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Disclaimer: Nothing in POT belongs to me. All OoC-ness, OCs, events, situations, venues and tournaments are just figments of my imagination.

"xxxxx" Conversation

'xxxxx' Thoughts

xxxxxxx Flashback

Summary: What Would You Do If You Were Given A Second Chance In Life And In Love?

Chapter 3

4 YEARS 11 MONTHS AGO…(Part 2)

Servants bowed and quickly stepped out of the way. The young master carried a furious facial expression, indicating his dark and angry mood. None of them wanted to face his wrath should they be found obstructing his pathway.

Trailing behind the young master were his friends. Each young man who was an ex-Regular from Hyotei High, wore the same grim expression on their faces except for the expressionless Kabaji.

The small entourage finally arrived at the study room to find their ex-Buchou, current boss and friend staring angrily at the smiling face of their respected uncle/boss/host, Atobe Kazuki.

"Keigo! Boys! What can I do for you? I thought you were enjoying the tennis courts on such a sunny Sunday afternoon." Kazuki smiled innocently despite the knowing glint within his eyes. The hard looks his son and his friends were giving him did not faze him one bit.

A displeased Keigo took over an armchair in front of his father's huge oak desk and gestured harshly, "Otou-sama, what is the meaning of that..THAT e-mail Mizuka-san (Atobe-sama's secretary) had sent to all of us? Ore-sama was speechless when Ore-sama read it this morning."

"Atobe-sama, we also would like to know since all of us received the same email." Oshitari Yuushi asked respectfully though his eyes flashed with perturb anger behind his glasses.

"Well…."

"Furthermore, Otou-sama, we usually hold the tennis camp before the Nationals. Why are we holding it next month, in 4 weeks time?" Keigo asked curiously.

"You see, Keigo…"

"With all due respect, Atobe-sama, we have our own extremely tight and busy schedule to keep." Yuushi interrupted. Right now, he was not amused by the dictate of his boss. It took a lot of energy and smart thinking to handle his positions as Keigo's business partner and as an executive for the Atobe Group. Even though Yuushi had an inkling of what Atobe-sama may have planned for the camp, he was not in the mood to find out.

"That is…"

"Honto, Atobe-sama. We have intensive training that week to prepare for Japan Open. Isn't that right, Choutarou?" Shishido Ryo, a professional tennis player, asked his Doubles Partner with hidden irritation.

Choutarou Ohtori, also a professional tennis player, confirmed gently, "Hai, Ryou-san. Sumimasen, Atobe-sama, we may have to decline your request."

"Listen, boys…."

"Our schedules are packed as well, Atobe-sama." Gakuto Mukahi said with a sour face and his arms folded across his chest. Jiroh Akutagawa nodded sleepily in agreement. Both of them worked as top-level lawyers in a prestige law firm.

"Let me…" Kazuki patiently tried again.

Wakashi Hiyoshi, the heir of the Wakashi Group, bowed respectfully and said, "Our Dojo is attending a tournament soon. I am sorry, Atobe-sama but I cannot spare the time to grant your request."

"Otou-sama," Keigo ran his hand lightly through his hair and sighed, "There's a merger meeting we had to attend that week. So it is impossible….."

"QUIET!" Atobe Kazuki roared and silenced any further objections or excuses.

Keigo and his friends tried not to cringe away from their position when Atobe Kazuki stood up and walked around the table to stand in front of them. Atobe Kazuki may be known for his patience and charm but he can be bullish when angered. Luckily, very few things can anger Atobe Kazuki or they would be in big trouble.

"Boys, have you read the rest of the email sent to each and every one of you?" Kazuki asked and took turn looking at each of them.

Keigo and the others looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders to indicate they haven't done so.

Kazuki sighed in exasperation, "If you boys had taken the time to read the rest of the email, you will find that consents have been given by your respective superiors."

Kazuki nodded at Yuushi and Keigo, "I am your Boss and you're your business partner. You can still do your work or delegate them via email, mobile phone and video conferencing, you know?"

His eyes shifted to Choutarou and Ryo, "Your coach permitted your participation since you'll be getting back to the basics of tennis at the camp. Since your major sponsor is the Atobe Group, I give permission on behalf of my company."

Kazuki turned to glare at Gakuto and Jiroh, "Your boss, who happens to be my good friend, had approved your participation. You can still do your work like Keigo and Yuushi."

Kazuki turned to Hiyoshi, "Your father had already agreed to your participation. The preparation for the tournament will be temporary handled by Yahara Mikata, an instructor from KWF." KWF is an elite international non-profit organization committed to promoting the traditional values and essence of Budo - the Japanese Martial Arts spirit.

"Father did?" Hiyoshi asked in awe. Wakashi Hatoru, an enbu master was very strict when it comes to the family dojo. Having a non-family member to teach was hardly a small matter. But having an internationally certified and well-known enbu master teaching at the dojo for a week might have sweetened the deal.

"I have my own charming persuasive ways, my boy." Kazuki patted Hiyoshi on his back and turned to face the others.

"Well now," Kazuki beamed at them while rubbing his hands, "if there's nothing else, how about we go for lunch?"

Each of them was wearing a shock expression on their face. No one can win against the persuasive ways of the master himself.

ONE MONTH LATER…..TENNIS CAMP - DAY 1

The yellow school bus left and Gakuto and Yuushi escorted the second last batch of noisy and excited participants to their assigned dorm rooms.

Atobe Keigo tried hard not to yawn. He had been up quite early that morning with his co-trainers (aka his ex-HH Regulars) to greet and escort the tennis camp participants to their respective dorms. Keigo looked around the reception hall of the Japan National Sports Training Facilities and grimaced at its plainness. He wished his father had used their mansion in Karuizawa which would be more suitable for his..uh-hum…their comfort.

Kazuki had informed them that they needed a neutral place since the participating schools were fierce rivals. If the camp was held at an Atobe mansion, the participants from Hyotei High might act pretentious since Atobe Keigo was their graduated sempai.

Stifling another yawn, Keigo turned to Kabaji, "Remind Ore-sama to get Ore-sama's room re-fitted with comfortable furniture. Ore-sama would be in a very bad mood if Ore-sama had lost more sleep like last night." As trainers, Keigo and his co-trainers had to occupy the dorm as well.

"Usu."

Atobe Keigo turned to look into the morning sky with mild irritation. His father's ill-timed planning had ruined his own carefully orchestrated plans to spend more time with Ryuuzaki Sakuno. Keigo had never thought the day would come for him to be so besotted by a female.

Ryuuzaki Sakuno.

His mind had been filled with his first glimpse of a grown-up and beautified Sakuno ever since they had met at the fundraising party. His lips curled upward when he remembered her animated face during that symphony concert outing. His heart accelerated even more when he thought of her pleasing face after finishing her favorite ramen. Keigo slipped his hand into the pocket of his tennis shorts and wrapped his hand around a piece of lacy fabric.

"Atobe-san, you can have this." A feminine hand held out a lacy handkerchief. Keigo had looked up from his empty bowl and found Sakuno waiting with twinkling eyes and a small smile.

"Eh?" His brain stopped working at the moment.

"Your face is red and you are sweating. You really need this."

Keigo had said a husky "Thank you" and with his eyes still locked on Sakuno's face, he had accepted her gift. He made sure he kept it with him after that.

Keigo smiled with satisfaction and recalled her blushing face and wide-eyed gaze at him. 'Ore-sama wanted to see that look again.'

His thoughts were interrupted when a school bus turned into the driveway and rolled up toward the reception entrance. The name "Hanazawa High" and a bold logo were painted onto the side of the bus. Keigo and Kabaji were assigned to greet this last batch of participant as ordered by Atobe Kazuki. When Keigo asked why, Kazuki had smiled secretively and said, "You'll see."

The bus stopped and opened its door. One by one, 9 high school boys dressed in their school's dark purple and white uniforms stepped off the bus, carrying their tennis bags. Keigo looked over them and felt nostalgic. 'They remind Ore-sama of Ore-sama's high school days. Or maybe Ore-sama felt old compared to their youthfulness.'

"Ohayozaimasu, Atobe-san!" A familiar voice called him.

Keigo whirled around and gaped in shock. His eyes took in the pretty sight of Ryuuzaki Sakuno dressed in figure-hugging dark purple jumpsuit with pink T-shirt and pink sport shoes. His heart was thumping rapidly. His throat dried up. His hands and arms tingled with the urge to touch and hold the smiling young lady standing in front of him.

"Atobe-san, are you okay?"

Keigo came out of his daze to find his secret love interest and her boys staring at him with Sakuno being concerned and the boys being uneasy.

Keigo was quick to recover from his shock. With a charming smile, he greeted his guest, "Ryuuzaki-sensei! Young men! Ore-sama apologizes for being pre-occupied. Welcome To Atobe's Foundation of Tennis For Youth Tennis Camp."

Sakuno and her boys immediately bowed and said, "Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!"

"Yoroshiku. Ore-sama together with Kabaji will be escorting you to your quarters. This way please." Keigo waved toward the direction of the dorm.

TENNIS CAMP … DAY 1 - Afternoon

Atobe Keigo felt a bit excited as he vaguely observed Shishido and Choutarou giving their welcoming speeches. The trainers, school tennis coaches and the participants/campers were gathered in a large hall for a short welcome and briefing session before adjourning for lunch.

Earlier, the young campers had given the well-known professional tennis players a rousing applause when they had stepped forward to welcome them. Atobe Keigo looked over the young faces and sighed with fond remembrance. 'Ore-sama sure missed the good old days of doing nothing but playing tennis.'

His gaze kept going back to one woman standing among a group of tennis coaches. His heart swelled with happiness when Keigo thought of the one and only highlight of the one-week camp, the presence of his secret love interest. 'Ore-sama shall make sure we spend lots of time together here.'

At lunch, Keigo found the opportunity to talk Sakuno. The trainers and the coaches were placed in another room, far away from the noisy and boisterous campers. The seating arrangement had allowed them to network and chat. Keigo had almost gagged when he saw the cafeteria food but he kept quiet when Sakuno had commented how delicious the food had smelled.

"Ore-sama was surprised to see you here, Ryuuzaki-sensei. Your school was not listed among the schools chosen to participate." Keigo said smugly since he was able to claim the seat next to Sakuno.

"So kah? But my school principal gave me the camp invitation a month ago. By the way, Atobe-san, you can call me Sakuno-sensei."

"Alright. Did you say a month ago? Hmm, Ore-sama was sure that the invitation was officially delivered 2 weeks before the camp." Keigo was now intrigued.

"Honto? My principal Ayano Kirimi-san would know more about this." Sakuno was puzzled.

"Ayano Kirimi? That explains a lot." Keigo gave a small laugh.

"Hai?"

"Kiri-obasan was an old family friend. Otou-sama might have given an invite to her at her request."

"Oh! Ayano-san did mention that she knew your father during high school and college. They were also very involved in tennis."

"Heh! Kiri-obasan is not only involved. She was a national level player. Ore-sama saw a match between her and Otou-sama once. She was strong." Keigo said with awe.

"I didn't know that. So is Ayano-san still very close to your family?"

"Well not for a few years now." Keigo said sadly, "She used to come over to our place quite often to play tennis and to hang out with our family. All of the sudden, she stopped visiting. It has been awhile since Ore-sama had seen her."

"Did you try to find her?"

"Ore-sama tried. It seemed she left Tokyo quite sudden that time."

"Ano, perhaps you could visit her at our school."

Keigo looked at Sakuno with surprise before replying, "That's a very good idea, Sakuno-sensei. Oresama will keep that in mind."

Keigo was smirking in private when Sakuno turned back to her half-eaten meal. 'She had just given Ore-sama permission to see her more often! Things are looking up for Ore-sama.'

After lunch, the group of campers and the coaches were divided in 3 groups with 3 trainers assigned to each group. Atobe Keigo had almost beamed with satisfaction when he found Sakuno placed with his group.

For the first two hours, Keigo had each person within his group introduces themselves, gave a short outline of the training menu and held a short Q & A session. During that time, his eyes were drawn to the back of the room where a young woman was talking to 2 male coaches assigned to his group. His level of impatience and irritation raised a notch higher when he saw Sakuno smiling at something one of the coaches had said.

"That will be all for now. We will take a 10 minute break. After that, please grab your tennis bag and head toward Court C. We will do some warm-up exercises before some of you have a short match with each other. Dismiss!" Atobe Keigo almost shouted. Soon the room was cleared except for Keigo, Kabaji and Sakuno.

"You were good up there." Sakuno walked up with a sunny smile. "You could make a good coach."

"Ore-sama does try to do a good job." Keigo tried hard not to preen, "So Sakuno-sensei, what do you think about the camp so far?"

"It's too early to tell. So far I see that the camp was well planned and organized." Sakuno glanced at the handout each person had received earlier. "I'm sure each participant will benefit from this well-thought extensive training menu and the attention of the trainers."

"Ore-sama am sure they will. You may want to get ready for the training session in Court C, Sakuno-sensei. 10 minutes would be over soon." Keigo reminded Sakuno.

"Hai! See you later, Atobe-san." Sakuno walked off after a breezy wave.

Atobe Keigo watched Sakuno walk away with a hungry intensity before turning away with a half-groan and half-sigh. Running his hand through his hair, Keigo took a deep breath with a shaky hand. Watching Sakuno smiling at another male earlier had him in a very bad shape. It took all his strength to control the green eye monster from jumping out, grabbing hold of her and yelling out loud like Tarzan to proclaim to the world that Sakuno is his.

"Kabaji, Ore-sama believed that girl got under Ore-sama's skin." Keigo said tiredly, "And deep in Ore-sama's heart."

"Usu." Kabaji said sympathetically.

THAT EVENING…

"Moshi-mosh, Keigo! How's everything at the camp?"

"Otou-sama, have you been in contact with Kiri-obasan?"

"Eh? How did you find out?"

"Her high school tennis team and coach are here. You knew this and you didn't tell Ore-sama?"

"Well.."

"Is there a reason why you kept this a secret, Otou-sama? Ore-sama thought Kiri-obasan was our friend?"

"Keigo, calm down. There is an explanation about this." A resigned sigh was heard. "Ayano-chan doesn't want to upset you and your sister so she asked me to keep it quiet."

"What is going on, Otou-sama?"

"Keigo, I make a promise to Ayano-chan. I'll have to ask her permission before I can give you any further explanation."

"But…"

"Keigo, you have to concentrate on the tennis camp right now. Can we talk about this when I get there on the last day of camp?"

"Hai, Otou-sama."

"By the way, Keigo-kun, how did it go with Ryuuzaki Sakuno? Were you jumping with joy to see her?"

"It's going well….Eh? OTOU-SAMA! How did you know about ...?"

"My boy, remember with whom you are talking to? Heh! Heh! She's a pretty one. I look forward to see her on the last day of camp."

"Oo..Otou-sama, please don't tell me you planned all this? Sakuno-sensei is just.."

"Just a friend? Someone told me differently. Don't worry, Keigo-kun. Your Otou-sama will treat her well. So see you in a few days."

"Otou-sama?" The phone line went dead.

Atobe Keigo groaned into his hands after tossing down his mobile phone.

EEEEEEEEE

To Be Continued

EEEEEEEEE

Note from Author: Sorry for any mistakes made. Please R & R! This long story will take me a long time to update so please don't rush me.