Disclaimer: Yeah, those stuff about Konomi-sensei owning them.

A/N: I'm still having a hard time writing Tezuka, and I'm juggling writing him with school and org work. pfft. I don't like writing him. haha :))

The Final Practice

As Fuji Syuusuke ran around the courts, Tezuka's eyes followed him. He did not know how to feel, how to react. He did not know what to say or do. All he knew was some things changed between him and the tensai over the days. All he was aware was the fact that his and Fuji's relationship could never be the same. Moreover, he was conscious of the fact that Fuji would act the same towards him in front of others, but differently when nobody's around.

But what exactly did change between them?

Tezuka thought of that as he noted how Fuji ran. It was graceful, unlike those other players who ran mindlessly. Fuji was sweating, but it he didn't look unpleasant. It was as if the sweat was something else, adding to his beauty, to his poise.

Fuji panted as he ran, but as was with the sweat, it wasn't like anyone else's. Yes, he was panting, but not like he was tired and about to give up. It was a different kind of panting. Tezuka tried to find the right words to describe how Fuji was like when he ran, but he couldn't find any.

All he knew was he was in awe. He admired how Fuji could be so elegant even while running. He scanned the courts and noticed that the other club members were also looking at Fuji. Perhaps, he thought, they are also thinking of Fuji the same way as I am. Perhaps, they are as puzzled as I am.

Tezuka continued to stare at Fuji, the millions of questions in his head left unanswered. Tezuka knew that someday, somehow, time would come when he would have to face Fuji again. Tezuka wanted and, at the same time, didn't want that day to come. He wanted because he knew that both of them knew that they would have to. Fuji and he could not stay like this forever. He didn't want because he didn't know how things will go and what will happen.

When Fuji finished, Tezuka called for him. "Fuji!" he said.

The tensai walked towards the captain, towel in his hand. He stopped in front of the bench that Tezuka was sitting on, didn't say anything but waited for what the other man was about to say.

Tezuka remained quiet, arms folded in front of his chest. He avoided looking at Fuji; he had done enough observing for the day. Seconds of silence transpired between the two, one not wanting to disturb the other's thoughts. However, despite the noticeable seemingly pregnant silence, there wasn't actually anything particular going on inside both their minds. But they both didn't know that, so they continued to not disturb the stillness.

"Fuji…" Tezuka finally said. He adjusted his glasses up his nose, then looked at the tensai directly. "Why were you absent?"

Fuji straightened up and gripped his towel. "I…" he started. "I arranged some papers. Ryuuzaki-san and the school are already informed about my plans and I have submitted the necessary documents," he continued.

Tezuka's brows furrowed. "What are you talking about?" he asked.

"I said I've taken care of things, right?" Fuji said. He tried dodging Tezuka's question. He had wanted to keep it a secret, but apparently, he wouldn't be able to.

Tezuka's jaws tightened as he processed what Fuji implied. He knew the answer, but asked anyway. "Which are?" he still inquired.

Fuji was amused at how Tezuka was handling things. He leaned his head on one side and let out a weak smile. "I'll be transferring schools, buchou," he finally said.

Tezuka remained silent again. For a moment, Fuji thought he saw a flash of despair in Tezuka's eyes, but shook away those thoughts instantly. He thought he probably just imagined it because it is what he wanted Tezuka to feel.

Unknown to the tensai, Tezuka did feel loss at what he heard. He wanted to tell Fuji to stop talking rubbish. He wanted to tell Fuji to stay. He wanted to tell Fuji that he wanted him here. True, Tezuka didn't know how he felt about Fuji, but he knew that he wanted Fuji by his side and that the others felt the same way. He wanted Fuji to see his and Seigaku's triumphs, to feel his and Seigaku's sadness. He wanted to share Seigaku's victory with Fuji, with all the regulars. Fuji was his best friend. And, maybe, much more, Tezuka thought.

But all those remained inside Tezuka's head. Instead of giving Fuji a piece of his mind, just like what he practiced earlier, Tezuka said, "Why was I not informed?"

"Ryuuzaki-san was the one who was supposed to inform you," Fuji answered. "Supposedly, you're not to know until tomorrow, when I finally leave. She has actually dismissed me and told me that I can choose to not attend the practices, but I figured one last before I finally leave won't hurt," Fuji finished.

Tezuka nodded. "I suppose so," he agreed.

Fuji looked at Tezuka. "Is it alright? Or do I have to leave?" the tensai asked. Tezuka thought about it. Fuji wasn't a regular or a club member any more, and, as per club rules, non-members aren't allowed in the courts. Fuji knew that too, that's why he asked. "Buchou, am I not allowed?" Fuji asked again.

Tezuka was about to answer when the other regulars came and huddled around Fuji. He was about to tell him that he had to leave the courts when he saw how Kikumaru's and the other players' earlier depressions disappeared as they greeted the tennis player.

He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. He couldn't ruin this final moment now. He couldn't mess it up like how he messed up his and Fuji's relationship. "Yes, you can. But only for today," he said the words only he and Fuji could understand.

Fuji nodded as he watched Tezuka stand up. The captain left the group and told the other club members to rest for a while. He needed to be away for the time being. He didn't want to be part of this joy of Fuji's "coming back", not when he knew what was to happen. He wouldn't be able to bear the conscience of being part of the celebratory happiness that he would break the next day.

A/N: There. Since I was having a hard time writing Tezuka, I didn't make him talk much in this chapter. haha :)) I hope you liked it :p

Reviews, please? :D