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generator Msftedit 5.41.15.1503;viewkind4uc1pardsb100sa100f0fs24 "Tezuka!" called Rei suddenly appearing in front of the boy, "I just got here. Did you wait long?"lineline "Iie," said Tezuka, "I was here a few minutes ago." Rei brightened. She wore black pants and top and chain earrings.lineline "Haiyaku," said Rei, "We might miss the show."lineline "Where are we going?" asked Tezuka though he sounded indifferent.lineline "It's a surprise," said Rei secretively. The place ended up to be at a tennis tournament. "Do you like it? I thought the regional championships for the men's division would be a nice place to go."lineline "How did you get tickets?" asked Tezuka, "The tickets for this championship were sold out."lineline "I called up a few old friends," said Rei casually. The two walked out of the game talking about the skills of each opponent.lineline "That guy was totally off," objected Rei, "His timing is all wrong. I don't know how he got so far into championships."lineline "He had good luck in having all the weaker opponents in the last tournament but it was good the opponent beat him," said Tezuka. Rei smiled.lineline "You know Tezuka," said Rei, "You should talk a lot more. People can get to know you better. Usually you just watch from the higher buildings when everyone else is taking a break." Rei said hurriedly, "Not that I watch you or anything." Tezuka said nothing but glanced at his watch.lineline "Let's get something to eat," said Tezuka, "I'll treat." The two found themselves in a sushi restaurant. Unfortunately, they were beached in a sea of lovey dovey couples. They were all gazing at each other lovingly. "Do you want to leave?" asked Tezuka blandly. Rei smiled and shook her head.lineline "Iie," said Rei taking the chair that Tezuka pulled out. She grinned at Tezuka, "For now, let's pretend that we're one of them." Tezuka was surprised when Rei kissed Tezuka lightly on the lips. The two sat down and were about to talk when a boy and girl walked in and sat on Tezuka's and Rei's table. Upon closer inspection...lineline "Kosuke?!" asked Rei in surpise, "What are you doing here? And with that girl?"lineline "Oh?" asked Kosuke feigning surprise, "Meet Megumi. She's my date for tonight. Mind if we join you? Thanks!" Kosuke didn't even give Rei time to object. She mouthed an apology to Tezuka who shrugged happy to be interrupted after Rei's kiss. He didn't know how to react. Rei looked at Megumi. She had the ditzy model look.lineline "Hi," said Rei politely, "I'm Akuma Rei."lineline "Nice to meet you," said Megumi in a nonchalant voice that everyone knew was fake, "I'm so happy to meet one of Kosuke's friends."lineline "When did you two meet?" asked Rei.lineline "Five hours ago," said Megumi with a happy smile. Rei sweatdropped and glared at Kosuke.lineline "I see you still have your old tastes," said Rei to Kosuke in an icy voice. Kosuke grinned.lineline "Of course," said Kosuke. By the way Kosuke kept glancing at Megumi and holding her hand and how Megumi kept giggling in random moments, the two were playing touchy feely under the table. "So Rei," said Kosuke, "Have you met anyone that fit your tastes here? I know how picky you get when it comes to men."lineline "Of course," said Rei in a sarcastic singsong voice that was laced with acid, "You know how quick I work scouting boys off." When the food came, no one spoke. Rei abruptly stood up and put on a forced smile, "I'll be right back." She didn't see Kosuke follow her until the two were alone. "What do you want Kosuke? Here to mess up my life with the stupid stuff you always do."lineline "Don't you get it Rei?" asked Kosuke in a now serious voice, "After all these years you still don't get that I like you." Rei was shocked into silence. She then made a small laugh.lineline "Very funny Kosuke," said Rei now amused, "C'mon then. Let's go back to Tezuka and that empty headed date of yours." Kosuke now gave Rei a sad smile.lineline "Rei, I know you don't have the same feelings for me but if you keep this up, you won't be happy," said Kosuke firmly. Rei's back was turned from him and Kosuke couldn't see that Rei was clutching the door knob tightly in her hand.lineline "Oh?" asked Rei, "And why is that?"lineline "You like that tennis Captain Tezuka," said Kosuke, "But you're afraid of telling him your feelings. You'll never get over this obstacle if you keep running." Rei was frozen into place as Kosuke went past her. "I want you to be happy so don't run away anymore." par "Yuki!" shouted Keita from the living room where he was waiting for the girl, "Hurry up!"line "I'm coming, I'm coming," said Yuki as she made her way downstairs. She was dressed in a red plaid skirt, white top, denim jacket, and knee- highs. The small necklace on her neck was her only decoration. Keita looked at it and grinned teasingly at Yuki.line "You wear that thing everywhere huh," guessed Keita. By Yuki's red face he knew he was right.line "So where are we going?" asked Yuki when the two were walking in the sidewalk. Keita grinned.line "A concert," he said vaguely.line "Oh?" asked Yuki, "Who's playing?"line "It's a surprise." When Yuki and Keita reached a large concert dome, Keita led Yuki backstage.line "Did you get backstage passes?" asked Yuki, "I didn't know you knew the singer."line "Of course I do," said Keita, "She's doing the opening act. Let's go to her dressing room." They walked into a large room. Yuki was impressed.line "Wow," commented Yuki, "This girl must be pretty popular if she's doing the opening act and has such a large dressing room." Keita now laughed.line "Yuki," said Keita, "You're doing the opening act for the concert."line "Nani?!" exclaimed Yuki in surprise before blowing up, "Keita, you bastard! I'll kill you!" Keita tried to calm Yuki down.line "Yuki," said Keita in a pleading voice, "I thought you'd be happy with what I said." Yuki gave Keita a stony stare. Keita gave an aggravated sigh. "Come on Yuki, I know how much you love to sing on stage. You have to be a little happy." Yuki faltered.line "You did this for me?" asked Yuki in surprise.line "Why else would I be here in Japan?" asked Keita. Yuki smiled.line "Maybe this marriage will work," said Yuki, "All right, I'll do the opening act. Time for Lumier to get back on stage. Now get out of here so that I can change."line "Gotcha," said Keita walking out of the dressing room. Yuki looked critically at herself in the mirror turning this way and that. She sighed before applying the make up on the table and then putting on the short dress and knee high boots Keita had put next to the make up. When she walked out she looked like a star should. The lights in the concert hall darkened. Yuki walked out on stage with the fog lights with a genuine smile on her face as she started singing the upbeat tune that made her into an idol. When she got backstage she was surprised to see a legion of magazine writers and newspaper reporters outside.line "Miss Yuki, now that you have finally reappeared in the singing world, what are you doing in Japan?"line "Miss Yuki, we have heard that at the same time you disappeared, your cousin and actress Kazumi Kiyoko also vanished and later your other cousin and model Akuma Rei. Have you all been hiding in Japan?"line "Uh, no comment," said Yuki before going back into her dressing room.line "Yuki," said Keita suddenly appearing, "Follow me. There's a back exit."line "Oh no," said Yuki, "This'll all be in the morning news tomorrow. I shouldn't have done that opening act."line "Don't worry," said Keita comfortingly, "At least I'm here. Good thing I came here to confirm our marriage arrangement, right?" Yuki froze outside the concert hall.line "You were just here to make sure I wasn't going to reject the marriage?" asked Yuki, "I thought you came to comfort me." Keita was now sweating.line "That too but," said Keita. Yuki cut in.line "I should've known," said Yuki, "you know what, the main reason I came to Japan was to get away from you! Right after I fell in love with you I found out it was all an act so I left! I can't believe I gave you a second chance and the same exact thing happened." Keita looked at Yuki strangely.line "You fell in love with me?" asked Keita.line "Fell being the key word," said Yuki before taking off the necklace Keita had given her before she went to Japan. She tossed it over to him before walking away.line "Before I forget," said Yuki about to round the corner, "The marriage is off." She ran off back to the house and into her room. par ldblquote Eek!rdblquote screamed Kiyoko the next day when over half of the female population started running at Rei, Yuki, and Kiyoko the moment they reached school.linelinelinelineldblquote Kazumi-san!rdblquote said Tomo, Sakunorquote s friend, in a fiery tone, ldblquote What were you doing with Ryoma-sama yesterday?rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Huh?rdblquote asked Kiyoko feigning innocence, ldblquote We just went to get my racket strings fixed.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote That doesnrquote t sound like what I heard from Sakuno!rdblquote said Tomo pointing behind her at the shy Sakuno. Kiyoko looked at the girl.linelinelinelineldblquote Were you following us?rdblquote asked Kiyoko suspiciously. Sakuno looked surprised before blushing immediately.linelinelinelineldblquote Gomen nasai!rdblquote sputtered Sakuno, ldblquote I left right after you were both eating lunch at the benches.rdblquote Kiyoko heaved an inside sigh of relief.linelinelinelineldblquote Good thing the first years in Tomorquote s Ryoma Fan Club donrquote t know that we kissed.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Just because yourquote re an actress it does not mean you can play around with Ryoma-sama!rdblquote said Tomo. Kiyoko was taken aback by surprise.linelinelinelineldblquote Who? Me?rdblquote asked Kiyoko before thinking, ldblquote How do they know?rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote We heard on the evening news,rdblquote said Tomo, ldblquote After Yuki the lquote singerrquote was pictured, it told us that you and Akuma-san were an actress and a model.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Nani!? The evening news?!rdblquote shouted Rei and Kiyoko before giving Yuki reprimanding stares. They just bounced off of the depressed girl and now Rei and Kiyoko were wondering what the matter was. Soon another group of second and third year girls came to shout at Rei for going on a date with Tezuka.linelinelinelineldblquote Yourquote re just a second year!rdblquote said the President of the Tezuka Fan Club, ldblquote You canrquote t seduce Tezuka-sama just because yourquote re the team manager.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote What did you just say?rdblquote asked Rei now angry. She had remembered what Kosuke had said and it had sparked an evil streak in Rei. She pushed passed the third year snob. ldblquote You donrquote t even know whatrquote s going on. Stay out of my way.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Whoa,rdblquote commented Kiyoko, ldblquote Rei looks mad. Come to think of it, Yukirquote s pretty depressed too. Irquote ve got to see whatrquote s going on.rdblquotelinelineldblquote What are you so happy about?rdblquote asked Yuki grumpily at the lunch tables to Kiyoko the next day.linelinelinelineldblquote You can tell?rdblquote asked Kiyoko surprised.linelinelinelineldblquote Well yeah,rdblquote said Rei, ldblquote There are flowers wherever you walk and Yuki told me you were skipping around the class room.rdblquote Kiyoko now started jumping up and down.linelinelinelineldblquote Ryoma and I kissed yesterday and now he asked me to go over his house today,rdblquote said Kiyoko in a confiding tone.linelinelinelineldblquote Glad to see your love life is going well,rdblquote said Yuki.linelineldblquote Whatrquote s wrong with you two?rdblquote asked Kiyoko, ldblquote Rei, you look like a time bomb waiting to blow and, Yuki, you were definitely Miss Gloom today.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Kosuke said I might never fall in love because Irquote m afraid of opening myself up,rdblquote said Rei blandly.linelinelinelineldblquote I cancelled my marriage arrangement with Keita after he broke my heart the second time,rdblquote said Yuki with no emotion whatsoever. Kiyoko was stunned and stood like a rock with her bento half eaten.linelinelinelineldblquote Gomen,rdblquote said Kiyoko, ldblquote I didnrquote t know your lives sucked so much.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote I donrquote t know why Kosuke even said that,rdblquote said Rei, ldblquote And my date with Tezuka was going so well.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote I think Kosuke was wrong,rdblquote said Yuki, ldblquote By closing yourself up, you donrquote t have to get hurt.rdblquote She stood up now and went to throw her trash away.linelinelinelineldblquote Yuki-chan!rdblquote called a voice behind the girl. Yuki turned and saw Fuji and Eiji running to her. The two were all smiles.linelinelinelineldblquote Ohayo!rdblquote said Yuki cheering up immediately.linelinelinelineldblquote Yuki,rdblquote said Eiji smothering the girl in a tight hug, ldblquote Why didnrquote t you tell us you were so famous? I saw you on the news last night and told my sister I knew you. Sherquote s been begging me to get you to give her an autograph since this morning!rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Gomen,rdblquote said Yuki with a smile. Fuji now grinned at Yuki.linelinelinelineldblquote Congratulations on your wedding arrangement,rdblquote said Fuji, ldblquote I just heard from Eiji.rdblquote Yuki froze and was about to cry.linelinelinelineldblquote Eh?!rdblquote exclaimed Eiji surprised, ldblquote Daijobu Yuki-chan?rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Hai,rdblquote said Yuki, ldblquote Itrquote s just that I broke off the marriage arrangement with Keita yesterday.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Nani?!rdblquote exclaimed Eiji, ldblquote Are you ok?rdblquote Yuki smiled.linelinelinelineldblquote Hai!rdblquote said Yuki genuinely cheerful, ldblquote How could I not be with such wonderful friends? Irquote ll see you later in practice.rdblquote When she turned the corner, she tripped on her face. She was surprised to see a group of girls much like the ones that attacked Kiyoko and Rei surround her.linelinelinelineldblquote What are you to Fuji and Eiji-sama?rdblquote asked the girl who seemed to be at the head.linelinelinelineldblquote Nani?rdblquote asked Yuki confused. The girl repeated her question in a more icy tone. ldblquote Irquote m just a friend,rdblquote said Yuki with a shrug.linelinelinelineldblquote It better stay that way freshman girl,rdblquote said the girl, ldblquote Or else.rdblquote Yuki was evermore confused when they left but she started skipping happily as she made her way back to Rei and Kiyoko. par ldblquote Today you will be paired up and go against each other in a game,rdblquote announced Inui to the regulars.linelinelinelineldblquote Whatrquote s the game?rdblquote asked Kiyoko curiously.linelinelinelineldblquote Each player here is categorized into two groups,rdblquote said Inui, ldblquote Attack and Defense according to your styles. For example, Eijirquote s style is Acrobatic Play so he would be categorized into Defense. Today every Attack player will go against a Defense player and vice versa. Attack players will take half court and Defense will take full court. If an Attack player can score a point out of five balls, he is the winner. If a Defense player can defend their court after five balls then they are the winner. The loser will drink Inuirquote s Special Golden Remix.rdblquote Everyone gasped.linelinelinelineldblquote Eh?!rdblquote exclaimed Yuki hiding behind Fuji, ldblquote I donrquote t want to drink that stuff again!rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Demo, Yuki-chan,rdblquote said Fuji with a smile, ldblquote Inuirquote s drink is delicious.rdblquote Yuki turned green.linelinelinelineldblquote Fuji,rdblquote said Yuki, ldblquote Just thinking about it makes me want to vomit.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Here is the line-up!rdblquote shouted Tezuka over the complaints the regulars were making, ldblquote First is Takashi in Attack and Kaidoh in Defense.rdblquote Kaidohrquote s face was full of determination for he did not want to drink that horrible stuff again. Takashirquote s face was fearful before he took a hold of his racket.linelinelinelineldblquote Burning! Bring it on Snake Boy!rdblquote said Takashi to the scowling Kaidoh. The match started and Takashi was hurling 200 km speed balls at Kaidoh. They were at the fourth ball when Kaidoh did Boomerang Snake.linelinelinelineldblquote Out!rdblquote said the make shift ref.linelinelinelineldblquote Hehe,rdblquote said Takashi at Kaidoh as he went for the drink. He drank it in one swallow and made his way back to a seat. Everyone watched him to see if he would choke. Kaidoh had his eyes closed and he was clutching at his racket tightly as he turned first blue then green before running to the water fountains with a hiss but he never made it.linelinelinelineldblquote Kaidoh-senpai!rdblquote cried out the first years in surprise as he collapsed just outside the gate.linelinelinelineldblquote Oishi, Defense! Momo, Defense!rdblquote The two went up to the court. Momo wore a confident grin.linelinelinelineldblquote Gomen, Oishi-senpai,rdblquote said Momo, ldblquote But I wonrquote t be drinking that stuff today.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Neither will I Momo,rdblquote said Oishi as the two got into the court.linelinelinelineldblquote Take that Senpai!rdblquote said Momo hitting a strong serve at Oishi.linelinelinelineldblquote Sorry Momo but thatrquote s not good enough,rdblquote said Oishi returning the ball.linelinelinelineldblquote Sugoi! No wonder Oishi-senpai is the Vice-Captain,rdblquote said Kachiro.linelinelinelineldblquote Dunk Smash!rdblquote said Momo jumping up for the kill. The tennis ball hurtled down to the other end of the court behind a surprised Oishi. He grinned with his eyes closed.linelinelinelineldblquote Momo,rdblquote said Oishi, ldblquote You have gotten stronger.rdblquote Just then Inui popped up next to Oishi with his juice. His glasses were glinting as he wore a smile on his face. Oishi grimaced before swallowing the drink.linelinelinelineldblquote Ah!rdblquote shouted Oishi running in Kaidohrquote s direction. He collapsed right next to Kaidoh.linelinelinelineldblquote Fuji, Defense! I am attack,rdblquote said Tezuka getting on the court. The match didnrquote t even last a second.linelinelinelineldblquote You didnrquote t hold back,rdblquote commented Fuji to Tezuka.linelinelinelineldblquote Of course,rdblquote said Tezuka walking out of the court.linelinelinelineldblquote Thatrquote s our captain!rdblquote said Horio proudly.linelinelinelineldblquote Aw,rdblquote said Momo just appearing with the first years, ldblquote It would have been fun to see our captain drink Inuirquote s juice.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Momo-chan!rdblquote reprimanded Kiyoko though a small smile played on her lips.linelinelinelineldblquote Fuji-chan,rdblquote said Yuki walking side by side with him, ldblquote Do you want me to get you some water?rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Iie Yuki-chan,rdblquote said Fuji cheerfully, ldblquote Why would I need that? Inuirquote s juice is delicious.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote How about I arrange your funeral?rdblquote asked Yuki stopping to look after Fuji. He stood in front of Inui who took one of the water bottles. To his surprise, clear water flowed out.linelinelinelineldblquote Huh?rdblquote asked Kiyoko, ldblquote What happened to your juice Inui?rdblquote Everyone looked over at Tezuka who was drinking in a water bottle marked Inui. Tezuka looked back at the Seigaku team when he was done drinking.linelinelinelineldblquote Whatrquote s everyone looking at?rdblquote asked Tezuka, ldblquote Get back on schedule!rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Oh,rdblquote whined Momo, ldblquote No reaction at all. Oh well.rdblquote Everybody went back to their positions except for Rei. She was the only one who noticed Tezuka gripping his water bottle like it was the end of the world. She giggled.linelinelinelineldblquote I guess he really is human,rdblquote said Rei before taking her seat again.linelinelinelineldblquote Next, Kiyoko Defense! Echizen Attack!rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Nani?!rdblquote exclaimed Yuki looking at the determined looks of both Ryoma and Kiyoko. Eiji laughed.linelinelinelineldblquote Ochibi-chan and Kiyoko are going against each other?rdblquote asked Eiji, ldblquote Thisrquote ll be hilarious. Haha!rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Demo, Eiji,rdblquote objected Fuji, ldblquote That only leaves you and Yuki-chan.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Eiji,rdblquote said Yuki her eyes taking on a darker shade, ldblquote Irquote m not going to drink that juice again.rdblquote Fuji laughed at Eiji quivering in chibi form in the background.linelinelinelineldblquote Gomen Ryoma,rdblquote said Kiyoko on the court, ldblquote No way will I drink that stuff.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Too bad Kiyoko,rdblquote said Ryoma plucking at his racket strings with his fingers. The match began and Ryoma served.linelinelinelineldblquote Twister Serve!rdblquote said Kiyoko with a grin as she returned the ball with ease, ldblquote I guess you really donrquote t want to drink that stuff, ne Ryoma? Demo, yourquote ll have to do better than that! Ball number 2!rdblquote She smashed the ball on his side of the court. Ryoma returned putting in more force than before.linelinelinelineldblquote Mada Mada Dane,rdblquote said Ryoma as he feinted a super fast return and did a volley.linelinelinelineldblquote Echizen wins!rdblquote said Horio. Kiyoko was surprised but she smiled.linelinelinelineldblquote Irquote m going to have to play a match against him soon,rdblquote said Kiyoko, ldblquote Herquote s getting stronger. I canrquote t wait for our match.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Kiyoko,rdblquote said Inui in an eerie voice. He stood next to her with a glass of his juice by his side. Kiyoko pretended to cry in the background but it didnrquote t work. She drank reluctantly.linelinelinelineldblquote Eww!rdblquote cried Kiyoko pushing the empty glass away from her. She suddenly started before she collapsed on the floor.linelinelinelineldblquote Kiyoko!rdblquote exclaimed Yuki and Rei coming to her.linelinelinelineldblquote Wa-ter,rdblquote said Kiyoko in a raspy voice in a zhombie like voice. Ryoma, Rei, and Yuki sweatdropped before walking away from Kiyoko muttering ldblquote Bakardblquote .linelinelinelineldblquote Eiji Defense! Yuki Attack!rdblquote called Tezuka. Yuki walked to the court with a determined look on her face.linelinelinelineldblquote I wonrquote t lose,rdblquote said Yuki determinedly. She clutched her racket loosely in her hands as she closed her eyes in concentration. Her eyes seemed a darker shade a green with flecks of an amber to gold in them.linelinelinelineldblquote She looks serious now,rdblquote commented Rei to Kiyoko. She looked down at the girl and sweatdropped. ldblquote Yourquote re still pulling the zombie act?!rdblquote Ryoma sat next to her with his hat covering his eyes as he pretended not to know Kiyoko.linelinelinelineldblquote Hurricane Serve!rdblquote exclaimed Horio, ldblquote Eiji-senpai might not be able to return it if the ball just rolls off the court the moment of impact!rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Take that Yuki-chan!rdblquote said Eiji as he returned the ball before it reached the bottom. Yuki returned, her hair flying. Eiji somersaulted to get the second ball.linelinelinelineldblquote Ugh,rdblquote said Yuki as she returned ball 3. Eiji returned while doing a handstand in the middle.linelinelinelineldblquote Eiji-senpairquote s got the best Acrobatic Defense!rdblquote praised Kachiro.linelinelinelineldblquote There!rdblquote said Yuki triumphantly returning the ball in a lob so that Eiji wouldnrquote t reach, ldblquote Huh? Eiji-chan, arenrquote t you going to return the ball?rdblquote Yuki was now confused for Eiji was laughing and not even bothering to return the ball.linelinelinelineldblquote Itrquote s already the fifth ball,rdblquote said Eiji, ldblquote I win!rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote No!rdblquote exclaimed Yuki as she sulkily drank Inuirquote s drink while pinching her nose.linelinelinelineldblquote Haha Yuki-chan,rdblquote said Eiji teasingly. Yuki served an Ace serve to Eijirquote s head in response. Everyone laughed when Eiji was sprawled on the floor with swirls for eyes and a large bump on his head. par ldblquote Sugoi Ryoma!rdblquote said Kiyoko when she and Ryoma reached Ryomarquote s house which also happened to be a temple, ldblquote Itrquote s so cool that you live in temple. Does your father ring the bells every hour? I canrquote t wait to meet the great Nanjiroh Echizen!rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote I wouldnrquote t expect much,rdblquote said Ryoma in a bored voice before opening the back door for Kiyoko, ldblquote The tennis court is over here. Letrquote s go.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Hai!rdblquote said Kiyoko hurrying. She stepped outside and smiled at the make shift tennis court. Just then, a man coming from the direction of the bells appeared.linelinelinelineldblquote Eh? Ryoma,rdblquote said the man, ldblquote I didnrquote t know you were interested in girls. Why didnrquote t you ask me? I couldrquote ve given you great advice. For someone with no experience with girls, you picked a pretty good one. So, little miss, whatrquote s your name?rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Irquote m Kazumi Kiyoko!rdblquote said Kiyoko cheerfully, ldblquote Nice to meet you Nanjiroh-sama.rdblquote Echizen Nanjiroh grinned and started nudging his son.linelinelinelineldblquote I like her Ryoma,rdblquote said Nanjiroh, ldblquote You better make sure she ends up as my daughter-in-law.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Otousan,rdblquote said Ryoma in a warning voice. Kiyoko giggled.linelinelinelineldblquote Ryoma, yourquote re so much different from your dad,rdblquote said Kiyoko before stepping on the court, ldblquote Well, then, letrquote s play. Woah!rdblquote Kiyoko stumbled to the floor in surprise before she clutched at her stomach.linelinelinelineldblquote Daijobu Kiyoko?rdblquote asked Ryoma.linelinelinelineldblquote Hai hai,rdblquote said Kiyoko reassuringly, ldblquote Demo, I donrquote t think I can play. Inuirquote s juice must still be in my system. Why donrquote t you two play!rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Are you sure?rdblquote asked Ryoma, ldblquote Irquote ve played with that guy all my life. We can skip one day.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Who are you calling lquote that guyrquote ?rdblquote asked Nanjiroh leaning on Ryomarquote s head. Kiyoko smiled and nodded. She sat down to watch Ryomarquote s game. Kiyoko watched the beginnings of the game and was shocked.linelinelinelineldblquote How could I have not seen this before?rdblquote asked Kiyoko, ldblquote Ryoma and his dad look like theyrquote re playing the exact same style. Whatrquote s going on?!rdblquote She continued to watch as Ryoma played with the exact same movements as his father. ldblquote I donrquote t understand. He plays with a different extremity from school but theyrquote re still the same movements as his dad. I should talk to Captain Tezuka about this.rdblquote Kiyoko stood up and Ryoma stopped.linelinelinelineldblquote Hm?rdblquote asked Ryoma, ldblquote Are you leaving already Kiyoko?rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Hai!rdblquote said Kiyoko putting on a smile, ldblquote I forgot I had some chores to do before I got home. Ja ne!rdblquote Kiyoko ran out of Ryomarquote s house hurriedly hoping that Tezuka was still in the clubroom with Rei. She had said that they often stayed behind with Vice-Captain Oishi and Coach Ryuzaki. Kiyoko burst into the club room gasping for breath and was about to walk in when Rei and Oishi grabbed her from behind and pulled her back.linelinelinelineldblquote Shh,rdblquote said Rei to Kiyoko in a whisper, ldblquote Kiyoko, what are you doing here?rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote I wanted to ask Captain Tezuka something,rdblquote said Kiyoko sheepishly.linelinelinelineldblquote Hang on a sec,rdblquote said Rei, ldblquote Tezuka and Ryuzaki-sensei are at a meeting.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Hai,rdblquote said Kiyoko before noticing that Rei and Oishi were right outside Coach Ryuzakirquote s door. ldblquote You two are eavesdropping!rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Hush!rdblquote said Rei before leaning in closer to the door. Kiyoko, overwhelmed with curiosity leaned in too.lineline Tezuka: Ryuzaki-sensei, please allow me to play a match with Ryoma. lineline Ryuzaki: Hm? What made you want to do that Tezuka? You might still not be healed from your tennis elbow.lineline T: Ryomarquote s style is exactly like his fatherrquote s considering what you had said about Ryoma at regionals.lineline R: Go on.lineline T: I want to show him my tennis. The tennis of today is not suppose to follow the path of the tennis of the past. You are supposed to pave your own. Please Ryuzaki-sensei.lineline R: All right. But if it gets too long, you pull out immediately.lineline T: Hai.linelinelinelineldblquote He found out,rdblquote thought Kiyoko to herself, ldblquote Good. I canrquote t fight Ryoma just yet. But what does sensei mean by tennis elbow?rdblquote Kiyoko looked over at Rei and Oishi who were shocked. Rei said a quick goodbye to Oishi and left with Kiyoko. ldblquote Rei? Whatrquote s wrong?rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Tezuka,rdblquote said Rei in a sad voice, ldblquote He has tennis elbow. If itrquote s not fully healed when he goes against Ryoma and the match lasts too long, Tezuka might never be able to play tennis again.rdblquote Kiyoko looked surprised before sighing.linelinelinelineldblquote I see,rdblquote said Kiyoko, ldblquote His tennis style must be way too demanding of the body if you do it too many times.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Hai,rdblquote said Rei gravely, ldblquote I think herquote ll be challenging Ryoma tomorrow. Tezuka would want things down as quickly as possible with the tournament coming up. Letrquote s follow him tomorrow and see if we can find out when and where the match will be. Oishi should be there too.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Hai,rdblquote said Kiyoko, ldblquote Irquote m going to make sure Ryoma understands after this if he doesnrquote t already. The way Captain is choosing to teach Ryoma might have dire consequences'85Demo, Ryoma might already be going the wrong way.rdblquote Rei agreed before starting.linelinelinelineldblquote Hm? Whererquote s Yuki?rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Arigato Fuji-chan!rdblquote said Yuki when Fuji handed her a strawberry flavored ice cream cone, ldblquote Thisrquote ll definitely get that juice taste out of my mouth. Sometimes Inui tends to go to the extreme.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Demo, Inuirquote s juice is delicious,rdblquote said Fuji. The two were walking down the street. Yuki was happily licking her ice cream while Fuji watched her contentedly. Suddenly, Yuki stopped. She felt eyes on her and she turned around. She just narrowly missed seeing a flurry of skirts moving back.linelinelinelineldblquote Fuji, I think werquote re being followed,rdblquote said Yuki.linelinelinelineldblquote hm?rdblquote asked Fuji suddenly noticing something from the corner of his eye, ldblquote Itrquote s Fujioka-san from my English class.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Eh?!rdblquote exclaimed Yuki, ldblquote Do you always get followed like this? You donrquote t act surprised.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Hai!rdblquote said Fuji cheerfully, ldblquote Sometimes I catch them but I play along.rdblquote Yuki sweatdropped before stopping by her house.linelinelinelineldblquote Ja ne Fuji-chan!rdblquote said Yuki, ldblquote Irquote ll see you tomorrow!rdblquote Just as she was about to go in a voice called her.linelinelinelineldblquote Yuki!rdblquote Yuki turned and was surprised to see Keita there. He looked as if he had run from somewhere judging by his hard breathing.linelinelinelineldblquote Keita,rdblquote said Yuki in a cold voice.linelinelinelineldblquote Why are you turning down the arrangement?rdblquote asked Keita seriously. par ldblquote Canrquote t you guess?rdblquote asked Yuki. ldblquote I want to live my own life! Now I know that this arranged marriage thing will never work out.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Thatrquote s not why,rdblquote objected Keita in a sure voice.linelineldblquote How would you know?rdblquote asked Yuki grumpily.linelineldblquote Because even back in the U.S. when you heard me say I was going to cheat on you when we were married,rdblquote began Keita, ldblquote You didnrquote t care. Now, you cancelled the marriage. Face it Yuki, yourquote re in love with someone and itrquote s definitely not me.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Why do you care?rdblquote asked Yuki in a not too soft voice, ldblquote Werquote re not engaged anymore.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Did you even think that what I said in the states was a lie?rdblquote asked Keita. Yuki looked up in surprise.linelineldblquote What are you talking about?rdblquote asked Yuki. Keita looked away.linelineldblquote I was really happy about the arrangement,rdblquote said Keita, ldblquote Why do you think I gave you that necklace? Irquote m sorry about what I said Yuki. Rai, Kosuke, Reika, and Irquote ll go back as soon as we finish our business here. Good luck with whoever you like now!rdblquote Yuki looked confused as she looked after Keitarquote s back.linelineldblquote What does he mean by that?rdblquote thought Yuki to herself, ldblquote Am I in love again?rdblquotelinelineldblquote Rei,rdblquote said Kiyoko during practice, ldblquote Captain hasnrquote t asked Ryoma yet. What do you think is wrong?rdblquotelinelineldblquote I donrquote t know,rdblquote said Rei with a shrug, ldblquote Just watch Ryoma.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Hai!rdblquote said Kiyoko. Just then Momo went to Kiyoko.linelineldblquote Kiyoko-chan!rdblquote said Momo tapping his racket lightly on Kiyokorquote s head, ldblquote Werquote ve got store duty with Ryoma, Horio, Kachiro, and Mizuno today!rdblquotelinelineldblquote All right!rdblquote said Kiyoko cheerfully, ldblquote Irquote ll go get my things.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Hayaku Kiyoko,rdblquote said Momo when he and the first years were outside.linelineldblquote Coming!rdblquote said Kiyoko walking outside in khaki pants and a navy blue shirt, ldblquote Letrquote s go!rdblquote Just after the group left for store duty, Tezuka dismissed practice.linelineldblquote Yay!rdblquote cheered Yuki, ldblquote Werquote re off early. What do you want to do Eiji-chan? Fuji-chan?rdblquotelinelineldblquote Hm,rdblquote said Eiji thinking before Yukirquote s stomach rumbled loudly.linelineldblquote I can treat us to some food,rdblquote offered Fuji cheerfully.linelineldblquote Cool! Come on everyone,rdblquote said Yuki pulling on Eijirquote s and Fujirquote s hands.linelineldblquote Hm? Tezuka, are you and Oishi leaving early too?rdblquote asked Rei.linelineldblquote Tezuka and I are going to the hospital today,rdblquote informed Oishi.linelineldblquote Could I come?rdblquote asked Rei standing up from where she had been doing paperwork. Oishi was about to object when Tezuka stopped him.linelineldblquote If you want,rdblquote said Tezuka coolly. Rei smiled before following the two boys outside.linelineldblquote Shopping, shopping, werquote re going shopping,rdblquote chanted Kiyoko happily in a singsong voice as she skipped along next to Ryoma trying to get him to join in. It wasnrquote t working.linelineldblquote Momo-chan-senpai,rdblquote said Horio looking up at Momo, ldblquote Did you volunteer to come do store duty with us? You could have left practice early. All the regulars must be tired by now.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Iie,rdblquote said Momo, ldblquote It is a senpairquote s duty to help his juniors whenever possible.rdblquote Just then a shout was heard.linelineldblquote Thief!rdblquote cried a lady pointing at a man rollerblading away with a purse in his hand.linelineldblquote Hold this for me Kiyoko,rdblquote said Momo giving Kiyoko his racket and bags before running to the thief.linelineldblquote Momo-chan-senpai!rdblquote cried Horio in chibi near tears as he looked admiringly at Momo. Kiyoko rolled her eyes as Momo ran after the thief.linelineldblquote Momo Lariat!rdblquote he shouted lunging for the man. The thief ducked in surprise but kept on.linelineldblquote You guys do the shopping!rdblquote said Momo behind his back before taking someonerquote s bike to race after the thief.linelineldblquote Hey! Bicycle thief!rdblquote exclaimed the boy Momo took the bike from in shock before getting furious. Upon closer inspection on the boy and the other next to him, it was...linelineldblquote Kamio Akira and Ibu Shinji!rdblquote exclaimed Kiyoko in surprise nearly dropping Momorquote s things.linelineldblquote Why you!rdblquote said Kamio angrily to Momorquote s back, ldblquote Get back here thief! You shouldrquote ve picked someone else to steal from! Irquote m in the rhythm.rdblquote Kamio chased after Momo and his bicycle leaving Shinji behind.linelineldblquote Konnichi wa Shinji-san,rdblquote said Kiyoko cheerfully, ldblquote Where were you and Kamio-san going?rdblquotelinelineldblquote Store,rdblquote muttered Shinji.linelineldblquote Great!rdblquote said Kiyoko, ldblquote Werquote re going the same way. Letrquote s go together.rdblquote When Shinji and the others had gotten there, Horio, Kachiro, and Mizuno stood in front of Kiyoko with scared looks on their faces. ldblquote Hm? Whatrquote s wrong with you guys?rdblquotelinelineldblquote Kiyoko!rdblquote said Mizuno, ldblquote Donrquote t you remember? Shinji-san and Echizen went against each other at the district preliminaries! Shinji ruined Ryomarquote s eye and Ryoma beat Shinji-san to win first place!rdblquotelinelineldblquote But they seem to be getting along,rdblquote pointed out Kiyoko as she looked over at Shinji and Ryoma who were busily shopping for their own supplies.linelineldblquote Arigato Fuji-chan,rdblquote said Yuki while merrily patting her full stomach.linelineldblquote Hehe,rdblquote snickered Eiji, ldblquote Yuki-chan will get fat on sweets!rdblquotelinelineldblquote Eiji!rdblquote cried Yuki kicking the boy in the shins.linelineldblquote Itai!rdblquote cried Eiji in surprise while cradling his leg.linelineldblquote Nye!rdblquote said Yuki teasingly holding her tongue out and pulling down an eye.linelineldblquote Sometimes Eiji is very baka,rdblquote said Fuji laughing softly.linelineldblquote Hai!rdblquote said Yuki nodding her head vigorously. Eiji was now in chibi crouching in the background moping.linelineldblquote Gomen Eiji,rdblquote said Yuki cheerfully patting the boy on the back, ldblquote I was just kidding.rdblquote Eiji now looked considerably happier.linelineldblquote Thererquote s no way you can beat me!rdblquote said a very loud voice, ldblquote Irquote m Seigakurquote s #1 reflex movement player.rdblquote a boy on a bicycle and another running right next to him soon jetted down the sidewalk. It seemed the thief had been forgotten and the chase between Momo and Kamio suddenly turned into a race with no apparent sign of finishing.linelineldblquote Wasnrquote t that Momo-chan?rdblquote asked Yuki looking adter the figure. Next to her, Eiji had the anger mark on his face and was fuming in chibi form with snorts of air going out of his nose.linelineldblquote That Momo,rdblquote said Eiji, ldblquote Irquote m supposed to be Seigakurquote s #1 reflex movement player!rdblquote Yuki patted Eiji comfortingly on the back before suddenly remembering something.linelineldblquote Fuji-chan? Eiji-chan? Can we please go to the sports store?rdblquote asked Yuki in a pleading voice, ldblquote I wanted to buy something to help me practice. It just came out with the latest model and I want to be the first to get it.rdblquote She gave Fuji and Eiji a puppy dog face and they were fully won over.linelineldblquote Sure!rdblquote said Eiji happily. The three headed for the sports store and were suddenly bombarded by Mizuno, Kachiro, and Horio.linelineldblquote Fuji-senpai! Eiji-senpai!rdblquote cried Horio with his ever so loud voice in relief as he said, ldblquote Help! Echizen and Shinji from Fudomine are about to get into a fight over medicine tape!rdblquotelinelineldblquote Theyrquote re only talking,rdblquote said Kiyoko sweat dropping at how much the boys exaggerated. Ryoma and Shinji were making small talk but finally came into a snag when they both reached for tape at the same time. It was the only one left and none of the boys were willing to give it up.linelineldblquote Kiyoko-chan!rdblquote said Yuki happily and clinging to the girl.linelineldblquote Yuki,rdblquote said Kiyoko in a teasing voice, ldblquote Why were you with Eiji and Fuji-senpai?rdblquotelinelineldblquote Eep!rdblquote cried Yuki hiding behind Fuji from Kiyokorquote s persistence in having her question answered. The first years sweatdropped at Fujirquote s ever so happy face and turned to Eiji hoping for help. They were surprised to see Eijirquote s excited face. There were stars in his eyes as he started jumping up and down in glee.linelineldblquote Yes!rdblquote said Eiji all riled up as he cheered for Ryoma saying, ldblquote Go Ochibi-chan! This is a battle between Seigaku and Fudomine! Go Seigaku!rdblquotelinelineldblquote Baka,rdblquote said Yuki sweatdropping. Yuki and Fuji walked outside for air while Seigaku went to the register to buy the medicine tape they were fighting over. Just then a man rollerblading Yukirquote s way with a purse and a woman shouting ldblquote Thief!rdblquote behind him appeared.linelineldblquote Out of the way!rdblquote shouted the man. Yuki had no time to move and gasped before the man was merely a foot away. Fuji acted quickly and pulled Yuki to him. Yuki raised her eyes in surprise at the tworquote s close proximity and unconsciously snuggled closer to Fujirquote s arms.linelineldblquote Daijobu?rdblquote asked Fuji in Yukirquote s ear. Yuki pulled away immediately and nodded while blushing. Now Kiyoko waked out shaking her head in disapproval while Ryoma and Shinji followed behind her with a bag between the two boys.linelineldblquote Hm?rdblquote asked Yuki diverting her attention from Kiyokorquote s unamused face to Ryoma and Shinji and said, ldblquote Havenrquote t you guys settled this yet?rdblquotelinelineldblquote Not yet,rdblquote said Eiji in a pleased voice, ldblquote But Ochibi-chan will win for sure!rdblquotelinelineldblquote You know, this doesnrquote t bug me but itrquote s starting to!rdblquote shouted Kiyoko turning from happy in the beginning to mad in the end. Mizuno, Horio, and Kachiro had given up on Eiji and Fuji and were now turning back to Kiyoko again. She also wanted to get home and Ryoma and Shinji were holding her up. ldblquote There better be a decision right now or peoplerquote ll be seeing some blood.rdblquote There was now a fire surrounding Kiyoko.linelineldblquote Kiyoko-chan!rdblquote said Yuki in chibi as she cowered. Kiyokorquote s anger was directed at her since Ryoma had used Yuki as a shield. Now they were all heading for the bridge.linelineldblquote We still donrquote t know who gets the tape,rdblquote whined Kachiro.linelineldblquote Hm,rdblquote said Eiji determined to get Seigaku the win before the rollerblading thief everyone had seen all throughout the day. It seemed he was trying yet again.linelineldblquote All right!rdblquote said Eiji, ldblquote Whoever stops the thief wins the medicine tape.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Deal,rdblquote said Ryoma and Shinji.linelineldblquote Eiji!rdblquote whined Yuki suddenly next to the excited Eiji, ldblquote I wanted to hurt the thief.rdblquote Her words went to unheard ears as Ryoma and Shinji served.linelineldblquote Huh?rdblquote asked the purse thief before a ball launched into his face and knocked him out. The purse went flying. linelineldblquote Mada Mada Dane,rdblquote said Ryoma. Kiyoko sweatdropped and just took the medicine tape from the triumphant Ryomarquote s hands.linelineldblquote Baka,rdblquote muttered Kiyoko. Just then Momo and Kamio walked in. Eiji noticed Momo.linelineldblquote Momo!rdblquote cried Eiji pointing his finger accusingly at the younger boy, ldblquote Who did you say was the best reflex movement player in Seigaku?!rdblquotelinelineldblquote Eh?! Did I say that?rdblquote asked Momo feigning innocence as Eji started chasing him around. Suddenly Kaidoh appeared looking like a total mess. It seemed the all the times the thief failed in stealing a purse, Kaidoh had been there taking his place getting caught by the police when the purses landed on him.linelineldblquote Oh? Kaidoh, did you do some extensive training again?rdblquote asked Fuji. Kaidoh looked around and saw the thief who had been knocked out by Ryomarquote s serve.linelineldblquote You!rdblquote said Kaidoh in a growl to the thief who was now stirring into consciousness.linelineldblquote Eep,rdblquote said Kiyoko trying to stop him along with the other first years.linelineldblquote Irquote ll kill you,rdblquote said Kaidoh marching to the thief with a snarl.linelineldblquote Hey!rdblquote cried Kiyoko as she and the other first ears tried to stop Kaidoh to no avail.linelineldblquote Irquote ll kill you,rdblquote said Kaidoh.linelineldblquote Ahh!rdblquote cried the thief running past Yuki who was pushed to the ground along the way. Fuji put his foot out tripping the thief as he went past him when he had seen what the thief had done. There was an intense look in his eyes before he smiled and helped Yuki up.linelineldblquote Fuji-chan,rdblquote said Yuki surprised before smiling as she said ldblquote Hairdblquote when Fuji asked if she was all right.linelineldblquote Ryoma!rdblquote called Kiyoko while still pulling Kaidoh back by the shirt, ldblquote Get over here and help me out!rdblquote Ryoma, who had been listening to Shinjirquote s mutterings, happily complied.linelineldblquote Irquote ll see you some other time Momo,rdblquote said Kamio pedaling off with Shinji after he had watched the cat and mouse game between Momo and Eiji for awhile.linelineldblquote This is way too crazy,rdblquote said Kiyoko giving up as she let Kaidoh go.linelineldblquote Well your arm looks fine now Tezuka,rdblquote said the doctor, ldblquote Try not to overstrain it for a month and your tennis elbow should be gone by then.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Arigato,rdblquote said Tezuka to Oishirquote s uncle.linelineldblquote So,rdblquote said Rei, ldblquote The reason ou couldnrquote t play against Ryoma today was so that you could see if your arm was healed.rdblquotelinelineldblquote I thought I heard someone outside,rdblquote said Tezuka.linelineldblquote Gomen,rdblquote said Rei. Tezuka stood up and walked outside.linelineldblquote Iie,rdblquote said Tezuka shaking his head, ldblquote I donrquote t mind if you know.rdblquote Rei blushed before catching up to Tezuka. par ldblquote Ryoma,rdblquote said Tezuka to the boy the day after he had gone to the hospital, ldblquote Do you know the new tennis court at Shinsengaki Park?rdblquote Tezuka had approached Ryoma after practice and pulled him aside while everyone else went to the club room.linelineldblquote Hai,rdblquote said Ryoma confused at where the conversation was leading.linelineldblquote Go there after school tomorrow,rdblquote said Tezuka, ldblquote Werquote ll play a match.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Hm?rdblquote asked Kiyoko aloud checking her watch, ldblquote Ryomarquote s late. He said herquote d treat me to dinner.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Kiyokorquote s got a date,rdblquote teased Rei and Yuki.linelineldblquote Do not!rdblquote denied Kiyoko though her cheeks were red. Just then Rei and Yuki had their backs turned from Kiyoko and were visibly moping.linelineldblquote Kiyokorquote s way ahead of us in the love department,rdblquote said Yuki making a big sigh and sounding sulky.linelineldblquote Irquote m pretty sure sherquote s already kissed him,rdblquote confided Rei.linelineldblquote Eh?rdblquote asked Yuki surprised while her eyes grew big, ldblquote Fuji and I havenrquote t even done that.rdblquote Yuki and Rei were surprised at what Yuki had just said. ldblquote Why did I say Fuji?rdblquote thought Yuki to herself pensively. Rei gave her a teasing look.linelineldblquote So you like Fuji?rdblquote asked Rei though it didnrquote t sound as if it was a question as she smiled at Yuki wickedly, ldblquote Are you two going out?rdblquotelinelineldblquote NO!rdblquote shouted Yuki trying to deny everything. Rei just laughed as she was inwardly happy that she now had black mail on her.linelineldblquote There you are Ryoma,rdblquote said Kiyoko spotting the boy and happily bounding up to him. Ryoma turned to Kiyoko having had looked very thoughtful before regaining his usual cool expression.linelineldblquote Where do you want to go?rdblquote asked Ryoma. Kiyoko put her finger up in thought before grinning.linelineldblquote How about we go to Taka-senpairquote s sushi restaurant,rdblquote suggested Kiyoko eagerly.linelineldblquote All right,rdblquote said Ryoma not minding when Kiyoko held his arm.linelineldblquote Fuji-chan,rdblquote said Yuki running to catch up to the boy who was already on his way out, ldblquote Eiji-chan wa?rdblquotelinelineldblquote I was just about to see him,rdblquote said Fuji, ldblquote Want to come? Werquote re meeting at Takashirquote s restaurant.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Yay!rdblquote cheered Yuki grabbing Fujirquote s hand and running to the store, ldblquote Letrquote s hurry before someone eats all the sushi!rdblquotelinelineldblquote Tezuka,rdblquote said Rei walking to him after he had finished talking to Ryoma, ldblquote Letrquote s grab a bite.rdblquotelinelineldblquote I still have some work to do,rdblquote said Tezuka flatly though he was slightly apologetic.linelineldblquote Onegai?rdblquote asked Rei looking directly into the serious boyrquote s eyes as she stood in his way standing in front of the clubhouse door, ldblquote For me? You know you need energy for the match tomorrow.rdblquotelinelineldblquote All right,rdblquote relented Tezuka. The two walked inside the store and found all the regulars there except for Momo and Kaidoh.linelineldblquote Looks like we all had the same idea,rdblquote said Yuki as Rei and Tezuka stood at the front.linelineldblquote Letrquote s all sit together!rdblquote suggested Kiyoko excitedly. Everyone gave her a blank stare.linelineldblquote Kiyoko, donrquote t you want to be with Ryoma?rdblquote asked Rei after the awkward silence.linelineldblquote We donrquote t have to be together every time we meet up,rdblquote pointed out Yuki before going with Fuji to the farthest table. Eiji had called and said he would be a little late.linelineldblquote Crquote mon Tezuka,rdblquote said Rei pulling on his jacket, ldblquote Letrquote s go to the bar.rdblquote Kiyoko looked heartbroken and was in chibi with two rivers flowing down her cheeks.linelineldblquote Ryoma! Donrquote t you want to eat with the others?rdblquote asked Kiyoko to the boy. By the look on Ryomarquote s face Kiyoko sweatdropped. ldblquote Party poopers,rdblquote muttered the girl before the two took a seat by the window and Takashi had given them their order.linelineldblquote Tell the old woman tomorrow that I wonrquote t be at practice,rdblquote said Ryoma when Takashi had left.linelineldblquote Hm? Why?rdblquote asked Kiyoko a roll of sushi midway between her plate and her mouth. She already knew the answer but didnrquote t want him to know that she had been spying.linelineldblquote Irquote m visiting my grandmother in the hospital,rdblquote said Ryoma with a straight face sounding as if it had been perfectly rehearsed, ldblquote Sherquote s on her death bed.rdblquote Kiyoko sweatdropped having heard his excuse.linelineldblquote You are not,rdblquote said Kiyoko pointing an accusing finger at him, ldblquote Yourquote re going to play a match with the captain.rdblquote Ryoma gave Kiyoko a disapproving look.linelineldblquote Were you stalking me?rdblquote asked Ryoma with a sly grin on his face. By then they had finished dinner and Kiyoko had decided that it was her turn to escort Ryoma to his house.linelineldblquote No!rdblquote denied Kiyoko in a nervous voice that no one would have believed.linelineldblquote Whatever you say,rdblquote said Ryoma in a disbelieving tone before raising his hands up in a lquote what can you dorquote gesture.linelineldblquote Anyway,rdblquote said Kiyoko tactfully changing the subject, ldblquote I canrquote t tell Ryuzaki-sensei since Irquote m coming with you.rdblquotelinelineldblquote No way,rdblquote said Ryoma firmly.linelineldblquote Why not?rdblquotelinelineldblquote Because I said so,rdblquote said Ryoma before going inside his house, ldblquote And thatrquote s the end of it.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Hmph,rdblquote pouted Kiyoko, ldblquote Werquote ll see about that.rdblquotelinelineldblquote This is so not fair!rdblquote shouted Rei at the top of her lungs in the girlsrquote house while kicking a chair in frustration, ldblquote I canrquote t believe Tezuka wonrquote t let me come with him.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Rei!rdblquote whine Yuki, ldblquote Yourquote re breaking the furniture!rdblquote The two were home and Kiyoko had just barged in kicking away the chair that Rei had kicked before.linelineldblquote This is so not fair!rdblquote said Kiyoko, ldblquote I canrquote t believe Ryoma wonrquote t let me come with him.rdblquote Yuki sweatdropped before shaking her head and then suddenly looking like a chibi nurse and taking care of the chair that Rei and Kiyoko had taken their anger out on.linelineldblquote I really think you guys should stop hurting the furniture,rdblquote said Yuki, ldblquote And why donrquote t you guys just trail them? They wonrquote t know if you do that.rdblquote At that Reirquote s and Kiyokorquote s eyes glinted.linelineldblquote Thatrquote s a great idea!rdblquote said Rei regaining a determined look on her face.linelineldblquote What?! You actually thought I was serious?rdblquote asked Yuki in surprise. Kiyoko and Rei were not listening and were cheering at their new plan.linelineldblquote Irquote m impressed Yuki,rdblquote said Rei, ldblquote I guess inside that empty head of yours there actually is a brain.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Hey!rdblquote shouted Yuki before running after the girl in anger. But then Kiyoko stopped and looked thoughtful.linelineldblquote But then whorquote s going to tell sensei why werquote re not at practice?rdblquote asked Kiyoko. Rei stopped and thought with Kiyoko before turning their heads in unison to Yuki with identical demonic smiles on their faces and bright eyes.linelineldblquote Eep!rdblquote cried Yuki.linelineldblquote Nani?! What do you mean Kiyoko and Rei are out sick?rdblquote asked Momo when Yuki had spoken to the Seigaku regular members.linelineldblquote And what about why Ochibi-chan has to visit a grandmother in the hospital!rdblquote said Eiji. All the regulars crowded around Yuki who was unsure by all the people around her.linelineldblquote Ah!rdblquote shouted Yuki when the regulars reached for her trying to tickle the answers out of her.linelineldblquote Regulars! Stop!,rdblquote said Coach Ryuzaki who had just come in, ldblquote just because Tezuka and Oishi and some other regulars are absent is no excuse for all of you to start playing. Back to practice.rdblquote Yuki heaved a sigh of relief before joining the other regulars for practice.linelineldblquote There they are Kiyoko,rdblquote said Rei grabbing the girl and pulling her back so that no one would see her. Kiyoko looked to where Rei was pointing. Ryoma was stretching on the court while Tezuka was in the process of taking his jacket off.linelineldblquote This is the first time Irquote ve ever seen Captain play,rdblquote said Kiyoko, ldblquote Irquote m sure thisrquote ll be interesting.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Shh,rdblquote said Rei, ldblquote Theyrquote re starting.rdblquote Ryoma and Tezuka stood in front of each other talking.linelineldblquote I canrquote t hear,rdblquote whine Kiyoko straining her ears to try and catch parts of the conversation. Soon it ended and the game began. It started normally enough but soon Tezukarquote s real colors began to show. He started speeding up his counters while Ryoma kept getting pushed further and further back. Rei and Kiyoko watched in fascination.linelineldblquote Such a high level,rdblquote said Rei, ldblquote Werquote d certainly have a hard time going up against Tezuka.rdblquotelinelineldblquote His power,rdblquote said Kiyoko, ldblquote itrquote s too much. Rei I donrquote t know whorquote d win if I ever went against him. Ah! Ryoma.rdblquote Ryoma had just fallen trying to return one of Tezukarquote s attacks. It seemed they had agreed on one game. Tezuka was leading 30-love.linelineldblquote This is the last one,rdblquote said Rei. Ryoma stayed where he was for awhile before getting a determined look on his face. He still wanted to win. Ryoma returned the ball one after another. He had a look on his face that she had seen only once. Ryoma had changed from the calm and collected person he usually was in a game and acted like he was playing his father. His steps were unsure and hesitant as if he didnrquote t know he could win against the person.linelineldblquote Ryoma,rdblquote said Kiyoko wanting to help him but knowing that she couldnrquote t.linelineldblquote Kiyoko,rdblquote said Rei breaking her reverie, ldblquote Do you notice something about Tezukarquote s moves? It feels as if herquote s getting ready for something.rdblquote Kiyoko looked to the older boy whorquote s face had not changed throughout all of the game. Now it was like there was a light in him. One that pulled you in and couldnrquote t get out of. Kiyokorquote s eyes widened as she looked at Tezukarquote s feet. He had not moved from his position throughout the game. Rei looked worried now.linelineldblquote Tezuka, donrquote t forget to take it ease,rdblquote said Rei quietly to no one. Now it felt like the end was coming. Tezuka attacked and used his drop shot. Ryoma tried to reach for it but was too late. He fell on the court his eyes lowered. Now the girls could hear what Tezuka was saying for he was now using the loud voice he usually used when talking to the tennis club. Only one phrase stood out.linelineldblquote Echizen! I want you to be the pillar of Seigaku, I want you to be its most important player.rdblquote Kiyoko looked at Ryoma who was looking up at Tezuka. He was silent. Rei stood and then pulled Kiyoko getting ready to leave.linelineldblquote Crquote mon Kiyoko,rdblquote said Rei pulling on the girl who made no move to resist, ldblquote I have a feeling that we shouldnrquote t be interfering.linelineldblquote Hai,rdblquote said Kiyoko quietly before joining her to go to the subway. The two were silent thinking the same things. About Tezukarquote s amazing power and the look on Ryomarquote s face. par ldblquote Nani?!rdblquote exclaimed Eiji in surprise when Ryuzaki had told the members the news, ldblquote Ochibi-chan and Tezuka are absent again?rdblquotelinelineldblquote Maybe Ryoma is still with his grandmother,rdblquote suggested Yuki cheerfully having forgotten that it was a lie.linelineldblquote Baka,rdblquote 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 didnrquote t affect him that much.linelineldblquote Kiyoko,rdblquote said Yuki putting a comforting arm around her, ldblquote I know yourquote re worried about Ryoma but letrquote s just get through practice today. We can visit him afterwards.rdblquote 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 girlsrquote gym uniform and had a racket by her side.linelineldblquote I want to join,rdblquote said Rei walking to Oishi. Oishi looked at Reirquote s determined face and couldnrquote t refuse. Rei walked to the girls.linelineldblquote Itrquote s about time you decided to join the practice,rdblquote said Kiyoko.linelineldblquote Yeah,rdblquote said Yuki, ldblquote I was wondering if you were getting used to the desk job.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Well I was never up for practicing until now,rdblquote said Rei coolly, ldblquote Irquote m going to have to work hard to catch up to the team.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Letrquote s practice then,rdblquote said Yuki cheerfully, ldblquote Kiyoko and I will pair up and go against you and Eiji-chan.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Nani? Nani?rdblquote asked Eiji hearing his name and wondering what was going on.linelineldblquote Eiji-chan,rdblquote said Yuki walking to him, ldblquote Will you play with Rei and go against me and Kiyoko?rdblquotelinelineldblquote No way,rdblquote said Rei, ldblquote If you two pair up then anyone who goes against you will lose.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Thatrquote s because Yuki and I work well with each other,rdblquote said Kiyoko grinning as the two clapped hands jumping up and down knowing full well that they were invincible if they paired up.linelineldblquote I wonrquote t play with you if you guys pair up,rdblquote said Rei, ldblquote You know Irquote m more for singles.rdblquote Kiyoko and Yuki gave a whine before sighing and relenting.linelineldblquote All right,rdblquote said Yuki, ldblquote Then Irquote ll be with Eiji-chan.rdblquote Eiji and Yuki grinned at each other.linelineldblquote Oi! Oi!rdblquote said Eiji, ldblquote Letrquote s start.rdblquotepar ldblquote Nani?!rdblquote exclaimed Eiji in surprise when Ryuzaki had told the members the news, ldblquote Ochibi-chan and Tezuka are absent again?rdblquotelinelineldblquote Maybe Ryoma is still with his grandmother,rdblquote suggested Yuki cheerfully having forgotten that it was a lie.linelineldblquote Baka,rdblquote 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 didnrquote t affect him that much.linelineldblquote Kiyoko,rdblquote said Yuki putting a comforting arm around her, ldblquote I know yourquote re worried about Ryoma but letrquote s just get through practice today. We can visit him afterwards.rdblquote 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 girlsrquote gym uniform and had a racket by her side.linelineldblquote I want to join,rdblquote said Rei walking to Oishi. Oishi looked at Reirquote s determined face and couldnrquote t refuse. Rei walked to the girls.linelineldblquote Itrquote s about time you decided to join the practice,rdblquote said Kiyoko.linelineldblquote Yeah,rdblquote said Yuki, ldblquote I was wondering if you were getting used to the desk job.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Well I was never up for practicing until now,rdblquote said Rei coolly, ldblquote Irquote m going to have to work hard to catch up to the team.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Letrquote s practice then,rdblquote said Yuki cheerfully, ldblquote Kiyoko and I will pair up and go against you and Eiji-chan.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Nani? Nani?rdblquote asked Eiji hearing his name and wondering what was going on.linelineldblquote Eiji-chan,rdblquote said Yuki walking to him, ldblquote Will you play with Rei and go against me and Kiyoko?rdblquotelinelineldblquote No way,rdblquote said Rei, ldblquote If you two pair up then anyone who goes against you will lose.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Thatrquote s because Yuki and I work well with each other,rdblquote said Kiyoko grinning as the two clapped hands jumping up and down knowing full well that they were invincible if they paired up.linelineldblquote I wonrquote t play with you if you guys pair up,rdblquote said Rei, ldblquote You know Irquote m more for singles.rdblquote Kiyoko and Yuki gave a whine before sighing and relenting.linelineldblquote All right,rdblquote said Yuki, ldblquote Then Irquote ll be with Eiji-chan.rdblquote Eiji and Yuki grinned at each other.linelineldblquote Oi! Oi!rdblquote said Eiji, ldblquote Letrquote s start!rdblquotelinelineldblquote I hope you know I wonrquote t go easy on you Yuki,rdblquote said Kiyoko grinning at the girl on the other side. Yuki smiled back.linelineldblquote I wouldnrquote t have it any other way,rdblquote said Yuki as Rei went to serve. She held the ball up and made it arch as she threw it up high and then served it over to the other side. Yuki was caught by surprise but Eiji was on it immediately. He served it to the other court but his racket made nothing but air. Eiji looked surprised as the ball had gone up and twirled before landing to the floor without bouncing back.linelineldblquote Hey Yuki!rdblquote said Eiji to the girl, ldblquote What was that?rdblquotelinelineldblquote It was the Demon Serve,rdblquote said Yuki slightly surprised before calling out to Rei, ldblquote I didnrquote t think you were serious Rei!rdblquote Rei shrugged but Kiyoko could sense something going on. She walked to Rei.linelineldblquote What are you trying to do?rdblquote asked Kiyoko. Rei gave her a determined look.linelineldblquote The Kanto tournaments is coming up,rdblquote said Rei, ldblquote You two have been slacking off while the other regulars have been pushing themselves into exhaustion wanting to get better. Even Ryoma. Eventually he will surpass you and when he does, thererquote s no telling whether herquote ll look back.rdblquote Kiyoko looked surprised.linelineldblquote Sherquote s testing us,rdblquote thought Kiyoko to herself.linelineldblquote Donrquote t worry Rei,rdblquote said Kiyoko, ldblquote Irquote ll prove you wrong. And so will Yuki.rdblquotelinelineldblquote I hope so,rdblquote said Rei truthfully hoping she did, ldblquote I just canrquote t help thinking that your love lives are getting in the way of everything. Love and Tennis do not mix, Kiyoko, remember that.rdblquote Kiyoko raised an eyebrow. There was more to that comment than met the eye.linelineldblquote Rei!rdblquote said Yuki on the other side, ldblquote Irquote m going to get serious too.rdblquote She smiled before taking off the weights on her wrists and ankles. She moved them up and down before looking satisfied. She turned to Eiji. ldblquote Eiji, take off your weights too,rdblquote ordered Yuki.linelineldblquote Huh? Why?rdblquote asked Eiji confused though he complied. Yuki walked closer to him so that no one would hear.linelineldblquote Reirquote s planning something and Irquote m sure she wants me to play my best,rdblquote said Yuki, ldblquote You donrquote t want me to let her down do you?rdblquotelinelineldblquote Hai,rdblquote said Eiji cheerfully before twirling his racket around his wrists. The two now smiled at Kiyoko and Rei who looked determined now. Rei went to serve again. This time Yuki was ready as she jumped and smashed it to the other end of the court. Kiyoko returned the ball with ease and Eiji put his acrobatics to work. Now Rei went to the net and returned the ball to the far side of the court. Yuki lunged for the ball and lobbed it to the other side but it was out.linelineldblquote Yuki, I thought you were being serious,rdblquote said Rei to the girl. She looked at the girl hoping that Yuki would prove her wrong. She didnrquote t want Kiyoko and Yuki to suffer emotionally just out of worry for the ones they love. They had to be clear minded for the tournament. Yuki punched the ground in anger. How could she miss? She slowly stood up and brushed the dirt from her clothes as she lost her carefree face. She was now serious. Eiji was getting excited. Reirquote s style was something new to her. The ball curved in an unexpected way. Meanwhile, all the tennis players had gathered to watch since the Captain was not there and there was nothing else going on.linelineldblquote Hey Fuji,rdblquote said Momo to the boy, ldblquote Who do you think will win?rdblquotelinelineldblquote I donrquote t know,rdblquote said Fuji truthfully. Rei made serve after serve until they had won the first three sets.linelineldblquote Yuki! Whatrquote s wrong with you?rdblquote asked Eiji worriedly.linelineldblquote Kiyoko,rdblquote said Rei, ldblquote Switch with Yuki. I want to see how you do.rdblquote Kiyoko nodded and ran to Yuki asking her to switch. At first Yuki was defiant having wanted to go through the game until the end but she nodded at last. Now it was Kiyoko and Eiji against Rei and Yuki. Kiyoko served first and sent out an extremely fast Ace Serve that even gave Rei trouble returning. In the end Yuki and Kiyoko had lost. They dropped their rackets in surprise. Rei had beaten them. This didnrquote t usually happen. The girls were usually on the same level but now it seemed Rei had either gone up or Yuki and Kiyoko had gone down. Yuki picked up her racket and her bags saying nothing as she walked away.linelineldblquote Yuki?rdblquote asked Fuji to the girl who said nothing as she walked past.linelineldblquote Yuki!rdblquote called Eiji from the court.linelineldblquote Leave her alone,rdblquote said Kiyoko with a sigh, ldblquote She needs to work out her feelings. Knowing her, sherquote ll probably be gone for awhile.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Gone?!rdblquote said Oishi alarmed, ldblquote But what about the Kanto games?rdblquotelinelineldblquote Sherquote ll be back by then,rdblquote said Rei shrugging. Kiyoko left the group. She had wanted to go to Ryoma before but she pulled Rei aside beforehand.linelineldblquote Thererquote s something else going on right?rdblquote asked Kiyoko, ldblquote Yourquote re not only doing this for us, you have personal reasons.rdblquote Rei nodded and leaned back.linelineldblquote Do you remember when the boys came from the U.S.?rdblquote asked Rei.linelineldblquote What about it?rdblquote asked Kiyoko.linelineldblquote Kosuke told me that I donrquote t have the capability to love,rdblquote said Rei looking at the ground, ldblquote I just wanted to see if he was right.rdblquotelinelineldblquote And how were you going to do that?rdblquote asked Kiyoko amusedly.linelineldblquote Well, it seemed like you and Yuki were having love problems like me so I wondered if you could overcome your trials, then I could too,rdblquote said Rei.linelineldblquote Let me get this straight,rdblquote said Kiyoko, ldblquote You were going to use me and Yuki like lab rats and see if there were instances when we could overcome love?rdblquotelinelineldblquote Yeah,rdblquote said Rei. Kiyoko sweatdropped before laughing lightly.linelineldblquote Rei,rdblquote began Kiyoko, ldblquote Each and every love you or anyone will ever have is unique in its own way. Yourquote re the only person that can find out whatrquote s the best for you. You love Tezuka right?rdblquotelinelineldblquote Truthfully,rdblquote began Rei, ldblquote I donrquote t know. My feelings are so jumbled up. But ever since Mom died, Irquote ve been afraid of opening my feelings to people other than you and Yuki. Tezuka, it feels like he is turning my world upside down and I donrquote t know what to think of him anymore.rdblquotelinelineldblquote I canrquote t decide for you, Rei,rdblquote said Kiyoko, ldblquote Yourquote ll have to do it yourself.rdblquote With that Kiyoko walked off to Ryomarquote s house. She had been worrying constantly about him. The way he looked when he was beaten broke Kiyokorquote s heart. As she approached the temple, she heard sounds of people playing tennis. She hid herself behind the trees as she watched Ryoma and his father playing together. Kiyoko watched him play. It was like he was a whole new person. Kiyoko smiled happily. It seemed Tezukarquote s winning over him did not ruin him, instead, he seemed to be like a bird who was just learning to fly. He was on his way to finding his own tennis style.linepar
generator Msftedit 5.41.15.1503;viewkind4uc1pardsb100sa100f0fs24 "Tezuka!" called Rei suddenly appearing in front of the boy, "I just got here. Did you wait long?"lineline "Iie," said Tezuka, "I was here a few minutes ago." Rei brightened. She wore black pants and top and chain earrings.lineline "Haiyaku," said Rei, "We might miss the show."lineline "Where are we going?" asked Tezuka though he sounded indifferent.lineline "It's a surprise," said Rei secretively. The place ended up to be at a tennis tournament. "Do you like it? I thought the regional championships for the men's division would be a nice place to go."lineline "How did you get tickets?" asked Tezuka, "The tickets for this championship were sold out."lineline "I called up a few old friends," said Rei casually. The two walked out of the game talking about the skills of each opponent.lineline "That guy was totally off," objected Rei, "His timing is all wrong. I don't know how he got so far into championships."lineline "He had good luck in having all the weaker opponents in the last tournament but it was good the opponent beat him," said Tezuka. Rei smiled.lineline "You know Tezuka," said Rei, "You should talk a lot more. People can get to know you better. Usually you just watch from the higher buildings when everyone else is taking a break." Rei said hurriedly, "Not that I watch you or anything." Tezuka said nothing but glanced at his watch.lineline "Let's get something to eat," said Tezuka, "I'll treat." The two found themselves in a sushi restaurant. Unfortunately, they were beached in a sea of lovey dovey couples. They were all gazing at each other lovingly. "Do you want to leave?" asked Tezuka blandly. Rei smiled and shook her head.lineline "Iie," said Rei taking the chair that Tezuka pulled out. She grinned at Tezuka, "For now, let's pretend that we're one of them." Tezuka was surprised when Rei kissed Tezuka lightly on the lips. The two sat down and were about to talk when a boy and girl walked in and sat on Tezuka's and Rei's table. Upon closer inspection...lineline "Kosuke?!" asked Rei in surpise, "What are you doing here? And with that girl?"lineline "Oh?" asked Kosuke feigning surprise, "Meet Megumi. She's my date for tonight. Mind if we join you? Thanks!" Kosuke didn't even give Rei time to object. She mouthed an apology to Tezuka who shrugged happy to be interrupted after Rei's kiss. He didn't know how to react. Rei looked at Megumi. She had the ditzy model look.lineline "Hi," said Rei politely, "I'm Akuma Rei."lineline "Nice to meet you," said Megumi in a nonchalant voice that everyone knew was fake, "I'm so happy to meet one of Kosuke's friends."lineline "When did you two meet?" asked Rei.lineline "Five hours ago," said Megumi with a happy smile. Rei sweatdropped and glared at Kosuke.lineline "I see you still have your old tastes," said Rei to Kosuke in an icy voice. Kosuke grinned.lineline "Of course," said Kosuke. By the way Kosuke kept glancing at Megumi and holding her hand and how Megumi kept giggling in random moments, the two were playing touchy feely under the table. "So Rei," said Kosuke, "Have you met anyone that fit your tastes here? I know how picky you get when it comes to men."lineline "Of course," said Rei in a sarcastic singsong voice that was laced with acid, "You know how quick I work scouting boys off." When the food came, no one spoke. Rei abruptly stood up and put on a forced smile, "I'll be right back." She didn't see Kosuke follow her until the two were alone. "What do you want Kosuke? Here to mess up my life with the stupid stuff you always do."lineline "Don't you get it Rei?" asked Kosuke in a now serious voice, "After all these years you still don't get that I like you." Rei was shocked into silence. She then made a small laugh.lineline "Very funny Kosuke," said Rei now amused, "C'mon then. Let's go back to Tezuka and that empty headed date of yours." Kosuke now gave Rei a sad smile.lineline "Rei, I know you don't have the same feelings for me but if you keep this up, you won't be happy," said Kosuke firmly. Rei's back was turned from him and Kosuke couldn't see that Rei was clutching the door knob tightly in her hand.lineline "Oh?" asked Rei, "And why is that?"lineline "You like that tennis Captain Tezuka," said Kosuke, "But you're afraid of telling him your feelings. You'll never get over this obstacle if you keep running." Rei was frozen into place as Kosuke went past her. "I want you to be happy so don't run away anymore." par "Yuki!" shouted Keita from the living room where he was waiting for the girl, "Hurry up!"line "I'm coming, I'm coming," said Yuki as she made her way downstairs. She was dressed in a red plaid skirt, white top, denim jacket, and knee- highs. The small necklace on her neck was her only decoration. Keita looked at it and grinned teasingly at Yuki.line "You wear that thing everywhere huh," guessed Keita. By Yuki's red face he knew he was right.line "So where are we going?" asked Yuki when the two were walking in the sidewalk. Keita grinned.line "A concert," he said vaguely.line "Oh?" asked Yuki, "Who's playing?"line "It's a surprise." When Yuki and Keita reached a large concert dome, Keita led Yuki backstage.line "Did you get backstage passes?" asked Yuki, "I didn't know you knew the singer."line "Of course I do," said Keita, "She's doing the opening act. Let's go to her dressing room." They walked into a large room. Yuki was impressed.line "Wow," commented Yuki, "This girl must be pretty popular if she's doing the opening act and has such a large dressing room." Keita now laughed.line "Yuki," said Keita, "You're doing the opening act for the concert."line "Nani?!" exclaimed Yuki in surprise before blowing up, "Keita, you bastard! I'll kill you!" Keita tried to calm Yuki down.line "Yuki," said Keita in a pleading voice, "I thought you'd be happy with what I said." Yuki gave Keita a stony stare. Keita gave an aggravated sigh. "Come on Yuki, I know how much you love to sing on stage. You have to be a little happy." Yuki faltered.line "You did this for me?" asked Yuki in surprise.line "Why else would I be here in Japan?" asked Keita. Yuki smiled.line "Maybe this marriage will work," said Yuki, "All right, I'll do the opening act. Time for Lumier to get back on stage. Now get out of here so that I can change."line "Gotcha," said Keita walking out of the dressing room. Yuki looked critically at herself in the mirror turning this way and that. She sighed before applying the make up on the table and then putting on the short dress and knee high boots Keita had put next to the make up. When she walked out she looked like a star should. The lights in the concert hall darkened. Yuki walked out on stage with the fog lights with a genuine smile on her face as she started singing the upbeat tune that made her into an idol. When she got backstage she was surprised to see a legion of magazine writers and newspaper reporters outside.line "Miss Yuki, now that you have finally reappeared in the singing world, what are you doing in Japan?"line "Miss Yuki, we have heard that at the same time you disappeared, your cousin and actress Kazumi Kiyoko also vanished and later your other cousin and model Akuma Rei. Have you all been hiding in Japan?"line "Uh, no comment," said Yuki before going back into her dressing room.line "Yuki," said Keita suddenly appearing, "Follow me. There's a back exit."line "Oh no," said Yuki, "This'll all be in the morning news tomorrow. I shouldn't have done that opening act."line "Don't worry," said Keita comfortingly, "At least I'm here. Good thing I came here to confirm our marriage arrangement, right?" Yuki froze outside the concert hall.line "You were just here to make sure I wasn't going to reject the marriage?" asked Yuki, "I thought you came to comfort me." Keita was now sweating.line "That too but," said Keita. Yuki cut in.line "I should've known," said Yuki, "you know what, the main reason I came to Japan was to get away from you! Right after I fell in love with you I found out it was all an act so I left! I can't believe I gave you a second chance and the same exact thing happened." Keita looked at Yuki strangely.line "You fell in love with me?" asked Keita.line "Fell being the key word," said Yuki before taking off the necklace Keita had given her before she went to Japan. She tossed it over to him before walking away.line "Before I forget," said Yuki about to round the corner, "The marriage is off." She ran off back to the house and into her room. par ldblquote Eek!rdblquote screamed Kiyoko the next day when over half of the female population started running at Rei, Yuki, and Kiyoko the moment they reached school.linelinelinelineldblquote Kazumi-san!rdblquote said Tomo, Sakunorquote s friend, in a fiery tone, ldblquote What were you doing with Ryoma-sama yesterday?rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Huh?rdblquote asked Kiyoko feigning innocence, ldblquote We just went to get my racket strings fixed.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote That doesnrquote t sound like what I heard from Sakuno!rdblquote said Tomo pointing behind her at the shy Sakuno. Kiyoko looked at the girl.linelinelinelineldblquote Were you following us?rdblquote asked Kiyoko suspiciously. Sakuno looked surprised before blushing immediately.linelinelinelineldblquote Gomen nasai!rdblquote sputtered Sakuno, ldblquote I left right after you were both eating lunch at the benches.rdblquote Kiyoko heaved an inside sigh of relief.linelinelinelineldblquote Good thing the first years in Tomorquote s Ryoma Fan Club donrquote t know that we kissed.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Just because yourquote re an actress it does not mean you can play around with Ryoma-sama!rdblquote said Tomo. Kiyoko was taken aback by surprise.linelinelinelineldblquote Who? Me?rdblquote asked Kiyoko before thinking, ldblquote How do they know?rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote We heard on the evening news,rdblquote said Tomo, ldblquote After Yuki the lquote singerrquote was pictured, it told us that you and Akuma-san were an actress and a model.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Nani!? The evening news?!rdblquote shouted Rei and Kiyoko before giving Yuki reprimanding stares. They just bounced off of the depressed girl and now Rei and Kiyoko were wondering what the matter was. Soon another group of second and third year girls came to shout at Rei for going on a date with Tezuka.linelinelinelineldblquote Yourquote re just a second year!rdblquote said the President of the Tezuka Fan Club, ldblquote You canrquote t seduce Tezuka-sama just because yourquote re the team manager.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote What did you just say?rdblquote asked Rei now angry. She had remembered what Kosuke had said and it had sparked an evil streak in Rei. She pushed passed the third year snob. ldblquote You donrquote t even know whatrquote s going on. Stay out of my way.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Whoa,rdblquote commented Kiyoko, ldblquote Rei looks mad. Come to think of it, Yukirquote s pretty depressed too. Irquote ve got to see whatrquote s going on.rdblquotelinelineldblquote What are you so happy about?rdblquote asked Yuki grumpily at the lunch tables to Kiyoko the next day.linelinelinelineldblquote You can tell?rdblquote asked Kiyoko surprised.linelinelinelineldblquote Well yeah,rdblquote said Rei, ldblquote There are flowers wherever you walk and Yuki told me you were skipping around the class room.rdblquote Kiyoko now started jumping up and down.linelinelinelineldblquote Ryoma and I kissed yesterday and now he asked me to go over his house today,rdblquote said Kiyoko in a confiding tone.linelinelinelineldblquote Glad to see your love life is going well,rdblquote said Yuki.linelineldblquote Whatrquote s wrong with you two?rdblquote asked Kiyoko, ldblquote Rei, you look like a time bomb waiting to blow and, Yuki, you were definitely Miss Gloom today.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Kosuke said I might never fall in love because Irquote m afraid of opening myself up,rdblquote said Rei blandly.linelinelinelineldblquote I cancelled my marriage arrangement with Keita after he broke my heart the second time,rdblquote said Yuki with no emotion whatsoever. Kiyoko was stunned and stood like a rock with her bento half eaten.linelinelinelineldblquote Gomen,rdblquote said Kiyoko, ldblquote I didnrquote t know your lives sucked so much.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote I donrquote t know why Kosuke even said that,rdblquote said Rei, ldblquote And my date with Tezuka was going so well.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote I think Kosuke was wrong,rdblquote said Yuki, ldblquote By closing yourself up, you donrquote t have to get hurt.rdblquote She stood up now and went to throw her trash away.linelinelinelineldblquote Yuki-chan!rdblquote called a voice behind the girl. Yuki turned and saw Fuji and Eiji running to her. The two were all smiles.linelinelinelineldblquote Ohayo!rdblquote said Yuki cheering up immediately.linelinelinelineldblquote Yuki,rdblquote said Eiji smothering the girl in a tight hug, ldblquote Why didnrquote t you tell us you were so famous? I saw you on the news last night and told my sister I knew you. Sherquote s been begging me to get you to give her an autograph since this morning!rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Gomen,rdblquote said Yuki with a smile. Fuji now grinned at Yuki.linelinelinelineldblquote Congratulations on your wedding arrangement,rdblquote said Fuji, ldblquote I just heard from Eiji.rdblquote Yuki froze and was about to cry.linelinelinelineldblquote Eh?!rdblquote exclaimed Eiji surprised, ldblquote Daijobu Yuki-chan?rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Hai,rdblquote said Yuki, ldblquote Itrquote s just that I broke off the marriage arrangement with Keita yesterday.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Nani?!rdblquote exclaimed Eiji, ldblquote Are you ok?rdblquote Yuki smiled.linelinelinelineldblquote Hai!rdblquote said Yuki genuinely cheerful, ldblquote How could I not be with such wonderful friends? Irquote ll see you later in practice.rdblquote When she turned the corner, she tripped on her face. She was surprised to see a group of girls much like the ones that attacked Kiyoko and Rei surround her.linelinelinelineldblquote What are you to Fuji and Eiji-sama?rdblquote asked the girl who seemed to be at the head.linelinelinelineldblquote Nani?rdblquote asked Yuki confused. The girl repeated her question in a more icy tone. ldblquote Irquote m just a friend,rdblquote said Yuki with a shrug.linelinelinelineldblquote It better stay that way freshman girl,rdblquote said the girl, ldblquote Or else.rdblquote Yuki was evermore confused when they left but she started skipping happily as she made her way back to Rei and Kiyoko. par ldblquote Today you will be paired up and go against each other in a game,rdblquote announced Inui to the regulars.linelinelinelineldblquote Whatrquote s the game?rdblquote asked Kiyoko curiously.linelinelinelineldblquote Each player here is categorized into two groups,rdblquote said Inui, ldblquote Attack and Defense according to your styles. For example, Eijirquote s style is Acrobatic Play so he would be categorized into Defense. Today every Attack player will go against a Defense player and vice versa. Attack players will take half court and Defense will take full court. If an Attack player can score a point out of five balls, he is the winner. If a Defense player can defend their court after five balls then they are the winner. The loser will drink Inuirquote s Special Golden Remix.rdblquote Everyone gasped.linelinelinelineldblquote Eh?!rdblquote exclaimed Yuki hiding behind Fuji, ldblquote I donrquote t want to drink that stuff again!rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Demo, Yuki-chan,rdblquote said Fuji with a smile, ldblquote Inuirquote s drink is delicious.rdblquote Yuki turned green.linelinelinelineldblquote Fuji,rdblquote said Yuki, ldblquote Just thinking about it makes me want to vomit.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Here is the line-up!rdblquote shouted Tezuka over the complaints the regulars were making, ldblquote First is Takashi in Attack and Kaidoh in Defense.rdblquote Kaidohrquote s face was full of determination for he did not want to drink that horrible stuff again. Takashirquote s face was fearful before he took a hold of his racket.linelinelinelineldblquote Burning! Bring it on Snake Boy!rdblquote said Takashi to the scowling Kaidoh. The match started and Takashi was hurling 200 km speed balls at Kaidoh. They were at the fourth ball when Kaidoh did Boomerang Snake.linelinelinelineldblquote Out!rdblquote said the make shift ref.linelinelinelineldblquote Hehe,rdblquote said Takashi at Kaidoh as he went for the drink. He drank it in one swallow and made his way back to a seat. Everyone watched him to see if he would choke. Kaidoh had his eyes closed and he was clutching at his racket tightly as he turned first blue then green before running to the water fountains with a hiss but he never made it.linelinelinelineldblquote Kaidoh-senpai!rdblquote cried out the first years in surprise as he collapsed just outside the gate.linelinelinelineldblquote Oishi, Defense! Momo, Defense!rdblquote The two went up to the court. Momo wore a confident grin.linelinelinelineldblquote Gomen, Oishi-senpai,rdblquote said Momo, ldblquote But I wonrquote t be drinking that stuff today.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Neither will I Momo,rdblquote said Oishi as the two got into the court.linelinelinelineldblquote Take that Senpai!rdblquote said Momo hitting a strong serve at Oishi.linelinelinelineldblquote Sorry Momo but thatrquote s not good enough,rdblquote said Oishi returning the ball.linelinelinelineldblquote Sugoi! No wonder Oishi-senpai is the Vice-Captain,rdblquote said Kachiro.linelinelinelineldblquote Dunk Smash!rdblquote said Momo jumping up for the kill. The tennis ball hurtled down to the other end of the court behind a surprised Oishi. He grinned with his eyes closed.linelinelinelineldblquote Momo,rdblquote said Oishi, ldblquote You have gotten stronger.rdblquote Just then Inui popped up next to Oishi with his juice. His glasses were glinting as he wore a smile on his face. Oishi grimaced before swallowing the drink.linelinelinelineldblquote Ah!rdblquote shouted Oishi running in Kaidohrquote s direction. He collapsed right next to Kaidoh.linelinelinelineldblquote Fuji, Defense! I am attack,rdblquote said Tezuka getting on the court. The match didnrquote t even last a second.linelinelinelineldblquote You didnrquote t hold back,rdblquote commented Fuji to Tezuka.linelinelinelineldblquote Of course,rdblquote said Tezuka walking out of the court.linelinelinelineldblquote Thatrquote s our captain!rdblquote said Horio proudly.linelinelinelineldblquote Aw,rdblquote said Momo just appearing with the first years, ldblquote It would have been fun to see our captain drink Inuirquote s juice.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Momo-chan!rdblquote reprimanded Kiyoko though a small smile played on her lips.linelinelinelineldblquote Fuji-chan,rdblquote said Yuki walking side by side with him, ldblquote Do you want me to get you some water?rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Iie Yuki-chan,rdblquote said Fuji cheerfully, ldblquote Why would I need that? Inuirquote s juice is delicious.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote How about I arrange your funeral?rdblquote asked Yuki stopping to look after Fuji. He stood in front of Inui who took one of the water bottles. To his surprise, clear water flowed out.linelinelinelineldblquote Huh?rdblquote asked Kiyoko, ldblquote What happened to your juice Inui?rdblquote Everyone looked over at Tezuka who was drinking in a water bottle marked Inui. Tezuka looked back at the Seigaku team when he was done drinking.linelinelinelineldblquote Whatrquote s everyone looking at?rdblquote asked Tezuka, ldblquote Get back on schedule!rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Oh,rdblquote whined Momo, ldblquote No reaction at all. Oh well.rdblquote Everybody went back to their positions except for Rei. She was the only one who noticed Tezuka gripping his water bottle like it was the end of the world. She giggled.linelinelinelineldblquote I guess he really is human,rdblquote said Rei before taking her seat again.linelinelinelineldblquote Next, Kiyoko Defense! Echizen Attack!rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Nani?!rdblquote exclaimed Yuki looking at the determined looks of both Ryoma and Kiyoko. Eiji laughed.linelinelinelineldblquote Ochibi-chan and Kiyoko are going against each other?rdblquote asked Eiji, ldblquote Thisrquote ll be hilarious. Haha!rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Demo, Eiji,rdblquote objected Fuji, ldblquote That only leaves you and Yuki-chan.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Eiji,rdblquote said Yuki her eyes taking on a darker shade, ldblquote Irquote m not going to drink that juice again.rdblquote Fuji laughed at Eiji quivering in chibi form in the background.linelinelinelineldblquote Gomen Ryoma,rdblquote said Kiyoko on the court, ldblquote No way will I drink that stuff.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Too bad Kiyoko,rdblquote said Ryoma plucking at his racket strings with his fingers. The match began and Ryoma served.linelinelinelineldblquote Twister Serve!rdblquote said Kiyoko with a grin as she returned the ball with ease, ldblquote I guess you really donrquote t want to drink that stuff, ne Ryoma? Demo, yourquote ll have to do better than that! Ball number 2!rdblquote She smashed the ball on his side of the court. Ryoma returned putting in more force than before.linelinelinelineldblquote Mada Mada Dane,rdblquote said Ryoma as he feinted a super fast return and did a volley.linelinelinelineldblquote Echizen wins!rdblquote said Horio. Kiyoko was surprised but she smiled.linelinelinelineldblquote Irquote m going to have to play a match against him soon,rdblquote said Kiyoko, ldblquote Herquote s getting stronger. I canrquote t wait for our match.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Kiyoko,rdblquote said Inui in an eerie voice. He stood next to her with a glass of his juice by his side. Kiyoko pretended to cry in the background but it didnrquote t work. She drank reluctantly.linelinelinelineldblquote Eww!rdblquote cried Kiyoko pushing the empty glass away from her. She suddenly started before she collapsed on the floor.linelinelinelineldblquote Kiyoko!rdblquote exclaimed Yuki and Rei coming to her.linelinelinelineldblquote Wa-ter,rdblquote said Kiyoko in a raspy voice in a zhombie like voice. Ryoma, Rei, and Yuki sweatdropped before walking away from Kiyoko muttering ldblquote Bakardblquote .linelinelinelineldblquote Eiji Defense! Yuki Attack!rdblquote called Tezuka. Yuki walked to the court with a determined look on her face.linelinelinelineldblquote I wonrquote t lose,rdblquote said Yuki determinedly. She clutched her racket loosely in her hands as she closed her eyes in concentration. Her eyes seemed a darker shade a green with flecks of an amber to gold in them.linelinelinelineldblquote She looks serious now,rdblquote commented Rei to Kiyoko. She looked down at the girl and sweatdropped. ldblquote Yourquote re still pulling the zombie act?!rdblquote Ryoma sat next to her with his hat covering his eyes as he pretended not to know Kiyoko.linelinelinelineldblquote Hurricane Serve!rdblquote exclaimed Horio, ldblquote Eiji-senpai might not be able to return it if the ball just rolls off the court the moment of impact!rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Take that Yuki-chan!rdblquote said Eiji as he returned the ball before it reached the bottom. Yuki returned, her hair flying. Eiji somersaulted to get the second ball.linelinelinelineldblquote Ugh,rdblquote said Yuki as she returned ball 3. Eiji returned while doing a handstand in the middle.linelinelinelineldblquote Eiji-senpairquote s got the best Acrobatic Defense!rdblquote praised Kachiro.linelinelinelineldblquote There!rdblquote said Yuki triumphantly returning the ball in a lob so that Eiji wouldnrquote t reach, ldblquote Huh? Eiji-chan, arenrquote t you going to return the ball?rdblquote Yuki was now confused for Eiji was laughing and not even bothering to return the ball.linelinelinelineldblquote Itrquote s already the fifth ball,rdblquote said Eiji, ldblquote I win!rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote No!rdblquote exclaimed Yuki as she sulkily drank Inuirquote s drink while pinching her nose.linelinelinelineldblquote Haha Yuki-chan,rdblquote said Eiji teasingly. Yuki served an Ace serve to Eijirquote s head in response. Everyone laughed when Eiji was sprawled on the floor with swirls for eyes and a large bump on his head. par ldblquote Sugoi Ryoma!rdblquote said Kiyoko when she and Ryoma reached Ryomarquote s house which also happened to be a temple, ldblquote Itrquote s so cool that you live in temple. Does your father ring the bells every hour? I canrquote t wait to meet the great Nanjiroh Echizen!rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote I wouldnrquote t expect much,rdblquote said Ryoma in a bored voice before opening the back door for Kiyoko, ldblquote The tennis court is over here. Letrquote s go.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Hai!rdblquote said Kiyoko hurrying. She stepped outside and smiled at the make shift tennis court. Just then, a man coming from the direction of the bells appeared.linelinelinelineldblquote Eh? Ryoma,rdblquote said the man, ldblquote I didnrquote t know you were interested in girls. Why didnrquote t you ask me? I couldrquote ve given you great advice. For someone with no experience with girls, you picked a pretty good one. So, little miss, whatrquote s your name?rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Irquote m Kazumi Kiyoko!rdblquote said Kiyoko cheerfully, ldblquote Nice to meet you Nanjiroh-sama.rdblquote Echizen Nanjiroh grinned and started nudging his son.linelinelinelineldblquote I like her Ryoma,rdblquote said Nanjiroh, ldblquote You better make sure she ends up as my daughter-in-law.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Otousan,rdblquote said Ryoma in a warning voice. Kiyoko giggled.linelinelinelineldblquote Ryoma, yourquote re so much different from your dad,rdblquote said Kiyoko before stepping on the court, ldblquote Well, then, letrquote s play. Woah!rdblquote Kiyoko stumbled to the floor in surprise before she clutched at her stomach.linelinelinelineldblquote Daijobu Kiyoko?rdblquote asked Ryoma.linelinelinelineldblquote Hai hai,rdblquote said Kiyoko reassuringly, ldblquote Demo, I donrquote t think I can play. Inuirquote s juice must still be in my system. Why donrquote t you two play!rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Are you sure?rdblquote asked Ryoma, ldblquote Irquote ve played with that guy all my life. We can skip one day.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Who are you calling lquote that guyrquote ?rdblquote asked Nanjiroh leaning on Ryomarquote s head. Kiyoko smiled and nodded. She sat down to watch Ryomarquote s game. Kiyoko watched the beginnings of the game and was shocked.linelinelinelineldblquote How could I have not seen this before?rdblquote asked Kiyoko, ldblquote Ryoma and his dad look like theyrquote re playing the exact same style. Whatrquote s going on?!rdblquote She continued to watch as Ryoma played with the exact same movements as his father. ldblquote I donrquote t understand. He plays with a different extremity from school but theyrquote re still the same movements as his dad. I should talk to Captain Tezuka about this.rdblquote Kiyoko stood up and Ryoma stopped.linelinelinelineldblquote Hm?rdblquote asked Ryoma, ldblquote Are you leaving already Kiyoko?rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Hai!rdblquote said Kiyoko putting on a smile, ldblquote I forgot I had some chores to do before I got home. Ja ne!rdblquote Kiyoko ran out of Ryomarquote s house hurriedly hoping that Tezuka was still in the clubroom with Rei. She had said that they often stayed behind with Vice-Captain Oishi and Coach Ryuzaki. Kiyoko burst into the club room gasping for breath and was about to walk in when Rei and Oishi grabbed her from behind and pulled her back.linelinelinelineldblquote Shh,rdblquote said Rei to Kiyoko in a whisper, ldblquote Kiyoko, what are you doing here?rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote I wanted to ask Captain Tezuka something,rdblquote said Kiyoko sheepishly.linelinelinelineldblquote Hang on a sec,rdblquote said Rei, ldblquote Tezuka and Ryuzaki-sensei are at a meeting.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Hai,rdblquote said Kiyoko before noticing that Rei and Oishi were right outside Coach Ryuzakirquote s door. ldblquote You two are eavesdropping!rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Hush!rdblquote said Rei before leaning in closer to the door. Kiyoko, overwhelmed with curiosity leaned in too.lineline Tezuka: Ryuzaki-sensei, please allow me to play a match with Ryoma. lineline Ryuzaki: Hm? What made you want to do that Tezuka? You might still not be healed from your tennis elbow.lineline T: Ryomarquote s style is exactly like his fatherrquote s considering what you had said about Ryoma at regionals.lineline R: Go on.lineline T: I want to show him my tennis. The tennis of today is not suppose to follow the path of the tennis of the past. You are supposed to pave your own. Please Ryuzaki-sensei.lineline R: All right. But if it gets too long, you pull out immediately.lineline T: Hai.linelinelinelineldblquote He found out,rdblquote thought Kiyoko to herself, ldblquote Good. I canrquote t fight Ryoma just yet. But what does sensei mean by tennis elbow?rdblquote Kiyoko looked over at Rei and Oishi who were shocked. Rei said a quick goodbye to Oishi and left with Kiyoko. ldblquote Rei? Whatrquote s wrong?rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Tezuka,rdblquote said Rei in a sad voice, ldblquote He has tennis elbow. If itrquote s not fully healed when he goes against Ryoma and the match lasts too long, Tezuka might never be able to play tennis again.rdblquote Kiyoko looked surprised before sighing.linelinelinelineldblquote I see,rdblquote said Kiyoko, ldblquote His tennis style must be way too demanding of the body if you do it too many times.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Hai,rdblquote said Rei gravely, ldblquote I think herquote ll be challenging Ryoma tomorrow. Tezuka would want things down as quickly as possible with the tournament coming up. Letrquote s follow him tomorrow and see if we can find out when and where the match will be. Oishi should be there too.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Hai,rdblquote said Kiyoko, ldblquote Irquote m going to make sure Ryoma understands after this if he doesnrquote t already. The way Captain is choosing to teach Ryoma might have dire consequences'85Demo, Ryoma might already be going the wrong way.rdblquote Rei agreed before starting.linelinelinelineldblquote Hm? Whererquote s Yuki?rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Arigato Fuji-chan!rdblquote said Yuki when Fuji handed her a strawberry flavored ice cream cone, ldblquote Thisrquote ll definitely get that juice taste out of my mouth. Sometimes Inui tends to go to the extreme.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Demo, Inuirquote s juice is delicious,rdblquote said Fuji. The two were walking down the street. Yuki was happily licking her ice cream while Fuji watched her contentedly. Suddenly, Yuki stopped. She felt eyes on her and she turned around. She just narrowly missed seeing a flurry of skirts moving back.linelinelinelineldblquote Fuji, I think werquote re being followed,rdblquote said Yuki.linelinelinelineldblquote hm?rdblquote asked Fuji suddenly noticing something from the corner of his eye, ldblquote Itrquote s Fujioka-san from my English class.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Eh?!rdblquote exclaimed Yuki, ldblquote Do you always get followed like this? You donrquote t act surprised.rdblquotelinelinelinelineldblquote Hai!rdblquote said Fuji cheerfully, ldblquote Sometimes I catch them but I play along.rdblquote Yuki sweatdropped before stopping by her house.linelinelinelineldblquote Ja ne Fuji-chan!rdblquote said Yuki, ldblquote Irquote ll see you tomorrow!rdblquote Just as she was about to go in a voice called her.linelinelinelineldblquote Yuki!rdblquote Yuki turned and was surprised to see Keita there. He looked as if he had run from somewhere judging by his hard breathing.linelinelinelineldblquote Keita,rdblquote said Yuki in a cold voice.linelinelinelineldblquote Why are you turning down the arrangement?rdblquote asked Keita seriously. par ldblquote Canrquote t you guess?rdblquote asked Yuki. ldblquote I want to live my own life! Now I know that this arranged marriage thing will never work out.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Thatrquote s not why,rdblquote objected Keita in a sure voice.linelineldblquote How would you know?rdblquote asked Yuki grumpily.linelineldblquote Because even back in the U.S. when you heard me say I was going to cheat on you when we were married,rdblquote began Keita, ldblquote You didnrquote t care. Now, you cancelled the marriage. Face it Yuki, yourquote re in love with someone and itrquote s definitely not me.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Why do you care?rdblquote asked Yuki in a not too soft voice, ldblquote Werquote re not engaged anymore.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Did you even think that what I said in the states was a lie?rdblquote asked Keita. Yuki looked up in surprise.linelineldblquote What are you talking about?rdblquote asked Yuki. Keita looked away.linelineldblquote I was really happy about the arrangement,rdblquote said Keita, ldblquote Why do you think I gave you that necklace? Irquote m sorry about what I said Yuki. Rai, Kosuke, Reika, and Irquote ll go back as soon as we finish our business here. Good luck with whoever you like now!rdblquote Yuki looked confused as she looked after Keitarquote s back.linelineldblquote What does he mean by that?rdblquote thought Yuki to herself, ldblquote Am I in love again?rdblquotelinelineldblquote Rei,rdblquote said Kiyoko during practice, ldblquote Captain hasnrquote t asked Ryoma yet. What do you think is wrong?rdblquotelinelineldblquote I donrquote t know,rdblquote said Rei with a shrug, ldblquote Just watch Ryoma.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Hai!rdblquote said Kiyoko. Just then Momo went to Kiyoko.linelineldblquote Kiyoko-chan!rdblquote said Momo tapping his racket lightly on Kiyokorquote s head, ldblquote Werquote ve got store duty with Ryoma, Horio, Kachiro, and Mizuno today!rdblquotelinelineldblquote All right!rdblquote said Kiyoko cheerfully, ldblquote Irquote ll go get my things.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Hayaku Kiyoko,rdblquote said Momo when he and the first years were outside.linelineldblquote Coming!rdblquote said Kiyoko walking outside in khaki pants and a navy blue shirt, ldblquote Letrquote s go!rdblquote Just after the group left for store duty, Tezuka dismissed practice.linelineldblquote Yay!rdblquote cheered Yuki, ldblquote Werquote re off early. What do you want to do Eiji-chan? Fuji-chan?rdblquotelinelineldblquote Hm,rdblquote said Eiji thinking before Yukirquote s stomach rumbled loudly.linelineldblquote I can treat us to some food,rdblquote offered Fuji cheerfully.linelineldblquote Cool! Come on everyone,rdblquote said Yuki pulling on Eijirquote s and Fujirquote s hands.linelineldblquote Hm? Tezuka, are you and Oishi leaving early too?rdblquote asked Rei.linelineldblquote Tezuka and I are going to the hospital today,rdblquote informed Oishi.linelineldblquote Could I come?rdblquote asked Rei standing up from where she had been doing paperwork. Oishi was about to object when Tezuka stopped him.linelineldblquote If you want,rdblquote said Tezuka coolly. Rei smiled before following the two boys outside.linelineldblquote Shopping, shopping, werquote re going shopping,rdblquote chanted Kiyoko happily in a singsong voice as she skipped along next to Ryoma trying to get him to join in. It wasnrquote t working.linelineldblquote Momo-chan-senpai,rdblquote said Horio looking up at Momo, ldblquote Did you volunteer to come do store duty with us? You could have left practice early. All the regulars must be tired by now.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Iie,rdblquote said Momo, ldblquote It is a senpairquote s duty to help his juniors whenever possible.rdblquote Just then a shout was heard.linelineldblquote Thief!rdblquote cried a lady pointing at a man rollerblading away with a purse in his hand.linelineldblquote Hold this for me Kiyoko,rdblquote said Momo giving Kiyoko his racket and bags before running to the thief.linelineldblquote Momo-chan-senpai!rdblquote cried Horio in chibi near tears as he looked admiringly at Momo. Kiyoko rolled her eyes as Momo ran after the thief.linelineldblquote Momo Lariat!rdblquote he shouted lunging for the man. The thief ducked in surprise but kept on.linelineldblquote You guys do the shopping!rdblquote said Momo behind his back before taking someonerquote s bike to race after the thief.linelineldblquote Hey! Bicycle thief!rdblquote exclaimed the boy Momo took the bike from in shock before getting furious. Upon closer inspection on the boy and the other next to him, it was...linelineldblquote Kamio Akira and Ibu Shinji!rdblquote exclaimed Kiyoko in surprise nearly dropping Momorquote s things.linelineldblquote Why you!rdblquote said Kamio angrily to Momorquote s back, ldblquote Get back here thief! You shouldrquote ve picked someone else to steal from! Irquote m in the rhythm.rdblquote Kamio chased after Momo and his bicycle leaving Shinji behind.linelineldblquote Konnichi wa Shinji-san,rdblquote said Kiyoko cheerfully, ldblquote Where were you and Kamio-san going?rdblquotelinelineldblquote Store,rdblquote muttered Shinji.linelineldblquote Great!rdblquote said Kiyoko, ldblquote Werquote re going the same way. Letrquote s go together.rdblquote When Shinji and the others had gotten there, Horio, Kachiro, and Mizuno stood in front of Kiyoko with scared looks on their faces. ldblquote Hm? Whatrquote s wrong with you guys?rdblquotelinelineldblquote Kiyoko!rdblquote said Mizuno, ldblquote Donrquote t you remember? Shinji-san and Echizen went against each other at the district preliminaries! Shinji ruined Ryomarquote s eye and Ryoma beat Shinji-san to win first place!rdblquotelinelineldblquote But they seem to be getting along,rdblquote pointed out Kiyoko as she looked over at Shinji and Ryoma who were busily shopping for their own supplies.linelineldblquote Arigato Fuji-chan,rdblquote said Yuki while merrily patting her full stomach.linelineldblquote Hehe,rdblquote snickered Eiji, ldblquote Yuki-chan will get fat on sweets!rdblquotelinelineldblquote Eiji!rdblquote cried Yuki kicking the boy in the shins.linelineldblquote Itai!rdblquote cried Eiji in surprise while cradling his leg.linelineldblquote Nye!rdblquote said Yuki teasingly holding her tongue out and pulling down an eye.linelineldblquote Sometimes Eiji is very baka,rdblquote said Fuji laughing softly.linelineldblquote Hai!rdblquote said Yuki nodding her head vigorously. Eiji was now in chibi crouching in the background moping.linelineldblquote Gomen Eiji,rdblquote said Yuki cheerfully patting the boy on the back, ldblquote I was just kidding.rdblquote Eiji now looked considerably happier.linelineldblquote Thererquote s no way you can beat me!rdblquote said a very loud voice, ldblquote Irquote m Seigakurquote s #1 reflex movement player.rdblquote a boy on a bicycle and another running right next to him soon jetted down the sidewalk. It seemed the thief had been forgotten and the chase between Momo and Kamio suddenly turned into a race with no apparent sign of finishing.linelineldblquote Wasnrquote t that Momo-chan?rdblquote asked Yuki looking adter the figure. Next to her, Eiji had the anger mark on his face and was fuming in chibi form with snorts of air going out of his nose.linelineldblquote That Momo,rdblquote said Eiji, ldblquote Irquote m supposed to be Seigakurquote s #1 reflex movement player!rdblquote Yuki patted Eiji comfortingly on the back before suddenly remembering something.linelineldblquote Fuji-chan? Eiji-chan? Can we please go to the sports store?rdblquote asked Yuki in a pleading voice, ldblquote I wanted to buy something to help me practice. It just came out with the latest model and I want to be the first to get it.rdblquote She gave Fuji and Eiji a puppy dog face and they were fully won over.linelineldblquote Sure!rdblquote said Eiji happily. The three headed for the sports store and were suddenly bombarded by Mizuno, Kachiro, and Horio.linelineldblquote Fuji-senpai! Eiji-senpai!rdblquote cried Horio with his ever so loud voice in relief as he said, ldblquote Help! Echizen and Shinji from Fudomine are about to get into a fight over medicine tape!rdblquotelinelineldblquote Theyrquote re only talking,rdblquote said Kiyoko sweat dropping at how much the boys exaggerated. Ryoma and Shinji were making small talk but finally came into a snag when they both reached for tape at the same time. It was the only one left and none of the boys were willing to give it up.linelineldblquote Kiyoko-chan!rdblquote said Yuki happily and clinging to the girl.linelineldblquote Yuki,rdblquote said Kiyoko in a teasing voice, ldblquote Why were you with Eiji and Fuji-senpai?rdblquotelinelineldblquote Eep!rdblquote cried Yuki hiding behind Fuji from Kiyokorquote s persistence in having her question answered. The first years sweatdropped at Fujirquote s ever so happy face and turned to Eiji hoping for help. They were surprised to see Eijirquote s excited face. There were stars in his eyes as he started jumping up and down in glee.linelineldblquote Yes!rdblquote said Eiji all riled up as he cheered for Ryoma saying, ldblquote Go Ochibi-chan! This is a battle between Seigaku and Fudomine! Go Seigaku!rdblquotelinelineldblquote Baka,rdblquote said Yuki sweatdropping. Yuki and Fuji walked outside for air while Seigaku went to the register to buy the medicine tape they were fighting over. Just then a man rollerblading Yukirquote s way with a purse and a woman shouting ldblquote Thief!rdblquote behind him appeared.linelineldblquote Out of the way!rdblquote shouted the man. Yuki had no time to move and gasped before the man was merely a foot away. Fuji acted quickly and pulled Yuki to him. Yuki raised her eyes in surprise at the tworquote s close proximity and unconsciously snuggled closer to Fujirquote s arms.linelineldblquote Daijobu?rdblquote asked Fuji in Yukirquote s ear. Yuki pulled away immediately and nodded while blushing. Now Kiyoko waked out shaking her head in disapproval while Ryoma and Shinji followed behind her with a bag between the two boys.linelineldblquote Hm?rdblquote asked Yuki diverting her attention from Kiyokorquote s unamused face to Ryoma and Shinji and said, ldblquote Havenrquote t you guys settled this yet?rdblquotelinelineldblquote Not yet,rdblquote said Eiji in a pleased voice, ldblquote But Ochibi-chan will win for sure!rdblquotelinelineldblquote You know, this doesnrquote t bug me but itrquote s starting to!rdblquote shouted Kiyoko turning from happy in the beginning to mad in the end. Mizuno, Horio, and Kachiro had given up on Eiji and Fuji and were now turning back to Kiyoko again. She also wanted to get home and Ryoma and Shinji were holding her up. ldblquote There better be a decision right now or peoplerquote ll be seeing some blood.rdblquote There was now a fire surrounding Kiyoko.linelineldblquote Kiyoko-chan!rdblquote said Yuki in chibi as she cowered. Kiyokorquote s anger was directed at her since Ryoma had used Yuki as a shield. Now they were all heading for the bridge.linelineldblquote We still donrquote t know who gets the tape,rdblquote whined Kachiro.linelineldblquote Hm,rdblquote said Eiji determined to get Seigaku the win before the rollerblading thief everyone had seen all throughout the day. It seemed he was trying yet again.linelineldblquote All right!rdblquote said Eiji, ldblquote Whoever stops the thief wins the medicine tape.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Deal,rdblquote said Ryoma and Shinji.linelineldblquote Eiji!rdblquote whined Yuki suddenly next to the excited Eiji, ldblquote I wanted to hurt the thief.rdblquote Her words went to unheard ears as Ryoma and Shinji served.linelineldblquote Huh?rdblquote asked the purse thief before a ball launched into his face and knocked him out. The purse went flying. linelineldblquote Mada Mada Dane,rdblquote said Ryoma. Kiyoko sweatdropped and just took the medicine tape from the triumphant Ryomarquote s hands.linelineldblquote Baka,rdblquote muttered Kiyoko. Just then Momo and Kamio walked in. Eiji noticed Momo.linelineldblquote Momo!rdblquote cried Eiji pointing his finger accusingly at the younger boy, ldblquote Who did you say was the best reflex movement player in Seigaku?!rdblquotelinelineldblquote Eh?! Did I say that?rdblquote asked Momo feigning innocence as Eji started chasing him around. Suddenly Kaidoh appeared looking like a total mess. It seemed the all the times the thief failed in stealing a purse, Kaidoh had been there taking his place getting caught by the police when the purses landed on him.linelineldblquote Oh? Kaidoh, did you do some extensive training again?rdblquote asked Fuji. Kaidoh looked around and saw the thief who had been knocked out by Ryomarquote s serve.linelineldblquote You!rdblquote said Kaidoh in a growl to the thief who was now stirring into consciousness.linelineldblquote Eep,rdblquote said Kiyoko trying to stop him along with the other first years.linelineldblquote Irquote ll kill you,rdblquote said Kaidoh marching to the thief with a snarl.linelineldblquote Hey!rdblquote cried Kiyoko as she and the other first ears tried to stop Kaidoh to no avail.linelineldblquote Irquote ll kill you,rdblquote said Kaidoh.linelineldblquote Ahh!rdblquote cried the thief running past Yuki who was pushed to the ground along the way. Fuji put his foot out tripping the thief as he went past him when he had seen what the thief had done. There was an intense look in his eyes before he smiled and helped Yuki up.linelineldblquote Fuji-chan,rdblquote said Yuki surprised before smiling as she said ldblquote Hairdblquote when Fuji asked if she was all right.linelineldblquote Ryoma!rdblquote called Kiyoko while still pulling Kaidoh back by the shirt, ldblquote Get over here and help me out!rdblquote Ryoma, who had been listening to Shinjirquote s mutterings, happily complied.linelineldblquote Irquote ll see you some other time Momo,rdblquote said Kamio pedaling off with Shinji after he had watched the cat and mouse game between Momo and Eiji for awhile.linelineldblquote This is way too crazy,rdblquote said Kiyoko giving up as she let Kaidoh go.linelineldblquote Well your arm looks fine now Tezuka,rdblquote said the doctor, ldblquote Try not to overstrain it for a month and your tennis elbow should be gone by then.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Arigato,rdblquote said Tezuka to Oishirquote s uncle.linelineldblquote So,rdblquote said Rei, ldblquote The reason ou couldnrquote t play against Ryoma today was so that you could see if your arm was healed.rdblquotelinelineldblquote I thought I heard someone outside,rdblquote said Tezuka.linelineldblquote Gomen,rdblquote said Rei. Tezuka stood up and walked outside.linelineldblquote Iie,rdblquote said Tezuka shaking his head, ldblquote I donrquote t mind if you know.rdblquote Rei blushed before catching up to Tezuka. par ldblquote Ryoma,rdblquote said Tezuka to the boy the day after he had gone to the hospital, ldblquote Do you know the new tennis court at Shinsengaki Park?rdblquote Tezuka had approached Ryoma after practice and pulled him aside while everyone else went to the club room.linelineldblquote Hai,rdblquote said Ryoma confused at where the conversation was leading.linelineldblquote Go there after school tomorrow,rdblquote said Tezuka, ldblquote Werquote ll play a match.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Hm?rdblquote asked Kiyoko aloud checking her watch, ldblquote Ryomarquote s late. He said herquote d treat me to dinner.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Kiyokorquote s got a date,rdblquote teased Rei and Yuki.linelineldblquote Do not!rdblquote denied Kiyoko though her cheeks were red. Just then Rei and Yuki had their backs turned from Kiyoko and were visibly moping.linelineldblquote Kiyokorquote s way ahead of us in the love department,rdblquote said Yuki making a big sigh and sounding sulky.linelineldblquote Irquote m pretty sure sherquote s already kissed him,rdblquote confided Rei.linelineldblquote Eh?rdblquote asked Yuki surprised while her eyes grew big, ldblquote Fuji and I havenrquote t even done that.rdblquote Yuki and Rei were surprised at what Yuki had just said. ldblquote Why did I say Fuji?rdblquote thought Yuki to herself pensively. Rei gave her a teasing look.linelineldblquote So you like Fuji?rdblquote asked Rei though it didnrquote t sound as if it was a question as she smiled at Yuki wickedly, ldblquote Are you two going out?rdblquotelinelineldblquote NO!rdblquote shouted Yuki trying to deny everything. Rei just laughed as she was inwardly happy that she now had black mail on her.linelineldblquote There you are Ryoma,rdblquote said Kiyoko spotting the boy and happily bounding up to him. Ryoma turned to Kiyoko having had looked very thoughtful before regaining his usual cool expression.linelineldblquote Where do you want to go?rdblquote asked Ryoma. Kiyoko put her finger up in thought before grinning.linelineldblquote How about we go to Taka-senpairquote s sushi restaurant,rdblquote suggested Kiyoko eagerly.linelineldblquote All right,rdblquote said Ryoma not minding when Kiyoko held his arm.linelineldblquote Fuji-chan,rdblquote said Yuki running to catch up to the boy who was already on his way out, ldblquote Eiji-chan wa?rdblquotelinelineldblquote I was just about to see him,rdblquote said Fuji, ldblquote Want to come? Werquote re meeting at Takashirquote s restaurant.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Yay!rdblquote cheered Yuki grabbing Fujirquote s hand and running to the store, ldblquote Letrquote s hurry before someone eats all the sushi!rdblquotelinelineldblquote Tezuka,rdblquote said Rei walking to him after he had finished talking to Ryoma, ldblquote Letrquote s grab a bite.rdblquotelinelineldblquote I still have some work to do,rdblquote said Tezuka flatly though he was slightly apologetic.linelineldblquote Onegai?rdblquote asked Rei looking directly into the serious boyrquote s eyes as she stood in his way standing in front of the clubhouse door, ldblquote For me? You know you need energy for the match tomorrow.rdblquotelinelineldblquote All right,rdblquote relented Tezuka. The two walked inside the store and found all the regulars there except for Momo and Kaidoh.linelineldblquote Looks like we all had the same idea,rdblquote said Yuki as Rei and Tezuka stood at the front.linelineldblquote Letrquote s all sit together!rdblquote suggested Kiyoko excitedly. Everyone gave her a blank stare.linelineldblquote Kiyoko, donrquote t you want to be with Ryoma?rdblquote asked Rei after the awkward silence.linelineldblquote We donrquote t have to be together every time we meet up,rdblquote pointed out Yuki before going with Fuji to the farthest table. Eiji had called and said he would be a little late.linelineldblquote Crquote mon Tezuka,rdblquote said Rei pulling on his jacket, ldblquote Letrquote s go to the bar.rdblquote Kiyoko looked heartbroken and was in chibi with two rivers flowing down her cheeks.linelineldblquote Ryoma! Donrquote t you want to eat with the others?rdblquote asked Kiyoko to the boy. By the look on Ryomarquote s face Kiyoko sweatdropped. ldblquote Party poopers,rdblquote muttered the girl before the two took a seat by the window and Takashi had given them their order.linelineldblquote Tell the old woman tomorrow that I wonrquote t be at practice,rdblquote said Ryoma when Takashi had left.linelineldblquote Hm? Why?rdblquote asked Kiyoko a roll of sushi midway between her plate and her mouth. She already knew the answer but didnrquote t want him to know that she had been spying.linelineldblquote Irquote m visiting my grandmother in the hospital,rdblquote said Ryoma with a straight face sounding as if it had been perfectly rehearsed, ldblquote Sherquote s on her death bed.rdblquote Kiyoko sweatdropped having heard his excuse.linelineldblquote You are not,rdblquote said Kiyoko pointing an accusing finger at him, ldblquote Yourquote re going to play a match with the captain.rdblquote Ryoma gave Kiyoko a disapproving look.linelineldblquote Were you stalking me?rdblquote asked Ryoma with a sly grin on his face. By then they had finished dinner and Kiyoko had decided that it was her turn to escort Ryoma to his house.linelineldblquote No!rdblquote denied Kiyoko in a nervous voice that no one would have believed.linelineldblquote Whatever you say,rdblquote said Ryoma in a disbelieving tone before raising his hands up in a lquote what can you dorquote gesture.linelineldblquote Anyway,rdblquote said Kiyoko tactfully changing the subject, ldblquote I canrquote t tell Ryuzaki-sensei since Irquote m coming with you.rdblquotelinelineldblquote No way,rdblquote said Ryoma firmly.linelineldblquote Why not?rdblquotelinelineldblquote Because I said so,rdblquote said Ryoma before going inside his house, ldblquote And thatrquote s the end of it.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Hmph,rdblquote pouted Kiyoko, ldblquote Werquote ll see about that.rdblquotelinelineldblquote This is so not fair!rdblquote shouted Rei at the top of her lungs in the girlsrquote house while kicking a chair in frustration, ldblquote I canrquote t believe Tezuka wonrquote t let me come with him.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Rei!rdblquote whine Yuki, ldblquote Yourquote re breaking the furniture!rdblquote The two were home and Kiyoko had just barged in kicking away the chair that Rei had kicked before.linelineldblquote This is so not fair!rdblquote said Kiyoko, ldblquote I canrquote t believe Ryoma wonrquote t let me come with him.rdblquote Yuki sweatdropped before shaking her head and then suddenly looking like a chibi nurse and taking care of the chair that Rei and Kiyoko had taken their anger out on.linelineldblquote I really think you guys should stop hurting the furniture,rdblquote said Yuki, ldblquote And why donrquote t you guys just trail them? They wonrquote t know if you do that.rdblquote At that Reirquote s and Kiyokorquote s eyes glinted.linelineldblquote Thatrquote s a great idea!rdblquote said Rei regaining a determined look on her face.linelineldblquote What?! You actually thought I was serious?rdblquote asked Yuki in surprise. Kiyoko and Rei were not listening and were cheering at their new plan.linelineldblquote Irquote m impressed Yuki,rdblquote said Rei, ldblquote I guess inside that empty head of yours there actually is a brain.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Hey!rdblquote shouted Yuki before running after the girl in anger. But then Kiyoko stopped and looked thoughtful.linelineldblquote But then whorquote s going to tell sensei why werquote re not at practice?rdblquote asked Kiyoko. Rei stopped and thought with Kiyoko before turning their heads in unison to Yuki with identical demonic smiles on their faces and bright eyes.linelineldblquote Eep!rdblquote cried Yuki.linelineldblquote Nani?! What do you mean Kiyoko and Rei are out sick?rdblquote asked Momo when Yuki had spoken to the Seigaku regular members.linelineldblquote And what about why Ochibi-chan has to visit a grandmother in the hospital!rdblquote said Eiji. All the regulars crowded around Yuki who was unsure by all the people around her.linelineldblquote Ah!rdblquote shouted Yuki when the regulars reached for her trying to tickle the answers out of her.linelineldblquote Regulars! Stop!,rdblquote said Coach Ryuzaki who had just come in, ldblquote just because Tezuka and Oishi and some other regulars are absent is no excuse for all of you to start playing. Back to practice.rdblquote Yuki heaved a sigh of relief before joining the other regulars for practice.linelineldblquote There they are Kiyoko,rdblquote said Rei grabbing the girl and pulling her back so that no one would see her. Kiyoko looked to where Rei was pointing. Ryoma was stretching on the court while Tezuka was in the process of taking his jacket off.linelineldblquote This is the first time Irquote ve ever seen Captain play,rdblquote said Kiyoko, ldblquote Irquote m sure thisrquote ll be interesting.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Shh,rdblquote said Rei, ldblquote Theyrquote re starting.rdblquote Ryoma and Tezuka stood in front of each other talking.linelineldblquote I canrquote t hear,rdblquote whine Kiyoko straining her ears to try and catch parts of the conversation. Soon it ended and the game began. It started normally enough but soon Tezukarquote s real colors began to show. He started speeding up his counters while Ryoma kept getting pushed further and further back. Rei and Kiyoko watched in fascination.linelineldblquote Such a high level,rdblquote said Rei, ldblquote Werquote d certainly have a hard time going up against Tezuka.rdblquotelinelineldblquote His power,rdblquote said Kiyoko, ldblquote itrquote s too much. Rei I donrquote t know whorquote d win if I ever went against him. Ah! Ryoma.rdblquote Ryoma had just fallen trying to return one of Tezukarquote s attacks. It seemed they had agreed on one game. Tezuka was leading 30-love.linelineldblquote This is the last one,rdblquote said Rei. Ryoma stayed where he was for awhile before getting a determined look on his face. He still wanted to win. Ryoma returned the ball one after another. He had a look on his face that she had seen only once. Ryoma had changed from the calm and collected person he usually was in a game and acted like he was playing his father. His steps were unsure and hesitant as if he didnrquote t know he could win against the person.linelineldblquote Ryoma,rdblquote said Kiyoko wanting to help him but knowing that she couldnrquote t.linelineldblquote Kiyoko,rdblquote said Rei breaking her reverie, ldblquote Do you notice something about Tezukarquote s moves? It feels as if herquote s getting ready for something.rdblquote Kiyoko looked to the older boy whorquote s face had not changed throughout all of the game. Now it was like there was a light in him. One that pulled you in and couldnrquote t get out of. Kiyokorquote s eyes widened as she looked at Tezukarquote s feet. He had not moved from his position throughout the game. Rei looked worried now.linelineldblquote Tezuka, donrquote t forget to take it ease,rdblquote said Rei quietly to no one. Now it felt like the end was coming. Tezuka attacked and used his drop shot. Ryoma tried to reach for it but was too late. He fell on the court his eyes lowered. Now the girls could hear what Tezuka was saying for he was now using the loud voice he usually used when talking to the tennis club. Only one phrase stood out.linelineldblquote Echizen! I want you to be the pillar of Seigaku, I want you to be its most important player.rdblquote Kiyoko looked at Ryoma who was looking up at Tezuka. He was silent. Rei stood and then pulled Kiyoko getting ready to leave.linelineldblquote Crquote mon Kiyoko,rdblquote said Rei pulling on the girl who made no move to resist, ldblquote I have a feeling that we shouldnrquote t be interfering.linelineldblquote Hai,rdblquote said Kiyoko quietly before joining her to go to the subway. The two were silent thinking the same things. About Tezukarquote s amazing power and the look on Ryomarquote s face. par ldblquote Nani?!rdblquote exclaimed Eiji in surprise when Ryuzaki had told the members the news, ldblquote Ochibi-chan and Tezuka are absent again?rdblquotelinelineldblquote Maybe Ryoma is still with his grandmother,rdblquote suggested Yuki cheerfully having forgotten that it was a lie.linelineldblquote Baka,rdblquote 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 didnrquote t affect him that much.linelineldblquote Kiyoko,rdblquote said Yuki putting a comforting arm around her, ldblquote I know yourquote re worried about Ryoma but letrquote s just get through practice today. We can visit him afterwards.rdblquote 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 girlsrquote gym uniform and had a racket by her side.linelineldblquote I want to join,rdblquote said Rei walking to Oishi. Oishi looked at Reirquote s determined face and couldnrquote t refuse. Rei walked to the girls.linelineldblquote Itrquote s about time you decided to join the practice,rdblquote said Kiyoko.linelineldblquote Yeah,rdblquote said Yuki, ldblquote I was wondering if you were getting used to the desk job.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Well I was never up for practicing until now,rdblquote said Rei coolly, ldblquote Irquote m going to have to work hard to catch up to the team.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Letrquote s practice then,rdblquote said Yuki cheerfully, ldblquote Kiyoko and I will pair up and go against you and Eiji-chan.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Nani? Nani?rdblquote asked Eiji hearing his name and wondering what was going on.linelineldblquote Eiji-chan,rdblquote said Yuki walking to him, ldblquote Will you play with Rei and go against me and Kiyoko?rdblquotelinelineldblquote No way,rdblquote said Rei, ldblquote If you two pair up then anyone who goes against you will lose.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Thatrquote s because Yuki and I work well with each other,rdblquote said Kiyoko grinning as the two clapped hands jumping up and down knowing full well that they were invincible if they paired up.linelineldblquote I wonrquote t play with you if you guys pair up,rdblquote said Rei, ldblquote You know Irquote m more for singles.rdblquote Kiyoko and Yuki gave a whine before sighing and relenting.linelineldblquote All right,rdblquote said Yuki, ldblquote Then Irquote ll be with Eiji-chan.rdblquote Eiji and Yuki grinned at each other.linelineldblquote Oi! Oi!rdblquote said Eiji, ldblquote Letrquote s start.rdblquotepar ldblquote Nani?!rdblquote exclaimed Eiji in surprise when Ryuzaki had told the members the news, ldblquote Ochibi-chan and Tezuka are absent again?rdblquotelinelineldblquote Maybe Ryoma is still with his grandmother,rdblquote suggested Yuki cheerfully having forgotten that it was a lie.linelineldblquote Baka,rdblquote 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 didnrquote t affect him that much.linelineldblquote Kiyoko,rdblquote said Yuki putting a comforting arm around her, ldblquote I know yourquote re worried about Ryoma but letrquote s just get through practice today. We can visit him afterwards.rdblquote 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 girlsrquote gym uniform and had a racket by her side.linelineldblquote I want to join,rdblquote said Rei walking to Oishi. Oishi looked at Reirquote s determined face and couldnrquote t refuse. Rei walked to the girls.linelineldblquote Itrquote s about time you decided to join the practice,rdblquote said Kiyoko.linelineldblquote Yeah,rdblquote said Yuki, ldblquote I was wondering if you were getting used to the desk job.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Well I was never up for practicing until now,rdblquote said Rei coolly, ldblquote Irquote m going to have to work hard to catch up to the team.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Letrquote s practice then,rdblquote said Yuki cheerfully, ldblquote Kiyoko and I will pair up and go against you and Eiji-chan.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Nani? Nani?rdblquote asked Eiji hearing his name and wondering what was going on.linelineldblquote Eiji-chan,rdblquote said Yuki walking to him, ldblquote Will you play with Rei and go against me and Kiyoko?rdblquotelinelineldblquote No way,rdblquote said Rei, ldblquote If you two pair up then anyone who goes against you will lose.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Thatrquote s because Yuki and I work well with each other,rdblquote said Kiyoko grinning as the two clapped hands jumping up and down knowing full well that they were invincible if they paired up.linelineldblquote I wonrquote t play with you if you guys pair up,rdblquote said Rei, ldblquote You know Irquote m more for singles.rdblquote Kiyoko and Yuki gave a whine before sighing and relenting.linelineldblquote All right,rdblquote said Yuki, ldblquote Then Irquote ll be with Eiji-chan.rdblquote Eiji and Yuki grinned at each other.linelineldblquote Oi! Oi!rdblquote said Eiji, ldblquote Letrquote s start!rdblquotelinelineldblquote I hope you know I wonrquote t go easy on you Yuki,rdblquote said Kiyoko grinning at the girl on the other side. Yuki smiled back.linelineldblquote I wouldnrquote t have it any other way,rdblquote said Yuki as Rei went to serve. She held the ball up and made it arch as she threw it up high and then served it over to the other side. Yuki was caught by surprise but Eiji was on it immediately. He served it to the other court but his racket made nothing but air. Eiji looked surprised as the ball had gone up and twirled before landing to the floor without bouncing back.linelineldblquote Hey Yuki!rdblquote said Eiji to the girl, ldblquote What was that?rdblquotelinelineldblquote It was the Demon Serve,rdblquote said Yuki slightly surprised before calling out to Rei, ldblquote I didnrquote t think you were serious Rei!rdblquote Rei shrugged but Kiyoko could sense something going on. She walked to Rei.linelineldblquote What are you trying to do?rdblquote asked Kiyoko. Rei gave her a determined look.linelineldblquote The Kanto tournaments is coming up,rdblquote said Rei, ldblquote You two have been slacking off while the other regulars have been pushing themselves into exhaustion wanting to get better. Even Ryoma. Eventually he will surpass you and when he does, thererquote s no telling whether herquote ll look back.rdblquote Kiyoko looked surprised.linelineldblquote Sherquote s testing us,rdblquote thought Kiyoko to herself.linelineldblquote Donrquote t worry Rei,rdblquote said Kiyoko, ldblquote Irquote ll prove you wrong. And so will Yuki.rdblquotelinelineldblquote I hope so,rdblquote said Rei truthfully hoping she did, ldblquote I just canrquote t help thinking that your love lives are getting in the way of everything. Love and Tennis do not mix, Kiyoko, remember that.rdblquote Kiyoko raised an eyebrow. There was more to that comment than met the eye.linelineldblquote Rei!rdblquote said Yuki on the other side, ldblquote Irquote m going to get serious too.rdblquote She smiled before taking off the weights on her wrists and ankles. She moved them up and down before looking satisfied. She turned to Eiji. ldblquote Eiji, take off your weights too,rdblquote ordered Yuki.linelineldblquote Huh? Why?rdblquote asked Eiji confused though he complied. Yuki walked closer to him so that no one would hear.linelineldblquote Reirquote s planning something and Irquote m sure she wants me to play my best,rdblquote said Yuki, ldblquote You donrquote t want me to let her down do you?rdblquotelinelineldblquote Hai,rdblquote said Eiji cheerfully before twirling his racket around his wrists. The two now smiled at Kiyoko and Rei who looked determined now. Rei went to serve again. This time Yuki was ready as she jumped and smashed it to the other end of the court. Kiyoko returned the ball with ease and Eiji put his acrobatics to work. Now Rei went to the net and returned the ball to the far side of the court. Yuki lunged for the ball and lobbed it to the other side but it was out.linelineldblquote Yuki, I thought you were being serious,rdblquote said Rei to the girl. She looked at the girl hoping that Yuki would prove her wrong. She didnrquote t want Kiyoko and Yuki to suffer emotionally just out of worry for the ones they love. They had to be clear minded for the tournament. Yuki punched the ground in anger. How could she miss? She slowly stood up and brushed the dirt from her clothes as she lost her carefree face. She was now serious. Eiji was getting excited. Reirquote s style was something new to her. The ball curved in an unexpected way. Meanwhile, all the tennis players had gathered to watch since the Captain was not there and there was nothing else going on.linelineldblquote Hey Fuji,rdblquote said Momo to the boy, ldblquote Who do you think will win?rdblquotelinelineldblquote I donrquote t know,rdblquote said Fuji truthfully. Rei made serve after serve until they had won the first three sets.linelineldblquote Yuki! Whatrquote s wrong with you?rdblquote asked Eiji worriedly.linelineldblquote Kiyoko,rdblquote said Rei, ldblquote Switch with Yuki. I want to see how you do.rdblquote Kiyoko nodded and ran to Yuki asking her to switch. At first Yuki was defiant having wanted to go through the game until the end but she nodded at last. Now it was Kiyoko and Eiji against Rei and Yuki. Kiyoko served first and sent out an extremely fast Ace Serve that even gave Rei trouble returning. In the end Yuki and Kiyoko had lost. They dropped their rackets in surprise. Rei had beaten them. This didnrquote t usually happen. The girls were usually on the same level but now it seemed Rei had either gone up or Yuki and Kiyoko had gone down. Yuki picked up her racket and her bags saying nothing as she walked away.linelineldblquote Yuki?rdblquote asked Fuji to the girl who said nothing as she walked past.linelineldblquote Yuki!rdblquote called Eiji from the court.linelineldblquote Leave her alone,rdblquote said Kiyoko with a sigh, ldblquote She needs to work out her feelings. Knowing her, sherquote ll probably be gone for awhile.rdblquotelinelineldblquote Gone?!rdblquote said Oishi alarmed, ldblquote But what about the Kanto games?rdblquotelinelineldblquote Sherquote ll be back by then,rdblquote said Rei shrugging. Kiyoko left the group. She had wanted to go to Ryoma before but she pulled Rei aside beforehand.linelineldblquote Thererquote s something else going on right?rdblquote asked Kiyoko, ldblquote Yourquote re not only doing this for us, you have personal reasons.rdblquote Rei nodded and leaned back.linelineldblquote Do you remember when the boys came from the U.S.?rdblquote asked Rei.linelineldblquote What about it?rdblquote asked Kiyoko.linelineldblquote Kosuke told me that I donrquote t have the capability to love,rdblquote said Rei looking at the ground, ldblquote I just wanted to see if he was right.rdblquotelinelineldblquote And how were you going to do that?rdblquote asked Kiyoko amusedly.linelineldblquote Well, it seemed like you and Yuki were having love problems like me so I wondered if you could overcome your trials, then I could too,rdblquote said Rei.linelineldblquote Let me get this straight,rdblquote said Kiyoko, ldblquote You were going to use me and Yuki like lab rats and see if there were instances when we could overcome love?rdblquotelinelineldblquote Yeah,rdblquote said Rei. Kiyoko sweatdropped before laughing lightly.linelineldblquote Rei,rdblquote began Kiyoko, ldblquote Each and every love you or anyone will ever have is unique in its own way. Yourquote re the only person that can find out whatrquote s the best for you. You love Tezuka right?rdblquotelinelineldblquote Truthfully,rdblquote began Rei, ldblquote I donrquote t know. My feelings are so jumbled up. But ever since Mom died, Irquote ve been afraid of opening my feelings to people other than you and Yuki. Tezuka, it feels like he is turning my world upside down and I donrquote t know what to think of him anymore.rdblquotelinelineldblquote I canrquote t decide for you, Rei,rdblquote said Kiyoko, ldblquote Yourquote ll have to do it yourself.rdblquote With that Kiyoko walked off to Ryomarquote s house. She had been worrying constantly about him. The way he looked when he was beaten broke Kiyokorquote s heart. As she approached the temple, she heard sounds of people playing tennis. She hid herself behind the trees as she watched Ryoma and his father playing together. Kiyoko watched him play. It was like he was a whole new person. Kiyoko smiled happily. It seemed Tezukarquote s winning over him did not ruin him, instead, he seemed to be like a bird who was just learning to fly. He was on his way to finding his own tennis style.linepar