"Kita-chaaan," Kirin-nii drawls out.
"Hmm?" I hum, wondering what we could be so worked up about this early in the morning.
"Oh, don't be that way!" He pouts, even though he knows I haven't said anything yet. "A nice 'good morning' would've been nice or even 'Oh aniki! It's so good to see you have a day off once in a while. You truly deserve it.' Or something like-"
"Aniki," my tone is firm and he stops blathering on and on about things I never say.
"Right, so as I was going to the store this morning, since we didn't have any milk, eggs, bacon, cereal, diapers-"
"Spit it out!" I say, half annoyed and half amused at his antics.
"Geeze, well as I was checking out I saw the newest edition of Monthly Pro Tennis so, thinking of you, I bought it and guess what I saw inside!"
I raise an eyebrow. "Coverage from the friendly tournament last week?"
He pouts instantly. "Mou… Kita-chan! You're no fun," he whines before perking back up. "That's not all though! There's an article in here about you!"
I blink, taking this information in for a few long seconds. "EH!"
Snatching the magazine out of his hands, I flip through it to find the coverage from the tournament. Sure enough, there's a large picture of me in the top right corner and an article underneath. I recognize the photo from my match with Ootori-san where I won the tournament with us.
"I didn't know that you were doing interviews now," Kirin says, sitting across from me at the table.
"I'm not," I reply and look down to the bottom of the article. "However, Buchou is."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, Monomi-buchou did an interview with a reporter about me," I explain. "Look."
Handing him the magazine, he begins to read:
The Player Behind the Shades: Sato Kinta
Sato-san is a new Regular for Kuragaku and an upcoming tennis star among the high school section. He entered Kuragaku just this year and easily rivals tensai Fuji Shusuke. This prodigy can be easily spotted amongst the other tennis players by his short stature, purple hair, and dark shades. True to the rumors that he is a National-level player, Sato-san has beaten National-level players in Singles as well as Doubles. Surprisingly, he plays doubles with resident tensai Fuji Shusuke and they have become nationally known as the Heavenly Pair.
Although we've seen him play in the tournaments this year, it seems like this is his first time playing in tournaments ever. This only adds to the mystery that is Sato Kinta as no one has yet seen his eyes that are either closed or behind dark sunglasses. Here today to answer some questions about the mysterious prodigy is Kuragaku Captain Monomi-san.
S: How long have you known Sato-san?
M: Just this year when he first entered the tennis club. I'm his senior and Captain.
S: I see. How is his play style?
M: It's unique. He came to us with his own moves, but quickly developed the moves of others and new ones of his own. His play is very similar to Fuji's.
S: Yes. Did you know about his ability to replicate some of the more advanced techniques like zero-shiki drop shot and Tezuka Zone?
M: No, Nationals was the first time he ever used them. Not even Fuji knew.
S: Fuji Shusuke? He's Sato-san's Doubles partner.
M: Yes and best friend. They're in the same class and practically inseparable, especially when they're working on their Doubles.
S: Oh? How did they become Doubles partners anyway?
M: I have no clue. I believe they've been keeping it secret, but I know that Nationals was the first time they officially played. I'm still stunned when I remember their first match. They are truly fearsome and stunning at the same time.
S: Do you think they'll give the Golden Pair a run for their money?
M: (laughs) That will be a match to remember!
S: Have you ever seen Sato-san's eyes?
M: Actually no. He either has his eyes closed or sunglasses on, no matter if it's indoors or not.
S: Is he blind?
M: (laughs) Oh no, definitely not.
S: He has many female admirers, do you know if he has a girlfriend?
M: I've never seen him with girls much, so I think that he's not interested yet.
S: One last question. When you graduate this spring, who's going to be Captain and Vice-Captain?
M: (smiles) Fuji and Sato for sure.
S: Thank you for taking time out of your schedule Monomi-san.
M: No problem.
Article written by: Shiba Saori
The magazine quickly crumples as my fists tighten in anger and embarrassment around it. How could Buchou do this? Don't I have any privacy? True, there's not much in the interview that gives away anything, but I never agreed to this!
"Buchou," I mutter. "On Monday, you are so going to get it!"
"Are? Kita-chan, where are you going?" Kirin asks me as I stomp towards the front door, grabbing my tennis gear along the way.
"To let off some steam and buy Fuji's birthday present."
As the door slams, Kirin vaguely remembers seeing Fuji's birthday listed for the tennis players with birthdays in February and March.
"Hmm… I wonder if I should spy," Kirin wonders, but remembers the scary face and bad mood I'm in, so he decides against it.
"Kirin! Come help me with the twins!" Rei yells from the other side of the house.
He sighs, remembering that even though it's his day off he still has a wife and twins to take care of. "Coming honey!" Maybe he'll spy another time.
After an hour of terrifying some middle school students and wiping the floor with anyone who challenged me at the street tennis courts, I felt well enough to leave. Of course, I'm still bitter about the whole thing, but I doubt I'll run into anyone who knows me.
"Ah! It's that guy that goes to high school with sempai-tachi!" A boy yells from behind me as I getting my things together to leave.
"Horio-kun, that's Sato-sempai," Another boy tells the obnoxious one.
"Huh? Sato-san? Oh! You must mean the one from Monthly Pro Tennis!" Horio shouts and starts cackling. "I doubt that's Sato-san! He looks so weak!"
"H-horio-kun…" Another voice says.
"Sato-san is supposed to be super strong and rival Fuji-sempai! I doubt that shorty over there could hold a candle to him," Horio loudly states.
Everyone backs a good distance away once they sense my angry aura. Out of the corner of my eye I see a high schooler that I demolished run up to the trio. He starts whispering something to them and frantically points to me.
"H-ho-Horio-ku-kun," one of the boys begins but is cut off by his stupid cackling.
"I, Horio Satoshi, am a reserve player for Seigaku! I can easily beat that short-"
"Oi," I call, my voice deepening and eyes flashing behind my sunglasses. Walking over to the trio, I see that two of them start cowering and shivering.
"What do you-" Horio begins before turning around to look at me.
"Just because you're a few inches taller than me and have more defined muscles does not give you the right to slander me. If you really want to test out how weak I am then come play a game," I grin evilly. Seriously, he just put me in a bad mood.
"Kachirou, don't you think we should warn Satoshi?" A boy whispers.
"Katsuo! T-that's S-s-sato-sempai! I don't think we should anger him any further," Kachirou says.
"Mmm, maybe he'll teach Satoshi a lesson," Katsuo agrees.
Horio cackles loudly again. "Fine, I accept your challenge! You should be honored that the great Horio-sama has agreed to this!"
I smirk, swing my racquet over my shoulder and head to the open court. "Just don't start begging me to stop when you're down four games," I call back to him.
"Katsuo, Kachirou!" I shout to the boys. "Be referee and score keeper."
They both stare at me shocked. "H-hai! Hai sempai!" They shout before running over.
"Let's begin," I state smirking. There's no way in the world that I'll go easy on him after he's insulted me. I'm already having a bad day too.
Starting off my first game, it's an ace service with my speed serves. I should probably thank Inui later for helping me develop quick and powerful shots. Of course, Horio doesn't seem too fazed yet.
"That was just luck! It's my serve now!" He hits a "speed" serve which is probably only three-fourths the speed of mine and half as powerful. I return it easily and toy with him a little before showing off Fuji's Higuma Otoshi.
"Wha! I told you that's Sato-sempai, Horio-kun!" Kachirou shouts.
"Heh, well a few other players can do that too!" He yells back. I sweat drop at seeing how arrogant and naïve he is.
I quickly end his serve games with return aces and win my next service games with Dice Serve. I watch happily as his eyes widen when he begins to realize that I am Sato Kinta and that he's not getting out of this.
"Yes, finally realize that I am indeed Sato Kinta? I feel quite disrespected since you already met me a couple of times at Kawamura's when we were celebrating. Even more since you slandered me," I growl, lips pulled back in a snarl.
"Heh heh, sempai! You know I really do respect you, but I forgot that you were so-"
"I dare you to finish that Horio Satoshi."
He gulps. "So strong," he tries to finish.
"You shouldn't have said anything."
Needless to say I also demolished him. I ran him around the court for a long time and used quite a few of my techniques on him, just to scare him a little. If he's even thinking about being a Regular next year then he'll definitely remember this.
"I'm surprised you weren't begging by the fifth round," I sarcastically praise Horio. "Thanks for the cool down."
This time I pick up my things and leave for real. All the while the crowd around the tennis courts murmured about how strong I was since this last match was just a cool down for me. Finally in a decent mood, I change my shirt in a restroom nearby and decide to get some food.
Seeing as how I've never actually been to a burger place before, I figured I might as well drop in and see what they have. Hmm… milkshakes, colas, fries, burgers-
"Sempai!" I hear a voice calling. I try to ignore it and focus on what I'm getting for lunch. Probably a shake, burger, and-
"Yo! Sato-sempai, over here!" Since I actually hear my name this time I look over to see who it is. Upon locking my gaze with purple eyes I inwardly groan. This is just not my day.
Quickly, I order my shake, burger, and fries before walking over to where Momo and Echizen are. Bring as chair up next to their booth, I sit down and shrug.
"What's up?" My food is placed in front of me and I start munching on some fries.
"I didn't know that you let Buchou do an interview for you," Momo says grinning.
I frown. "I didn't let him do anything. I didn't even know about it until this morning," I grumble.
"Oh? You let your captain get one over you. Made made-"
"Don't even finish that," I cut him off coldly. He looks at me for a moment before shrugging. Since he knows that I'm a girl, he figures that it's just that time of month.
My gaze narrows at him. "No, I've just had a bad day," I say making the prodigy's slightly widen since I guessed what he was thinking.
"You never show us what's behind those shades, so what's behind them?" Momo teases before reaching for them.
"You touch them you die," I state before finishing off the last of my fries.
"Oh? How will you get any girls if you hide your eyes sempai?" Ryoma teases.
I glare though they can't see it. "Hmph, like I care." Ohh… that was the wrong thing to say.
Momo chuckles. "You know, since the magazine says that you're not interested in girls, you must be interested in guys."
"Of course, since you both know," I agree cautiously.
Momo chuckles a bit louder while Ryoma smirks. "You know sempai, for anyone who doesn't know they'll think you're gay."
My eyebrows shoot up and I blink rapidly. True, it would seem like that. Heh, if only the guy I like wouldn't be so oblivious. "Well, if that ever happens then for now I will be."
Momo chokes on his cola. "Made made dane, Momo-chan-sempai," Ryoma teases.
I crumple up my empty burger wrapper and stand up to throw my stuff away.
"Ne, do you like anyone sempai?" Momo asks while Ryoma smirks.
"Ne, have you asked out An-chan yet?"
Momo goes red and Ryoma's smirk widens. I hold up my hand in a wave before leaving the restaurant.
"Ne, since you have asked out An doesn't that mean she does?" Ryoma says.
Momo chokes on a fry. "You're right! I wonder who it is."
Ryoma only smirks and thinks, 'Made made dane sempais'.
Annoyed, I walk away from the restaurant in search of Fuji's birthday present. It's the twenty-ninth of February, but this year isn't a leap year. I'm trying to think of what I could get him, but nothing really seems to jump into mind. Seeing a bookstore up ahead, I take a detour to see if there's anything he'd like.
The door rings as I come in and a couple associates greet me. Walking towards the back part of the store, I find the photography section. Figuring that Fuji loves art and photos he might enjoy some books on different techniques and styles of photography. Pleased with my inference, I walk up to the front counter to pay for the two I picked out.
"Sakuno, Sakuno," a girl loudly whispers to her friend. "Isn't that Sato-sempai?"
"Tomo-chan!" Sakuno scolds. "Don't be so loud. Hai that is sempai."
"Ne ne, Sakuno-chan, isn't he hot? He's so mysterious! I bet he has gorgeous eyes just like Fuji-sempai and Ryoma-sama," Tomo gushes as she speaks a million miles per hour.
"Tomoka, I think it's best to leave sempai alone. He doesn't look like he's having a good day," Sakuno whispers as she sees the foul aura around me from just listening.
Tomoka giggles profusely. "Non-sense! I want to see if the rumors from the article are true! I bet if he doesn't notice a pretty girl like me he must be gay! Do you think he likes Fuji-sempai? He's with him all the time and-"
"T-tomo-chan! It's not nice to say things like that. Leave sempai alone," Sakuno pleads as Tomoka ends her rant and starts walking towards me.
I finally pay for the books and turn to meet her. "You know, it's not nice to spread rumors," the corner of my lips twitch in annoyance.
Tomoka at least has the decency to look embarrassed, but she just doesn't give up. "Will you go on a date with me?"
I nearly laugh in her face. Seriously? Who does she think she is?
"Now now, you're going to ask me on a date just after you insinuated that I'm gay? Please. At least your cute friend over there has some modesty and respect," I comment back at her before walking away.
Since I commented on her friend being cute maybe it'll stop those rumors from going around. It's not like I care if I'm "gay" since then I would in reality be "straight", but this whole this is grating on my nerves.
After walking for a couple more minutes a spot a familiar mop of red hair exiting the pet store. Figuring the person is Eiji, I walk towards him to get some comic relief. I doubt that Eiji reads Monthly Pro Tennis, but even if he did I'm sure I could distract him.
"Kinta-chi!" Eiji yells out before pulling me into a bear hug. Seriously, why do tennis players have to be taller and more muscular than me? Yes, it makes them look sexy and strong, but sometimes I wish they'd look a little plainer.
"Ah Kinta-san, it's good to see you," Oishi greets. Of course, I should've known that Oishi would be with Eiji.
"Yeah, both of you. What're you up to today?" I ask.
"Oh! Look, I just bought some new toys for my parrot! Before that Oishi and I went to the convenience store and I got some new toothpaste. It's chocolate covered banana flavored. I hope it tastes as good as it sounds, because one time I tried the peach-mango smoothie flavored toothpaste and it made me sick for a week! Kaa-san wasn't too happy with that and-"
I nodded to Eiji's rant in the beginning, but he soon tired me out. Knowing how long this could go on for, I turn to Oishi.
"Prepared for the camp?"
He smiles. "As much as I can be. I'm sure that once we're all there we'll get better. By the way, I saw that you didn't turn in your form to go."
My smile falters. "Eh, yeah. I'm not going, because I have things to do during that week."
Oishi frowns, worried. "Wha-"
"Hey! Don't ignore me, nya!" Eiji pounces on us.
"Ah, gomen Eiji! I'm glad that your family is doing well," I say to placate him.
He shrugs. "Oh, Kinta-chi, I saw that article in Monthly Pro! I can't believe-"
My frustration returns. Why can't everybody just leave the stupid article alone?
"Ah! I have to go meet a friend at the park. See you guys later!" I quickly say before leaving.
Oishi and Eiji look at each other.
"I was only going to say that I couldn't believe buchou was going to make either her or Fujiko our buchou next year," Eiji explains, looking worriedly at his best friend.
Oishi shrugs. "Maybe it's because Monomi-buchou did the interview for her?"
Either way, the two decide to ignore my strange behavior for now and continue on with their day.
Meanwhile, I walk towards the park that's near my house. It's pretty big and I figure that today's a good day to just relax without any –
"Fushuu… Sato-senpai," Kaidou greets me.
"Ah, Sato-san," Inui also greets as they jog in place next to me outside of the park. "Would you like to join us in our training?"
"No thanks. I want to have the day to myself," I wave off their offering.
"Well, in that case I want to talk to you about-"
"You know Inui, Kaidou, I really have to get going, so I'll see you both at school tomorrow," I quickly say in order to escape what's sure to be Inui's "data-collecting" on my reaction from Buchou's interview.
"Did I say something Kaidoh?"
"Fushuu…"
"Mmm… interesting," Inui mumbles, quickly scribbles in his notebook, and then proceeds to catch up with Kaidou who's almost all the way down the street.
Lying on a bench, I close my eyes and pretend that it's nighttime. The dark is my favorite time of the day where I can live to the fullest and bask in the glow of the stars. Those stars that I so desperately want to become like. Ever-shining, ever-loved, and ever-beautiful.
"You know, misery loves company," a voice calls from above me.
I open my eyes and lift myself up into a sitting position, staring at the person in front of me.
"Yumiko-san? What are you doing here?"
She smirks. "Typically people come here to play or enjoy the scenery," she sits down beside me. "However, you are doing neither and don't give me that face. I can tell that your eyes were closed behind those shades. So, tell me what's wrong."
Frowning, I stare at the ground. "It's nothing really. Just that stupid article in that stupid magazine," I mutter.
"Oh you mean from Monthly Pro?"
I groan. "Yes! All day people have been either talking crap about me or how I'm supposedly gay for my doubles partner."
Yumiko laughs. It's a light sounding giggle, but it's enough to make me stare at her in confusion.
"What's so funny?"
"It's nothing really. I didn't really realize how Shiba-san made it sound like you were gay since I know that you're a girl. So, it's just funny that you're taking offense to it," she explains.
My face heats up a little in embarrassment. "I'm not taking offense to it!" I yell. "I just… don't like it."
She smiles sweetly at me. "Well, I hope you know that Shusuke and I are very excited for you to be nominated as captain for next year."
I glare at the ground. "I don't deserve to be captain. I don't have a lot of moves like Shusuke, the strength like Momo, Kaidou's stamina, Eiji's versatility, Oishi's cool thinking, Inui's data skills, or even Echizen Ryoma's talent. All I have are a few special moves, lots of hard work, skills I copied, and a bit of quick thinking," I mutter, angry at myself at how weak I sound.
Yumiko smiles lightly at me and puts her hand on my knee. "Compared to any other tennis high school Regular, you're probably the best."
This surprises me and I look towards her. "I've watched you play, both of the school's teams play, and have read about the others, so I know. Now, if Monomi-san thinks that you're a good candidate then I believe in him and so should you. After all, you already know everyone so well."
I smile. "Thanks Yumiko-san."
"Hai hai, but call me Yumiko-chan. San makes me feel so old!"
We both laugh before I remember what I was supposed to be doing today.
"Yumiko-chan, do you know what Shusuke would like for his birthday?"
She looks at me in surprise. After recovering and thinking about it she shakes her head sadly. "I'm not sure. I bought him some more art supplies and film. Shusuke's out for the day, so if you want an idea you can come over and I'll show you something that no one outside our family has seen."
I grab my bag and stand up with her. "Does it have to do with the locked room down the hall?"
She smiles at the memory of the tour she gave me. "Exactly."
(About twenty minutes after I left my house)
Fuji had taken the day to go see an old friend. He decided that he had a bit of time before his train departure that he would stop by my house to hang out for a bit and to also tease me about the article from Monthly Pro.
Reaching my door he gave a few sharp knocks before stepping back a little. Waiting patiently he stared around at the yard before the door opened to reveal two infants.
"Fuji-kun? What brings you here?" Kirin asked, balancing the babies in his arms.
"Hmm? Isn't Kinta home?" Fuji asked puzzled. Usually I always answer the door, especially if Kirin and Rei are busy with the twins.
"Ah, no actually, but why don't you come in?" Kirin asked, stepping back from the door to allow him to come through.
Fuji smiled happily at the offer. Kirin's comfortable to be around and a great guy. Since last year they've grown closer in their strange friendship. "Arigato Kirin-san." Slipping inside, he quickly put his shoes away and followed Kirin into the living room.
"Ah, Shusuke! I was wondering when I'd see you again," Rei called from walking out of the master bedroom.
"Ah, sorry it's been so long Rei-san," Fuji apologized before saying what's on his mind. "I didn't know Kinta had any plans for today."
"Oh, well, um, he had some errands to run and steam to blow off," Kirin explained before muttering the last bit.
Fuji grinned. "Saa I was just going to talk to him about the article."
"Mmm… It seems your buchou did it without telling he-him," Kirin stumbled. "It made him pretty mad."
"Over what? Unintentionally calling him gay or announcing to the world his candidacy for captain?" Fuji slyly asked.
Kirin sweated at the boy's antics. "Both I think. Anyway, are you excited for the U-17 camp? It's your last one right?"
Fuji hesitated for a second, recalling the subject at hand. "Ah, I suppose so. It should be a great camp," he said simply.
Rei smiled sadly. "I'm sorry that you couldn't attend the wedding with Kinta since the wedding lasts into the camp week."
Fuji now looked genuinely confused, eyes open and ready to interpret any body language. "What wedding?"
Rei and Kirin exchanged glances. "I thought Kinta asked you," Rei began, looking as confused as Fuji feels.
"There's a wedding in California that lasts for two weeks in March, with the last week during the U-17 camp. Kinta told us that you couldn't go since you already turned in your application for the camp. We would go ourselves, but with the babies…" Kirin explained, trailing off.
Fuji was slowly piecing it together. "Why ask me to attend as well?"
"Well, Ki-Kinta needs a friend to go with him since the flight, hotel, and everything has already been booked. It seems that since you wouldn't be able to attend that another has already been chosen," Kirin stumbled again. He's trying to drop subtle hints, but failing and making himself look dumb.
"I see," Fuji said slowly. So, obviously I wasn't going to the camp and since I knew how much it meant to him I didn't even ask if he wanted to go instead. However, he hasn't even turned in the application yet and was going to tomorrow. This changes everything.
A flash of anger shot through Fuji's eyes. "Who's going to attend with him?"
"Someone by the name of Atobe I believe," Rei said while taking Masami from Kirin's tired arms.
Fuji's eyes narrowed. "Atobe Keigo?" He asked, voice eerily calm while eyes flashing with annoyance, suspicion, and a hint of jealousy.
"That's the one," Kirin confirmed. "Is something wrong Fuji?" He asked concerned.
"I don't think that Kinta wants anything to do with him," he stated bluntly. "I'm not sure why Kinta told you he asked me and told you I couldn't go," that's completely a lie. "I haven't committed to the camp yet and I would really like to attend the wedding… if the offer still stands of course," he added politely.
Kirin smiled while Rei looked a little confused and worried. "Of course Fuji-kun! I still have the ticket and packet with all of the details. You're welcome to go as long as everything clears with your family," Kirin grinned, standing up to retrieve the packet.
"I'm sure it'll be just fine Kirin-san," Fuji calmly said. "However, would you mind not telling Kinta? I'd like it to be a surprise."
"Of course dear! I'm sure he'll enjoy it," Rei said sweetly, just thinking of the possibilities of Fuji finding out my secret, realizing his feelings, and falling madly in love with me.
"Here you go," Kirin hands the packet over to Fuji. "Just make sure to get there early."
"Hai, I will," Fuji got up to head to the door. "Thank you for your hospitality." He bowed and quickly left
"I can't believe he took the bait!" Rei said excitedly after Fuji left.
"I can't believe Kita never even asked him! By the way, is this Atobe person really that bad to make Fuji-kun look that way?" Kirin asked curiously.
Rei shrugged. "Doesn't really matter does it? That small bit of information that we slipped to Nataki-san actually made it to its destination! Hopefully none of them will realize that it was just a set-up to get Shusuke and Kita together," Rei grinned and squealed.
Kirin laughed unsurely. "I suppose you're right; it'll be good for them."
After leaving the Sato's residence, Fuji called Saeki to cancel his trip to Chiba. He had something unexpected come up and couldn't make it. Saeki could tell it was important and said he'd see him next weekend.
Fuji found himself walking towards the one place he'd hate to be right now: the Atobe's residence.
"Aa, my name is Fuji Shusuke and I'm here to speak with Atobe Keigo," Fuji said politely with a hint of malice dancing in his striking blue eyes.
The butler hesitates for a couple long moments before stuttering a welcome and allowing him inside. Yes, Fuji Shusuke is not in a good mood. The butler thought it best to get the young master before the tensai's temper rose any further.
"He'll see you in the upstairs lounge sir," he quickly replied before hurrying off to some place far away.
After he made his way up to the room and found Atobe waiting, he sat down in a chair across from him.
"What do you want from her?" he bluntly demands, his eyes flashing at Atobe's pompous demeanor.
He smirked, obviously enjoying the fact that he's getting tensai Fuji all riled up. "What makes you think that I want anything from her or to do with her at all?" He questioned back.
Fuji's gaze narrowed. "You've been stalking her, pestering her, and now I hear you want to be her date for part of this upcoming vacation. My first question is why. Why her? She's not rich, her family isn't famous or renowned, she's not the prettiest, or the best at tennis. Why."
Atobe leaned back further into his chair with one hand laid daintily on his cheek. "My my, you've really fallen for this one," he stated before seeing the glare intensifying. "Well, if you must know, there's more to her than you think. At first it was a game, since I wanted, and still do, to tear down everything she's been working for. Her tennis play, her determination, and everything she's been working for under that guise."
He paused, looking over at Fuji for a long moment before continuing. "Then I learned about her and realized there was more to the story. She may not be the best or the most beautiful, but she is who she is. Since I obviously know more about her than you do, it'll make it all the more enjoyable when I take her from you and destroy that fantasy world she's created."
Fuji stood up abruptly. "She'll never fall for you. I know her, I know my friends, and I know that you will stay away from her. I believe I've made myself perfectly clear."
He started walking back towards the door to the lounge and before he exited he turned to look over his shoulder and said, "You better cancel your plans for the wedding. You have a tennis camp to go to." With that, he walked out of the door and left a steaming, contemplative Atobe behind him.
"Well played Fuji, but don't think that this is over just yet," he says before returning to his afternoon tea.
"Yumiko-chan, do you really think he'll like it?" I ask, staring at the item in my hands.
"Of course he will! Did you see his art gallery?"
"I still can't believe that there's even more than what was in there!" I giggle before returning to the topic at hand. "Still, I'm hardly an amateur and he's so…"
"Perfect?"
"No, well yes, but no… It's just that it's Shusuke and I don't want him to be offended or mess this up in any way," I explain looking again at the item Yumiko had just finished helping me with.
"There's no way you could, trust me," she says confidently.
I'm not convinced, but trust her anyway. "Alright. Well, I better get going before he gets back. Thanks for your help," I tell her sincerely before leaving.
"You're welcome to come by anytime Kita-chan," she says as I leave.
Nodding back to her, I make the short journey to my house to wrap up Fuji's gifts. After all, his birthday is in a couple days and I need to be prepared. Who knows just what that tensai will do before then.
(2 days later, February 28th)
"Happy Birthday Fuji!" Everyone yells out on the tennis court.
Fuji chuckles at the "surprise". "Thanks everyone, but-"
"We all remember Fuji-senpai," Momo says clapping him on the shoulder.
"Fujiko is special to be born on a day that only comes once every four years!" Eiji exclaims, hanging all over Fuji and Oishi.
"We always celebrate birthdays, even when we're away on vacation or when they come once every four years," Oishi teases.
"Fushuu…." Kaidou agrees, remembering his birthday cake in the face, courtesy of Momo.
"There's only a 15% chance that we'd ever miss celebrating someone's birthday," Inui calculates.
"Oi, back to practice!" Buchou orders while smiling.
"Hoi hoi!" Eiji yells, dragging Oishi off to some random direction.
"Would you like to play a game?" Fuji asks me.
I look at him for a second before remembering something that I was supposed to do on Monday. "Would you mind waiting for a couple minutes?"
He mockingly pouts. "Mmm I suppose so, but you know it's rude to keep the birthday boy waiting," he teases.
I inwardly huff. He's pulling the "it's-my-birthday-so-I-get-what-I-want" stunt. Doesn't help that he's tall, gorgeous, and-
"Sato, quit checking out Fuji," Monomi-buchou teases. Really, is it gang up on Kita day?
"Well buchou, since someone," I look pointedly at him. "Insinuated that I'm gay for Fuji I might as well act like it right?" Oh, I wouldn't mind acting like it at all, since I'm actually a girl pretending to be a boy and have feelings for said boy I'm "infatuated" with.
Fuji is shaking trying to hold back the snickers, but a large grin is on his face. He puts an arm around my shoulders and pulls me in close. "Saa… I wonder how Buchou found out about our secret," Fuji says aloud.
I blink rapidly. "What? Huh? I-I but Buchou- and the article and and…"I stutter, not really handling the fact that Fuji's messing with me and making my wish come true at the same time.
Buchou smirks. "Oh, I didn't know it was a secret. I was just trying to drop hints to the ladies to leave you alone Sato-san. My mistake," he teases, grinning at my flustered face.
"By the way, I've named you both Captain and Vice Captain," Monomi-buchou says before walking away.
"Matte! Who's who?" I call, trying to pull myself together.
He smirks. "You figure it out."
At a loss, I decide to just not think about it for the moment and play some tennis. "Fuji, would you meet me at my house later tonight? It won't take too long I promise," I ask quickly.
He smiles. "Of course. I don't have any other plans for tonight. Yuuta is coming back on the weekend, so we're celebrating then," he explains since he saw my nervousness.
I smile gratefully. "Good, but I'm not going easy on you, birthday boy!"
He smirks, both of us knowing that if we both went all out he'd be too far ahead for me to catch up. He really has evolved… more than I ever could. Which is why…
"I want you to be captain," I tell him.
His eyes shift towards me and open slightly. "Why? You know everyone better than me and-"
"That's crap and we both know it. You know everyone better than I do. You're stronger, faster, and more strategic than I am. Also-"
"I get it I get it," he says putting his hands up in defense. "I'll be captain and you'll be vice captain."
I open my mouth to refuse and say that- "And no, I don't want Oishi, I want you."
I grow quiet at his words. "I'm not anything special."
"You're part of the team and everyone wants you here. Besides, Oishi will be happy to give you that title," he smirks. "You're the only one with a remote possibility of keeping me in line." He jokes.
I glare at him. "Well then Buchou let's see how well you're doing with the Doors."
A few hours after afternoon tennis practice and Monomi-buchou announcing the new Buchou and Fukubuchou for next year, Fuji had made his way to my house.
"Thanks for coming over Shusuke," I tell him gratefully.
He just keeps his smile in place. "Ah, thanks for having me even though it's technically not my birthday," he teases.
Sitting at the couch I take in his appearance. It's a change from normal school clothes and tennis clothes; just a pair of dark jeans and a purple tee shirt under a heavy black jacket. Simple yet stylish clothing that accent his muscles and lean body. Which makes me wonder why he usually looks so-
"Thin," I mumble, not realizing I had said it out loud.
"I'm sorry, did you say thin? What's thin?" Fuji asks, confused as to why I had just mumbled something that made no sense to the conversation about his birthday.
"Ah… well…" I blush lightly, now realizing my mistake. "I was just wondering why you look so thin, but have all these muscles. I mean it's not that you're overly thin or anything, but just that I normally don't see you wear anything that shows your build and that it's unusual. Not that that's bad of course. And-"
"Saa… so you were checking me out," he states grinning.
I glare back at him. Yes I had been, I suppose, but he didn't need to say it like that! Getting up, I walk to the kitchen to get the cupcakes that Rei had baked for him. Right now they're out with the twins to hang out with some friends.
"Here," I say handing him one without looking.
He looks surprised, but I don't see it. "Arigato. You didn't need to make these for me. Your company is just enough," he says politely.
My glare lessens with another light blush. Damn why am I so nervous to be alone around him now? He's my best friend and doesn't even like me that way. He's been pretty clear I think.
"I didn't make them, Rei did," I mumble, catching him off guard. "I would've, but I'm not a very good cook; more of a re-heat type of person."
He smiles anyway. "Still they're great." Biting into he can tell that it really is Rei's cooking, which is better than Yumiko's and his mother's combined.
"Yeah," I agree quietly, biting into mine as well. "So, this is from Kirin, Rei, and the twins. They wish you happy birthday." Handing him an envelope I could see that he's surprised. Obviously he didn't expect anything from anyone and this has been a lot already to him.
"A gift card to the tennis shop downtown," he says quietly before chuckling. "He must've remembered that I needed more grip tape and my strings tightened." My family really is amazing.
"Yeah and here," I say trying not to blush as I hand him two packages wrapped and a bag. "Open the bag last."
He glances at me with some sort of emotion I couldn't quite see. It's most likely between happiness, sorrow, and excitement. "A book on photography modeling schemes and…" he opens the next one, "one on painting techniques." He grows quiet before looking up at me from the books. "How did you know that I paint and draw?"
Instead of answering I gesture towards the bag to open it. I grow even more nervous as he retrieves it.
"Now, I'm just an amateur and I know that you could do so much better, but I wanted to give you something great. I didn't know what and Yumiko showed me your art room and I saw that you had no portraits of yourself. So… she helped me with what to draw and I used your supplies," I take a quick breath. "Please don't be mad or offended. I know it's not a perfect representation of you, but…" I trail off and grow quiet, seeing him lightly touch the sketch.
"You drew this…" It's a statement and he sounds interested.
"Yeah," I breathe.
"It's fantastic," he says and I sigh.
"It's not proportioned properly, I didn't using shading correctly, your eyes are off-center, and-"
"And it's me," he interrupts me. "It's not professional, but it's done by my best friend and with care. Therefore, it's perfect. It's perfect because I'm not perfect, no matter how hard I try to be," he amends.
"Thank you, for all of this."
I smile sadly at him, for the first time understanding his sorrow. "Why wouldn't I? You're one of the most important people to me."
He looks at me. "I-"
"No," I tell him. "It's alright. They care about you, I'm sure, but it's not about them it's about you. Just… be happy." That's all I've ever wanted for you.
He smiles genuinely. "Arigato Kita."
A/N: Sorry for taking a long while, but I made it more than twice as long to make up for it. Hope you enjoyed!