SWTF#03: The Real Deal.

"Excuse me, but do I know you?"

My way of breathing became worse when I heard that question of his. What kind of answer should I tell him? I could not possibly tell him about our situation.

"I know you very well..." I trailed off. "But... I think you don't me."

"Do you have any business with me?"

"N-no. Not really—"

"I see."

I gape at the next thing he did; he walked away. What the hell?! "Tezuka, wait!" I yelled. He stopped to look at me. This time, he was making a weird expression. His brows were furrowed while crossing his arms.

"You just said that you don't have any business with—"

"Yeah, yeah." I heard a short gasped when I snatched his arm. "Just come with me!"

"Are you doing fine?"

He nodded. "I need to play with the team if ever we reach the Nationals."

"That's not an impossible desire," I remarked as I open my can of soda.

My feet stopped from walking right ahead from a vending machine just near the park and ended up treating him for a little drink. He was reluctant at first but he gave it a go. The first thing that I asked about was why he was here in Germany. I was a wee bit shocked when he told me he was on rehabilitation just a few meters away from this park. He told me that he's been jogging here alone for a week now. So much for studying and neglecting my tennis needs.

More importantly, I am certain that his current injury was indeed caused by Kaota. He told me so. He told me that it was his upperclassmen who caused his injury, but he wouldn't tell me whom.

To be precise, he is staying in Germany for a long time. Long enough to help my brother pay for his foolishness.

Tezuka tilted his head towards me so that his eyes could meet mine. "Do you have a problem with me?"

"None, actually." I answered while shaking my head. "It's just that it's been a while since I last saw you."

"I don't remember you," he said, deadpan.

"I know," I let out a bashful laugh. Damn this guy, he really knows how to hit the spot! It hurts! "I went to Seigaku two years ago, along with my brother."

"Is that so?"

This guy... "Tsubaki. Tsubaki Katsura, a pleasure to have meet you."

He curtly nodded.

"It was really good news when I heard you were in the Regionals. Your rookie's really good as well. I haven't watched him in person yet but I think he's one of a kind. Don't you think so?"

Tezuka remained silent for a minute or two. I looked closely at his face, it was clearly saying that something is bothering him. A few seconds later, he heave a sigh. He stood up from the bench we were sitting and said, "Excuse me, but I must go."

"Wait, what?"

"I need to go," he said.

I didn't budge, I can't. His voice was telling me not to chase him nor stop him from leaving. I let out a sigh. I had him on my hand and I let him go. I let him out of my sight... for now.

"Is Tezuka Kunimitsu here?" I asked the woman inside the office.

She smiled. "Yes, he's currently outside playing at the 2nd base number four tennis court."

"Uhm... Where is the 2nd base located?"

"Just pass that corridor," she pointed out a way on the back of my right side. "If you enter that hall, turn left. The 1st and 2nd base is located there. Just ask the guard where the 4th court is located."

Ugh, too many locations... "Oh, okay. Thank you."

"It's our pleasure."

I walked directly where the lady told me to. As I enter the hall, I turned left and went straight to a passage where I can see a door not too far away from my location. I opened the door. I was in awe when I saw a lot of tennis court ready to greet my presence. I quickly head towards the man leaning on a post. I asked for some directions, but he obliged to take me so I just agreed. When we arrived at the 2nd base, I was surprised once again.

I see Tezuka rallying with a tennis ball machine from afar. Its speed was unexplainable. My eyes began to blur, I couldn't see how he could actually hit those balls without committing a fault. But then again, he is a pro player. His skills is monstrous. It's been a while since I saw him play and I can actually feel myself from trembling. I gave thanks to the man who accompanied me before running head across his designated court.

I saw his eyes widen the moment he saw me. Now, now this is a first! "Why are you—"

"I came to see you," I bluntly said.

"Why?"

"Nothing special."

He looked like he was waiting for something, searching my face for a sign. Then with a shrug, he continued his play. I silently searched my way towards the bench inside the court. I sat down and watched him play. There was no sign of consciousness even if I am watching him delicately, his eyes still focused within the ball.

"You don't need to push yourself so hard just for you to play at the Nationals."

He glanced at my direction when he heard me speak.

"Have you played tennis before?" he asked after he returned another ball.

"I play tennis."

"Then you should understand."

"Understand what?"

He stopped from moving and let a ball pass through him. He stared at me, half smirking, and said, "That playing is better than a broken arm."

Right.

It seems that I have forgotten how dedicated this person is when it comes to tennis, and of course, winning.