When You Smile - Complete

Chapter Eight - Soaked Through

Chapter Eight – Soaked Through

“We got to the Regional’s~!” The first years celebrated, clinking their glasses of soft drink together.

“Congratulations Seimaku, and well done: Tezuka, Fuji, Echizen, Momoshiro, Kaidou, Oishi and Kikumaru.” Kikuchi announced, raising his glass. “And you’re sure to win the next tournament and the one after that as well.”

Miyako smiled and raised her glass with the rest of the group.

The modest sushi restaurant had closed its doors early in honour of the celebration – and Miyako was about to witness Kawamura using the same technique with a knife as he did when he held a tennis racquet.

“VICTOOOOOOORY~!!!!” He screamed, brandishing the knife like a sword and chopping into the food lined up on the chopping board. “BUUUUUUURNING~!!!!!”

Miyako scooted herself closer to Tezuka, staring at Kawamura worriedly as she sipped her drink.

Tezuka tried not to smile. “He’s got a good hold on the knife – don’t worry.”

“Except for that time when it slipped.” Eiji said. “Remember, Fujiko?”

Fuji nodded, eating a piece of his specially made sushi. “It was pretty horrific.”

Miyako blanched.

“Nothing like that has ever happened before.” Tezuka contradicted.

“Ahh, but it did.” Momo said, coming in on the conversation – sneaking away a piece of Eiji’s sushi without the redhead noticing. “You see, it was when you were in Germany, Captain.”

“It was lucky that no one on the team was injured. But that poor old man who sat in that very spot.” Fuji said tragically, motioning to the place where Miyako was sitting. He shook his head, holding a hand to his forehead. “It was so horrible.”

“It was lucky that he even survived.” Eiji added.

“What happened to him?” Miyako asked while Tezuka had already caught on to the fake story that they were telling like it was piece of folklore.

“Well, his neck was sliced deeply and they had to amputate his leg, right there, where you are sitting.” Momo stated.

Miyako instantly stood up, fright written all over her face. “That’s so gross guys. Why would you say that to me?” Fuji, Eiji and Momo looked at one another and then back at Miyako as she burst into laughter, taking her seat once more. “I’m not stupid, guys. All the stories I tell Kaiya – that was a very pathetic attempt to frighten me.” She then turned on Tezuka. “And you, some gentleman you were – you should have stopped them.”

Tezuka raised his hands in defence. “Hey now, I knew that you were playing along as well. Why ruin a ghost story?” He asked. “Even if it’s going to fail anyway.” He added.

“You think ours was bad, huh?” Momo challenged. “Why don’t you give it a go?”

“Why should I?”

“I propose a challenge.” Inui cut in.

“What kind of a challenge?” Fuji asked, instantly interested.

“The loser drinks my newest juice. New and Improved Special Ghost Deluxe.” Inui replied.

“What are the conditions?” Fuji pressed.

“Each of us tells a Ghost Story. Those who become scared – drink. Those who can’t produce fright – drink.” Inui explained. “And those who do not participate – drink on default.”