New Prince of Tennis: Love is Our Zest

Ep 9

>>>>>>>Tokugawa's POV>>>>>>>

[9 am]

After finishing my jog and washing up, I head to the bistro for breakfast. As I take off my jacket, I notice Alivia-chan at the bar counter and walk on over. She'll usually be there to serve non-alcoholic drinks, light meals, and sweets.

"Hey."

"Oh, hey, Kazuya-san."

"Can I have the usual?"

"Sure thing."

I sit down and wipe my face with the towel around my neck.

"Since we skipped on jogging, how about you and I go head-to-head in the studio?"

"Sure," I smirk, "I still want revenge on our last duel."

"You can try," she giggles, "here's your coffee."

"Thank you."

"Your food's almost ready."

I sip my coffee as I wait. That's when I notice the folder on the lower-counter on her side.

"Here you go."

She puts the plate in front of me.

"Alivia-chan..."

"Yes?"

"What's that for?"

"It's something the coaches put together. An optional activity for members. They want to encourage everyone to experience a different approach in observation, strategic, preparation, communication, and endurance skills. Which Junpei-san, Daiki, and I have to be in charge of."

"I see."

"I could use a member's opinion on this. You wanna read this together?"

"Sure."

Alivia-chan opens it while sitting across me. Reading the lines, I'm surprised but impressed at how detailed this is.

"Says it's only held on the weekends from 12:30 pm to 2 pm. That sounds like reasonable hours."

"Although, I doubt many would come to this."

"I wouldn't say th—"

Bonk!

"Ow/Ngh!"

We accidentally hit each other's foreheads.

"I-I'm sorry. Are you okay, Alivia-chan?"

"Y-Yeah—I'm fine."

"Let me see."

I put my hand over her head and push back her hair to examine.

"...Doesn't seem you have a red mark or anything."

"That's great, but, uh..."

"Hm?"

I feel her face become warm while awkwardly smiling at me.

"You can let go, now."

"...Uh!"

I feel my shoulders tense up, realizing we're still in a public area. I can practically feel their eyes on us, some not too friendly. I back up and cough into my hand.

"Forgive me."

"Ahaha...it's fine. I know you've been protective of me this whole time. Thanks for being considerate."