DISCLAIMER: I don't and can't own Prince of Tennis.

YAY! Tezuka's POV finally...(at the last part)

The trip to Tezuka's house is quick. Fuji had wanted it to be otherwise. He expected a slow walk to the train station, where they will board a flooded train. And since it's rush hour, people will keep on pushing their ways in, pushing Fuji further, and closer to his professor. And Tezuka being a gentleman, would pull him closer against him in return.

That's how he imagined it to be. But Tezuka had his car. And he insisted on using it to make the trip faster.

"Come in," the professor said, gesturing Fuji to enter his condo unit first. To say that Fuji was surprised was quite an understatement. He was stunned. The condo was nothing short of fancy and high end. All the furniture seemed to be a part of the entire package. Save for the books enclosed at one of cabinet in a corner.

"Wow," he muttered, unable to pull his eyes away from the sheer grandeur of the place. The place is practical, cozy and most importantly, very much Tezuka. "You own this place?"

Tezuka took off his coat and hang it on a rack. "Yes. Make yourself at home."

Fuji smiled and took the sofa at the middle. Tezuka vanished to one of the rooms further. He came back wearing a casual attire - loose shirt and pants,bringing with him a book and few sheets of paper in hand. He sat down beside Fuji and handed him the papers. When the other didn't take it, he looked at him.

"Is everything all right?"

Fuji remained staring at him. "Fuji?"

He wanted to look away. But jeez. It's not like you always get the chance to see a Kunimitsu Tezuka this unguarded. His professor was enough of a tease on his usual formal wear at school. And now this. Fuji had to summon all the restrains he's capable of to stop himself from acting on impulse and just push Tezuka down on the couch and kiss him right then and there.

No. He's not doing it. Yet.

Tezuka on the other hand who started to feel a bit uncomfortable with Fuji's intense stare cleared his throat. "I hope...you don't mind that I had to change."

That, zapped Fuji back to reality. "N-no. I don't mind. It's fine. You look.." Fuji gestured a hand to his professor and did a quick elevator glance. "Hot."

Tezuka looked at him. Intense blue eyes met an equally clear honey brown for the first time, and Fuji could swear he momentarily stopped breathing.

"Hot.." Tezuka repeated, slightly arching a brow.

Fuji blinked, looking away. "I mean..it's hot..the weather. So it's only right that you change to something more comfortable," he said, forcing a smile, despite his wild, stupid, uncooperative, heartbeats.

Tezuka nodded, bringing his attention to the book at hand. "Your paper about the psychology of fear is quite interesting," Tezuka started, referring to an assignment he gave to Fuji a week ago. "How is it a necessary motivator if I may ask?"

Fuji shrugged, leaning back on the couch. "Fear is a raw emotion. It's primal. It defies logic at times and when played right, could really get things done."

Tezuka nodded, conceding the point. "But that isn't particularly applicable in many scenarios."

"No it's not," Fuji agreed. "Still, I'm not completely averse to the idea of using it to my advantage."

Tezuka gave a slight smile, placing the book on the table in front and looking back at his student. "And the repercussions?"

"They're manageable."

"Emotional strain?"

"It's a given."

Tezuka took a careful look at Fuji's face. "Then what about the people affected along the process?"

Fuji thought for a while, suddenly conscious, as he felt his professors intense gaze at him. "It's...collateral damage."

A moment of silence passed before them before Tezuka sighed. "You're...brilliant."

Fuji was struck by the sudden compliment and blushed. "Thanks.."

"As I was reading your work, I understood that you don't have any problems passing this subject had you not dropped out."

Fuji bit his lower lip. "I like Psychology..it's just that...we're not in very good terms with the teacher."

"Well..I do hope you're fine with my teaching methods. Yumiko-san placed you under my care after all."

Fuji frowned. "Absolutely. I mean...you're amazing and I like you and.." he trailed off realizing the implications of what he just said. He immediately darted a look at his professor, alarm evident on his face. "I don't mean.."

"It's fine. I like you too."

Fuji had to blink once. And then twice. Did Tezuka just..

"You're actually the smartest student I've handled. I'm impressed with the fast progress we're making with our lessons."

'Oh..so that's it..' Fuji thought in slight dismay.

"Anyway," Tezuka said, slowly standing up. "What do you want to eat?"

"I'm.. not hungry actually, thanks."

Tezuka frowned in thought. The papers he gave Fuji were reviewers for the mastery exam he'll give him the next day, so there isn't much to discuss now. He hoped Fuji would have questions, but the other didn't. "Would you like to see my library?"

Fuji stared at him. "You have one?"

Tezuka nodded. "The room at the back,"

Fuji turned and saw a wooden door with glass windows he noticed earlier but didn't mind checking. "Cool. I'd love to."

The professor opened the door and lead Fuji inside. It was a spacious room filled with books strategically arranged in glass-covered shelves. The shelves had gold-plated labels indicating the categories of the books.

"Tezuka, this is awesome..." Fuji muttered in awe, taking in the sight. His professor's collection were not just limited to Psychology books. There were others on general subjects, law, medicine and even a whole bunch of fiction works, you name it. "You read Chris Kuzneski?" Fuji asked in disbelief, walking towards the shelf labeled FICTION where a book caught his attention.

"I do. Here, let me get that," Tezuka said, unlocking the shelf and pulling the book entitled The Prophecy. He handed it to Fuji who took it with delight evident on his face. Tezuka couldn't suppress his smile at that.

"Sensei..." Fuji said, putting on that formal voice. "Would you mind if I borrow this?"

"No, go ahead."

"And Tezuka?"

His professor looked at him.

"I think I really like you, after all."

Fuji wasn't quite sure how he managed to look, much more respond to anything that Tezuka said when the latter insisted on driving him home. He was blushing. And even if his young professor made no mention of it, he knew it was very much evident judging from the heat he feels on his cheeks. Fuji was just thankful he needed not to ride the train back home. He can't dare to face a lot of people while he's as red as a tomato.

"Are you sure you're all right?" Tezuka said, eyes fixed on the road ahead while driving. They were heading to Fuji's house.

Fuji kept his face away from the other's stare by looking outside. "Yes, I'm fine."

The rest of the trip went in silence. Tezuka, loving the the solitude, and Fuji dying to just get lost and forget about how he just allowed himself the embarrassment. They pulled over just in front of the gate to the Fuji residence.

"Thanks," the tensai said when they were out of the car. "Would you...want some coffee?"

Tezuka shook his head. "I'm fine. See you tomorrow..and good night,"

More blush. "Hai...oyasumi.."

Fuji then went inside, wanting to hide from his professor out of embarrassment. It was too much for what he can handle. Tezuka wasn't only sinfully handsome. He's kind, considerate, understanding, intelligent, easy to talk with...

Fuji Syusuke hurried inside his room and locked the door, eyes wide in a mixture of worry, confusion and panic.

'NO!' he thought. 'No, no, no, no no Syusuke! It's just physical attraction. Nothing more. It's not like you're in love with him or something!'

Fuji swallowed hard. 'Am I?'

Tezuka liked Fuji. He knew it exactly 2 days after they've started their lessons. It's more than just about the other's pretty face and captivating blue eyes. Tezuka was smitten with Fuji's wit and attitude. Sure, there were others in the past who impressed him with their intelligence.

But Fuji...is different. He felt different. The normally stoic professor couldn't quite put the right term on it just yet. But being with Fuji always had him on the edge, as if he would snap anytime if he didn't place enough restrain on himself.

And the feeling only intensified at their earlier encounter. Many people might consider him as cold, stoic and a zero social life personality. But Tezuka knew himself more.

He didn't just like Fuji. He wants him. And he knew Fuji wanted him too. It was all too easy to read - Fuji's lingering stares, the softening of his voice when uttering his name, the sudden flinch when their hands accidentally brush each other, and god...the way Fuji bites his lower lip and blushes when being complimented.

Tezuka had it all engraved in his brain. For the past weeks they've been studying, he had learn to read beyond the gestures and simple responses. And he'd be lying if he said that he wasn't affected.

He is so very affected. But he's a teacher. And despite being as more or less of the same age with the other, Fuji is still his student.

Tezuka heaved a sigh and grabbed his phone, opening the calendar and counting. Three more weeks. He just needed to hold on for three more weeks and their crash course schedule will be over.

By then he'll do the honor of ending the overly due tension between the two of them.

And he'll make sure Fuji says yes.

SY: OH MY! *jumping on bed while throwing pillows all around* Go go go Tezuka! I support you! Go break the tension! I like you that way, so allow me to write you that way!

I don't usually give heads up but:

Up Next : Atobe and his minions + pissed Niou + blushing Fuji + protective Tezuka = CHAPTER 6

So..is somebody else out there excited on this? Drop a comment and I'll forward it to Tezuka's personal email! ^_^

(Notes: The Prophecy written by Chris Kuzneski is a real book, and it's awesome!)