By: Imitation L
L's notes:// Thanks to everyone that commented on the last chapter. When I write, the flow of the writing often takes over my brain. I hope this chapter makes sense. I like to pick out the details instead of covering a lot of content in one chapter. Well it's mostly because I can't. I can't seem to write a lot in one chapter. Have to rest I guess, this chapter will be FULL of surprises."Echizen!" An overworked Oishi-senpai called from behind the fence. Practice is over; the first years are cleaning up, while the regulars are heading towards the change room.
"Hai?" A pair of tired hand gripped against the green wire, his droopy eyes were hidden under his cap.
"What's wrong? You seem a little out of it today. Are you injured anywhere?" The concerned vice-captain asked.
"Nothing especially wrong. I just can't find my usual racquet, it seemed to have disappeared." Ryoma adjusted his cap, for the whole weekend, he searched high and low for this missing racquet, although owning many, it was his favorite. Wrapped in the grip tape he fought for, with Ibu Shinji.
"Oh, that's odd. Well, good luck searching for it. Sleep well tonight, and drink milk like Inui said. Remember, we have a game with Fudomine tomorrow." The senpai smiled sincerely, while retrieving home. "See you tomorrow, on time!" He added insistently.
"Hai, I will be on time." Ryoma waved back, stopping to look at the sky. The clouds are rushing over, blocking the sun. Good thing that practice is over, or else the team would be drenched once more in the rain.
"Ah, it's raining." Curse his thoughts; big heavy drops of water fell from the sky, immediately leaving spots on the ground. Ryoma jogged towards the change room. Indeed everyone had left, even Momochan-senpai who usually waits for Ryoma. Odd.
The Segiaku Tennis Club's equipment room doubled as a change room. Although having won many tournaments, the team didn't seem to mind using such a small and cramped area to revive themselves and their dirty clothes. Ryoma scanned the shelves, all of the tennis balls and spare racquets have been put away, and nothing seems to be missing either. The first years usually do a good job of cleaning up. And all he has to do is lock up.
The young prince sat down on the wooden benches, resting, gathering his thoughts together. The missing racquet bothered Ryoma more so then expected. As a tournament-winning player, he was very careful with his belongings and has never lost anything in his life. The signature R racquets are his most cherished as well.
Ryoma shook his head in disbelief. But maybe he really did just misplace it. His troubles ended as a knock on the door could be heard. The members of club activities always stayed after school longer then the others. It was so much later then usual. And it's pouring rain outside. Who on earth could it be?
"A...no. Ryoma-kun, can I come in?" A familiar soft voice could be heard. The soft scent of cherry blossoms suddenly swelled the room. Without a doubt, the prince rushed to the door, opening it slowly and carefully. Not wanting the poor Sakuno know he was looking forward to seeing her.
"How did you know I was here?" The unfortunate prince, this was all he could think of to say. His words were cold and rushed, as if he was angry with her. Ryoma's head was swirled with confusion, why was his voice especially loud and angry, he wasn't mad at her, he would never be. His eyes softened, glancing at her shivering self, the cold rain splashed against her back. Causing Sakuno to shudder, it felt like millions of small needles gauging
into her back. It was not a nice feeling.
Sakuno was startled by the tone of his voice, although usually somewhat harsh and cold, never had Ryoma spoken to Sakuno like this. Her uneasiness strengthened, her cheeks flamed with redness. Sakuno dug her nails into her hand, causing a little bit of pain.
"Here..." The shy girl drenched in the rain held a certain Signature R racquet. Kept in perfect condition, not scratched at all. She handed him his most prized sporting equipment. Before Ryoma could reply, Sakuno ran out into the rain, disappearing. Her eyes reddened, which resulted in tears. It was hard to tell whether she was crying, or if it was the cold water splashing against her soft cheeks.
Immediate guilt filled over Ryoma's chest. He closed the door, examining his racquet. He was overjoyed when he saw his racquet found, but it didn't seem to matter anymore. He felt stupid acting in such a way to such a cute girl, a cute girl that he slightly cared for.
________________________________________________________
Sakuno headed for home, the rain had stopped halfway. But her mind was too busy reacting to what have happened, then to notice that. Why did I care how he treated me? He's just a spoiled and arrogant boy. Now I know that it was impossible that he paid for the blouse. It was all a coincidence. Not a very nice one either. Sakuno's thoughts were interrupted, a bicycle stopped dead in its tracks.
"Oy! You're blocking the road." A very familiar voice shouted out. It was indeed, the speed demon of Fudomine. Kamio-kun. Sakuno turned around finding him on his bike, hair wet, jacket soaked, Kamio must have been caught in the rain too.
"Gomen ne... Kamio-kun." At once, Sakuno removed herself from the path of the road. Starting to realize how rude he was, the speed demon got off of the bike, with his hand behind his head, he casually smiled sheepishly.
"Sakuno-chan, ne?" Kamio parked his bike to the near by lamppost. Never had he even noticed anyone at Seigaku beside the regulars. Just now, he recognized how cute she was.
"Hai, Sakuno desu." The young girl blushed; her face was hot compared to the rest of her body. The cold rain had caused her to catch a cold. "Aht-choo." She let out a small sneeze.
"Daijoubu? Sakuno-chan?" Kamio hovered near her, unknowing of what to do. "Did you catch a cold in the rain?" He asked fearfully.
"I think I did." She rubbed her nose, regaining her precious smile. Kamio's heart felt warm, seeing her smile so sweetly. Without hesitation, he reached in his bag and pulled out his dry and warm Fudomine Tennis Club's jacket.
"Here you can wear this." He handed the cold, now shivering Sakuno his regular's jacket. Sakuno shyly accepted it. Usually she wouldn't, but she was really starting to feel the coldness reaching her spine. "Thank you Kamio-kun." Sakuno sneezed again, she laughed softly, and so did Kamio.
"I'll walk you home." The Fudomine regular gestured. "Wanna sit on my bike?" Sakuno blushed happily, agreeing to sit on his beat up old bike. It was surprisingly comfortable. Kamio held the bike firmly and walked along it. The two happily chatted on the way, not noticing anything in their presence.
_____________________________________________________________
"Heh..." Ryoma panted, he closed the umbrella. Already having to run many blocks. He still hasn't caught up to Sakuno yet; she sure walks fast when she's mad. He thought to himself. With a bit more of determination, he crossed the next corner. But only to find a content Sakuno wearing Kamio's Fudomine Jacket. The prince realized his mistake, dropping his umbrella. The object made a loud noise. But the two didn't notice his existence. It seems like; the speed demon replaced the prince.
L's notes:// Ooh, I hope you're not cursing me yet. How dare you make Kamio and Sakuno go together? Where IS my Ryosaku? Hey hey, calm down will you? Everything will be fine. You'll get your Ryosaku eventually. Oh yes, in the beginning of the chapter, I mentioned that there is going to be a game, Seigaku VS Fudomine. It's not a regulated match. It's more of friendly competition. Just to clear that up if anyone was confused by it. Thank you for reading ^___^~