"Jiroh."
"Mm?"
"How do you play tennis?"
"What do you mean?"
"How is tennis played?"
I twisted around until I was lying on my stomach, frowning as I looked up at our resident prodigy, much more awake now.
"Oshitari-kun, are you feeling alright?"
Piercing eyes behind sharp spectacles focused on me until my hands itched for a racket, all traces of sleep gone. It was the same feeling when I played Seigaku's Fuji. The same feeling every time I saw Rikkaidai's Bunta.
The same feeling every time I played Atobe.
Suddenly, the feeling was gone as that gaze softened and a heavy hand descended on my head, smoothing down the locks of curls as one would their favorite pet. But the message was clear.
I know your secret.
I continued to study the blue-haired man even as he turned away to watch the practices, hand never stopping their soothing repetitive motion. Sleep was catching up fast now, but even then my mind refused to forget his question.
"How do you play tennis?"
It was a strange question, especially coming from Oshitari. Oshitari, who was known as a genius, both on and off court. Who was able to perform the nearly unstoppable Tsubame Gaeshi. Who could probably take my place as Singles Two if he so wished.
Somewhere in between my drowsy musings, I had laid my head back down in a more comfortable position; face turned towards the practice courts. Gakuto was actively taunting Shishido as he bounced around the court, performing intricate flips with a child-like glee. During one such aerial, he looked in our direction, waving wildly before twisting to return the brunet's angry shot.
I would not have felt the difference had I not been under the other man's attention for the last couple minutes. And suddenly, I knew I would never have to worry about him taking away my position on the team.
"Oshitari-kun."
"Mm?"
"I know your secret as well."
The petting stopped for a moment, before resuming with the prodigy's rich laughter. It was that deep sound, mixed with Gakuto's slightly higher pitch, asking what was so funny, that finally lulled me to sleep.
Author's Note: Slightly longer than the other, I realize. What is this, exactly? Drabble series? I'm not sure. Well, whatever it is, I think there'll be one more piece before it's finished. Yaaay.
Thank you to all who have reviewed thus far. I applaud you for understanding my ramblings that barely pass as plot. You are all wonderful.
- Inaho