I was able to finish this chapter sooner than expected. :D
I found out only recently that there is an English patch for a certain PoT game. I pulled an all-nighter because of that… *sweat drop*… but I enjoyed it a lot, hahaha!
Thank you very much for everyone who reviewed. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Disclaimer: I wish I own the characters of Prince of Tennis
When everyone was busy having fun with the party, an arm grabbed Sae from behind. She cannot scream since the other hand was placed on her mouth. She was dragged outside the house.
"Sorry about that," the voice whispered near her ear, "don't scream okay?"
Sae nodded and afterwards, the arms let her go.
"What was that Tezuka-senpai?"
"Did I scare you?"
"Very. You– eh?"
Tezuka wrapped his arms around the girl.
"I'm so glad to see you're safe. I really thought something happened to you. If that was true, I don't know what I would do."
"You worry too much," Sae smiled at Tezuka, "why would you think of that?"
Sae was surprised when something soft brushed to her lips. She stood frozen on the spot as Tezuka claimed her lips. It was a sweet kiss but the girl felt an electricity ran through her body.
The girl came to her senses when Tezuka pulled away.
"I will not apologize for what I just did. You can get angry at me if you want but I want you to know how I feel before I leave," Tezuka held her hand and placed it near his lips. "I like you and I want you to go out with me. Please think about it." Tezuka planted a light kiss to her hand before he returned to the party.
Sae was left in dazed with what just happened. She cannot return inside the restaurant with her face all red.
"There you are. I've been looking all over for you. Huh?"
Sae acted like she did not hear someone calling out to her.
"Hey."
The girl felt a nudge on her arm.
"Ah, Ryoma, what are you doing here?"
"I should ask you that."
"I-I just feel getting some fresh air, that's all."
"Why is your face red?"
"Eh? You're imagining things. We better go back now."
"You're right. You better wake up now. Everyone is worried."
"What are you saying?" Sae looked puzzled as Ryoma's voice suddenly changed.
Everything became blurry.
"… Sae."
"Sae-chan."
"Oi Sae, wake up already."
The girl heard voices calling her name. Slowly, she opened her eyes. She saw silhouettes of people surrounding her. After her eyes return to its focus, she was greeted by worried faces of her teammates.
"Thank goodness you've come to."
The girl realized that she was lying on the floor. She got up and looked around her.
"What happened?"
"I'm terribly sorry!" Kawamura bowed in front of her, "this is my fault."
"Your fault?"
"It seemed that he got our plates mixed up," Fuji explained.
"The wasabi sushi he gave you had too much wasabi on it, that's why you passed out," Oishi said.
"Please forgive me."
"Senpai, you don't have to worry about it. I'm fine now," Sae tried her best to sound enthusiastic, "but, when did I fell unconscious?"
"Not long after we started eating. About ten minutes by now."
"I see. Does that mean it was all a dream after all?"
Sae looked at Tezuka. She felt her face heated up when their eyes met that she instantly averted her eyes. Somehow, she felt sad. Is she feeling disappointed?
"Are you feeling alright?"
"Ah? Me? I'm good," Sae forced a smile, "ah, I know. Let's have a game. Who wants to join!?"
Sae thought of some activities to erase what happened earlier. Everyone was cooperative making the party livelier.
Sae leaned on the wall outside the restaurant. She can still hear the noises coming from the group inside.
"They sure have a lot of energy."
Sae turned to where the voice is coming from.
"Fuji-senpai."
"Tired?"
"Not really. I just want some fresh air. Why are you here?"
"I thought I saw you went outside so I followed you."
"Do you need me for something?"
"No. It's just that it's been a long time since the last time I talked to you alone like this."
Sae remained silent.
"Are you sad that he's going away?"
"He? You mean Captain Tezuka?"
Fuji nodded.
"Of course. But when I think that it's for his future, I want to cheer him more. It's the least I can do."
Fuji saw Tezuka just came out of the restaurant.
Fuji stood up.
"I better get back now," Fuji excused himself.
"I'll go with you."
"You better stay. I think he got something to say to you," Fuji said with his usual smile. Sae turned to where Fuji was looking at and saw their captain walking their way.
Sae would rather not talk with Tezuka. She still cannot forget that dream of hers earlier. But thinking this might be the last time she will be able to talk with her captain before he leaves, she listened to Fuji.
Fuji stopped as he passed by Tezuka.
"I will not be generous next time," Fuji said before he continued to walk back inside the restaurant.
"Sae, can I talk to you?"
"Um, sure."
Sae waited for Tezuka to speak. Several moments passed but he remained silent. Sae was starting to feel awkward.
"W-what do you want to talk about?" Sae asked just to break the ice.
"Do you remember someone – a boy you used to call Mitchi?"
"Michi? Yes I remember him," Sae smiled softly, "we used to play together when we were kids. He's the one who taught me how to play tennis. Why do you asked? Do you know him?"
"It's not like that."
"Or perhaps you're Mitchi-kun?" Sae blurted out as a joke.
Tezuka remained silent. He did not know how to answer.
Sae'e expression changed when Tezuka did not respond.
"Don't tell me –" Sae's eyes widen in surprise, "you're Mitchi-kun!?"
"Is it really that surprising?"
"You really are Mitchi-kun!" Sae was very happy that she suddenly embraced Tezuka. "I did not recognize you at all! You've grown so tall." Sae reacted as if that was the first time they have seen each other in a while. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
Tezuka felt relieved that Sae looked glad to know. He was afraid she will be disappointed with him.
"I tried to tell you but circumstances just won't let it happen."
"Is that so? I'm still so happy to see you again. Who would have thought that you would be my captain!? Since when did you know?"
"Not too long ago."
"Ah, so that means you did not recognize me too. I've grown prettier, haven't I?" Sae giggled but her expression saddened as she remembered something.
"What are you doing?"
Sae stepped back. Serious expression was written on her face. She bowed her head and said, "I apologize for leaving without saying anything to you."
Tezuka was surprised at what Sae said.
"Lift your head," Sae looked at him, "it's fine. You don't have to do that. What is important is you're here now."
"But tomorrow," Sae smiled sadly at him, "it's your turn to leave."
Sae was surprise when a hand caressed her cheek.
"Well, it's not like we'll not be seeing each other again."
Tezuka's hand felt warm. Sae wanted to hold it more but a white light flashed their way. The two turned to the culprit.
"Oishi-senpai."
"Well, I've been looking all over for you. The star of the party should not stay out of the party for long."
"Oishi-senpai is right. Let's go."
Sae held Tezuka's hand as they walked back to the restaurant.
"It seems someone came to visit."
"Look who do we have here?"
Sae waved when she saw the others looking her way. She was standing on the sides of the tennis court as the members of Rikkai Dai tennis club are doing their afternoon practice.
"What are you doing here kiddo?"
"Nothing really. I just want to see how you are doing."
"Eh? Are you here to spy on us now?" before Sae could respond to his question, Kirihara received a hard hit on the head courtesy of Niou.
"Hey! What was that for!?"
The girl giggled seeing how they are the same as before she left. "Where's Yukimura-senpai?"
"He's not here yet."
"Oh," a sad expression appeared on her face.
"Is there any problem?"
"Eh? No. It's nothing. Nothing at all."
Kirihara, Marui and Niou looked at each other. They sense something seemed odd about the girl in front of them.
"Here," Marui offered Sae a racket.
"What for?"
"Let's play a match."
"Eh? Aren't you still in training by this time? Sanada-fukobuchou will get angry."
"He's not here yet. This will only take a little while. We'll be done before they arrive."
"Really Marui-senpai? As far as I can remember, you haven't won a match against Sae."
Marui stopped as if he remembered something horrible.
"I'll make sure this time will be different."
After a few minutes
"Game and match, Sae. Six games to three."
"Who gave you the permission to use the court and play a match!?"
The four do not need to turn their heads to know from whom the voice was coming from.
"Sae?"
"Hi senpaitachi. How are you doing?" the girl laughed dryly.
Yukimura know the girl too well to not to notice that something was bothering her.
"Sae, come with me."
"Now? But your practice –"
"It will not take long," Yukimura smiled at her assuring her.
"Um, okay."
Yukimura brought the girl not too far from the tennis court. They can still see the practice going on but far enough so one else will hear what they are going to talk about.
Yukimura gestured Sae to sit beside him which she obeyed.
"It's good to see you guys seem alright."
"Sae, what's wrong?"
"Just feeling sad I guess. Today is the Captain Tezuka's flight overseas."
"I see. Is that all?"
"I just found out that he is my childhood friend. I really can't remember him until recently but he was that person who taught me how to play tennis. Somehow, I owe him my passion for it."
"Do you still see him as a childhood friend?"
"What do you mean?"
Yukimura chuckled.
"You need to grow up more," the Rikkai Dai captain patted her head, "grow up and realize it."
Sae looked puzzled at Yukimura's remarks.
Afternoon practice
Oishi held a white envelope as he walked by the tennis court. It's almost a week since Tezuka's flight to Germany.
"Osihi-senpai, are those the pictures from Captain Tezuka's farewell party?"
"Yes."
"Let me see," Momo immediately snatched the envelope from Oishi's hand.
The others came by to take a look. Most of those were funny to look at.
"Here. I want you to have this," Oishi gave Sae an envelope.
"What's this?"
"I just thought you would want a copy."
Sae opened the envelope. Inside was a single picture of her and Tezuka as they were talking that night outside the restaurant. The picture was well taken that Sae felt nostalgic looking at it.
"Thank you senpai."
Sae just woke up late that day. When she went downstairs to eat breakfast, she saw a big white box on the table.
"Ah, Sae, good morning."
"Good morning, Aunt Rinko."
"A package arrived for you."
"For me?"
"It's from your dad."
When Sae opened it, inside were a dress, a pair of sandals and a card. The dress was something someone would wear in formal gatherings: designed with ribbons and laces. In the card she read: Dearest Sae, please wear this dress to the party. Love Dad.
"A party?"
Suddenly her phone rang.
"Yes?"
"It's me. Did you receive the package?"
"Yes. What's this about?"
"I'm sorry if this is so sudden. You know how busy my schedule is right now. I will be attending a party of one of my business partners and I want you to be there. At least that way, I can still spend time with you before I return to America."
"But this is the first time you invited me to one of the parties of yours," Sae felt a bit suspicious with the sudden invitation, "you know how I don't like going to those kind of parties."
"Don't be like that. Will you refuse me?"
Sae can picture her dad looking at her with puppy eyes. She heaved a sigh.
"Fine."
"Then see you tonight?"
Sae can hear the happy tone from her dad but she thought she misheard something.
"Wait, what do you mean tonight?"
"Yes, the party is tonight."
"Eh!?"
"Don't worry. I will be there to pick you up. Be ready by six o'clock. See you later."
Beeping sound followed.
Sae felt her energy drained. Her dad did not let her protest any further.
"So, shall I help you get dressed?" Rinko's eyes twinkled as she looked at Sae.
That night
"Your car is here," Nanjiro lazily said as he entered the house.
"Thank you Uncle Nanjiro."
However Nanjiro cannot reply as he stood dumbfounded while looking at the girl who just came down from the stairs.
"So, how do I look?"
"Ehem, well, you look… fine."
"What are you saying?" Rinko smack Nanjiro's head. She then turned to Sae, "don't listen to him. You look stunning sweetie."
"That's too much for a compliment but thank you."
"There you are Ryoma," Ryoma was standing near the door frame watching the scene near the staircase. "Go here," Rinko pulled Ryoma and positioned him next to Sae.
"What's the big idea?"
"We have to document this of course, "RInko showed the camera she was holding, "this is the first time Sae will attend a formal event."
"How do you know that?"
"Your dad told me."
A white light flashed their way.
A black car was parked outside the Echizen residence. Sae waited for the chauffer to open the door. Her Aunt Rinko arranged her hair in a bun with a few strands of hair let loose on her face. She was wearing the dress her dad sent her. It was a peach halter dress with a fit section around the waist. The length of the dress stopped right below her knee. The matching sandals' strap reached the middle of her lower leg.
"You look great tonight," a man in his forties was seated next to her. He was wearing a gray tuxedo and a scarf.
"Thanks Dad. But really, what is this all about?"
"I just want to spend time with you."
"Cut the act Dad. What's the catch?"
"Okay, okay," her Dad sounded defeated, "today is the birthday of one of my business colleagues. For some reason, he specifically requested you to attend."
"Me? Why me?"
"It seems his son knew you from somewhere."
"What is his name?"
"You'll see."
After several minutes
"Ah, were here."
The car stopped in front of a grand hotel.
Inside were several known personalities Sae only saw on television: from politicians to celebrities to businessmen. Sae felt she just entered a world way different from what she knew.
"Ah, Ichinomiya, I'm really glad you could come tonight," a middle-aged man greeted her father. He has an authoritative aura around him and Sae cannot help but stare at the man. He kind of reminds her of someone.
"My good friend, happy birthday."
The two men shook hands.
"Is this young lady here your daughter?"
"Ah, yes. This is Saeri."
"I'm Saeri Ichinomiya. It's an honor to meet you sir."
"I can see why my son has taken a liking of you."
"Your son?"
"There he is."
Sae's eyes widen in surprise when she saw the Hyotei captain coming their way.
"Father, you called for me?"
"Keigo, I want you to meet Masaharu Ichinomiya, one of our business partners in America."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Ichinomiya. I'm Keigo Atobe."
"Perhaps you already knew his daughter, Saeri."
"Yes," Keigo looked at Sae as he speak, "she is a friend of mine."
"Why don't you keep Saeri company for tonight's party?"
"I don't mind at all," Keigo held out his hand, "shall we?"
Sae hesitated but she better not try to be rude especially in front of her father. She reached out for Atobe's hand and let him lead her to the crowd.
She walked silently beside Atobe.
"You look beautiful. I guess fine feathers make fine birds."
"Is that a compliment?"
"You could say that. Oresama will be your escort for tonight so it's only a given that you should look your best. You should be grateful."
"I didn't ask for that."
Atobe ignored Sae's protest.
"It's starting."
"What is?" suddenly the sound of music was heard. Atobe led her to the dance floor.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Sae asked as they walked right in the middle of the ballroom.
"We will dance of course."
"Eh? I don't know how to dance."
"Just follow my lead."
"You really want to injure your feet that much?"
"That will not happen."
Atobe pulled her close and placed his hand on the girl's back while the other held her hand.
Sae found it easy to follow Atobe's direction although it was her first time dancing. She was afraid that she would step her partner's foot any minute but it was like she was swaying in rhythm with the music.
"You're good at this," Sae smiled at Atobe.
"It's only natural for Oresama to be good at dancing. You're not bad yourself."
When the music died down, girls swarmed their way to Atobe asking him for a dance. Sae had to push her way out of the crowd if she wanted to breathe.
Seeing that she cannot approach Atobe with all the girls flooding towards him, she decided to go somewhere else.
She found a door open leading to the balcony. In contrast to the noisy atmosphere inside, only the sound of insects can be heard from where she stood. When she looked to the other side, she saw someone familiar to her.
"Yuushi-san?"
Yuushi looked surprise when a stranger called out to him.
"I'm sorry. Do I know you?"
"I'm sorry. Perhaps you already forgot. I'm Saeri Ichinomiya. We met during the Kanto Regionals."
Yuushi thought for a minute.
"Ah, the girl from Seigaku. Is that really you? You look… different. I mean in a good way. Did Atobe invite you?"
"No. My father is one of the guests."
Atobe felt anxious when he cannot find Sae anywhere in the ballroom. He searched for her. He felt relieved to see her in the balcony. However, he suddenly felt furious when he saw her happily talking to someone, a guy at that. On her shoulder was the coat of the person she was talking to.
"Yuushi."
Sae and Yuushi turned their heads.
"Atobe."
"What are you two doing here?"
"Just passing time."
"Let's go inside," Atobe pulled Sae's hand. However, Sae remained glued to where she stood.
"Why don't you just let me be? I feel more comfortable here."
Atobe looked at Yuushi. Yuushi stayed silent. Atobe glared at the girl.
"You – who are you to refuse Oresama?"
"You cannot always make someone do what you want," Sae pulled her hand away.
"You– who are you to refuse Oresama?"
"I think it's better if you let her stay here," Yuushi stood between Atobe and the girl, "I'll keep her company."
Atobe's eyebrows furrowed.
"Do what you want," Atobe turned away, "let's go Kabaji."
"Usu."
Sae sighed as she watched Atobe and Kabaji return inside.
"Is he always that pushy?"
"Not really. But this is the first time I saw him get jealous."
"Jealous? I don't think so. He's just being stubborn."
"That may be so but try to understand him more. His father does not always request something from him. Let me remind you that today is his father's birthday therefore he's just fulfilling his father's request by being a good partner for you tonight."
"Are you trying to make me feel guilty?"
"Are you feeling that way?"
Sae sighed.
"You win." Sae handed the coat to Yuushi, "thank you for this."
"You're going to go back now?"
"Yes. I will take responsibility for his sour mood a moment ago. Thank you for accompanying me."
Sae searched for Atobe through the crowd.
"Where did he go?"
Sae walked around the crowd but after several minutes she cannot see Atobe anywhere. She felt her feet getting sore from walking around. She decided to look for some place where she can sit and rest her legs. She found herself walking in an empty corridor. She was about to turn back when she heard voices.
Sae walked behind the pillar near her and hid herself. She saw a Atobe talking with a girl.
"Keigo, why don't you accompany me for the rest of the night?" the girl wrapped her arms around Atobe's neck. She was obviously seducing him.
Atobe is leaning on the wall. He knew that the girl is a daughter of some high ranking official thus he cannot be rude to her. He has a reputation to maintain after all.
"Miss Shizuka, it's not proper for a lady to be seen alone with a man she does not know."
"But Keigo, I know you very well," the girl pushed herself in Atobe's chest and tried to kiss him. Atobe turned his head to dodge the kiss but as he did, he saw someone watching them with surprise look on her face.
The girl named Shizuka noticed the other person and gave Sae a deathly glare.
"Who are you!?" Shizuka asked in an angry tone.
Sae looked at Atobe. He looked someone in a pinch.
"Sorry to disturb you two but I think you got the wrong guy," Sae walked towards the two.
"What do you mean?"
"This guy here is already reserve for me tonight."
"How dare you!?" Shizuka was about to give Sae a slap on the face but Sae held her hand to stop her.
"I won't do that if I were you," Sae signaled for the hidden cameras in place, "you don't want your dad see his only daughter get involve in some trivial scandal, do you?"
"You –"
Sae turn to Atobe, "let's go."
When they are near the door to the ballroom, Atobe stopped. He suddenly laughed.
"What's the matter?" Sae asked but Atobe did not stop laughing.
"I was surprised on what you did back there."
"That's not something to laugh about."
"You really are amusing."
"A simple 'thank you' would be nice, you know."
Atobe suddenly leaned towards Sae and planted a kiss on her cheek. The girl stood shocked from what Atobe did as he continued to walk towards the ballroom.
"Consider that as a 'thank you' gift."
"Hey, who would want that from you!?" Sae caught up with Atobe.
"What? You want more?"
"Eh? That's not what I meant. Ow!"
Sae bend down and feel her right foot.
"What happen?"
"It's my foot. I'm not used to wearing heels."
"Let me see," Atobe leaned down to check her foot, "this should get attended."
"It's fine. I just need to rest a bit."
Atobe moved closer to the door next to them. He held a card from his pocket and swiped it through the door. "You should rest here."
"How did you manage to open that?"
"Of course Oresama has a master key. This is Oresama's hotel. What do you expect?"
"I see."
Sae felt her feet left the floor as Atobe carried her in his arms.
"Eh!? What are you doing!? Put me down!"
"Do you expect Oresama to let a lady walk in that state? Just stay still and be quiet."
Sae felt defeated by Atobe's words and silently followed.
Atobe put her down in the sofa inside the spacious room. He sat on the other end of the sofa and placed the girl's legs on his lap.
The girl only watched as Atobe skillfully massaged her legs.
"How does it feel?"
"It feels nice. You're good at this."
"There is nothing Oresama is not good at."
Sae did not bother to argue.
"I should go home now. I don't think I can go to the party in this condition."
"I'll take you home."
"But it's your father's birthday party. You cannot leave."
Atobe dialed something on his phone, "get the car ready." Atobe gestured to carry her in his arms again.
"No. I can walk by myself," Sae suddenly stood up.
"Don't be ridiculous."
"Don't you dare carry me all the way downstairs," threatened Sae.
"Is that so?" Atobe smirked. "Kabaji!" Atobe called out.
"Usu," Kabaji entered the door.
"Take her to the car."
"What!?"
No matter how Sae struggled, Kabaji did not let her go. Sae had to hide her face from other people's stare as they passed by the lobby. Outside, a limousine is already waiting for them.
Sae remained silent as the car began to move. She was still angry for what Atobe did when her phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Sae, I heard what happened. Is Keigo-kun with you?"
"Yes."
"That's a relief. Be careful on your way home."
"Yes Dad."
"I'm sorry if I cannot attend to you now. Please give my regards to Rinko and Nanjiro."
"I will."
Sae put down her phone.
Atobe, who was seated opposite her, just stared at her.
"What are you staring at? Is there something on my face?"
"The dress suits you. Oresama really has an eye for things, right Kabaji?"
"Usu."
"What do you mean? It's my dad who picked this."
"Not really. Oresama told him to send it to you for the party."
"Eh? So that means…"
"You should be grateful you can go to that party. Only selected people can attend such grand event."
"I should have known something was up. This is the first time Dad invited me to attend a formal party with him."
"Dad? Masaharu is not your father, right?"
Sae's eyes widen in surprise.
"How did you– you did a background check on me!?"
"No. It's not that hard to find out. All Oresama needs to do is check his profile from the database."
Sae stayed quiet.
"Just don't tell anyone about this."
"Oresama is not that type of person."
The rest of the journey became quiet.
Tezuka was checking his email when a message arrived from Oishi. Oishi has been sending him emails since he left Japan. Normally, it was more of the updates about the team's progress. When he opened it, he was surprised to see the pictures from the party the night before he left for Germany. He browsed through the photos until one picture caught his eyes. It was the same picture Oishi gave to the girl.
Tezuka turned his attention to the stuffed rabbit Sae gave him as a gift that night. It was a white rabbit holding a tennis racket. It's more of a voice recorder disguised as a stuffed animal. He pushed the tennis racket then a voice was heard from the rabbit:
"Tezuka-buchou, get well soon. I will be cheering for you. Let's play a match after you return. Ah, Karupin, stop that!"
A 'meow' was heard before the voice disappeared. Tezuka closed his eyes as he listened to it. It was indeed her voice. In his mind he pictured her as if she personally told him those words.
Lunch break was almost over. Sae stood in front of the storage room at the back of the gym. Someone left a note and wanted to meet her. She was not sure whom the note came from but somehow, she had a bad feeling about this.
"Help!" someone yelled from the storage room.
Sae immediately opened the door and went inside.
"Hey, where are you?"
To her surprise, she found no one inside. The door suddenly closed and everything became dark.
Sae tried to open the door.
Locked.
"What the– there's still someone here. "
No response.
"Hey, open up."
Sae banged the door but no response came.
"Someone must be playing a prank on me again."
It's English class already and it's time for Ryoma's to take a nap. However his eyes remained awake as the seat beside him remained unoccupied.
"Where could she have gone to?"
Thanks all… for now
(=^.^=)