" Ore-sama's only regret is not crushing you..." Chapter2
-
In spite of the persistent obstacle ( and hindrance ) in his life called Atobe Keigo, Tezuka was more or less content with the current situation.
The tennis facilities were everything they boasted of, and they had not encountered much hostility compared to what he had expected so far. His days in junior and senior high had taught him to be cautious anyway.
The courts were open and he played a light rally with Fuji.
Registration for new members was would start in two more days. And a week later, there were matches for selection of the regulars, even freshmen like themselves were allowed to take part; even so, he knew it would be no easy job to go against the current team, so what if he was Tezuka Kunimitsu?
" You are not concentrating again, Tezuka. " Fuji spoke softly, hitting the ball to a blind spot.
" I am now. " Tezuka positioned himself for the next serve.
-
Coincidentally enough, Fuji was also in a very similar situation; he was sharing a room with Oshitari Yuushi, the infamous trickster of Hyoutei.
Not to mention his game just kept improving and improving some more, the word ' limit ' obviously did not exist in this tensai's dictionary.
As he looked around he realized he could spot many familiar faces like Oshitari Yuushi, Akutagawa Jirou, he even came across Sanada from Rikkai. All of them were gathered under the same roof, each one had developed their own unique playing style, better than ever before, each one testing new boundaries in anticipation of the promising week that was sure to follow.
-
Still, Tezuka couldn't help but notice the glaring absence of one Atobe Keigo. That boy was nowhere to be seen near the tennis courts.
And he briefly found himself wondering what kind of player that tennis monster had developed into.
-
The last time they played was about two years ago, a chance unofficial match. And he got to see more than his fair share of the raw, reckless power that was Atobe.
No, it was not like Atobe had played power tennis or anything. But there was a force in his game, almost like gravity, he couldn't quiet define it – it was the storm raging in blue gray eyes, those sharp movement with cutting precision, that unrivalled aura, the passion and sweat that went into hit after hit…
Playing with Atobe didn't even feel like a game, it felt like war. And this enemy was extremely competent.
Even his recklessness was different from Tezuka's own, unlike Tezuka, Atobe knew where to draw the line, and would not hesitate to do so, should the need arise. Yet he somehow poured out all of himself into the duel.
They had stopped at 6-6.
Tezuka would never admit it, but his heart had been beating much faster than usual during that game.
-
And though they managed to retain their respective positions as captains even in the days of senior high, their paths did not cross after ( Their off court meetings ended after the date incident, it was not like they were friends to begin with ).
Neither Seigaku nor Hyoutei won the nationals ( Even though the captains were the same, the teams were different; a lot of the old members were scattered in different schools, some quitting tennis altogether). But their fame as individual players preceded their reputations anywhere they went nevertheless.
-
Which was precisely why he was so surprised.
-
" Atobe? " Tezuka spoke as both of them retired for the night, in their separate beds.
" What? " The other boy stopped just as he was about to switch off the night lamp.
" Can I know something? " Tezuka was lying on the bed, eyes open, staring at an unspecific spot on the ceiling.
" You are starting a conversation? How rare. " Atobe smirked, suddenly all ears. He propped his head on an elbow.
Annoyance flashed along the stiffer one's face, " Never mind. " Tezuka replied curtly.
" Nani? Aren't we being prissy now, ahn, Tezuka? " The smirk got annoyingly wider; if anything, the self crowned King seemed to be even more amused, " Or should I say Tezuka-ohime-san? "
Now why had he bothered talking to this smug, arrogant, creep? Oh yes, he had been somewhat concerned. Tezuka was berating his conscience for being unnecessarily considerate. But the sooner he got to the point, the sooner he was going to get some sleep.
" Tennis club. " he paused. " I don't think you have registered yet. I have not seen you practice either. " Tezuka spoke stiffly.
" Oh? Is that all? " Atobe lost some interest in the conversation; apparently the young heir had been expecting something different.
" Atobe. " Tezuka almost sighed. Why didn't this person just give him straight answers?
" I don't play tennis anymore. " came the reply, before Atobe once again settled to sleep.
" But Atobe, you…" Tezuka started.
" Ore-sama has duties. " Again Atobe interrupted the other's speech without a thought, " Life is more than rackets and tennis balls you know. " he almost sounded amused.
' But Atobe, you love tennis. ' Tezuka did not pursue the subject further.
" I know what you are thinking. You are thinking that I love tennis, aren't you? " Atobe spoke as the lights went out.
"….." Now just why did Atobe know that?
" Well, you are wrong. " Atobe continued, needing no acknowledgement from the other, as if knowing that Tezuka was listening, most probably he was expecting that from the stiffer boy. " What I love is victory. That is all. " he paused as Tezuka absorbed this information. " Ore-sama's only regret is not crushing you, though. "
" Oyasumi, Atobe. " Tezuka spoke after a moment's silence.
" Yeah, yeah. Same to you. "
-
A/N - Chapter 2 done xD i was going to post one and two together, but that kinda didn't happen... thank you for reading :) hope you are curious enough to read the next!