When You Smile - Complete

Chapter Nineteen - Sick Buchou

Chapter Nineteen – Sick Buchou

The summer break was over and the Regional Tournament was fought, but sadly Seimaku didn’t make it all the way. It was close, but it wasn’t enough. The Golden Pair had lost as did the team of Kaidou and Inui. Fuji had won and so had Tezuka, but Echizen hadn’t – thereby losing them the place in the next tournament.

Miyako could see the frustrated scowl that was printed across her boyfriend’s face and she knew that there was nothing that she could say. She hadn’t dared take his hand as it was clenched into a fist so tightly that there was no chance to loosen it. But she wanted to comfort him somehow.

“Tezuka…” She whispered. He didn’t speak, but he looked over a little, acknowledging her words. “Let’s go and sit at the park for a bit.” She suggested, hesitantly reaching out for his wrist and tugging him away from the side walk. “It’s only a block in this direction.”

Wordlessly he let her lead him to the small park. It was different to the one they took Kiba to. It was smaller and traditional with small shrines and delicate plants. There was a sign outside reading that no pets or rollerblades were allowed. He observed it all quietly – not really sure if he was in the mood to admire the garden.

“When I was little and I was still sick Dad used to bring me here.” Miyako explained softly. “He’d usually bring my favourite juice and food and we would sit on the grass field and eat – I could forget my troubles for an hour or so and it really calmed my spirit.” She said, pulling him over to the field she’d talked about and made him sit down.

The trees surrounded them and it felt as though they were in the middle of a forest – they couldn’t even see any buildings from the city. There was barely a sound of the outside world – only the calming sound of a bamboo fountain.

“Tezuka…talk to me. Please.”

He looked over at her, but the guilt bubbled again and he looked away. He felt complete and utter shame. He hadn’t been able to lead them to victory. He’d led them to the Nationals in Junior High – when they were smaller and naïve, and yet he couldn’t lead them to the Nationals as High School students. What kind of a Captain was he?

“Kunimitsu.”

His eyes widened and he looked back at her. She’d only called him that once – and even then it was in tease to try and win that match. She had the beginnings of tears in her eyes and her bottom lip was trembling.

“Please, would you just talk to me?” She pleaded.

“I’m sorry.” He admitted, leaning his head over and pressing his nose into the side of her neck. “I’m just being pathetic.”

“No.” She replied, leaning her head against his. “It’s okay to be disappointed.”

“I failed them.”

“They don’t believe that.” Miyako said. “Sakuno-chan said that Ryoma-kun felt like he’d failed you – and I didn’t have to hear it from their lips to know that the rest feel the same.”

“I didn’t notice.”

“Yeah, I know. You were too distracted to notice and they understand.” Miyako reassured him.

Tezuka sighed and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Where will they get their motivation now that they don’t have a tournament to work towards?”

“From you.” Miyako replied. “You’re so strong and they care about you – though they each show it in their own strange way.”

Tezuka looked up. “Miya?”