Chapter Eight

Sachie

"Hey, Fuji." I had gone to pick him up as usual after class. This time Chiko came with me, though her face fell when she found out that Eiji had already gone to the tennis courts. Having joined the girls' tennis club, I and Chiko had to go there too. No, I didn't type wrong, Chiko, the girl who wore mini skirts and basically worshipped jewelry, had decided to take up tennis. The reason is obvious, since the boys practiced in an adjacent court.

But who am I to talk? I had started playing because of Fuji myself. Except that Chiko had just wanted to be able to obsess over Eiji for every possible moment; and as for me...I'll let you know when I work it out.

Anyway, the three of us headed down to the tennis courts together. As in, Chiko rushed ahead, sometimes doubling back impatiently, and I hung back with Fuji, who was hobbling along was best as he could. It had been that way for a while.

"Fuji, slow down. You'll trip or something," I urged him, watching him struggling to go faster. I tried not to let him think that he was slowing anyone down, but being the tensai he is, I bet he knew anyway.

Only that didn't seem to be on his mind today. "They're announcing the regulars for the next game today. I want to listen."

I seriously didn't know how he stood it.

Given out difference in speed, Chiko was at the court and latched onto Eiji when Fuji and I got there. But Eiji didn't seem to mind; in fact he looked like he was enjoying it. Well, when you put two permanently overexcited people together, they're bound to get along. I could predict a very happy relationship for them both, providing no one cuter came along. Wish Eiji luck.

"Hi, Tezumi!" Momo came over. I had gotten to know the regulars, them being Fuji's friends. "Interested in a match after practice?"

He loved playing against me, for some reason. My speculation was that I was the only one around that he could beat with ease and not have to cheer them up again afterwards, as in the case of Chiko. That, and because my stupid moves on the court made him laugh.

"No thanks," I smirked. "Losing so many games in one day is just really bad for the athlete's soul."

"Aww, I promise you won't lose too badly."

"Maybe not, but you will."

He sniggered. It was one of our funnier private jokes.

"Tezumi senpai." Echizen looked up at me with his big black eyes. He looked so cute when he did that. It was a shame that he always wore a cap.

"Ochibi!" I grinned at him. I'd picked that up from Eiji.

He gave a heavy sigh and walked away with his cap lowered, but I knew he was smirking all the same.

"Alright, everyone gather round. I've got the list of the coming match's regulars!" Coach Ryuzaki called, clapping her hands.

I, Chiko and Fuji listened outside the court.

"Doubles Two, Takamura and Ishizaki. Doubles One, Kikumaru and Oishi. Singles Three, Kaidoh. Singles Two, Inui. Singles One, Echizen. Is that clear? Yes? Everyone continue to their practice!"

"I'm finally a regular, Tezumi. Changed your mind about me yet?" The guy called Ishizaki smirked at me. I had no idea why he hadn't given up on me yet, after the countless times I'd refused to go out with him after he had confessed. Oh, he was tolerable it he wanted to be, but I didn't think it would work out.

I looked heavenward in reply, not really paying attention. I was so sure I had seen Fuji twitch when the coach had read out 'Singles Two'.

"Fuji..."

"You'll be late for practice, Tezumi. Go on."

I rushed off with Chiko. Fuji no longer tried to hide his feelings from me, at least not much, but he still needed his time alone.

He was pretty much back to normal once I'd finished practice and met him outside the court. Chiko had gone off with some people from the girls' tennis club. He and I had taken to walking home together.

As we passed a burger joint, I noticed the other regulars inside. I stopped and turned to Fuji. "Come on. You need to spend more time with your friends." Tugging at his shirt, I pulled him inside the restaurant.

"Tezumi, I see them every day—" he began to protest.

"You've been hanging around me too much. These are the people you'll have to work with once you rejoin the team."

"Tezumi!" Momo yelled, spotting us. "You normally don't come here a lot. Have a seat. Hi, Fuji."

"Nya, it's Tezumi," Eiji said. Or tried to say, with his mouth stuffed full of burger. I shook my head pityingly and handed him a napkin, ordering him to swallow. I don't know about you, but hanging out with a bunch of seemingly half-starved guys wasn't my idea of paradise.

That was the price to be paid for dragging Fuji in by the crutches, I guess. But I had to do it. Because--I'd been around long enough to notice--whenever we showed up together...

The other regulars' reactions seriously bothered me.