SWTF #02: I see you.

"Which one shall I pick?"

Cassie lift both rackets as she speak. "The blue one? Or the red?"

"Wilson," I answered. "Definitely, Wilson."

"Fine," she sighed. "But I really liked the Yonex's design."

"I heard that."

"The blue one it is."

She stuck her tongue out at me. It can't be helped, she's been playing tennis for three years now and as far as my knowledge go, Wilson is definitely the brand of racket for her.

We went towards the counter to pay for our stuffs. She bought a new racket and a vibration dampener while I bought an overgrip for my brother. He needs it, though he'll probably buy a new one instead.

Cassie decided to go to the park near our school out of the blue. It's been a while since the last time I went here. Today was another break from school and studying, so I'll be spending it watching over her and the others play tennis outside the court.

"You should have brought yours." she said.

She must have noticed that I was looking at her intently. "You're torturing me," I said. She laughed as she began testing out her swing with her new racket.

I should have bought mine, I chanted to myself nonchalantly. If only she told me that they'll be playing today.

"Too bad, Tsubaki. We'll be playing doubles today."

"This is why I hate you so much," I pursed my lips. Oh she didn't just said that.

Cassie and I have been doubles partners after I transferred to Adamson High. We basically became friends since the first day of school. We share the same interests and her house is very near ours. She likes to call it as "destiny". I barely play doubles before, but ever since I got to know her, our pairing kind off clicked in an instant. And thus, we became partners.

Playing doubles at first had a huge impact in my tennis life. First, because it's too difficult. Second, it needs a lot of trust. Third, you need to have a great partner that can match your play. But with her around, I can give my all at ease. She trusts me, I trust her.

Her face formed a mocking smile. "I still got it." She said.

Cassie started to warm herself up by hitting the ball on a wall continuously. I suggested that she should pick a partner to play with at first, but she declined my offer in a flash. She said that she wanted to hit some balls on the same spot to polish her accuracy. I kept on watching her on the sidelines. She was trying her best to pinpoint the next ball she'll hit, but her accuracy was dwindled drastically.

Even so, she tried to hit more balls as possible which made me smile a bit. I can tell by watching her that she's really serious on improving herself.

"Hey, Cassie. How 'bout raising your—"

No way.

I cease to speak when I saw him making his way right pass through our direction.

"What about me raising what again?"

He was wearing a plain white shirt and a navy blue jogging pants while running with his famous cold, but typical expression. It's really him and yet I still can't believe my eyes.

"Tsubaki?"

He's here. He is freaking here. It Germany. At the park. My favorite park. In Germany.

"Hey, Tsubaki!"

"H-huh?"

"Jesus," Cassie heave a sigh. "If you're gonna start checking out a guy, better yet find someone who doesn't look like a nerd."

"What are you talking about?" I looked at her, brows furrowed. "Are you saying that the 'Tezuka Kunimitsu' is a nerd? How dare you!"

"Tezuka Kushi—what?" she made a face.

"It's Kunimitsu! Ku-Ni-Mit-Su. Geez!"

"Oh, I see." She said. She went towards my spot and handed me her racket and stayed calm for a second or so. Later did I realize that she was on to something. "Hey, Kunimitsu!" she shouted while waving her hand at where he's running.

"H-hey! Cassie, w-what are you doing?!"

Sht. Sht. Sht.

"Mr. Tezuka KU-NI-MIT-SU! Over here!"

She shouted again. And to my surprise, Tezuka really looked back. After two long years, our eyes met.

"Look who's coming." Cassie whispered into my ears.

But that didn't bother me at all. My mind went completely blank while my eyes were still focused on what kind of impression he would do. Still, he wore his usual face while leading his way towards us.

"May I help you," he said.

I felt Cassie's hand landed on my shoulders. "My friend Tsubaki here was checking you out. She's Japanese and..." Wait—what?! "I think she knows you. Mind if you talk to her for a minute? I'll be having a match soon."

I tried to preclude her but she did not waver. When her speech ended, she hurriedly snatched her racket from my hands and went to another place leaving me behind. I wasn't able to catch up with the situation, but after a few minutes, I felt his gaze asking for an answer.

"Uhh..." Way to go, Tsubaki. You look so dumb right now.

I examined him once more. Even after these years, he still wears his glasses. He posture is still the same. Her eyes are still magical and all-consuming like the first time I saw him. His voice... I can still feel the butterflies from my stomach just by being mesmerized by the lowness of his—

"Excuse me, but do I know you?"

Of course you do... not.