Hibiki here! Previous chapter, Kenneth helped Hibiki to solve her feelings, what will happen from here?
I don't own PoT, it belongs to Takeshi Konomi! My OC's belong to me!
Hibiki POV
As I was about to walk out and eat my lunch before the bell rang, it started to pour it down. Several students ran inside, squealing and shouting. The downpour was heavy, I didn't bring an umbrella. I looked up to the sky, chewing my melon bread and sighed. Let's see what the rest of the day has in store for me. Once I finished my melon bread, I went to walk inside but as I was walking in the hallways, people whispered amongst themselves as they looked at me. It wasn't new to me that they would, but their whispering is what caught me off guard. I heard one girl whisper about being rejected by someone, I wasn't sure who it was but if they meant me being rejected by anyone, I don't remember confessing. I realised that Hurdling was next, but with the rain I wasn't sure what was going to happen. As I was walking to homeroom, an announcement was made through the speakers.
"Students who are doing Physical Education, you'll have a free period as it's raining outside. If you still want to play a form of sports, come to the Gym and dodgeball would be awaiting for you" the Principle announced and as I got to my homeroom, I saw a note on the table. I opened it;
Imagine being rejected by Tezuka-sama
Ugly human being, I hope you rot in hell
My hands began to shake as I was reading it. I don't remember confessing to Tezuka and I felt my face heat up with anger and frustration. Was that why people were whispering about me? I gripped the paper, scrunched it up, anger boiling inside me. I grabbed my bag, marched outside to see Rin, laughing with the a bunch of girls.
"Rin," I glared at her and she looked at me, her smirk in place.
"Yes?" She replied, malice in her voice. I marched towards her and grabbed her by the collar, my eyes filled with fire and I felt my blood boil, venom threatening to spill out when I spoke.
"You are the most childish, stupid human being I've ever come across. You're that scared your "Tezuka-sama" would reject you to the point that you have to pick on me, because I'm close with him?" I roared and I saw horror in her eyes.
"I.. what do you mean?" She hoarsely spoke out. I shoved the note in her face.
"This note, left by my desk. I didn't confess to Tezuka, nor do I have any intention of doing so anytime soon. But you heard me cry earlier didn't you? You decided to use that to spread rumours about me being rejected. You're a low life for bullying people because Tezuka doesn't notice you like how you want him to," I felt her grip my wrist to try and release me but I gripped firmly, the two girls trying to help.
"Don't interfere, if you want to get beaten up for being childish like her, I suggest you stay down. I threw them both on the side with my other hand, my face returning to Rin.
"Let me go you ugly little bitch!" She howled, trying to loosen my grip again but I tightened it, raising her higher, my eyes filled with fury.
"Try and make my life hell again and I'll-" I started, my fist in a ball but as I was about to punch her, I felt someone cover my eyes with one hand, and the other holding my hand gently.
"Hibiki, let her go," the deep melodic voice whispered in my ear and I felt myself tremble, letting her go she scampered away.
"Nii-san she tried to attack me!" I heard her wail at Daichi.
"You put it upon yourself for spreading the rumour, idiot," was his reply as he rubbed his head. I heard her wail and scowl at him.
"T-Tezuka…" I whispered, he was still holding my hand and his other hand above my eyes. I calmed down and he let me go, I turned to him, his face was serene and calm.
"We'll talk later, let's get you cooled down," he suggested as he grabbed my hand and we walked towards Oishi and Fuji.
"Oishi, tell me what happens at the meeting with Ryuzaki-sensei," he commanded and Oishi nodded, Fuji sent me a smile.
"You're not going to do anything?! She tried to attack me! Tezuka-sama, why are you-" Rin started about to run but she got stopped by Daichi shaking his head. She pushed him away, running towards us, trying to hit me but Tezuka stood in front, stopping her fist with his arm.
"She's important to me, I would appreciate it if you stop spreading rumours about her," was his curt reply and with that he dragged me away, Fuji and Oishi standing in front of Rin to prevent her from running after us.
"Saa, Rin-san, you should let it go. Maybe apologise to her later," Fuji said, his hand on his chin as he smiled at Rin. Rin scowled and screamed in frustration, Daichi bowed towards Fuji and Oishi and followed his sister, trying to calm her down a little.
Hibiki POV
I wasn't sure what to do, but I just let Tezuka drag me away, my mind racing with different thoughts. Kenneth's words lingered in my head about talking to him, I didn't have the courage to do it right now. We walked in silence, I wasn't sure where we were going but I couldn't get myself to talk. After some time we stopped, we were by the shoe lockers, the rain was pattering down heavily outside. He turned to me, his eyebrows furrowed and his mouth a thin line.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, my eyes widened in shock. Why is he apologising? I thought to myself. I stood there, not muttering a sound, waiting for some kind of elaboration.
"I'm sorry if I hurt you by ignoring you, I got jealous, at… your friend," was his reply, his eyes were adverted towards the rain outside and I saw a tint of red on his cheeks, it was very light, you'd have to stare closely to see it. I couldn't find my voice to reply, I felt my hands tremble on either side of me. He was… jealous about Kenneth. He was jealous. I repeated in my head. My shaking hands slowly lifted up to touch his face, making him face me slowly as he looked into my blue orbs. His face showed everything but stoic; worry, guilt, jealousy and sadness.
"Tezuka… you're silly," was my response. I smiled up at him, my hand gently cradling his face and he shut his eyes, leaning against my hand.
"Ah… I am," he murmured, his brown eyes now staring at me. We stood there, looking at each other, communicating with our eyes.
"Kenneth, he's a friend, a special friend. I'll tell you more about him another time, but I thought I lost you again," I replied, tears spilling out from my eyes. He instantly wiped a tear away with his thumb as held my face.
"I'm still here… I'll always be here," he whispered as he embraced me, I quietly cried again, but this time it was on his chest, not my knees.
Tezuka POV
I held her in my arms, my horrible thoughts now disappeared, my chest wasn't filled with jealousy anymore. I held her fragile form, she was so tough and strong on the outside, but deep down she's been suffering. Why didn't I notice? I let my guard down. I mentally spoke in my head as I continued to comfort her. The rain outside drowned her quiet sobs and hiccups. At the corner of my eye I saw the club members eaves-dropping along with Daichi. They will all be running laps in the rain. I mentally noted. After some time, she calmed down in my arms and looked at me, her face smiling slightly.
"Thank you," she whispered and I smile a little at her cuteness.
"I don't think the rain will let up, we've still got 30 minutes left before our next class," I started, staring at the rain.
"Stop pushing Momo-senpai…" the voice of Echizen was heard and shortly after, "stop speaking they'll hear us you idiot," Momoshiro's voice followed and a lot of shushes and grunts were heard.
"100 laps in the rain, you too Daichi," everyone stumbled on top of each other behind the lockers and I glared at them, still holding Hibiki.
"B-Buchou!" Momoshiro whined.
"150, whine more and it'll add up," I replied harshly.
"M-Me too?" Daichi pointed at himself, sweat dropping. I didn't answer, I merely ignored his comment.
"Sorry… they're like this," I apologised to Hibiki as she stifled a giggle.
"Its ok… but making them run in the rain is a bit much isn't it?" She asked, looking at me, her face was angelic, despite her puffy red eyes.
"That's right!" Momoshiro chimed in, trying to get away from it. I sighed heavily.
"Make sure it won't happen again, you're lucky Hibiki's here," I finalized and with that, I led Hibiki away from the annoying bunch. The rain wouldn't let out so I took her to our homeroom and we sat facing each other, not talking, but just staring. The silence was peaceful with the rain pattering on the window.
"Tezuka?" Her voice was barely above a whisper and I tilted my head a little, as if to ask what's wrong. I felt her eyes soften, her smile wavered, "in the future, if there is anything on your mind, please tell me. I want to support you, as much as I can. Tennis is important to you, I know that so... if you are bothered by something, come to me, okay?" she finished, fully smiling at me now and I felt my heart do a little flip. I nodded and I leaned forward, kissing her forehead then her nose.
"I promise, if you do the same," I replied, smiling at her. She nodded and her phone rang, she looked at the number and picked it up, she was slightly confused.
"Hello?" She spoke.
"Hibiki? Is that you? It's me, Karin! The one who showed you Kendo, Kenny sent me your number, saying that you might need extra support, sorry I haven't been able to contact you, my father's Dojo has been so busy, I didn't realize Brit's loved Kendo," her face scrunched up in thought and then she smiled.
"Karin, it's been a while yes! I'm back in Japan now," she replied, giggling. She looked at me, apologetic and I shook my head that it was okay.
"Kenny told me about what happened today, I would of called straight away but I got busy! Anyway, that childhood friend, have you sorted it out yet or what?" I heard her friends voice a little, it was very energetic.
"Yeah, we're trying to solve it now so... I'll talk to you later?" was her reply. After a minute, she ended the call and placed it back into her pocket.
"Sorry, that was Karin, the friend I told you about who introduced me to Kendo," she apologised at me, smiling sheepishly.
"It's alright. Lunch time is almost over, I hope the rain lets up soon. I didn't bring an umbrella..." I sighed, looking out the window, it didn't seem like it would stop anytime soon. Practices would be cancelled if this continued. We couldn't afford to slack off, but I can't let the regulars play in this weather. I went to look back at Hibiki and she smiled at me.
"I am praying this rain will stop, I want to watch you guys practice," she spoke, her hands clasped to her chest in a praying action and her smile was bright; she was like me, she tends to show no emotion when it comes to other people, but deep down she's like this. She hasn't changed one bit. The question was have I changed? My attitude towards things are always straight forward and to always give it your best, but since she arrived, I've had more than tennis on my mind and my emotions aren't the same. I shrug the thought off, and the bell rang. We both got up and headed to our Science class.
Hibiki POV
We walked out together and several girls looked in envy, some in anger, some in jealousy. I ignored the stares as I would usually do, but something deep inside me knew it would get to me sometime soon, again. The incident with Rin already spread around, about me being a monster and delinquent. As we were walking, a hand tapped my shoulder and I turned around to see Seira.
"Hibiki! Are you ok?" She asked, worry on her face. I nodded, a bit confused.
"I heard what happened, I wanted to check up on you after what Rin did," she spoke, her face scrunched up and I smiled at her.
"I'm okay, the news spread quick huh," I replied, thinking.
"Mmn, I don't often gossip and stuff, I heard some girls whispering about it down the hallway over there and I saw you guys walk out-" she started but realised she didn't even greet Tezuka. She instantly bowed and apologized.
"Sorry Tezuka-san! I didn't see you there, hello," she bowed and turned to face me, I giggled a little.
"But yeah, if you need any help, I'm here alright? I know the only class we have is PE together but I'm here okay? Here, this is my number," she got her phone out and I slowly took mine out and we exchanged numbers. She smiled brightly at me.
"Another contact to your phone! I'll see you around HIbiki!" She waved and skipped away, her short dark auburn hair bobbed. I turned around to walk with Tezuka again.
"Isn't that great? You made another friend," I heard him speak and I nodded happily. When we reached Science class, I felt a lot lighter than I was ever before.
Class flew by quickly, I looked outside and the rain finally stopped, the sun shining. Everyone cheered and sighs of relief was heard in the class.
"Thank god the rain stopped, I didn't bring an umbrella," I heard some girls speak, laughing. As I was packing my things, Tezuka patted my shoulder and I looked up at him.
"I've got Student council meeting right now, then it's tennis practice. Do you want to watch us?" He asked, his face expressionless. I nodded happily and I saw him smile briefly before walking out. As I was about to head out, I was stopped by Rin, surprisingly she was by herself. I waited for her to say something, but she didn't say anything, just glared at me. I was about to open my mouth but she beat me to it.
"Just so you know, I still don't like the fact you're close to Tezuka-sama. As the president of the Fan club, I have the right to warn you that your life here in School won't be so smooth," she retorted and walked off, I didn't know how to take that, I just knew that this year would be hectic. I continued to go to the tennis courts but I was stopped again, this time by Daichi.
"Yo, Ado! Where ya heading off to?" He asked, his hands behind his head, smiling.
"Tennis courts," I replied simply, and he smirked.
"To see Tezuka? Lemme join ya, I've always been interested in how they play," he replied and we both walked to the courts, the 1st and 2nd years setting up the courts and making sure everything was in place, whilst the regulars did some exercise drills to warm up. As we headed towards the fence, Oishi noticed us and waved.
"Ado, whose this with you?" Oishi asked, waving at me and looking at Daichi.
"Minokawa Daichi, friends with Tezuka and Ado here, nice to meet you," he replied, bowing. Oishi smiled at him.
"Tezuka's still in the council meeting, are you here to watch?" Oishi asked. I nodded briefly.
"Nya, Oishi, whose this~?" A red haired bobbed up to us, his cat like mouth turned upwards.
"Ah, this is Tezuka's childhood friend, Ado-san, and their friend Minokawa," Oishi introduced briefly and the boy grinned.
"Eiji Kikumaru, nice to meet you, Hibi-chan and Minokawa!" He shouted, giving me a nickname already and I stood there, my face slightly taken aback but the given name and Daichi laughed at how energetic the boy was. They both headed back to their stretches and me and Daichi stood by, waiting for the actual matches to start. It won't start until Tezuka arrived by the looks off it.
"Say, Daichi, your sister spoke to me earlier," I started up a conversation, staring at the courts.
"Hm? What about?" Was his reply as he chewed on a lollipop.
"She said she won't allow me to have a smooth life in school," I replied, my voice a little too blunt for the serious topic.
"She's always been protective over Tezuka. Not just as a fan club president, but she is obsessed with him in general. I find it scary, but Tezuka never took notice of her, I can see why," he replied, a smirk now in place as he looked at me, I turned to face him, my face scrunched up in confusion at his comment. He shook his head as a never mind and before I could say something, a voice boomed above the courts.
"Well done 1st and 2nd years. Regulars 50 laps around the court and then we'll start our matches," Tezuka bellowed and he looked at our direction, his eyes darting towards Daichi and then me. Daichi waved with a grin.
"Yo Buchooou~!" Daichi teased and I sweat dropped at his teasing, Tezuka walked towards us.
"Why are you here?" He asked Daichi and he placed his hands behind his head, sucking on the lollipop.
"Accompanying Ado, wanted to see what the tennis club is like," was his reply as he grinned at Tezuka. Tezuka nodded with a 'hn' and walked towards a much older woman wearing dark pink sports wear. I saw at the corner of my eyes Daichi on his phone and he sighed, placing it back in his pocket.
"I'm going to go, Rin wants to walk home with me. I'll see you tomorrow, Ado, good luck Buchou!" He got up but before leaving he teased Tezuka some more and I felt a vein pop up on the side of his head, as he watched the regulars run laps. After a couple of minutes they finished and were all paired to start matches. First up was a 1st year, his white cap standing out among the regulars.
"I won't go easy on you, senpai," was his childish voice, on the other side of the court was Fuji, his smile in place. They rallied and I was taken aback by how intense the match was. This is... tennis? I spoke inside my head, stunned at how both players were god like with their movement. The match was back and forth, each player earning a game point each time, now it was even with 5-5, the next game would determine who would win.
"There it is, TSUBAMI GAESHI!" A shout was heard from inside the court and I saw some freshman watching in excitement as Fuji did a stance that resembled a bird, ready to take flight and the ball landed on the other side of the court behind the boy, but it didn't bounce, rather it slid towards the boy and stopped in front of him. Everyone cheered and the younger boy 'tched' losing a game.
"Saa, Echizen, good match," Fuji walked towards the net and shook hands, the boy called Echizen nodded. As he was approaching the bench, a much taller guy, taller than Tezuka walked to him with a glass of... is that a green drink? I asked, my eyes widening in shock. The younger boy gulped and as he drank it, he ran outside the courts but he didn't reach the end because he fell on the ground, unconscious.
"Those who lose their game, shall drink my special Inui Juice. It's high in protein," he spoke, his voice was a bit nasally, his white glasses glinting. Everyone gulped and as the matches began, everyone looked tense and serious, not wanting to lose. The next match was between two 2nd years; Momoshiro and Kaidoh. As I was watching at how heated their match was, Kaidoh lost his footing and missed the ball. Momoshiro cheered on the other side, happy to not drink the juice. Kaidoh got up and scoffed, and as he got up, he was faced to face with the juice. He shut his eyes and drank it like a man, I felt so bad for the regulars right now. Next up was Kawamura and Eiji-kun. I mentally cheered for Eiji, hoping he doesn't have to drink that horrible drink. I heard a shout out of nowhere and when I looked, the Kawamura person was screaming and throwing his racket around.
"BURNNNINNG! I WONT DRINK THATTTT," he shouted and I sweat dropped. Huh... interesting... I thought, laughing nervously. The match finished with Kawamura winning, his powerful shots were too much for Eiji-kun and he whined, not wanting to drink the Inui Juice. I felt so bad for him, but I couldn't do anything to help. The last match was Tezuka and Oishi, I leaned forward a bit more at the fence to get a closer look but I stood on Oishi's side of the court, so I couldn't see Tezuka well.
"Saa, come in, Hibiki-chan," Fuji dragged me inside the court and I was standing beside Tezuka, as he was getting his racket out. I blinked up at him and he looked down, he wasn't smiling but his eyes were.
"Hold this for me," he murmured as he stripped of his Seigaku jersey and handed it to me, it smelt of peppermint. I gripped his jersey.
"Good-luck," I whispered and as if he heard me, he nodded with a 'ah'. The match was over in an instant, so there was something Tezuka was scared off. I giggled to myself as he went to the benches with the water. As I was about to walk to him, I heard a 'ah' and I looked over at Inui, who was exchanging a conversation with Fuji about tasting the drink and as he poured the liquid, it was clear. When he was confused, he looked at the bottle and it said "Tezuka". We all glanced over at Tezuka, and he had Inui's bottle instead. Oh no... I whispered as we all stared, waiting for a reaction. He looked at us, unphased.
"Why are you all staring? Get back to practice," he commanded and everyone looked at each other, shrugging. I walked over to him and I saw his hand twitch as he was holding the bottle, I giggled loudly. Everyone looked at me and I waved them off. Tezuka... you have to be more honest. I spoke in my head as I smiled up at him, handing him his jersey. He thanked me as he placed the drink down, I got my drink out my bag and handed it to him.
"Here, drink my juice instead," I whispered and he nodded with a thanks. Once practices were over, everyone gathered to listen to their Coach.
"Well done today. The upcoming match is important, you're up against Hyotei next. They are a school to not be taken lightly, I want you all to get enough rest for the match in 2 days time, you're of course free to practice anytime you want, there will be a schedule made by Inui for practices tomorrow. That is all," their coach finished and everyone walked off, relieved that practice was over. The regulars who drank the juice came back, sluggishly walking to the changing rooms.
"I'll wait at the front for you," I said to Tezuka and he nodded.
Tezuka POV
I saw her retreating figure as she walked to the front gates. I felt a nudge on my shoulder as I was changing.
"You're in love," Fuji stated and I turned to face him, my face scrunched up. Fuji giggled.
"Right, Fuji-senpai is right, we saw your exchange earlier!" Momoshiro chimed in, grinning.
"I didn't know buchou had this side of him," I heard Echizen speak, taking his hat off.
"Nyyaaa, Tezuka likes Hiiibi-chann~!" Eiji sang, and I saw Fuji giggle sadistically, Oishi trying to calm everyone down. I felt my eyebrows twitch in annoyance and changed quickly, grabbing my tennis bag and walking out, but before doing so, I glared.
"200 laps, tomorrow. No excuses," I commanded and everyone fell to the floor, with the exception of Fuji who stood there, smiling. I walked towards the front gates and saw her waiting figure.
"Did you wait long?" I asked, looking at her. She shook her head no.
"Mmn, nope! Did they tease you?" She asked, peeking up at me and I adverted my gaze down at her, giving her a small smile.
"Yeah, they did," I replied. I heard her giggle and we walked in silence after that. Once I walked her to her house, we bid our good-byes.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Tezuka," she smiled and headed inside. I smiled to myself and walked off home.
"I'm home," I called out and my family greeted me back.
Weew! This was a short/long chapter kinda, but anyway hope you liked it! Please review!
Hibiki~