Eiji was confused. Just as suddenly as Fuji had begun teasing him, he had
stopped and behaved like he always had before the teasing. The past two
weeks had gone by without any embarrassing incident whatsoever and in a
way, it worried Eiji a little as he rummaged through his mind trying to
figure out what the tensai was planning.
"Eiji-kun?? Eiji-kun!!" he heard someone calling him and he snapped out of his ponderings and looked up to see his classmate Hikaru.
"Doshita Hikaru-chan?" he asked and then noticed for the first time that the classroom was suddenly empty. "Ah nya? Minna.doko."
"Ano.Eiji-kun.class ended fifteen minutes ago." she told him, pointing to the clock above the blackboard and Eiji blinked. "Fuji-san already left as well,"
"NYAH??!?!!?!!??!" he cried out in shock, standing up and banging his hands against the table. "Arrigato Hikaru-chan!" he said, grabbed his bag and zoomed out of the classroom. "Fuji hidoi.how could you not wait for me." he thought as he rushed to the clubroom. He didn't want to have to run laps by Tezuka buchou for being late. Stopping outside to catch a breather, he opened the door only to be greeted by the sight of Fuji who stood with his back facing the door, already in his shorts and half out of his shirt. The room was dark with only the light from the window shining in on Fuji making him seem to glow slightly. Eiji froze there, blushing at the sight. Hearing the door open but no one coming in, Fuji turned around to see his blushing friend.
"Eiji? Doshita?" he asked smiling and Eij snapped out of his shock blushing even harder.
"AH Iya!!! Mengo mengo Fuji!!" he laughed sheepishly and entered, closing the door behind him. "Why am I blushing?! It's perfectly normal isn't it? Seeing another guy changing.I've seen the others change before after all. But why.when Fuji." then it hit him. He had NEVER seen Fuji change before. Fuji was usually earlier or later then the others and would either be the first or last one to leave. Although they were in the same class, Eiji was almost always called to stay back after the last period for not listening in class or something else. "So ka nya.that must be the reason." he chuckled to himself as he began to change as well. Just as he was about to pull on his polo tee, slender arms snaked around his chest over his arms and he couldn't help but stiffen slightly, his eyes widening. "N.na.nanda Fuji?" he stammered nervously. Fuji smiled and leaned in close enough that his lips almost touched Eiji's ear.
"Gomen ne Eiji, for not waiting for you after class. Sensei asked me to help her carry some books to the staff room." he whispered, his breath tickling Eiji causing him to shiver slightly and felt himself flushing.
"A.aaa.Iya Fuji.da.daijobu." he stammered again.
"Yokata." and with a mischievous smile he nibbled lightly on Eiji's earlobe before releasing him and turning away to pull on his jersey as though nothing had happened just as the door opened and Momo, Ryoma and Oishi came in. Eiji, still blushing furiously, hurriedly pulled on his polo tee, looking at the floor, red as a tomato.
"Doshita Eiji? Are you having a fever?" Oishi asked concerned upon seeing his red faced doubles partner and stepped forward to put a hand on his forehead. Ryoma and Momo on the other hand, eyed Fuji and Eiji before giving each other a knowing smirk and grin and eyeing the smiling tensai as he walked out of the room.
"AHH!! Iya!! Daijobu nyah!" Eiji told him and swatting away his hand lightly before looking away still blushing.
"Hoonto desu ka? I could always let Tezuka know that you're ill. It's not good for you to train when you're not feeling well you know," Oishi continued.
"Mada mada dane." Ryoma suddenly commented and smirked at Eiji while Momo looked as though he was one the verge of bursting out in laughter.
"Damatte nyah ochibi!!!" Eiji glared at the smirking Ryoma before grabbing his racket and leaving the room to let the three of them change. He strolled over to the courts, both arms swung over his racket behind his head and looked around until his eyes fell on Fuji who stood beside Tezuka probably chatting about tennis matters as usual and once again he felt a twinge of jealousy rise up inside him.
Fuji noticed Eiji watching him and turned to catch his eye. He gave him a rather, sly looking smile and mentally chuckled when Eiji blushed again and turn away quickly. He then turned his attention back to Tezuka.
"Ahhh, it's so nice to be in love isn't it Echizen!" Momo commented as he and Ryoma walked pass Eiji.
"Who's in love nya!!! Momo!!!" he shouted back at Momo who threw a mischievous grin his way.
"Regulars! Gather round!!" Ryuzaki sensei suddenly shouted and the 8 regulars as well as Inui gathered around her and Tezuka. "You'll be having practice matches together today! Here are the pairings! Kikumaru, Fuji! Court A!" that was as far as Eiji heard.
"NYAH??!! ORE TO FUJI KA??!!" he exclaimed in disbelief. Then he felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to look at Fuji.
"Sa, iko ka Eiji-kun?" Fuji asked and smiled.
"Aaa.." he began. He had to settle this with Fuji once and for all. Gathering up the courage, he began in a soft whisper, loud enough for Fuji to hear, "Meet me behind the storage room after training ends, under the big tree.I need to talk to you about something." and immediately walked off to the court flushing. Fuji watched his friend go wide eyed before chuckling and following him.
Halfway into their individual matches, Inui suddenly announced that the loser had to drink his Marvelous Surprise Inui Juice Deluxe resulting in a sudden increase in vigor from all the regulars. Oishi was the first victim claimed seeing as to how his opponent was Tezuka, followed by Kaidoh and Momo leaving only Fuji and Eiji in Court A. Neither of them willing to give up any points to each other. The match count by then was already 6-6 and they were into the tie breaker now.
"Ne Fuji!! If you like the drink so much why don't YOU lose and drink it!!!" he shouted as he hit the ball back over to Fuji and ran straight to the net hoping to try and end the game quickly with his net play specialty. Fuji laughed.
"Iya, I think I'd enjoy watching you drink it more, Eiji-kun," he smiled and hit the boy right back aiming for Eiji's most unfavorable foot with pin point accuracy knowing full well that the cat like Eiji would return it easily.
"Nyaah!!!! I won't lose!! I'm never going to drink that juice!!" he cried back seeing the ball aimed at his foot and lightly hitting it back by jumping up and swinging his racket between his legs but to his horror, Fuji had approached the net and smashed the ball in while Eiji was still in mid jump. He dropped his racket and collapsed onto his knees looking at the ball. "Uso nyah..ore wa maketta." and Fuji chuckled as Inui rounded on Eiji who gulped and downed the glass in one shot before running straight to the taps screaming away.
By the end of training half an hour later, the four victims had recovered from their ordeal and were soon dismissed leaving only the freshmen to clear the nets and gather the balls.
"Ahhh...minna, my dad has managed to book the resort for us for next weekend. We've got a 3day2night booking from Friday to Sunday, "Taka announced when all the regulars were left in the club room.
"Yosh!!!" Momo cried out excitedly. Fuji simply smiled as he changed out of his uniform and shouldered his bag.
"Well then I'll be going first. Just contact me about the meeting place and time when you've decided on it. Jya," he said and left the room. Eiji watched him leave and began to change out as well. "Ah! I'll be going off too! Bye bye!!" Eiji called out above the din and ran out of the clubroom all the way to the appointed meeting place where Fuji stood, leaning against the tree, hands in his pockets and looking down. A small breeze played with his hair as Eiji ran up to him.
"Mengo mengo Fuji!!" he said as he skidded to a half in front of Fuji to catch his breath. Fuji smiled and straightened.
"Ah, daijobu desu. What did you want to talk about?" he asked. Eiji looked down. It was now or never.
"Ehto.ano.in the club room.while we were changing.why did you.do.that." Eiji stammered and blushed. Rather then look at Fuji, he focused on twiddling his thumbs. Fuji blinked.
"Ara?" was all he said and smiled innocently. Eiji's eyes widened.
"Nyah??!! Ara.tte.." he stammered and blushed even further as he tried to get the words out coherently. "Tha.that." Fuji smiled and leaned forward towards Eiji till their noses were almost touching and opened his eyes.
"That?" he asked innocently. Eiji looked up to stare straight into those beautiful turquoise eyes and took a step back in shock blushing furiously. He opened his mouth to say something but no words came forth and instead just opened and shut his mouth like a goldfish.
"Did you know you're very kawaii when you blush?" Fuji chuckled as he straightened up again.
"Aaaaa.kawaii ja neeee nya." he protested. "Come on Eiji, just say it and get it over with." he mentally scolded himself. Taking a deep breath, he blurted out, "Just now... that... why did you... erm... attackmyear!?!?!?" there, he had said it.
"Ah, attack? That's too strong a word Eiji-kun. I didn't attack it," he replied still smiling that innocent smile of his and Eiji blinked several times with his eyes wide making him look very owlish.
"NYAH??!! Then what was that?!" his reaction drew out an involuntary laugh from Fuji.
"Saa.I guess you could say I was just teasing it," he replied simply.
"Ahhh..so ka." he said quietly and looked down. Somehow, he had hoped that Fuji would've said something else. He thought he felt his heart sink. So it really was because Fuji liked seeing him squirm and nothing more than that.
"Ne.Eiji.." Fuji suddenly said. "Moshi kimi no koto ga... suki da to ittara?(How would you react if I said I liked you)" causing Eiji to look up in surprise.
"Demo, oretachi wa tomodachi na no nyah!!!" Eiji replied simply and forcing a lopsided grin which fell slightly when Fuji placed two fingers on his chin looking at him with a very serious expression.
"Iya.I don't mean it in that way." he whispered as he leaned forward, eyes closed, and, to Eiji's astonishment, kissed him lightly on the lips. Eiji's eyes widened as he just stood there rooted to the spot. But just as quickly as it had happened, Fuji withdrew and took one look at his expression which was filled with shock mixed with confusion. Closing his eyes, he turned around, "Gomen Eiji.I shouldn't have done that." Eiji blinked. "I'll see you next week then," Fuji added and made to walk off. Eiji immediately shook himself out of his daze and grabbed Fuji's hand.
"M.matte...Fuji." he said and Fuji stopped but did not look back. Eiji took another deep breath. He could do it.He wouldn't let Fuji walk away thinking that he had made a mistake kissing him. "O...Ore.omae mo...suki nyah..." that said he let go of Fuji's hand and looked away, blushing slightly. Fuji turned around, shocked at Eiji's confession. He hadn't expected that from Eiji.
"Eiji." Eiji then, emboldened from his confession, took a step forward.
"Suki mo." he whispered and kissed a surprised Fuji full on the lips. Fuji recovered from his initial shock much faster then Eiji and put his arms around him, drawing him closer to him as he reciprocated the kiss fiercely, a slight moan escaping the lips of his friend as he hungrily explored every inch of his mouth. The two seemed to bathe under the orange glow of the setting sun as they kissed. When they finally broke for breath, Eiji circled his arms around Fuji as well and buried his face in Fuji's hair, just near the nape of his neck, nestling against it. "Honto ni... suki nyah.. Syuu-chan.... honto nyah..." Fuji's right hand traveled up and settled on the back of Eiji's head.
"You called me Syuu-chan...and not Fuji...." he noted amusedly.
"Aaaa....D...Datte... omae no ototo mo Fuji de sa~ It feels better... to call you by your name..." he protested and hugged Fuji tighter, not wanting to meet his eyes when he was blushing yet again. Fuji chuckled.
"So ka... Ii yo... Syuu-chan sounds nice...coming from your lips." Eiji blushed further at this and began to let go of Fuji embarrassedly. Fuji smiled and released him before looking at his watch. "I suppose we should start heading home now," as they started to walk, Fuji's mobile rang and he answered, "Hai...Neesan? Ah.So ka.Ok then.Have a safe trip,"
"Eh?? Nanda??" Eiji asked curiously as Fuji put the phone back in his pocket.
"Ah, neesan's going for some meeting in Osaka again and won't be home till Monday. I guess I'll be home alone till then..." he sighed. "Yuuta won't be coming back for the weekend either." Eiji looked at Fuji's sad face.
"Do you want me to accompany you for the weekend?" he blurted out without thinking before realizing what he had just said. He mentally slapped himself for being so foolish. They had, after all, only JUST confessed to each other. "Ah... Ah... gomen nyah!!!" he quickly added and quickly walked ahead first to hide his blush. Fuji smiled and fell into step beside him, taking his hands in his, locking their fingers together.
"I'd love the company." he said and Eiji looked at him. His eyes were open and there was a mischievous glint in his eyes and he looked away blushing as the two walked into the orange setting sun.
~~~Fin~~~
"Eiji-kun?? Eiji-kun!!" he heard someone calling him and he snapped out of his ponderings and looked up to see his classmate Hikaru.
"Doshita Hikaru-chan?" he asked and then noticed for the first time that the classroom was suddenly empty. "Ah nya? Minna.doko."
"Ano.Eiji-kun.class ended fifteen minutes ago." she told him, pointing to the clock above the blackboard and Eiji blinked. "Fuji-san already left as well,"
"NYAH??!?!!?!!??!" he cried out in shock, standing up and banging his hands against the table. "Arrigato Hikaru-chan!" he said, grabbed his bag and zoomed out of the classroom. "Fuji hidoi.how could you not wait for me." he thought as he rushed to the clubroom. He didn't want to have to run laps by Tezuka buchou for being late. Stopping outside to catch a breather, he opened the door only to be greeted by the sight of Fuji who stood with his back facing the door, already in his shorts and half out of his shirt. The room was dark with only the light from the window shining in on Fuji making him seem to glow slightly. Eiji froze there, blushing at the sight. Hearing the door open but no one coming in, Fuji turned around to see his blushing friend.
"Eiji? Doshita?" he asked smiling and Eij snapped out of his shock blushing even harder.
"AH Iya!!! Mengo mengo Fuji!!" he laughed sheepishly and entered, closing the door behind him. "Why am I blushing?! It's perfectly normal isn't it? Seeing another guy changing.I've seen the others change before after all. But why.when Fuji." then it hit him. He had NEVER seen Fuji change before. Fuji was usually earlier or later then the others and would either be the first or last one to leave. Although they were in the same class, Eiji was almost always called to stay back after the last period for not listening in class or something else. "So ka nya.that must be the reason." he chuckled to himself as he began to change as well. Just as he was about to pull on his polo tee, slender arms snaked around his chest over his arms and he couldn't help but stiffen slightly, his eyes widening. "N.na.nanda Fuji?" he stammered nervously. Fuji smiled and leaned in close enough that his lips almost touched Eiji's ear.
"Gomen ne Eiji, for not waiting for you after class. Sensei asked me to help her carry some books to the staff room." he whispered, his breath tickling Eiji causing him to shiver slightly and felt himself flushing.
"A.aaa.Iya Fuji.da.daijobu." he stammered again.
"Yokata." and with a mischievous smile he nibbled lightly on Eiji's earlobe before releasing him and turning away to pull on his jersey as though nothing had happened just as the door opened and Momo, Ryoma and Oishi came in. Eiji, still blushing furiously, hurriedly pulled on his polo tee, looking at the floor, red as a tomato.
"Doshita Eiji? Are you having a fever?" Oishi asked concerned upon seeing his red faced doubles partner and stepped forward to put a hand on his forehead. Ryoma and Momo on the other hand, eyed Fuji and Eiji before giving each other a knowing smirk and grin and eyeing the smiling tensai as he walked out of the room.
"AHH!! Iya!! Daijobu nyah!" Eiji told him and swatting away his hand lightly before looking away still blushing.
"Hoonto desu ka? I could always let Tezuka know that you're ill. It's not good for you to train when you're not feeling well you know," Oishi continued.
"Mada mada dane." Ryoma suddenly commented and smirked at Eiji while Momo looked as though he was one the verge of bursting out in laughter.
"Damatte nyah ochibi!!!" Eiji glared at the smirking Ryoma before grabbing his racket and leaving the room to let the three of them change. He strolled over to the courts, both arms swung over his racket behind his head and looked around until his eyes fell on Fuji who stood beside Tezuka probably chatting about tennis matters as usual and once again he felt a twinge of jealousy rise up inside him.
Fuji noticed Eiji watching him and turned to catch his eye. He gave him a rather, sly looking smile and mentally chuckled when Eiji blushed again and turn away quickly. He then turned his attention back to Tezuka.
"Ahhh, it's so nice to be in love isn't it Echizen!" Momo commented as he and Ryoma walked pass Eiji.
"Who's in love nya!!! Momo!!!" he shouted back at Momo who threw a mischievous grin his way.
"Regulars! Gather round!!" Ryuzaki sensei suddenly shouted and the 8 regulars as well as Inui gathered around her and Tezuka. "You'll be having practice matches together today! Here are the pairings! Kikumaru, Fuji! Court A!" that was as far as Eiji heard.
"NYAH??!! ORE TO FUJI KA??!!" he exclaimed in disbelief. Then he felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to look at Fuji.
"Sa, iko ka Eiji-kun?" Fuji asked and smiled.
"Aaa.." he began. He had to settle this with Fuji once and for all. Gathering up the courage, he began in a soft whisper, loud enough for Fuji to hear, "Meet me behind the storage room after training ends, under the big tree.I need to talk to you about something." and immediately walked off to the court flushing. Fuji watched his friend go wide eyed before chuckling and following him.
Halfway into their individual matches, Inui suddenly announced that the loser had to drink his Marvelous Surprise Inui Juice Deluxe resulting in a sudden increase in vigor from all the regulars. Oishi was the first victim claimed seeing as to how his opponent was Tezuka, followed by Kaidoh and Momo leaving only Fuji and Eiji in Court A. Neither of them willing to give up any points to each other. The match count by then was already 6-6 and they were into the tie breaker now.
"Ne Fuji!! If you like the drink so much why don't YOU lose and drink it!!!" he shouted as he hit the ball back over to Fuji and ran straight to the net hoping to try and end the game quickly with his net play specialty. Fuji laughed.
"Iya, I think I'd enjoy watching you drink it more, Eiji-kun," he smiled and hit the boy right back aiming for Eiji's most unfavorable foot with pin point accuracy knowing full well that the cat like Eiji would return it easily.
"Nyaah!!!! I won't lose!! I'm never going to drink that juice!!" he cried back seeing the ball aimed at his foot and lightly hitting it back by jumping up and swinging his racket between his legs but to his horror, Fuji had approached the net and smashed the ball in while Eiji was still in mid jump. He dropped his racket and collapsed onto his knees looking at the ball. "Uso nyah..ore wa maketta." and Fuji chuckled as Inui rounded on Eiji who gulped and downed the glass in one shot before running straight to the taps screaming away.
By the end of training half an hour later, the four victims had recovered from their ordeal and were soon dismissed leaving only the freshmen to clear the nets and gather the balls.
"Ahhh...minna, my dad has managed to book the resort for us for next weekend. We've got a 3day2night booking from Friday to Sunday, "Taka announced when all the regulars were left in the club room.
"Yosh!!!" Momo cried out excitedly. Fuji simply smiled as he changed out of his uniform and shouldered his bag.
"Well then I'll be going first. Just contact me about the meeting place and time when you've decided on it. Jya," he said and left the room. Eiji watched him leave and began to change out as well. "Ah! I'll be going off too! Bye bye!!" Eiji called out above the din and ran out of the clubroom all the way to the appointed meeting place where Fuji stood, leaning against the tree, hands in his pockets and looking down. A small breeze played with his hair as Eiji ran up to him.
"Mengo mengo Fuji!!" he said as he skidded to a half in front of Fuji to catch his breath. Fuji smiled and straightened.
"Ah, daijobu desu. What did you want to talk about?" he asked. Eiji looked down. It was now or never.
"Ehto.ano.in the club room.while we were changing.why did you.do.that." Eiji stammered and blushed. Rather then look at Fuji, he focused on twiddling his thumbs. Fuji blinked.
"Ara?" was all he said and smiled innocently. Eiji's eyes widened.
"Nyah??!! Ara.tte.." he stammered and blushed even further as he tried to get the words out coherently. "Tha.that." Fuji smiled and leaned forward towards Eiji till their noses were almost touching and opened his eyes.
"That?" he asked innocently. Eiji looked up to stare straight into those beautiful turquoise eyes and took a step back in shock blushing furiously. He opened his mouth to say something but no words came forth and instead just opened and shut his mouth like a goldfish.
"Did you know you're very kawaii when you blush?" Fuji chuckled as he straightened up again.
"Aaaaa.kawaii ja neeee nya." he protested. "Come on Eiji, just say it and get it over with." he mentally scolded himself. Taking a deep breath, he blurted out, "Just now... that... why did you... erm... attackmyear!?!?!?" there, he had said it.
"Ah, attack? That's too strong a word Eiji-kun. I didn't attack it," he replied still smiling that innocent smile of his and Eiji blinked several times with his eyes wide making him look very owlish.
"NYAH??!! Then what was that?!" his reaction drew out an involuntary laugh from Fuji.
"Saa.I guess you could say I was just teasing it," he replied simply.
"Ahhh..so ka." he said quietly and looked down. Somehow, he had hoped that Fuji would've said something else. He thought he felt his heart sink. So it really was because Fuji liked seeing him squirm and nothing more than that.
"Ne.Eiji.." Fuji suddenly said. "Moshi kimi no koto ga... suki da to ittara?(How would you react if I said I liked you)" causing Eiji to look up in surprise.
"Demo, oretachi wa tomodachi na no nyah!!!" Eiji replied simply and forcing a lopsided grin which fell slightly when Fuji placed two fingers on his chin looking at him with a very serious expression.
"Iya.I don't mean it in that way." he whispered as he leaned forward, eyes closed, and, to Eiji's astonishment, kissed him lightly on the lips. Eiji's eyes widened as he just stood there rooted to the spot. But just as quickly as it had happened, Fuji withdrew and took one look at his expression which was filled with shock mixed with confusion. Closing his eyes, he turned around, "Gomen Eiji.I shouldn't have done that." Eiji blinked. "I'll see you next week then," Fuji added and made to walk off. Eiji immediately shook himself out of his daze and grabbed Fuji's hand.
"M.matte...Fuji." he said and Fuji stopped but did not look back. Eiji took another deep breath. He could do it.He wouldn't let Fuji walk away thinking that he had made a mistake kissing him. "O...Ore.omae mo...suki nyah..." that said he let go of Fuji's hand and looked away, blushing slightly. Fuji turned around, shocked at Eiji's confession. He hadn't expected that from Eiji.
"Eiji." Eiji then, emboldened from his confession, took a step forward.
"Suki mo." he whispered and kissed a surprised Fuji full on the lips. Fuji recovered from his initial shock much faster then Eiji and put his arms around him, drawing him closer to him as he reciprocated the kiss fiercely, a slight moan escaping the lips of his friend as he hungrily explored every inch of his mouth. The two seemed to bathe under the orange glow of the setting sun as they kissed. When they finally broke for breath, Eiji circled his arms around Fuji as well and buried his face in Fuji's hair, just near the nape of his neck, nestling against it. "Honto ni... suki nyah.. Syuu-chan.... honto nyah..." Fuji's right hand traveled up and settled on the back of Eiji's head.
"You called me Syuu-chan...and not Fuji...." he noted amusedly.
"Aaaa....D...Datte... omae no ototo mo Fuji de sa~ It feels better... to call you by your name..." he protested and hugged Fuji tighter, not wanting to meet his eyes when he was blushing yet again. Fuji chuckled.
"So ka... Ii yo... Syuu-chan sounds nice...coming from your lips." Eiji blushed further at this and began to let go of Fuji embarrassedly. Fuji smiled and released him before looking at his watch. "I suppose we should start heading home now," as they started to walk, Fuji's mobile rang and he answered, "Hai...Neesan? Ah.So ka.Ok then.Have a safe trip,"
"Eh?? Nanda??" Eiji asked curiously as Fuji put the phone back in his pocket.
"Ah, neesan's going for some meeting in Osaka again and won't be home till Monday. I guess I'll be home alone till then..." he sighed. "Yuuta won't be coming back for the weekend either." Eiji looked at Fuji's sad face.
"Do you want me to accompany you for the weekend?" he blurted out without thinking before realizing what he had just said. He mentally slapped himself for being so foolish. They had, after all, only JUST confessed to each other. "Ah... Ah... gomen nyah!!!" he quickly added and quickly walked ahead first to hide his blush. Fuji smiled and fell into step beside him, taking his hands in his, locking their fingers together.
"I'd love the company." he said and Eiji looked at him. His eyes were open and there was a mischievous glint in his eyes and he looked away blushing as the two walked into the orange setting sun.
~~~Fin~~~