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Sun And Sunflower

Yukimura x OC, Tokugawa x OC, Tanegashima x OC

Chapter Three

"Kobayashi-san! This is for you!"

All morning, Haruka had been receiving unexpected acts of kindness. There was a small carton of strawberry milk on her desk when she walked into the classroom, along with a sandwich. Those whom she did not even know would come up to her to greet her a good morning. When she asked Fuji for his notes because she did not understand the maths lesson, at least three people offered theirs. And now, in line to get lunch, someone just handed her a melon bun. Of course, Haruka was not complaining. Melon bun and strawberry milk were her favourites, after all. She was just a little...suspicious.

"Are you sure you want to eat that, Haruka?" Fuji asked. "You drank the strawberry milk without second thoughts this morning too. You could have been poisoned." Fuji leaned down, his lips right by Haruka's ear as he whispered to her. Haruka jolted a little, hating the feeling of hot breath on her ear. Something that Fuji knew about but obviously disregarded so he could tease her.

"I highly doubt that people in our school would poison me. They have no reason to," Haruka stated, opening the packaging to get to the melon bun. "But...it's a little odd. Why are they all so nice to me?" That was the question that loomed around but she never thought to ask until now.

"Maybe our Haruka is finally getting popular."

"Our Haruka? Don't talk as if I'm your little sister. We're the same age, Shu-kun."

"Ha~ruka-chan!"

Just before Eiji could latch onto Haruka and pull her into a bear hug like he always did, Fuji took a step back and pulled Haruka with him, saving her. Eiji nearly lost his balance and fell on his face from missing his target. He managed to regain his balance before looking up with a pout. Such affection was nothing out of the ordinary for Haruka. Since her transfer to Seigaku, Fuji and Eiji had been her classmates and they had been great friends. She would admit that she hated the idea of being greeted by a hug everyday but she was soon used to it, even to the point where the day would feel incomplete unless she got a hug from Eiji.

"Haruka-chan, is it true that your older brother is home?" Eiji asked. "You know...Kobayashi Hikaru? The pro tennis player? Japan's treasure?"

Instantly, Haruka shot Fuji a glare. It was finally becoming clear as to why everyone was being so nice to her. Now, the Kobayashi siblings were famous in Seigaku for many reasons. Haruko and Koharu were both well known alumnae of their school, both for different reasons of course; Haruko being the star of the girls' tennis team while Koharu was known for being the prettiest. Naturally, when Haruka transferred to Seigaku, there were a buzz about her too though it soon died out because well...she was just too...normal. But Hikaru was not a Seigaku alumni. In fact, he never even set foot on campus. Of course, almost everyone in Japan would know him as the young pro tennis player but not many knew of him as Haruka's older brother.

"Don't give me such a scary look, Haruka." Fuji pressed a thumb between Haruka's brows, rubbing gently to iron out the wrinkles her frown made. Haruka went to slap his hand away but he retracted just in time. "Eiji asked where I went yesterday and I told him we went on a little trip. I may or may not have mentioned that your brother, Kobayashi Hikaru, came to pick you up."

"So it's true? He really is your older brother?" Eiji asked, latching himself onto Haruka now that he found a chance.

"Yes, he is. And no, I'm not going to get his autograph or picture or his belongings for anyone. He's not Kobayashi Hikaru to me, he's just my brother."

Now that Haruka knew the truth behind all the acts of kindness, she was starting to find them irritating. A few brave souls had asked if it was true that her brother was indeed, the famous Kobayashi Hikaru, and they were shot down almost immediately by Haruka. It was not a secret in particular. Haruka would happily let her friends know who her brother was. It was those who had ulterior motives that Haruka wanted to steer clear of. She hated the idea of people being friends with her because they thought they might be able to get close to the rising star of Japan.

Even after school at the tennis club, Haruka was bombarded with question after question about her brother. It was not until Fuji and Tezuka stepping in did they finally stop. Finally, she was able to let out a huge sigh of relief. Her day was far from being finished but Haruka was already feeling knackered. For once, she wished her brother was not Hikaru.

"Alright, gather up," Coach Ryuzaki called out to the club. "We have some good news to announce. How many of you here have heard of the U-17 training camp?"

"It's a selection camp for the top potentials in tennis for Japan. But only high school students are chosen to participate." Every single pair of eyes were on Haruka, the one person they were not expecting to respond. Haruka stared back with a puzzled look. Fuji let out a soft chuckle, being the first to look away. It was then that Haruka realised, as a non-player, it seemed a little out of the ordinary that she would have knowledge of such a camp. "Hey, don't look at me like that. I'm the manager here, it shouldn't be surprising that I know some tennis stuff. Plus...my brother went there before going to Australia."

"The oh-so-famous Kobayashi Hikaru," Coach Ryuzaki nodded. "That's right, the U-17 training camp is a place for the top potentials in tennis. To be selected to join would mean that you have skills that could lead you to a bright future in the tennis world. Now, as our manager has said, only high school players are selected to participate in the past. However, they had decided that this year, they would allow middle school players to take part in the camp and as the champion of the Nationals, our school has been invited naturally. It is very possible that we are looking at the next treasure of Japan right now."

The news created a buzz among the tennis club. To be selected to participate in the training camp was something every tennis player dreamt of. Not only was it a chance to improve but it was a chance for them to really show their potential and be scouted. But they were soon hushed by the captain.

"I know this is very exciting news but that does not mean that we do not have practice."

"Kuni-nii is so harsh..."

"Kobayashi."

Given a short while to celebrate the news, the team was soon back to practice but in much higher spirit now.

"Toothbrush, toothpaste...ah, face wash..."

As she was walking past Koharu's room, Haruko peeked through the open door to see her younger sister sitting on her knees on the floor with her belongings spread out all around her and a suitcase opened in front of her. Despite her loud personality, Koharu was in fact the most organised in the family. Her room was always immaculate and everything had its own place that it should be returned to after use. Every holiday, they never have to be afraid that they had forgotten something because Koharu would have it (but whether or not she would let them use it was another problem itself).

"Whatcha doin'?"

"You're speaking in Kansai dialect," Koharu pointed out, not even sparing Haruko a look as she packed her toiletry bag. She put everything into the bag only to take them all out again to check over her list, making sure she had everything before putting them back in once more.

Having her accent pointed out was something Haruko hated that Koharu did. If she had to choose, Haruka was definite the better younger sister. At the very least, she had some respect. But perhaps it was the age difference that caused the difference in attitude towards her between Koharu and Haruka. There was only a year of difference between Haruko and Koharu, after all. They were more like friends than they were siblings. But it did not make Koharu any less annoying as a person. And so, as a petty revenge, Haruko invited herself into the room and walked up to the suitcase. Koharu had yet to notice what it was that Haruko had in mind but it was already too late when she did because the elder tipped the suitcase with her foot, messing up the contents of the suitcase.

"OI!" Koharu screeched, shoving Haruko out of the way as she glared up at the older girl, to which Haruko simply gave her a shrug. "You evil-"

"That's what ya get for pointin' out my accent," Haruko smirked.

"Now I have to pack everything again."

"You can just dump everything in, you don't have to make it all nice looking. No one's gonna look in there," Haruko said, rolling her eyes at Koharu's overreaction. "What are you packing for anyway?"

Koharu stopped in the middle of folding her clothes to look at Haruko with an unimpressed expression on her face. Haruko stared back, not understanding the expression on her face. It was a very simple question; What are you packing for? To which, she could just give a very simple answer but this was Koharu. There was never a simple answer with her. With another roll of her eyes, Koharu let out a huge sigh that was a giveaway that she was fed up with Haruko. "Wow, you seriously don't know. Okay. Every year, since the year before onii-chan went to Australia, we go somewhere. Where is that?"

"Oh, the U-17 camp." It finally clicked for Haruko. "That's now?"

"Yes, that's now. Actually, it's in a week. Then again, you're Kobayashi Haruko, you probably won't pack until the night before."

There was no denying the statement. Because it was true. The two sisters were the complete opposites of each other. While Koharu was loud and always full of things to talk about, Haruko was quiet and more of a listener. As meticulous as Koharu was, Haruko was sloppy. The younger would pack her suitcase immaculately and quadruple check that she had everything but the older would just throw whatever she thought she needed into the suitcase and that was that.

Instead of packing, a thought suddenly crossed Haruko's mind and she watched Koharu pack while that thought lingered. She was squatting by the suitcase awkwardly, her arms wrapped around her knees. Koharu went on her own business, not paying mind to her older sister until it got a little too uncomfortable with the silence and the staring. Koharu sighed out loud and leaned her head back, her hands stopping with the task, before looking to Haruko and waited for her to speak.

"Are you okay?" Haruko asked.

"Why wouldn't I be?"

Answering a question with another question was always a sign that one was avoiding the actual answer. They both knew what they were talking about. Koharu knew exactly why her older sister was asking if she was okay. She just did not want to answer it. Not in that sense anyway.

"I know I'm not around much to really be an older sister but you can talk to me, Koharu," Haruko said. "And I know we've been going to the U-17 camp as volunteers but it wouldn't hurt if we didn't go. The only reason why we went was because Hikaru did. And the only reason why we stayed was because they called every year asking if we were coming back to volunteer and mum and dad always say yes. I'm sure we can say no."

"We're going," Koharu reassured. "It's going to be hard but we're going. Plus, Haruka's really excited to go this year. Apparently, the camp has opened up to middle school players this year. There will be a lot of work this year with the middle school players as well, we can't abandon everyone else. I'll get through it, don't worry."

"Yeah, I'm really not good with feelings...I'll ask Haruka to hug you."

Both sisters let out a soft laugh. Haruko gave Koharu one last smile before straightening her legs to stand up. She even gave her little sister a pat on the head which was more than what she would usually do as an affectionate act. Just as she was about to leave, Koharu spoke up. "Thanks, Haruko-nee," she said, just about loud enough to be heard. "I know I act like I hate you sometimes but you're a good sister. I'm glad you're home."

"I'm glad to be home."

The sun had barely risen when the girls were setting out for the U-17 camp. Hikaru was up early to see them off, giving each of them a hug goodbye (much to the protest of a groggy Haruko) before they got onto the car with their father. The whole journey was silent, save for their father who would pipe up every so often to tell the girls that they should do their best at the camp, and that they should call home every so often so their mother would not worry. Both Koharu and Haruka, sitting at the back, fell back to sleep while Haruko kept quiet at the front.

"Take care of them, Haruko," their father said, looking to the eldest daughter. "I know there's a little wall between you and them because you're away at Osaka most of the time but they really miss having you around. Take good care of them for us, okay?"

"I will."

It was then silent for the rest of the journey. As they were coming up to the camp, as if they knew they were arriving, both Koharu and Haruka woke up. They came here every year but every single year, Haruka still felt the butterflies in her stomach seeing the place with her own eyes. She could pick out the small differences every year too, whether it was different flowers planted at a specific area or if they had new benches. But this year, she was getting butterflies for a different reason. This would be the first year that middle school players were participating. Being at this camp with her friends was something Haruka always thought of but only for when she would be in high school.

Parking the car, their father got out with the girls, helping them with their suitcases before going to greet the man who came out to meet them, Saito Itaru.

"Why, if it isn't my favourite girls?" They were greeted by a huge smile and the two men shook hands. "Don't worry about them, they're in good hands here. Oh my, look at them. Haruko, have you grown again? You'll be as tall as I am the next time I see you! And Koharu! Still the prettiest of all, I see. And my, is this really Haruka? Perhaps Haruko should share a little of her height with you?"

There was no doubt that coach Saito was the closest with the girls of all the coaches here at the camp. He doted on them like they were his own daughters, his excuse being that he had a daughter too and because he doted so much on her, it was only natural for him to dote on the Kobayashi sisters too. And while the girls were appreciative of his caring and kind actions, they also found him...annoying. He meant well, they knew, but there were times when he would come across as creepy or just awkward.

"Hm...still not very talkative, I see," coach Saito smiled. "No worries, let's get you into the camp now, shall we? With the middle school students coming, we have a lot more work to do around the camp and I would like for you to settle first before getting to work. Now, as always, you three will be on kitchen duty. That involves prepping, serving, and cleaning. But you already know that. However, there will be some adjustment to your work around the camp this year.

"Haruko, you will be taking care of anything and everything on the courts. That involves checking the equipment on the courts, making sure that there are enough balls to go around, and just the generally cleanliness. Koharu, you will be taking care of the well-being of the high school participants here at the camp. From making sure that they are attending to all their training regimes to making sure that they are well hydrated, that is all you. As for you, Haruka. Naturally, you will be taking care of the middle school participants, much like Koharu is with the older players. Now, are there any questions?"

Once again, coach Saito was met with silence. It was still early in the morning and despite catching up on some sleep in the car on the way here, the girls were still exhausted. Haruka barely slept from the buzzing excitement at the thought of being here, though she was not quite showing that excitement right now. Still, coach Saito gave them a gentle smile, leading the way to the room where the girls would be staying for their duration at the camp.

As soon as they finished unpacking, the girls were put to work. Haruka was the luckiest of the three, because the middle school students have yet to arrive. Instead of working, she decided to take a little stroll before settling herself on one of the bleachers on the main court where the high school players were already starting their day of training, staring up at the blue sky. She shut her eyes, enjoying the gentle breeze and the warmth of the sun on her skin, when the sound of bustling about and chatters disrupted her little moment of peace.

There was no mistaking that uniform; Hyotei.

That could only mean that the middle school players were starting to arrive and there was no time for Haruka to be sitting around. Getting up on her feet, Haruka put on the brightest smile she could manage, getting ready to greet the Hyotei team.

"Hello! Welcome to the U-17 camp, please come this way!"

"Oh? Aren't you Seigaku's little kitty?" Atobe asked, tilting his head slightly. Haruka blinked, staring at the captain. Did he just call her...little kitty? "Now that I'm looking at you up close, you're a pretty little kitty, aren't you? How about we have a little fun before your team gets here, hm?"

"That would not be necessary."

As Atobe was getting a little too close to Haruka, a hand came in between them, cutting the Hyotei captain off. Fuji, Haruka's knight in a blue and white jersey, gave Atobe a soft smile. Taking a step back, Atobe only responded with a smirk before throwing a wink at Haruka's direction to which she shivered at the sight of. Having been rescued, Haruka was finally noticing that many other middle schools had arrived. And there was a certain yellow-jersey team that she spotted not too far away though Fuji interrupted her thoughts.

"What are you doing here, Haruka?"

"Ha~ruka-chan!" As per usual, the small brunette was greeted with a hug from her classmate and best friend. It was a hug that Haruka gladly returned, with a genuine bright smile on her face while she did so. "I thought we wouldn't get to see you while at this camp. Does this mean that we'll be seeing each other everyday?"

"Since my brother started participating about four years ago, my sisters and I have been volunteering," Haruka explained. "We run errands for the camp and participants. And this year, I'm in charge of the middle school participants."

"That means you'll still be our manager, right?" Momo asked. "That's awesome! That's real awesome!"

But while the Seigaku team was soaking in the happiness of reuniting with their precious manager, and the rest of the middle schools chattering excitedly among themselves about the camp, the high school players were...irritated. They were a bunch of kids. None of the high school players were even remotely considered for the camp back when they were in middle school, what made this bunch so special? And as the high school players were discussing among themselves, coach Kurobe came out to get them settled.

"This year, besides the twenty first string members who are away, the second string members of two hundred and forty-six will have fifty middle school players added. I know you disapprove of their participants, but the middle school level of skills has risen quite high this year. Therefore, let us work together and aim high as the Japanese U-17 representatives. However...Three hundred members seem a little too much, says the head coach."

As he spoke, a plane flew overheard and a storm of tennis balls came raining down on them.

"Drop two hundred and fifty balls. Those without one shall be returned home immediately."

The entire camp suddenly turned frantic. Even Haruka, a volunteer at the camp, was getting caught up in all that was going on. She was being shoved about by the players who were rushing to get a ball for themselves. Conforming, despite with no reason to, Haruka found herself rushing to get a ball too. She spotted one not too far away and reached for it when a racket came over the ball. Looking up, Haruka froze.

Yukimura casually picked the ball up and held it out for Haruka with a gentle smile. It was the same smile as the one Yukimura would give her since they met seven years ago. It made Haruka's heart skip a beat. Slowly, Haruka reached out with one hand and took the ball from her childhood friend, their fingers brushing against each other as she did so. She retracted her hand quickly, looking away because there was no way she could look into his eyes without all her emotions being read.

"T-Than-"

"Haruka!"

Snapping her head in the direction of the voice, Haruka ran off before finishing her sentence, running to meet with Fuji and Eiji. Yukimura watched the girl, the smile on his face fading just a little. It had been exactly two years since he last saw her (apart from that time when he was with Hikaru). Her usual trip to Kanagawa did not go unnoticed but she kept her distance always. Only now could Yukimura see how much she had changed since they last saw each other. Her ponytail was no longer, but instead, she let her hair down and had bangs. She had grown a little taller, but she was still the tiny Haruka that he knew. He was happy to see her happy, but there was something about seeing her happy with someone else that irked Yukimura.

"Nice to see you again, Haru..."