"You guys know each other?" Momoshiro-sempai asked Ryoma with a cheeky smile. "I hope you're not hitting on the captain's girlfriend or something."
"Asami, this is Momoshiro. He's a second year in the tennis team. Behind him is Ryoma whom you already know. This is Asami; she's a family friend who just transferred to Seigaku. "
I gave the customary bow. "Nice to meet you."
"Since we're all here, why don't we have some ice cream together?" Ryoma asked.
"We just had some actually, but I guess some drinks would be good." Tezuka was moving back into the shop.
I hesitated. "Tezuka sempai, I've got loads of work to catch up on, do you mind if I head home first?"
"If that's the case, then I'll go with you. Sorry Momoshiro, Ryoma."
We waved goodbye and left the cafe, I almost heaved a sigh of relief.
"I didn't know you knew Ryoma." Tezuka asked me as we walked home.
"He's in the same year as me, and rather popular among the girls."
"I see." I knew Tezuka didn't believe a word I had said, but I couldn't care less. My heart was racing and head pounding. Meeting Ryoma so many times a day was bad for me. My breathing became shallow, and I tried to take the three deep breaths, but it wasn't working this time. Instead, memories came flooding into my head, cameras were flashing, reporters shouting as I looked down at the pavement below my feet. A firm grip took hold of my arm and I followed as it led. As we reached a black car, the door opened and I looked up to see a figure seating in the back seat. As soon as our eyes met, everything faded to black.
"Asami! Asami! Can you hear me? Can someone go get some water or something?"
I could hear voices around me but my eyelids were too heavy to lift. My head hurt, it felt like I had crashed headlong into a wall.
"Asami! Asami! Get up! Are you okay?" The voice sounded panicky, and I shook my head. I couldn't move my body felt heavy.
I felt water on my lips and drank hungrily. After what felt like hours, I struggled to open my eyes, letting the blazing light into my head. Everything looked white, but as my eyes adjusted I made out blurry figures.
"You got hit by a stray tennis ball, but it should be fine. We'll get you to the hospital to check if there's a concussion or something." Ryoma was speaking to me, but for a moment I didn't understand what he was talking about. What tennis ball?
"Asami, relax. It's going to be okay." I gave a weak smile, and then it dawned on me. We were having tennis practice as usual, but something had gone wrong. I remembered hearing shouting and then getting hit my something VERY hard at the back of my head. That was all I could recall.
I struggled to get up, with Ryoma lending me support.
"Thanks" I mumbled.
"It's okay. It's nothing really." He said, as he scooped me into his arms. "Let's go get you checked."
I opened my eyes, I wasn't sure where I was, what had happened.
"I'm glad you're awake."
I turned my head towards the voice. Tezuka.
"You fainted on the way home from the ice cream place; I got a cab to take us home. It could have been heat stroke."
"Thanks." So it had been a dream.
"I'll bring some food up. Don't move around too much. Mum said you shouldn't go to school tomorrow."
Not a dream, a memory. I closed my eyes thankful that I didn't need to go to school tomorrow, that I didn't need to face Ryoma.
The next day dawned bright and early; I got out of bed, glancing at the clock. It was still early and I took my time to get ready for school. As I walked down the stairs I practiced my smile, and walking into the dining room I greeted the Kunimitsu family with a cheery good morning.
"Ara, ara. Asami-chan, what are you doing up so early and in your uniform? I thought you were taking a break from school today?"
"It's okay Aunty, I feel much better now and I really don't want to miss so much of school. There's so much I need to catch up with as it is."
"Are you sure dear? It's really okay for you to stay home for today. Besides it's so hot outside..."
"I'm fine Aunty, don't worry about me." I gave her an encouraging smile.
"Well, if you really want to go I can't stop you. Tezuka, please do take care of her."
"Sure mum, but I'm staying late in school today. I've got tennis practice."
"Well, it's not safe for Asami to come home herself, especially after what happened yesterday. Asami-chan, why don't you wait in school for Tezuka? I'll pack you some snacks so that you won't be hungry as you wait."
I wanted to protest, but decided that it was in my best interests to agree. It wasn't as if I had to follow Tezuka to tennis practice.
The walk to school proceeded in silence. As we neared the school gates, I asked Tezuka when his practice would end.
"We're having matches today; I'm not sure when I'll be done, probably around 6.30pm?"
"Oh. I'll wait in the school library then. Just give me a call when you're done."
"Sure. Asami, if you want, we could meet up for lunch."
"It's fine Tezuka, I've made a couple of friends already."
That however was I lie, come lunch time when students went off in their twos or threes, I went up to the roof with my bento.
A/N: Do forgive the OOCness, it has been sometime since the original series and things (which will be explained later) have been going on in their lives. Also, decided to drop the rating down, until the time when some chapters are up then the rating will be bumped up accordingly. Also, do leave a review, I really would appreciate any suggestions for improvement. Thanks.