SUNSET BLUES


"What happened between you and Fuji?" coach Ryuzaki asked. She looked at Tezuka with so much curiosity. "Even the others are asking."

"There's nothing to worry about," answered Tezuka flatly.

"You knew very well that there is something to worry about. These past days, there is an air of uneasiness around the two of you. It makes us feel awkward."

Silence suddenly sinks in.

"You have to talk to Fuji about this mess. The semi-finals is just around the corner," she said. Then she walks away thus suggesting some kind of authority.

Tezuka took a deep breath.

"All you have to do is talk to him," Eiji said as he passed by.

It's easier said done than done, Tezuka told himself. And again he took a deep breath.

The court was empty except for Tezuka and Fuji two hours later. This is expected since their coach had also talk to Fuji regarding the same issue.

However Fuji have already decided to end the issue and so he went to where Tezuka is.

"I know it felt awkward for you to talk to me," he begun. "You don't have to do it. We could just pretend that we have already settled everything and just return to the normal ways. So what do you think of that?" Fuji asked. His back silently rested on the wall.

"Like nothing happened," Tezuka said as if to reaffirm Fuji's words. He knew that Fuji can handle it and so can he. To smile is to conceal. As for me, I'll take refugee in my silence.

"It's a deal then."

Fuji smiled his usual smile. "If everything is in place, why don't we take a walk. It's been a while and I missed the old times." He took his belongings and walk beside Tezuka.

"Sure."

The two started walking towards the exit and into the road. Along their left lay the main roads heavily occupied by public vehicles. On their right lay the various cafés and refreshment stalls, beyond it the sea, the water of which glimmers as the sun rays touch the water with naivety.

As if to break the ice Fuji asked, "How are you doing?"

"I'm fine. I've been practicing hard just like the others. How about you?" Tezuka added. However this question is very important to him since he had no idea about Fuji's activities after training session.

"Well you know, I'm trying new stuff, creating new techniques, meeting new people and the likes," he smiled. "But don't worry, practice is still on top of my list."

"I know," he answered plainly. That is why no matter how the others worry about you, I'll be the last person to doubt you.

Fuji smiled. "How about some refreshments? I'm meeting someone at the 6th Avenue Café a couple of walks from here. I'm sure you knew him."

The first word that registered to Tezuka is 'him.' He cannot explain but he felt irritated all of a sudden.

"Aa… meeting new people," he said hiding his annoyance.

"Technically, he was the first one to approach me. Anyway, you'll meet him as soon as we get there."

Tezuka let Fuji walk a little ahead. Their eyes met when Fuji suddenly turned his back. He suddenly felt nostalgic until Fuji said, "he is with our rival team. His name by the way is Kuranosuke Shiraishi of Shitenhoji."

And this is the first time Tezuka felt that a bucket of ice had been thrown at him.


a new chap since 2007... something had summon me from my grave.. RxR!