I would like to give my thanks to LD-KMV-2013 for the review.

LD-KMV-2013: It's more of a 'pentagon love' as you said. I don't know how to write it in the summary though. I also agree to your last comment: with respect to what I wrote in the summary, nothing much can be said yet. I really appreciate the comment. Thank you very much.

Disclaimer: I wish I own the characters of the Prince of Tennis

Flashback

"...- -jiroh... Nanjiroh!" A loud voice woke up Najiroh from his slumber.

It was noon and the cool breeze along with warm heat of the sun makes him sleepier than usual. He planned to skip the afternoon classes and sleep all afternoon but a certain girl destroyed his plan.

Nanjiroh slowly got up and stretch his arms with a yawn. Using a finger, he scratched the ear were the girl shouted as he threw a boring look at her.

"You don't need to shout."

"Oh really?" the girl raised an eyebrow, "I've been trying to wake you up for almost five minutes now. You need to get up now or we'll be late for class. Break time is almost over."

"Okay okay, I get it. Anyway, how did you know I'm here?"

"Do you really need to ask? We've been friends for as long I can remember. Of course I know how your mind works by now. So come now 'cause I won't let you skip classes even if this is your last day in school." The girl held his hand and pulled him back to their classroom. Nanjiroh did not argue and quietly follow her lead.

Classes resumed that afternoon but Nanjiroh just stared at the sky outside the window the whole time. He was deep in thoughts that he didn't realize that classes are over and it's already time for the afternoon practice. He came to his senses when he found a hand waving in front of his face.

"Hey, are you alright?"

For a brief moment, he stared at the girl. Then a grin broke to his lips.

"What are you saying? Of course I'm alright," the lad suddenly stood up energetically, "time for practice! Come on." Nanjiroh ran to the door. The girl didn't move an inch from where she stood as her sad gaze follow Nanjiroh. When the lad turned back, he found that the girl is not following him. "Hey ugly, the last to get to the court will have to buy ice cream after practice," Nanjiroh teased and ran to the direction of the tennis court.

The girl return to herself after what Nanjiroh said.

"Hey, that's not fair. Wait for me!" She ran after lad to the tennis court.

The girl arrived at the court breathing heavily. She frantically ran after Nanjiroh but the lad really ran fast and she can't catch up. When she scanned through the court, Nanjiroh was already positioned along with the other members. When their eyes met, the boy made a peace sign using his fingers and smiled sheepishly at her.

The girl approached the captain and bowed.

"Sorry I'm late,"

The captain kept silent for a moment before he spoke.

"This is the first time so I will accept your apology. Please refrain from repeating the same mistake. You're the team's manager after all."

"Yes captain. Thank you."

The captain turned to team members who were lined up in rows.

"As we all know, one of our members is leaving us to pursue his dreams in another country," the captain's deep voice echoed across the court. "Echizen, would you like to say something?" The captain looked at Nanjiroh with a serious expression. He gestured Nanjiroh to go in front which he obeyed.

Nanjiroh scratch his head, "I'm not really good with these kinds of things." After a moment of silent, he sighed. He looked at his teammates with a serious expression.

"Thank you everyone!" Nanjiroh bowed his head low. One of his teammates clapped his hand. It was followed by several others until everyone was clapping and cheering.

"Echizen, make us proud out there!" one of them cheered.

"Don't forget us okay!?" another teammate shouted.

Nanjiroh was surprised at their reactions. A warm feeling swelled up inside him as he watched them. A mixed feeling of happiness and sadness makes him want to cry but he forced himself not to.

He felt a firm hold from his shoulders. When he looked up, he found their captain smiling at him.

"Echizen, good luck."

"Thanks," Nanjiroh leaned closer and whispered, "also, take care of her for me." Nanjiroh glanced at their manager who didn't seem to hear what he said. Thier captain blushed at what he said.

"Okay everyone, why don't we take a picture as a remembrance?" Coach Sumire called from behind, beside her stood a man carrying a camera in his hand. "Take your position!" Everyone gathered together. Nanjiroh pulled the girl beside him when she passed by him.

"What do you think you're doing!?" the girl whipered to him with a tone of irritation.

"I want you here beside me, Midori," Nanjiroh answered.

The girl flushed at his words. It has been a long time since she heard him call her by her real name. She stayed silent until the photoshoot was finished.

End of flashback

Nanjiroh's thoughts were interrupted when he heard Ryoma's voice from the door.

The next day...

"Um, Aunt Rinko, I'm going out a bit. I'm visiting someone," Sae greeted Rinko early in the morning.

"Would you be alright going alone? I can ask Ryoma to accompany you."

"No, no. I will be fine on my own. Thank you for the concern."

Rinko studied her for a moment before she spoke, "alright. Give us a call if you encounter any problem."

"I will. Thank you very much." The girl turned to leave.

"Oh, and be home before it gets dark."

"I will," Sae answered before she closed the door behind her.

The weather was fine that day: the sky was clear and not a trace of cloud can be seen.

Syusuke decided to spend his time outside since he got nothing to do at home. He was sipping a drink he just brought from a vending machine nearby. He watched people passing by when his eyes caught a figure familiar to him. His gaze followed a girl wearing a t-shirt, shorts and sneakers. Her brown hair was hidden inside a cap. She was carrying on what look like a tennis racket.

The girl entered a flower shop across Syusuke. After a while, she left with a bouquet of white roses in her hand.

Syusuke got curious and followed the girl. He saw her entered a park.

Since it's a weekend and the weather is nice, many families gathered there to spend their time together. The girl continued to walk until she reached the rear area of the park. Syusuke has never been there on that area before but as far as he knows, that part is a cemetery.

"Hey mom, how have you been? It's been a while," Sae smiled as she placed the bouquet she bought in front of a tomb stone. After she gave her respect, she spoke as if she really is speaking to her mom. After spending a few minutes, she bid goodbye and promised to return soon.

When she turned to leave, she heard leaves rustling on the ground and realized that someone else was there.

"Who's there?"

Out from the shadows, Syusuke showed himself.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."

"Fuji-sempai? What are you doing here?"

"Well, that's..." Syusuke got loss for words, "do you want to go eat somewhere?"

Sae thought for a moment. Fuji was obviously changing the subject but she kept silent about it. She suddenly realized she still have not eaten breakfast that morning.

"That's a good idea. I'm hungry."

Syusuke walked closer to her, "who are you visiting?"

"Ah, it's my mom," Sae turn her eyes to the tombstone beside her. "Mom, this is Syusuke Fuji, a senior in my school."

Syusuke looked at the tombstone. It has a name written 'Midori Ichinomiya'.

"Nice to meet you Mrs. Ichinomiya," he greeted.

After Syusuke gave his respect, he turned to Sae, "where do you want to eat?"

Sae felt like she was in heaven as the taste of parfait spread in her mouth.

"This really tastes great. It's been a long time since I've tasted something this delicious," Sae said before she placed another spoonful in her mouth. She close her eyes as she savor the taste.

She and Syusuke went to a newly opened cake shop just outside the park.

Syusuke was amused at her reaction everytime she eats that he unconsciously spent more time watching her than eating his own food.

"Why are you not eating?" Sae asked.

"Oh, I'm still full. Don't mind me." Syusuke saw the tennis racket beside the girl, "you play tennis?"

"Yes. I was planning to play somewhere after I visit my mom."

"Is that so? I can accompany you if you like."

"Are you sure? Is that really alright?"

"I insist. I don't have anything better to do anyway."

"That would be fun," Sae said as she continued to happily eat her parfait. She realized that Fuji was staring at her.

"Fuji-sempai, you want some parfait?" Sae asked since he is constantly looking at her. Fuji ordered a different food so maybe he just want to taste what she was eating. Anyway, the service there is really quick so they don't have to wait long if they order another one.

"May I?"

"Of course."

Sae was about to call a waiter when Fuji stood up and leaned towards her. She stared at him in surprise as his face move closer to hers. Then she felt something soft and warm next to her lips.

Fuji slowly moved away with his usual smile on his lips. "You're right. It really is delicious." Fuji licked the cream near the girl's lips.

Sae sat in daze as Syusuke continue to savor the taste in his mouth. When she realized what just happened, her face turned all red.

"Sae? Are you all right? You're red. Do you have a fever?" Syusuke asked in his usual tone just to tease her. He even touched her forehead which made the girl even redder, much to his amusement.

"I-I'm fine." Sae stuttered. "Calm down. It's not like he kissed me, right?" Sae thought to compose herself.

That's all… for now

(=^.^=)