What do we mean to each other
Chap 11: Setting the stage
11 February 2019
A/N: Thank you to my recent reviewers. I penned this story in 2008 (imagine!) and I'm very hopeful to finish this story this year. Just like what pointed out, Valentine's Day and Fuji's birthday are just around the corner. I'd like to give them something nice, but I guess it is difficult to do this now considering the flow of the story, but let us see. Read and review.
Shadowclite
The very next morning, Fuji met with Kikumaru in class. His wear his usual expression. Seeing him enter the class, Kikumaru waved his hand and greeted him, "good morning Fuji."
Fuji waved back. He seated beside Kikumaru. It was then that he noticed that there were black circles under Fuji's eyes.
"What happened to you? Didn't you sleep well?" he asked. He went in front of him and stared intently.
Fuji smiled and returned his gaze. Could he tell him that he got his heart broken for the second time? How about his first sexual encounter, which he did despite knowing that it held no meaning? And there was this thing about ending his friendship with Tezuka? Despite being close with Kikumaru, there were things that he couldn't share, at least not for now.
"I had some errands last night. I'm so tired that I couldn't even have sleep," he answered. Errands aside, this was actually true. Mind, spirit and body were in disarray.
The professor had not arrived yet so they have more time to chitchat. Just then, Kikumaru's mobile phone vibrated. He reached for his phone on his table and excused himself, pointing at his mobile phone. He went back to his seat and took the call.
"Hello Oishi, good morning!" He greeted in high spirits.
Fuji observed Kikumaru who wore a gentle smile on his face while talking to Oishi. A surge of disillusionment began to settle down. He tried to dismiss the thought.
"Yeah, about visiting that store? Yes, I'm free. We could head there after the practice. I'll see you later." He ended the call with a grin on his face.
"Looked like your day is already complete," Fuji interjected.
Kikumaru blushed a little. "Am I that obvious?"
"Well, kinda, you two obviously were love birds! Anyway, are you a couple now?" Fuji's eyes were full of curiosity.
Kikumaru's heart started to flutter. He felt a little shy, but since this is Fuji, he felt that there is no need to be ashamed. "Er well, it's like this. We had been dating for a couple of months now."
Just then the professor for their first period came. The two immediately stopped their conversation and focus their attention in front. Fuji focused a little bit and took a side-glance towards Kikumaru. It was evident that his face was still red from his teasing. He smiled. He was really happy for them, but at the same time, he could not prevent himself from thinking. Being in love sure is a nice thing. Aye. But at this moment, he felt the pain setting in again. He could not help but wonder why did his fate turned out differently. His mind drifted again.
After the last period, Fuji silently slipped past Kikumaru who initially wanted to ask him to accompany him to Oishi's classroom. He planned to fetch Oishi so they could go together to the court. Club activities follow the last period. For them, it meant tennis.
"Where did he go?" was all Kikumaru could say. Taking a second look at the empty classroom, he strolled towards Oishi's classroom alonw. When he arrived, both Oishi and Tezuka stood beside the door.
"Where is Fuji?" inquired Oishi seeing that Kikumaru was alone.
"He suddenly disappeared after the last period."
Tezuka walked ahead of them. "Let's go. Maybe he went ahead." The voice was calm, but a tinge of disappointment could be heard. The two followed his lead. When they came to the courtyard, they found Momoshiro and Kaido sitting on the ground. Kawamura slowly pushed their backs to help them reach their feet. Inui on the other hand has been pestering Echizen to drink one of his concoctions. Coach Ryuzaki was not present. The other first years were busy chatting in one of the benches. Tezuka scanned the surrounding a little bit more, and yet, there was no sign of Fuji.
Half an hour has passed, and still, not even his shadow appeared. Everyone kept wondering because this is so out of his character. This time, Tezuka asked Kikumaru of Fuji's whereabouts. However, Kikumaru didn't know about Fuji's plan so he answered in the negative.
"This is a first. You were always the first person to know about Fuji's whereabouts. If you didn't know, chances are, he doesn't like to be found out." He looked at the rest of the team and they also nodded their heads in agreement. Tezuka didn't utter a word.
Just then, Inui emerged holding a blue juice in his hand. "Since Fuji is late for practice without informing anyone, this will be his punishment," he said menacingly, referring at the vivid blue juice in his hand. He raised it for them to see. Everyone looked at the juice and some not-so-good memories filled their heads. Among the team, Fuji had the highest tolerance when it comes to Inui's juices. However, this blue juice was his waterloo.
Seeing the juice in Inui's hand, the rest could not help but feel sorry for Fuji. An hour has passed and everyone was hyped with the training. It was only then that Fuji came. He came in his uniform.
He intentionally arrived late in order to avoid having small talks with the team. It is not like he doesn't want to talk to the other members. He loved teasing everyone, but he is not in the mood to chitchat today. More importantly, during practice, he always stood beside Tezuka while watching the other members practice. Before he came, he decided that he will have to break all the habits associated to Tezuka, unless the feats were really necessary for the team's success.
"Hi," his greeting was direct to the point.
Unexpectedly, it was Inui who first approached him and offered the blue juice in his hand. "Drink," he commanded. He could not hide his excitement.
Fuji took the glass, "why not." He gulped the whole content without battling an eye. His face showed no sign of even a slight change.
"Hi," his greeting was direct to the point.
Unexpectedly, it was Inui who first approached him and offered the blue juice in his hand. "Drink," he commanded. He could not hide his excitement.
Fuji took the glass, "why not." He gulped the whole content without battling an eye. His face showed no sign of even a slight change.
Inui's disappointment was clearly painted on his face. "Did the concoction not strong enough?"
"Fuji-sempai is late. Are you interested in something aside from tennis? This is new." These words came from Echizen. Fuji walked towards Echizen and put his arm around him. "Ah huh, so even our little genius has this to say."
"Let go of me already," answered Echizen. Fuji released his arm and stood beside him. He then turned his gaze towards the court. Momoshiro is having a solo match with Kaido. Echizen looked astonished. He was accustomed to seeing Fuji beside Tezuka during training, especially if he is not playing. And this is most of the time because there are a few players who catch Fuji's interest. He decided to keep his silence despite of this.
For his part, Tezuka remained where he stood. He didn't blink an eye. Despite appearing cold, he was contented hearing Fuji's voice and knowing that he is still interested in playing tennis.
However, this exchange, if one calls it as such, did not escape the notice of the other members. This is really out of the ordinary. They were used to seeing these two side-by-side. For the observers, it seemed that an invisible wall had been erected. The two do not even bother to talk to each other.
After the match, Fuji immediately excused himself. "I need to meet someone. See you tomorrow."
"Hey Captain Tezuka, Fuji said that he'll go ahead." Kikumaru called out. He didn't know that he was indeed adding salt to a fresh wound.
Fuji turned around to see how Tezuka would react.
Tezuka drop on his knees and pretended to tie his shoelace. He undo and redo the shoelace, as if he was child feeling discontent because he could do what he wanted. With his back on them, he raised one hand and his first word for Fuji that day was finally uttered, "okay."
Fuji smiled, "there's no need to bother the captain. He has a lot of things to do. I'll be on my way." Fuji continued walking away from the court. On his way out, he met coach Ryuzaki and said his goodbye.
"Leaving already?" the coach said. She also wore her regular uniform.
"Yes, I am meeting someone." Fuji had taken out his Seigaku jacket and held it in his hands.
"Isn't Tezuka with you?" She asked casually. Within the Seigaku Tennis Club, she was the most aware how close these two are. She had witnessed them when they entered two years ago. Right now, she sensed that something is not right.
"No, he was still on the court. You'll find him there."
Coach Ryuzaki nodded. "All right. I need to talk to him anyway."
"I'll see you tomorrow, Coach Ryuzaki," Fuji bowed his head.
I'll ask next time. Coach Ryuzaki waved her hand and walk towards the tennis court. She greeted everyone and went directly to Tezuka. She asked him to accompany her in the faculty room because she needs to discuss something. Tezuka bid his goodbye and followed her.
The sun has already painted an orange-red hue in the west. The two left the courtyard and entered another building. They ascended two staircases before entering the third room on their left.
Coach Ryuzaki entered the room first and stood beside a window. She stared outside. "I always watch the team from this window. By observing them from here, I could find their flaws and strengths. I could also understand their personality, their motivation, their likes and dislikes." She smiled and emphasized the last three words. "Year after year, new talents emerged, while others fall. I also watched how relationships developed."
Tezuka walked towards the window and shifted his gaze to coach Ryuzaki's line of sight. A group of tennis players comes to view. There is no need to look a second time. He immediately recognized these players and unconsciously tried to search for a certain person, though knowing that he had already left.
"Look at them. They happily converse after a day's hard work," Coach Ryuzaki said with a soft smile.
Tezuka nodded in agreement.
Coach Ryuzaki turned her gaze towards Tezuka. "With a twist of luck, I was able to meet coach Osamu Watanabe and we both agreed to have a practice match."
The name is familiar. "Does this mean we are going to have a practice match with Shitenhouji Tennis Club?" Shitenhouji meant Shiraishi Kuranosuke. He knew that their path would cross no matter what. Still, he did not expect it to happen soon.
"Shitenhouji Tennis Club is being led by Captain Shiraishi Kuranosuke. I haven't got the chance to watch him play, but from what I gathered, he is also a talent," explained coach Ryuzaki. "In addition, he has a dependable team."
"When is it going to be Coach Ryuzaki?"
"Two weeks from now. Take care of the necessary preparations. The team is going out of town," she happily answered.
Tezuka remained serious, but still nodded his head. "All right."
Coach Ryuzaki gazed at him for a while. "One more thing, I noticed that there was an air of awkwardness between you and Fuji. Did something happen?" Although she was not present at the courtyard, everything was clear as the blue sky from where she stood.
Tezuka felt himself stiffened, but he was already giving his answer. "There is nothing to worry. We are just occupied with the upcoming exams." This was a lame excuse, he knew, but this will do for the time being.
"Is it really the case?" Coach Ryuzaki probed. "Both of you are in your third year, so I understand that there is indeed pressure. But, I have watched the both of you since your first year and this is my first time seeing the two of you like this."
Tezuka continued to remain silent.
Coach Ryuzaki walked towards her chair and let out a sigh. "It is okay if you don't want to tell me now. I will let it go this time. Nevertheless, I suggest you fix this with Fuji. If this goes further, it might eventually affects the team's solidarity."
Tezuka blurted out, "There is no need. I will see to it."
Coach Ryuzaki studied him. Tezuka's reaction is indeed calm and composed, but in a speck of time, she sensed a little longing in his eyes. Or was she mistaken? She had a feeling that there is more to it, but if both of them do not want to talk about it, she could only concede.
"Settle things before the practice match. I don't want to show a fragmented team in front of Shitenhouji. Until then, I will keep my silence. Two weeks."
"Understood." Tezuka bowed his head. "I'll take my leave."
Days passed. Rather than improving the rip between the two, the silence continues to linger. The rest of the team felt that this is going out of hand. They do not exchange words, except when necessary. For instance, Fuji will answer Tezuka if he asked him to comment on somebody else's form or technique. This will only be the time they would talked to each other.
On several occasions, Kikumaru tried to ask Fuji during their class, but he was met with his casual smile.
This is the situation, but there was no one brave enough to confront Tezuka or Fuji. Coach Ryuzaki felt restless and her impatience began to show. She even scolded the members committing minor mistakes.
While resting on one of the bench, Kikumaru initiated this conversation with Oishi. "Oishi, did you notice Tezuka and Fuji? Lately, they've been cold to each other."
"So it isn't just me." Oishi commented.
"What do you think happened? At first, I thought that it would immediately pass. But it had already been several days, and there's no change."
"Could we even interfere with their personal affairs?" It was Kaido. He put his two fingers below his lips, reflecting on the topic deeply.
Kikumaru and Oishi looked at him. Just then, Momoshiro and Echizen appeared behind Kaido. "Hello sempai," greeted Momoshiro. Kikumaru and Oishi smiled at them.
Oishi responded to the question raised by Kaido. "Yeah, you're right. Practices continue as it is. They attend to their duties and play their part during training. They air out their observations. They are working well with the other members. And yet, their awkward moments affect the team in another way. It is quite worrisome."
"It's actually very bothersome," Echizen exclaimed.
"You're right on that level. If they treat each other this way during practice, how do they behave outside of tennis." Momoshiro uttered.
"Well, since there are five of us here, why don't we try to find out what happened? Is it really that grave? Let's ask the others to for help." Kikumaru suggested.
"No need," it was Momoshiro who spoke. "We're on the same boat here. Coincidentally, Echizen and I have been discussing about our two taxing seniors." He threw a look towards the direction of Echizen. There was a glint in his eyes.
Echizen lets out a teasing grin. "We have a plan." He uttered confidently, his voice was unwavering.#
