I honestly don't like the previous chapter much. I think Yui was kinda OOC, but anyway, I'm still continuing the story and hoping against hope they'll end up in their right characterization in a few more chappies. I'm still clueless on story flow but I already visualized the ending. Ahahahaha! Shoot, ideas are pouring out of head now and I have to tighten the reigns or else I'll end up with a series of unfinished stories with only one or two chapters. Anyway, please continue to tell me what you think!

ThePinkMartini: He's like Nakago, I tell you. Now I feel like doing a real Yui-Nakago fic, not just a one-shot.

LeeRaRa: Ahahaha, I can't divulge more or I might end up ruining the plot. All I can tell is that there will be more Yui-Shuusuke moments!

Michi: One of your guesses came close—too close! Ahahahaha! I only thought of the scenario while writing the previous chapter and I think serendipity's really helping me in this story. I finally decided to use Kuni-chan, I was tempted to use Mitsu-chan because Mitsu means Light or Honey in Japanese. ;P But then, it kept on reminding me of Mit-chan from Slam Dunk… Ehehehehe…

Disclaimer: FY and Tenipuri are not mine.

Radar

By Slavedriver2008

Yui dabbed her eyes with make-up. She was not very good in putting these things but she really has to put an effort into her date with Shuusuke. She had a very busy week since classes started. Numerous assignments had to be rushed and projects needed to be started. Not to mention that she told the captain of the swimming team her eagerness to compete. She was surprised and immediately arranged a special practice session for her. She had been egging her to compete since high school started and she was not about to stop now. She has less time for schoolwork but it was okay, she wanted to make Shuusuke proud.

She hadn't been climbing Kunimitsu's window for a week and he was probably relieved. He hated it when she suddenly shows up in his room but she likes doing it anyway. Was it wrong to seek his attention? His window was the only thing that separates her from his other friends. She wanted to be different, special at some point. But that was not possible. Tennis was still the number one thing on his mind. At least there's no girl, she told herself. She'd throw a fit if he suddenly ended up with a girlfriend.

After more than six years, she was tired of waiting for him to get over that sport. They were both high school seniors now and nothing changed. He was still out of her grasp. She always tries to be childish when he's around just to get his attention and it gets tiring sometimes. She smiled and a flashback of the instance he embraced her floated in her thoughts. It was the first time he embraced her and it felt wonderful. She brushed her hair, slightly blushing at the nearness they shared a week ago. He was always distant even though they were friends. He was always… the usual Kunimitsu Tezuka.

Her phone beeped and she read the message that just arrived. It was from Shuusuke. I'm on my way to your place, Yui-chan. See you in awhile. Yui sighed and put down the brush. Shuusuke was another story. He was very different from Kunimitsu, always smiling, always very expressive. She felt that there was more to him and she wanted to know what's behind the smile and the kind face. It was stupid to look for someone who was the complete opposite of Kunimitsu but she really enjoyed his company last time. He was very sweet and caring and he never hesitates to say anything out. He was not trying to sweep her off her feet but his small gestures were making her heart beat wild. She likes him but she still doesn't know how deep this feeling was. Probably not as deep as Kuni-chan's but she likes him nonetheless.

The doorbell rang and she immediately rushed to open it. Her mother was out in the supermarket so she was alone in the house. Shuusuke's smiling face greeted her view and she smiled back. She was getting more and more used to seeing his mild-mannered and cheerful demeanor.

"Ready to go out?" he asked and she nodded profusely, still blushing.

"Where are we going?" she asked as she closed the door. She was thinking too much she even forgot to ask Kunimitsu what he thinks of her outfit for today.

"It's a secret," he whispered. "You look nice today, Yui-chan. You always look nice, by the way." She laughed lightly, brushing away the blush on her face. It did not help that Shuusuke was such a smooth-talker. "You should wear skirts more often, it suits you. I wonder if all swimmers have nice legs?"

Yui laughed. "Stop it. You're making me blush."

"You're cute when you blush," was his only response. Yui rolled her eyes and they walked away from her apartment.

"So where are we going?" she asked again, giddy at the thought of hanging out with him again. Miaka would be thrilled to know that her love life was improving. And with a rank A senior sports guy. Yeah, they used to rank their crushes/boyfriends and after the Saturday lunch, all her friends gave Shuusuke an A. Well, Tezuka got an A too, though Megumi gave him a B.

"Nee-chan recommended a nice place but I think we should eat first before we go there. What do you want to eat?" he asked and she looked away. This was the first time her date asked her where she wanted to eat, they usually had it planned already. She was having mixed feelings. Was he putting an effort into the date? She shook the thought away and focused on his question.

"I'm craving for…" she giggled. "…frozen yogurt…" she smiled widely and he laughed.

"Okay… I want frozen yogurt too even in this weather." Yui nodded. It was weird that she was craving for something cold in the already cold atmosphere. But for some reason, she wanted to eat one. It was a good thing Shuusuke agreed.

"Why do you want frozen yogurt? When I asked Kunimitsu if he wants to eat one with me yesterday, he looked at me in this 'Are you crazy?' look," she narrated and Shuusuke laughed.

"I didn't know the captain can say things with a look. I always thought it's just 'Work hard'," he noted and she laughed. "I like eating everything except garlic. They make me feel sick."

"You don't like garlic? But they're used in basic frying! But I'll remember that if I cook for you," she said and regretted saying it. Shuusuke looked at her and opened his blue eyes.

"You cook, Yui-chan?" he asked and Yui nodded. "Nee-chan will be surprised to hear that."

"Nee-chan? Do you always tell your nee-chan about your dates?" she asked, looking down. Shuusuke nodded.

"I usually don't but I told my sister everything about you. As I said, she wants to meet you soon. Which brings me, she asked me to invite you to spend the day with us tomorrow." Yui's eyes widened. "The family usually goes out on a picnic every Sunday. You should come."

"But it's still snowing…"

"The weather station said it will be spring tomorrow, Yui-chan. What time should I pick you up?" he asked and Yui's heart palpitated like mad. She was meeting his family tomorrow. This soon? They were only dating and she's meeting his family? What would Kunimitsu say? She should ask him later.

"What should I wear tomorrow?" she asked and she regretted saying it out again. Shuusuke laughed louder.

"Anything is fine, Yui. It's just my family," he said and Yui made a face. It's not just any family, it was Shuusuke Fuuji's family. He opened the door of the frozen yogurt parlor and she went in. They sat in a table for two near the window. "What would you like?" he asked, eyes closed again.

They placed the orders and were waiting for it quietly when a group of boys openly ogled at them from across the street. Shuusuke turned and waved at them. The group's eyes widened. She briefly remembered who they were: Seigaku men's tennis team regulars. She flushed at the sight of them and they hurriedly walked closer across the window. The men were mouthing words and her brows creased. Shuusuke laughed.

"They're asking me what I'm doing here with you…" Yui blinked at her date. He can read lips?

"You should ask them to come in…"

"Nah, they'll just ruin our date." Shuusuke shooed them away with his hands and the men scrambled to talk to him again. It was weird and funny seeing them across the glass in a very animated state. She laughed. "This is Momoshiro Takeshi, this little one's Echizen Ryoma—he's the one who hit you with the tennis ball—and this one's Kikumaru Eiji and Inui Sadaharu. Wow, almost all the regulars are here, they must be practicing doubles." The team waved at her and she waved back, smiling. Shuusuke tapped the window and shooed them away again.

The orders arrived and the group ogled at the treats they have on the table. Only Echizen seemed to care less about what they were doing inside. The boys made freezing acts and Yui smiled weakly. "Shuusuke-san, I think we should really let them in…"

The sound of tennis balls hitting the racquet drilled through Kunimitsu's ears. Sweat beaded his forehead even though it was literally freezing outside. He hit the ball again, this time with greater force and it came back faster than the usual. Tired, he stayed in one spot and applied enough spin in the ball to do one of his trademark moves, the Tezuka Zone. It took him a long time before he perfected the move, and even longer to reach the level he was now. Once in awhile he still dreams of Germany and a professional tennis player title. If only the damage in his left arm healed faster, he would have been exploring his luck in Germany as Echizen explored his in America.

"Don't stress yourself too much, Tezuka," Oishi Shuichiro told him but he continued to play against the wall. Tennis was the only thing he could go back to. When everyone has left his life, tennis will remain. "Inui said they will be late, says they're eating frozen yogurt with Fuuji and… Yui? Your Yui?"

Kunimitsu missed the ball and it rolled out of the court. He walked toward the seat and pulled out a towel, wiping his already sweat-streaked face. He looked at his watch, it was already 1 p.m. He should be heading back home. He never missed lunch on Saturdays even with personal practices. The team missed practices too, it was useless to stay longer. Shuichiro eyed him from the sides.

"I'm going home…" he told the vice-captain and the latter nodded. "Tell them to not come anymore. They can still practice on their own." It was unlike him to not care, but it was a weekend. He should at least have time for himself. And it was nearing 3 p.m. for god's sake.

"I didn't know Shuusuke's on a date. But why with Yui? Aren't you two—"

" Fuuji can date whoever he likes as long as it doesn't meddle with tennis," he said nonchalantly. It was an unwritten team rule that nobody meddles into each other's personal lives, unless it affected the club. They were already in high school.

"Well, I'm not worried about Fuuji… It's just…" Kunimitsu zipped his bag and pulled it over his shoulder. "You like Yui, everyone in our batch knew that…"

"Like? She's my annoying childhood friend, nothing more nothing less. The earlier she gets a boyfriend, the better for me." He walked toward the exit and left the vice-captain alone in the stadium. Was he telling the truth? Of course. Yui's personal affairs were beyond him. It was true, the earlier she gets into a relationship, the easier for him to get her off his back. It was annoying to have someone suddenly climbing into his window anytime. He was and has always been a very private person.

"Hoy Tezuka, you're in a rough mood today." Shuichiro paced with him and he tried to walk faster. "I didn't know what's happening but… good luck!" the vice-captain patted his shoulder and he raised an eyebrow.

"Good luck?"

Shuichiro sniggered. "I guess it's another one on one between you and Fuuji—you two never failed to compete in so many things… I should be going ahead now. Don't stress yourself too much over a girl." He turned and walked the other way.

Stress himself over a girl? He was playing tennis for god's sake. How can he stress himself over a girl? Competing again? He shook his head. He never competed with Fuuji in anything, even tennis. He was comfortable of his skills and he respected Fuuji's abilities. He reached the apartment at half past one in the afternoon. Her mother was probably in the market with Yui's mom. He hurriedly ate the prepared lunch on the table and took a shower.

He was debating with himself on what tie to use with his shirt and finally decided on the maroon one. He put it into place and smirked at the way he looked. He was dressed too formally. It was not graduation or a college admission interview, it was just the carnival. Knocks came from the door and his mother came in. She has finally arrived and was planning to bug him again.

"Are you going on a date?" she asked, eyeing his get-up for the afternoon.

"No, I'm going to the carnival with Yui." He took the trench coat and wore it, arranging the tie into place.

"Are you finally proposing then?" she asked and Kunimitsu sighed.

"No, Mama. I told you countless times, we're just friends."

"But you're going to the carnival, Kunimitsu. Why wear a tie?" she asked and he placed his wallet inside the coat. He pushed his glasses and kissed his mother before stepping out into the living room.

"It's cold," he noted and went out of the house. "I'll be back before dinner." He went out of the apartment and walked toward the carnival. He was still 30 minutes early but he wanted to be there.

The two of them have been visiting the carnival together for as long as he can remember. He can recite in his head the succession of rides they'll take, the sweets they'll eat, and even paint the expression on her face that never differed year after year. He sighed and went inside, walking toward the ferris wheel. It was her favorite ride and they always ride it last. It was the most important too—no carnival visit was complete without the big wheel. They always walk to the carnival together but in the few instances they cannot, they just meet up at the ticket station of the ferris wheel. He looked at his watch. It was only a quarter to three.

A shooting game caught his attention and he saw an elephant plushie in the top prize. Since she was still not around, he decided to try his hand at shooting and get her the toy. It wouldn't hurt to give it a try. It'll be a good time to practice his accuracy—an important skill in winning tennis matches. He paid the man some coins and stood into place. He hit the first target and some of the people around him clapped their hands. Getting the elephant will be a breeze. He can imagine the look on her face once he handed it to her.

Yui checked her watch, it was almost 2 p.m. A few more minutes and she had to rush to the carnival to meet Kunimitsu. But she certainly can stay for a few more minutes with Shuusuke. Assuming they part ways in 30 minutes, she'll still have enough time to get to the carnival. She'll run if she had to. Her mind was occupied with Kunimitsu that she didn't notice when Shuusuke pulled her toward a ticket station.

"Do you want to ride the rollercoaster, Yui?" he asked and Yui blinked. What? She looked around and gasped. She was inside the carnival! Shuusuke smiled and took her hand. "Don't worry, I won't let go while we're doing the ride." He laced their hands together and Yui didn't know what to do.

She was supposed to go to the carnival with Kunimitsu, ride with Kunimitsu, enjoy the carnival with Kunimitsu, just like the good old days. But she was already here, with Shuusuke. What was she supposed to do? Shuusuke frowned at her pale face and gave her a worried look. She smiled back. She had to take advantage of the fact that she was with Fuuji. Kunimitsu won't be here in an hour, she'll just ride everything again with him afterwards. It was risky, but how can she have a boyfriend if she couldn't risk a few minutes?

"I can only stay for a few rides. Is it okay?" Shuusuke frowned but nodded.

"I understand. We spent too much time in the frozen yogurt parlor with the rest of the team," Shuusuke told her, slightly sad. She smiled warmly.

"Okay, let's conquer the rollercoaster then!" She laughed and he gave a wide smile.

They rode the rollercoaster and she was literally out of breath afterwards. Her throat was still sore from screaming and her hair was all over the place. Shuusuke was laughing beside her, brushing her hair back into place. True to his word, he never let go of her hand. She never thought he was this fun to hang out with. He has a weird taste in food and he likes to do the quirkiest things—but he was definitely not boring. She kept on laughing all the time and after trying out a few more rides, Yui realized she really want Fuuji Shuusuke as her boyfriend. Maybe things will be different tomorrow, once she meets his family. She blushed. She was never introduced to the family before. And the thought made her heart beat triple time.

"What else do you want to try?" she asked.

"Can we try the ferris wheel?" he asked and her eyes widened. She always takes the ferris wheel with Kunimitsu. "Is there something wrong? Are you afraid of heights?"

Yui shook her head and looked down. "You see, I always ride the ferris wheel with Kuni-chan, I mean with Tezuka. I just feel weird riding it with someone else."

"We can skip it if you like."

"No, don't get me wrong. I don't mind riding it with you…but only if you promise not to tell Tezuka about this, okay?" Shuusuke smiled and slowly nodded. "This is the first time I'm riding it with someone else, and I'm kinda excited."

They walked toward the ticket booth and were ushered in a carriage with just the two of them. Instead of sitting face by face, Shuusuke sat beside her and she blushed. Her hands were trembling both because of the cold and because he was beside her. Her heart was beating wildly too. It seemed that every part of her body was reacting to his closeness.

"Do you always go to the carnival with Tezuka?" he asked and she nodded slowly, covering her hands into a ball.

"We've been visiting the carnival ever since we were children. We always reserve a Saturday before winter ends."

"Yui-chan… do you like Tezuka?" Shuusuke asked and she flushed. She didn't answer, couldn't find the right words. "Everyone in my batch in Seigaku consider you as Tezuka's girlfriend, or future girlfriend." Yui made a face.

"No. I don't think so..." she said, unsure. She sighed and looked down. "We're really close but I… I don't think Tezuka will ever see me as a girlfriend. I think our friendship is more as brothers-sisters." Silence. No one spoke and Yui briefly regretted saying what she said. Does she only see Kuni-chan as a brother? Of course not! But Kuni-chan only sees her as a sister, that's why their closeness ends in them being friends.

"That made me happy." Yui turned to him and his beautiful smiling face greeted her view. "Yui-chan… I really like you…" he said and her face went red. Shuusuke took off his right hand glove and took her left hand. He pulled the mitten and laced their hands together. The act made her heart beat wildly and her face turned crimson.

Shuusuke opened his eyes and leaned down to plant a kiss on her forehead. His mouth sent warmth all throughout her body and instead of pulling away immediately, he stayed that way as the ride went faster and faster and eventually slowed down. Yui looked down, smiling, repeating the lines he just told her. I really like you… Yui-chan, I really like you…

She could not believe it, Shuusuke likes her, her prince actually liked her. But there was something missing that she could not define. She was looking, hoping for something more. The ride completely stopped and Shuusuke moved away, very slowly. She realized that even though he did not drove her over the edge, his nearness made her warm, very warm. She loved that feeling. Maybe if he kissed her lips, she'd feel it—the intense electrifying feeling that swept over her body when Nakago kissed her.

"We should go down now," she told him and he nodded, still smiling. He assisted her as they went down. They were walking when Shuusuke slid her hand inside his coat pocket and she flushed further, turning her attention on the path they were treading.

"I'll leave you with Tezuka?" he asked in a soft voice and she nodded. "I don't want to, but enjoy his company." They stopped in front of the ticket station and he opened his eyes to look at her in an intent manner again. Her hand was still inside his pocket and he showed no sign of wanting to give it back. "I'll pick you up tomorrow at nine… I'll see you soon, Yui-chan."

Yui nodded, still speechless, and Shuusuke took her hand from his pocket and kissed it. She flushed at his sweetness. She never thought he was the very expressive type. He leaned down to plant another kiss, this time on the sides of her lips and her eyes widened at his sudden aggressiveness. He slowly, let go of her hand and put on the gloves. He walked away afterwards, still with a smile on his face. Yui watched him disappear and she touched her cheeks. Her face, no, her whole body was warm.

"How was the ride?" a familiar deep voice spoke behind her and when she turned, Kunimitsu's stoic face greeted her view. He was holding a bag full of elephant plushies. "Enjoyed it?" He pushed his glasses back and guilt washed through her, evaporating the dream-like happiness she felt less than a minute ago.

A/N: As you've noticed, I'm using Britney Spears songs for this fiction. I don't like Lady Gaga. Period. Anyway, I couldn't help it since I used Britney's Christmas song in the first chapter. I realized I should have used Janet Jackson instead but for consistency's sake, I'm using Britney's songs. Hope it worked. ;P