The wonders of a paradox

Disclaimer: Please refer to the previous chapters.

Rating: PG or K+

Genre: General, slight suspense

Pairing: Implied Tezuka and Fuji

Warnings or notes: AU, spoilers, OOC-ness, might be confusion.

Have to catch up with the anime episodes eh… So beware of the spoilers. Sorry for the long delay. Real life can be… very difficult, indeed.

Thanks, Johin for beta proof my story. :)

Kindly leave a review ya! Thanks.

: Ready… Go :

Chapter 7 – First step

In Seigaku tennis courts, two boys were seen collecting the scattered tennis balls. All the other members had returned home, leaving only the two of them to stay behind for their duty. Being the first years, the freshmen could not complain much. "One day I would like to have a match with you," a soft voice said suddenly. Tezuka immediately turned to look at the owner of the feminine voice. Needless to say, it belonged to none other than the ever smiling boy, Fuji Syusuke. Before he could open his mouth to reply, Fuji smiled and added, "With your dominant hand, of course."

A blink. Then Tezuka narrowed his eyes. How did Fuji know about it? About his left hand being the dominant hand? He never let the information slip. Not even the data collecting Inui knew about it. "How…"

Brilliant sapphire eyes were revealed as soon as the word 'how' came out from his mouth. Instantly, he shut his mouth. Not because he was scared of the immense look on Fuji's face, but the answer he was getting from the eye contact. Fuji knew it all along. He just knew. There was no reason; it was that simple.

So he retorted to a firm nod. In fact, he was excited to have a match with the pretty boy too. The little display Fuji gave a few days ago was intriguing. Actually Tezuka was captivated by the skills Fuji had. Ever since that day, the bespectacled boy was keen to keep a watch on the petite boy. However, it seemed like Fuji was very careful to not let anything else slip. It was as if he preferred to hide in the shadows, waiting to ambush people.

Tezuka wanted to be the one to lure Fuji out of the shadows. It would be worth it, he assured himself. Fuji had taken the first step in the plan, so he would go along with it. And he found pride in it to be able to make Fuji take the first step. None of the first years dared to challenge him in a tennis match, and some of his seniors were also afraid about it.

He might not know Fuji that well yet but he respected this side of him. A mysterious know-it-all, who was bold enough to ask him for a match. Oh, how he loved a challenge, especially one coming from the newbie. Wait, Fuji Syusuke was a big challenge himself.

"C'mon, we are done. Let's head home, eh?" Fuji cocked his head to the side and flashed a smile, acting if they had exchanged no words just a few minutes ago. Once again, Tezuka nodded and together, they headed home in a comfortable silence.

Tomorrow would be the day for the ranking matches. Their seniors were finally leaving the team, entrusting the juniors and freshmen to bring Seigaku to victory in the nationals. Normally Tezuka should be practicing by now. But, strangely enough, he was feeling so content with the silence he shared with Fuji that he chose to let his body rest for a day.

Little did Tezuka realize how his life had changed in such a short amount of time. With Fuji's transfer, the girls' attentions were now divided and thus, he was having a better time instead of hiding from the stalkers or refusing confessions from day to day. Apart from that, there was tennis. He found out he was looking forward to having a challenge from an equal rival. And Fuji might be one for a good challenge.

'Tezuka-kun is so stoic and withdrawn, as if he does not want anyone to get closer to him. Saa… nevermind,' Fuji thought in silent as he continued to walk beside Tezuka. He would be the first and last to enter into Tezuka's sanctuary.

Aiba stared at his displayed painting without a word. "I know what is missing now," he whispered and flashed a smile. 'It's only a matter of time before I can complete you,' he thought as his fingers touched the surface. He had a feeling once the art is done, it would undeniably be the best of his collections.

: To be continued :