Hi! So It took me some time to write this because I was watching k-drama hahahaha I was actually planning on writing this after finishing Love in the Moonlight (super adorable. If you haven't watch it, please do! XD) but then I came upon Good Doctor and I'm hooked XD
Anyway, PLEASE READ THIS NOTE.
After reading it again, I realized something. I'm not sure if you're all just too kind to point it out or we all missed that detail. The reason Tezuka wanted to go to Real Vermello was to meet Echizen IMMEDIATELY. And then I screwed things up by making it fully booked for that weekend. And then I thought.. "Why didn't he just go to Ethereal Bar on the first weekday?" So, to close this case… Let's just say that they were too busy that week. HAHAHAHAHA
For this chapter, I will not describe the food anymore nor the place in detail because I'm lazy that way. Hahahaha And I think I've stalled everything enough so…
As for the food, I just searched whatever since I'm not familiar with different cuisines hahahaha
Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis, just the plot of this fanfic and the crappy names of the restaurants and additional characters xD
Enjoy!
We arrived at Real Vermello at ten minutes before seven and the place is nothing but extravagant, and we're still just outside. The design is not quite complex but a restaurant made entirely out of glass with gold outline would definitely catch the attention of anyone, specially with how high it is.
I stopped the car by the entrance and two attendants immediately stood by our doors, ready to open them. Upon doing so, I gave the key to who I assumed was the valet and then we went inside. I noticed that no sound could be heard from the receiving area (where we currently are) as another door separates us from the dining place.
In contrast with how "minimalist" (because, surely, you can classify the use of glass and gold as being minimalist) they were on the outside, they made up for what's inside. Starting with the one-of-a-kind table of the receptionist. It's made out of glass as well but with intricate patterns on the sides. The most eye-catching part of it were its legs which are carved snakes that seem to be coiling up an invisible pole.
"Fuji Syusuke" replied by my companion a bit too cheerily when asked about the reservation. A lady wearing a white female dress shirt tucked under a pencil cut skirt that reaches her knees introduced herself as Hinata and told us that she'll be assisting us for the duration of our stay. A man wearing what may as well be the male version of the uniform, opened the door for us and we made our way to our table.
Before I could even notice the grand chandelier hanging at the center of the place and the luxurious designs of the wall and the tables, my ears were first filled by the sound of an orchestra of great skills. I've liked classical music since young so I'm quite familiar with a number of pieces and this one is no exception. A definite favorite, one of Antonio Vivaldi's Four Seasons - Spring. This place is a definite treat for my ears.
To my pleasant surprise, our seats are upfront.
"It might be Atobe's doing." Fuji said as we sat side-by-side facing towards the big stage. We were given a menu and I noticed that they offer specialties from different countries as well. A few minutes later, Hinata made her way to our table with a bottle of red wine on one hand and a bucket of ice on the other. She put down the bucket and proceeded on pouring us a glass of wine each and placing it in the bucket.
"May I take your orders?" She asked as the last note has been played.
"Caesar Salad for my appetizer. As for the main course, Chicken Vindaloo." Fuji scanned a little more on one page. "And Spiced Plum Cake for my dessert." I noticed that she's not writing anything down, I guess they practice that here as well. She nodded to Fuji and then directed her attention towards me. "And to you sir?"
"I'll have Deviled Eggs, Sauerbraten, and Cinnamon Rugelach." She nodded again and repeated our orders perfectly and also informed us that it would take around 5 to 10 minutes for our entrees to arrive. She was about to leave when her gaze fell to the incoming person and she immediately bowed. "Good evening, Atobe-sama." The said man waved the waitress off and stood in front of our table.
"Ahh, Fuji, Tezuka. Be awed by Ore-sama's presence." He greeted as he sat perpendicular to us.
"It's very nice of you to come out of your way to meet us, Atobe." Fuji replied with his usual smile. As I looked around, it is expected that most, if not all, eyes are on Atobe. He seemed to have read my thoughts as he made contact with my eyes and his next words escaped his mouth. "Not for long." My eyes widened a fraction at his declaration.
There was a moment of silence before the host took the podium. Clearing his throat, he put on a lively vibe and began the introduction.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I hope all of you are having a wonderful night so far. For those who were not able to witness the performances of the Harmonic Orchestra, it is with great pleasure to inform you that they will be accompanying our next artist with his songs. And joining them on their first song is the world-renowned singers from Nigeria. Let us welcome the Harmonic Orchestra, Isokan Singers, and Echizen Ryoma."
As each member of the orchestra made their way on stage once again, our entrees were served.
"Great choice." commented Atobe about our order. "You know," started Fuji, "you should get to the point. I know having us around is not your form of relaxation." He looked startled for a moment.
"Ahh. Nothing escapes from our tensai." He sounded a little defeated. He looked in front as the last of the orchestra member entered.
"Ore-sama said this to Tezuka before through a phone call but ore-sama wants to hear it in person." He continued without looking away from the stage. The Isokan Singers followed suit with Echizen in the middle. He looked a whole lot different from when I saw him at Ethereal Bar and I think Fuji agrees with me because his head is no longer turned towards Atobe. Echizen is wearing white all over, a huge contrast to everyone on stage wearing black coat and pants. His hair is slicked back and his glasses nowhere to be found. But what didn't change is the smile plastered on his face.
"Oi." Successfully gaining back our gaze and attention, I noticed that there's a weird emotion playing in Atobe's eyes. "I asked what do you want with him." He said with a hint of glare.
"Yuuta wants us to help him. And after seeing his talent, there's no denying that both Echizen and the company will benefit from it." Fuji's smile never wavering.
The orchestra came to life along with the unison of the voices.
Is this the real life?
Is this just fantasy?
Caught in a landslide,
No escape from reality.
"Make sure that it stays for business reasons." There's no hiding the threat in his words.
Open your eyes,
Look up to the skies and see,
Echizen moved forward, closer to the microphone
I'm just a poor boy, I need no sympathy,
Because I'm easy come, easy go,
Little high, little low,
Any way the wind blows doesn't really matter to me, to me.
"Saa." It was now Atobe's turn to look away from the stage to Fuji. "That," Fuji revealed his cerulean eyes instantly connecting to Atobe's dark blue ones, "I cannot promise."
I don't know why I ended it there, blame k-drama I guess? XD
Please review me your thoughts or point out things that I might have missed. 3 Creative criticisms and suggestions are very much welcome! No to flames tho. Hahahahaha