Disclaimer: I do not own Tennis no Ohjisama and Card Captor Sakura, especially each anime's characters. Iwase Kumiko-san, Yasuhiro-kun, Maeda Hideki-san, Furuya Akiyoshi, Furusawa Maya and the Reverie Café are my own creations. Any similarities with real people and/or places are unintentional and coincidental.
Author's Notes: Please forgive me for the delay. I have no valid excuse.
This chapter is dedicated to hikao-chan and AnimeFreakLover123.
I hope all of you would enjoy reading.
The Sadist of Seigaku
Chapter 20: [Over]Protection
"Oishi, I don't think I will last another mile."
"Hn…same here, Eiji," is the solemn reply. "I might collapse if Ryuzaki-sensei would tell us to run one more time."
Kikumaru Eiji groans after listening to his friend. Rolling to his side, he allows sleep to conquer him; never minding that he is on a grass field.
"Eiji, don't sleep, 'k man?"
"Hn."
"Eiji."
"Hn?"
"If Tezuka sees you, you would definitely run another mile, or two, depending on his mood."
With that, Eiji rolls to the other side before sitting up.
"I'm hungry Oishi."
"I'm hungry too, but I'm just trying to get past this training. Inui said something about building stamina in running on elevated places."
"Oh, so that's the reason why Ryuzaki-sensei brought us to this place?"
"Yup. It seems so. Besides, Shitenhouji requested something like training in the rural areas. I think coach happily obliged to its request."
Eiji pouts at the recollection before sprawling on the grass. "Will they be arriving today?"
"No. Tezuka said the team will be here tomorrow. The practice matches will start after lunch."
"Oh well…Taka's preparing breakfast today, right? I'd be requesting something from him. Stay here, 'k, Oishi?"
Before his best friend could give a response, he hears his teammates scream their coach's name.
The two did not hesitate to rush to the scene. Upon arriving at the open field, the two freeze at what they saw.
Pale and shaking, the elderly but strong Ryuzaki Sumire looked like she saw a ghost.
"Ryuzaki-sensei?"Oishi whispers fervently, hoping that their coach would not collapse right then and there.
He did not receive a response, and the vice captain could feel his teammates getting anxious as seconds passed.
Meanwhile, Ryuzaki Sumire is in her own world. Reading the newspaper has never been a burden to her, until now. She re-reads the headline in bold letters:
Ryuzaki Sakuno: Is she the next Furusawa Maya?
There is nothing absolutely wrong with the article per se. It tells facts about her granddaughter – her age, where she comes from, where she studies, etc. – and her genius as a budding pastry chef. However, the elderly coach knows to read underneath all the lines and words in the newspaper. After this headline, his little auburn-haired angel will be thrust in the world where pressure and conspiracies abound.
And these would only multiple once she makes her mark
Heaving a sigh, she rolls up the newspaper and looks squarely at her students.
"Let's head back to the cottage. Taka, please prepare breakfast. Have Kaidoh and Echizen help you."
With that, she walks back to the house, with her nine students following her hesitantly.
"What do you think is bothering Ryuzaki-sensei?"
"Fsshhh…."
"Oi, Mamushi, answer me," Momoshiro whines.
"Shut up. This is not the place and time to ask such questions," Kaidoh pointedly states, thrusting a glance at their coach who is sitting at the dining table with them.
Momoshiro promptly shuts up, but not for long.
"Do you think it has something to do with the upcoming National games? I have heard that there is a change in the program and game line up. A number of teams are not happy about it."
Kaidoh shrugs at the question. "I never heard such things, but since the National games will not be postponed, I think all parties were able to resolve the issues."
"Eh Mamushi, that was a very diplomatic answer."
Momoshiro received a smack after that, but before chaos ensues, their coach excuses herself and leaves the table, silencing all nine players.
When she is out of the dining area, all eyes turned to Tezuka.
"What is wrong, Tezuka?" Inui prods, eyes analyzing the captain's reaction.
"She has not told me anything, Inui."
"What could be the problem, then?" Fuji asks, more to himself than to the others.
The other eight all look down at their plates, contemplating the reason for their coach's sudden mood swing. Nobody dared look at Tezuka and plead that he ask her, but somehow, the captain could sense it.
Breakfast was finished in a rather awkward environment. Only Inui saw Tezuka rake his hair in frustration.
Tezuka quietly treads the way back to his room after finishing house chores. Training will resume in an hour, and he wants to be mentally prepared and emotionally stable before practice.
The events during breakfast took a toll on him, especially since he does not know what is distressing his coach. While Ryuzaki Sumire is not his grandmother by blood, she is one to him; and at the back of his mind, he is also worried about his coach's granddaughter who is left alone in Seishun City.
"Penny for your thoughts, Tezuka?"
The handsome captain turns around to find the tennis prodigy standing a few feet from him.
"What is it Fuji?"
The prodigy chuckles as he approaches Tezuka. "Always straightforward, ne, Tezuka?" When his friend did not give a reply, he continues. "I need to speak with you."
Only a second passed before Tezuka leads the way to his room where the two can talk privately. He fists his hands, anticipation running in his blood. Private talks with Fuji are rare nowadays, especially since they are preparing themselves for university.
Come to think of it, he has not even told anything about post-senior year plans to his friend.
Gritting his teeth to stop the guilt from overcoming him, Tezuka motions Fuji to sit on the mat in front of him as he prepares the tea. The place is almost quiet, except for the sound of tea being poured into cups. Fuji graciously accepts the offered cup before taking a sip.
"I am glad we have such time, Tezuka. We have not talked like this since last year."
"Yes, pardon me for not finding time."
"Saa…you sound like you are at fault, when you aren't. We're all busy," he says with a shrug. "But I am glad we could talk. I need to ask you something."
Tezuka sips from his cup before putting it down. "What is it?"
Fuji mimicks his actions. "Allow me to ask Sumire-chan what is wrong."
The captain blinks at the statement.
It was just so simple.
Then again, years of knowing the prodigy taught him that there is more to his sentences than what those seem to be.
"I know you are her confidante, but I feel like I have to know what bothers her first."
"Do you think it has something to do with Ryuzaki Sakuno?"
He receives a solemn nod.
"You worry for her. Why so?"
Fuji looks squarely at his friend. Spilling his guts out is not too difficult for him. The seemingly apathetic but handsome team captain is like his older brother, although technically, he is a few months older than Tezuka.
"I love that girl, Tezuka. She will be mine."
For the second time that day, Tezuka blinks. The confession is so abrupt but smooth that his thought process just stopped. When realization dawns on him, he felt like air just got whooshed out from his chest.
I love her…
…she will be mine
He has never heard his best friend say something so strongly about a girl.
"Do you think it is too early to say something like that?" Tezuka pauses when he sees Fuji raising an eyebrow at him. "Both of you are young, and in time, your priorities will change."
He pauses again and adjusts his eyeglasses. "How long will this feeling of love last?"
Fuji unconsciously clenches his hands. "Playing the devil's advocate, Tezuka?"
Although taken aback by the question, Tezuka steels himself. Yes, he is fond of Ryuzaki Sakuno…more than he would allow himself; but, he is not going to pursue anything with her because that is not his priority for now. And yes, he asked those questions out of pure concern for both Fuji and Sakuno.
Jealousy is definitely the green, bad monster, but he values his friendship with Fuji more than manly competition.
"No, Fuji. I am asking because I want you to be careful."
"Don't let my guard down," Fuji whispers.
"No. This is not about letting your guard down."
"Hn. I know Tezuka. I understand your point."
And Fuji's words are true. The only reason that prevents him from pursuing something deeper with the auburn-haired girl is their youth. He wants both of them to grow up, but at the same time, he has made up his mind that she is what he wants.
"I perfectly understand you, but I guess, our views on this issue differ."
"I hope things would work well for you."
Fuji smiles at his friend. "I know you like her, Tezuka."
Again, the captain blinks at his statement, a smear of red on his cheeks.
Fuji just chuckled at the sight, but decides to steer to another direction. "By the way, will you allow me to speak with Sumire-chan?"
This time, Tezuka gives him the permission.
And that, folks, is how Fuji Syuusuke has found himself inside a train bound for Seishun City.
The old, grandfather train whooshed on its tracks. While the ride is bumpy, Fuji did not pay much attention to it. Besides, his thoughts are on something else.
Ryuzaki Sakuno: Is she the next Furusawa Maya?
Underneath the headline is another statement:
Teen prodigy from Seishun City stuns the food industry with skills that could be at par with the pastry legend.
Fuji closes his eyes before letting out the breath he has been holding on for seconds. He is truly excited for Sakuno, but he is also dreading the pressure that can eat her gentle and lovely soul alive.
That is the last thing he wants to happen.
He continues to stare at the newspaper, eyes more focused on the colored picture than on anything else. The picture captures her at her most candid moment: smiling at something or someone else other than the camera; hazel eyes sparkling with genuine delight that accentuates her innocent beauty.
It is a picture capable of raising a fan club that would hunt her down until she gets married…or even when she is married.
Fuji discards the dreaded set of papers by putting it on the rack. In seconds, it is snatched by a high school boy who is with his friends.
He is about to walk away when he hears the familiar tone of a worshipful fanboy.
"Kawaii!"
Fuji discreetly stations himself a few feet from the high school students, listening to their every word. He could hear excited whispers of admiration for someone, and somehow, dread is seeping through him. He is proven correct when one boy blurts out his feelings.
"Ryuzaki Sakuno ga? I'd like to see her in person!"
And with that, he immediately retrieves his mobile phone from his pocket and dials the number he calls when in an emergency.
"Ano, Yumiko-neesan, where are we going?"
It has been an hour since Fuji Yumiko told her to leave her house and ride out of town immediately. She had not asked any questions back then because the urgency in the older woman's voice told her not to argue. Fiddling with the hem of her uniform – a testament that they did, indeed, leave in a rush – Sakuno anxiously waits for the beautiful Fuji lady to answer.
"We're about to meet Syuusuke-kun, Sakuno-chan."
"Eh? Syuusuke-senpai? But isn't he out of town for training?"
Yumiko smiles at her. The young girl's guileless questions tell Yumiko that Sakuno has not seen nor heard the newspaper article featuring her. Somehow, this seems better than her knowing it immediately, she tells herself. Besides, the best person to break the news to her is another two hours away from here.
She knows that one day, Sakuno has to brave the harsh world by herself, but even if the auburn-haired girl is not her sister, Yumiko does not want anything ill to happen to Sakuno. Then again, she growth comes when crisis arrives, and right then and there, she vows that she will support the young woman throughout.
"He will meet us at the train station, Sakuno-chan. He said something urgent came up and you have to join them at the cottage."
Sakuno blinks before dropping her eyes back to the hands on her lap. She fervently prays nothing bad happened to her grandmother, or to any of the Seigaku regulars.
Yumiko smiles wanly at the girl's reaction. "Don't worry Sakuno-chan. I don't think anything bad has happened to them." She receives a grateful smile at that. "Oh, we're here," she says. Seconds later, the two are out of the car with Sakuno towing a bag behind her.
The two ladies entered the train station, but surprisingly, Yumiko bought only one ticket. Sakuno stares curiously at her, but before she could ask a question, a tap on her shoulder disturbs her.
"I am so glad to see you, Sakuno," a male voice whispers on her ear, making her blush.
"Syuusuke-kun, please don't surprise Sakuno-chan. You might give her a heart attack," Yumiko mockingly lectures her brother, all the while smiling slyly.
The tennis prodigy grins at his sister before enveloping Sakuno in a fierce embrace, leaving no room for said girl to greet him. The embrace tightened even further when small arms wrap around his waist in response.
The moment is broken only when Yumiko coughs discreetly.
"As much as I want to see my baby brother express his love for my future sister-in-law, the two of you have to prepare for the next train trip. It will be in five minutes."
"Fu-future si-sister-in-la-law?" Sakuno gasps upon moving away from Fuji.
"Saa…please don't put much pressure on Sakuno-chan, Yumiko-neesan. I am still courting her," Fuji states rather blandly, although his sister could see the glint of pleasure in his eyes.
She approves of Sakuno.
That is more than he could ask for.
Yumiko just chuckles at the two before producing a jacket and a baseball cap from who-knows-where. She approaches Sakuno and makes her wear said clothing items; the jacket being too large for her.
Satisfied with her work, she bids the two teenagers goodbye before leaving the train station. A pleased smile graces her lips.
Meanwhile, Fuji Syuusuke is finding it hard to control the immense pleasure running through him upon seeing his favorite kohai wearing his jacket and cap.
Sakuno, on the other hand, is blissfully unaware of all these.
"Fuji!"
Eiji enthusiastically bounces out of the house to greet the tennis prodigy, only to stop when he sees Fuji's beautiful companion.
"Eh? Sakuno-chan?"
Sakuno shyly smiles at the red-head before executing a polite bow. Before she could even straighten her back, she is enveloped in a bear hug tight enough to make her unconscious.
"Sakuno-chan!" Eiji squeals rather happily. "I'm glad you're here! Did you miss Ryuzaki-sensei? She has-"
"Eiji, Sakuno-chan is tired from the trip. We have to go inside," Fuji firmly says, pinning the red-head with the look.
Fortunately for Sakuno, Eiji immediately releases her. "Ne, gomen Sakuno-chan. I'm just so excited to see you here," he blabs as the three of them enter the house.
Eiji went on with his stories until they reached the living room.
All activities ceased when the other seven regulars see Ryuzaki Sakuno…
…wearing Fuji Syuusuke's jacket and cap.
Sakuno curiously stares back at her senpai-tachi and Ryoma-kun, not understanding why they all look like they each swallowed a hard-boiled egg.
"Ano…"
It is Inui who is the first to recover, and his eyes immediately flickers to Fuji. There is nothing wrong with Sakuno wearing his garb, but it implicates a serious thing:
Fuji has branded Ryuzaki Sakuno as his.
It may not be the prodigy's intention – perhaps yes, given his rather odd humor – but to the general public, it would appear so. The data guy glances at Echizen who looks as white as his polo shirt.
So it begins…the war for the rose…
Oshitari Yuushi slumps on the loveseat, all the while rubbing his temples.
He never knew seeing the love of your life on the newspaper would be emotionally stressful. Okay, so that might be stretching things too much, and he has not found that one wonderful woman in his life (he is, after all, too young for that). Then again, it is Atobe Keigo he is thinking about.
He never thought of his best friend to be the protective type. The "over" word is consciously omitted.
Sighing for the first time that day, he watches as Atobe finishes a phone call.
"Yes, I understand. Please do your best. I need a weekly report on how things are going on. Thank you."
With that, Atobe drops the call and turns to Oshitari.
"You look like a mess."
"Hn. I am the one stressed out with all your planning, Atobe. Ryuzaki-chan is a grown lady. She can protect herself."
"Is there something wrong with what I'm doing?"
The "Ore-sama" is not in his sentences. Oshitari knew his friend is dead serious this time.
"No, but you should relax. Besides, Ryuzaki-chan has not expressed a very clear interest in pursuing a career in the food industry yet. Well, in public, I suppose. The media will definitely be interested in her, but the hype will mellow in time. She will have room to pursue her own dreams."
Atobe is quiet, and for the blue-haired guy, it is a good sign.
Oshitari is about to mention that what Atobe should worry about is the forming of a fan club dedicated to Sakuno. He is thankful, though, that he has the presence of mind to just shut up. Given the present situation, mentioning something like that is definitely unwise.
"I'll be heading out." Was Atobe's final words before slamming the door shut.
Oshitari just heaves another sigh.
Few seconds of peace and quiet passed before his mobile phone rings.
"Oshitari Yuushi speaking."
He blinks upon discovering who the caller is, but politely entertains the call.
"Yes, I'll tell him. Don't worry."
While Oshitari is busy speaking with someone on the phone, Atobe settles himself on the bench at his private garden. Raking his hair with his hand in frustration, he leans forward with his elbows settling on his knees.
He knows he went a bit far with hiring a secret bodyguard for Sakuno, but he felt she would need it. Only time can tell when she would reach celebrity status in Japan, and with her talent and Furusawa's help, it may be soon. And fame has its negative aspects. Soon enough, admirers and stalkers would be following her around town, and that is something he does not want to happen. No, it isn't about having no admirers, but he just wants Sakuno to continue living a normal life. Then again, Oshitari is right. A bodyguard will only restrict her growth and movement, and the guileless and unassuming girl would be bound to know he hired something like a shadow just to protect her.
Given her personality, she would probably express discomfort if not exasperation over his actions.
Raking his hair another time, he heaves a sigh before grabbing his mobile phone from his pocket.
"Sakuno, this is Atobe Keigo speaking."
The night is rather pleasant, but it seems the tension in the room would not dissipate unless bedtime arrives.
Tezuka looks at a rather uncomfortable Fuji across him.
And then to the young tennis prince to his right
"You both look like jealous lovers in the night," Inui blandly comments, data book on hand.
Oishi promptly blushes at the statement. "Inui!"
Meanwhile, the two prodigies glared at the data guy before staring back at Ryuzaki Sakuno's frail form at the same time.
It is interesting to see two seemingly apathetic teenagers get cranky when their love interest receives a call from another guy, Inui muses to himself. With that, he starts jotting down notes on his notebook, leaving Oishi to think of a way to distract Fuji and Echizen from glaring holes at the mobile phone Sakuno is holding.
While the boys are busy inside the living room, Sakuno stays outside to entertain Atobe's call.
"You sound distressed, Keigo-san."
"How do you know?"
"Your voice, though I find it difficult to explain," she says before pausing in contemplation.
Violet eyes darkened with an unidentified emotion.
"I just find it hard to sleep tonight."
"Ano…are you worried about the National games?"
"No, I'm not."
Oh. "What is wrong, Keigo-san? If I may know, that is."
A hand rakes his hair; body sagging on the bed. "It's nothing serious, Sakuno. Something…came up with work and I think I have to make sudden changes to it."
"Eh? Keigo-san is working?"
"For my father's company, yes."
Half truth; white lie
"Ano, please don't overtax yourself, Keigo-san. Ano…I don't know what is going on but please do what is best. Things will work out fine."
A simpleton's answer, but he can't help but find comfort in it.
"I will. Don't worry. Be safe, Sakuno. I'll see you on Friday."
Before she could comprehend his words, the line was cut and she is left to wander what is really happening with Atobe Keigo.
Meanwhile, the Hyotei captain gracelessly drops his mobile phone on his bed and stares at the ceiling.
Few seconds passed before he grabs his communication device and makes another call.
"Yes, this is Atobe Keigo. Please cancel my prior arrangement. I'll just call back when it is badly needed."
Sakuno quietly returns to the living room, unaware of the five pairs of eyes following her every move. Pocketing her mobile phone, she makes a bee line to Fuji and sits beside him, a bit dazed and confused.
"Are you alright?"
"Hai," she whispers while fiddling with her fingers. She looks up at Tezuka who is openly staring at her.
"Ano…"
"Did it concern the tennis club?"
Sakuno blinks at him. Then, the 'aha' moment comes: "it" referring to her conversation with Atobe Keigo; and that somehow, the captain knows of her unusual friendship with Atobe Keigo.
"Ano…no, senpai. Keigo-san wa-"
She stops when Tezuka gently shakes his head, telling her she does not need to explain. She smiles gratefully at him.
"I'll take you to your room, Sakuno-chan," Fuji offers as he stands up.
Sakuno obliges, not forgetting to give her senpai-tachi and Ryoma a polite bow before leaving the room.
Once the door to the living room is shut close, she and Fuji tread the path to her area of the house.
"Have you spoken with Sumire-chan?"
"Hai, but she seems rather busy with phone calls today so I let her be."
Fuji nods at her answer, not bothering to inform her of the coach's dilemma.
It is for the best that the grandmother would explain things to the granddaughter, regardless of how much he wants to be the one to break the news for her.
"It will be a long day tomorrow, Sakuno-chan. Sleep well."
Instead of opening the door to her room, she stops and looks up at him in curiosity. Fuji gives her a questioning look.
"Something is bothering Syuusuke-senpai."
She does not know how badly he wants to smirk at her statement. Bothering is a gross understatement.
He is…emotionally compromised: jealous, worried, anxious; but he does not want to make her worried so he does his best to "kill" the negative energy.
"I'll be fine. Don't worry about me," he whispers hoarsely, much to his surprise, as he traces her lower lip.
She looked unconvinced, but he did not want to make things even harder for him so he opens the door to her room, kisses the top of her head, prods her to go inside before shutting the door closed. When seconds passed and Sakuno did not open the door, Fuji slumps his head on the wooden fixture.
It is going to be a long night.
Echizen Ryoma rubs his eyes hard enough to wake him up. It is an ungodly five in the morning and he has to wake up because he will accompany Ryuzaki-sensei in greeting the Shitenhouji team at the local train station.
"I don't even understand why Granny wants me to do this," he grumbles while searching for something to wear from his bag.
"It is because you are the youngest in the group."
Echizen stiffens upon hearing Inui Sadaharu's voice. How could have he forgotten that he is sharing a room with the data guy? Willing himself not to answer the question, he rushes to the washroom to freshen himself.
Minutes later, he is inside Ryuzaki Sumire's van; the elderly coach driving all the way to the train station.
The drive is rather pleasant. While the townspeople are already awake to do morning chores, the place is still peaceful to his liking. He looks at the scenery around before looking at his elderly coach. The scene yesterday has been etched in his mind and he cannot help but be curious as to why she was an emotional mess that time.
She looks more relaxed now, as he has observed, and he hopes it would stay that way.
"We are here, Echizen."
The tennis prince unbuckles his seatbelt and alights the van, following his coach towards the entrance to the station. They need not delve into the place as the whole Shitenhouji team is standing nearby.
"KOSHIMAE!"
Echizen did not have much time to react, and so one second later, he finds himself tackled to the ground by an enthusiastic Kintarou.
"Ugghh! Get off me."
"Now, now, that is not the way to greet a friend," the red-head lectures. "You won't be making much friends with that kind of attitude, Koshimae. Come to think of it, this is not the first time I told you that," he continues to rant as he helps Echizen stand up.
"By the way, where is Sakuno-chan?"
"Leave her alone."
Kintarou gasps at Echizen's answer, and unknown to the two, the Shitenhouji regulars and Ryuzaki Sumire heard it too.
"Wh-what do you mean?"
It was at that moment Echizen realized he seemed a bit defensive. Stealing a glance at his coach, he averts his eyes from Kintarou, much like a child does when discovered stealing a cookie. When the red-head does not budge from his position, the tennis prince just walks past him.
"It's nothing."
"Oi! Don't keep me hanging Koshimae!"
While the two "share" a "light" conversation, Ryuzaki Sumire proceeds with giving the rival team a formal welcome…as formal as it could get at the train station.
"I'm looking forward to our practice match later."
Shiraishi smiles at her before executing a polite bow. "Same here, Ryuzaki-sensei. My team is in war mode already," he adds.
"And it is not even the Nationals yet."