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Sorry, everyone, I forget to explain Tezuka's presence in Hikari and Ryoma's match. Just jump down if you already read it. I also included some of translation for some Japanese words beside it.
FD: Hey! I updated again! I'm so happy people likes my character, Kumara Hikari. So far the story is going Hikari/Ryoma but that might change.
Kristie: I'm sorry that you don't like Hikari, but she is my character and I like her. So the story shall continue the way it is.
Crazy Izumi: I have mixed feelings. I don't dislike her but I'm not overly enthusiastic about her either.
Thank you all so much for your review.
Disclaimer: I don't own prince of tennis; I do own Kumara Hikari though.
………
Chapter 3
Echizen Ryoma slides lazily into his chair. The class hasn't even begun and his eyelids are already battling viciously to stay open. Echizen stifled a yawn, earning sidelong glances and giggles from his fellow female classmates. He ignored them; choosing instead to focus his attention on the most pressing task, stay awake. English class had always been such a bore since he knew even more than the teacher.
"Everyone, we have a new student toady. Please welcome Kumara Hikari." The teacher droned his usual-
Ryoma's golden-hued eyes flew open as he whipped around and met Hikari's laughing emerald ones. His mouth dropped open before curving into a satisfied smirk. Well, this is a nice change.
"Hello, everyone, my name is Kumara Hikari." Hikari bowed to the class and smiled.
A girl with brown hair raised her hand, "Why are you wearing a boy's uniform?" she questioned, pointing at Hikari's abnormal attire. Her eyebrow raised in curiosity.
At the girl's remark, the other students also took note of Hikari's white long sleeve shirt and long black pants.
Hikari smiled in slight discomfiture, "I love play tennis and it's nearly impossible to play in any of the girl's uniform."
"But couldn't you change to athletic clothe before play tennis?" Horio pointed out, "As someone with two years of tennis practice, I know it is a standard to first change before playing tennis."
Hikari nodded in agreement, "good point, but you never know when you might play, so it's best to wear comfortable cloth at all times." Hikari paused lightly, "Besides, it's not a rule that girls have to wear short skirt uniform right?" she flashed them her customary playful smile.
The male population of the class, except for Ryoma, instantly blushed at her smile. Several more forward boys even made loud catcalls. The teacher attempted to quiet them down and was not very successful in his attempt.
Hikari twitched nervously and resisted the urge to bury her face in her hand. Her cheek slightly flushed in embarrassment.
"PA!" A loud smack momentarily halted the rowdy noise of the students. They turned to the silent freshmen regular, who now looked less than pleasant. Even the teacher stared at Ryoma, too startled to say anything. Ryoma stood up slowly and glared at every guy who made catcalls, "Shut up." He uttered softly, but there's power behind the quiet words.
Satisfied with the effect of his command, Ryoma sat back down. His countenance was expressionless once more. The rest of the students silently slide back into their chair. The tension was so thick that it's almost tangible.
Hikari's eyes widened, wow, that's unexpected. Then she grinned inwardly and sighed in relief. At least no one is making catcalls.
"Kumara, you may seat beside Echizen Ryoma." The teacher said nervously after a moment of awkward silence, slightly unnerved by Echizen's unusual behavior, "Echizen, raise your-"
"That's okay." Hikari quickly interrupted and walked toward Ryoma, "I know who he is." She slides into her seat and mumbled a quick thanks to Ryoma.
Ignoring the curious looks directed to him by his fellow classmates, Ryoma nodded lightly and his lips curved upward for a moment. Then his face once again faded into his usual expressionless countenance.
………
As the school went on, Hikari begin to notice something she really should have took caution before hand. That is the power of gossip and jealousy. Apparently her scene with Ryoma in the morning practice and first class had spread to the entire school. As she walks toward her other classes, she was confronted by several girls, who claimed their undying love for Ryoma, and they basically warned her to keep away from their beloved Echizen-san. To her slight unease, there are quite a few who looks like they are teachers or very huge third years.
Other than the jealousy from the fan girls, she is also bombarded with tons questions by the local gossipers. They cornered her and she had been quite frightened by the unnatural gleam at the corner of their eyes. Luckily or unluckily depend on how you look at it, Ryoma had chose this moment to promptly rescue her from the bloodthirsty future paparazzi. They had thankfully enjoyed a quiet lunch at the roof before she was hurled in midst of her fellow classmates again.
……..
Hikari sighed heavily as those memory popped up. At times like this, she really envied Ryoma's ability to produce expressionless face. Apparently fearing the consequences, none of the students dared to interrogate Ryoma. Those who dared to approach him were quickly sent back with a death glare imprinted on their forehead.
Ryoma frowned lightly toward her, slightly concerned by her loud sigh. He moved closer to Hikari, "What's wrong?" he asked quietly.
Hikari tossed him a reassuring smile. "I wish I had your stone face. I swear my head is still swirling from all their questions." She sighed wistfully and eyed Ryoma's face.
Ryoma let out a sharp bark of amused laughter, then smirked, "Mada mada dane." He commented smugly, entertained by Hikari's pitiful expression.
Hikari send him a mock glare, "Geez. It's all because of you!" she pointed an accusing finger at Ryoma.
Ryoma widened his eyes and looked at her innocently, "What have I done?" his voice held deep pain which creates a sharp contrast with his eyes, which are dancing in mischievousness.
Hikari raised her eyebrow and shuddered, "Don't look like that. It's so weird seeing that expression on your face."
Smiling slightly at Hikari's disgruntled look, Ryoma only widened his eyes even more. With a light tilt of his head, he was the picture of innocence.
"Ugh." Hikari sighed in exasperation and smacked Ryoma's arm lightly.
Ryoma's grin only widened. He loves seeing her so frustrated, especially when he is the cause. After all, it's only fair. She could make him mad like no one else; he should have the same privilege, shouldn't he?
Hikari crossed her arm, and look slightly miffed. "Your fan club." She sat down on and grass and stated abruptly, then sent another glare toward Ryoma.
"Fan club?" Ryoma's brow frowned at the distasteful words as his mind conjured up a bunch of silly screaming girls who constantly proclaimed their love for him. Ryoma shuddered involuntarily Ugh, mad mental image.
Hikari nodded, "I felt my head was going to literally burn from their hate-filled glares. " she shuddered at the sensation, "You have no idea how many times I narrowly avoided someone who was ready to stretch their arm or kick their leg out just as I walk by." She looked sourly at the culprit of her misfortune, "And it's all because of you!" she said vehemently.
Ryoma's teasing expression that had begun to form froze as Hikari listed her experience in the school. No one hurt his friend! He kneeled down and looked at her in worry. "Did they hurt you?" his eyes scanned for any possible injury on the petite girl.
Hikari smiled at the concern in Ryoma's eyes, then waved her hands dismissively, "fine, fine." She reassured him then puffed out her chest, "As if they could touch me, the tennis prodigy with amazing reflex. " she boosted conceitedly.
Ryoma relaxed at Hikari's childish behavior, "That's right, you are way too good to let them do that." He agreed meekly.
Hikari looked at him in surprise, astounded that he actually agreed with her, then her eyes turned suspicious. "What are you planning?"
Ryoma's grin widened, "What makes you think I'm planning something?" Seeing Hikari still retained her dubious look, Ryoma resisted the urge to laugh. It'll only increase her mistrust. "Can't I compliment you once in a while?"
Hikari looked at him warily, "other than when you are planning something. You never did that when you are sane." She muttered, inducing another bark of laughter from Ryoma. His eyes sparkled; they had assumed their old familiarity without hesitation or awkwardness.
"Oi! Echizen! Kumara!" three first-year waved eagerly as they run toward the pair.
Hikari stood up at the approaching boys. She recognized the three. They met at the final match in the Tokyo Tournament, though she didn't get a chance to actually say anything to them. Ryoma had introduced them to her during the break of first class. She found the three boys quite funny in their own way.
"Hi, Kachiro-kun, Katsuo-kun and Horio-kun." She greeted them sweetly, while Ryoma looked away. His rare open countenance closed up at the approach of the trio.
"Kumara-kun, are you going to join the tennis club?" Kachiro asked as the five of them walked toward the tennis court.
Hikari tilted her head as she contemplated the option. Then she nodded slowly, "Yeah." She confirmed after a pause, "It would be kind of rude for me to come for practice if I'm not even a member, right?"
Katsuo's eyes light up as a thought occurred to him, "Ne, Kumara-kun, then you can try out for Seigaku regular!"
Hikari whirled around in surprise, "Regular?" she repeated, eyes widened.
Horio looked at her eagerly as he remembered Inui-sempai's data, "Yeah, since you used to be a national champion, you are guaranteed to be one!" Kachiro, who stood beside him, also nodded enthusiastically.
Hikari chuckled nervously, "Sorry, but I don't think so." She said apologetically, "I'd rather not participate in any tournaments for a while."
The three boys looked at her in astonishment then disappointment, "but why?" Horio asked, frowning.
Luckily for Hikari, she is saved from answering because they now arrived at the tennis court.
"Want to play?" Hikari offered, little too quickly than normal.
Ryoma, who had watched with amusement as the first-year trio hounded Hikari, smirked and whispered into her left ear, "Tough time?"
Hikari's face darkened and she smacked Ryoma's shoulder with considerable force, "Ryoma!" she pouted.
Watching her frustrated face, Ryoma felt his lips threatened to curve upward again. He is also very curious about the reason of Hikari's refusal, but seeing her pleading eyes, he decided to be merciful for once. Schooling his face into a neutral expression, he nodded, "fine."
They quickly changed into their tennis attire. Ryoma wore his standard blue and white Seigaku teen shirt accompanied with black shorts. Hikari was attired in similar shorts and T-shirts except her t-shirt is green and her shorts are white. They met at one of the empty court.
"One set match, okay?" Ryoma asked and Hikari nodded.
"Which?" Hikari held the end of the racket and asked.
"Smooth."
The racket spins for a moment and landed on the ground with a soft click.
Hikari picked it up, "Smooth." She confirmed, her normally cheerful face slowly turned stoic.
Ryoma nodded, "I'll serve." Traces of playfulness that had existed before faded away. This is a match and he intended to show Hikari how much he had improved.
………
"Hey, Echizen is having a match." One of the second-year players suddenly shouted. The rest of the Seigaku tennis club members turned toward the pair's direction. The match has not even begun yet and already the atmosphere is like a tournament match. Well, not exactly, under the tension, there was no hostility. There was just determination to play the best of their abilities.
The Seigaku regulars paused in their daily activities.
"Hoi, Ochibi is having a match with Kawaii-chan! I got to see this, nya." The acrobatic player of Seigaku team quickly abandoned his practice with Kaidoh Kaoru and ran toward Echizen and Kumara.
Oishi opened his mouth and sighed, oh well, it's not like Tezuka's there.
"Oi! Oishi-sempai, what are you standing there for?" Momoshiro's loud voice brought him back from his musing.
Oishi looked around him in surprise; he is only one in the court! Momoshiro is now vigorously waving at him, surrounded by the rest of the Seigaku regulars.
Oishi's jaws dropped open, "Hey, wait for me!" he shouted and run over to the others
……….
At the court
Ryoma begin to bounce the ball with his left hand; his face shadowed by his white cap.
Hikari crouched slightly lower; she recognized his moves. Ryoma is going to do a Twist serve.
Ryoma suddenly thrown the ball in the air and as she had predicted, he served a Twist Serve.
Hikari grinned and adjusted her body. 'Ryoma, this won't work.' She said mentally and did a strange twirl in the air. Her racket aimed the ball to the left corner of the court.
Ryoma watched her movement; 'She is going to return it to the left corner.' Jumping slightly, he rushed toward the direction just as Hikari's racket contacted with the ball.
Hikari narrowed her eyes, 'Well, seems he still remembers my movement.' She grinned, 'but Ryoma, I learned new moves!' she send the ball with a spin shot and run toward the net.
At the fence
"Kumara is going for an offensive." Kawamura commented as Hikari surged forward.
(Sorry guys, but I don't know a lot about actual tennis, so the actual description of the match is going to end here. If someone knows a lot about it, I would really appreciate it if you could tell me.)
The rest of the match was unlike any other ones they had ever seen. It seemed the two were less concerned with scores and more concerned with testing each other's skills. They used unconventional moves, testing themselves against the other's skill. Sometimes they repeatedly use the same incentive for the other's special move and continued to do so until they had figured out a way to counter the other's move. They are eager to display all the skills they had acquired during their parting. The match was exciting, fast and wild.
"Game won by Kumara. 6 games to 4."
The audience blinked, hardly darling to believe such beautiful match has just ended. From the look of the pair, they didn't either.
Hikari pouted in disappointment, "Already?" then she turned and run toward Ryoma. With athletic ease she jumped over the net and enthusiastically waving her hands around, "Sugoi! Ryoma! You really had grown stronger!"
Ryoma sighed then smirked, "Told you I'm catching up."
Hikari shook her fist up and down vigorously, "so become my rival, quickly!" she urged, excitement filled her voice.
CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! The pair looked up, startled at the sudden noise. The Seigaku regulars walked up, clapping excitedly.
"Hoi! Hoi! Kawaii-chan, Ochibi! Sugoi!" Eiji jumped up and down in excitement and tackled the pair into a bear hug.
"Itai desu, Kikumaru-sempai." Ryoma and Hikari squirmed at Eiji's death grip and fought for the precious oxygen supply that is threatening to disappear.
"Demo, you two are really great!" Oishi complimented after Eiji released them from his 'hug'.
"It was a beautiful match." Fuji agreed, smiling at the two. This match was an eye opener to Kumara Hikari's skill. Not only that, but Ryoma also seem to evolve and grew stronger as the match went on. He already felt the tingle of excitement on his back.
Hikari smiled in embarrassment while Ryoma looked away with a soft "Che".
"Demo, Ryoma-kun, you lost." Kachiro said regretfully. He and other two joined the Seigaku regulars quickly after the match. He never saw Ryoma-kun lost before.
'He must be taking it hard.' Horio contemplated silently, sneaking a look at Ryoma and was utterly surprised by his satisfied expression.
The others had also taken note of Echizen's unusual attitude, especially Oishi. He saw the match between Echizen and Tezuka. That time, Echizen took the loss very hard. However right now, he didn't seem to be agonized over the fact at all.
Suddenly at the center of everyone's scrutiny, Ryoma frowned, "What?" he said rudely, glaring at his sempais. The Seigaku regulars looked at each other, unsure who should voice out their thoughts.
In the end, it's Horio who broke the silence. "Echizen, you don't seem bothered that you lost." He said hesitantly, immediately covered himself with his arms, and prepared for an outburst.
Hikari and Ryoma stared at the Seigaku students for a moment, and then Hikari chuckled. "That's because he lost to me all the time. He is already used to it." She explained in a matter-of-fact tone.
The Seigaku regulars stared, "All the time?" they repeated and turned to stare at Ryoma again. It's kind of hard to imagine Echizen losing all the time.
Hikari nodded smugly, "He actually improved this time, since before he could only get three games from me at most."
Horio's jaws dropped open, the other's eyes widened, even Fuji's eyes. "Three games at most?" Horio repeated weakly.
Finally had enough of others gawking, Ryoma snapped, "That's the past! I'll beat you soon." He pointed his racket toward Hikari.
Hikari grinned then suddenly hugged Ryoma. "Hayaku! (Quickly!)" She shouted into his face, delighted at his response.
Ryoma sighed, already got used to Hikari's hyper behavior then smiled softly.
"There's something strange with your playing." Inui suddenly commented, rising from his data book. "Several times, you two got into positions before the other even hit the ball." He stated and pushed up his square glasses.
At Inui's comment, the regulars remembered those several moments where the two seem to anticipate the other's moves.
Hikari scratched her head and grinned, "That's probably because we are so familiar with each other's moves that we even begin to anticipate them sometimes. Though we both grew stronger, some moves are still the same."
Ryusaki-sensei suddenly narrowed her eyes, to anticipate each other's move, maybe they could…
The Seigaku students slowly walked away and back to their respective home, leaving Ryusaki-sensei watching thoughtfully behind the, "Interesting." She murmured softly and turned back.
………
Back in the office
"You saw?" Ryusaki-sensei questioned, noticing the figure of the stoic buchou of the tennis club.
"Aaa." Tezuka replied, his eyes still locked on the empty tennis court that Hikari and Ryoma had played in.
……….
At the front of the school
"Ne, Kumara, where will be staying?" Momoshiro asked, pushing his bicycle forward.
Hikari grinned and slung her arm around Ryoma's shoulder, "Ryoma's house." She replied cheerfully.
"Eh!"
"Eh!"
Twin exclaims of surprise arose; Momoshiro and Ryoma looked at her, wide eyed.
Hikari raised an eyebrow at their surprised look, "What?" she asked in confusion, "Didn't I tell you? Papa called Nanjirou-san, that's Ryoma's father," she explained seeing Momoshiro's perplexed look, "and they decide I'll stay at his house since they are friends and Echizen is the only family I know."
Echizen turned back with a sigh, "Iyo, betsuni. (Fine. it's okay)" He said nonchalantly and was tackled to the ground again.
"Ryoma, we'll get lots chance to play tennis together! Yah! Yah!" Hikari jumped and tightened her hold on Ryoma, laughing in delight.
FD: Please review and watch out for update. I'm working on Chapter four right now, so it may come out very quickly!