Walking towards the tennis courts, one could feel the excitement in the air. After all, these tournaments would determine the team representing the school at the nationals. I saw a hoard of girls from my class crowding around the fence to one of the courts, a dreamy look in their eyes as they watched the seniors play.

"How's the Seigaku team?" I asked Ryoma as he put his stuff in the clubroom.

"I haven't seen them in two, three years, so I'm looking forward to finding out."

"I heard you won a couple of competitions in the US."

"I did, but I had the most fun playing tennis here though."

"Do you still play with your dad?"

"Every day."

"And have you beaten him yet?"

"I will."

"So do you know who you're playing today?"

"Momo-sempai."

"The spiky haired tall guy?"

"Yup."

"Which court? I'll wait for you there."

"5. I'll see you in a bit." and off he went to warm up.

I weaved in and out of the courts, glancing at the players, automatically weighing their potential in my mind. It was a nostalgic feeling being back on the courts, and yet I was repulsed by that very same feeling. The sound of the ball bouncing off rackets or off the courts, the squeaks from tennis shoes, the panting of the players whose game was being dragged longer than they wished, the heat from the afternoon sun, it was all very familiar, especially the cheers from onlookers. This was the sport I had loved for the larger portion of my life, and although it had been two years since I had given it up, my muscles could still remember the feeling of swinging a racket.

The court where my classmates were crowded around was the most popular court, judging from the amount of people surrounding it. On it I recognized Tezuka-sempai, and another player called Fuji or at least that's what the cheering crowd called him.

"Asami! Over here." One of my classmates called out to me.

"Hey. So what's happening?"

"That's Tezuka, the captain of the tennis team and he's playing against the genius of tennis Fuji Shusuke, also known as the prince charming of the school."

"Prince charming?"

"He's the sweetest guy in school! He's the perfect gentlemen; he'll hold open doors for the girls give up his seat and is always willing to help his juniors."

"Apparently he's attached though. I'm not entirely sure to whom..."

"Tezuka-sempai is amazing as well. He always looks so stern, but he's so hot don't you think?"

The girls chattered on about the pros and cons of the two seniors on court. Both were exceptional tennis players; that much I could tell in the 5 minutes watching them. Currently Tezuka was leading, but only by a point. Not wanting to see the end of the match, I excused myself and made my way to court 5.

Ryoma had already started playing. He had improved tremendously in these few years. He always was the better player between the both of us. In the US he rarely tasted defeat, resulting in his cocky and arrogant attitude. He enjoyed taunting his opponents, but most of all he enjoyed playing against the best. Talent and hard work played an important part in his tennis. He had the natural ability to grow during a match, quickly assimilating new techniques and adapting to his opponents style. The lucky bastard, being able to love what he did, and do what he love.

Momo-sempai on the other hand, was all passion and very raw around the edges. This was evident from the sounds that he made with every hit of the ball. Perhaps with a finer control of the ball, he would reach his full potential. So this was the team that Ryoma loved so much, to actually come back from the US to play with them once again.

A/N: I'm sorry, I still can't decide on a summary for the story, so do expect constant changes, until I find something perfect of course, suggestions are very welcome, it would seem I need a lot of help! Until the next chapter...