When You Smile - Complete

Chapter Six - Lead Up to the Tournament

Chapter Six – Lead Up to the Tournament

“You should come by the courts today.” Tezuka suggested when Miyako passed him.

“Hmm?”

“There’s going to be a little game – with penalties that the Regulars know better than to mess with.”

“What kind of penalties?” Miyako asked curiously.

“Inui Juice.”

Miyako looked at him disbelievingly. “Inui Juice?”

“Yes. Everyone in the tennis club has tasted it at least once.” Tezuka explained. “I beg of you, don’t take any offer from Inui – he will trick you into taking it, but just refuse.”

Miyako raised her eyebrows, still sceptical. “Um, okay.”

“Thank you.” Tezuka said, allowing the smallest of smiles before he walked onto the courts.

Curiosity got the better of her and she decided to stay by the sidelines. If Tezuka was that worried about Inui Juice then there must be something truly horrible about it.

As the Penalty Game in particular was being explained, Miyako couldn’t help but notice that – although he was listening very carefully – Tezuka’s eyes kept flashing to meet hers. She blushed a little and looked back to Inui who was explaining the game.

Over a month and a half had passed and the tournament was coming up in only two weeks. During that time Tezuka had been excusing himself from their lessons earlier, and she didn’t mind this. He had to have some priories so close to a tournament.

But when he did show up at the half courts he’d become more of a distraction than anything else – but he was still harsh and had her run laps if he caught her wrist flicking again or if she didn’t obey an order. She found herself becoming increasingly fitter every day that passed and she realised. The laps were punishment, but they certainly helped her extensively.

And she had Tezuka to thank.

“First match is with Echizen and Momo.” Inui instructed. “And remember.” He warned. “The loser drinks my Extra Super Powered Penal Tea Inui Juice Deluxe.”

Miyako bit back laughter at the looks on each of the Regulars faces as they set their eyes on the glass that Inui held in his hand. The mixture inside was a purple-blue colour, the liquid steamed green and there were small things floating within.

Just the look of it made her want to throw up.

“That’s Inui Juice…?” Miyako whispered as Tezuka appeared by the fence on the inside, his arms crossed.

“Yes.”

“That’s…..”

“Disgusting? Yes. But you haven’t had to drink it before.”

“Have you?”

Tezuka’s lips formed a tight line, his eyes closed and his hands clenched.

“You have?”

He merely nodded.

Miyako made a disgusted sound. “So, let me see if I’ve got this right.” She said as Echizen and Momo began their match. “They just have to win the match point, right?”

“Yes. And the loser drinks.” Tezuka added.

“Sounds like a regular drinking game.” Miyako joked.

“No. This isn’t a regular drinking game.” Tezuka stated darkly.

Miyako was still a little sceptical, though concerned by the mere sight of the drink. “What’s the point of the juice anyway?”