Hi guys! I have poured my heart in this chapter (and as a means to vent in my exam)

Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis.

Again, my deepest gratitude to lilybunnyboo18 for proofreading this chapter despite having a long day.

There will be a very important announcement at the end of the chapter, so please spare some time to read it.


It was in autumn of their second year in high school that the aloofness between them was as though it has always been there. Akira had cried countless times to Ran, telling her how much it was her fault, how much she destroyed their guarded friendship… but it wasn't really guarded in the first place because she was oblivious to his struggle. Until their first year ended, she couldn't get over to the point that it partly affected her grades. She dropped from third to ninth place in the overall ranking, and as usual the top two didn't even change despite the differences in just the decimal places. The toll on her studies didn't escape her father that she had to keep her grades in the top five. Of course, Akaya had assured her a lot of things, starting with how good she was in writing literature reviews, and how she could easily link a certain philosophy to a certain person whose name is either hard to pronounce or hard to spell.

Thankfully, she earned the third place by the end of their first semester in their second year. Oddly, despite having Niou as a classmate, who somehow made it to the top ten in their batch, the sadness that she felt was minimal though she has yet to get over the whole 'feelings' ordeal.

Niou, however seemed to be nonchalant at this whole ordeal, glancing at her and giving a smirk in greeting before going back to his business as if they didn't share a broken bond. She tried the nonchalance and it was very, very hard at first but then the feeling grew on her that-

Eventually, the throbbing pain ceased to exist, replaced by a numbing feeling.

Maple leaves had grown red, the color of the crimson sky at dusk where the sun is barely seen in the horizon. Manjus in the shape of maples were already being enjoyed by people of all ages. A lot seemed to be changing, and yet somehow nothing did.

"Hey, Kirihara!" Sumeragi called, snapping her out of her reverie. He glanced at the blank paper on her desk the teacher had distributed to them before the bell rang for their morning break. "Oh, I thought you're one of those who would have filled it up the moment you got it."

She glanced at the paper on her desk, briefly wondering what he was referring to. Career plan in bold letters and all caps on the top page of the paper was like silently mocking the lot of them. She was not an exception from such. "Oh but I still don't know what I will do in the future." She replied. He laughed lightly before standing up to go to his friends and also ask them what they would do and probably go with the flow. "I wonder…" She muttered, leaning her cheek against her balled hands, eying the paper.

Since the paper was distributed, one can safely say that all hell broke loose. The whines just started the outbreak of murmurs and whispers. There was a wide range of reactions from everyone. Unexpected people became withdrawn and suddenly all confidence leaving them ("I will die not being able to do anything"- came one remark from the class), while there were cocky remarks ("I can be anyone I want to be because I am a genius"- was the dominant voice in the crowd, surely Marui's), some chose to stay quiet, while some were already asking their friends ("Nami-chan! What will you write?!"- came a shout addressed to the other side of the room).

It persisted until the break.

Two chairs from Akira's seat, Asusagawa sat with a peaceful façade, the paper on the edge of her table as if it wasn't much of importance.

"You're still wondering what to do about that?" Niou approached Asusagawa, his hand suspiciously kept behind him.

The black haired girl raised a brow at him, doubting every ounce of warmth from the smile that he wore. "Not at all- HEY!" She tried to reach for the paper the silver head had swiped from her only to miss it by a hair's length. "All right, entertain me." When she knew that it was futile to complain to him, she simply crossed her arms on her chest, as if she was bestowing upon him the greatest honor of presenting something.

Knowing that he would have the upper hand after the ordeal, Niou smirked, by now showing what his other hand hid. He presented a beautifully handmade paper plane, who seemed to use the career plan paper the teachers have distributed. "Would you like me to teach you how-"

"NO!" Asusagawa had stood and successfully retrieved the endangered piece of paper from him (of course, Niou had allowed her to swipe it back), and shook her head at him. "I know how to make a very intricate paper plane even without your help, thank you very much." She had tucked it in her folder and placed it in her bag for safekeeping. "Really, this is such a waste of paper. Now go ask for another one from sensei."She waved her hand at him in dismissal.

Niou pranks people who caught his interests, and those that he dislikes. People he hates are given the acerbic remarks, or in some cases are dealt with intimidation. Not the violence type of intimidation, although there were times when it happen, but there's something about his eyes, the way where all nonchalance were channeled out and all authority comes in his form that everyone who comes across that wouldn't dare take a second look and defy him.

"Oooh! A paper plane!" Marui drawled as he made a beeline towards the group, grinning from ear to ear as his gaze met with Niou as if they were the Wright brothers. He placed the box of pastry on Asusagawa's table and rushed to the window to open it. Grunts and complains were heard when the cold autumn breeze blew in. "I don't know what made you do it,"

Asusagawa stood, swiping the paper plane from his grasps. "Try escaping it as much as you like Masaharu-kun but they would pester you despite reasoning with them." She unfolded the paper plane, smoothing the folded parts as if the effect her hand would make was like ironing clothes.

Marui closed the window and went back crestfallen. The girl only rolled her eyes at them. His eyes caught sight of the paper with many fold marks and it occurred to him. "Oh yeah, why do they even have to give it so early?" Though he was still torn on what he would like to do in the future (which was probably a year or so) the predicament had already left him, his hands already opening the box of pastries and grabbing one of the tart he had purchased.

Niou snorted, placing both his hands in his pocket. "Why won't you go and be a chef or something? I'm sure ten years from now," At this moment, Asusagawa sat as she also took one tart from the box and ate as the silver head gave his friend one of animated and no-kidding-and-yet-sarcastic advice. "People would pay millions for your taste buds." He inched closer towards the girl, examining her closely. She inched away, wiping her mouth not so subtly when she interpreted his action as what her etiquette teacher would do whenever she didn't act in a ladylike manner. "And here I thought you would write on your paper taking up business of some sorts to sell half of the world's population to slavery in your business monopoly." He stood in his full height, smirking.

Marui subtly pushed the box towards her in hopes that if she ever considered the idea, he would be part of the other half who would be spared, while taking a step back. She laughed at the thought.

Akira smiled at their conversation. A part of her was happy that Niou seemed to be doing fine, while the other half resenting Asusagawa. Remembering how they used to converse with each other during their breaks despite being in different class made Akira somehow envy his bond with Asusagawa. After all, she was the one to whom he would try to make light of a very serious matter.

"Ne, Kirihara-san, have you written anything yet?" Asusagawa had seen the way she looked at their group the moment Niou inched closer to her. There was the fondness, like watching kids play in the sandbox, and there was also the feeling that Akira was somehow the child who was not allowed in the sandbox by her parents.

Akira felt her cheeks warm up. She shook her head. "No, I was not- I mean nothing yet." She wondered why it seemed so exhausting to answer that one question. The effects of embarrassment on her face somehow vanished but she was mentally banging her head on her table.

Marui leaned his hand on the table, now turned to Akira. "Figures really. Why do adults always subject us to face difficult things? Just because computers were invented to make life easier doesn't mean life choices were also made easier." He whined.

Akira gave a light heated laugh before turning away. She took the paper so she could keep it in her bag. For a moment, she stared at it. The smile on her face disappeared and her hold on the paper tightened forming small wrinkles around it. He did not even regard her with as much as a glance. Simply turned to her general direction, but did not bother seeing her.

And somehow she wanted to really bang her head on the table because of her failure to once again get rid of the feeling she has been trying to get away from.

O~O~O

Akaya bit on his chopstick, his hold on the bowl of his was tighter than he desired as his eyes looked back and forth between her father and Akira who kept on squirming from her seat. The way his father would give glances at her while he read the contents of the piece of paper made the youngest one in the dining table lose his appetite.

For the love of- "I'm sure nee-san would do best in whatever she chooses, tou-san!" Akaya painstakingly tried to sound cheerful and enthusiastic in this ordeal. He just got home feeling very tired from the training and what motivated him was the promise of a good and warm meal at home. Yanagi has been designing the training routine for the tennis club ever since the fall of last year. Akaya didn't know if he lacked training or there was no justice in calling him one of the three demons because out of all evil he met, Yanagi so far is the embodiment of all evil.

"Yes, that I'm sure as well." Finally, finally, their father put the paper on the table and proceeded eating their meal.

"Do you wish to enter Tokyo University as well, Akira-chan?" Their mother asked her with an expecting tone behind the cheery smile. Of course they more like expected her to want to go to Tokyo University, second would be Waseda, but they would prefer the former than the latter.

She nodded in response, forming a modest smile albeit not reaching her eyes. She took a sip from her miso soup and went back to eating, not daring to look up to meet her mother's lit up face lest she would feel awful for lying to herself. It was disappointing, as well on her part, that it seemed as though her parents always vouch for achievements (since she lacks the athletic prowess that Akaya possess) than not really being happy for the choices she makes. For one, she wanted to attend Waseda since it was closer to the art university that Ran planned to go to for the scholarship offered which was owned by a well-known Italian artist opened up a school last year and was amazed at her works. She could bear being with another class but separate schools?

The thought of it already triggered separation anxiety in her system.

And two, Daichi Yuzumi and Kirihara Ryuuken were known students of their batch. Her mother graduated with a degree of political science with honors from that school while her father graduated with a degree of accountancy, again, with honors. Though after they got married, her mother decided to drop pursuing law and instead become a full time housewife for the kids. While Akira does want to meet their expectations, she wanted to meet it in her own way.

There were other reasons, like how most of their classmates in the honor roll would also be there, making her feel small yet again. How she would envy Yagyuu, with all his club activities and student council work, and from what she heard he was already being trained by his father in the art of medicine, and the cram school he was attending and yet he made it to the second rank, or Asusagawa, with all her student council work and handling two committees, training for her family's business, gatherings her social circle attends, and the boring ikebana club she joined (psh, how hard it was to put flowers and twigs together anyway?) had managed to grab the top position of their batch. The two of them would undoubtedly be accepted in all Universities they applied but considering their family background, they would go to Tokyo University.

If luck was on her side, they would study abroad, like in Harvard or Oxford. It seemed, however, that the two have no plans to go out of the country. She also considered studying abroad, but she grew up in a commoner's family where the head suddenly became the vice-president of an international company, not like those two whose family owns a lot of medical facilities in Japan or a leading wine company in the world.

"Will you be pursuing law after taking Philosophy?" Her father asked after he took a sip from his tea. There was the expectant glance of her affirmation before he put the rice in his mouth and chewed.

"No. I wish to master philosophy and perhaps one day, get a Ph.D." Akira almost grimaced when he was gaping at her, and dropping the wooden chopsticks in surprise. She swore she saw smoke coming out of his ears.

"But you know," The matriarch intervened before their father would utter another word that would probably be filled with disdainful remarks on her life plans. "It's not like I want to you to continue what I failed to do."

But Akaya knew that they were implying just that. He couldn't really understand people sometimes. The hunger he felt moments ago was gone, and it felt as though he was satiated. Part of him was glad he was the youngest child, and part of him felt sad for the responsibilities they have imposed on his sister.

"But it would be nice for you if you pursue law." Their mother said with a convincing smile without even laying out facts to back up her statement. She always has a way with words. The two of them never really won an argument. "You are knowledgeable in the field, and you even devoted your free time reading Rousseau and Mill when you were a child. You even announced that you want to be a lawyer when you were nine years old." There was the slightest hint of motherly affection, but at the moment it was clear to the two that she was already convincing her that she should pursue law like how she would convince a judge in a court of her client's innocence… in this case, it was their unspoken plan.

Akira glanced at their father who seemed to be relieved at the intervention.

"We are not saying that you should give up on taking a degree in Philosophy," Yuzumi continued, trying her best to soften her expression. Oddly this was the first time that her mother voiced out her disapproval of her choices. Akira wondered if she was making the wrong choice if even her usually lax mother took an abrupt turn. "We just think that it would be better for you if, after passing the boards-"

Akaya inwardly scoffed. She hasn't graduated high school and yet they were thinking as far as passing the board exam. As if this was all too easy.

"Your father's company could offer a job that will provide opportunities for you." Ryuuken nodded at their mother's words. "It will be more advantageous for you if you take up a business minor to be well-versed in corporate law."

Akira looked away in thought.

Akaya looked at his sister, getting fed up with all this. He didn't want them to dictate her life though he knew that they couldn't get that much advantage on him considering that he has been focusing his time in tennis more than the academics. But veiling their intentions with nice words wouldn't-

-he grew more frustrated when he saw that she made no effort in voicing out what was wrong with them. She could very well point out a single crease in his uniform, damn it, why can't she even point out the error in their ways?

"We know you are having troubles in math," Their father finally spoke. "I can have you a tutor starting next year, and enroll you to a cram school." It sounded like an offer but everyone knew that he was simply telling her the things that he had already carefully planned. Her wants aside.

Akira's brows furrowed. "How can I attend tutor and cram school at the same time? Will the tutor be on weekends? But I heard cram school will also be held whole day on weekends." She asked, having this distinct feeling that there's something she couldn't bear hearing.

"There is a tutor I know who tutors the sons and daughters of well-known families like the Atobe, of course they are in the advanced level, but I have spoken to her, and she could help you." Ryuuken explained, not really answering the questions presented. "Since cram school is held at night, an hour or two will be all right. She will teach you before cram school."

Akira's lips turned to a deep frown. "But I have archery until five!" She protested. They couldn't take that from her.

"Your performance in such excelled since you entered and I heard you have won a golden trophy last year." Ryuuken leaned intertwined his hands and leaned them against the table. "Don't you think that's enough? You will not have that as a future career as well."

Akaya did not bother hiding the way he rolled his eyes which earned him a kick from his mother. She wouldn't even consider it because both knew that if she ever did, their intellectually elite minds wouldn't settle for it.

"Yes, but I am enjoying it!" She reasoned, knowing where the conversation will lead.

"Your grades dropped significantly because of that." He pointed out. "I am not forbidding you to play in your leisure time, but sacrifices have to be made." He added, giving her a pointed look.

"But-!"

"Listen Akira," Ryuuken stared at her with impatience. "If you want to reach your dreams, sacrifices are to be made." His voice was stern and it was enough to silence her.

What did she do wrong? Damn it, damn it, damn it! She wouldn't settle for this. She can catch up in her weak points if she tried, and archery was only part of the reason her grades dropped, because she did study but math really was a bitch!

And yet she was scared that voicing out would only make her go to her father's bad side. She hated herself for even thinking that.

She opened her mouth to protest, but she was cut off when Akaya hit the table in rage, pushing back the chair as he stood. She turned to her younger brother, gasping at the sudden actions.

"Why won't you just tell her that it would tarnish your honor and it will make you disappointed if she doesn't do as you please?!" Akaya knew that he had no right to say that to them but damn it, he wouldn't just sit there and pretend as if nothing was wrong in this ordeal. "It's not your life, but hers!" He pointed at Akira, and for the first time feeling angry at his parents for the unfairness of this all. "If she wants to be something, then let her! Stop putting words in her mouth!" He turned his back at them and left to go upstairs to his room, banging the door close behind him.

His sudden outburst made him want to throw up the little contents of his stomach until he noticed that his hands were shaking violently. He dropped to the floor, ignoring the moisture gathering at the corner of his eyes. He had always been envious on how mature she was, on how she could be independent. Their parents have always devoted their time on her, nurturing her and what not. There are times when he felt that he wasn't really part of this family albeit the way on how rules does not apply on him, but Akira would always spare some time for him. It hurt him so when he couldn't even do anything for her. Akira is the first one who will come in mind when someone asked him of his family. His parents would come secondary, their mother first, and spitefully, their father.

There was this heavy feeling in his chest that didn't disappear and didn't even lessen though his hands already stopped shaking. He didn't know what had transpired after he left the dining room, but he knew they wouldn't let her be as long as she didn't succumb to want they wanted.

The only thing he could do for his precious sister was the episode of outburst a while back.

And it pained him to know that even that wouldn't keep her from following what they want.

O~O~O

The bell rang signaling the lunchbreak of students and faculty in the campus. Miura-sensei begrudgingly placed the chalk on the ledge, and faced the rest of the class who were giving him expectant gazes. Of course, notably, his best student in this particular subject, Niou, kept a look of nonchalance as he simply stared at the board. Kirihara was already busying herself on the first problem taking no notice of the bell nor the way her classmates were squirming in their seat. Marui was already chatting Asusagawa who was writing the rest of the problems on her notebook.

"Fine, fine!" Miura rolled her eyes at them and gave an exasperated sigh. Really, these kids! There wasn't really a big generation gap, ten years their senior and she could still catch up with the times. What she couldn't fathom is how they seemed not to fear a teacher's authority. Back when she was in high school, they would subtly and quietly express their excitement over the end of a class, especially if there was a quiz. "Copy these and solve it at home! I mean it! I want your notebooks on my desk tomorrow!" She gave them a glare when less than half of the class responded, and more than half were packing up without bothering to copy the problems. "Understood?"

The murdering intent she radiated was enough for all of them to respond. Satisfied, Miura packed her things and left the classroom.

"Uh hey, Kirihara-san!" Marui bounced off his seat and headed to Akira, already in the process of solving number three which poses much of a challenge. The black haired girl looked up a few painstakingly minutes after (Bunta estimated about ten minutes), pulling her attention away from the difficult problem. "May I copy the problems from you later? I have some stuff to do this lunch break-"

"Nice try, Bunta." Asusagawa cut him off, approaching the two from behind. She raised a brow at him as she faced him with a challenging look.

"As a matter of fact it is very, very important." He gave an airy reply. "I need to convert glucose to ATP to supply my body of needed energy for this afternoon's practice." He raised his index finger as he informed the two.

Akira smiled at them and nodded. "Yeah I don't mind."

Asusagawa turned to her with a glare, her eyes seemingly piercing the core of Akira's soul. "Of course you will!"

Akira only blinked in response, oblivious of what was happening.

Asusagawa incredulously sighed, raking a hand over her hair. "Again, nice try Bunta!" She exclaimed, placing a hand on her hip and putting the weight on one foot. "This imbecile here," She referred to Bunta by gesturing her free hand towards him. "The cheater as he is, self-proclaimed genius though, will copy everything." And as an afterthought, "Well, copy and revise."

"No really, I don't mind." Akira told them, smiling at Marui and pushing the paper towards him to prove her point.

The two of them looked surprise, even Marui. He wouldn't really come up with an excuse if he had expected her to help… in a not so good way.

To Akira's surprise, Avery pointed at the first equation on the third number. "This is wrong." Gesturing towards the pencil on the table, "May I?" Akira nodded in response. The girl who came from a highly respected and sophisticated family unceremoniously crouched down and started writing variables, equations, and taught the right way to solve the problem. She turned to the green eyed girl after she had marked the answer. "Did you understand it?"

Akira nodded, eyes wide in amazement. She really understood how Asusagawa explained despite her claims that she cannot teach people.

"The same method will be applied for number 4 and number 5. For number 6, use the equation used in number 2, and then the equation in number 3, and then use the equation that was taught to us a few moments back." Asusagawa added, placing the pencil on the table and rose up. She dusted her skirt and then faced Akira with a smile.

Akira smiled back. "Thank you, Asusagawa-san."

O~O~O

Niou waited across the vending machine, hands in his pocket and back leaning against the wall. He stared at the rectangular shadow beside him as he savored the warmth of the humming machine beside him. He turned to the sound of approaching footsteps and smirk upon meeting his gaze with hers.

This time, it was the girl who smirked, stretching her arm towards him to show her open palm. "All right, pay up!" There was mirth in her auburn eyes.

Niou rolled his eyes as he pulled himself off the wall and headed to the front side of the machine. "I know, Asusagawa, I know." His eyes scanned over the hot beverages, coffee and hot chocolate in can. He turned to her in inquiry, and added, "Capitalist!"

Asusagawa followed him but went over to the other vending machine that sells cold beverages. "Born and bred to fit in that world." She ostentatiously pointed to herself. Her eyes landed upon a cold grape juice. She pointed it, and grinned at Niou as if she was a child being brought to a candy store. She had suggested that she wanted ice cream at first when he requested her assistance, but decided otherwise when she discovered she had forgotten her water jug. "I want this."

Niou shook his head before he walked towards it and fed the machine some loose change. He pressed the button below the said juice and waited for it to fall to the dispenser. He retrieved the drink and handed it to her. "Now, leave me in peace."

Asusagawa wiped the mouth of the can before opening it. "You know, it is intellectual property, so it should have a higher price." She took a sip, savoring on the coolness if gave her throat. "Aaaaaaand, you cannot be so sure that our little secret wouldn't circulate around the student body. There will be this love triangle thing, probably that will make them think it was the reason you and Nanase-san-" He gave her a glare and she almost choked at her drink at the unexpected reaction. "All right, all right! The juice is enough."

Wow! Touchy, touchy! She thought, hiding the smile behind the can. "On second thought," The glare wasn't there but he gave her a cautious glance. "This cheap can of juice is enough. It's not every day that you will ask for someone's help."

"How were you able to convince Marui to help?" He asked, placing both hands in his pocket and leaned against the nearby wall.

"I was unable to convey any plans to him or whatsoever." She answered, turning her back at him to gaze at the sight of maple leaves falling. "He just approached her. Not that I am not happy about it because for once, I am not being bothered," She jokingly said with a shrug. "It seemed as though he was avoiding me since the career plan was given to us."

Asusagawa stared at the words which were not making sense to her. She barely managed to solve the first two problems and now she was being tortured by the next problems that would be borderline impossible for her to solve, despite browsing her notes for a couple of times now.

She turned around only to find most of her classmates missing. Bunta, the traitor he was, found someone for help, not really believing her credibility in the said subject. Either that or he was avoiding her or he ran out of money to bribe her. She was betting it was the first and the second reasons.

Her eyes caught sight of Niou who seemed to be reviewing something. At this moment, he looked like an angel. She stood, and headed towards him, pushing her notebook towards him. "What did I do wrong?"

Niou glanced at the side before he regarded her. If she wasn't desperate, she would have turned away. She knew too well that the sideway glance had indicated him on how to execute a plan of action. She was already waiting for the smirk-

"Look," He placed a paper beside the notebook and gestured her to stand beside him, much to her surprise. "Sensei wasn't able to expound on the details yesterday since we are already rushing but these two equations should also be used in cases like this." He proceeded with his explanation about the equations to be used.

Asusagawa focused on his explanation and nodded when she had fully understood. She hadn't noticed that she was gaping at him.

Niou flicked her forehead. "You look like a codfish."

She closed her mouth. "I apologize for staring… and gaping." She forgot that there was a catch to this in her amazement. He was something when it comes to this subject. He's not just above average, he's stellar! And what he lacks in that stupid music subject (she never really appreciated it, she learned to play a violin out of necessity), his above average-ish grades in other subjects make it up to it. "You have a future in statistics, or architecture. I mean, I have this tutor, I know shame on me, who is taking up engineering in ToDai but he can't even come close to your record of making me understand-" She grimaced. "You are not interested. Thank you."

Niou shook his head. "No, actually it is interesting. I mean, I have been considering architecture lately-" He cut himself off. He sighed, raking a hand over his silver locks. "Look, I know this is too much, I will treat you a drink or two, just…" Damn it! He couldn't even man up and fix what he broke how could he even expect himself to build things? "If you're having a hard time, I'm sure she's also having a hard time." When she turned her gaze towards Akira who looked as if she wanted to tear off her hair, Niou knew he didn't need to tell her the details. "At this rate, she might not eat so please help her."

Asusagawa wanted to get some details later so she had accepted his bribe. "All right. Meet me at the vending machine after my act of kindness."

Niou raised a brow at her. One moment she was smiling happily, and when she had turned to face him, she was scowling. "What?"

"Why do I feel like I," She placed her free hand on her chest for the dramatic effect. "Just admitted I have been the one bestowed with honor, and not otherwise?" How could she not have seen it?

Niou rolled his eyes. He would never hear the end of it. "I'll buy you another drink."

"For the deception?" She will never allow trampling of her pride.

Niou nodded. "For the deception."

O~O~O

Marui had waited for Akira to pack up her things. They still have thirty minutes before their club activities begin. When she was done, Marui gave Asusagawa a mock salute of goodbye. "Kirihara-san! Please let me copy the problems!"

Akira stopped by the door to wait for him.

They settled in the library. Akira was watching Marui scribbled on his notes. She really had nothing to do, so she opened her bag and fished out the paper that has been bugging everyone. She grabbed her pencil and wrote her name.

Curious as to what she had been busying herself with, Marui looked up. He grimaced at the sight of it. The wretched paper ought to burn in hell. Instead, he continued copying the problems, and didn't really copy the answers, he only noted the equations to be used, and he planned on bribing Asusagawa to teach him what she knows, if not, then he would ask someone else.

After ten minutes or so, he finished writing. "Here, thank you." He returned her notebook and she took it, placing it in her bag.

Akira still stared at the paper. Only her name, her section, and the name of their homeroom teacher was written on it, while there was a check mark on her plan to go to college. Begrudgingly, her hold on the pen tightened. Marui hadn't noticed when she had switched but from the looks of it, she meant that choice to be permanent. She wrote Tokyo University on the target university space. She put the pen down and grabbed the pencil instead.

Marui looked away. "It's hard isn't it?" He leaned his cheek against his hand and stared at the paper across him. "I don't know for your case but Akaya has been asking us if we had passed and if we already chose, or whatnot. I guess he is worried about you." He remembered brushing away his kohai when he didn't answer, so Yukimura answered him instead. It was odd really. Akaya wasn't the kind to be interested in business matters. They were all surprise when he asked them about finance and how it works.

Akira smiled. She could feel her eyes already watery from that one sentence alone. She's the big sister, he shouldn't worry about her. "He's really a kind person. Just a bit spoiled, but kind nonetheless."

Marui flailed his arms when he saw the tears. Damn it! People will misunderstand if they saw! "Don't cry! Don't cry!"

"I'm sorry!" Akira shook her head as she wiped her tears. "It's really hard, torn between going after something you want, and going something to what you thought you want."

Marui slightly tilted his head to the side as he looked at her. He sort of has the same predicament. "And Yagyuu and his kind thinks we have the easy way in our life choices." He muttered, bitterness dripping in every word. "I mean, I know it's hard for them but once you know you cannot escape, you would accept all the training to be that kind of person, right? They have been told ever since they were kids about what they would be in the future, just look at Atobe-"

Akira blankly stared at him.

"Right, you don't know that arrogant jerk." When she narrowed her eyes at him, Marui raised his arms in surrender. "I was just quoting Avery! But really there's this fondness and warmth when she said those words- aaaaand you don't know anything about it." Marui never thought that Akira lived under a rock for so long. She should have heard about rumors, and yet he was the receiving end of blank stares. "My point is, at least they have already made a move and accepted that they would be whatever was planned to them. They are actually prepared for this. They should also understand that it is opposite of their passion."

Akira's eyes narrowed at him. "Opposite of their passion?"

Marui smiled at him. "You see, for me I do not intend to pursue my passion. My love for sweets and my dedication to tennis are my passion. A career is different. Passion is burning when you do it without frustration and deadlines to think about." He raised his index finger at her, giving a smug grin. This was the first time he had disclosed his philosophy to someone, after all. "A career is something that will hone your skills better and help you survive." He paused, seeing that her eyes shone in understanding. "Passion is something that keeps the life within you warm and burning. And if you feel frustrated and only pursues it for something superficial as money, then your life will eventually be extinguished."

Akira's eyes widened. Words seemingly came rushing to her, and the realization dawned upon her. That was exactly why philosophy will never feed a man, because it feeds life. It cannot sustain survival, but it can feed the hearth burning within, and somehow she understood.

"This is the reason why I have been avoiding Ave, and yet you are here." Marui whined.

As how it was, it did not terminate her longing for something, and perhaps she could compromise with her parents' wish. But she wouldn't give up archery just yet. She will not.

She stood, pushing her chair back. If Marui was a friend, she would have hugged him. But he wouldn't disclose this if he was a friend, so she settled with a polite bow before she placed her things inside her bag. "Thank you, Marui-kun! You are a genius!"

Marui only smirked. He should have recorded that so he would show everyone that the title wasn't self-proclaimed!

O~O~O

"I'll take a minor in finance and get a suitable pre-law course." Akira had announced during dinner. Across her, she saw Akaya's mouth open to protest but she raised a hand, effectively stopping him. "I've decided, I will do it not because it is what you want but because it is what I want."

Ryuuken have never felt happier at the news. He had hoped that his plans for his daughter had finally sunk in her system. "I will start with the preparations of-"

She looked at her parents, who looked so relieved. "But this is not because you have convinced me so." She cut her father off midsentence. "Also, I won't quit archery. That is something I cannot sacrifice. I will do my best in cram school, tou-san don't worry."

Ryuuken's brows furrowed. He shared a look with his wife before turning to Akira.

Akaya smiled. There was the warmth in her sister's eyes and the burning determination, unlike the dull eyes he had seen for the past days.

"It will be nonnegotiable, tou-san, kaa-san." She looked at them, resolution unwavering. Though the image she had projected of her father changed for the past years, and the image she had projected her mother changed for the span of days, she still respected them as their parents and as such she turned to Akaya with a stern look. "Apologize for shouting at them, Akaya!" She reprimanded.

Akaya squirmed under that gaze. "But nee-san-" The glare was enough for him to turn to them, put the bowl of rice down and humbly bow down to apologize to their parents. "I apologize for my behavior, tou-san, kaa-san. It was uncalled for." If there was something he learned from Yagyuu, it was that apologizing doesn't necessarily mean one is sorry.


So that concludes this chapter.

VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

This story will about to end soon (before you throw anything to your computer screen hoping that it will reach me), but fear not for I shall have one chapter uploaded and the epilogue. This story has been 2 years, and it holds a very significant place in my heart as it has paved way to a friendship I have not expected to bloom. But I have decided to end this story after two more chapters and start a new one, featuring their life in college.

Lately, I have been inserting my other OC, Asusagawa Avery, in this story like a loooooot of times that it might be stealing most of the scenes that should be dedicated to Akira. So to be able to include her without worrying if she is stealing the limelight from Akira, I shall start another story that features her story and Akira's story. I haven't thought for a title yet, but I shall announce it to you in other chapters.

And with this, I am also announcing that My Tragedy's Happy Ending (my Atobe x OC fic) will be rewritten soon. I have a lot of issues with that story, which I will not disclose so as not to waste your time.

I will apologize in advance if I cannot update, say in a week or so, since I will be busy for the next months. I am taking another road in my life and I have to face yet another exam that will dictate my future so I am focusing on it for now. Buuuuuuut I will start on the next chapter during my spare time.