Disclaimer: I wish I own the characters of PoT

"Fuji beat me into it nyaa~" Kimumaru said before he gulped a glass full of water.

"I should have known something is going on between you two. Congratulations." Oishi greeted.

"Thank you," Fuji replied with his usual smile.

"But I thought Sae and Ryoma are…engaged to each other!?" Horio's loud voice surprised everyone.

"No, they're not. That was only a big misunderstanding," Momo lazily explained before he put another sushi in his mouth. He was already tired to hear any more of that issue.

"You heard that Sakuno-chan?" Tomoka whispered at Sakuno.

Sakuno's heart fluttered. She thought the engagement was real. She looked at Ryoma and found him glaring at Fuji for some reason she did not know. Fuji, on the other hand, remained his composed self.

Could it be… he's jealous? Sakuno did not want to think it that way but the way Ryoma looked at Fuji and Sae, she cannot erase the thought that she was right. She felt defeated. Even though the news of Sae and Ryoma's engagement was not true, knowing that Ryoma really liked Sae hurt her more.

"…yes nee-san. This might take a while. Good night."

Fuji was about to return inside the restaurant but Ryoma blocked his way. Ryoma followed him when he went outside to answer a phone call.

"Breakup with Sae."

"That is very unwelcoming of you. I guess I can't expect everyone to accept our relationship that easily."

"You know she likes someone else."

"And you like her too, am I right Echizen?"

Ryoma flinched. He did not expect that to hear from Fuji.

Fuji continued. "You're in no position to tell me who she likes and who she doesn't like. She chose me and that's what matters. Feelings can change and I can help her change that."

Ryoma remained silent. He clenched his fist knowing that Fuji was right.

"Her happiness comes first so if she ever decides to leave, she is free to go." Ryoma felt a hand on his shoulder holding it firmly. "Trust me on this, will you?"

Fuji left Ryoma alone as he returned inside the restaurant

"Feelings can change huh?" Ryoma smirked, "it's not only you that can make her change that."

Later that evening

"Sae, let's go."

"Sorry, Ryoma, can you go home first?" Sae said with apologetic expression, "Fuji-senpai and I have somewhere else to go."

Sae ran to Fuji's side without waiting for his reply. He saw Fuji looking at him with a not-so-happy expression. Ryoma watched as the two walked side by side to the other direction.

"Where are we going?"

"No particular place really. I just want to spend a little more time with you so we will just take the longer route to your house."

Sae felt Fuji's hand slowly intertwined with hers. When she looked at him, he just continued to look forward as if it was normal. Sae smiled inwardly to herself.

Fuji-senpai's hand is warm but Captain Tezuka's hand was warmer. Captain's hand is so big that my hand seemed to disappear when he held it the last time. Sae remembered the night before Tezuka left to go to Germany.

Wait!

Sae stopped her thoughts.

Why am I thinking of Captain Tezuka?

Sae watched Fuji's back who was only a step away from her. She suddenly felt guilty.

Why do I have to remember him now?

"Fuji-senpai…" Sae whispered to remind herself who she is with right now.

"Syuusuke."

"Huh?" Sae did not expect Fuji to reply. She must have said it too loud.

Fuji halted and turned to her.

"Call me 'Syuusuke'."

"Eh!?" Sae blushed, "I-I cannot possibly call you that all of a sudden!"

"You used to call me that when we were pretending to be together."

"But it's like you said, we were only just pretending that time. B-but this time— this time it's real."

"Isn't it the more reason you should call me by my name?"

"Even if you say that…" Sae sighed. Why does she have to be defensive about it? It's just a name. But calling him that means... they are close… really close with each other and she doesn't feel that way… yet. "I'm sorry."

"Very well," Fuji said. "Then," Fuji arranged the stray hair strands from her face, "what makes Echizen different?"

Fuji's words sent shivers to her spine. His tone sounded like a boy envious of another child's toy.

"Ryoma? Well, he's… a childhood friend. " Sae cannot think of anything else to say. She averted her gaze.

"What about Yukimura? He's also your childhood friend right? Yet you don't call him by his name." This time, Fuji ran his fingers through her hair and coiled the end around his finger.

Sae felt like she committed a crime and Fuji was interrogating her.

"Y-Yukimura-senpai is…" but then it hit her. "Wait, are you jealous of Ryoma?"

Fuji looked at her with serious eyes. He placed the strands of hair in his hand near his lips before he spoke, "what if I am? What are you going to do about it?" He then planted a kiss on Sae's hair in his hand.

Sae was not sure if it's because of his gesture or his words that made her heart skipped a beat but she did not expect him to admit it openly.

Fuji waited for Sae's reply. She looked at the other direction but he can see her face with a tint of red.

"Syuusuke," Sae suddenly looked straight at Fuji, "you want me to call you that, right Syuusuke?"

This time, it was Fuji's turn to blush. He was surprised how she can say it suddenly. He used the back of his hand to hide his flushed face.

"Are you alright, Syuusuke?" Sae's voice sounded worried.

"Say it again."

"Huh?"

"Say it again."

"'Are you alright'?"

"The last part."

"Syuusuke."

"Come here."

Sae walked closer to Fuji. Suddenly, without a word, she found herself in Fuji's arms. She cannot see his face as he buried her face in his chest.

"Say it again," this time Fuji's voice sounded more of a whisper.

"Syuusuke."

"Again."

"Syuusuke."

"Again."

"How many times do I have to say your name until you're satisfied?"

"I love you."

Sae was caught off guard. She did not know how to respond to that.

"I—" Sae cannot make the words come out of her mouth. It was like there was a lump in her throat that's stopping her. Why can't she say it?

"Shh. You don't have to say anything." Fuji's embraced her tighter.

They stayed like that for a few moments.

"Why do you like me?"

"I don't know."

"Eh?"

Fuji pulled away and looked at Sae's expression.

"You look really cute when you blush like that." Fuji laughed softly.

"One of the reasons why you always make me fluster?"

"One of the many reasons I like you," Fuji said with his usual smile.

Sae blushed further. She can almost feel smoke coming out from her ears.

Fuji continued to stare at her with soft eyes. Sae's eyes widen when Fuji's face move closer and closer to hers until their noses were less than an inch away. Sae can feel Fuji's breath on her face. But then... he suddenly moved away. When Sae came to her senses, Fuji's back was already facing her.

"It's getting late. Let's go."

Fuji held her hand but Sae refused to move an inch.

"Why did you stop?"

Fuji saw Sae's eyes glued to the ground.

"You don't know what you're asking for."

"Tell me."

"If I continue, I might not be able to stop myself."

Sae waited Fuji to continue but he remained silent. "Stop yourself from what?"

Fuji was surprised at Sae's words but she looked absolutely clueless from what he was talking about. He laughed.

"What's funny?"

"Nothing." Fuji continued to laugh.

Sae pouted. "At least share it with me."

Sae marched past him.

"Hey, let go of me!" Fuji hugged her from behind.

"Not until you forgive me."

"I forgive you," Sae answered, still pouting, "happy now?"

"And?"

"What?"

"What comes after that?"

"Um," Sae thought about it, "Syuusuke?"

"That's more like it."

Fuji let her go.

"You really like it when I say you're name huh?"

"Almost every guy wants their girlfriend to call them by their first name."

"Really? I didn't know that."

It's only a matter of minutes before they reached Echizen's house.

"Thanks for taking me home."

Fuji remained standing at the front gate looking at Sae.

"Um, you… want to come inside?"

"Maybe next time. It's already late."

"Then, what are you waiting for?"

"Aren't you forgetting something?"

Sae thought of the date that day. Maybe she forgot to greet somebody a 'happy birthday'. No. Did she leave her things somewhere? No. Did she forget to do anything that is supposed to be done that day? No. What is he talking about!?

Fuji looked amused as he watched Sae think hard of what he said.

"What is it? I really can't think of anything."

"What's that?"

"Where?" Sae looked where Fuji is pointing at.

Chu

"Good night, Sae."

Sae hand touched the cheek Fuji just kissed a while ago. She watched as Fuji's figure gets smaller in a distance.

"Ichinomiya-san," a familiar voice called out Sae as she was walking on the hallway to the library.

"What do they want now?" Sae sighed. That voice belonged to the leader of the group of seniors who had been doing not-so-good things to her.

Sae turned only to see four girls bowing in front of her.

"We are sorry for the trouble we caused you," the four said in unison.

"Please forgive us for locking you in the storage room and for everything else that we did to you in the past," the leader said.

"We will not do anything to harm you again," said the girl in pigtail.

"Sae," another familiar voice called her from behind.

"Syuusuke, what are you doing here?"

"I'm just checking on something." Fuji looked at the four girls with his usual smile. Frightened looks appeared on their faces when they saw Fuji.

"W-we already did what you said." The girls ran away like they are running for their lives.

"Syuusuke," Sae said as she watched the girls ran away, "do you have something to do with this?"

"Saa, who knows?"

Sae was busily finishing her report on her desk when she sensed someone's presence in front of her.

"Keep your promise," Ryoma was waiting for Sae to stand up.

"Can't you wait until we get home?" Sae said without removing her eyes on her paper.

Ryoma stayed silent but did not budge from his position.

"You're not letting this go, are you?" Sae put down her pen and looked at Ryoma. Seeing how serious he was, she sighed. She stood up and followed Ryoma to the tennis court.

The courts were empty that afternoon. Since the Kanto Regional finals just finished, no club practice was scheduled that day.

"You serve first," Sae called out as she stood on the other side of the court.

From Coach Ryuzaki's office:

"Hn? Looks like something interesting is going on," Coach Ryuzaki said as she saw Ryoma and Sae on the court.

"It's Echizen and… who's that girl? I think I've seen her before." Inoue, a sports magazine reporter, looked at the window too. He was making an interview for an after tournament article.

"That is Saeri Ichinomiya, our tennis club manager."

"Saeri Ichinomiya? So this is where she went," Inoue looked amazed.

"You know her?"

"I made an article about her before. She's last year's European Tennis Junior Champion after all."

"Eh!?" a shocked expression appeared on Coach Ryuzaki's face.

"You didn't know?"

"I have no idea."

"She's been holding the title for two years now. I'm surprise that she didn't join any tournament here in Japan."

Back in the court:

"I have to admit, you've improve a lot since our last match," a smile appeared on Sae's face, "but that is not enough to defeat me."

Sae suddenly disappeared from Ryoma's view. Before he knew it, she was already in front of the net and the ball was rolling near his foot.

"3 - 0."

Ryoma did not look very happy.

"Use your left hand."

"Hn?"

"Your left hand, use it." He looked pissed while looking at Sae. He had been using his left hand since the game started.

"Make me."

Ryoma's eyes narrowed. Sae had been hitting the ball real fast. Although he can see where it will go, he was having a hard time catching up to it.

Several moments past, the score went to 5 - 0 with the girl leading the game.

"What do you think you're doing Ryoma?" Sae placed her racket on her shoulder, "is this the best you can do?" Sae did not look happy with the outcome. She knew Ryoma can do better but what was stopping him?

A smirk appeared in Ryoma's face, "this is where the game starts."

When the sixth game started, Ryoma seemed different. He was able to return the ball with ease. Sae lose in the succeeding games and the score went to 6 - 5 with Ryoma leading the game.

Looking in his eyes, Sae can see his determination to win.

"I guess it can't be help. I didn't think you will really push me this far Ryoma Echizen." The girl shifted her racket to her left hand.

In the next game, Sae's returns became twice as fast as before that Ryoma's body cannot cope up with it. He was not able to score a point and the match ended with 7 - 6.

Both players walked towards the net and shook hands.

"Hey, I will still not give up on you."

"Sure. I will play with you again."

Poke

"Ouch!" Sae held her forehead, "what was that for!?"

"That's not what I meant, thick head," Ryoma sighed as he walked out of the court. He hid his face under his cap as a hint of red tint appeared on his face.

"Eh? Sae is a lefty too nyaa?"

Sae heard someone's voice behind her. She slowly turned her head and saw the other regulars watching the game.

"Senpai-tachi… since when are you there?"

"Since the game started," Inui adjusted his glasses, while his other hand scribbled something in his infamous notebook.

"Eh!?" Why didn't I notice you there!?

"Echizen almost beat her."

"No, they are still far from each other in terms of skills."

"What do you mean Fuji?" Oishi asked.

"Fuji's right. Look at Echizen, he already sweat a lot during the game. If I may say so, Ichinomiya only used about 50%, no, only about 40% of her potential. But this data is still inaccurate since I haven't seen her play at her fullest and she only used her dominant hand during the last part of the match."

After several days

"Everyone, listen. In a few weeks there will be a Junior Invitational Match between Japan and America. In preparation for it, there will be a training camp composing of selected players from schools who participated in the Kanto Regional Tournament. The good news is, as the champion of the tournament, all of our regular members get to join the camp."

"Alright! A training camp!"

"Yahoh! This will be fun nyaa!"

"Ehem," Coach Ryuzaki cleared her throat, "in this camp, you will be judge accordingly based on your capability as an individual player. Those who get selected will play against the American team. Use this chance to gain experience and improve your skills." Coach Ryuzaki was about to end her announcement when she remembered something, "also, Seigaku will be having an additional participant who will join the camp." Everyone remained quiet. "Sae, you will be joining the training camp as one of the players."

All eyes turned to the girl.

"M-me!?" a shocked expression appeared on Sae's face.

"For the participants, see you here tomorrow here at 7 o'clock in the morning. That's all. Dismiss."

"W-wait, coach!"

Sae caught up with Coach Ryuzaki.

"What do you mean I get to join the training camp? Isn't it for the players of the Kanto Regional Tournament?"

"The decision did not come from me."

"It's not?"

"The commission must have learned your tennis background and included you in the list. Anyway, the tournament is for the two countries' goodwill but of course, our goal is to win. And to do that, we have to include all the good players we can find. And that includes you."

"But isn't it only for boys?"

"Not really. It just happens that a very few girls reached the standards of the scouts. That's the reason why it's very unusual to see girls join the Invitational matches."

"I see."

"Do you have any more questions?"

"No, I'm good. Thank you."

Sae felt a hand patted her head.

"Way to go Sae-chan." It was Momo.

"You got to join the camp as well nyaa!" Kikumaru's enthusiasm disappeared when he realized something, "but that means, we will be rivals."

"Everyone, let's just do our best," Oishi said.

Invitational Camp

"Senpai-tachi!" Sae greeted the participants from Rikkai Dai namely Sanada, Yanagi and Kirihara.

"Yo," Kirihara raised his right hand.

"What kind of greeting is that Kirihara-senpai?" Sae giggled.

"What? What's wrong with it?"

"It doesn't suit you."

"So, you must be the rumoured girl who will be participating this year, hn?" a familiar voice was heard from behind her.

"Atobe-san, it's good to see you."

"I thought so," Yanagi said to himself.

"Eh? Really? A girl player in the camp? I haven't heard of it," Ootori asked in a surprised tone.

"Sae, Coach Ryuzaki is asking to meet us."

"Yes, Oishi-senpai," Sae bowed before she followed Oishi to their meeting room.

"A girl player huh? How good can she be to make it here?" Oshitari asked to no one in particular.

"You don't have any idea what you're talking about," Kirihara smirked before he followed Sae to the meeting room.

"…For now, we will be having a free training. We will meet again at noon for your training schedule in the afternoon. If you don' have any question—"

"I have a question."

"Go on Kajimoto-kun."

"Can we play a match during free training?"

"Yes you can. You can challenge anyone in this group during free training."

"Anymore question?" the room stayed silent, "then, you can go now. See you here by noon."

Ryuzaki exited the room.

"Free training huh?" Ryoma sighed.

"We better check out what the other groups are doing," Momo suggested.

"That's a good idea. I'm coming with you." Sae raised her hand.

"You."

The three turn their heads to the voice. Kajimoto was looking directly at the only girl in the group.

"Kajimoto-san?"

"You know me? That's surprising. But don't you think you should introduce yourself to everyone. You're a new face yet you seem to know a lot of people here."

"You—" Momo was about to say something when Sae held his arm.

"Sorry, my bad," Sae said smiling calming Momoshiro down.

Sae stood up, "My name is Saeri Ichinomiya, first year, Seigaku team manager. Nice to meet everyone."

"A team manager yet you're here as a player? How interesting."

"It's your turn."

"Excuse me?"

"It's only appropriate to introduce yourself after me, right Kajimoto-senpai?" Sae gave emphasis to the word 'senpai'.

"Takahisa Kajimoto, 3rd year. Josei Shonan Captain."

"I hope you're satisfied now Kajimoto-senpai."

"Since it has come to this, why don't we play a little? I want to see what the Seigaku team manager can do."

"I don't want to," Sae wore a bored look on her face.

"What did you say?" Kajimoto looked irritated now.

"Coach Ryuzaki said that you can challenge anyone but I believe that the person being challenged to have the right to refuse. Anyway, I would rather play with him than you," Sae pointed at some random person inside the room. Kajimoto got in her nerve that she did not want to agree to whatever it was that he wanted.

"Me? What can I say? I won't refuse a challenge coming from a lady."

"How did it end up like this?" Sae sighed. She was waiting for her opponent to serve the ball. She was looking forward to look around the area but she was stuck to play a match with Kiyosumi Sengoku of Yamabuki.

"15 - 0"

The referee shouted.

Sae did not even make a step when the ball went past her.

"That was very fast." Oishi with a surprise look in his face.

"The girl was not even able to make a step." Shishido's eyes were on Sae.

"Maybe it was too fast for her." Kajimoto said with a hint of disappointment in his tone.

"You haven't seen anything yet."

Everyone looked at Kirihara.

Sengoku served the next ball but he did not notice that the ball already went past him.

"15 - 15"

"Did you see her move?"

"It was the same as your match," Momo said to Echizen.

Sengoku cannot return the ball no matter how he tried. It's as if the ball passed through his racket for unknown reason.

"3 - 0, Ichinomiya leads"

"Senpai, if you keep using your eyes, you will never be able to return that ball."

Sengoku smirked, "you don't have to lecture me. I'm your opponent remember?"

Sae realized what he said, "ah, sorry!"

"Is she always like that?" Kamio asked.

"Well, most of the time," Momo scratched his head.

The game ended in 6 - 0.

"I didn't know there is still a strong player in Seigaku," Sengoku shook her hand.

"It will be a pleasure playing with you again."

"Um, if you don't have anything to do after this, maybe we could—" Sengoku stopped when he saw a dark aura emitting from the crowd.

"Hn?"

"Nothing." Sengoku immediately let go of her hand, "I guess I will be asking my death wish if I ask you out."

Sae followed where Sengoku was looking at and saw Ryoma shooting Sengoku a deathly glare.

"Sae that was a great game nyaa!" Kikumaru squeezed Sae in his arms.

"Sen… pai… can't… can't… breathe."

"Ah, sorry."

"You're better than I thought, Miss Team Manager," Kajimoto spoked.

"You're complimenting me now Kajimoto-senpai?"

"I know when to praise someone worth praising to."

"How many more good players are you hiding in Seigaku?" Kamio asked.

"This is bad!" Kachiro ran towards the group. He tried to catch his breath before he spoke.

"What's the matter?"

"Coach Ryuzaki was rushed in the hospital just now!"

It had been two days since the commotion about Coach Ryuzaki's sudden chest constriction and now, she was confined in the hospital. The doctor advised her to rest for several days.

"It has not been that long since Seigaku's last tournament and now, the sudden schedule of the Invitational Camp. Stress must have gotten into her," Momoshiro said as their group remained in meeting room.

"We'll I guess it's free training today as well," Kamio held his racket.

"Now that we're left without a coach, we might be left behind by the other groups," Kajimoto commented.

"Then, should we try and compete with each other? It's best to gain experience from an actual match."

"How do we select who will play who?"

"We might as well take this chance to challenge who we want. First come first served basis."

Sae remained silent as the group continue to discuss their next course of action now that Coach Ryuzaki is in the hospital. She checked her phone out of boredom and was surprised to see a message displayed on the screen: "I will be seeing you soon". It was from an unknown number.

"Someone must be playing a trick on me." Sae whispered to herself as she closed her phone.

From Narita Airport

Tezuka stared at his phone before he returned it back to his pocket. Sae's smiling face appeared in his mind as he gazed outside the window of the cab. How long has it been since he last saw her? It has only been a few weeks but it seemed like it's more than a year.

Tezuka sighed. How should he greet her? Tezuka thought of different possibilities.

Option 1: "Yo."

Too stiff.

Option 2: "Hey, long time no see!"

Too lively.

Option 3: "Hi baby. Did you miss me?"

Too suave.

Tezuka kept thinking of other options. He was in deep thought that he did not notice that the cab already arrived to its destination.

"We're here sir."

Invitational Camp

Sae's group was on their way to the tennis court for their practice match when a cab arrived in front of the main building. Sae's eyes widen when she saw who the passenger was.

"Oishi-senpai, I'm just going to check on something. You guys go ahead."

"Okay." Oishi did not bother to ask any question as Sae sounded that it was really important.

Ryoma watched as Sae ran back to where they came from. He followed the direction she was looking at before she ran and saw someone unexpected standing in front of the building.

"Tezuka-buchou?" Ryoma whispered to himself.

"Is it really him?"

Sae cannot believe what she saw. She wanted to make sure if it was only her imagination or not. She ran as fast as she could to the building lobby. When she arrived, she was catching her breath but there she saw someone, a guy, with his back facing her.

"C-captain… Tezuka?"

Tezuka heard a familiar voice called out his name. He felt his heart skipped a beat as he thought of the person who the voice belonged to.

"It's you… right?" Sae walked slowly towards the person she saw, still not sure if it's really him or not. Her heart was racing. She did not know she was this excited to see him again.

"It's been a while. How have you been?"

That voice.

Sae slowly walked to the person standing in front of her. She looked closely as she studied his face. She still cannot believe her eyes. She ran her fingers from his forehead to his eyes to the bridge of his nose to his lips down to his chin.

"Sae, what are you doing?"

"Captain! It really is you!"

Sae wrapped her arms around him like she was afraid that he might go somewhere again.

Tezuka was surprised yet he let her stay like that as he gently caressed her hair.

Sob

"Are you crying?" Tezuka held Sae's shoulder to see her face.

"I'm sorry," Sae dried her tears with her fingers, "I'm just happy to see you."

"You haven't change. You're still a crybaby. Tezuka used his handkerchief and wiped her tears.

"Thank you… but your handkerchief."

"Don't worry about it."

"What are you doing here? Are you here for the invitational match?"

"Yes. They asked me to be a substitute coach for Coach Ryuzaki."

"A substitute coach!?"

Cafeteria

A general assembly was called to announce the arrival of the new coach.

"Welcome back Tezuka," Oishi greeted.

"When did you arrive?"

"That is so cold of you Tezuka. You didn't even let us know you're coming back," Kikumaru exclaimed.

"Sorry."

"Is you rehabilitation already finish?" Kawamura asked.

"No. I'm still under rehabilitation but the doctor said I can play. But only with soft swings."

Sae watched Tezuka as the other participants throw questions at him.

"You've been staring at him for quite a while now."

"I am not." Sae looked at Kirihara who took the seat beside her.

"Really? It doesn't look that way to me."

"Are you trying to annoy me senpai?"

"No, of course not. I'm just stating my observation. Why are you angry?"

"I am not."

"Unless you're guilty," Kirihara look suspiciously at Sae.

Sae stood up.

"I… think I need some fresh air," the girl said before she walked out of the cafeteria.

"You really did it this time Kirihara," Yanagi said.

"What's gotten into her? Getting angry because of that." Kirihara's eyes followed Sae.

Sae opened the window when she got outside. She had to clear her head before she go back.

"Why do you have to be such a jerk Kirihara-senpai?" Sae stopped, "why am I angry anyway?"

Her thoughts were interrupted by her phone. A message came from the same unknown number that afternoon.

"Meet me at the tennis court 9 PM tonight. – Tezuka"

"Wait, 'Tezuka'? Captain Tezuka!?" Sae was troubled, "why would he suddenly want to see me? Did I do something wrong?" Sae paced back and forth in the hallway.

"What are you doing?"

"Ah!"

Sae heaved a sigh when she realized who it was, "Yuuta-kun, you scared me. I was just—"

"Aniki is looking for you."

"Syuusuke is?"

Yuuta did not reply. He simply gave her a cold stare before he walked past her.

Sae returned to the cafeteria and saw Fuji waving at her.

"Why are you looking for me?" Sae asked as soon as she walked near Fuji.

"Stay here," Fuji pulled Sae to the seat next to his and squeezed her hand.

"Syuusuke, what's wrong?" Sae whispered to Fuji.

"Nothing. I just want you here beside me," Fuji said without looking at her.

Sae remained silent. She scanned the room to see what was going on only to see Tezuka looking at them. Sae immediately tried to pull her hand away from Fuji but he just would not let it go.

Unknown to Sae, sparks were flying between Fuji and Tezuka as the two were having a staring contest.

A smile appeared in Fuji's lips as he watched Tezuka looking their way. Though Tezuka's expression remained unchanged, Fuji knew he's furious deep inside.

"What are you going to do now, Tezuka?"

"Would you look at those two?" Momo gestured to Fuji and Sae, "I still can't believe Fuji-senpai made a move on Sae."

The welcome ceremony just finished and the Seigaku regulars gathered around Tezuka.

"Fuji and Sae?" Tezuka asked.

"Ah, you still don't know about it yet. Those two started going out after the tournament. We were surprised ourselves," Oishi explained.

Tezuka felt like it's suddenly hard to breath. He can no longer hear the other comments from his teammates as he continued to look at the Fuji and Sae who were walking towards them.

It did not escape Ryoma's gaze as Tezuka clenched his fist upon hearing Oishi's words about Fuji and Sae being together.

That night, Sae went outside to check the tennis court. She was anxious what the message was all about and why at that hour of the day.

"Sae."

The girl almost jumped upon hearing her name.

"Michi-ku— I mean, Captain Tezuka."

"It's fine. It's just the two of us."

"Then Michi-kun, why do you want to see me?"

"I want to show you something. Follow me."

Sae quietly followed Tezuka as they went past the tennis courts. They passed the main building and walked through a small path on its side leading to the back area of the building.

"We're here."

Sae looked around. They reached what seemed to be a small garden.

"Why did you bring me here?"

"Look in front of you."

Sae turned to the patch of flowers Tezuka was referring to.

Just as the cloud revealed the moon in its fullest form, beautiful white flowers opened simultaneously. The initially green flowerbed became white in colour as the flowers bloom radiantly under the moonlight. A fragrant smell spread across the garden.

Sae stood in awed at the sight she just witnessed.

"They're pretty," Sae crouch down beside the flowers to get a closer look.

"These flowers bloom only in one night once a year."

"Eh!? Really?" a surprised look appeared on the girl's face. Her expression changed from surprise to sad when she returned her attention to the flowers. "You mean, the next time we could see them bloom like this is next year?"

Tezuka nodded, "I'm surprise they have this kind of flowers here. It's rare to have those in an open area here in Japan."

"Then, I'll just pick one and—" Sae reached for the flower closest to her.

"Don't!"

Sae found a hand holding her hand. Their shoulders touched as Tezuka reached for her hand. She turned to the person next to her only to find Tezuka's face only an inch away from hers.

Tezuka remembered what Oishi told him that afternoon: "…you still don't know about it yet. Those two started going out after the tournament…" His thought was filled with regrets as he continued to stare at the girl.

Why did he not tell it to her sooner? What did he have to prove to himself? Now that she belongs to him, what else can he do about it?

Sae's heart skipped a beat as she stared at Tezuka's profile. His face changed but his eyes… they are the same set of eyes of that boy from years back but… they look sad.

"Michi... kun?"

As if on cue, Tezuka returned to his senses. He let go of Sae and stood up.

"Those plants have thorns. You should be careful when you pick them up."

"Ouch!" Sae held her finger with her other hand. She looked in pain.

"I just told you to be careful!" Tezuka ran to Sae to check her finger. A worried expression was written on his face.

"Just kidding," Sae showed her finger. There was no sign of it being wounded. She laughed. "You should have seen your face. I never thought I would see the day that you change your expression like that."

Tezuka's face returned to normal. He felt relieved that nothing happened. He listened silently as Sae continued to laugh. Her laugher sounded like music to his ears.

"Um, Michi-kun," Sae called looking uneasy. Tezuka did not respond. "Are you angry?"

Silence

"Michi-kun, answer me."

Silence

"Hey," Sae clutched his shirt as if pleading for Tezuka to answer her.

Silence

"I made him angry! What do I do now!?"

"Michi-kun, I'm sorry. I won't do it again. I will do anything just… just don't be angry anymore," Sae begged.

"Anything?"

"Yes, anything," Sae said still begging in front of Tezuka.

"Breakup with Fuji."

Sae was surprised at what Tezuka said. She stood up and looked straight at Tezuka.

"You can't be serious."

Silence

"How can you ask something like that!?" Sae crossed her arms.

"I knew you would refuse."

"You knew yet you asked for it."

"Do you like him?"

"What kind of question is that?"

"Just answer it."

"O-of course I do," Sae found it difficult to look at Tezuka when she said those words.

"You're lying."

"I am not," Sae sounded more like she was convincing herself.

"Then, look into my eyes and say that you have feelings for Fuji," Tezuka lifted Sae's face but she still refused to look at him.

"Why are you doing this?" Sae gently pushed Tezuka away from her.

Why can't she say it? She just have to say it but why do words do not come out of her mouth when she tried.

Tezuka sighed. He gazed at the full moon.

"…Fuji and I… we are the same."

Sae was confused at Tezuka's words.

Tezuka looked at Sae with soft eyes.

"I did not expect that we would actually fall for the same girl."

Sae's eyes widen as she stared dumbfounded at Tezuka.

That's it… for now

IdleZeth: I'm pretty much open for suggestions so if you do have one, please do not hesitate to tell me. I asked my sister about it and she said she wanted all the characters dead in the end *evil laugh*… (=T.T=)... what a kind sister I have. But of course, that was meant to be a joke. Even so, I might consider killing the heroine in the end.

Sae: Hey! Don't you even think about that!

IdleZeth: What? You're just making things complicated with the people around you and yet you're oblivious about it.

Sae: Eh? I am?

IdleZeth: See? What a headache. Okay, let's make things clear. Answer this question: who do you like to end up with?

Sae: …

IdleZeth: …

Sae: …

IdleZeth: …

Sae: …

IdleZeth: *sigh* Are we only having a staring contest now?

Sae: What did I do to deserve this!?

IdleZeth: Just answer the question.

Sae: I… don't know.

IdleZeth: Whatever. I guess you'll just have to end up dead in the end.

Sae: Nnoooooo!

Comments are welcome too.

(=^.^=)