The wonders of a paradox
Disclaimer: If I owned it, the tennis part is getting lesser and lesser… Hahaha.
Rating: G or K
Genre: General, suspense
Pairing: Implied Oishi and Kikumaru, Tezuka and Fuji
Warnings or notes: AU, minor spoilers, OOC-ness, might be confusion.
This chapter included a little in-depth into Yuuta and Ryuuzaki-sensei's minds. I hope it clears some questions, so this chapter explained a few things like:
-The connection between Atobe Keigo and Fuji Syusuke (Aiba Hiroki).
-A minor part on the start of Golden Pair.
-The thoughts of Ryuuzaki-sensei (and a minor part of Yamato-buchou) regarding Fuji.
-The reason why Fuji's name is not in the ranking matches after the display of his excellent skills.
Credits are given to Johin for beta proof this story.
What do you think of this chapter? Kindly leave a review if you have any question. I would be glad to answer your questions (but not going to reveal the future plot, ending, update dates). Thanks for the past faves, alerts and reviews!
: Ready… Go :
Chapter 8 – Start of something new
"I am going to school now, Yumiko nee-san. Yuuta, remember to eat more okay?" The second child of Fuji family offered a genuine smile as he pulled on his shoes. Fuji Yuuta's face became pink out of embarrassment and he shouted something incoherently in return before his older brother laughed and went off.
"Ne, nee-san… Are we going to stay in Japan for the rest of our lives?" Suddenly, the eleven years old asked. Being the youngest, he was left with little choices. Their family had lived in America for a good few years already. The sudden shift of environment was still foreign to Yuuta but he had learned much more ever since they came back to their own country.
The eldest sibling handed him a glass of milk. "Yes, we do. Japan suits us more, ne Yuuta?" she replied with a charming smile and a pat on his head. Her question was more of a statement, thus he did not reply. He stared at the glass of milk and let his own thoughts wander to his older brother.
'I envy onii-san. He excels in everything, while I'm just an average child… A normal child in the family…'
Little did he know, his envy was going to be something unhealthy called jealousy…
It was funny how things changed dramatically for Fuji Syusuke in a matter of months. In the first few ranking matches, Fuji's name was not included. In fact, only Oishi's name was included and he was paired with a third year to play doubles in the end. Fuji knew something happened between the mother hen and his redhead friend when Kikumaru had stopped challenging Oishi in tennis matches. Those two suddenly became so close until Inui commented how strange it was to see the four of them exchanged best friends. At first it was only Tezuka with Oishi and Fuji with Kikumaru, but now it became Oishi with Kikumaru and Tezuka with Fuji in an odd way.
Not that Fuji minded much, of course. To him, Oishi was a good friend indeed. He practically worried about everyone. But Tezuka seemed to be more intriguing in more ways than one that he simply could not stop observing him. More than one occasion, Fuji found himself in deep conversations with the data collector Inui about Tezuka where in he found himself very similar to his conspirator.
Firstly, they had their eyes set on the same target, which was Tezuka Kunimitsu. Secondly, they both had a sadistic side which involved much blackmailing and weird ideas. Thirdly, they seemed to know the others in a way that better than the rest of the group.
"Fuji-kun, what is it that brings you here today?" Ryuuzaki-sensei's voice pulled him out of his reverie.
"Good afternoon, Ryuuzaki-sensei. I have come to discuss about the list," Fuji replied smoothly with his ever smiling face. The tennis coach flashed a smile in return, walked towards the door and closed it gently.
"So you have finally decided?" She asked guiding him towards a seat before settling on her own. Her eyes stared intently into Fuji's face.
Fuji nodded slowly. "The time has come. Sorry to let you wait for so long. Now I am ready."
Ryuuzaki-sensei knew Fuji only meant the last sentence half-heartedly. No, she knew he was stating the truth, but the way he put it could be wary. She could see Fuji was born with special abilities to do many things at once. Being a gifted child, he lacked the motivation to become the best. Simply because he felt that he could achieve things with ease. There was no challenge and no competition. As if everything was meaningless to the child.
The middle-aged woman knew whatever caused Fuji to join the tennis club must be a strong attraction. And only one person could have capture Fuji's attention like how he captured everyone else's. At first, when she saw this, she was hoping that Tezuka could help in Fuji's case. It would be a waste to let go of someone of Fuji's talent. He could be an equal player to Tezuka. But firstly, he had to settle his problem… to which she was trying to aid with. It could have taken a few months or a few years, but she really could not give up on this child.
"That Yamato was disappointed that you refused to have your name in the ranking matches. Said we could have won the Nationals if you could join the regulars. In fact, he was looking forward to it. Now that the third years are going to graduate soon, we will have Nagasaki as the captain. Needless to say, Tezuka would be the vice-captain. But before that, I am sure Yamato would put your name in the last ranking match," she started in a half-joking tone and ended in a serious one.
'Seems like Seigaku Tennis Club will have a great year ahead,' she thought as the corner of her eyes spotted the ever hyper Kikumaru talking with Oishi and Inui. 'Those children would definitely make this school proud,' she mused. When she turned back her attention to the child in front of her, she found herself looking deep into a pair of sapphire gemlike eyes.
"I am looking forward to it," was the words the brunette offered before his eyes were closed and he rose from the seat towards the door. "Thank you for the chance, Ryuuzaki-sensei. Please tell Yamato-buchou that I am grateful as well." Then, the door swung open and close in a second, indicating a departure.
"Fuji Syusuke, a mysterious child indeed. A true born genius eh…," the woman murmured as she turned back to look at the window to the tennis courts below once again. This time, she saw Tezuka approaching the other first years. Ah, how she looked forward to seeing their growth.
The Atobe family was extremely wealthy – Aiba learnt that when he was still at overseas. Their meeting a few years ago was still fresh to both of them. Atobe Keigo was one of the few ones who knew his true identity behind Aiba Hiroki'. "So you have come back here as the real you. I would like to know Fuji Syusuke," Atobe said with his trademark smirk. "Then, let us start all over again," was all Aiba stated. 'Pretend you don't know me' – was the message the diva received.
: To be continued :