CHAPTER 17
"Who wants to play table tennis?" Momoi shouted vigorously. Her hand is holding two rackets.
"Huh? Who wants to play table tennis, anyway?" Aomine retorted lazily, he is lying on the tatami mat with his hand is resting under his head- supporting it- and his free hand is inside his yukata, scratching his tummy.
She puffed her cheeks "You're such a kill joy, Aomine-kun."
"Playing table tennis might be fun, though," Kuroko pop out behind Momoi that make Aomine startle while Momoi squeal with delight.
"Tetsu-kun!" her eyes sparkle as she cling onto Kuroko's neck.
"You're spoiling her, Tetsu."
"Ah! Before I forgot everything," Momoi dashed inside the girl's room. It didn't took any longer to pick up what she need to, "T-This was suppose for Tetsu-kun but it might be unfair so…"
"Oi, Satsuki. Don't tell me—" Aomine quickly pace up into sitting position when he saw what the pink haired girl bring after going inside the room: arouse and nervous.
"I made this for everyone!" she exclaimed vigorously, almost jumping up and down after her announcement but she refrain from doing it. Because the food she made might fall though they may feel relieve when that happens.
Most of their faces were etched in disgust especially the Generation of Miracles they knew that Momoi was bad at cooking except the one who still doesn't know her well. Her cooking doesn't look like it was edible. In fact, it is emitting some weird aura.
"M-Momocchi, you don't have to bother yourself," Kise said nervously.
"No, this isn't a bothersome to myself. In fact, I'm really excited to give this to you. I put my heart's content for making it."
'It doesn't matter if it's only for Kuroko/Kurokocchi/Tetsu/Kurochin," all of the Generation of Miracles thought except Kuroko and Akashi.
"Somehow, it troubles me what you guys are thinking," Kuroko commented. They don't say it out loud but he feels that they were praying to God that Momoi should only cook for Kuroko.
"Ne, why was everyone acting weird regarding at Sa-chan's food," Tomo pondered near at the member of Rakuzan.
"Hmmm…" Mibuchi place his hand on his chin, figuring out why everyone act like that, "The moment that Momoi-san bring out the bentou box and announced that she made it for everyone—" Eri cutted Mibuchi's last words.
"That means that Satsuki-san's cooking is terrible to the point that it isn't edible."
"Perfect timing. Would allow us Momoi to use your food as punishment game?" the red haired guy asked.
"P-punishment game?!," all of the thought except Momoi and Akashi.
"A-anou~ Akashicchi, what do you mean as punishment game? Are you serious about it?" the blonde haired guy asked. He was obviously nervous for what Akashi will going to do for their game. And to use Momoi's handmade cooking as punishment is out of the question.
"I'm fine with it. But why my food to use as punishment?" she tiltled her head, confuse.
"Ah, I just suddenly thought of these. To those who were going to loose at the game will have a chance to taste Momoi's handmade food", Akashi explained while using hand gestures as he raised his another hand in midway, "And to those who want to partcipate will also get the chance to eat Momoi's food."
"EEEHHH?!"
"So in other words, we don't have any other choice,huh," Aomine retorted.
"Then, I'M NOT GOING TO LOSE!," all of the gang thought. Their background were burning flames, each of them are not prepared to lose. It might be rude from Momoi but that is the fact. No one wants to taste it anyway. Not even Aomine, who is her childhood friend.
Akashi chuckled, noticing that each of them has changed their demeanor "That's the spirit."
"Then let's do the lottery draw to choose your partner. We're doing doubles after all," as Momoi bring out a pieces of sticks which includes the numbers in it. And it seems that she knew all along that their will going to play table tennis.
One by one draw out the stick that the pink haired girl carrying in her slim hands "Those who got the same numbers will be the partners for the entire game. The scenario of this game would be change the loser."
The teams were split into two. In A block there is Aomine and Kagami, which the two were against it. Aomine said that Nigou was better than Kagami. They even want to change partners. Midorima and Eri, which Takao made fun of them. He even called them "the tsundere pair". Takao and Himuro, and Mibuchi and Tomo, while, in B block there is Akashi and Kuroko, Mayuzumi and Hayama, Kise and Momoi, and Murasakibara and Nebuya pairs.
In the first game of A block, it is Aomine-Kagami vs. Midorima-Eri.
"It's pleasure to have you in this game, Midorima-san," Eri
"Hn," as he pushes forward his black framed eyeglasses.
"Ooohhh, there it is! The tsundere pair!" Takao announce.
"Shut up, Takao," the pair said in unison.
The one who serve first is Midorima which he put everything he got that's why the other pair didn't have a chance to strike back.
"Oi, Midorima. Don't just end it quickly, you idiot!" The dark blue haired guy complained. He was taken aback by Midorima's suprise attack.
"Hn. Why don't you just play seriously?"
The game continue once again. Aomine and Kagami did everything they could but they have zero cooperation at all. They were dominated by these two tsunderes though the other pair has sometimes gained some points, however, it doesn't mean that their score was greater than those two.
"These doesn't talk at each other but...," Himuro commented while watching the game, following the ball that bounces left and right.
"... You can see that they have teamwork," Mibuchi continued.
"They were the most great pair at these game unlike those two," Takao was referring, as usual, Kagami and Aomine. When either of the two can't strike the ball back, they ended up arguing at each other.
"But we can't afford to lose, right Isshiki-san?" Mibuchi gaze at Tomo.
"Uhh.. R-right!" Tomo stutters afterwards smiles. "I'm glad that Ri-chan is enjoying herself." She thought.
After a minutes of playing, it was Midorima and Eri who won the game.
"It was your fault!" Kagami complained.
"HUH?! WHAT PART OF IT WAS MY FAULT? THAT BALL IS MINE, YOU'RE JUST IN THE WAY!"
"HAH?! IT WAS CLEARLY IN MY AREA. YOU'RE THE ONE WHO'S IN MY WAY!"
"Now, now you two. It's punishment time,okay?"
"IH?!"
"S-satsuki?! Since when?!"
"Dai-chan. Ah~," Aomine was resisting to do it but no matter how much he tried he ended up eating it. His face turned purple, cheeks were puffed, ready to puke anytime as he fainted. Same as Kagami, he ended up unconcious after eating te food that Momoi made for everyone.
Those who witness on what happen to the first victim of Momoi's food end up getting nervous as they choose to take the game seriously almost putting their life on the line.
Midorima and Eri gulped silently, relieved that they won their first game. Now, they need to survive a few more games. These put too much pressure on them. If they don't want to do the punishment game, they should keep winning no matter what.
On the B block, Mayuzumi and Hayama gazed at the falling ball in awe; they could no react what just happened with just a blink of an eye. As soon as their mouth taste the food, their faces turned purple, cheeks were puffed as they fainted.
In the entire game, Kuroko did not use his misdirection, hesitant to do it if it will going to work successfully or the other way around. And in the end, he able to do it and successfully win the game.
Most of the victim fell unconscious after tasting Momoi's handmade food except herself after losing to Akashi- Kuroko pair; she is excited to taste her own cooking. But for her pair, Kise, his sense of taste can't take it anymore. He fell on the concrete floor, his eyes were almost white while his partner, Momoi is still standing on her own feet as if it doesn't affect the food's bad taste on her. In fact she found it delicious.
Murasakibara-Nebuya pair, who just found it hard to play because of their tall bodies and wide arms, were eliminated and won by the dominated pair. Mibuchi- Tomo pair were also eliminated in the game. The winner in A-block is Eri-Midorima pair while the B-block were won by Akashi-Kuroko pair.
The final game has come, both pairs were heaving a heavy breathe because of their non-stop games; their only rest is when they were drinking water to quench their thirst and to keep away from dehydration.
Momoi exchange glances on each pair, looking if they are ready or no. She raise her hand in the air and slice it into half, commencing the final game.
Akashi started to serve and quickly returned by Midorima. The long rally start once again, no one wants to falter. Their eyes were only focus on the single ball that is visible on their eyes and is bouncing back and forth on the table.
"We won't lose o you, Akashi!" Midorima and Eri shouted in unison.
"That's the spirit," Akashi commented as he hit back the ball.
"Then, why I'm here in the first place?" the light blue-haired guy asked to himself. His kind of feel that he is out of place with these three people. There was rivalry that created around them though he is also a rival of these remaining member of Generation of Miracles. Since, the other members were incapacitated because of Momoi. No one was watching the final game and no one knows how breathe taking it is. Only Momoi' who is the assigned umpire, is the only spectator.
Eri aimed at the opponents blind spot, on the other hand, she thought that it was pointless because Akashi might be able to see It coming because after all, he is the point guard. Basketball has nothing to do with it but he might use his skill on this game. The pair felt something eerie on the other side of the table though it was vague, their intuition told them that there's going to happen. It was too late when Midorima realized it. Kuroko appeared right behind their very own blind spot as he swiftly smashed it with the use of his misdirection. Akashi and Kuroko gained their first point.
Midorima and Eri were in gaped, too shocked for the sudden turn of events even Momoi was also in the state of shock.
'Misdirection from the start?!' the green-haired guy commented under his breathe.
Momoi suddenly squeal "Kyaah! Tetsu-kun, you're so cool!"
Akashi and Kuroko bumped each other's hand "Good job, Kuroko," Kuroko smiled in return.
The dark-haired girl is still in gape, she doesn't see it coming from the start though the game is just starting she feel they were about to lose "Tch. Damn it. I totally forgot about Kuroko-kun. I was too eager to beat Akashi," she thought.
Midorima noticed that there's something wrong with his partner. He spoke so that she could pay attention to the game "Don't mind. It's only one point it's not that were going to lose," he isn't used to talk something like that: by encouraging someone.
Just by hearing those words, she immediately snap out from her deep thoughts "I'm sorry, Midorima-kun," she incline her head to the guy beside her, "It won't happen again."
Akashi hummed "You've really change, Midorima. The fact that you are saying those words at Takasugi makes me realize that you choose to team up with her without any doubts," though he already notice it during their first gathering; he just want to repeat it.
Midorima blushed a little "Shut up! I did that in order to defeat the two of you and besides Takasugi is not difficult to deal with."
"That's right. Takasugi is not difficult to deal with though her face remain stoic and sometimes she show her tsundere attitude; but still, she is reliable," Akashi agreed with Midorima. This is how he really feels when he's with Eri all the time.
"E- Enough about me! Why don't we continue the game so that we will know who the winner is?" she stammered, hearing it directly from Akashi makes her face heat up.
"Takasugi-san is embarrassed," Kuroko commented.
"No I'm not!"
Momoi giggled at the scene and something crossed on her mind "Akashi-kun and Erin, they will be a great pair someday though they still not aware what they really feel for each other. Erin's feelings for Akashi-kun is slowly growing; she just keep denying it to herself. But for Akashi-kun he still have no clue about it but someday he will," from the background she didn't heard that the two pairs were calling her; she's still in her reverie, "He is genius but for him to indulge himself in basketball…" she pause in her thoughts, "I hope he realize it. I want to see the progress of these two."
"Momoi!" Midorima raised his voice so that Momoi could hear his deep manly voice.
"Eh?! Wha- "the pink-haired girl almost jump out, "Midorin, you don't have to shout like that."
"Hn. I only did that because you're not paying attention, "he explained while adjusting his black framed glasses, "Do you even know what our score is?"
She nodded vigorously "Yup. It's 1-0, right?"
"But that was our score earlier. Right now it's 9-8, "Eri corrected her.
Momoi shrieked "Eeehhh?! It is?!"
"Are you alright, Momoi-san? Maybe you should rest for now, "Kuroko asked worriedly but his face remained expressionless.
"N-n-n-no. I'm fine, really! "She uttered nervously while waving her hands in front of her chest, "I was only thinking about Akashi-kun and Eri-chan's future. Ah- "as she shove her hand on her mouth for leaking out her own thoughts.
Silence came…
"What do you mean by my future with Akashi-kun? "She suddenly asked, tilting her head. Fortunately, Eri was too dense about this matter that's why Momoi silently sighed in relief.
"Oh nothing," she laugh nervously also feel relief that these two don't get her at all but little did she now that Akashi get what she mean; he just choose to remain silent like he used to.
After a couple of minutes, the game become more intense with none of the players are wavering. Kuroko used his misdirection from time to time. And they even found the trick behind Kuroko's ability; it is the same as basketball. It is a breathtaking game for Momoi, who doesn't even know which pair will gain their points.
Eri knew that her skill isn't good as these three guy. In fact, her skill is only average for them- that's what she thought- but this doesn't make her to back out. She was thrilled to begin with, to be paired with Midorima, the most unsociable guy and the guy who only think of himself- in the past- among the Generation of Miracles.
Their score was tied and sometimes either of the pair were one step ahead. But, immediately gained another point that's why it proceed one again to an unending tie. Both pair were almost at their limit- for enduring a non-stop play- panting heavily and sweats are pouring all over their face.
They are alternating hitting the ball. Shouting like there's no tomorrow except for Akashi and Kuroko, who is calmly returning the ball. Though, on the back of their mind, they don't want to lose and to taste the food that Momoi made. It may be rude for her but it is the truth; they don' want to tell the truth about it, it might end up to hurt her feelings that's why they just keep their mouth shut.
Midorima jumped-no, it wasn't really necessary for him to jump at his full strength because this is not basketball, he only jump for a bit since he is all enough to reach the ball- to smash it. For some reason, Akashi made a stance, ready to do a counterattack and with that moment, he hit it without hesitation and with all he strength in his body.
From Eri and Midorima's table, the ball the Akashi returned is rotating continuously in one place. Eri wait for a chance to hit it. As it bounced, it was too fast for her and it passed through her hair that cause to sway.
They were all in awe except the pair who win "The winner is… Akashi-kun and Tetsu-kun pair, "Momoi drawl but all of them heard her.
Suddenly, Eri fall on her knees, too tired for today's game "We… lose, "She muttered on herself between her huffs of her heavy breathing.
Then, she saw a feet that almost covering the yukata he wears. She looked up and saw Kuroko, stretching out his hand to her while giving her a warm smile "You did a great job, Takasugi-san."
She smiled and took his hand "I'm glad that I had this chance to play with you, Kuroko-kun. Congratulations on winning."
"You did well, Midorima, "Akashi said, offering his hand to the tall guy in front of him.
"You too, Akashi. But it doesn't change the fact that we lose. It's only for fun but I feel frustrated."
"Eri-chan. Midorin~ "Momoi interrupted, calling them in a sing song voice.
They froze (Eri and Midorima) after hearing the owner of it. They can hear some muffle thuds, slowly pacing to reach them.
"M- Momoi!"
"S- Satsuki-san, you can't be serious about it, right," it is clear on Eri that she was nervous for receiving their penalty. She is mostly seen as calm and compose but sometimes she can feel terror but only once in a while.
Momoi pretended that she doesn't heard a thing as she continuously move forward. She is currently holding a bento box on her left hand and on her right hand, there is a spoon full of food that gives creepy aura and aroma.
"A penalty is a penalty. You shouldn't run away from it."
"NOOOOOO!"
The sun is on its peak on the horizon. Birds were chirping and the staff of the *onsen were busy one again.
It is oo early for them to we up since it's still 7 in the morning and besides it's still weekend, they can wake themselves whenever they want. But for Eri, she is used to wake up early; her eyes automatically opened, groaning softly because she sleep in the wrong side of the bed. No, it wasn't actually in the bed, she is on the concrete floor the different is, there's a comforter all over her body to keep her from the cold. She wondered who on earth place this thing over her? And why is she the only one who has a comforter?
Eri properly sit herself and scanned the area, there she saw the familiar faces, sleeping soundly on the floor. And other thing she noticed, they were not in their room; they were still in the table tennis area.
She blinked couple of times, registering the situation around her "Right, how could I even forgot about last night?" a flashback came across her mind. A disgusted was etched on her face, "Just remembering it, makes me want to…" she clasped her hand over her mouth, her cheeks were puffed; it feels like she was going to vomit anytime.
Eri decided to go to the lobby, to buy her favorite refreshment in the vending machine, *matcha milk tea. She choose a hot version because it's still early to drink something cold unless you are praying to spend your day in the comfort room. As she sit at the sofa near the vending machine.
"I didn't expect you to be his early, Takasugi," a manly voice came, whom she easily recognize.
She look up to the guy and didn't bother herself to feel shock "Akashi, good morning," then, she shrug, "Well, it's out of my habit."
"Is that so? Looks like were in the same page," Akashi proceed to the vending machine to buy a canned of coffee and decide to sit near the girl with grey orbs, "Due to the morning practices it became my habit to wake up so early even in weekends. Also, I was disciplined my father to wake up early."
Eri hummed. No doubt that she can't think what she will going to say with his answer.
Suddenly, Akashi chuckled. Eri don't even know why he chuckled out of the blue; she hasn't said a thing to him that he made him laugh. Besides, she is bad at telling jokes.
"Akashi?" she called, tiling her head to the side.
"Ah iie. When I see your face, it reminds me how much you enjoy our stay here especially during the table tennis match."
She looked away from him, too embarrassed the way she show her attitude last night, though it doesn't have to be embarrassing off "Well, that's because… I just want to…" she just smiled at those thoughts now that she finally resolved the question on her head, "Because this is a rare opportunity to face you-Generation of Miracles – it's not all about basketball but to me our bonds become strong," she lightly laughed on what on earth she said; it feels that it is weird to tell those words, "This is not right, I've only met those guy a few times and I have this feeling that we've been friends for so long."
Akashi smiled at her that made her heart skip a beat "Takasugi, it is not wrong to have more than one friend."
"Akashi," she called his name softly, taken aback at his words. Then, she gave him her smile with sincerity, "I'm glad that you guys invited me."
"Eri-chan? Eri-chan it is you!" the woman exclaimed excitedly as she gave her a warm hug as soon as Eri stood up from her seat, "Uwah~ I miss you so much!" she wanted to jump up and down for meeting this girl for a very long time but she refrain from doing it; she knows that Eri doesn't like that kind of thing. She may be cheerful when she was little but Eri doesn't like to do something embarrassing.
Her name is Minazuki Reiko, the daughter of the owner of this onsen. Eri's family is very close to the owner and they are the most loyal customer. They often spend their free time there that's why the Takasugi family became friends with the Minazuki family.
The woman push her gently so that she could free Eri from her tight hug, she only place her hand on Eri's shoulder "How are you? Where is your father?"
"I'm fine, Onee-san," she said politely. It could tell on her face that she is very pleased to meet this person after a very long time, for almost a decade or so, "How are you and Auntie?"
"I'm fine and my mother is sick. She just need some rest. You know, managing an onsen is difficult. And my, you've really turned into a fine lady, Eri-chan," as she eyed her from head to toe, "The last time I saw you is when you're still little. Time really fly so fast. And you've finally have a boyfriend!"
"Boyfriend?!" her face turned red at the woman's sudden statement. She didn't even let her explain.
"And on top of it, he is an Akashi!"
"Nice to meet you, I'm Akashi Seijuro," he inclined his head to give her some respect.
"Yeah, I already know you," glancing at her watch, she suddenly shriek, "Oh! I really need to go. I really want to spend some time with you guys but I can't. Akashi-kun, please take are of Eri-chan, okay?" she said over her shoulder before departing away when she realize that there are few words she's about to say to these two young people, "And Eri-chan, take care of your boyfriend as well," she winked and started walking out of the lobby.
"But onee-san, he's not my—"before she could explain everything, the 'Onee-san' she was calling was no longer visible on her vision, "friend," she finished the last word with an exasperated sigh.
There's a short memory that flushed through her mind, realizing what Momoi was trying to say last night "So Satsuki-san was trying to say that about and Akashi in the future is… no, it can't be. She's bluffing. That's not may be the case. I'm just thinking too much," she thought.
"I'm sorry, Akashi. I remembered that there's something I must do," she bowed and quickly stride and passed by the red-haired man, not even dared to wait his response. She is even trying to over her face with her bangs: concealing her red face.
He only watched her in awe. Eri is not to be blame at for suddenly declaring him to be her boyfriend. She is embarrass to herself as well as the guy, who claim to be her boyfriend. It is a misunderstanding so it's only natural to act like that. Unfortunately, it is too late to let her explain everything with her onee-san. There might have a possibility that they may not be able to see each other because Minazuki is a busy person for taking over the onsen for a while on the behalf of her mother.
Tomo almost jumped out because of aloud thud of the wooden door that is being open with a lot of force.
"R-Ri-chan, you almost give me a heart attack!" she complained but decided to shrug it off because she notice something on Eri that only happens on her during Valentine's day, "What happened? Why your face is red? Are you sick?"
"No I'm not!" her voice was raised. Realizing that she have done something wrong, she finally tried to calm herself, "Don't worry, this is nothing," as she proceed to her belongings and started to pack her things.
Tomo only watched her. There is something really off with her; she know Eri more than anyone else. Even if she didn't tell it from her, she already know what it was by just one look-due to her intuitions- but sometimes she is so hard to read. For example, when she is having a bad day or a problem, she just remain poker face and act like there's nothing happen.
"Ri-chan, if there's something or someone that troubles you, you can tell everything to me, okay?"
She halted from what she was doing and silently nod at her. Instead of being happy with her reply, she was taken aback. Normally, when she said something like that, Eri usually say 'You don't need to bother yourself' but right now, it is totally different from her usual reply. There is something troubling her, more like, someone.
"Ri-chan is unmistakably in love with someone and I'm sure its Akashi Seijuro."
*onsen- is a Japanese word of hot spring.
*matcha- means green tea.
Finally done with this chapter. It's been a year, I guess. And I'm sorry for the suppperrr late update. There's a lot of things I got to do and I have much time to write a story plus I'm having a hard time thinking what their onsen trip will be like. If you notice something familiar, yes, this chapter is inspired in Prince of Tennis.