Nii-chan

Chapter 2: Realization

Ryoma's Point of View........

What was that dream just now?...... Why does it feel so familiar but yet so painful? Who was that kid in the car? Everything was just so confusing to me that I just can't seem to get it out of my mind. Why did I cry like that? And most importantly, who was that boy in the car?

And apparently, I seemed to be off to everyone because everywhere I passed, people would always be asking me if I'm okay. Even now, I'm dealing with a certain human cat hanging snugly around me who just won't stop bugging me with questions.

"Ochibi (little one)!~~ you okay? You seem so quiet." He asked while rubbing his cheek against mine. "Kikumaru senpai, you're heavy. Get off me." I said as I tried my best to pry him off. Thankfully, Oishi senpai came and pulled him away from me. I dusted myself off. "And to answer your question, I'm always quiet."

"But...... " Oishi senpai opened his mouth and was about to say something but decided to keep it to himself. "Ma (hey) Eiji, Echizen seems tired. It would make sense that he's more quiet than usual, doesn't it?" He them smiled apologetically at me. "Sorry about that Echizen. But are you really sure you're okay?"

I sighed. He finally asked."Yeah. Probably just a fatigue. It'll go away after resting for a bit. Thanks for your concern, Oishi senpai."

He nodded and pulled Kikumaru  senpai away with him while mumbling something in the process. "Eiji, you can't be wandering around. You have a match to play this afternoon against Tezuka. You don't have time to sit around and slack off. You have to warm up...... "

Oishi senpai continued to rant while Kikumaru senpai just smiled. Only he can stand Oishi senpai's motherly nag all the time. I thought as I chuckled. I pulled down my cap to cover my eyes as I looked around for a vending machine. Today's pretty hot, and most of us are on the court playing against each other. I just happened to be free so I just aimlessly wandered around with my Ponta in my hand while lost in thought.

Echizen Ryoga huh.... The guy that saved me from being fatally wounded by that blond dude. He claimed to be my brother but growing up, I don't remember having someone like him around me...... But what was that dream I had earlier? Can the person in the car be..... Ryoga?

"Oi Chibisuke! Wanna play a match against me?" A voice boomed from behind me. I rolled my eyes and turned around to face the person. Yep. None other than Echizen Ryoga, my self-claimed brother.

"You know the rules here. We can't just play a match against someone when that person have a match going on that day. So no, I'm not playing against you." I replied impatiently. I knew he had a match going on with someone this afternoon because I accidentally saw his schedule while checking for mine.

Ryoga just scoffed. Of course, how can I forget? This guy don't listen to anyone other than himself. Really, how is he still here and not kicked from campus?

"Well, if you want to get yourself expelled, you're welcome to. I'm not going to." I turned around and was about to continue on my way until I hear a tennis was coming my way with rapid acceleration. I quickly took out my racket and caught it, almost spilling my Ponta in the process. I whipped my head around and glared at him.

"I said, I'm not interested. What part of my sentence do you not understand!?"

He only shrugged and grinned. "Wanna play? I'll take responsibility for it!"

" Ya-da." I dropped the ball and stormed away. Why is he so annoying? If he really was my brother, then he should be at least understanding.... Right? He only looks like me. Everything else is just as annoying as the old man's.....

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Ryoga's Point of View........

I watched Chibisuke's small and slender figure slowly disappear out of sight. I sighed and looked at my tennis racket. What happened to you while I was gone, Chibisuke.....

Ryoga's Flashbacks.........

"Nii-chan!"

I turned around and saw Chibisuke crying and trying to catch up to the car that was taking me away. I smiled. You have to get stronger Chibisuke. We will meet again. And once we do, I will play a serious match with you. Just like you asked.

I went to live with my aunt. But they didn't really love me as much as oyaji (dad) does. And they would occasionally beat me up when things don't go their way.

I eventually ran away and that's when I found the people who started this whole U-17 thing. I trained here and slowly, I became stronger. Of course I know Chibisuke was getting stronger too. Which is why I need to be stronger so that when I did meet Chibisuke, we'll be able to play a real match together.

But now I'm back, I'm not sure I like the outcome of the things happening now. He didn't even recognize me....

Flashback Ends..............

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Did I do something wrong Chibisuke? Why won't you talk to me?

While I was sulking, I heard doorsteps behind me. I turned around to see Chibisuke's captain, Tezuka. I bowed my head a way of greeting. He did the same and before walking past me, he said something. I didn't hear what it was exactly, but I think it was something about Ryoma losing his memory? I was confused. So I went to my dorm and called oyaji on the phone then and there.

"Moshi moshi? (Hello?)" A lazy voice came from the other end of the phone asked. I grinned. "Ja oyaji (yo dad), I have a few questions......."

Old man and I chatted for quite some time. And I found out that the old man was the reason why Ryoma lost his memory when they were training for the nationals in Karuizawa. A log apparently fell on his head and it impact of it made Ryoma experience a short period of amnesia. I was quite upset when I found that out. But at least most of his memories are back.

Well, most of it........

Except all the memories we made as children.....

"And..... Ryoga? Oi Ryoga! Daijoubu desu ka? (You okay?)" I heard oyaji yelling. I just realized that I've been spacing out for quite some time.

"Oh! Uh, I'm.... Alright!" I quickly responded. I reminisced those good, old times with him before hanging up since I noticed that the time for me to go was almost up. I took a deep breath. I need to help Ryoma get his memories back.

Those precious memories of ours.......