EXPECTING THE UNEXPECTED COUPLE

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN PRINCE OF TENNIS

Chapter 1: It's Time to Put the Contract into Play

"Oh my gosh, Millisant just released another book! She looks so cute! I have to get a copy." A high school girl squealed to her companion.

"I just bought the last copy yesterday, and it took me hours to line up. It was tiring, but definitely worth it!" A boy cut in and arrogantly flaunted the copy in his hand.

"Let me see, please, please…" The two girls tried to grab hold of the book, but the boy pulled back and ran as fast as he could.

Yukimura Seichi and Sanada Genichirou watched as the boy, Kirihara Akaya, quickly ran off with the girls behind his tail.

"Running in the hallway, I'll remember to add that to Kirihara's list of disciplinary actions." Sanada frowned at his junior from the tennis club.

"Haha, you are as harsh as ever, Sanada." Yukimura smiled. "But even though I don't regularly follow fashion, I've also heard about Millisant, one of the most popular idols nowadays."

"Idol? A waste of time." Sanada grimaced. In his opinion, blindly following fads and fashion were all meaningless, and he could care less about what some pop idol was commercializing today.

"Kirihara seems to be really into her, I've also heard Marui and Jackal talk about her many times."

In truth, Millisant has grown so famous, that most high schoolers were faithful followers of her establishments. As the main spokesperson of the Tsukimori Media Group, she's a successful teen model and fashion icon. Features in countless magazines and television advertisements, she has a natural charisma to draw the audience in with her eyes and smiles.

"We should be concentrating on practice. Let's go." Sanada walked towards the tennis club.

After graduating from Rikkaidai Junior High School, Yukimura, Sanada and his former teammates have all opted to enter Rikkaidai Senior High School directly. With their skills and reputation, all of them have secured a spot as the tennis club regular members. Yukimura was once again appointed as captain, while Sanada was the vice-captain. But unlike in junior high school where Yukimura had to act as the coach, they now have a wonderful coach to lead them, giving Yukimura the time to practice and prepare for all the tournaments.

"Sir, today is Miss Shiori's sixteenth birthday." Tsukimori Akio's secretary calmly reminded, "Should I…?"

Akio looked out of his office window, with his back turned towards his secretary. "What is she?"

"She's currently in Hong Kong, but is due to return in five days." The secretary flipped through his schedule.

"Send her some flowers and let her know I wish to see her upon her return." Akio gave a short command, then dismissed his secretary.

Once the door closed, he slowly picked up a photo on his desk and sadness filled his heart. The family portrait of himself, Isao, Kaede and Shiori…They all looked so happy.

Four years ago, Isao and Kaede were killed in a flight accident. The couple was away on a business trip in Russia. Since they have already missed Shiori's birthday, the little girl was angry and upset about their absence. Shiori's stubbornness kicked in as she demanded for her parents' immediate return to Japan. Had it not been for her insistence, perhaps Isao and Kaede would still be here today. Akio knew Shiori was just a child back then, but every time he saw her, it reminded him of his own loneliness and bitterness. Shiori became the channel of his loathing, and the once pampered little girl was forced to grow up on her own. After so many years, Akio did not know how to face his own heir anymore, nor was he sure if he has forgiven her. The distance that has grown between became too great for him to try to make amendments.

Now that she was finally sixteen, it reminded Akio about the agreement he made so many years ago. Despite everything, Akio still intended to put his plan into action.

Over the years, Akio has kept a close track of the four young men who could one day lead his own company. His friends were one of the reliable sources he had about these young men's accomplishments. Akio knew he had been right because all four of them have become fine young man.

Of the four men, Akio favored Atobe Keigo or Sanada Genichirou. He believed these two had the most suitable character and personality to run his large company.

But ultimately, it will be up to Shiori to decide which of them is suitable.

Without hesitating, Akio called up all of his four friends to set up a conference call. The meeting between them took several hours, but in the end, the plan has been finalized. All they needed to do was to get the children together and wait for the next step.

Millisant, or Tsukimori Shiori, watched the passing scene as the chauffeur drove her toward their family estate at Karuizawa. After returning from Hong Kong just a few days ago, an unusual summon from his grandfather, beckoning her to return to home. She met shortly with her grandfather and was handed a letter before he quickly left. Shiori didn't ask much because she didn't have to. His grandfather's secretary has told her that all of the instructions were contained inside.

Upon opening the letter, Shiori found another assignment. She had thirty days to complete 15 sets of theme photos at Karuizawa for the Tsuki Magazine's next seasonal publication. As the representative spokesperson of her family's business, Shiori could not and did not want to argue, but simply went along with the task. The only strange things were that One: Her agent would be not able to follow her to the mansion; Two: She had to host a few guests by herself for thirty days, while completing her job; Three: The staffs have been withdrawn and it was her duty to take care of her guests; Four: Grocery and items will be periodically supplied.

This meant that she had to do all the chores, while keeping her guests happy and making sure all of photo shoots were successful.

Shiori was really puzzled by her grandfather's arrangement, but she knew it was useless to ask him. Tsukimori Akio was not a man who made requests. He was the leader who commanded. All Shiori wanted was to get through this month in peace.

Shiori was used to traveling and moving around, but she did miss all of the tutors she's had from her homeschooling. Being away from home for another thirty days meant her education was once again on hold. After her parents died, Akio had taken her out of school and set up numerous elite tutors to continue her education. Even though her training has put her far ahead of her peers, Shiori still missed going to school and meeting new friends.

"Perhaps it is for the better…" She sighed, knowing her identity would cause a riot at school.

"How strange we both received this mysterious invitation." Yukimura said to Sanada, as they both climbed out of their ride and stood in the front garden of a large mansion.

"I asked my grandfather to check for fraudulence, but there was nothing too suspicious about it. Perhaps it really is as the invitation has suggested. We should look into it more while we are here." Sanada replied, scanning the area quickly.

Behind them, a limousine came up and as the chauffeur opened the door, Atobe Keigo stepped out of the car.

"Atobe!" Sanada said surprisingly.

"Oh, Sanada and Yukimura. You are both invited as well?" Atobe said, "Though I am not surprised to see players of your caliber here, as it should be."

Atobe Keigo, the current Hyotei Academy's tennis club captain, was also one of the most prominent players of Japan's national high school tournament.

Honk! Honk! Another bus pulled up from the driveway, and two familiar faces also stepped down from the door.

"That's…Shiraishi from Shitenhoji…and Akutsu from Yamabuki High…" Atobe looked over quickly at the newcomers. "The invitation said there would be five players…But I have a much bigger fish to catch…"

"Atobe, you're here as well?" Shiraishi Kuranosuke waved, "But I guess I shouldn't be surprised."

"I'm stuck with you losers for a month, so don't get in my way." Akutsu Jin spat out.

Sanada frowned. This was an unusual invitation indeed. The invitation contained very little information, except that there were five elite players invited for a personal training camp. He would have refused to come, but his grandfather thought it was a good opportunity to explore the unknown. Sanada Genmon encouraged him to challenge himself and perhaps something beneficial could be learned from this experience. Seeing his grandfather so confident in his abilities finally helped to make up his mind in attending. At the same time, knowing Yukimura was coming here as well was also a reason for his accompaniment.

Yukimura, on the other hand, also thought it was a suspicious invitation. Normally, Yukimura would have shrugged the opportunity off, but his grandmother informed him that Sanada would be going. Nao was asked by Sanada's grandfather to accompany Sanada, just in case there was trouble. As the captain and good friend of Sanada, Yukimura thought it was in both of their interest to find out about the mystery behind this camp.

For Atobe, his invitation was personally delivered to him by his grandfather. It was strange Masaru would bother with such a trivial thing, but Atobe felt there was more to it than his grandfather was letting on. As an added incentive, Masaru secretly informed that a certain rival of his would also be present and this was a great chance to have a rematch.

Having come a long way, Shiraishi looked excitedly around the dense forest around the mansion. The invitation promised to provide the perfect place for vacationing and work out. Since he was feeling a little bored in Osaka, he took up this opportunity without question. Honestly, he was curious as to what this camp would offer. In secret, the lush forest of Kurizawa also contains a few species of insects that he was dying to see. Oh ecstasy~

Akutsu was never a team player, especially not one for a shady camp from a shady invitation. Had the invitation not stated that a prize money would be offered if he could beat all of the fellow players, he would never have come. The money could provide a relief for his mother's café business and he will not let anyone stand in his way.

Each of the five man had something on their mind when they unloaded their belongings and walked into the mansion. Upon entering the house, they found no attendants or staffs to greet them. Only a large white envelop was found on the table, addressed to all five of them.

"Let see what it says," Yukimura picked it up, "To all who has graciously accepted this invitation, preparations have all been made for your arrival. Your coach will be meeting you soon to discuss your personal training for the month of stay. Please keep in mind the following things. First, there are no onsite staff members. Second, food and materials will be supplied regularly. Third, since your arrival is deemed as a commitment, no one will be allowed to leave until the month is finished. Transportation will not be arranged to take all of you home until the time is up."

"It almost sounds like a threat…So are we trapped here?" Shiraishi frowned, noting the oddity of the letter's details.

"If they wanted to keep us hostage, it is entirely contradictory for us to roam around here with such freedom. If I am correct, this mansion is owned by Tsukimori Akio, a family friend. There should be no danger, despite the strangeness of the conditions." Atobe smirked. Since his family also owns property in this area, it was not surprising for Atobe to know who his neighbors were.

"So who and where is the coach?" Sanada asked.

"I see everyone has safely arrived." A voice came from the top of the stairs. When they all looked up, Tezuka Kunimitsu looked down at all of them with the usual expressionless face.

"Tezuka!" Shiraishi gasped, "What are you doing here? Wait, don't tell me you're the…"

"Yes, I am the new coach at this camp." He said in a matter of fact, walking downstairs to meet his former rivals.

"I thought you were in Germany." Yukimura asked.

"I was. But my training in Germany is currently on hold for this month." He explained simply. After Tezuka graduated from junior high school, he continued to train in Germany while attended Seigaku Senior High School. Tezuka had to work even harder to balance his foreign training and tournament/academics in Japan.

"All of you should settle in first before we begin our training. Your rooms are in the west wing." He pointed to the left.

"Why is Tezuka our coach? He's a student like us too." Akutsu stared at Tezuka.

"Perhaps it's because Tezuka's had coaching experience, plus he knows how we play." Shiraishi explained, "But I have to admit, I'm eager to play against him, aside from receiving his instructions."

"If anyone has doubts about my abilities, then it is only fair to test me." Tezuka looked at them straight in the eyes.

"I don't think it is necessary. We've all familiar with your skills, right?" Atobe looked around the room.

"Tsk!" Akutsu picked up his luggage and walked upstairs without saying anything.

"Meet back here in half an hour, after you have all freshened up." Tezuka said, as each of them walked towards the west wing.

"Tezuka," Atobe said before heading off, "This is fate, wouldn't you agree? The time for our rematch has come. I'm rather looking forward to it…" He chuckled.

Tezuka's face remained expressionless as he took off to begin his own preparations.

After everyone has unpacked, they all gathered again downstairs.

"Since today is the first day, I'd like to have a look at this place before we can begin practicing. After all, we are going to spend a month here, right?" Shiraishi asked Tezuka, hoping to get a chance to review the area.

Tezuka thought about it for a second, "I suppose you are right. Fine, take a break to look around. I will meet all of you at the court in the backyard." Tezuka then left.

"Sanada, let's go take a look." Yukimura said, with Sanada nodding.

Akutsu looked at the others in disdain and went off on his own.

"Hey Akutsu, where you going?" Shiraishi called after him.

"Leave him, go ahead and explore. I'm not interested since I've been here before." Atobe said nonchalantly and went off without another word.

"Well, that leaves the two of us then. Shall we go?" Yukimura asked.

"Sure." Sanada followed behind his captain.

"Hey, Yukimura. Do you hear something?" Sanada stopped all of a sudden. There was a light humming coming from somewhere.

"Really?" Yukimura stopped and listened, "Yes, now that you mentioned it. There does seem to be someone else here, and it doesn't sound like the others. Shall we check it out?"

Sanada nodded as he made his way over cautiously with Yukimura.

"The sound is coming from over there." He pointed to a tall fence, just outside of the open hot spring.

At the hot spring, Shiori randomly hummed a popular song she's heard, while scrubbing the floor of the outdoor hot spring. After her chauffeur has dropped her off, she's glad that she has arrived before the guests. This gave her time to dust up the mansion and to make sure everything's perfect. The Tsukimori family has been known to give the best of hospitalities to their guests and she was not about to embarrass her family. While it still troubled her as to why her grandfather would choose to pull of the regular staffs from here, she could only assume it was a trial to her future role as heir of the company.

"Perhaps this is just a way of getting back at me…" Shiori smiled bitterly at herself, while rubbing her sore arms. Maybe her grandfather will take pleasure knowing about her fatigue and loneliness, but she will not give him the satisfaction of seeing her as a failure.

Before commencing with the cleaning, she dressed herself in one of her plain old work outfits, and grabbed a pair of cleaning gloves and mask from storage. Looking at her long straight hair that hung low to her bottom, Shiori knew it would present a problem for her task. Smiling to herself, she wrapped her hair in a bun style and secured it with a scarf. Once all that has been finished, she looked at her new cleaning attire with satisfactory.

"Who would ever believe Millisant is here cleaning the hot spring floors?" She chuckled to herself. Without thinking much, she returned to her song and scrubbed even harder.

After giving the floor a long awaited scrub, she stood up and went for the mop. With her back turned, she did not see the two young men who have just entered.

Yukimura and Sanada looked at each other, wondering who this woman was. They specifically remembered that there will be no staff present.

"Excuse me, but do you work here?" Yukimura asked gently.

The unexpected question startled Shiori, and she quickly turned around to face the strangers while holding the mop firmly in her hand.

"I'm sorry to frighten you, but we thought there was no staff here in the mansion." Yukimura said again.

Shiori blinked a few times and put a hand over her fast beating heart. Are these the people that her grandfather told her about? The only information she has on her guests were their names and the purpose of this visit. Furthermore, she thought they were scheduled to arrive in a few days.

"It's…quite alright. But you are…?" Shiori asked softly.

"Yukimura Seichi, and my friend here is Sanada Genichirou." He pointed to the man with the black cap. Sanada only nodded, but kept his sharp eyes on her. As part of the Sanada family, he was trained from an early age to keep his senses keen at all times. There's something about this that just didn't seem right. The woman in front of him was dressed like a servant, but there's something about her…

Shiori was a bit taken back by Sanada's piercing insight, wondering what she has done to invite such attention. She looked down uncomfortably and blushed under her mask.

"Oh, you must all be Mr. Tsukimori's guests. I'm so sorry to have missed your reception. Please forgive me. My name is Shiori and I am to take care of things during your stay. If there's anything, please do not hesitate to let me know." Shiori bowed to her guests.

"Ah, it's okay. We're sorry for the intrusion. I guess we'll leave you to your work and see you later." Yukimura smiled warmly at her and left with Sanada.

After leaving, Sanada asked Yukimura, "Yukimura, something feels off…"

"Sanada, you scared her. It's completely normal for anyone to act that way, under your scrutiny. Relax, don't look so stern. She's just a maid that's here to take care of us."

Sanada wanted to say more, but in the end decided to withhold his words. After walking around some more, they eventually returned to the tennis court, where Tezuka was waiting for all of them. By the time they got back, Akutsu, Atobe and Shiraishi were already back.

"So the guests have arrived…Why was I given such inaccurate details? I didn't expect them to be so young…" Shiori tapped a finger on her head, thinking over the details given to her. How unlike her grandfather and his secretary to be so careless…

Just to make sure she's updated, Shiori pulled out her cellphone and called her grandfather's secretary. Unfortunately, no one picked up.

Seeing as her guests might be waiting for her, she had no choice but to call her grandfather directly.

The phone rang for a few times and was picked up, "Tsukimori Akio speaking."

"Sir, this is Shiori." She said quietly.

"I thought you are hosting our guests…Never mind, what is it?" His voice answered impatiently.

Shiori's heart sank, knowing how her grandfather hated to hear her voice. "Sir, I just want to reconfirm the details of the guests. I was told they were to arrive in a few days, but apparently, they are already here…" Before she could finish, her grandfather cut in coldly, "So they arrive a bit early, nothing too major for you to handle. Shiori, these guests are very important. You should show the proper respect and hospitality befitting of the family. Is that understood? I expect no complaints from them! Furthermore, the crew will arrive soon to begin the photo shoot. You know what I expect." Then he hung up.

"…Yes, of course." Shiori answered to a broken line, knowing it was useless to call back and ask for more. In the end, she could only comply with her grandfather's wishes. After working and traveling abroad for so long for her previous assignments, Shiori often wondered if her grandfather missed her, or even knew how hard she worked. But time and time again, the complete negligence from the old man has greatly destroyed her expectations. Never has she received any recognition or kind words…nothing…

Shiori wiped the tears on her cheeks and slowly dragged her tired body downstairs to continue her hostess duty.

After hanging up, Akio picked up the family photo on his desk. He stared at the smiling faces of his family, especially the little girl who he loved so much. His own wrinkled face reflected back at him from the glass, and it reminded Akio of the cruel words that he has said to her.

Despite the awkward relationship between them, Akio never stopped caring about his granddaughter. True, he has placed a difficult task on her, but he would not have done so if he was not confident about her ability. At the same time, he has people reporting to him about the status of her health. The crew arranged for the photo shoot was careful not to overtire Shiori out. In any case, Akio has a full team of medical experts on hold should anything happened.

Suddenly, his phone rang and it was Masaru.

"Akio, I heard everyone has arrived at the mansion. Are you sure you want to go through with this?" Masaru asked.

"Of course, I've been waiting for years. Don't tell me you are not interested?" Akio replied.

"You know me well, old friend. I am rather curious as to how things will unfold. But more importantly, I heard you also invited two unexpected participants to the game."

"You mean Tezuka Kunimitsu and Akutsu Jin? They are necessary in my plan, of course. Nao, Hana and Genmon didn't have much of a problem persuading the kids to go to such a suspicious event, but your grandson Keigo is something else. Without a powerful incentive such as a long term rival, you know your grandson would never be bothered to come." Akio explained, as he's sure Masaru will understand.

"You are right. Keigo has always been an assertive child. It's not the Atobe way for me to decide for him. The boy makes decisions on his own." Masaru shrugged, "So what about this Akutsu fellow? What if she chooses him?"

"Masaru, haven't you ever wonder how amazing it was for all the boys to love and excel at the same sport? In a way, I believe tennis to be a sign…A sign that I have willingly followed, only to find Akutsu Jin."

"Meaning?"

"Let me keep my secrets for a while long. I promise you, my friend, that I will tell you everything when the time comes." Akio assured his friend.

"Phew, that was a great workout." Shiraishi said, "Tezuka, I'm very glad to be able to work with you again."

"Same here." Tezuka acknowledged. The last time they worked together was in junior high school, when Seigaku visited Osaka to train with Shitenhoji.

"Who else is starving?" Shiraishi said goodheartedly.

"I admit I'm a bit famished as well." Yukimura agreed.

They all followed Tezuka to the dining room, where food was already set out on the table.

"That's it?" Akutsu said aggressively, looking at the simplicity and meagerness of the meals.

"It's like we're placed in a monastery. I thought you said there was a maid in the house to tend to our needs. Such slacking of job is not to be tolerated." Atobe said in a displeased tone.

Tezuka ignored the rest of them and proceeded to sit down, but Atobe was not done yet.

"For the sake of the next thirty days, I think it is necessary to make sure that the servant understands my expectations." He turned and went in search of the maid. Atobe was surprised and disappointed because he has heard so much about the grandeur of Tsukimori Akio's hospitality. Since Mr. Tsukimori was a good friend of his family, he thought it was only proper to address the mistake to avoid any further embarrassment.

"Atobe, wait!" Tezuka said, going after Atobe in a chase.

The rest of them also followed, seeing Tezuka's unusual reaction.

Atobe searched room after room. Finally, he found the person sleeping on her job.

After cleaning up the house, Shiori was tired and sore from all the work. She was left in further shock to find out that the food supply has not been stocked. With whatever was left in the kitchen, she managed to whip up a simple meal for the players, knowing it was not enough. With no food to feed her, she mentally remembered to call for more supplies tomorrow before falling sleep with her face down on the back patio.

"Ah, so here she is, sleeping on the job with no regards to her duty." Atobe smiled wickedly.

"I have no time for such nonsense!" Sanada said, frowning yet again at the situation.

"That's enough, Atobe." Tezuka said sharply.

Atobe looked at Tezuka, "Oh, I'm surprised. How unlike you to be interested in such matter, Tezuka. Do you know who she is?" He looked interestingly at the woman in front of him.

Seeing as she was still asleep, Atobe had a sudden urge to see who she was. He quickly walked over and was put his hand on shoulder, when Shiori woke up to the conversation around her.

Seeing a stranger so close to her, Shiori gave a small gasp and instinctively slapped Atobe's hand away. The hasty movement caused her hair style to break and the mass of her hair went tumbling down her back.

As she stared wide eyed at the men before her, they also gasped at the unexpected surprise.

Despite wearing such plain garments, the young lady in front of them had the most striking features. Her midnight jet hair framed her lovely oval face, and was a great contrast to the beautiful pale grey eyes of the most unique color. There was an air of elegance and composure about her, which was one of the reasons that made her a well-known celebrity.

"You…you are…" Akutsu narrowed his eyes.

"…Millisant." Yukimura continued.

"Who?" Sanada questioned. Judging by the other's reaction, clearly, he was the only one who did not know who she was.

"Ah, the star of the Tsukimori Media Group…Millisant the idol, or should I say Tsukimori Shiori, heir to the company she represents." Atobe said slyly.

Here is the first chapter! The beginning will be a bit slow, but it will eventually warm up to the hot stuff! Thank you all for reading!