CHAPTER 60
Gen's day, had been embarrassing. First there was the stares he got from everyone, even the teachers. Second was the questions of who done it and last, but not least it was when Kirihara had asked who the lucky girl was and when does he get to meet her. He could not think how his life could get any worse.
His team mates had all been whispering to each other for the last 10 minutes. He knew without even listening in on the conversation that it was about him. "Everyone 20 laps." He heard the groan and could see all of them making their way to the edge of the fence to start running.
Oh, and did Gen also mention that he now had to tutor Kirihara for English. It seems the others grades had dropped and if it continued he would have to be pushed off the tennis team. After all everyone who's a regular has to have good grades. Kirihara had asked all of them, but it seemed that everyone had their own things going on except him. What made it worse was that they would have to study at Gen's house since Akaya's older sister had friends round and they were working on a college project or something along those lines.
All Gen was worrying about was how fast rumours would spread when Kirihara found out that he was living with Yukimura, two other captain's from rival schools, a tensai and Ryoma. Gen had heard from Sei what had happened with the second year ace and the cat. He had punished him by making him do twice the training schedule. When Kirihara had asked how he found out he just told him that Sei had phoned about him demanding a match from Tezuka.
So when the end of the day came which in some ways was either far to quickly or not quick enough depending on how he looked at it. He waited for Kirihara at the school entrance. He could only hope that this afternoon turns out better than his day so far.
Ryoma was now swamped in Mitsu's jumper. It was a darkish green and went just slightly passed the boy's knees. The hood on it could probably fit two of Ryoma's heads and still have some space left. Sei and Syu had both rolled a sleeve up each so they could at lest see the boy's hands. So they left the office and went to go collect the rest of their things from the changing rooms.
Heading in Momo saw the Ryoma first and grinned when he got a proper look. The boy looked vulnerable wearing that jumper. That and the way the cat was holding the edges of the hood so it wouldn't fall off his head. "Feeling better Ryoma?" Hearing the name the other that hadn't gone home yet had all looked in the direction of the said boy. Everyone was brought out of there thoughts when Fuji spoke up.
"Saa... Before I forget Ryo-Chan lost his match." The regulars paled at the thought of the boy drinking the juice again. They all felt relived when he carried on after the pause. "Since he can't drink it, I nominate Eijiko to drink it." The red-head gulped and was about to sneak away when he felt someone place a hand on his shoulder. Looking up to see Inui, he couldn't help, but feel scared. He could see the gleam coming of from the others glasses as he held up the green monstrosity called Inui's special veggie juice. Syu watch this all with a smile on his lips and a small sparkle in his eyes when he opened them to get a better view to watch what was about to take place. Eiji prayed before chugging it down in one go and legging it out of the room to find the nearest source of water.
Ryoma wasn't paying any attention because when he saw Horio on the other side of the room boasting about his tennis skills again he seemed to of zoned out and just stared at them. Sei had dragged Syu and the data master outside to tell them what happened to Ryoma. The only reason he took Inui was because he knew that the other would be able to help them find who it was that hurt the boy. Mitsu was trying to get Ryoma's attention and failing after he said Ryoma's name for a third time. He ended up snapping his fingers in the boy's face which made him blink and look up.
Mitsu pointed to the door and left with the cat to go get the two sadists. Before Ryoma went out the door completely he saw Horio smirk at him. He quickly turned and ran to Tezuka's side. Once they got the two they made their way home.
Gen and Kirihara walked in silence. The second year was still trying to figure out who this mysterious girl could be. When they turned into the road Kirihara stopped think this was off. "Neh, Vice-captain I though you live in a traditional Japanese house?"
"I moved." Nodding he looked at the house that they were approaching. He wanted to know why he was living at a place which has a temple behind the house. They entered and Kirihara's eyes darted everywhere. He then notice Gen talking to someone, but he couldn't see the other so he didn't know who. He went and stood next to the other and was greeted by a man.
"Ah, so your Kirihara. It's nice to meet you." Akaya raised his hand in greeting giving it a small wave. "Do you want to stay for dinner? I'm sure we have more than enough." The second years face lit up at the thought of food.
"Yeah, thanks." He smiled. They were about to leave when Tomo wondered how Ryoma would react.
Gen and Kirihara were sitting on the floor round the low table in the middle of the room. Gen had been attempting to teach the other English and so far they haven't really gotten anywhere. Just as the vice-captain was about to repeat a sentence they heard the front door open and close.
Walking to the front door of the house, Ryoma's eyes narrow. "Someone's here." The three just looked at the boy hoping he would go into detail. "Intruder." The cat slowly opened the door and the three watched as the cat waved his hand telling them to follow. They all decided to play along seeing as Ryoma was now distracted with this so called intruder that he had for now forgotten being bullied. The boy closed the door and smelt the air. "He's in the lounge." They could all see Ryoma getting excited over this game he had made up in his mind. The cat stuck his head in the door making sure not to be seen by the ones in that said room. "Oh no, he captured Genichiro." He whispered and let out a gasp.
Both Syu and Sei were grinning, while Mitsu was just curious at what was going to happen. "Ryo-Chan, you go round the back and enter though the sliding door. Me and Syu will be the distraction." With a nod the boy went out the front door to start their plan. The three entered the lounge to see Kirihara sitting there with English books out. Sei could only feel sorry for the second year for what was going to happen next.
Gen was talking over a phrase when he heard the others behind him. "Saa... Who knew Mr Intruder would go so far as to hold Gen hostage." Syu shook his head to show his disapproval. He even managed to keep a straight face as he talked.
"Wait, what are you lot doing here? I thought this was the vice-captain's house!" Sei swung his arms round Syu's neck and rested his head on the others right shoulder. He then leaned in so their heads touched.
"Ah, but we also live here, Mr Intruder." Sei smiled and watched as Kirihara had a look of disbelief on his face. Gen was actually not far behind the second year student when it came to faces. He looked incredibly confused. Mitsu decided to help Gen by nodded his head towards the sliding door. The vice-captain looked and saw Ryoma looking in wide eyed. 'It's a game.' Was Gen's only thought as he saw the boy slowly open the door. It was probably unlucky for Kirihara since he had his back to the said door.
The next thing Kirihara knew was that he was pinned to the floor with his hands being held behind his back. "Give up Mr Intruder. We win. We have discovered you're evil plan to make Gen your slave." He could feel someone on his back and deciding it wasn't worth it, so he yielded. The boy jumped off his back and yelled. "We win, we win." Ryoma half skipped half ran to the other three and grabbed Syu's hand. "See, see we beat the baddie." He jumped up and down. Sei and Syu were wearing grins and even Mitsu and Gen had slight smirks. Syu brought the boy into a hug and squeeze him.
"Well done Ryo-Chan." The tensai praised. Sei had put a hand on the boy's head since he was still standing behind Syu with his arms still loosely round the other neck. He also gently tugged the hood forward when he saw it starting to slip.