+ Into the Façade +

In the world where the boundaries between acting and living fade, life becomes confused… unreal… and almost as if imagination had taken over reality… The façade goes into place and life then becomes a living stage.

Slow deliberate steps bounced off the walls of the corridor as a hand positioned itself delicately under his chin while he curiously pondered about the recent turn of events.

Outwardly, Echizen-kun may appear cold and distant yet at unpredictable times, he would break down so easily that one could not help but wonder what had happened in his past. And then there was still the mystery of the similar name he shares with the principal to which I suspect something deeper hidden behind the coincidence.

And though it had only been a day since the boy came, he was already chosen, by none other than myself, to play a major role in one of the most anticipated plays… But he is definitely very intriguing, so I'm of no regret.

Fair eyelids pried themselves open, revealing entrancing blue eyes as he glanced at the door of his approaching classroom.

But it is not like I'm complaining. The boy has brought in more excitement than I have ever felt in my life. Apart from Yuuta, onee-chan and Kiki, there had been practically nothing worth living for.

Fuji touched his lips as he closed his eyes once again, a smile slowly forming on his face…

Yes… This could prove to be very interesting indeed…

Chapter 007 - Kiki

By fannychan

The lunch bell rang shrilly as Ryoma emerged from the room, yawning. Then, glancing at the bento he held in his hand, he could not help but recall his mother's smiling face and her words which followed when she had came to visit earlier…

"Ryoma, sometimes when you can't force yourself to forget, remember that kaa-san's here for you."

Nanako, who came along with his mother, placed a nicely packed bento into his hand.

"We prepared this for you Ryoma-kun. It's better to eat something home-cooked once in a while. It had been a long time, hadn't it- since we last prepared for you a bento?"

Ryoma bowed his head in gratitude.

"Nanako, can you wait for me outside?"

"Hai Oba-chan. Ja ne Ryoma-kun. Enjoy your lunch," Nanako smiled and waved before disappearing through the door, closing it soundlessly behind her.

"Ryoma…" Rinko placed her palm gently on Ryoma's cheek and brought her face closer to her son's.

"Yesterday, when you came home and went to your room without a word, I know something was wrong. You had been crying hadn't you? And now this… Do you want to leave here? I mean it has been barely two days and what if…"

"I don't mind. You told me once I needed to forgive him. And this is perhaps the only way I'm able to. All I can do is try," Ryoma held her gaze for a while before turning to look at the window, embarrassed. "Besides, Kaa-san is here. You helped me after he left and introduced me to the world of acting when I thought I had no hope left. Tennis had been my life then… But…"

"I know Ryoma." Rinko was crying by now. Five years ago, she had never thought she would have been as close to her son as she was now. He had been more attached to his father as they shared the same passion for tennis no matter how much her husband denies it. Their eyes held the same glimmer. And now, in Ryoma's eyes, she sees the same determination which she thought would had died five years ago…

Rinko wiped her tears as she stood up before enveloping her son into the warmth of her embrace.

"I'll see you at home dear. Sayonara."

"Hai. Sayonara Kaa-san… Arigatou ne… Hontou."

Ryoma made his way down the stairs, warily eyeing the upsurge of students rushing down towards the cafeteria. It was at times like this that he appreciates a little peace and quiet, especially with all the turmoil that he has been through lately. As he entered the crowded hall, he escaped between the small opening and made his way down the long hallway, eyes shifting uneasily as he walked past the grand auditorium. Nevertheless, he finally exited through the main doors of the school and stepped into the luscious green compound that surrounds the school building itself.

"Ooh? Didn't realize that it would be this big," Ryoma mused as he navigated this way towards bench a distance away.

All of a sudden, he stopped abruptly, and swiftly threw himself behind a protrusion in the school walls.

A gentle laughter filled the air, unlike anything Ryoma has ever heard. It had a unique melodious quality which was able to make one's heart warmed to the sight of the adorable scene.

Fuji nuzzled the small ball of fur, tenderly murmuring sweet words to the little white kitten.

"Did you miss me Kiki? It has been two days since I saw you. You know, yesterday I saw this very charming boy. His name is Echizen Ryoma. And since we were in need of an actor because Mizuki-kun was ill, I told Ann-chan about him and she agreed. Moreover, during today's rehearsal, he had performed way above Ann-chan's expectation. After all, he had only been able to memorize the script for a day. Normal actors would at least fumble once or twice but his acting was flawless…You should meet him Kiki."

Fuji smiled at the cat, cuddling it gently before letting it back onto the ground. Immediately, Kiki started mewling softly and rubbed its head against the pants of Fuji's uniform.

"Saa… I have to go now. I still have to buy some food for you from the cafeteria. Come on now."

Once again, Fuji lifted the kitten and hid it among the flower bushes that lined the school.

"Ja."

Then he left for the entrance of the school, completely passing the spot when Ryoma had hidden himself without a backward glance.

Ryoma smiled softly to himself.

"Never knew Fuji-sempai had a pet kitten… interesting."

Ryoma emerged from his hiding place and proceeded towards the place where Kiki was supposedly to be. There, he saw a small comfortable box with all sorts of toys for Kiki to play with. He also noticed that some of the plants had been uprooted for the sake of the kitten's home.

Kiki glanced up at the stranger, mewling curiously. Ryoma suddenly realize the bento still in his hand and opened it, scoping portions of it onto a small dish which Ryoma assumed was for food. After ensuring the portions were small enough for the kitten, Ryoma stayed a few more moments to see if the Kiki liked the food.

Tentatively, Kiki nudged her food before nibbling. Upon hearing her mewl of delight, Ryoma left, amused, wandering to some other spot to eat his lunch.

"Hmm… though I wonder what Karupin is doing at the moment…" Ryoma mused thoughtfully.

As Ryoma disappeared out of sight, Yuuta peeked from behind the bark of the tree he was leaning on.

"Che… He must be really interesting for Aniki to think so highly of him. Even gave me a light dressing-down for that incident during Tezuka-sensei's lesson. Oh well, whatever Aniki says, it is best that I listen… otherwise…"

"Yes, it would be rather troublesome if you turn disobedient ne Yuuta?"

Yuuta gave a start.

"Aniki! I thought you went to buy food for Kiki?"

"Hmm… let's just say I noticed Echizen-kun was there all along. I had already bought food for her before I came."

"You are so weird."

"Oh well, that's me. After all, I didn't waste my efforts. I realized that Echizen-kun seem to have a soft spot for cats."

"Oh? What's makes you say that aniki?"

Fuji shrugged as he headed to the spot where Kiki was.

"Just a feeling."

Suddenly, Fuji paused in mid-step.

"Ne Yuuta… don't you find him interesting?"

"Can't say I really like him for taking Mizuki's role."

"Ara? But I was the one who chose him. Does that mean you don't like me too?"

"Aniki!" Yuuta muttered exasperatedly. "Anyway, I guess I was a little rash in dealing with the matter…"

"Oh the joys of puppy love."

"ANIKI!" Yuuta flushed. "You needn't say it that loud don't you?"

Fuji smiled sweetly.

"My cute beloved otouto-chan, you mean the whole school has yet to know about your little crush?"

Yuuta flushed a deeper red before storming back to school much to Fuji's amusement.

Fuji chuckled softly to himself. Life just seems to get more exciting…

Ryoma entered his classroom and returned to his seat, his presence immediately arousing the attention of most of his classmates.

"Wasn't the rehearsal a little too long Echizen-kun?"

Ryoma glanced up at Eiji, who was looking uncomfortable and hesitant, as if he was trying to strike a decent conversation.

"No. Something cropped up," Ryoma paused, his reflex, conditioned from years of being distant from his classmates, forcing him not to say anymore. However, he still continued, but in a softer voice. "I was in the nurse's office until lunch break…"

"Oh? Why?"

"I fainted somewhere during the rehearsal."

"EHHHH?" A few curious eyes turned towards the pair.

Ryoma was startled and immediately tried to silence Eiji which, to his relief, was a successful attempt.

In a softer tone, Eiji asked urgently.

"How? What? Are you okay now? Do you still need to go to the nurse's office?"

Ryoma shook his head.

"I'm fine for now."

Ryoma then buried his head in his arm before peering at Eiji from one eye. "I feel like just skipping lessons- lock myself in one of those empty classrooms or something."

"But it's Tezuka-sensei's lesson later."

"Exactly."

Eiji remained silent, his eyes conveying his confusion. But he dared not ask why. Though he felt happy and relieved that Echizen-kun was no longer giving him the cold shoulder, there were still wide, almost tangible boundaries which he dare not cross.

Ryoma meanwhile was looking out of the window, staring at the green pastures and blue skies that stretched as far as the eyes could see.

Okaa-san… she seemed happy somewhat when I told her I wanted to stay even though I don't want to. In fact I hate this place. There are so many people I don't want to see here. But I guess I'll just have to survive.

Ryoma sighed.

"Mada mada…"

Fuji stroked Kiki's fur one last time before hurrying back to class.

As he slide open the door, Ann was there glaring down at him.

"Mou, Fuji-kun. You know I wanted to ask about Ryoma-kun ALL MORNING and you always happen to disappear before I even had the chance to open my mouth!

"Ah… gomen Ann-chan. I just had matters to attend to. So what is it you want to know?"

"Is he okay? I don't want another actor going on medication leave at such a critical point of time."

"He's perfectly fine. Just a little bit… stressed I think. Saa… who knows?" Fuji shrugged. "He wouldn't tell me why so I guess that's about all you can hear from me."

Ann nods… before her eyes squinted slightly as if she was trying to decipher something on Fuji's face.

"Is it just me or do I find you more… how should I put it… happy? I guess that is still not the right word to use but could it be Ryoma-kun? Ne Fuji-kun?"

Fuji smiled discreetly. Nothing can ever escape Ann's watchful gaze.

"Saa…"

And with that, the bell rang and lessons once again began in Erinnerungen.

Ryoma paid attention in class for once as his chemistry teacher taught the lesson. Science had always been his favourite. Though he would have liked to attend the literature and history lesson which had been before the break, this one period of science was good enough.

Suddenly, a piece of paper landed on his desk. Unfolding it, he realized it was from Eiji and proceeded to read the message.

"Echizen-kun,

I was wondering if you knew that you would have to join a club. I'm in astronomy and drama. Wednesday is the day where all the clubs would be held since lessons end at 8th period tomorrow instead of 9th aside from astronomy and drama. You want to stay back for a while today so that I can introduce you to the clubs? During break, Echizen-sensei had asked me to help you decide.

Eiji"

Ryoma contemplated this grimly, his first response upon seeing "Echizen-sensei" was and immediate 'no'. But instead, he swiftly wrote 'Why not?' before passing back the paper.

Upon receiving the reply, Eiji was apparently shocked but relieved. Maybe all that talk about fate and such with Oishi that morning proved to be fruitful after all…

With that, Eiji actively devoted himself to making a list of all available clubs as Ryoma turned his attention back to the Chemistry teacher, his mind refusing to think about the next period.

Instead, his thoughts momentarily wandered to Karpin, then Kiki before finally drifting off to her blue-eyed owner, a smile slowly tugging on his lips…

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Ryoma, Fuji or anyone from POT . … But I bought a pillow which features only the TWO OF THEM! Hee! And it was also the last stock. Bwahahahaha… I feel so accomplished though my pockets do feel kinda empty. Haha.

Fanny chan: FINALLY FINISHED/phew/ I'm SO SO VERY SORRY FOR THE WAIT! Okay, so now I added something relating to the incident that was between tezuka, ryoma and nanjiroh. But what is it exactly I wonder. Hehe. However, it was a little subtle so you might not have noticed it. But all in due time.

Furthermore, this chapter introduces a new character… or if you considered one… hmm… anyway, presenting KIki!

Kiki, held by chibifanny: Purrrr….

Chibifanny: It's so adorable! Kyaa!

Fanny chan: Hmm… I also wanted to show Ryoma and his mother's close relationship. Ironically, while writing this, I had been searching for Ryoma mother's name desperately to no avail. And then episode 129 of Prince of Tennis anime just happened to have the name I was looking for. Coincidence? I think not. Hehe. And if you have seen it, wasn't Ryoma so kawaii? While he was almost looking like his chibi chibi form, holding the oversized racket before falling over with a KAWAII "plop" sound haha.

Chibifanny/places kiki back to her home between the bushes/ AND we would like to thank all our reviewers.

Both/chibifanny and fanny chan bows in unison/ DOMO ARIGATOU!

Fanny chan: This story will NEVER be here without you. Though I'm so sorry for the some of the characters being OOC. Ahahaha… /embarrassed/ I hope you still like it and for sticking with me up till now! And R&R please. Thank you.