Chapter 28

"Nani?!" exclaimed Eiji in surprise when Ryuzaki had told the members the news, "Ochibi-chan and Tezuka are absent again?"

"Maybe Ryoma is still with his grandmother," suggested Yuki cheerfully having forgotten that it was a lie.

"Baka," said Rei shaking her head. Kiyoko was silent as she held her racket limply. She missed Ryoma and was very worried. She hoped that his defeat didn't affect him that much.

"Kiyoko," said Yuki putting a comforting arm around her, "I know you're worried about Ryoma but let's just get through practice today. We can visit him afterwards." Kiyoko brightened at the thought of seeing Ryoma later and suddenly began practice with a vigor. Then Rei did something that surprised the regulars except for Yuki and Kiyoko. She was dressed in the girls' gym uniform and had a racket by her side.

"I want to join," said Rei walking to Oishi. Oishi looked at Rei's determined face and couldn't refuse. Rei walked to the girls.

"It's about time you decided to join the practice," said Kiyoko.

"Yeah," said Yuki, "I was wondering if you were getting used to the desk job."

"Well I was never up for practicing until now," said Rei coolly, "I'm going to have to work hard to catch up to the team."

"Let's practice then," said Yuki cheerfully, "Kiyoko and I will pair up and go against you and Eiji-chan."

"Nani? Nani?" asked Eiji hearing his name and wondering what was going on.

"Eiji-chan," said Yuki walking to him, "Will you play with Rei and go against me and Kiyoko?"

"No way," said Rei, "If you two pair up then anyone who goes against you will lose."

"That's because Yuki and I work well with each other," said Kiyoko grinning as the two clapped hands jumping up and down knowing full well that they were invincible if they paired up.

"I won't play with you if you guys pair up," said Rei, "You know I'm more for singles." Kiyoko and Yuki gave a whine before sighing and relenting.

"All right," said Yuki, "Then I'll be with Eiji-chan." Eiji and Yuki grinned at each other.

"Oi! Oi!" said Eiji, "Let's start."