"I am thine to command" {Prince of Tennis fiction}

Apology

*Time Skip- the next day*

It was a chaotic mess in Class 3A. Especially when the most desirable guy in Rikkaidai was in there.

The girls were squealing in excitement when Niou Masaharu burst into the classroom early in the morning before school started.

“You all right, Kira Rin?” Niou asked as soon as he reached her desk, the desk of a lone girl who was silently reading her classical literature text in a secluded corner of the classroom.

“Mmm?” Kirarin hummed as she looked up from her text to meet the intense gaze Niou was giving her. His cerulean blue eyes were shimmering, as emotions swirled in his orbs— concern, relief and… protectiveness?

‘That couldn’t be, it’s just a figment of my imagination.’ Kirarin contemplated. ‘Though it was undeniable that the aura he emitted was similar to Keigo…’

“Are you hurt anywhere?” Niou asked as he pulled Kirarin up by her arm and raked his eyes over his body, twirling her around while inspecting her.

The two of them were oblivious to the surprise looks that Sanada and Yagyuu were giving them. The word “Tarundoru” was stuck in Sanada’s throat as he stared agape at the scene. Yagyuu pushed up his glasses as his eyes glinted with slight amusement and curiosity. ‘I wonder what Niou-kun is up to.’

Sadly, they were ignorant of the indignant stares of the girls of Class 3A, who were shooting daggers at Kirarin, their eyes blazing murderously. ‘Why is Niou the one who willingly come to find her when it is always us who have to go to him?’ They fumed.

“No, I’m not hurt. Why are you here, Niou-san?” Kirarin mumbled curiously.

“Ah, I’m here to accompany this guy to apologize~” Niou responded as he turned behind his back.

“Damn, where did he go to?” Niou muttered under his breath as he stomped towards the door and dragged the second most covetable guy in the school into the class. “Weren’t you going to apologize, Bunta?”

Gasps of surprise and shock echoed in the classroom as the girls stared at the injuries of their crush. Marui was trudging behind Niou with his hands in his trousers’ pocket, there were bandages and medical patches covering 75% of his exposed skin, and dark blue bruises marring his boyish, handsome face. 

Marui was conscious of the gazes of the girls, but he didn’t give a damn. He was relieved when he realized that Kirarin wasn’t hurt, but right now, he was worried that Kirarin won’t forgive him. ‘Damn, I deserve this. It would be expected if she rejects my apology. I’ll just have to prepare myself for the worst.’

“Don’t you have anything to say?” Niou nudged his friend lightly.

“I— I’m sorry… for abandoning you with the guys last night… even though you are a girl.” Marui fidgeted as he adverted his gaze from Kirarin. “And umm… thanks for saving me…”

“You’re welcome, and I forgive you.” Kirarin’s reply was almost instantaneous.