A/N: Okay. This is my first time leaving author's notes. I would like to thank everyone for reading and reviewing my story. Special thanks to AquaJet and Frog-kun for leaving constructive criticism and encouraging words. And also to fyerigurl, for the pointers she gave me regarding Yoko-chan. I hope this chapter could address the problems you guys pointed out to me. Again, thank you everyone!
Disclaimer: Konomi Takeshi owns Prince of Tennis.
Time, indeed, is slow when you are waiting.
Ootori checked his wristwatch. Ten minutes into class, and Yoko still had not arrived. He had wanted to spend some time with her before the bell, so he went straight to class after morning practice. Maybe he came too early? No, he shook his head. She should have arrived five minutes ago, like she normally would. He had been friends with the girl long enough to get used to her daily schedule.
He glanced at the empty desk next to him, and then to the classroom door. He sighed. He might as well think of something to pass the time.
He put on his earphones and listened to some classical music.
The tall Hyotei regular then placed his hands on his desk, fingers positioned on imaginary piano keys. He closed his eyes, and moved his fingers according to the notes and chords he was hearing.
The classroom door opened five minutes later, followed by the familiar light footsteps.
Ootori's eyes snapped open; his fingers slowed down and finally stopped playing.
He removed the earphones and turned towards the door, and was unusually surprised to see the person he had been waiting for.
In his defense, his surprise was reasonable. There is something different about Yoko that day, and however slight the change was, he noticed.
Her straight black hair, normally flowing freely down her back, was held by a white ribbon into a partial ponytail.
Her face and lips, normally pale, had a tinge of healthy pink.
Her warm brown eyes, normally dull, were bright as she smiled at him.
And, her smile, her small smile that had always been sincere but pained, was now carefree.
"Good morning, Ootori-kun," she said as she reached her seat.
"Good morning, Hamasaki-san," he managed to say.
He wanted to postpone catching up with her until lunchtime, but he supposed something happened that caused the change Yoko. So he cleared his throat and asked: "How did it go, Hamasaki-san?"
For a brief moment, the light air that she had when she arrived disappeared.
Yoko bowed her head.
She replied in a low voice, barely louder than a whisper, but the weight of her words had Ootori widening his eyes.
"You are quitting? But Hamasaki-san y–"
Your mother, he was about to say, but the bell rang, signaling the start of classes, and cut him off.
Yoko looked up to meet his eyes smiled at him.
Throughout the morning classes, Ootori had been throwing worried glances at Yoko. He studied her face, and found himself lost in the calm expression she had been wearing.
She caught him staring; he blushed out of embarrassment.
She smiled warmly at him; he was taken aback.
She turned back to her notes; he released the breath he did not know he was holding.
He threw her one last glance before continuing his work.
Ootori and Yoko were having lunch at the cafeteria as usual.
"Hamasaki-san."
Yoko looked up to him.
"Did something happen?"
The girl smiled sadly and looked away, but her eyes were not focused on anything.
"Nothing, Ootori-kun. Nothing happened. It's just that... I've been trying for eight years. I'm tired of trying... and failing. I felt that I should just give up, let go, and move on."
"But your mother?"
"I will still be visiting her every now and then. But I won't swim anymore. Mom will understand."
"Will you be alright?"
She turned to him and smiled, but said nothing.
Ootori was distracted, Oshitari could tell from the underclassman's inconsistent serving form. He was not focusing in the game; his body was just unconsciously chasing for the ball and hitting it with whatever shot he could perform.
The genius was a bit disappointed, as he was able to return the Scud Serve without difficulty. When Ootori is in top condition, his signature move is way faster and sharper than it was in today's practice, and even he would need a few tries before returning it successfully.
Shishido just got back his regular spot, so the bespectacled boy supposed that the cause of distraction was the girl in the bleachers from two weeks ago, who happened not to watch today.
Well, distracted or not, he won't have mercy.
Oshitari hit a winner.
"Love-Forty. Matchpoint." announced Taki, who was umpiring the match.
Ootori tossed the ball into the air, and served. He didn't even bother to say his usual Ikyunyukon.
The ball went straight into the net.
"Fault."
Ootori didn't even hear the call. He positioned himself behind the service line and dug his pocket for another ball.
He bounced the ball several times, Yoko's words lingering in his ears.
Give up.
Let go.
Move on.
He was so used to Shishido's never-say-die attitude that these words sounded so foreign to him.
He gripped the ball tightly, tossed it in the air, and served.
Why couldn't I help her?
The ball landed in the wrong service box.
"Double-fault. Game and match, Oshitari. Six games to two."
He walked to the net and shook hands with the genius.
"Thanks for the game, senpai."
Then he bowed and excused himself.
Tezuka was surprised to see Ootori Choutarou, of Hyotei Gakuen, that Sunday. The girl did not show up, and he was about to go home after a day of fishing when he caught sight of the younger tennis player.
He decided not give it much thought, and went on his way.
Yoko was puzzled. Instead of going to the cafeteria for lunch, Ootori took her to the rooftop. Not that she minded, because the cool breeze and the azure sky reminded her of the ocean. Only the sounds of the waves were missing, and everything would be complete.
She felt something cold touch her ear, and suddenly, she heard what she was longing to hear.
She lifted her hand to touch the cold thing, and was surprised to touch something warm instead.
She rubbed her fingers to the warm thing, and the familiar melody echoed in her ears.
She closed her eyes, and held the warm thing until the melody finally reached its end.
She dropped her hand and turned, and was surprised to see Ootori holding a seashell in his right hand.
"Hamasaki-san."
His left hand reached for her right. He put the seashell on it, and held it in place with his right hand.
"This is for you."
Tears fell from her eyes. She gripped the seashell tightly, and buried her face in Ootori's chest.
Ootori hesitated for a while, but finally gave in to the sudden urge to touch her hair.
She pulled away slowly, and met his eyes.
His fingers reached for her face and wiped her tears.
"Thank you."
And then she smiled at him.
He smiled back.
Her smiling face – that was all the assurance he needed.