Title: Timing
Date: October 15, 2013

Sorry after writing the last chapter with a super depressed Fuji, I got super depressed and needed to focus on a new story. So I'm really sorry for the slow update! And thank you fujiyuki for the feedback! I went over my plot and it gets more linear past chapter 10, but even so it does get pretty confusing. I know exactly what you mean when you say it's the type of story you'd rather read in one go.
Well, thanks for all the reviews! And let's get this more confusing by time skipping into a more familiar timeline!

Tezuka Kunimitsu
Chapter 5

In his third year of middle school came the appearance of Echizen Ryoma.

Echizen was someone akin to a hurricane or typhoon; storming into his life without much warning and flipping his world completely around. He was volatile and wild, uncontrollable and just so fascinating. And like a tropical storm, he was growing each day… improving with an endless potential. And it was so exciting. It was so very exciting… And he was swept away completely.

Because there was something about that golden eyed boy… something awfully special. A certain charisma… a star quality. And he was certain that this Seigaku freshman's place could only be at the very top. An undefeatable tennis player. The stuff of legends. And he was going to bring him there. That was right… He was going to be the one to wake up all that hidden potential. He was going to be the one to make sure that Echizen will reach heights none of them could ever dream to see or think fathomable.

And it was probably the way he sauntered onto the Seishun Gakuen tennis courts like he owned the place. The way he stood so confidently on the courts, as though he was bred for the sole purpose to play this one very sport. And his presence was just so strong. So in your face, and blocking away everything else from sight.

And it was the way those golden eyes… eyes that were dipped in the sun itself, shone back at him with such intensity. They were challenging. And it was so very exciting. So he accepted the challenge, as they stood on opposite sides of the court with their tennis racquets at hand. That small smirk that played on the freshman's lips almost endearing. And the expression that followed suit was undeniably enticing, with eyes wide open and filled with naïve awareness… a drive for self-improvement, to learn, a wanting to overthrow him in their hypothetical next match.

Echizen Ryoma tugged at something inside of him… an antagonism. A competitive force that kept pushing him, that invigorated him, and that made him want to better himself. And he could think of nothing else.

So it almost felt natural when their lips met in an overwhelmingly intense kiss one day after practice in the empty locker rooms. And he remembered the way his mind fell blank, as they held onto each other… practically clawing at each other, in a wild struggle to see who can get the upper hand. It was the very definition of a sloppy kiss. Their main focus filled with passion and force, their tongues tangled in a fight to see who would come out victorious. And as they pulled away from each other, both out of breath and gasping for air, they found themselves on similar playing fields.

They didn't need to speak.

There was no need to speak.

It was all about the challenge on the tennis courts. The way Echizen Ryoma eagerly seeked to draw out his full attention, his talent and stamina. And it was the same way with him. It felt like a game… one so captivating and fulfilling, as he wanted to test the boy more and more. Draw out all that hidden talent and then some. Then it was all about the challenge between them, as persons. The thrill exchanged from their looks alone, to those almost inevitable moments together.

If Tezuka Kunimitsu really had to think about it…

… maybe this was love?

But the thought of deeply blue eyes and that fragile smile would invasively come into his mind and his chest would tighten wonderfully. Because he was certain that he was in love with Fuji Shusuke. And even though he was kissing someone so unlike Fuji Shusuke, there wasn't a doubt in his mind to suggest his feelings for the honey haired brunet changed the slightest. He's been in love with Fuji Shusuke since the moment they met… was still is in love with Fuji Shusuke.

Was it possible to be in love with two people at the same time?

Because there was something about the golden eyed freshman… maybe it was love. Maybe it wasn't. Or maybe it was something akin to love. Regardless, he didn't have to think about it. That was the simplistic beauty in their relationship. It was clean and straightforward. There wasn't anything complicated every time they met on the courts or in private.

With Echizen Ryoma, there were never any hidden smiles. There were no feelings of resentment or past regrets. Echizen Ryoma wouldn't hold his tongue and replace that defiant smirk with a frustratingly steady smile.

Kissing Echizen Ryoma felt exhilarating and more importantly… refreshing.


"Echizen's going on reserve?" Oishi Syuichiro offered him a puzzled look, with good reason too. Ever since their newest freshman joined their esteemed group of regulars, he has started in every single line-up. And Tezuka made certain that was the case.

He nodded his head, "He won't be playing unless we need a tie break."

"I don't want to sound like Inui, but the chances of that are pretty slim to none." Oishi crossed his arm, "How set are you on our order?"

"Not to sound like Inui, but 100 percent." He mimicked, wondering if their freshman's cheekiness was rubbing off on him from the copious amount of time spent together.

"Speaking of Inui… He just… surprisingly started dating Kaidoh-kun. Don't you think it's too early for them to be playing against Shishidou and Ohtori-kun?" Oishi pointed out, "And I know Eiji's great at doubles… but pairing him with Momoshiro? I know I failed him by not placing a Regulars spot… but he's going to be up against Hyotei's strongest pair."

He nodded his head, because every concern his green eyed teammate had was true.

"I understand Kawamura against Kabaji-kun. If not him, I would have put in Momoshiro. There isn't anyone on our team able to take on such raw strength… And of course you'll be playing against their captain, because in terms of skill… you or maybe Echizen may be the only ones able to take him down. So what I'm probably asking for is… maybe moving Fuji from the Singles 2 spot to doubles with Eiji." Oishi suggested, "They're best friends. They know everything about each other. They know each other's moves, each other's weaknesses. And they know how far to push each other. They're a stronger pair than what Eiji will be with Momoshiro. And regardless of who plays the Single 2 match, be it Fuji or Echizen, that match will probably be our win."

Everything Oishi said made sense. Truthfully, moving Fuji down to doubles and putting Momoshiro on reserve made the most sense. Echizen was definitely a strong player. He wasn't sure if Echizen was up to Fuji's talent yet, but he was definitely learning and improving by the day. Except… "I can't do that to Fuji."

Oishi gave him a quizzical expression, "What do you mean?"

"Singles 2 has always been his spot. Even though he said he was okay with it… I already forced him into conceding too many matches he should have won if it hadn't been for Kawamura. He needs this match… just like he needed that match against St. Rudolph's Mizuki." He explained.

The look on Oishi's face didn't change, "… What's the deal between you and Fuji?"

He blinked.

Because honestly, at this point in time he still didn't know.

With everything that happened last year, their relationship was still undefined. There was still a wall between them that neither of them wanted to climb over, for lack of courage on his behalf. But he certainly cared for the honey haired brunet… more than anything. And he knew he was in love with Fuji Shusuke.

"Oh sorry, I thought everyone left." Tanaka Hikaru poked her head into the room, a set of keys jangling from her hands.

"Sorry Tanaka-chan." A sheepish smile made its way onto Oishi's face, "The student council meeting ended a while ago and we just ended up talking. Are you locking up?"

The ebony black haired girl nodded her head, doing her best to keep her eyes focused on the floor.

"We're leaving." He spoke up, grabbing his bag and slinging it over his shoulder. Oishi followed suit, as they walked out of the student council office and made their way down the hallway.

"… I guess it's still awkward between you two?" Oishi pointed out, as soon as they were out of earshot.

He shrugged.

His relationship with Tanaka Hikaru lasted probably two months before its inevitable conclusion. And she was from start to end the perfect girlfriend. There wasn't one bad thing he could say about the girl… except perhaps her lack of tennis knowledge. And it wasn't the ideal breakup, because when he said that universal 'It's not you, it's me' breakup phrase… he truly meant it. Because she wasn't the problem. He wasn't able to point out any flaws or give her any sense of closure. Maybe it was as his mother said… Tanaka just wasn't suited for him.

She wasn't Fuji Shusuke.

And as if on cue, his phone chimed.

"So back to what we were talking about before… I really think you should reconsider the line-up. Eiji and Fuji pair is a guaranteed win and Singles 2 will be a win regardless. More importantly, you'll be making your boyfriend happy." Oishi restated.

"Echizen's not my boyfriend." He corrected, pulling out his cellphone.

"Hm…" Oishi hummed, "Maybe not officially. But I'm your best friend, I can tell something's up between you two."

"Sorry, I have a text message." He didn't hear a word that came out of his vice-captain's mouth; his eyes focused on the screen of his phone.

"Who is it?" Oishi wondered.

"Fuji." He muttered, "I'll… see you tomorrow."

He didn't bother waiting for a reply, as he took off in the opposite direction.

I heard you had a student council meeting today. Are you still at school? If you are… can we talk? I'm in the locker rooms.

"Fuji?" He called out, as soon as he pushed the door open. He scanned the room briefly, his eyes landing on the petite brunet sitting on the bench overlooking the window.

He was met with a small concerning smile.

"Is something wrong?" He wondered, taking a step into the room, closing the door behind him. It's been a while since they were able to sit together in a room and talk… Rather, it's been a while since he made it so they weren't able to sit together in a room and talk. He would always remember it as that major step back in whatever their relationship was. But here they were… and he couldn't help but feel unbelievably nervous.

"I feel like… ever since last year…" Fuji started, struggling to find the right words.

He dropped his bag by the corner of the room, his gut telling him that he shouldn't rush this conversation or put this conversation on hold despite the anxiety bubbling inside of him. Because this wasn't a conversation he wanted to have… not right now. Not when his life at the moment felt so easily uncomplicated.

"I wanted to clear the air between us." Fuji offered a lopsided smile.

And he so desperately wanted to mimic that smile, except…

"I'm a bit of an idiot." Fuji offered an awkward little laugh, "… I was so caught up in myself. With Saeki, Yuuta and my parents… I never once considered how I was treating the people around me. You were my closest friend. I took advantage of that."

He wanted to shake his head. Because yes, they were friends… and Fuji should have been able to talk to him about every big or little thought that went though his mind. And it was his own ugly feelings that got in the way. He opened his mouth to protest, but no words came out.

Fuji's lips were curved the slightest, "When you started dating Tanaka… I felt like you were pushing me away. Because I think that maybe I pushed you away by dating Saeki."

And he so desperately couldn't find his voice.

"Actually… I think I was jealous." A sheepish smile covered that pretty face, "Because I did think that Tanaka was perfect. And you're perfect. So you must've been perfect together… I don't want to sound rude or anything, but… I was relieved it didn't work out."

He glanced down into those profound pools of clear sapphire, knowing exactly what the brunet was building up to say…

… and the overwhelming feeling of dread washing over him.

"Because I think that…"

Everything from that small genuine smile, to the pink tint on those cheeks, to the way those very blue eyes sparkled with a sincerity so sweet he wanted nothing more than to capture this memory forever… but… he could feel his fingers twitch. He wanted to cover his ears. He didn't want to hear the next three words, because…

"I love you."

… He couldn't say it back.

Because as much as he was in love with Fuji Shusuke…

He wanted Echizen Ryoma more.

To be continued.

Thanks for reading! Please tell me how frustrated you are with Tezuka!