Unfortunately, Atobe had wrongly concluded that Oshitari was the one who had sent him the letter. Jiroh could remember all too clearly the days spend anxiously waiting to see if Atobe would realize that it was he who'd sent to letter. He could also remember the fateful day when Atobe called Oshitari back after dismissing the rest of the team. Jiroh hadn't stayed around long enough to see what happened next. He knew Oshitari wouldn't refuse Atobe's advances; he was Atobe Keigo and no one could resist him.
Jiroh waited, feigning sleep as Mukahi and Oshitari finished their final lap. He sat up when they came closer.
"Hey, Mukahi, Oshitari. Can I talk to you guys for a moment?" Jiroh asked just as they were about to pass him.
They stopped, mystified at the use of their last names. "Jiroh. You're actually awake. What a surprise."
"Yeah, whatever. Look, just get water and then come back." Jiroh waited as the two exchanged raised eyebrows but did as he said. They came back and sat on the bench beside him.
"I'll keep this short and brief. I know you guys won't after what happened today, but I swear, if I ever see you guys making out in front of Atobe again: I'll never forgive you."
Oshitari looked interested. Mukahi's mouth fell open before he quickly closed it, only to open it once more to splutter, "Why are you yelling at me? Atobe's the one who's cheating with my boyfriend!"
"Oh, so you do know. How interesting. I never expected such calculation from you, Mukahi. Is that what that was about then? To show Keigo who Oshitari belongs to? Damnit Mukahi! Keigo knows already; he was never going to make Oshitari choose."
Mukahi laughed. "Yeah, right. Do you really believe that, Jiroh? Keigo's selfish and self centered. He's doesn't share. He doesn't have to. He's an Atobe. Don't you get sick of it? I just wanted to show him what was mine."
"You sound like Shishido. And don't call him by his first name," muttered Jiroh, eyes unnaturally bright. "You don't give Keigo nearly enough credit. Yes, he's selfish, I agree. But he's not our captain because he's stupid. He knows Oshitari would choose you in an instant. That's why he would never ask."
Mukahi nodded like it made sense, which it did in away. But…"What I want to know is why Atobe is so into Yuushi. No offense," Mukahi offered quickly at Oshitari's expression.
"I know why, but I want to know if Oshitari does," was all Jiroh said.
Mukahi and Jiroh looked at Oshitari, who might have gulped if he'd been a lesser person. After a few seconds of torturous silence, Oshitari supplied dully, "It's because the idiot thinks I wrote him a love letter."
"Did you ever tell him that you didn't write it?" Jiroh asked immediately, eyes narrowing. Oshitari looked away. "No way." He couldn't believe it. "You didn't, did you? You," Jiroh could hardly speak for rage. "Bastard," he finally hissed.
Oshitari looked guilty. Mukahi looked at first confused and then incredulous. "Yuushi! What-I don't understand-"
"No!" Oshitari let out, throwing up his hands in anguish. "It's you guys who don't understand."
Mukahi looked too stunned to speak but it was okay because at that moment Jiroh spoke for both of them.
"Then, please, enlighten us," Jiroh said acidly.
Oshitari looked at the red head with concern for his entire body was shaking slightly. "I know what I did was wrong, what I'm doing is wrong," he amended at the glares sent his way. "But really, you have no idea what it's like to have Atobe Keigo be interested in you."
Oshitari looked lost for words. He knew he had better find some quick because clearly the other two were not going to let the matter rest. Sighing, he continued, "When he's with you…It's…you feel like you're on top of the world. You know how he's intense on the court? When he's against a talented opponent? Just imagine all that focus and fire pointed right at you…" Oshitari trailed off, eyes downcast. "It's incredible."
"No, Oshitari," Jiroh stated coldly. "I don't know what it feels like."
Understanding dawned on Oshitari's face as he turned to look Jiroh straight in the eye. "Oh, I see. You're the one who wrote him that letter."
Jiroh didn't answer him, only nodded once.
"Gakuto?"
Jiroh turned and felt immediate concern for the red head who was shaking slightly. "Hey, Mukahi, are you okay?"
But Mukahi ignored Jiroh and looked directly at Oshitari, who found himself unable to look away. In a slightly hoarse tone, Mukahi ground out, "Yuushi, I'll admit what I did was wrong. I hurt Atobe deliberately out of anger. But you, Yuushi, what you did was so much worse…I can't see you as the same person anymore…"
"No, Gakuto, listen…I'm not done. Being with Atobe was surreal, but it was also hard. He didn't let his guard down around me; he wouldn't let me in. He would laugh at my jokes but I don't think I've ever heard something more fake. I've learned my lesson. I'm done with Atobe. Really. I was going to end it with Atobe after practice."
Mukahi nodded and like Jiroh, didn't say anything.
"You have nothing to worry about, Gakuto. I ended it with Yuushi right before practice started. Why do you think he let you kiss him, hmm?" came a slightly miffed but oh so familiar voice. Everyone jumped.
"Keigo…"
"Please don't ask me how long I've been here. Long enough, Yuushi, long enough." Atobe Keigo came into view, looking refreshed from his shower earlier. He was smirking, which was normal, but something seemed off. His eyes normally clear eyes looked a little dull as he looked over his doubles 2 players. "Don't worry, I'm not going to suspend you from the team. I know how to keep my personal matters off the court. It's a lesson you both would do well to learn."
"Yes, Captain."
"Excellent. You've finished your laps, I see. You're dismissed. Jiroh, I want to talk to you."
They left without a word and didn't glance backwards nor were they tempted. They didn't feel safe until they had reached Oshitari's house. It was a silent agreement that neither wanted to be alone, besides they had a lot to talk about.
Oshitari became a little concerned when Mukahi still refused to look at him. He cleared his throat. "Both you and Jiroh were wrong. He did make me choose. He said, 'It's me or Gakuto, Yuushi. I won't stand for second best.' And I chose you. And surprisingly, he let me go."
"Okay," was all Mukahi said. They embraced for a long moment before Mukahi pulled back, not quite breaking the contact. "But, yeah, I really think we should avoid Atobe for a while. He's quite scary when he's mad. It's worse when he doesn't yell- though, I've never seen him yell before either…What a strange guy." Mukahi shuddered.
Oshitari was curiously silent for a moment. He had, indeed, seen Atobe yell at someone before. But, because he cared for his well being and knew he was already on Atobe's list of people he'd have to bring down a notch, he decided not to risk it. The very best he could hope for was that Atobe would settle for beating him in front of the tennis team. This was not something he looked forward to, of course, but Atobe Keigo ruled the school and could very well make his life hell…In light of that, a little humbling game seemed like a piece of cake. Oshitari shuddered, he would not want to be in Jiroh's position right now. He felt for the guy, he really did. Talking to Atobe when he was mad was never a pleasant task.