Who: Atobe and Oshitari
What: dance with words
Where: Post-Prom party (Atobe's yacht) – third level – ballroom
"There, are you happy now?" Atobe was sitting with Oshitari at a table, watching people dance.
Oshitari looked at him. "What do you mean? The real question is, are you happy?"
"I don't know. I thought breaking up with Jiroh was the right thing to do. But now..."
"You're having regrets?" Oshitari guessed.
"Maybe...I did truly love him, you know."
"Yes, I know. But it's for the best, trust me."
"Trust you?" Just the thought of it made Atobe smile. "No..." And now Atobe finally turned his attention to Oshitari. "I don't think so. You're the one who wanted us to break up. Now tell me why." His smile was fading and Oshitari knew it could become an ugly situation if he didn't handle it correctly.
"Keigo, you and Jiroh are going to separate universities. It just wouldn't make sense to stay together."
Atobe raised an eyebrow. "And you think I don't know this?"
"I know you do," Oshitari quickly assured him. "But I also know that Jiroh loves you and he would follow you into profession tennis if he thought that's what you wanted. He needs to make the right decision for him."
"You think I don't want what's best for him?"
Oshitari could see he needed a different approach. He tried again. "Jiroh isn't like you. He doesn't have your talent...he can't make it in the professional tennis world."
"Jiroh has a lot of potential," Atobe responded hotly. "If he just trained-"
"What if," Oshitari interrupted, "Jiroh doesn't want to train?" Then Oshitari realized what he needed to say to make Atobe wake up. Carefully, Oshitari went on, "What if Jiroh's dream isn't tennis?"
Atobe looked startled. "Oh."
"Have you even asked him?" Judging from Atobe's face, Oshitari would guess not.
"Excuse me." Atobe stood up. "I have to find Jiroh."
