"Normal"
"Her thoughts"
Text message
...
"Why do I keep bumping into you?"
"Must be fate eh Ryoma?"
"Haha very funny."
"Were you running away from something?"
"…"
"Do you play tennis? The street courts are free now. Play me."
"…Okay."
It was weird. Ryoma had only known Jirou for barely a day yet he made her feel…at ease? It had been a long time since she felt like this.
"My racket might be a bit too big, is that okay?"
"It's fine."
"Shall we begin? Your serve."
"Don't underestimate me, I'm a pretty good player."
"Who says I am?"
Ryoma had to admit, the guy was quite a good player. He still wasn't enough to beat her though. The game ended in six games to three. They played a few more sets, all ending in Ryoma's favor. It had been a while since she felt her adrenaline rush.
"Wow I knew you were a good player but I didn't think you would be this good! You're amazing!"
"Thank you..."
*Grumble* *Grumble*
"That was so embarrassing! Why did my stomach choose to grumble at a time like this?"
"Haha you must be hungry! Come, let me treat you to burgers?"
"Okay...waahh we're soaked in sweat, it was a bad idea to play in uniform..."
"Its fine right? The wind will dry us."
"Hn"
Afterwards, Jirou had taken her to a burger shop and kept his word to treat her. She was thankful for his kindness. When she checked her cellphone for any new text messages, she was surprised to find the number of missed calls and text messages from Ryoyu.
"You okay?"
"Yeah, I should probably head back now, thank you for the treat."
"See you tomorrow?"
"Yeah."
*Home*
"Ryoma-neesan! How could you just run off? That was too rude!"
"I'm sorry Ryoyu, but didn't I tell you that I didn't want to join the tennis clubs?"
"Then I challenge you to a match! If I win, you have to join!"
"This is stupid Ryoyu."
"Are you running away? Come on, I know you better than anyone! Your love for tennis exceeds mine, isn't that why you left us?"
"He's right Ryoma. Just because you retired from the pros, doesn't mean you retired from tennis in overall. You still love tennis in the end right?"
"Dad…All right Ryoyu, I'll play you but if I win, you'll keep your word right?"
"Yup!"
She had to admit, Ryoyu had improved in the 2 years she had been gone. He was much more faster and his accuracy had improved too. Still, Ryoma managed to win by 6 games to four.
"Mada mada dane Ryoyu."
"Ryoma-neesan! Wait!"
"What Ryoyu? Are you going to turn back on your words?"
"Waahhh! Dad Mum! Ryoma-neesan is being mean to me!"
Typical Ryoyu. Every time he didn't get his way, he would yell out for Mum and Dad to fix the situation. She wasn't about to falter under her twin brother's puppy dog eyes nor her Mum and Dad pleads. She had a bad feeling about the tennis clubs especially Seigaku Tennis Club.
*The next day*
"Saa I heard from Ryo you don't want to join our tennis club? May I ask why?"
"It's none of your business Fuji-senpai."
"Now now Ryo-chan, you don't need to be so formal to me."
"Ryoyu calls you Fuji-senpai, why should I call you differently? Please excuse me, I need to go to class."
"Saa Ryo, your sister is quite the cold one."
"Well yeah but if you get to know her better, she'll warm up soon enough!"
"Saa Ryo…I think I might like your sister, mind if I take her?"
"Umm go ahead Fuji-senpai…"
"What is this ominous feeling?"
*Lunch*
"Ryoma-neechan! Since you bailed on us last time, you have to join us for lunch today!"
"Eh b-but I promised some…"
"Now now Ryo-chan, lets go."
She was trapped! Fuji-senpai had a strong grip on both of her hands and was literally dragging her to the regular's usual spot for lunch. What was she going to say to Jirou? It's not as if she had his number either. Just as she was thinking about him, Jirou had passed by her and had quietly slipped a note into her pocket.
She knew it wasn't safe to read the note when she was around Fuji-senpai. He gave her the creeps and she didn't like him in the slightest.
"Ryoma-neesan! These are my friends! This is Oishi-senpai, Taka-sempai, Eiji-senpai, Momo-senpai, Tezuka-buchou, Kaidoh-senpai and Inui-senpai."
"Wahh amazing! It's another chibi-chan!"
"Eiji-senpai…I can't breathe if you hug me so tight."
"Uwaahhh sorry!"
After a few minutes of what seemed like interrogation, Ryoma had enough.
"I'm going to the toilet Ryoyu."
"Ehhh? Okay…"
Ryoma felt that the toilet was safe enough to read the note that Jirou had slipped in her pocket. The note had a phone number written on them.
"Wow did he read my mind or what?"
This is my number, sorry for not joining you for lunch – Ryoma
She didn't know what else to say. She wasn't exactly a people person and his number was the first she had beside her family's.
Nah it's okay. I'll see you some other time again then.
For the next couple of days, they haven't been able to meet in person due to her being dragged off by Ryoyu's friends for lunch every single time. She was being constantly disturbed by Fuji-senpai as well. Instead the both of them had sent text messages back and forth. There was nothing special about them but she was happy about it.
"Ryo-chan! Try some of my lunch!"
"No thank you Fuji-senpai and can you please stop calling me Ryo-chan? Call Ryoyu that!"
"Ryoyu is Ryo and you're Ryo-chan!"
"Huh."
Ryoma learned over the past few days that there was no use arguing with Fuji-senpai. He always had his way and it was better to just admit defeat silently.
"How annoying!"
I wish I can see you…Ryoyu's friends are nice but they are a bit irritating.
"Woah…what did I just sent?"
Well should I steal you away then?
Yes…
...
"Crap…I unconsciously said yes"
AN: Sorry this chapter took so long^^; I've still haven't decided the eventual pairing yet...still a work in progress^^
