"It was love-at-first-sight~! "
—Smith Louis
The Empress | Chapter 21
"Eh~ No one came to greet us. What do we do now?" A certain gray-haired male pouted.
"Shut up, Louis." The blond responded in annoyance. Usually, it wouldn't have bothered him. Except, it wasthe third time the childish male asked the same question.
If possible, the male's pout grew bigger.
"That's enough." The crimson-haired male glanced at his team before looking forward, "Let's keep walking. We should run into someone soon enough."
Thus, the group decided to wander around until they come across a kind stranger that may offer them help.
The court members were practicing amongst themselves while they were being observed from the monitoring room.
"Each court is getting better." Saito stated, hands inside his white coat while his eyes stared at the screen, "Perhaps they've been inspired by the middle-schoolers. The high-schoolers have been full of spirit, as well. Especially since the losers returned."
"Try harder!" Sanada yelled.
Hiyoshi nodded, "Soon we'll overthrow Court 1!"
"Just thinking about it is getting me excited!" Toyama slammed a shot, "Right, Koshimae?"
"If you're just thinking about it, mada mada dane."
"The effects of including middle-schoolers in this training camp exceeded our expectations," Saito said as he looked over the monitors.
"Don't be so sure." Kurobe's fingers intertwined together, "They should be on their way here soon."
"Finally..."
"Not even we can predict what will happen next." The head coach continued. "But..." he glanced at the four teens who already entered the camp. "What should we do with them, Frei-chan?"
The beauty remained silent and watched the crimson strands blowing in the wind.
"Attention, players." The sound of Kurobe's voice grabbed everyone's attention, "Today's practice is now over."
"Hey, hold on! I haven't played Koshimae yet!" Toyama protested.
Ignoring the freshman's protest, Kurobe continued, "Please gather on the main court for an announcement."
"An announcement?" Momoshiro repeated.
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Once everyone was gathering, Kurobe began. "Tomorrow morning, we will announce the 20 athletes out of these 146, who have been selected for strengthening."
Tokugawa's eyes widen in surprise but Tanegashima and Kanata predicted as much.
"Selected for strengthening?" Kirihara repeated.
"The selected athletes will begin training on their own courts as of tomorrow."
"On their own courts, huh?" Fuji spoke out his thoughts, "I guess training camp is almost over."
"You are dismissed. Good work today."
"Thank you very much!" The players bowed as Kurobe walked away from the platform.
As the players slowly left one by one, Toyama turned to the Prince, "Selected athletes, he said! Koshimae, who do you think they'll choose?" he gripped his fists in determination with slight curiosity in his tone.
Ryoma replied ever-so-modestly, "They'll obviously pick me." with hand in his short's pockets and eyes closed.
"They're obviously gonna pick me, too!" The redhead yelled, clearly aggregated.
"Are you guys not heading back?" The last person leaving turned back to ask the remaining three high-schoolers.
"In a bit." Kanata smiled.
Oni turned towards the middle-schoolers, "Steel your resolve, everyone."
"Our resolve?" Momoshiro questioned.
"This training camp will become even more brutal tomorrow."
"It's about time." Atobe cut in, "They can make it as brutal as they want. Ore-sama welcomes it."
Momoshiro grinned, "Exciting, isn't it? I'm getting really fired up."
"Compared to the battle starting tomorrow, the training we've done until now was no more than a warm-up."
This, they frowned at. "A warm-up?" That could hardly be called a warm-up.
"Hell would quite possibly be easier." Tokugawa said and Kanata seems to agree, "We're not trying to scare you, but the real battle starts tomorrow."
"The real battle? I look forward to it." Yukimura looked confident despite the negativity.
"You guys still don't understand.." Oni cut in, "The true terror of this camp."
"True terror..." Sanada repeated.
"Now, now... either way, you'll find out tomorrow." Tanegashima decided to end the conversation. It's not like anything will come of it just yet.
With that said, just as the three high-schoolers were about to leave, a loud shout was heard.
"RYOMA ECHIZEN!"
The players, including the Prince, turned to the sound of his name.
Immediately, some of the players felt like the teen was familiar.
With gray-hair and a large scar, the foreigner had a unique appearance. Behind the teen, there were three other males. Despite how familiar they all look to some of the players, the middle-schoolers don't recall seeing the group of four around the camp.
The three high-schoolers narrowed their eyes. 'Who are they? '
The teen that yelled Ryoma's name practically bounced over and looked towards him in excitement. "You're Ryoma Echizen, right?!"
"Loius," The crimson-haired teen came behind him and softly corrected, "It's Echizen Ryoma in Japan." He smiled politely at the Prince.
"Yeah! Echizen Ryoma." He didn't lose any of his excitement at being corrected. "Where is Frei-chan?! I can't wait to see her!"
Ryoma narrowed his eyes at the mention of the beauty's name.
"Nee! Nee! Where is Frei-chan?~" If possible, the teen got more and more annoying by the second.
Fuyuki watched from the monitors as Kurobe collected the group of four before they could further question Ryoma.
Kurobe had explained to her that there will be a welcoming dinner soon for the returned and new players. Before the real battle starts.
Just looking at the number of people already gathered in the dining room, Fuyuki briefly wondered if perhaps it was too rash of her to invite them all at the same time. But still, her hazel eyes landed on one figure in particular.
Ryuzaki Sakuno.
Fuyuki really wanted to meet her.
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The beauty was so lost in thought that she didn't realize she stood staring at the monitor for almost half an hour. With a glance at the corner of the screen, she decided it was due time to attend the welcoming dinner. After all, she was the one that invited them.
Upon placing one foot outside the monitor room, Fuyuki noticed the four males standing just ahead in the long hallway. It was so tempting to just leave the scene before anyone of them could notice her. She even debating stepping back into the room and hiding there until they were gone.
Unfortunately, a certain gray-haired male was too desperate to not notice her. The overly eccentric male somehow managed to teleport in front of her, "Frei-chan!" he quickly held his much larger hands in hers, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you! I'm Louis!" It seemed as if the male intentionally didn't give her his last name, hoping she would call him just 'Louis'.
The door had shut behind her at this point so she was corner by the male. Fuyuki didn't exactly want to acknowledge him due to his over-excitement but she had no choice as he was inches away from her face. His eyes practically glowed in excitement. Something the beauty couldn't understand; what was so exciting about meeting her?
Fuyuki snatched her hands away from his, ignoring the small pout. She hated being touched. "Ja. A pleasure."
The other three eventually made it closer to the pair and were standing behind the gray-haired male. Thankfully, the others respected her personal space and stood much further.
"Louis." The blond-haired male—thankfully—pulled the male back a little.
"But Clef~" the whine seems expected as no one commented on the childish male who waved his arms, as if to display his desire to be released and closer to the beauty.
Fuyuki examined them. Smith Louis was the long gray—almost silver—haired one. Despite the long scar running from his hairline to his earlobe, the male was very beautiful. Yet something in those intense green eyes seemed all wrong. The way he was looking at her made the beauty want to take several steps back.
The wavy-haired blond that called the eccentric male narrowed his blue eyes at the beauty her when their eyes met. His name was Wilson Clef. Fuyuki had done her research before inviting them.
Moving her gaze, the stoic looking black haired male—Miyazaki Naobe—stood beside the blond. Miyazaki appeared far too invested in staring into space to notice what is happening around him. His dull but dark green eyes focused on empty space. Although, Fuyuki had a strong feeling that the boy was absorbed in whatever was playing from the earbuds than just being spaced out.
The last figure was one that Fuyuki didn't want to look at; she had already obsessively stared at the monitors for all the changes that came about since the last time she saw him. His long, elegant crimson locks tied to the left side of his neck. His ocean blue-green eyes that held endless-kindness. None that were solely for her anymore. His boyish features had been replaced with a stricter but somehow still soft expression.
Because the beauty was so focused on avoiding her childhood friend, she missed how three out of the four males openly looked her over while the other peeked at her from the corner of his dark green eyes.
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Wilson couldn't deny it. The girl was simply gorgeous with her long dark hair, pale skin, large hazel eyes, and stunning figure. Wearing branded clothes consisting of black long-sleeved off-the-shoulder laced top with a pink bow between her breasts and matching short—isn't it a little too short?—pink skirt. A unique patterned black choker around her slim neck was a strong contrast. She wore simple yet elegant jewelry; a drop-chain earring of the same pink color and a chain bracelet. Finishing off the look, she wore the trademark thigh-high black stocking that hugged her slim legs like a second skin and pink wedges to give her more height.
Yes. Even Wilson isn't foolish or blind to deny her beauty.
Smith, on the other hand, has been hawking at her—both inwardly and outwardly. Sure he's seen her tons of times of screen but nothing compares to the real thing. He almost could smell her—how did she get so close to him and oh Kami-sama, she smells so sweet—and reach out and touch her—how he wishes.
Hiraoshi felt conflicted. He wasn't sure what he felt but a strong feeling of familiarity hit him. The crimson-haired male was sure he has never met the beauty before; he would definitely remember her. Perhaps the sense of familiarity was due to seeing her on-screen so many times.
Miyazaki stared on with glazed-over eyes.
Upon noticing the lack of words from the beauty, "Hello Frei-san," Hiraoshi smiled and reached out his left hand for a handshake, "My name is Hiraoshi Akiko."
The crimson-haired male watched as the beauty shifted her gaze slowly between his eyes and the offered hand before settling on his hand. When her hand slid into his like a missing piece, his tanned hand practically ingulphed her pale hand.
Wilson—who observed the interaction from the beginning—was not above making a snarky comment, "Did the pretty shorty fall for our captain?" He asked no one in particular.
Immediately, Smith protested.
"There's no way! Frei-chan is too good for our captain!"
Hiraoshi frowned at those words. Because is that really true? But instead of voicing that out, he said, "Behave Clef, Louis." He turned back to the beauty, who suddenly released his hand causing it to fall beside him.
Ignoring the blond, she turned her gaze behind them, "If you four are looking for the dining hall, then follow Yuki." The beauty walked past them without a glance back. The sound of her heels clicking in the quiet hallway.
All the players were seated down for an introduction. The freshman group consisting of Horio Satoshi, Tachibana An, Ryuzaki Sakuno, Osakada Tomoka, Dan Taichi, and Urayama Shita were all seated with their school associated tennis club members. Hario, Ryuzaki, and Osakada were seated in Ryoma's table, along with the rest of Seigaku. The rest of the camp members were already seated in their regular seats.
It was obvious the freshmen were nervous but excited to see their fellow friends of the tennis club. And with everyone gathered, luxurious dishes began to pile in.
As soon as the dishes were placed down on the wooden table, Momoshiro practically inhaled the food. "The winners' meals are the best!" He pushed his dish towards his inhaling companion, "Kintaro, try this! It's good! It's oozing juices!"
"Thanks, Momo-chan!" Swallowing the piece offered to him, the freshman's eyes brightened. "Awesome! This really is the best!"
Numerous discussions took place as the players and newcomers enjoyed the meal.
"Damn Echizen, this is one nice place!" Horio exclaimed, staring at the quantity of the plates laid. There were even servers dressed up to deliver to their tables.
Ryoma nodded once before going back to discreetly looking around for a certain beauty. 'Where is she?' His search was quickly interrupted by a high-pitched, "Ryoma-sama,"
There was only one person that called the Prince with such honorific. And of course, it was Osakada Tomoka. The girl managed to push everyone aside to claim a seat beside her beloved Ryoma-sama while claiming the other side for her friend Ryuzaki Sakuno. It was quite easy actually as no one wanted to go against a fangirl for her desire to sit next to her idol.
"I'm so happy to see you!" The girl exclaimed, "Sakuno and I missed you over the summer!" she glanced at her shy friend and winked, much to the girl's horror. Ignoring the horrified girl, she continued, "Thank you for inviting us!"
Ryoma wanted to deny her gratitude. He was not the one who invited them. Although Ryoma briefly wondered who did. 'Could it be-?' The freshmen group did not receive a formal invitation like Ryoma and the other tennis players and they arrived so much later than the players.
Lost in his thoughts, the prodigy missed the sly look one Momoshiro Takeshi sent him. "What a playboy Echizen. Playing with so many young maiden's hearts like that." the boy proceeds to wiggle his eyebrows.
"It's okay! I don't mind if Ryoma-sama is Sakuno's." Osakada quickly explained. Ryuzaki, on the other hand, turned red under their gaze. 'Please stop it Tomo-chan!'
"Ehhh? I thought Echizen was dating Frei-chan." It wasn't clear who said it but Osakada's eyes widened like a saucer.
"'Frei-chan'?! Who is Frei-chan?" She quickly glanced around the table for a girl other than Ryuzaki and herself. And of course, An. But An was on Fudomine's table.
With the loud ruckus Seigaku's table was making—it was just Osakada really, the other tables glanced towards them once in a while but the name of the sole girl in the camp caught their attention. She was a hot topic amongst the tennis players, junior and senior players alike.
Kikumaru shifted in his seat nervously. 'O'chibi's fangirl wouldn't do anything to Frei-chan... right?'
Fuji's eyes were open as he was staring at the entrance of the dining hall.
Kikumaru caught on as he quickly stood up. The loud screeching sound of his chair against the floor caused the rest of Seigaku's table members to see what the excitement was about.
Following their gaze, the others were semi-surprised to see the beauty standing by the entrance. With the four males that questioned Seigaku's freshman.
Of course, Osakada missed all this because she was too focused on who this 'Frei-chan' was.
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Fuyuki was actually there for a while. She simply observed the interaction between Ryoma, Ryuzaki, and Osakada in-person. The shy, braided haired girl glancing at her childhood friend from the corner of her eyes while her loud-mouthed friend chatted away to the silent Prince. Sometimes the shy girl would blush and it only deepened when the loud one said something to Ryoma.
'I see.'
Perhaps it was to Fuyuki's advantage that the girl was too timid to speak up in front of everyone, in fear they might be watching the pair. There were so many different expressions on her face but it ended with a surprised one. Fuyuki was going to watch them a bit longer but with Kikumaru and a few others already looking at her, it would be unwise. The cat-like male's standing figure and staring had brought most of Seigaku's table's attention to her and the four behind her. Fuyuki was surprised they stayed behind her for so long without saying anything.
The beauty walked over to the space between two tables—Rikkai Dai and Seigaku. She only had to wait a few seconds before Haru—where did he come from?—added an extra seat beside the shy girl. Good thing her butler can catch on quick. But-
She looked to the standing males behind her and looked back at some of the servers standing by the wall. Understanding the beauty loud and clear, the servers moved her chair slightly and added four more chairs and an additional white-clothed table to connect between Seigaku's and Rikkai Dai's table. They ensured enough space for created for the table.
Once Fuyuki sat beside Ryuzaki—the freshman was sitting at the end of the table, Smith immediately claimed the seat beside the beauty so the other three went to sit opposite to the beauty and the gray-haired male.
Ryuzaki suddenly seems very nervous as she changed her focus from Ryoma to Fuyuki. But before Fuyuki could open her mouth to say anything. Smith hovered over the beauty to look at her childhood friend, "Echizen Ryoma."
Said prodigy shifted his eyes from Fuyuki to the male.
The beauty didn't exactly want to acknowledge the male but she had no choice to anymore as he was—once again—inches away from her face. He was staring at Ryoma by shoving his face in front of her. Whether he was doing this on purpose or not Fuyuki didn't know. But how likely was it to do this twice within such a short amount of time?
"Who are you?" Ryoma narrowed his cat-like orbs, immediately disliking the closeness between his cousin and the male. He originally wanted to question the male when the male first yelled out his name but was interrupted by Coach Kurobe.
"I'm Smith Louis!" The male grinned, "And I challenge you to a game of tennis!"
Ryoma wasn't going to deny the male if he wanted a match. He was always ready to play tennis.
"Hey! No fair! I want to play against Koshimae!" Toyama interrupted from across the table.
Ignoring the short male, Smith continued. "The winner gets to go on a date with Frei-chan!"
Immediately, Osakada and Ryuzaki looked at the beauty.
For this chapter, I was going to add some KnB scenes but since it's already longer than usual, we'll have to wait till next chapter :) Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed.
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Edited: Aug 22, 2020