes and smirked back, an extending gesture of invitation.
Without turning around, she raised her hand and mockingly pointed at the overhead Exit sign as the train pulled to a stop. The passenger stepped off and proceeded towards her destination, leaving an amused tennis player far behind. She had barely reached the top of the stairs when her phone rang.
"Hello," she answered. A slight pause punctured by an exaggerated sigh followed. "Hai, Echizen Ran present."
Author's endnote: The next chap will feature the siblings more prominently. You'll also get to see a bit of Nanjiro's antics. Hee hee. Thanks for reading, and I'll update soon.
