Chapter-14

Fuji refused to chicken out as he walked towards Asuna's home in Kanagawa. He had taken an early train to go see her. Maybe even convince her to not stop seeing him. He could start from there. He wanted her to trust him again. To be friends with him again.

And maybe… maybe even love him again.

He came to stop near her apartment and began to wonder if he should call her or simply show up at her door. He was considering entering the building when he saw Renji come out of the building in his Rikkai uniform with Asuna following him in a t-shirt and tennis shorts. He quickly hid behind a tree.

It was a Saturday. So why would Renji be in his uniform? School was supposed to be closed today. Even Asuna was in casual attire. So why….his train of thought suddenly stopped as he found it hard to breathe.

Did he spend the night at her place? No, he couldn't have. He's probably just picking her up or something. Right?

He began to follow them from a distance as they walked towards a park and he slowly breathed out in relief. But no. they turned away from the park and went several blocks down and walked into a street. They entered the house at the end of the street.

Slowly coming out of hiding, Fuji neared the house to see whose it was. "Renji" it said in clear Kanji.

He quickly hid in a nearby bush as the front door opened. Asuna waited as Renji came out with a fresh pair of shorts and t-shirt on.

No. Fuji thought. It couldn't be.

He closed the door behind him and they continued walking back down the street.

DDDDDDDDDD

"Umm...Yanagi senpai" Asuna called in a small voice. Renji lightly squeezed her hand to acknowledge her. They were heading to practice at the nearby park. Unknown to them, a pair of cerulean eyes flashed at Renji's open display of affection.

"I'm sorry I didn't have any clothes for you other than my father's old ones. They must've been very uncomfortable, no?" Renji chuckled and looked at her.

"It's fine. I'm just glad I got to spend so much time with you" he gently tugged her hand to bring her closer.

"I'm sorry…for… uh…falling asleep on you like that" Asuna covered her face with one hand to try and hide her reddening face.

Renji bent down to reach her ear and murmured, "It's okay and I quite enjoyed it."

"Senpai!" Asuna flailed to hide her embarrassment while Renji only smiled.

Looking at him, Asuna thought Renji looked devilishly handsome smiling like that. She blushed at her thoughts.

Last night had been quite an unexpected one. Renji had given her his undivided attention. Trying to learn everything he could about her.

Since it got pretty late by the time the rain let up, Asuna had asked for him to crash with her for the night and he'd agreed after letting his parents know.

After dinner they had decided to watch a movie but Asuna soon fell asleep on Renji's chest and Renji had fallen asleep playing with her hair.

The morning after, Asuna thought it would be very awkward. But Renji's kind words and caring attitude had put her into ease. He was always so nice to her. She'd be lying if she said she felt nothing for the quiet and charming senior, but she wasn't sure if it would be right to explore those feelings at a time like this. The Regionals were coming up in a month. She has to work extra hard to help Rikkai get to the Nationals. Moreover, with the unresolved issues with Fuji, she didn't want to drag Renji into her internal confusions.

They soon reached the park and started practicing with the team. Her thoughts pushed to the back of her mind.

A pair of cerulean eyes saw and heard almost all of it. And this revelation did not please him.

DDDDDDDDDD

Niou, and Yukimura watched as Renji packed his racquet. Practice had ended a while ago and Asuna had joined Marui to check out a new cake shop. The others had headed to their respective homes.

As Renji too got ready to leave, Niou and Yukimura blocked his way. Their serene smiles in place. Renji inwardly groaned. He should've known they'd pick up something. They'd probably guessed something the moment he showed up with Asuna.

"So?" Yukimura asked coolly hile Niou wiggled his brows.

"So?" Renji raised a single brow.

"Don't play dumb Renji," Niou scoffed. "Give us all the little details." Renji only looked away, his cheeks reddening.

Both Yukimura and Miou grinned at Renji. They were relieved to see their friend so happy after such a long time. Although he wasn't smiling, they could tell he was feeling way better.

They dragged him with them to the nearest fast food joint to finally spend some good time.

DDDDDDDDDD

Fuji slammed the door to his room. He was livid from what he got to see today. Tezuka's words kept ringing in his ears.

At least you'd get closure.

He slammed his fist in the wall. He didn't want closure. He wanted Asuna back. He wanted his Asuna back.

And he wanted Renji out of the way.

I will get her back Renji. Just you wait and see.