Here's chapter 5! I don't own PoT, Takeshi Konomi does!
Hibiki POV
As I sat in my room, I felt my phone vibrate. I picked up to see that it was Kenneth.
"So, how are you now?" He asked, his soft voice gentle.
"Yeah, we solved the issue… in the end he was jealous because of you," I giggled at the last part, remembering Tezuka's face.
"Me? Why is he jealous of me?" I heard Kenneth over the phone, confusion in his voice.
"Probably because you're a special friend to me, and he misunderstood the situation," I replied, playing with my hair as my knees rested up to my chin. I heard Kenneth hum and laugh. I wasn't sure what else to say, as if understanding my silence he spoke.
"How would you feel, if I came to visit you soon along with Karin?" He asked, and my eyes widened at the suggestion. I wasn't sure what to say, if I agreed Tezuka might get jealous again, but then again we've made it clear to each other that Kenneth is a special friend, but what if he decides to get jealous again? Would he talk to me about it when I asked him to? He did promise… As I was thinking for a reply, he started again.
"You can say if you're uncomfortable with it, I just miss you and want to see you again…" his voice sounded sad and my eyes softened.
"Sure, when do you plan on coming?" I asked, sitting up properly.
"You're sure? I mean… what about-" he started and I cut him off.
"Me and Tezuka spoke about it earlier, if there were any problems, we promised to talk to each other about it, so don't worry, he understands. He's a very understanding person," I replied, I hid the uncertainty in my voice, deep down I was worried.
"Then, I'll come visit in 2 weeks, does that sound ok with you? I'll talk with Karin about it," he replied, his tone of voice changed to a relief and I smiled. We said goodnight and I fell down on my bed, my mind wondering what will happen.
I woke up feeling like death, I didn't get much sleep last night with the conversation I had with Kenneth. I wasn't sure what to do, I wasn't even sure why I was making a big deal out of it. I just didn't want Tezuka to feel uncomfortable. I sighed heavily and decided to get up, head to the showers and freshen up. I went to my room and got changed, then I grabbed my shinai as it was my first day at the club and my bag. I headed downstairs, I let my hair down again today, but I bought a spare hair band for kendo. I was greeted by the smell of eggs and bacon at the table, my mama was making my lunch.
"I heard from your papa you didn't have time to eat lunch, but you have to eat something ok?" My mama scolded and I nodded, stuffing an egg in my mouth. I'll just be very careful when it comes to lunch time, knowing what Rin would be up to. Once I finished, I looked at my phone, I still had time before heading out.
"Oh, Kenneth and Karin are coming sometime soon, we should house them," I mentioned, looking up at my mama and she turned around, smiling.
"Of course sweetie! It's been a while hasn't it? I'll get the spare room ready, how exciting," my mama replied, humming happily. I reminded her that it might not happen, it's a plan and that they'll get back to me on it. I smiled at the gesture non the less as I finished eating, I headed out, making sure I had everything. I bid mama good-bye with a kiss. As I was about to open the door, I saw Tezuka, about to knock, his fist was right at my face and I stumbled backwards from the shock, waiting for my butt to hit the floor but I felt strong warm arms around my waist, hoisting me up.
"Oh my," my mama snickered behind me and I opened my eyes, looking at the worried face of Tezuka. I got up, dusting myself and scooting away from him.
"I-I'M SORRY!" I shouted, flushed. My mama giggled some more, greeting Tezuka a good morning. He bowed back.
"I didn't have your number… so I decided to knock on your door," he explained as I walked out. I nodded and grabbed my phone so I could tell him my number. We exchanged numbers and we walked side by side to school.
"Morning practice?" I asked, peering up at him and he nodded. I smiled at the small gesture, I was so happy and content next to him like this, I wished it didn't have to end, I wished we kept walking, but eventually I saw the school ahead of us. I took another glance at Tezuka to see he was looking back too and I blushed, tucking a strand behind my ear, I went on my tip-toes and whispered in his ear;
"Good-luck," and with that I walked off to homeroom, I didn't look back to see his reaction as I smiled to myself. If we were seen walking inside the school grounds, there would definitely be drama early in the morning. As homeroom started, I saw Tezuka walk in, his face stoic and expressionless. I wonder if he was phased by what I did earlier? I thought to myself, smiling. I grinned at him as he walked towards me, sitting down in his seat. He turned to look at me with a small nod, he didn't smile but I was okay with that, since I know if he smiled right now, I think that would be an even bigger commotion. Once homeroom was finished, we continued our usual routine of going to our classes together. I was expecting Rin to do something, but so far nothing happened until it was lunch. It wasn't what I was expecting.
"NYAA MOMO STOP RUNNING!" I heard Eiji-kun scream at the top of his lungs, the sound came behind us and as I turned around, it was too late, even Tezuka's reflexes weren't fast enough as both boys stumbled and landed on top of me. I couldn't breathe, I tried pushing them off but I couldn't. They're heavy... I mentally spoke, I felt the air leave from my chest until I was rescued. I steadily got up and when I looked, Tezuka had Momo and Eiji by the ears.
"You shouldn't be running in the hallways, 210 laps for both of you today, including the 200 from yesterday," he scolded, his eyes glaring at the two and the boys whined, "apologize to Hibiki," he finalized, letting them go.
"Sorry, Hibi-chan"
"Sorry, senpai"
Both said in unison, and I sweat dropped, shrugging them off. They bowed and walked away whilst bickering to each other.
"Why is Momo on the third floor?" Tezuka asked, I think it was more to himself than anything.
"Maybe he wanted to talk to Eiji-kun, but then that happened?" I replied, thinking. He shook his head.
"Come on, let's go eat lunch," he said as he passed me my bento. I was so glad he was holding it, if I was holding it then I think my lunch would of gone to waste, again. We were walking towards the rooftop and we were interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Tezuka-sama, do you have a minute?" One of Rin's friends asked, making the puppy dog eyes. He looked at me, and I nodded that it was okay. I said I'd wait outside and he nodded. The door shut behind us, I wonder what they would talk about. I lean in, listening. I shouldn't but I couldn't help it.
Tezuka POV
I stood, waiting for the girl to talk. I saw her fidget and blushing. I waited patiently.
"U-Uhm... d-do y-you have someone you like?" She blurted out, glancing up at me, her face beat red. What kind of question is that? I asked myself, I cleared my throat.
"I don't have such thoughts on my mind right now, Tennis is my number one priority," I replied. That was a lie, Hibiki has been on my mind everyday ever since she returned, tennis is still my priority but I felt myself shift towards Hibiki, I wanted to protect her at all costs.
"O-Oh, I see! Do you uhm... have s-space for me? I-I really like you!" She confessed, bowing. I furrowed my eyebrows.
"Sorry... but I don't have time for that," I replied and with that I opened the door, leaving her behind. The only time I have for a girl is for Hibiki.
Hibiki POV
I felt a pain in my chest when he said tennis was his number one priority. I gripped my chest, smiling sadly. Of course, tennis is the most important. Why would I be sad at that? We're no more than childhood friends who know each other inside and out. He probably sees me as a sister more than a partner. His actions were confusing me. I spoke inside my head and I sighed, leaving the door, not wanting to hear anymore as I sat down opening my lunch. After a couple minutes he came through, I greeted him with a smile to hide my sadness.
"Sorry about that..." he apologized, sitting next to me opening his own lunch.
"Confession?" I asked, placing a rice ball in my mouth. He nodded as he ate a slice of fish. I nodded, knowing what it was about, I knew why I asked. We ate lunch in silence, it was the uncomfortable silence, not the usual comfy one.
"Is there anything on your mind?" He asked, peering at me, his eyes worried. I looked at him with another fake smile.
"Nope," I replied, eating my last rice ball and he was about to say something but held it back, his mouth in a thin line as he ate. I looked up to the sky, it was clear and sunny, perfect day to just do nothing. I shut my eyes, feeling the slight breeze blow between us. I shouldn't make a huge deal... it was bound to happen, tennis is his number one priority. I mentally noted. As I waited for him to finish, I heard him place his lunch away.
"Hibiki," his deep voice called my name. I turned my head to face him with a small smile, "would you like to play tennis with me after your club activities?" he asked. I blinked a couple times, confused why he asked but I nodded slightly.
"Sure... I don't have a racket though," I told him, packing my own lunch away as I stood up.
"You can use one of my spares," he replied, getting up himself. We walked down the stairs from the rooftop, heading to our homeroom when we heard another batch of shouting from the hallways. As I reached the last step, Tezuka yanked me back and before I could question why, a gust of wind went past us. I blinked, confused.
"Don't run in the hallways!" I heard the all too familiar voice of Oishi, stomping after whoever ran past us. As he was walking, he saw us, adverted his eyes to wear Tezuka's hand was still on my wrist. Tezuka let go and cleared his throat.
"Oishi, what was that about?" He asked, seriousness in his face.
"O-oh. Eiji and Momo have been running around the school grounds during lunch, chasing each other. Apparently Momo managed to win 2 tickets for an amusement park, Eiji enjoys them and wanted to join but Momo hasn't decided yet so..." Oishi explained, but then Tezuka interrupted.
"So Eiji's chasing Momo for the ticket," He finished and Oishi nodded. I tried to hold back my laugh but I couldn't. I felt my stomach hurt from laughing and the two boys looked at me.
"S-sorry... I just find it funny," I replied, wiping tears from my eyes. Oishi smiled at me.
"I hope we'll be seeing you in our match tomorrow!" Oishi said, waving a good-bye to the both of us. We headed to homeroom to place our lunchboxes and grab our PE kit for Hurdles. The bell chimed for fifth period and I headed out with Tezuka to the changing rooms. Once parting ways, Seira greeted me inside.
"Hey Hibi-chan!" She smiled, waving. I waved back, tying my hair up before I forget.
"Rin's not here today?" I heard a girl whisper to Seira and she shook her head.
"I heard from Dai-kun that she fell ill," Seira replied. I listened on the conversation as I changed. I tied my shoe laces and walked out with Seira. We chatted until we got to the track field.
"OK boys and girls, we'll do something different other than hurdling. Same thing, but less serious. Call it "leap frog". It's a fun game to just unwind, I know some of you have competitions tomorrow for different sports so use this time to just enjoy. Does anyone know how to play leap frog?" The coach asked, standing with his arms crossed. I put my hand up.
"Yes, Ado," the coach nodded and I stood up from my sitting position.
"A game in which players in turn vault with parted legs over others who are bending down," I explained and the teacher nodded.
"Perfect, let's see you demonstrate. Who will volunteer?" The coach asked as I stepped forward, waiting. Tezuka put his hand up and I gulped. Wait wait... hes too tall I can't jump that high! I mentally noted and as he got up, he waited for instructions.
"Ok, Tezuka-kun, bend down so your hands are on your knees and make sure your back is straight, and so is your legs," the coach instructed and as he did, he sweat dropped at the awkward position he was in. I walked a little bit back so I had some momentum. I looked at his broad back... too high. I noted again but it was too late to go back. I heard someone whisper;
"Will Ado-san be ok... Tezuka-kun's quiet tall," and I ignored it as I ran full speed, my pony-tail swaying behind me and as I jumped, everyone gasped and I placed my hands on his back gently and quickly parted my legs to jump, then I landed on my feet. Everyone clapped.
"Very nice posture, both of you," the coach clapped and I turned around to Tezuka who was standing up already, a small smile in place that no one else could see. I could though.
"So that's how it is, once you practice we'll do a little activity to make it more fun. Get in pairs," the coach clapped and I went to look for Seira but Tezuka stood in front of me, he looked down.
"Do you not want to be my partner?" He asked, crossing his arms. I gulped and adverted my gaze.
"I-It's not that... you're just... really tall to jump over," I managed to stutter out, blushing furiously. I saw his face soften.
"I'll crouch down a little lower for you," he suggested and so he bent his knees a little.
"Tezuka... you have to keep your knees straight or you could seriously injure yourself," I pointed out and he looked confused. I giggled and got in the crouching position.
"You do it," I gestured for him as I kept my back straight and moved my hair to the side. He looked at me, slightly hesitant.
"I'm strong, don't worry," I assured as I smiled up at him a little. He nodded briefly before doing a run and I felt his big hands gently land on my back before I saw his feet on the ground. I got up and clapped. We heard a stumble and scream from the others.
"You're heavy!" I heard Seira shout as she was on the floor, another male on top.
"Sorry sorry," he apologized as he got up, helping Seira.
"Hibi-chan swap with me!" She pouted as she saw us stare and I sweat dropped. I looked over at Tezuka and he nodded.
"Then, Aikawa, you're my partner," Tezuka ordered at the boy who fell on top of Seira and he sweat dropped, refusing but Tezuka wasn't listening.
"O-oi... Tezuka you're too tall... to jump over," Aikawa pointed out and Tezuka glared at him.
"If Hibiki can do it, so can you," he tried to be encouraging but I laughed quietly with Seira.
"You get along with Tezuka-kun," Seira pointed out as we walked a little away from the group to get some more room. I nodded, crouching down.
"We're childhood friends," I added and as Seira jumped over me, she crouched instantly and it was like that, two people trying to be frogs. We didn't realize we were doing it automatically and once we were done, we high fived to see the others clapping.
"Amazing! It looked like two female frogs!" Aikawa cheered clapping, he was standing next to Tezuka who was way taller than he was. The coach gathered us around and announced the fun activity before the lesson ended.
"Alright! This is the fun part; you'll have a relay on leap frog! Get into 5 teams, one will do the jumping the other 4 will crouch in positions where relay would be. Understood?" The coach announced and everyone said "yes" in unison. Everyone started to get into teams and Seira stood by me.
"Tezuka-sama join us!" A group of fan girls squealed and I sweat dropped, Seira giggled. Another boy joined our group, there was now 3, we needed 2 more. I saw Tezuka ignore the fan girls and walked over to us.
"Need another?" He asked, and we all nodded. One more... I thought and I saw the girl who confessed to Tezuka sitting in the corner. I approached her;
"Would you like to join our team?" I asked, peering down.
"No thanks," she murmured, avoiding my gaze. I sighed and dragged her with me, non the less.
"What are you-" she started, struggling but Seira interrupted.
"It's not so bad, look, you're on the same team as Tezuka-kun," Seira pointed out and the girl blushed, adverting her gaze. We had to decide who do all the jumping, I was thinking Tezuka should do it considering he was the tallest, it would make it easier for us short people to just hunch over.
"Who wants to do the jumping?" I asked, as to not put Tezuka on the spot.
"I think it'd be a good idea for Tezuka to jump, considering he's the tallest, should make it easier for him to jump over us," Seira spoke, reading my mind and I nodded in agreement. I turned towards the other two and the boy did a thumbs up, the girl however didn't say anything. We got into position; Tezuka at the start, then it was Seira, then the boy, then me and then Rin's friend. We waited for the coach to blow his whistle, after 1 minute off asking if everyone's ready, the shrill of the whistle sounded in the field. I crouched down in position, waiting for Tezuka to jump over. After a couple seconds I felt him jump over me, I saw his running figure going to Rin's friend, his long legs taking him there in a matter of seconds. I stretched my back, I turned around to wave at the others walking when I heard a scream. I instantly turned around and there was Tezuka, intertwined with Rin's friend, I saw her blush at how close their faces were but Tezuka wasn't moving. I ran over, trying to help Tezuka up but Rin's friend shoved my hand away.
"What are you doing?! Don't touch him, I was going-" she started but I shot her a glare, the coach was next to us. I gently lifted Tezuka up so he was resting on his back, his face was scrunched up in pain.
"Tezuka-kun, can you hear me?" The coach asked, feeling his pulse. He grunted and his glasses were slightly broken, I felt my heart beat super fast.
"One of the boys help me lift Tezuka-kun up, we're taking him to the nurse," the coach instructed and another taller boy helped hoist him up, I stood there, stunned. Seira gripped my shoulder. I clenched my fists and turned to Rin's friend.
"What did you do?" I asked, venom in my voice.
"What do you mean what did I do? We had an accident-" she started but as soon as she saw my face, she stopped. I couldn't get myself to be angry, I shouldn't blame her, I don't even know what happened. I felt myself heave a sigh and I felt tears coming up. Don't cry. Don't. I chanted. I looked up at her, my face scrunched up in agony.
"You better hope Tezuka's okay, he has an important match tomorrow," I then said and with that I marched off. I felt her gasp a little, but I drowned out the noise as I walked to get changed. As I reached the changing rooms, I slumped on the bench.
"Hibi-chan..." Seira started, trying to comfort me. I felt my shoulders shake.
"What do I do? She confessed to Tezuka earlier on today, I should of known something was going to happen, but what exactly happened? Tezuka's not the type to make a mistake like that..." I whispered, gripping the bench. Seira hugged me, her small arms were warm.
"Only way to find out is to ask Tezuka-kun, let's change and see him in the nurses office," She suggested and I nodded briefly. Class was almost finished, so we got changed early and headed out. I gripped my shinai handle as I was about to knock on the door, Seira patted my shoulder.
"You'll be ok?" She asked, sincerity in her eyes. I nodded and with that she waved good-bye. I knocked and the sound of the nurses voice told me to come in. I slid the door open and she smiled at me.
"Ah, nice to see you again, Ado-san. Here to see Tezuka-kun?" She asked. I nodded and she led me to the bed that had a curtain around it.
"I'll go grab something from the principles office, don't be late for your next class," the nurse spoke, smiling before heading out. I withdrew the curtain and there he laid, his glasses on the side, his face was calm. I sat on the side, holding his hand that was by his side. I felt my eyes water and I gripped his hand, placing it on my forehead.
"Don't cry," I heard his deep voice, I shot up looking at him, he was more handsome without his glasses.
"Tez-" I started but he stopped me.
"Kunimitsu. Call me Kunimitsu..." he breathed, smiling at me. I felt the tears stream, and I nodded.
"Are you ok?" I asked, my eyes watery and he wiped the tears away with his finger.
"I'm alright, I had an elbow to my stomach, knocked me out, but nothing serious, so don't worry okay?" He reassured me and I nodded, examining his arms.
"Will you be okay for tomorrows match?" I asked, still worried and he chuckled a little with a nod.
"Stop worrying, I'm fine," he replied, and I nodded again, gripping his hand.
"TEZUKA"
"BUCHOU"
"Tezuka!"
The door slammed open to reveal the club members. I hastily jumped away from Tezuka, sitting up right. Oishi came up to us.
"We heard what happened, are you ok?" Oishi asked, his mother tone sounded throughout the room. Tezuka nodded.
"I'll... excuse myself now, Tezuka. I'll see you after school," I whispered, nodding to the others and walking away.
Tezuka POV
I cursed the club members coming in, interrupting my time with Hibiki. I hated seeing her cry, it made my heart break. Everyone kept being loud, not even realizing it's the nurses office. I felt a headache come up and I was glad Fuji stepped in.
"Saa, let's give Tezuka some rest. I'm sure he doesn't want to miss all his lessons," Fuji spoke, ushering everyone out.
"Thanks, Fuji," I thanked him and he smiled his usual smile and walked out. I laid there for a couple minutes before getting up, hearing the sound of the bell. The nurse came in as I was tidying the bed and she looked at me.
"Will you be ok moving about?" She asked, inspecting me. I nodded.
"Thank you," I bowed before walking out, I still had to change to my uniform.
Pwah there's chapter 5. What happens next chapter?!
Hibiki~