A/N: The much awaited update! Gomen ne minna! I've been experiencing ups and downs lately and I'm terribly sorry for that. I hope this chapter somehow makes up for my lack of activity. So then…Enjoy!
Weeks passed and Tezuka spent more time devicing plans to protect his sister with the help of his "girlfriend", Tenshi Mizuno. A lot of people believed their pretend relationship and instantly, the whole school and even neighboring schools in Seishuun became aware of the famous tennis captains new relationship. It was something not many of his fans expected. To some it was frustrating and heartbreaking but to those who admire him for his talent and not because of his physical looks, they showed appreciation. Who would've thought that the wooden block of a captain would land himself in a relationship with one of the most coveted ladies of Seigaku?
"Tezuka-kun, lunch time," said Tenshi as she stopped by III-A's classroom. A nod was the only reply that she got.
It's been two weeks since they started having lunch together. To put up with the pretense that they really are dating, Tezuka even turned down Yumi's offer to make his lunch numerous times. Of course he didn't actually want to disappoint his sister, but to keep up with the act, he has to play the part of a happy boyfriend.
"I know you want to spend time with your sister but can't you at least act like spending time with me is fun. People might think we're having a fight or something," said Tenshi.
"Ah, I was just thinking about Yumi. She looked really disappointed lately. I haven't given her enough time as of late," said Tezuka.
"And you feel guilty?" Tenshi asked.
"Yes, I do," he answered bluntly.
"You are doing this for her right? This is for her safety. If the plan works, we'll catch your sister's tormenter by the time the festival starts," said Tenshi.
"I still don't understand why you're doing this. You won't gain any profit from any of this," said Tezuka.
"Well, in the end, I can at least say that I experienced a happy ending with you somehow. Don't worry though; I'm not pressuring you or anything. I just really want to help Yumi-chan," Tenshi explained.
"This plan of yours is doing more bad than good for her though," said Tezuka.
"How?" Tenshi asked.
"She feels like she's being left out in everything. If she wasn't so busy with that photography contest, I'm sure she'd be having fits right now," said Tezuka.
"What is she? A little baby? Why would a thirteen year old girl throw tantrums just for that?" Tenshi asked.
"Well, simply because she's asking for attention," said Tezuka annoyingly.
On the other hand, Yumi and Ryoma, along with the Ichinen Trio were just passing by the couple's table when they heard the conversation. Since they came in late, they only heard the last few bits of the conversation. It surprised all five of them to hear the two talking that way. Before any of them could react, Yumi excused herself and fled.
"Oh dear," said Katsuo.
"I'll go after her. We'll see you in class," said Ryoma.
"Ah, take this for the two of you," said Kachiro as he handed two melon breads.
"Thanks," said Ryoma.
Ryoma followed Yumi and found her inside one of the empty music rooms. She was looking out an opened window facing the tennis courts. He cautiously approached his friend.
"Yumi-chan," he called.
"I'm fine. Don't worry about me," she said calmly.
"Cut the crap. You know I won't believe you right?" Ryoma smiled.
"I just feel really sad. I haven't seen much of my brother for the past weeks. And I've been busy trying to find a good photo for the contest. And now this happens. Its piling up," Yumi explained.
"I can't blame you. It really is tough," said Ryoma.
"I guess I miss my nii-chan a lot too," said Yumi.
"I know what you feel. I can't say that I understand it but I guess, for now, you just have to grin and bear it. We all know that eventually you and your brother will part but that's not a forever thing," said Ryoma.
"Big words from someone who doesn't talk much," said Yumi.
"You know I only talk this much with you," said Ryoma.
"Yeah, I know. Thanks a lot. I'm glad you're here," said Yumi.
"Cheesy. Come on, Kachiro-kun gave this," said Ryoma as he handed the melon bread.
That afternoon, the freshmen arrived at the courts early. There were still very few people there and most were non-regulars. Deciding that warming up while the regulars weren't there yet, Yumi joined Ryoma in doing slow-paced laps. Ryoma's been trying to help her build some stamina and to get stronger but it seemed like every single day that passes the opposite happens. They paid no mind to it, dismissing it as Yumi's simple lack of bodily-kinesthetic strength. Ryoma being a true friend promised that he'd just help her start from the very basics instead.
"Hoi! Hoi! Yumi-chan! Ochibi!" Kikumaru called the two.
A few of the regulars finally arrived and were now starting their laps. They caught up with the freshmen as soon as they can and joined in their slow-paced run. They don't get to spend a leisurely time like this too often.
"How was your day?" Fuji asked.
"Good," the two answered in unison.
"And how is the photo coming, Yumi-chan?" Taka-san asked.
"Not so good but Ryoma-kun promised to show me some other places so I can take pictures," said Yumi.
"Yumi-chan seems different today nya. You look a bit tired," said Kikumaru.
"No, I'm fine senpai," said Yumi.
"Must be because of the work we had to do for class," said Ryoma.
"I can't blame you. Our class is planning on doing a horror house and everyone's on edge preparing for it," said Kawamura.
"Minna! Practice will start in a few minutes!" They all heard Oishi call out.
Practice went on like usual. Tezuka gave out instructions, Yumi supervised some training, and Tenshi was around the corner taking photos of the players. Everyone probably noticed it already, the way Yumi seemed like she was avoiding Tezuka and Tenshi. She focused on what she was doing instead.
After a few hours, Tezuka called the practice to an end. They gathered in the main court to have a few minutes to discuss the upcoming festival. The assigned leaders gave their updates and finally, they were dismissed.
"Yumi-chan, time to go home," said Tenshi.
Tezuka usually walked Tenshi home so Yumi usually had to go along with them too. Today though, Yumi wasn't in the mood to go with them. She wanted to spend the least bit of time with the couple than with the others.
"Ah, I won't be walking home with you and nii-chan" said Yumi.
"Eh? Does Tezuka know?" asked Oishi.
"I forgot to tell him but I-I'll be-ah," she stuttered.
"I'll be walking home with her. We were going to stop by a soft-served ice cream shop before we go home," said Ryoma.
"Ok. Be sure to tell Tezuka before you go," said Taka-san.
"Hai," said Yumi, then mouthing a 'thank you' to Ryoma for helping her out.
"Be sure to tell me what?" Tezuka popped out from the locker room.
"Ah, Yumi-chan's walking home with Echizen-kun instead of with us," said Tenshi.
"Why? Are you feeling ill?" Tezuka asked, his hand automatically checking his sister's forehead.
"Iie, I just want to eat some soft-served ice cream and Ryoma said he saw one. He's going to walk me home afterwards," said Yumi.
"Will you be okay on your own? You can call Eriol if you want," said Tezuka.
"Iie, daijobu. Ryoma-kun's taking me home anyway," said Yumi.
"It'll be fine. I doubt that Echizen-kun will let her get into any trouble." Tenshi assured Tezuka.
"I guess," said Tezuka, albeit uneasily.
"We'll be going ahead then, Yumi-chan," said Tenshi.
"Call me when you get home or if anything happens," said Tezuka.
"I will," said Yumi.
The two first years walked around the mini-plaza to look for the ice cream parlor. Despite it being an on the spot excuse to not walk with the new couple, they decided to just go ahead and have some sweets. They deserved a bit of luxury today anyway.
The soft-served ice cream store was quaint and cute. Not the icky-girly kind of cute that Ryoma would not enter but it was simple and friendly looking. This was something they both needed, sweets.
"Thanks for backing me up today. I really didn't want to spend time with them at the moment," said Yumi.
"I figured as much," said Ryoma.
"It feels odd though. I care a lot about my brother but hearing him say those words, I suddenly feel confused," Yumi explained.
"Don't over think it. We didn't even hear the whole conversation. They might have been talking about someone else," said Ryoma.
"Maybe you're right," said Yumi.
"Anyway, the sensei called you and some of the girls out earlier, what did they want?" Ryoma asked.
"They're planning making a presentation on the festival day for intermission numbers. They were thinking on doing a Shoujo Jidai group, Seigaku style of course," Yumi explained.
"Oh, so you'll be joining?" He asked.
"Yeah but there's going to be an audition for the lead part; Ryuuzaki-san suddenly stepped in and wanted my place so we're doing an audition tomorrow," said Yumi.
"Ganbatte ne," said Ryoma.
"Hai, ganbarimasu," Yumi smiled.
After having ice cream, the two went to the nearby used-books shop. Yumi was fond of visiting these kinds of shops even when she was a lot younger. It would remind her a lot about the time she had in her life before the Tezuka family brought her in. Right now she was thankful that every single thing she needed was given to her even if she didn't ask for it.
They were browsing the books at the outside shelf when two drunkards passed by. They looked like they drank a lot more than they could take and by the looks of it, they were eyeing on every girl they see that passes by. Yumi and Ryoma was, unfortunately, on their line of sight.
"Hey cutie, want to go and have a good time," one of the drunks said as he pulled on Yumi's left arm.
"Let go! You stink!" Yumi yelled.
"I like'em feisty! Lemme have her!" Said the other one as he then pulled on her right arm.
Ryoma pushed them away and blocked them as they were trying to get back on Yumi again. By then, most of the people in the shopping block were already looking. None of them had the guts to step in and help the two junior high students though.
"Oi shorty, you better get out of my way," said the first drunk.
"Your breath stinks. Leave us alone. She's not coming with any of you." Ryoma stated.
"For someone so puny, you got a lot of nerve shorty," said the second drunkard.
"Let's get'em!" The first one shouted.
"Oi!" A familiar voice shouted.
When they looked to where it came from, the great Atobe Keigo, along with his tennis team, were there. Seeing how outnumbered the two drunkards were, they made a split decision to run away. It was absolutely hilarious since they were bumping or crashing at every single thing they passed.
"Are you okay?" Atobe asked.
"Thank you," said Yumi.
"Good timing Monkey King," said Ryoma.
"Shut it brat. You couldn't even fight them off," said Atobe.
"Well excuse me for being so little," Ryoma muttered.
"Anyway, thank you for helping us Atobe-san," said Yumi as she dipped her head for a bow.
"Don't be silly. I'm almost a relative of yours, a couple of times removed. Nonetheless, I'd do it anyway even if we weren't related," said Atobe.
"Where's your brother anyway? Doesn't he usually walk home with you?" Asked Oshitari.
"He's walking his girlfriend home," said Yumi.
"So what we heard was true," said Oshitari.
"I didn't think he'd be able to ask anyone out," said Jirou before he yawned.
"Forget asking, I actually though he was mute. Y'know your brother doesn't talk much," said Gakuto.
"Anyway, where are you two heading?" asked Atobe.
"We were just heading home," said Yumi.
"Those two scumbags came in just after we decided to call it a day," said Ryoma.
"We were just heading home ourselves. I'll drop you two on my way home," said Atobe.
"There's no need to," said Yumi.
"No, I insist," said Atobe.
"I think it will be safer as well if buchou sends the two of you home. We were thinking of going home now as well anyway," said Oshitari.
"I'll see you guys at school then," said Atobe.
"Ah," said Jirou before he gave a heartful yawn.
Ryoma was reluctantly dropped off in front of their house. He wanted to make sure Yumi was okay. Despite being their savior earlier, he can't deny that Atobe is still a Monkey King. Even so, he gave in after he was coaxed by Yumi. She said she was fine so he just watched as the black limo sped off.
"It must be unusual for you to not spend a lot of time with your brother. If I'm not mistaken this is the first time it happened," said Atobe.
"It is actually," said Yumi.
"Well, you have to get used to it eventually. We're already in that age that we want a girlfriend. After a few years he's probably going to get married too," said Atobe.
"Hn," Yumi muttered. She wasn't prepared for talks like this just yet. It's much too early for her to be talking about this.
"But you know, that doesn't mean he'll love you any less," Atobe smiled.
She looked at him, seeing a kind smile, rather than his usual arrogant looking expression. It suddenly felt like he's trying to make her feel a little bit better. She was thankful, though he has no idea about what happened today, he made her remember Tezuka's promise to her.
"Thanks Atobe-san," said Yumi.
"What for?" He asked.
"You're different from my big brother but somehow, after what you said, you reminded me a bit of him." She explained..
"I don't know if I should take that as a compliment or an insult at the moment. Not as a person but as a brother. He should be here to accompany you," said Atobe.
"Yes, but he's got a girlfriend that he's accompanying as well," said Yumi.
"I get that but you know, that doesn't excuse him for letting you go home on your own. Echizen's a guy but at the moment you two are just two very tiny first years. Being in junior high doesn't permit you to go out on your own you know, especially with your family status," Atobe explained.
"What does my family status have to do with that?" Yumi asked.
"Well, you're an heiress to one of Japan's richest families, even if you haven't been formally introduced to the public, there's bound to be someone out there who knows about you and has bad intentions about your family's wealth," said Atobe.
"Sounds like a plot for a good story," Yumi smiled.
"Glad you find it amusing," said Atobe.
"You're not like the Atobe I heard in stories of tennis players," said Yumi.
"I hope it's in a good way," said Atobe.
"Yeah, somehow. All I've heard about you is that you're quite the boastful type," said Yumi.
"What's not to boast? Nah, I'm kidding. I have to look the part to make other players intimidated by me, otherwise I'll just be like any other player in the court," said Atobe.
"Bocchan we're here," said the driver as they pulled to a stop.
"Ah, thanks Pier," said Atobe as he opened the door for Yumi.
"Thanks Atobe-san," said Yumi.
"Call me Keigo-nii. Atobe-san is my dad," said Atobe.
"Sou ka. All right, Keigo-nii, thank you for the ride. The Seishuun festival's coming soon. If you want to come and bring the other tall nii-san-tachi and visit the tennis club booth I can make arrangements," said Yumi.
"I'll be sure to drop by then. See you," said Atobe before he got in.
The following day was the audition day for the group that the females of the student council planned. Apparently the girls and guys from the council split up on getting performers. It would be like a contest and the groups that they formed would be the ones performing against each other.
"Konnichiwa," said Yumi as she entered one of music halls.
"Konnichiwa, Tezuka-chan. You can take a seat with the others. We're still waiting for some people before we go through with the audition," said the secretary.
"Ah, but senpai, do I really have to join?" Yumi asked.
"Of course. I saw one of your home videos from kaichou's laptop. The one he filmed for your dad," said the secretary.
"Waaah! Niichan showed you?! That was supposed to be for papa. He promised to buy me something if I filmed that," said Yumi.
"Daijoubu. It was very cute and I think TaeYeon's part suits you best," said the smiling secretary.
"We've got a problem!" The council's assistant treasurer suddenly entered the hall.
By the time the treasurer finished, Tezuka was already entering the music hall with some of the other members of the student council. Apparently, Sakuno and Tomoka had created uproar in a social networking site that was widely used by the student body. Now that everybody knows about the audition, they want a staged performance that will be judged by the students. With all of the other people agreeing with what the two wanted, the student council has no choice but to hold it in the auditorium.
"But this is different, everyone from the school has a say as to who the TaeYeon will be for this school. Of course they'll vote for her, they all know her well," Yumi explained to the secretary.
"Not necessarily, Yumi-chan. As the tennis club buchou's younger sister, you've gained quite a reputation here already," the secretary explained.
"And according to most of the people I've met, they're quite excited about this show. They want to see how someone from the Tezuka family would perform," said the vice president.
"Of course, the Tezuka family's quite famous for being very talented. Tezuka-kaichou's not only an amazing tennis player, he's a pianist, cellist and a top student to boot," said the treasurer.
"That's not the issue here. If we are allowing this showdown to go on then we'll have to give the performers about a week more to prepare," said Tezuka.
"So, you're allowing Yumi-chan to perform?" Asked the vice president.
"That's up to her. If she wants to then I'll support her," said Tezuka.
"Actually, she has to. She's the reason we're having the showdown in the first place. Ryuuzaki's very persistent in saying that she can top Yumi-chan in this showdown," said the assistant treasurer.
"Well then, that means you have to prepare well Yumi-chan. There's no way you can lose against her," said the secretary.
"I don't know. I do want to join the group but I don't know if fighting for the position is worth it. I mean, what if she is better?" Yumi shrugged.
"We don't know that yet. And we'll only know it if you compete. So what do you say?" Said the secretary.
"Come on Yumi-chan. We know you can do it," said the treasurer.
"Yeah, we'll try to support you as much as we can. I have a brother in the dance troupe, he can help with the choreography and other stuff," said the secretary.
With no other hesitations, Yumi agreed. There are lots of people supporting her. No doubt, the members of the tennis club will be there to support her as well. It will be hard, since there's not much time to prepare, but she'll just have to try her best to make everything work out in her favor.
Saa... R&R minna!