Chapter 6 is up! I don't own PoT, it belongs to Takeshi Konomi! This will be a long chapter - I hope you like it!
~Tezuka POV~
I arrived at the boys changing room quickly to change for my last class of the day. My mind filled with Hibiki only, I hurriedly changed and headed for Science, I barely made it in time, the teacher walking in the same time as I did. I saw her, sitting and looking at me, with a small smile in place. I walked over to my seat and nodded towards her whilst doing so. The lesson flew by, attending the student council meeting was my next step of the day before practice began. Tomorrow is our tournament against Hyotei, needless to say I am excited to play, but I knew my arm wasn't fully healed, but I couldn't show that to any of the club members, I don't think Hibiki knew either. I didn't want to worry her, eventually I'll tell her, I just have to play carefully and not let my guard down tomorrow. Her velvety voice interrupted my train of thought.
"Kunimitsu, I've got Kendo club now but I'll see you later at the courts," she called me by my first name, just like I asked her too and it sounded so right when she said it. I nodded and she dashed away, her shinai firmly on her back. I walked to the student council room for the meeting but got stopped by a girl.
"Uhm, Tezuka-sama, do you have a minute?" She asked, her violet eyes peering up at me, blushing. I looked at her briefly and sighed.
"I have a student council meeting now, make it quick," I replied a little too bluntly and she didn't hesitate.
"Would you accept these?" She shoved a pink box with a blue ribbon in front of her, it smelt of cookies and I hesitated, accepting it.
"Thanks..." then I walked off, not bother to look at her. I heard her ran away with a squeal and I saw the Seira girl.
"Oh Tezuka-kun, hello! Council meeting starts in a bit," she waved at me, I didn't realize she was in the council too.
"Ah, do you want these? A girl gave them to me, but I don't really like...them," I awkwardly asked her, and she giggled behind her hand accepting it.
"You'd accept them from Hibi-chan though, no?" She replied teasingly, walking into the classroom. I felt my eye twitch at the remark. I wouldn't mind Hibiki's sweets no... I smiled to myself and walked in as well.
The Council meeting lasted a bit longer than expected with the cultural festival coming around in 2 months. Preparations had to be made by everyone in the school. I sighed as I packed the notes away and grabbed my tennis bag, heading out for the courts. The regulars were already getting warmed up, even though it's free practice we couldn't afford to slack off with the tournament being tomorrow. Although since that was the case, we'd have to end practices early so they could get enough rest for the match. After changing, I headed to the courts and ordered the 1st and 2nd years to clear the courts so the regulars could practice. I looked around to find Hibiki but she wasn't anywhere to be seen. Maybe Kendo ran over time? I thought to myself. I shook my head and focused on the regulars ahead of me.
"Fuji and Echizen, start your matches, you'll be in Court A. Momoshiro and Kawamura, Court B. Eiji and Oishi, Court C and Kaidoh, you're with me, we'll be in Court D," I commanded and everyone dispersed to their allocated courts. I looked at Ryuzaki-sensei with a nod to start our practice and she nodded, standing on the side to watch.
~Hibiki POV~
I changed as fast as I could and ran out. AHH I'M LATE! I shouted as I ran to the courts, tripping half way. As I got there, everyone was in different courts, I couldn't see Kunimitsu. I pouted and sighed heavily, gripping the fence.
"Ah, Hibi-chan, you're in the wrong courts. Tezuka is over there, Court D," Fuji noticed my arrival and I thanked him, dashing to the court that was furthest away. Upon arriving, a 2nd year announced the match to begin.
"One set Match, Kaidoh to serve!" He shouted. I watched intently at the match, as the boy served, it landed on the left side of Kunimitsu and he returned it easily, not breaking a sweat. It was a rally back and forth until Kaidoh hit a weird move that did a sharp turn, like a snake and it went in. I blinked a couple times, wondering what happened to the ball.
"15-0," was the announcement. Kunimitsu eyed Kaidoh like he's eyeing a prey and as Kaidoh served, Kunimitsu returned it with ease again and as the ball curved around the net, Kunimitsu changed positions to return the ball and it was even.
"15-15"
As the match went on, I noticed that Kaidoh was running around a lot, whilst Kunimitsu stayed in the same position, not moving. My eyes widened in shock at the ball rotating, gravitating towards him like he was the sun. Kaidoh hissed like a snake and grunted when he realized that the balls weren't going to the corners, but rather to Kunimitsu.
"Game Tezuka, 1-0," I blinked, the first set was already finished. I was rather confused as to how it works, I've never played tennis before. It was his turn to serve and it went straight in.
"Ace!" shouted the 2nd year. Whhaa? What happened, I didn't even see the ball! I rubbed my eyes and watched closely, it was another ace, automatically earning him his second set. I was astonished at how he played; his reflexes were quick, he didn't look out of breath, stamina in control, his hits were accurate. So this is... how he plays tennis. After some time, the match ended with Kunimitsu winning all his sets, 6 in total. He shook hands with the 2nd year, bowing and I ran inside, handing him my spare towel.
"Good game," I cheered and his eyes widened.
"You were watching the whole time?" He asked, looking at my blue orbs. I nodded as he grabbed my towel and wiped his face. The day got a bit hotter and I saw sweat coming down on the side of his face, I looked up at the sun, it was blaring down at us. We both walked to the main court where Fuji was playing with the 1st year. Both were sweating and panting.
"They look really dehydrated, shouldn't they drink something?" I asked, worried.
"They should of already had their break for a drink, they'll be ok," he reassured me and I nodded. The match finished with it being a tie, they both shook hands and I handed Fuji his towel and the same to the 1st year.
"Sankyuu," the younger boy bowed at me and adjusted his cap, wiping his face.
"Thanks Hibi-chan, you should be the manager beside Inui," Fuji suggested, a smirk in place as he had his towel around his neck.
"Ah, no I shouldn't! I'll just get in the way," I replied sheepishly, rubbing my head. I felt a hand ruffle my hair and I looked up to see Kunimitsu, we exchanged a small staring contest before Fuji interrupted.
"Saa, we should wrap up the day. Let's hope the weather stays like this tomorrow," he chuckled and I blushed furiously, so did Kunimitsu a little.
"Did... buchou just blush?" I heard Momoshiro whisper to the younger boy as they were walking out, but before that they got stopped by Kunimitsu's voice.
"50 laps," he ordered and both the boys sighed heavily before running around the courts. I snickered at how dishonest he was when it comes to his feelings.
"That's right, I invited you to play a game, would you still want to?" He asked me. I nodded.
"Eh? Tezuka's going to play again?" Eiji whistled.
"I don't know how to play tennis, so he's teaching me a little," I replied sheepishly.
"Saa, use my racket, Hibi-chan," Fuji handed me his racket that he used today but Kunimitsu butted in.
"She'll be using mine," and with that I apologised to Fuji, bowing and he had a smug look on his face.
"I'll serve," his deep voice spoke and I nodded.
"Hibi-chan, stand on the opposite side," Fuji gestured and I tilted my head but went the other side. He served a slow ball towards me, I swung my arm back and hit the ball, but it went straight and hit the wall. My eyes widened in shock.
"Weeew, not bad," Momoshiro commented, placing his arms behind his head.
"Try and aim the ball towards the center," Kunimitsu instructed and I nodded. I focused on the ball and when I hit it, it landed on his side with a bounce and he returned it gracefully. I returned the ball back, getting the rhythm into hitting. We rallied for a bit until a ruckus was heard on the side and next thing I knew I saw a tennis ball rolling to me. My eyes widened in shock but my reflexes were quick enough to dodge the ball by doing a little jump but I also didn't anticipate the other ball heading for me and next thing I knew I felt pain on my upper shoulder. I landed on the floor with a thud.
"O-o-ow..." I winced, holding my shoulder.
"Hibiki!" I heard Kunimitsu shout as he jumped over the net, running to me.
"I'm ok..." I replied, my shoulder was pulsing.
"Tezuka, here, an ice pack," Inui handed it over and Kunimitsu placed it on my shoulder. His face was scrunched up in guilt and worry.
"I'm sorry... I should of noticed the ball, I let-" he started, apologising but I cut him off.
"Kunimitsu, stop. It wasn't your fault, I should of paid more attention. I'm okay, really," I reassured him.
"S-she called... buchou by his first name!" Momoshiro gasped, out of breath.
"Fssshh, shut up," was Kaidoh's voice and I sweat dropped. Kunimitsu helped me to stand up and brought me over to the bench.
"We'll go get changed, wait for us here ok? I'll take you to the doctors," he spoke, his face still scrunched up with worry and as I opened my mouth to protest he interrupted me, "that's an order as Captain," and with that he walked off. I sat there, stunned.
"Saa, be a good girl, ne, Hibi-chan?" Fuji chuckled and they all headed to change. I sat there, the ice pack calming down the pulsing pain of my shoulder. My phone rang and I picked it up.
"Karin," I said seeing the number.
"Hey girl, Kenneth told me about visiting you, I'm going too,," she cheerfully spoke on the other end and I sighed.
"Ah, yeah. I'll house you guys, mama will prep the spare room," I replied, my shoulder hurting again. It was a brief call, she had to help clean up the Dojo. I shut my phone and I looked up to the orange sky, my eyes closed.
"Let's go," I heard Kunimitsu's voice and when I opened my eyes he was standing in front of me. I got up grabbing my shinai and bag but a hand stopped me.
"I've got it," a guy with side burns spoke, his face smiling.
"T-Thanks..." I replied but I didn't know his name.
"Kawamura," he introduced and I nodded. We all walked out of the school grounds, Kunimitsu right next to me making sure I was okay. I could tell he was uneasy and shaken, he's blaming himself for hitting the ball right at me, even though it couldn't be helped considering my incompetence. Everyone parted ways and Kawamura handed my stuff over to Kunimitsu, I thanked him. We walked to the nearest hospital to get my shoulder checked, a nurse asked Kunimitsu to wait but he didn't like that so he tagged along.
"Your shoulder is fine, a slight bruising on the bone but nothing too serious. You should rest from any activities that allow you to use your shoulders to allow it to rest. I'll prescribe you some antibiotics to help the pain," he finalized and I nodded, thanking him. We went to the pharmacy inside the hospital to get the medicine. After we were done, we walked outside and I turned to face Kunimitsu.
"Stop blaming yourself, please? It wasn't your fault," I whispered and he looked down at me, his eyes filled with worry.
"I... I hurt you," he replied, clenching his bag handle. I gently placed my hand on his clenched fist.
"Shh, if you feel bad, treat me to ice cream?" I asked, winking at him. His face softened and he nodded.
~Tezuka POV~
We walked to an ice cream shop nearby and I bought her ice cream, she looked happy and content licking the ice cream. I looked at her as she licked, I felt my face flush. What are you thinking Kunimitsu?! I shouted in my head, thinking of dirty thoughts about Hibiki is just perverted. I was in my own little world until Hibiki spoke.
"Say... what would you think if my friends came to visit me?" She asked without looking at me.
"It'd be great? Wouldn't it?" I questioned back, confused as to why she asked. Did she mean Kenneth and her other friend Karin, was it?
"Yeah... but what do you think off it, considering you got jealous over Kenneth," she replied and the memory of me getting jealous came flooding back. I stopped and looked at her.
"I'll be alright, if any thoughts like that appear, I will talk to you about it okay?" I reassured her, I could tell she was worried.
"Mn, okay. You promise?" She held her pinky and I connected it with mine.
"Promise," I replied, smiling. We walked home in comfortable silence as she licked her ice cream. The sky above is started to darken and clouds appeared. I frowned. It might rain. She noticed it too as she tugged on my sleeve.
"Kunimitsu, it's going to rain, lets hurry," and with that we both ran, small drops of rain began to fall, then suddenly it poured it down. Hibiki squealed and ran faster, using her good arm to cover herself. We ran until we got to her place.
~Hibiki POV~
We ran in the rain like a bunch of idiots and once we reached my house, I was out of breathe, but he was just standing there, soaked. I giggled and as I opened the door, I saw several shoes on the shelf. I gestured Kunimitsu to come in, we were taking our shoes off, giggling at each other.
"Hibiki," the voice of Kenneth stopped my giggling and Kunimitsu looked up the same time as I did. KENNETH?!
"W-why are you... I thought you'd be coming in... 2 weeks," I asked, my face surprised. He walked to me and hugged me. I stiffened, I hugged him back.
"I couldn't wait... I booked a next day ticket, Karin's here too," he whispered and he let me go, looking into my eyes. I heard Kunimitsu clear his throat and I turned around, alarmed.
"A-Ah! Kunimitsu, this is Kenneth, Kenneth, Kunimitsu," I introduced the two, it was awkward as they both stood, staring at each other. Kunimitsu was much taller than Kenneth, he was about the same height as Fuji.
"Pleasure to finally meet you, Kunimitsu," Kenneth spoke, stretching a hand out, his face smiling. Kunimitsu nodded, shaking his hand.
"HIBIKI!" Karin ran towards me, her hug suffocating. I let out an "oof" and giggled.
"Now now, why don't you- oh hello Tezuka!" My mama started but she stopped when seeing Kunimitsu, "welcome! The house sure is lively, come on in and dry yourself, Hibiki get some spare clothes from papa and we'll dry Tezuka's clothes," my mama instructed and I nodded, gesturing for him to stay as I shuffled upstairs.
"Woah, you're handsome," Karin complimented, looking him up and down. Kenneth swatted her head.
"Oi, be polite," Kenneth scolded and Karin pouted.
"I'm Karin, you probably know that though!" She spoke, winking.
"Karin, help me out here"
"Coming!" Karin replied, leaving Kunimitsu and Kenneth waiting for Hibiki. Kenneth's smile disappeared as he glared, his gentle eyes now deadly.
"Don't make her cry again, if you do I'll steal her away from you," his voice came out harshly.
"I won't," Kunimitsu replied, his eyes showing determination. Kenneth then smiled again. I stumbled downstairs with spare clothes and a towel.
"S-Sorry! I think papa's clothes will fit you, I've already changed so go ahead upstairs. First door when you reach the top is the bathroom. I'll collect your wet clothes when your done so leave them by the door," I instructed, handing him the spare clothes. Kunimitsu nodded and gently kissed my slightly damp hair and then glared at Kenneth after walking up. I blushed, touching the place where he kissed.
"Sorry for coming unexpectedly, I couldn't wait," Kenneth breathed out, stuffing his hands in his jeans pocket.
"Ahh, it's okay! I'm glad you two made it safely! We've got school tomorrow still, so I'm not sure what you guys will do. Oh maybe you can come to my school after classes are over?" I thought but then I realized there was Kunimitsu's match tomorrow, "maybe you can come to watch Kunimitsu's tennis match?" I asked smiling at him. He smiled back, his eyes had sadness in them as he nodded, walking into the living room. I stood, wondering what happened between them, I saw Kunimitsu glare at Kenneth before heading up. I went upstairs to check if Kunimitsu was okay and as I reached the stairs to collect his wet clothes, he opened the door with a towel around his neck. I smiled at him.
"It's good they fit you," I spoke, gesturing for him to come down. We both walked downstairs, I placed his wet clothes in the dryer before we walked into the living room to see Kenneth and Karin playing cards.
"Ah, finally! Come play with us, we're playing go fish," Karin waved smiling. I grabbed Kunimitsu's arm gently as we both sat on the sofa, next to each other.
"Dinner will be ready soon-" my mama started but then thunder was heard.
"Woah... its pelting it down," Kenneth whispered looking out the window. I looked at Kunimitsu, worried.
"You might have to call your parents saying you'll be late, we can't let you go out in the rain. Papa won't be back till later so we can't drop you off..." I started worried but then he ruffled my hair, I blushed.
"Don't worry, I've already messaged my parents, they're okay with it," He reassured me and I nodded, checking my cards. Karin giggled and I saw Kenneth smile, but his eyes were filled with jealousy and sadness. There was a little tension between Kenneth and Kunimitsu, reading the situation, Karin spoke.
"Kenneth, do you have any 4's?" turning towards him, her eyes scanning her cards.
"Eh? Uh...no" Kenneth replied, looking at his cards. Karin pouted and took a card in the middle.
"Kunimitsu, do you have any 2's?" I asked, giggling. Kunimitsu shook his head no and I took a card from the middle. Kenneth sighed and turned to ask Karin.
"Any 8's?" Karin hesitated, not wanting to give any, "give them to me..." Kenneth glared. Karin whined and handed her 3 8's. Kenneth grinned and placed 4 8's down, he only had 3 cards in his hands. It went around like that, until Kenneth started glaring at Kunimitsu again.
"Kenneth, if your going to keep glaring then don't play," Karin pouted and marched off to help mama prep the last part of dinner. I sighed and looked at the two, still glaring. Kunimitsu was the one who broke the staring as he adjusted his glasses. Kenneth tidied up the cards, his calm composure gone. The game didn't continue. I knew this would happen, I knew they would act like this, this is what I feared the most.
"Dinners ready kids," mama called and we all stood up to sit at the table. Karin sat next to me and Kenneth/Kunimitsu sat next to each other. Dinner was silent, except for Karin asking questions about my life here every now and then.
"Mama, you're not going to eat?" I asked, looking at how much she made.
"I'll be waiting for your papa," she said, wiping her hands on her apron, "I'm going to see if Tezuka's clothes are dry and iron them, you enjoy the dinner," and with that she walked away.
"Mmn, your mums cooking is always good!" Karin complimented, stuffing a potato in her mouth. I smiled slightly at her. I used my chopsticks to grab a potato on my plate, I saw that Kunimitsu and Kenneth ate in silence, not even acknowledging each other, emitting a scary aura.
"You've got a tennis match tomorrow, right? Me and Karin will go and watch," Kenneth spoke, breaking the silence as he placed his cutlery down, finishing his meal.
"Ah..." Kunimitsu replied, closing his eyes.
"That's right! Your match is in the afternoon? I can excuse myself from school..." I chimed in, relieved that the tension calmed down.
"You don't have to skip your lessons for that..." Kunimitsu stepped in, worry in his face.
"Mn, I want to support you," I replied, smiling at him. After some time we all finished eating and I looked out the window, it didn't seem like it would stop raining.
"Tezuka, the rain might not let out, you can stay the night if you'd like," my mama came in, the clothes dry.
"It's ok, I have an important match tomorrow so I'll ring my father to pick me up," he replied and with that he excused himself from the table to get his phone. Karin, Kenneth and I sat in the living room, talking.
"I'm surprised though, didn't it cost alot?" I asked.
"Nah, Kenneth's loaded," Karin joked and I saw him swat her on the head.
"Karin..." he groaned and I just giggled. It was nice they made it, my chest felt light seeing them here, a sense of reassurance enveloped me. They never changed. I met Kenneth through Karin, they're close friends since their families knew each other. I felt like the outsider but they changed that and welcomed me with warm arms. Without notifying them, I hugged them both, oh I missed them! They both were startled and both looked at each other before smiling and hugging me.
~Tezuka POV~
After I rang my father to pick me up, I went to change in my school uniform again and when I walked into the living room, they shared a group hug, all of them enjoying the company. I saw Hibiki's eyes closed, smiling, small tears on the corners and my face softened, smiling. A door-bell interrupted their hugging and Hibiki's mother answered to reveal my father.
"Oh, it's been a while, Kuniharu-san!" her mother exclaimed bowing.
"It certainly has. Ayano would love to catch up sometime soon, I hope my son didn't trouble you too much," he spoke, looking at me.
"Ah, you're going, Kunimitsu?" Hibiki's voice came around the corner and I nodded, looking at her.
"Nice to see you again, Hibiki-chan, you've grown alot," was my fathers greet and she bowed, smiling.
"I'll see you tomorrow," I ruffled her hair before briefly glancing at Kenneth and I walked out, running to the car whilst it rained.
~Hibiki POV~
I blushed at his little gesture. Ahh, why do I keep getting flushed at that?! I turned to face my mama and asked about sleeping arrangements.
"Can I sleep with Hibiki? Kenneth can sleep on the floor," Karin chimed in, clinging on to me.
"Oi..." Kenneth started, his face scrunched up at how close Karin was to me, I could he was jealous that Karin got more of me than he did. My mama giggled.
"I'll leave it up to you guys, I'll go tidy the kitchen, you go on up," my mama instructed us and as we did, Karin plopped herself onto my bed. Kenneth walked in, looking around. I smiled at him, he smiled back, his eyes were soft. When I turned around to Karin, I saw asleep on the bed.
"Jet lag," Kenneth stepped in. I nodded and looked at him.
"Kenneth..." I whispered and he just hugged me, tightly. I felt him grip my shoulders tightly as he buried his face in my hair.
"Please... consider my feelings..." he whispered. I didn't hug him back, I didn't know if I should or not. He wasn't much taller than me so his light brown hair was in my face. I sighed and hugged him gently, cradling him.
"I can't... Kenneth, you know this..." I replied, my voice hoarse. He shot up, looking at me, his face filled with sadness.
"Why? I can take care of you better than he can, I won't make you cry and worry like he does..." he spoke, his voice cracking, just like the time when I rejected his confession. I felt my heart clench in pain, I hated seeing him like this, it wasn't the Kenneth I know when he does. I cradled his face with both my hands and my blue orbs stared into his light brown eyes.
"Kenneth, my heart has always been with Kunimitsu, nothing will change that. I want to support him as much as I can with his tennis career, despite the uncertainties and not having a clue on how he feels, I want to support him, by his side," I started to explain my feelings, his eyes showed more hurt, "you're special to me, both you and Karin. You've always been there for me, sometimes I feel so guilty about it because I know how you feel, yet I use you like-" I started but he cut me off with a kiss. My eyes widened in shock and I didn't move. He let go of my lips and turned away, blushing.
"Don't you dare say you feel guilty, I chose to support you. My request is... remember the times we had," he started and then when he looked at me, his face fell. I felt tears drip down on my face. My... My first kiss... I chanted in my head. I felt tears fall, he stood, shocked.
~Kenneth POV~
Shit. Don't tell me they haven't kissed yet?! I cursed in my head. AND I TOLD MYSELF I WOULDN'T MAKE HER CRY! I went to comfort her but she flinched, placing her hands on her face.
"C-Cruel... w-why would you..." she started, her voice shaky. Karin got up and hugged her to her chest.
"I couldn't just pretend to sleep. Kenneth, what did you do?" Karin glared, her dark eyes scanning my face.
"I... I kissed her..." I replied, clenching my fists. Karin shut her eyes and let Hibiki cry in her chest.
"Shh, there there. Kenneth, get out and think about what you did," Karin ordered, glancing down at the girl in her chest. I scowled and marched out, gripping my hair in guilt.
~Hibiki POV~
"I-I wanted to... save my first kiss..." I started, in between sobs. Why? I feel like I betrayed Kunimitsu.
"I know sweet, shhh. Don't feel guilty, I know what you're like, Kenneth himself probably thought that you guys kissed already... but you know, you're cruel to him too, Hibiki," Karin started and I looked up at her, her eyes showed sadness.
"Back in England, he was always thinking about you, he wondered if you were okay. When he found out you were crying, by yourself, he blamed himself for not being there to support you. The fact that he's supporting you, despite his feelings, I think it's killing him too. The kiss was probably all that vent up anger he's been keeping in for so long after seeing you," she explained, and I looked at her dark eyes.
"I... I didn't know..." I whispered, shaking. She hugged me again.
"So don't feel as if you betrayed Kunimitsu, it wasn't you who did it, but rather Kenneth. Tomorrow is his match isn't it? Let's get some sleep, I'm sure Kenneth will have a clear head tomorrow, okay?" She suggested, wiping my tears away. I nodded, thinking about what she said.
I don't think I got much sleep last night. I woke up my head feeling heavy. Karin was still asleep, I checked the time and it said 11. We've got time before the matches start. I tried to wake her up and she stirred, rubbing her eyes.
"Morning..." she groaned, sitting up and stretching. I smiled at her. As I was about to walk out, Kenneth stood by the door about to knock, our faces were close and I stepped back a little.
"I... I'm sorry about last night, I was just..." he started, his eyes going everywhere but my face and I hugged him.
"I know, its ok. I'm okay, we're okay. But please Kenneth, I can't return your feelings," I whispered and he nodded, hugging me back.
"I know, that's why no matter what, I'll support you, so please rely on me, still," was his response and I nodded smiling.
"OKAY! LET'S GO EAT FOOD AND SEE THE MATCHES!" Karin jumped up and I giggled, Kenneth smiled and we walked down. I felt my phone vibrate, I picked it up.
"Ah, Kunimitsu," I greeted.
"Morning Hibiki. I just wanted to call to see if you're still coming," He asked.
"Of course! We're eating brunch now, but we'll be there before your matches start! Where is it again?" I asked, placing a sausage in my mouth.
"Shirasu Gardens, it's a 15 min bus from your place," he replied and I nodded with a hum.
"Okay, we'll see you then!" I ended the call and we all ate. I gestured for Karin and Kenneth to change whilst I made lunch for Kunimitsu. I looked at the weather, it looked sunny and warm. I walked upstairs to see that Karin finished changing as she wore a white collared sleeveless shirt with knee length jeans and her red converse. Her black hair was in two low pigtails. I changed after her and she squealed.
"You're adorable, Hibiki!" She screamed, glomping me. My outfit was a v-neck dress, it had sunflowers on it, my white sandals complimented my dark blue hair. I wore a sun hat to prevent a headache, Karin borrowed one of my hats too. We both walked out of my room when I made sure I got my bag to put the lunch in for Kunimitsu.
"Oho, homemade lunch?" Karin wiggled her eyebrows as we headed downstairs, grabbing the bento box. I blushed and nodded.
"You look beautiful," Kenneth complimented, walking down the stairs, his serene and calm face smiling. He wore a simple dark blue collard t-shirt and khaki shorts with his Jordan's. His hair was let loose a little and I smiled, thanking him. We all headed to the bus stop, waiting for the bus until it arrived and we got in. The journey was 15mins as Kunimitsu said and when we reached the place, I was looking for blue and white jersey's.
"Do you know where they'll be? It's hot outside, we shouldn't stand for too long," Kenneth asked, looking up at the sky as I saw some sweat coming down from the side of his face. Karin was sweating too.
"Hibi-chan! Over here, hurry hurry nyaa!" I heard Eiji's voice shout from the distance and we walked over.
"It's hot!" Momoshiro gasped, fanning himself.
"With that jersey your wearing, I wouldn't be surprised you're hot!" Karin pointed, shocked. I calmed her down.
"Saa, care to introduce your friends?" Fuji asked, smiling. He wasn't wearing his jersey.
"Someone with common sense without the jersey," Karin said once more and earned herself a swat from Kenneth.
"These are my friends back from England, Karin and Kenneth," I introduced and they both waved.
"Where's Kunimitsu?" I asked, looking around. Fuji chuckled.
"He should be-" he started but got cut off.
"Here," came a deep voice, his jersey was zipped up and he didn't look hot at all. I waved with a smile, he looked at me with an intense stare and I blushed, fidgeting.
"Now now Captain, don't stare at our Hibiki like that," Karin pouted, protecting me. I sweat dropped.
"When's your matches?" Kenneth asked, fanning himself with his hand.
"In 10 minutes, we're up against Hyotei," Fuji replied, smiling. We all walked to the courts where they'd be playing.
"Man... it really is hot, isn't it," Kawamura spoke, fanning his jersey.
"Why don't you remove your jersey's?" Karin asked, confused.
"We feel powerful with the jersey's on," Fuji teased and Karin just tilted her head, confused but let the topic down. Kenneth sat, his hands in his pockets beside me whilst Karin sat in front of us, talking with Eiji. Kunimitsu was on my other side, tension was back and I felt myself sweat a little. Fuji chuckled, opening his blue orbs. I looked at him as if to help me.
"You two scary looking men, you're making a lady uncomfortable, don't you notice?" Fuji spoke out, smirking and they both turned to face me, asking if I was ok. I sweat dropped even more. That didn't help...
"Maybe if you didn't have such a stoic expression, you wouldn't be scaring her," Kenneth spoke, his face was smiling but his eyes were filled with malice.
"Perhaps if you weren't so close to her she wouldn't feel uncomfortable," Kunimitsu countered back and they stared at each other, before Ryuzaki-sensei stepped in.
"My goodness, even in this heat there's something going on. Warm up briefly before the matches start. Doubles 2, get ready to play," she ordered and everyone dispersed, Kunimitsu got up and walked away. I looked at Kenneth, his smile was still in place.
"Kenneth..." I whispered, peering at him.
"Sorry," he whispered, looking at me and I nodded that it was ok. The first match was Doubles 2 with Mukahi-Gakuto pair vs Eiji-Momoshiro pair. The sun was blaring down on everyone, when the umpire announced the game to begin, the court became intense. They rallied until Hyotei gained the first set. Karin was out of her seat, watching Eiji's acrobatic play.
"He's like a cat!" Karin gasped, her eyes sparkling and I giggled. Kenneth watched the match intently. The match went on with Seigaku gaining lead. As the matches all played out, it was finally Singles 1. So far its a tie since Kawamura and Kabaji had no game as both were physically unable to play. Next was Singles 1, Kunimitsu finally got to play.
"What happens now then? Whoever wins this match is deciding to go into the finals?" Karin asked, confused.
"It means no matter the outcome of this match, it'd be a tie since they have one no game. The reserves from both teams would have to play it out, and thats the determined outcome," Kenneth filled in, smiling. Karin nodded, understanding. I gripped my bag, hoping Kunimitsu would win.
"I'm sure he'll be fine," Kenneth reassured me, smiling. I nodded with a smile. As soon as the match started, everyone was shocked at how much tension was on the courts.
"Are you serious? Are they... even middle schoolers?" I heard some people whisper and certainly, on the courts, I felt tension like never before. Both were practically hitting the ball to each other with so much accuracy and precision.
"Captain vs Captain, Atobe has led 200+ members from their school to get up to this point, he's a formidable opponent," Fuji whispered, resting his hand on his chin. After 10 minutes of rallying, Kunimitsu scored a point. The sun was blazing down on everyone and the two below on the court weren't panting or out of breath, they were sweating. The match kept going on, the points kept dragging. I felt extremely hot, Karin's cheerfulness disappeared with the heat.
"I'll get us some drinks," Kenneth stood up, walking towards the vending machines. I watched the match unfold below us, it was the longest match I could have ever seen. Eventually they both started attacking, but I saw that the opposing team was smirking horribly.
"Don't tell me..." Fuji gasped out, his eyes opening.
"What?" Momoshiro asked, confused.
"Atobe he... he purposefully made this match long, look at Tezuka," Fuji explained and as everyone looked, Kunimitsu had this determination face of going through with the match.
"Tezuka knew... yet he knows his limits!" Oishi shouted, angry. I looked at all of them, confused. Kenneth came back with a cold drink, I handed one to Karin and we all drank it down.
"What do you mean?" I asked Oishi, my face worried. Oishi gasped and shut his mouth, "Oishi, tell me?" I pried.
"T-Tezuka... his arm... isn't healed," Oishi stammered and everyone looked at him shocked, "my uncle, whose a doctor said that if he kept using his Drop-shot, he would damage his arm," Oishi finished, his gaze set on Kunimitsu. I gasped, standing up, concerned.
"Hibi-chan..." Eiji started but I couldn't stop gripping my bag tightly, my eyebrows furrowed.
"So he's..." I started, my voice shaking.
"He knew Atobe's intention, and he would do anything to win this match, even if it means his arm would be damaged," Oishi spoke, gripping the wall in front of him. Kenneth rubbed my back to calm me down but it wasn't helping. Why didn't he tell me about his arm? I thought we'd tell everything to each other. The match unfolded in front of us with Kunimitsu useing the drop shot so many times, to the point where both were exhausted. The game continued on for almost 1 hour, the sun was still blaring down on the courts and both players were out of breath. I saw Kunimitsu wince in pain but he still returned the ball, his eyes filled with determination. I couldn't watch, my chest was hurting seeing him go through all that. I heard Kenneth scowl next to me.
"He's going to get a beating from me," he spoke, his eyes frowning. Karin looked at me and whispered it'll be okay. I know it wasn't okay because the match was going on for too long.
"Tezuka, stop this! You've done enough, just forfeit!" Oishi shouted, his voice was cracking from worry. Kunimitsu ignored him and continued to play, it was painful.
"Oishi, remember what we promised. We'll go to the Nationals, even if this match means I won't be able to play for a while," was his reply and when Atobe served, he was about to return it but he stopped, dropping his racket and he fell on his knees, his face was scrunched up in pain as he held his elbow.
"TEZUKA!"
"BUCHOU!"
I heard shouts from the regulars as they were about to run, Kunimitsu stopped them.
"The match... isn't finished," he spoke, sitting at the bench to rest. I couldn't stand this anymore, I walked over to him, anger boiled inside me.
"You're stupid and silly," I spoke, my voice cracking. Kunimitsu looked at me, his eyes widened in shock, "your win to the nationals matters more than your health...? How... unselfish of you," I whispered the last part. I clenched my hands into fists and before I walked away, I looked at him, my eyes brimming with tears, "even if you don't win... I'll support you," and with that I marched off, not wanting to watch the match anymore. I couldn't take it anymore, my chest was hurting, my head was pounding and this heat wasn't helping. Kenneth went to stop me but I shrugged him off.
"Hibiki..." Kunimitsu whispered under his breath, taken a back by her outburst. As I marched off, I didn't care where I was going. I looked at my bag that had his food, hoping to give it to him after his match, but it was already spoiled. I threw it in the bin and ran away to hide in the forest area where there were trees. I sat, my knees up to my chin as I sat behind a tree, sobbing. Why did I say those things? Even though I said I'd support him, I ran off. I sobbed quietly to myself, my sunhat falling off my hair. The tears wouldn't fall as I cried, anger and sadness boiling up. I wanted to scream at how unselfish he was - he only thought of his team, not himself. He'd do anything to get to the nationals.
"Hibiki, here you are," I heard Kenneth's voice as he sat next to me, his shoulder bumped into mine.
"Kunimitsu's matched finished with him losing, they're going to the doctors in a bit, he was wondering where you are," he spoke, his soft gentle voice calmed me down.
"He can't see me like this," I whispered hoarsely, wiping my tears.
"Yes he can, come on, you need to take this to him," he motioned for the lunch and I gasped.
"Kenneth, that's spoilt already..." I whispered and he shrugged, grinning.
"You can punish him with it, no?" He said, teasing. I giggled and he helped me up, we both walked out after he got me a drink from the vending machine to help with the heat. I threw away the lunch in the end, I didn't want him eating spoilt egg from the heat. As we were walking, we saw Oishi and Kunimitsu walking towards us and I stopped on my tracks. I lowered my head down and Kenneth brought it back up.
"Don't look away. I've had a word with him," and with that he smiled at me and walked towards back to the courts.
~Tezuka POV~
I saw her retreating figure when she spoke those words. I wanted to finish the match, my goal has always been tennis and taking the team to the Nationals, but why do I feel hurt in my chest? I shrugged the feeling off as I continued the game but it resulted into me losing. I panted heavily as I looked at Atobe, he was exhausted too. The deciding win would be Echizen and their reserve. I walked out of the courts, gripping my elbow. Kenneth walked to me, his face frowning, different from his usual calm composure.
"You made Hibiki cry again. I know you want to take the team to the Nationals, but you have to know your limits and boundaries, I know you've got Hibiki on your mind whilst you play, don't ignore those feelings. I'm going to calm her down, since that's all I'll ever do, considering she already rejected me twice. She loves and admires you, but not like this. She's tough and hard on the outside but when she wants but with you, she lets her defenses down. Keep what I said in mind," and with that he marched off, his hands in pockets. I was taken aback by the words he said. What am I doing? I'm making her cry several times, I'm such a terrible person.
~Hibiki POV~
I stood there, waiting for some words to come out from his or my mouth but nothing did. Oishi filled in the silence.
"Will you take Tezuka to the hospital? I have to keep an eye on the match, okay?" Oishi asked me and I nodded, and it was just me and Kunimitsu. For the first time that day a breeze flew between us, my hair flowing in several places.
Big chapter! Anyway, more to come in the next one! Stay tuned and thank you for those who have stuck around!
Hibiki~