Shifting sands
Summary :
Aftermath of Kantou Tournament where Tezuka Kunimitsu lost to Atobe Keigo and severely injured his left shoulder. What will Tezuka do now that he could no longer play tennis?
Chapter 2
"Tezuka Kunimitsu! What are you doing? You cannot play. You are useless like this. What are you going to do? What should I do?"
Tezuka did not change from his school uniform. But he could not stop himself from going to the tennis courts. It was all he could do to wait until everyone had started practice. He watched silently at their hard work. Oishi seemed to have everything under control. He turned around and walked away. "There is nothing for me to do here."
Final class of the day. Tezuka was secretly relieved that he did not share any classes with the other third years.
"Germany ... I might not get back in time. I might not get back at all. I want to play. I have to play. I can't let it end here. I made a vow. We will forge a path together, to the Nationals. We will play with no regrets." He rubbed his left shoulder; the constant dull ache did not abate. A sharp pain lanced through him when he touched a nerve. "I cannot play!"
For the first time in his life, Tezuka did not pay attention in class, staring out the window. The Maths teacher, Terada-sensei chose to ignore his behaviour. He knew it was due to the news circulated by the Tennis Club members. Or maybe his stellar past exams. The teacher knew he would not allow himself to fall behind. Preferential treatment or pity? Both left a sour taste in his mouth. Sensei should have punished him. "Am I really this pathetic?"
Tezuka's eyes widen slightly at the thought. "I really am pathetic. Pull yourself together, Tezuka Kunimitsu. You are the captain. Captain's duty does not end with just playing matches. What are you doing? You have your duties to perform. Do not avoid them. I will not tolerate rule breaking. Especially from myself."
The bell rang signalling the end of school. Terada-sensei watched the students packed up when he caught the eye of one of his best students. He watched silently as Tezuka walked slowly to the front desk and bowed low before him.
"I am sorry for today, sensei. It won't happen again."
Terada-sensei nodded, accepting his apology. Ah ... if only all his students were like that. He didn't even have to lift a finger to discipline the boy.