Thanks to everyone who gave me their feedback for the previous chapter! :) It means a lot, because the previous chapter is a very special chapter to myself. Also, thanks to the others who expressed their support in one way or another.
This chapter is dedicated to Red Echantress for her well wishes, thank you so much! :) I've pretty much recovered, no more mucus but there's still some phlegm. :(
The featured song is 夢の続きⅡ, 'Continuation of Dream II'. Traditional Chinese credits: 甜蘋果 this is the last song I'm translating. For the rest of the remaining chapters, I will only be mentioning the titles.
To nattie: You sound… excited to be crying… -speechless- it's my favourite chapter as well but for a very different reason xD I feel happy that I finally fulfilled my agenda for writing HTTW. Portraying Yukimura in his worst state and showing how he picked himself up are things I always wanted to do, and now I'm going to delve into his recovery.
Higher than the Wind
Return and Nationals
What happened in Yukimura's ward that day remained a mystery to everyone except the two who were directly involved, but it didn't hinder anyone from seeing the changes on Yukimura. Like a phoenix rising from its ashes, Yukimura was reborn as a different person.
He reconstructed the definition of his own nickname, showing the world a new 'Child of God'. His limbs were weak, he stumbled and fell, but when people saw him gritting his teeth and standing on the manual gait training apparatus despite his shaky knees, they saw his resolution. When Yukimura adamantly refused support from the hospital staffs knowing that should he accept their hands he would never succeed, they saw his pride. And there was a common thought across everyone's mind.
His resolution which wavered was fortified, his pride which was bruised had been repaired – Yukimura was stronger than ever before.
… No, they decided, after thinking again, he wasn't just stronger, but more ardent, more graceful and more… perfect. If they already respected him before, they sang hymns of reverence in his honour now. He was and is the 'Child of God', but the old 'Child of God' was only known for being gifted at tennis, and the new 'Child of God' was extolled for his fortitude above his talent.
They saw on him a precious ability; the strength to pick oneself up after falling from the peak to rock bottom and sinking into the ocean right after. The courage to face the adversities that the vicious hand of fate –a vile, ominous and formless monster eagerly awaiting the moment its toys broke down– had scattered on the path ahead of humans while they tried to work their way up, wasn't something a common man could possess.
That was it. Through this experience, Yukimura grew from a boy to a man. His appearance was that of a teenage boy still, but he had matured as a person. Maturity was an abstract concept which Yukimura now lucidly illustrated. Yukimura was never childish, but a seedling which hadn't experienced storms wouldn't be able to exhibit the same age-old wisdom as an ancient tree which has survived through numerous calamities in the torrent of time.
From past experience, everyone was expecting Yukimura to avoid Tsugi during his physiotherapy, but this time round… he didn't. With a tender look and firm grip, Yukimura took the initiative and held her hand, asking her to stay next to him.
This wasn't an act of weakness, it was an indication of trust and acceptance.
Some were baffled by his change in attitude, the others exchanged knowing nods.
To the adults, they would think that it was silly for teenagers of their age to talk about love, all these blabbers about the world's most profound emotion by mere kids when the wisest scholars had problems fathoming love – and they would say, perhaps accompanied by a derisive laugh, "These kids have no idea what they are talking about."
But the adults forgot, they forgot that love was complex but it was also simple. Love was something that sometimes even a child could comprehend when a centenarian has yet to figure out a clear definition for this perplexing four-lettered word. Love was big, love was small. It was everything, it was nothing. Love was hidden in little holes and corners in our lives, sometimes people discovered it, sometimes they didn't.
Yukimura and Tsugi were the fortunate souls who discovered it at an early age.
Actually, the Rikkai Dai regulars weren't too sure what love was either. But as they watched Yukimura and Tsugi, they got the feeling that ah, this was the way it should be. Even without verbal communications and physical interactions, whenever they were together, the room was overflowing with something warm but not scorching, cool but not chilling, the feeling was just right.
It was only natural that people would think that they were a pair, but in fact… they weren't official yet.
That was right. Yukimura didn't confess to Tsugi, and neither did she to him.
So technically speaking… Yukimura wasn't Tsugi's boyfriend, and Tsugi wasn't Yukimura's girlfriend.
And the most hilarious thing was that only the two of them were aware of that.
~x~
"Congratulations, Yukimura-kun, you're nicely set on the road to recovery," said Yuukiko with a cheery smile as she recorded his progress for the day, "By tomorrow, you will be able to leave the hospital – but of course, you still have to come back and continue with the treatment."
"It's all thanks to everyone," replied Yukimura who claimed no credits, "Without the support of everyone… I wouldn't have made so much progress in less than two weeks."
"You can thank Yanagi-chan, in her presence… your treatment seems to become much more effective," Yuukiko teased lightly as she wiggled her eyebrows at Yukimura in a suggestive manner. The physiotherapy team wasn't unfamiliar with the black-haired green-eyed girl who dropped by at least once every three days. Youngsters these days… Yuukiko tsk'd in her mind, they weren't vocal about it, but their actions spoke louder than words. It would take an hour to reach Tokyo from Kanagawa, and that wasn't inclusive of the time for her to arrive at the train station from school and to get home from the station after it. Normal friends wouldn't take the trouble to travel so often.
Yukimura smiled, not denying Yuukiko's sneaky comment.
"Ah… but soon she wouldn't be appearing so much," said Yukimura light-heartedly.
"Eh? Why?"
"She has a lot to attend to as well, besides, it's fine whether she's here or not now," said Yukimura as he tenderly touched the crutches he had been relying on in the past ten days and would soon be rid of, "I can handle myself."
Yuukiko laughed as well and said, "Well then, Yukimura-kun, I hope your resolution is firm."
Her answer from Yukimura was in the form of a small, sphinx-like smile.
~x~
Yukimura chose a very timely date for his return. It was the second day of compulsory summer classes – part of the school's accelerated learning program which was newly implemented – and everyone was in school.
Indubitably, Yukimura's return to school stirred up a commotion. It began with a shriek of surprise by a second year who was walking by the corridor and happened to turn her head in the direction of the gates at the moment Yukimura walked in, and the news that Yukimura Seiichi has appeared in school spread like wildfire across all levels. First years who hadn't the opportunity of glimpsing their legendary senpai were perilously hanging off the railings, pushing, elbowing and climbing over each other to get a clearer view of the boy who was deified by his schoolmates, and despite all the setbacks he had faced, was still standing at an altitude they could only look up at.
At first glance, they were all stunned by his physical beauty. The pinnacle of human perfection was embodied by his flawless pale complexion, finely-chiselled facial features and the killer smile which never left his lips from the moment he stepped through the gates. Immediately, three quarters of the first year girl population were subdued by him.
The remaining one quarter soon capitulated when all the tennis regulars –the undeniable idols of the school– bolted out of their classrooms (with the exception of Yagyuu, but even he subconsciously hastened his pace) and surrounded him, making it clear to everyone that he was the heart of the group. Their usual composures were replaced by goofy grins, accelerated breaths and loud chattering. It was a scene of Zeus and the Olympians.
Like the legendary ruler of all Greek deities, Yukimura wasn't outshone in the least bit even when he was surrounded by a group of extraordinary people. That refined aura about him ensured that he would stand out amongst them, and won him the hearts of nearly all the first year girls. This was the charm of the 'Child of God'.
"Yukimura! You're back!" Marui exclaimed as he gave Yukimura a bear hug, "Are you going to join us in our future practices?" Eagerly, he proceeded to ask.
"A pleasant surprise, Seiichi," Renji cracked a welcoming smile.
"Welcome back, Yukimura," Nio grinned and slung an arm over Yukimura's shoulders.
"Yukimura…" Sanada breathed deeply, unsure of what to say, but really, he was no less worked up than the rest of his teammates.
"Welcome back, buchou," said Jackal with a sincere smile.
"Buchou! Welcome back!" Kirihara nearly jumped onto Yukimura, like a koala which had been separated from its eucalyptus tree for far too long.
"Thank you, everyone. I've obtained the approval of the hospital already… From now on, I will be joining everyone for practice, but I might not always be there since the therapy isn't completed yet," Yukimura nodded, accepting all his teammates' welcoming gestures. He then paused upon feeling a tingly sensation from the base of his heart and he turned to the left, a soft, endearing smile blossoming on his face.
He didn't need to look to know which direction she was standing in.
"I'm back, Yanagi," said Yukimura as he walked up to her. He spread his arms and embraced her lightly in a natural manner, letting her go after a short moment.
She smiled, and briefly hugged him once more in return, murmuring, "Welcome back, Seiichi."
Welcome back to Rikkai Dai.
Welcome back to your stage.
~x~
"… I still don't like him," grumbled Wakanari Naomi, a third year regular on Tsugi's team and younger sister of the ex-vice-captain of Rikkai Dai boys tennis team, she glanced at the scene below the window, one hand propping up her head as she said, "No matter which angle I look at him from, I can't bring myself to like him."
Even if he was her captain's boyfriend, or precisely it was because he was her captain's boyfriend that she couldn't view him in a positive light. So what if they were dating? He should be able to tell how tired Tsugi was and stop her from visiting him excessively!
"Believe me, Wakanari, you're not the only one," replied Leiko dryly.
"Hmph," Naomi scowled.
~x~
With the Nationals imminent, by right the tennis teams should be cramping for practice time but instead, the boys team decided to throw a party in celebration of Yukimura's return. Quoting from Marui, "I don't think we can practice, since buchou's fans are likely to chase him down – why don't we just stay indoors for today?" Sanada was a little unhappy, but he knew that Marui's words were true and so he acquiesced with the team. An invitation was extended to the girls team as well, regrettably, they turned down the offer without any hesitations.
"Aren't they a little too uptight about the Nationals? They won the Kantou Tournament when we lost in the Kantou finals, and we aren't even half as anxious as them!" Marui complained halfway into the party. Out of all the regulars, he was probably the one who recovered the fastest from their defeat – but frankly, nobody really felt inferior to Seigaku here despite their loss. Seigaku was good, they'd acknowledge that, but the Rikkai Dai regulars believed that the main reason behind why they lost was that they were too concerned about Yukimura's surgery, and hence they weren't playing up to standard. They weren't being egoistic, this was called self-confident because they were the best. It was an established fact.
Now with the return of Yukimura, they would without a doubt triumph over Seigaku at the Nationals.
"The girls team's greatest opponent was never within the Kantou region," said Yukimura as he gazed at the direction of the girls' courts through the windows of the club room, "Even for us, the Nationals are where the real challenge begin. Marui, you shouldn't be complacent."
"Roger that, buchou!" said Marui with a sloppy salute upon his captain's light reprimand, procuring gentle chuckles from his teammates.
"Seiichi, do you have any future plans?" inquired Renji.
The party atmosphere died down as they touched on serious affairs. All private conversations ceased and the regulars focused on Yukimura, conveying their unconditional trust and faith in the blue-haired boy through their eye contact.
"There's only one thing I'd like to say," unfazed, Yukimura smiled and said, "Nothing will stand in the way of our third straight win." He paused slightly, allowing his steely blue eyes to flit over his team before he continued, "Katsuchino-senpai said something which makes a lot of sense during the winter training camp two years ago, 'our only goal is the gold.' Rikkai Dai Fuzoku is the king. We may have had a couple of slipups in the Kantou Tournament, but it will not be repeated at the Nationals. Rikkai Dai will not be anything less than a champion. As your captain, I promise you that."
He had every intention of fulfilling what he swore to achieve, and therefore, he would do whatever it would take to return to his best condition before the Nationals.
~x~
On the evening of Yukimura's return to Rikkai Dai, Yukimura walked Tsugi home. No prior appointment was made, they met just as Tsugi exited the courts, when Yukimura walked out of the clubroom.
Upon seeing each other, the two exchanged a smile, greeted each other and easily struck up a conversation as they walked together. Yukimura's pace was comparatively slower than before, but his steps were more solid and powerful. Perhaps it was because he revised how to control his legs during the physiotherapy, or maybe he was simply stronger as a whole. Either way, Yukimura reinforced the notion that adversities were also opportunities.
"The host city of the Nationals will be announced tomorrow. Fancy a wild guess?" asked Tsugi.
"Tokyo," replied Yukimura confidently, voice light as a breeze as he kept his pace constant.
Tsugi nodded and said, "The only year Nationals were held outside of Tokyo for the past 10 years was 2 years ago, and that was because the Tokyo Stadium was under scheduled reconstruction." Which really wasn't surprising.
"Tokyo is Japan's capital," after saying that, Yukimura suddenly stopped walking. Slightly confused, Tsugi stopped half a step in front of him, and she turned around to face him.
"Seiichi?"
No verbal answer came and instead, she was embraced. For a while now, this had been a common practice between them. Hugs helped to facilitate the transfer of strength and exchange of emotions, provided both physical and moral support, and hugs helped them to understand each other.
"Lavender," murmured Yukimura, tone tinged with light amusement. The strange undercurrents lurking beneath his breath caused the erector pili muscles beneath her skin to contract, making the hair on her neck stand up, "Do you know what it means?"
It took a moment for Tsugi to realize that he was referring to her shampoo. Like her teammates, she too always showered after practice even though home was near. Funny as the notion was, the bathroom was actually a good place to improve team dynamics.
"Lavender flower symbolizes love and devotion, it is also associated with purity, silence and caution. The colour itself represents grace and romance… and it is thought to possess tranquilizing effects," explained Yukimura as he took a handful of wet raven locks in his hand, and then he concluded, "It suits you well."
Tsugi didn't get flustered because this wasn't his focus, and he knew that she knew.
"Seiichi, what exactly do you want to say?" asked Tsugi in response.
"Shall we make a pact? The time span is two weeks. Wait for me after the Nationals, I have something to tell you," said Yukimura, low voice strong and unwavering.
Tsugi looked up at him. Their hug this time round was loose, so she had some space for movement.
This wasn't about ridding himself of distractions to ensure victory – drama series told people that. Leave your lover and you'd be more focused and perform better at whatever you were doing was what dramas purported to be real.
Yukimura called that a naive fallacy.
He was doing this for a similar, yet entirely different reason which Tsugi had roughly grasped. Dignity and pride… in some ways, Yukimura was truly a traditional Japanese.
Tsugi hugged him back comfortingly.
"Do your best, Seiichi."
For Tsugi, it was sufficient if Yukimura did his best.
~x~
"Come to think about it, buchou and Yanagi-chan haven't been speaking to each other, have they?" Marui asked Kirihara and Jackal one day while they were hanging out.
"Really? But they seem alright to me," Kirihara scratched his head and replied half-heartedly as he focused on his game.
"Ah! Do you think they have broken up!?" Marui suddenly exclaimed aloud, distracting Kirihara and causing him to press a wrong button. Even with all the cacophonous noises of the various machines in the arcade which reduced Marui's voice to normal volume, his voice was still loud for Kirihara who was seated right next to him. Kirihara stared at the red text which read 'GAME OVER' on his screen and turned to Marui, an annoyed pout on his lips.
"Marui-senpai!"
"Marui," Jackal sighed and chastised his doubles partner, "I think we should focus on the Nationals for now."
"But Jackal! Isn't this a grave matter? It's buchou we're talking about!" Marui whipped around and insisted, "No wonder Yanagi-chan has been looking jaded throughout the summer classes. Did buchou dump her?" If so, didn't their relationship fall apart a little too quickly?
"Marui… I don't think so. I saw them greeting each other yesterday after practice. They look perfectly fine to me."
"Marui-senpai, I think you're overthinking it. When I saw Tsugi-senpai the other day, mura-buchou came by to return a Japanese-English dictionary. He even reminded her to get enough rest and don't be too worried over the team," Kirihara pooled his knowledge in and indirectly accounted for why Tsugi was so tired as well.
"But still… don't you think that they aren't spending as much time together as a normal couple would? It's the competition season and all but even so they seem almost too…" Marui pondered and searched his vocabulary for the right word, "Ah! Too friendly and less like a couple!"
Marui's words got Jackal and Kirihara thoughtful.
"Hmm, now that you mentioned it… It certainly seems like it," said Jackal, who recalled that Yukimura almost never walked Tsugi home after the first day, and he was still referring to her by her family name. Though... he didn't stop her from calling him by his first name.
"Marui-senpai, you're so observant!" Kirihara gave Marui a thumb-up in awe.
"That's of course! I'm a genius after all!" Marui grinned proudly and placed a hand on his chest, "Hmm… I really want to know what's going on between them."
~x~
"Girlfriend? We aren't dating," said Yukimura in an overly natural manner when Marui asked him about it.
The red-haired sugar-obsessed genius gawked at him in disbelief. Say what? How could they not be dating? Flabbergasted, Marui's mouth opened and closed in a repetitive pattern like a fish out of water. Could it be... Did they seriously break up?
Yukimura could roughly guess what was on Marui's mind. He chuckled, the jovial chortle subsided after a while and he explained, "I haven't confessed yet."
... Now Marui was completely dumbfounded.
"But why, buchou?" Everyone already saw you two as an item!
"Because I am certain that we will win the Nationals," replied Yukimura, his eyes fixated on the fluffy clouds coloured with red, orange and yellow hues by the fading rays of the setting Sun.
Marui was rendered speechless as his brains connected the dots in his head. Being one of the male species as well, he was able to decode the encrypted message in Yukimura's words.
What Yukimura meant was that because he was certain that they will win, he will declare his feelings for her at the peak of his glories. This was his confidence and his pride as Japan's number one.
~x~
The Rikkai Dai girls team was mostly pleased that the two captains have distanced themselves – but at the same time, some of them felt indignant for Tsugi.
"You took precious time out of your tight schedule to take care of that jerk, and this is how he repays you," Naomi glared ferociously at the courts next to theirs, growling, "Handsome boys are all scumbags."
Several other girls nodded in agreement.
"Naomi," Tsugi smiled ethereally, voice swerving to a sharper tone, "Things aren't always as it seems. You'll see in future. For now, focus on defending our title. Get down to practice now, we have a lot to complete today!"
She was usually lenient with them, but when she got down to business, she became even stricter than Leiko.
"Yes, buchou!"
Immediately, the team scattered and went to their assigned courts, beginning their workout for the day.
Tsugi herself went to Court A where she was to play against Leiko.
"Don't go easy on me, Leiko," said Tsugi as she took out her racquet, "Even up till today… You have yet to show me your last three strokes in a match."
"I should be the one saying that," replied Leiko, "You have yet to use that move from last year's Nationals."
"Shall we make a pact today then?" Tsugi asked as she flexed the strings of her racquet, "Let's not hold back anymore."
Leiko looked at Tsugi, the former cracked a smile. This was why they respected her. They may not enshrine her like the boys team did Yukimura (personally, Leiko believed that it was extremely unhealthy), but they respected her. Tsugi's greatest virtue next to her inspirational ability was how down-to-earth she was. Never caught up in superfluous affairs, always focused on the big picture. She was much like Hana in this aspect.
And currently, the big picture in front of them was Shitenhouji. Gripping her racquet, Leiko nodded in agreement.
"Please, take care of me."
~x~
The boys Nationals finals came as anticipated.
It was a showdown between the winner of the Kantou Tournament and the runner-up, the Nationals finals were a crucial match for Rikkai Dai boys tennis club to tell Japan that King Rikkai Dai was still King Rikkai Dai and its name should not be undermined by their loss, but this expedition proved to be a lot harder than expected.
Rikkai Dai got off a good start, with Sanada defeating his nemesis Tezuka, and Kirihara and Renji forcing their opponent to forfeit – all by applying the same strategy Sanada had been pushing through this year's tournament with. Aggression. Tsugi's perspective of this strategy had never changed. In tennis, you couldn't be blamed for doing everything in your power to win – it was a natural thing. Aggression wasn't illegal, but she would never advocate excessive use of it. It wasn't pointless compassion… but rather, Tsugi believed that aggression could never be a long-term solution.
Sure enough, Rikkai Dai's singles 2 and doubles 1 lost, and suddenly, it became clear to Rikkai Dai that this was almost like a repeat of the Kantou finals.
They called it 'almost', because their singles 1 was Yukimura this time round, and Yukimura had never known defeat in an official match.
"Continuing, National Tournament, Final, Singles 1 match. Rikkaidai Fuzoku – Yukimura Seiichi. Seishun Gakuen – Echizen Ryoma. The match will now commence. Both players will enter the court!"
As the loud, booming voice of the sports announcer got transferred through the audio system, the crowd erupted in uproar. It had been a long time since anyone last saw the 'Child of God' play; Yukimura was an idol and role model to many young tennis players.
Watching Yukimura tear the first year from Shitenhouji apart wasn't a pleasant experience. He was using the red-haired first year as a test subject for his yips to verify that he still had it in him. Like his team, Yukimura was becoming ruthless in his pursuit of victory. Tsugi didn't smile nor cringe at that, like she had said, aggression was a strategy. But even with his hunger for victory, Yukimura's dignity never diminished. He could have claimed an easy victory if he stepped into the court and waited for the countdown – but he didn't.
He had his pride as the 'Child of God', and as the captain, he would avenge Rikkai Dai's defeat with his own ability. He didn't go through the therapy to win the Nationals using underhand methods.
When his opponent finally arrived and the match began, Tsugi's brows were stitched with worries – not for his opponent, the renowned 'Super Rookie of the East', but for Yukimura.
It felt strange. He was leading 2-0 at the moment, and from the look of things, he was utterly dominating his opponent; but she had a feeling at the pit of her heart that Yukimura's unsated thirst for victory would not be quenched. Echizen Ryoma… she glanced at the fiery hazel eyes. Even the middle school girls tennis teams have heard of his name. Riding on the fame of several established players since his debut, Echizen quickly earned the title 'Prince of Tennis'.
Tsugi didn't think that he'd continue to be led by the nose for long, this match… it was far from being over.
All of a sudden, Yukimura's eyes met with hers for a brief moment. She smiled, he nodded lightly in return.
~x~
"Hey, did you see Yukimura glancing at the audience just now?" Oishi suddenly asked the team.
"Yeah, I saw it too. If I'm not wrong, he was looking at that girl over there, the one wearing the Rikkai uniform," Momoshiro pointed at Tsugi who was standing just behind the Rikkai Dai team, "She's watching the match pretty intensely."
Strange, shouldn't she be cheering instead of looking so uptight? Yukimura Seiichi was leading.
"According to my data here, Yukimura Seiichi has an alleged girlfriend in school. There's a 78% chance that the girl over there is her," Inui took out his notebook and read aloud.
"I've seen her at the hospital when I was visiting Tachibana," Fuji verified, "Yuuta told me about her. She's an ex-student of St. Rudolph who's acquainted with Mizuki." Fuji's lips curled a little when he mentioned Mizuki, delight evident in his teal-colored eyes. Mizuki had sworn at Yukimura and his girlfriend more than once and for Fuji, anyone who touched a nerve in Mizuki was a friend to him. Fuji could remember his first encounter with that girl. His animosity towards Rikkai Dai wasn't well-concealed that time – yet she was civil enough.
"Yanagi Asaitsugi, the 'Illusionist'; third year at Rikkai Dai Fuzoku and a student of class 3-B, seat number is #19. Born 4th May, weighs 48kg and stands at 1.61m; captain of the Rikkai Dai girls tennis team who successfully defended Rikkai's title as the national champion this year as well as publicity director of the students' council. Favorite pianists include Bach, Valentina Lisitsa and Glenn Gould. Her –" Inui's recitation of his data on Tsugi was cut off by an emotionless look from Tezuka which was a silent cue that it was enough. Inui awkwardly pushed his glasses up.
"Yanagi? Ne, is she related to your friend, Inui?" Eiji asked curiously.
"They are cousins."
"Despite his distraction… Echizen is still having a tough match," Oishi murmured; concern evident in his eyes.
"A person who has a source of faith will be infinitely empowered. Regardless of the outcome, be it victory or loss, this will be a fruitful match for Echizen," Tezuka, who had been silent all this while suddenly said. Against Yukimura who stood at the pinnacle of their game, Echizen had a good chance of making a breakthrough. But even Tezuka was uncertain whether a breakthrough was enough to break the miracle player known as the 'Child of God'.
"Faith can be a double-edged sword as well. We shall see how it goes. This will be an interesting match," Fuji smiled in anticipation. The future of the match seemed bleak at the moment, but he had faith in Echizen.
Never had Echizen failed them before.
"It's about time to see how much our boy had grown, nya," Eiji grinned as he slung an arm around Oishi's shoulders.
~x~
Then it happened. At 4-0, after he lost a point to Yukimura by default, Echizen turned the tables on Yukimura. Everything happened so quickly, like some sort of revelation had sunk into him, and Echizen became a monster.
The situation was reversed. Yukimura was completely suppressed by the boy who he suppressed till a moment ago. After Echizen scored his first point since his awakening, Yukimura's facial expression changed. He was thrown off his balance.
Tsugi hadn't seen Yukimura looking so distraught since that fateful afternoon in his ward.
"The Achievement of Flawless Unity?"
"I don't believe it…"
Tsugi heard some chatters behind her. So that was it, the Achievement of Flawless Unity? Slowly, as the games proceeded, Yukimura began showing signs of fear and restlessness, but he overcame them one by one right in the match – he was stronger, truly, yet it still wasn't enough to take down his opponent.
Despite having pulled himself together, Yukimura was struggling no less. He could return the balls – but there was no point in it if he couldn't score.
The Rikkai Dai team was beginning to get worked up, Sanada's composure had dissolved and he was gripping the fence and yelling his lungs out.
When Echizen unleashed his new move – the Samurai Drive, and Yukimura relentlessly returned it – Tsugi smiled, even though the end result which wasn't to Rikkai Dai's favour was set in stone.
"Game and match to Echizen Ryoma, 6 games to 4!"
Echizen would win, but Yukimura had made plenty of improvements himself today – and that was enough. He may be disappointed about the result, but this Yukimura was mature enough to take it rather than being hung up over it.
After exchanging handshakes with the Seigaku team and speaking to his team, Yukimura took liberty of the time interval between the match and the award ceremony to come before Tsugi.
"Sorry, Yanagi, we lost," he smiled, but his words weren't bitter. He looked relaxed, like a heavy load had been lifted off his chest.
"You have done well, Seiichi. Rikkai Dai is proud of you," shaking her head, Tsugi gave him a radiant smile.
It was a smile Yukimura hadn't seen in a while. His heart skipped a beat, and he felt that his feelings towards her could never be more vivid than now.
"Tsugi," he addressed her by her given name for the first time since they have come to know each other and gained her full attention. He took a deep breath, and said, "You already know how I feel a long time ago, but I will tell you again."
It was Tsugi's heart's turn to skip a beat. Her heart pounded hard against her chest as she blinked nervously... and it came.
"I like you. Will you be my girlfriend?"
His voice was raspy, low and a little soft, but his resolution was clear this time round.
Blood rushed to her cheeks, colouring them a bright red. She didn't reply immediately. Slowly, though, another smile bloomed on her face and she replied, "Of course, Seiichi." A little hesitant, she gathered her courage and tiptoed to kiss him lightly on his cheek. As she attempted to retreat, Yukimura held her jaws in his hand and stopped her movement. He then angled his face, ocean-blues boring into forest-greens; and he caught her lips in a kiss quite unlike the chaste kiss she gave him.
Unbeknownst to Tsugi but not likely Yukimura, they had audience.
"Buchou finally has it going eh, puri."
"It's about time. Though, I do believe that we all saw it coming," Yagyuu pushed up his glasses and remarked.
"It took him long enough," said Renji with a light smile, a soft glow emanating from him.
"At least he knew to keep this to after the tournament…" Sanada muttered under his breath.
"Aren't you glad to see the two of them together? It had been almost three long years," Marui blew a bubble and grinned at Jackal who nodded in return.
"What are mura-buchou and Tsugi-senpai doing?" asked Kirihara, a sincerely perplexed expression on his face.
… The Rikkai Dai regulars became speechless. What were they to say? That they were kissing, sucking each other's faces or–?
Renji massaged his temples, wondering how they ended up with someone like Kirihara as their junior. Could they really entrust Rikkai Dai to this simpleton? A simpleton who didn't even know a kiss when he saw one. What was going to become of King Rikkai Dai in Kirihara's regime? He really had to go back and analyse Kirihara's data all over again and report to Yukimura.
~x~
And there were more audience on another side.
"Eh? Not too shabby there, Mr 'Child of God'," Echizen smirked, habitually tugging on his cap as he pursed his lips, "You know, his girlfriend looks kind of familiar."
"Ohh? So there are things that even Echizen doesn't know?" Momoshiro snickered, "Let senpai enlighten you then. That girl over there is Yanagi Asaitsugi, nicknamed the 'Illusionist'. She's the one who led the Rikkai Dai girls tennis club to their second consecutive victory. Also, she was on the cover of the most recent copy of Monthly Pro Tennis," Momoshiro grinned and said proudly. When Inui recited her data, he suddenly remembered the featured article he saw just yesterday.
"Momo-senpai, you sound weird," said Echizen flatly, pricking Momoshiro and earning himself a round of manhandling.
"What do you mean by that, Echizen!?"
"Really? She was featured in the magazine? I haven't seen the latest copy yet, nya!" Eiji locked Echizen in his arms and placed his chin on Echizen's head as he asked in awe.
"Now that Momo mentioned it... I saw it as well. They look good together eh Eiji, don't they?" Oishi smiled at his doubles partner.
"You got that!" Eiji chorused ecstatically.
"Hmm… This makes for good data…" Inui took out his notebook and began writing away. The legendary 'Child of God' and 'Illusionist', what would be of them in future?
I often find the strangest typos when I review my writing. I don't even know what was on my mind when I typed 'rest' instead of 'right'. … A couple of days ago, I found out that I typed 'stop' instead of 'start'. I find myself pretty amazing… If you see any typos, please don't hesitate to point them out. I felt strangely… philosophical when I wrote this chapter.
手を伸ばし追いかけた
掴めそうな蜃気楼
触れた指先が 胸に伝えるよ
いつか見た夢を ここに
肩に乗せた 夕焼けの色がなびいて
それが 始まりを告げる時
落とさないよ 俺たちの生きる証は
どんな色よりも 強く 気高く
ああ
いくつの夜を超えて 巡り合えたんだ
あの日の空に
手を伸ばし追いかけた
掴めそうな蜃気楼
触れた指先が 胸に教えるよ
いつか見た夢の
続きから始めよう
ただそこに立ち尽くして
泣いた俺たちの 帰る場所はもう
たったひとつしかなくて
やり方なら いくらでも思いつくけど
これが 俺のやり方と決めた
歯向かうなら それなりの覚悟を決めて
おいで今ここで 答え みせるよ
ああ
からだが覚えている ここに立つことを
あの日のままに
舞い上がる時の砂
消えて浮かぶ蜃気楼
閉じた目の奥に 金色の橋と
あの日の夕焼け
かたく誓った言葉を
何度も思い返して
泣いた俺たちの 帰る場所はもう
たったひとつしかなくて
手を伸ばし追いかけた
掴めそうな蜃気楼
触れた指先が 胸に教えるよ
あの日見た夢を
続く物語を
綴ってくれるあなたを
泣いた俺たちの 帰る場所はそう
たったひとつしかなくて
I once stretched my hand and chased it before
The mirage which seemed tangible
The feelings from the tip of my fingers, transmitted to my chest
Unsure when I had the dream, right here
.
Shades of the sunset glow dancing in the wind on my shoulders
That is, the time when the declaration began
.
Won't lose, the evidence of our survival
Compared to any colours, stronger, more noble
.
Ah ah
How many more nights have to pass, till we meet
At the skies of that day
.
I once stretched my hand and chased it before
The mirage which seemed tangible
The feelings from the tip of my fingers, let me understand in my heart
The continuation of the dream I don't know when I had is beginning soon
Just standing there in a daze
We who are crying, where we belong
There's only one left
If we are talking about methods, there's as much as we want
.
But this is my decision
If we want to fight with all we have, we must have that realization
.
Come right now, I will let you know my answer
Ah ah
Body still remembers the feeling of standing here that time
.
Just like that day
The sand during the take off
The mirage which disappeared and reappeared
The depths behind closed eyes, how many times we remember
Golden bridge, the sunset glow of that day
And the determined vow
We who are crying, where we belong
There's only one left
.
I once stretched my hand and chased it before
The mirage which seemed tangible
The feelings from the tip of my fingers, let me understand in my heart
The dream of that day
The story which continued
You who is full of memories
We who are crying, where we belong
There's only one left