Puddle

The rain was something I knew I'd never come to terms with, lest like.

I had no reason behind that, even if it seemed that a huge number of the population had reasons why they hated the said event. A lot would say they hate the rain primarily because they'd get wet, or most of the time the rain causes some plans to be cancelled. It was one of the major vexing events God ever created, and it continues to be my most hated natural calamity.

… But that was years ago, before I encountered a certain silver – Syusuke insisted that it was silver, not bleached – haired lad whose name was Saeki Kojiroh.

I was mildly amused when I met him, as I haven't had a formidable opponent since I last played a match against Syusuke. The said tensai introduced him to me on his birthday Naturally, ore-sama would be invited.. It came only once in four years, so I really had to cancel all my previous commitments and come. I was much dismayed at first, considering the fact that he was all silent, but when I opened the topic 'tennis', he began to talk.

An? Ignore ore-sama? That's totally unforgivable.

But since he was a great tennis player, I let that incident pass.

And of course I knew that would make him talk. Ore-sama knows everything.

And so we decided to play in the street courts after the party – with the birthday boy, of course.

I enjoyed the game, really. It had been some time since I last played with someone actually challenging. Although I knew very well it was a complete loss on Kojiroh's part – he's playing with ore-sama; it was only natural to lose – I played still.

I was about to release the ball to keep my service game and win the match when I felt cold droplets of water on my face.

It was raining.

Shit.

I remembered scowling then as I gripped my racket tight and hung my head low. I then felt something gently land on my shoulder.

"Some other time, perhaps?"

Somehow, I could just nod. And smile.

There was a sudden surge of feelings. Nice ones.

For the first time in my entire years of existence, I felt warm, that everything would be alright. That we'd be able to play again.

For the first time in my life, I felt that I actually had a home.

It was raining. Again.

"Don't mind the rain! Continue with the game!"

In fact, Kojiroh needn't say that.

I prepared to serve and smiled.

It wasn't the safest road, neither was it the most gallant. I was sure of one thing, though.

I released the ball and hit it.

Service ace.

A soft smile escaped my lips.

I liked it, and I found the road home in Kojiroh's arms.

.owari.

473 words 10:44p 20 May 2005