Secrets, Socials, and Seigaku

Chapter 15

“What are you talking about?” I said avoiding eye contact with Fudomine’s Captain.

He smiled. “If you didn’t go out there and stop her he would’ve been disqualified and she probably would’ve felt even worse. “ he said.

I shrugged faking innocence. “Really? I had no idea.” I said looking in the opposite direction of where he was positioned.

He smiled at this. “Have you been on the team long?” he asked curiously. I looked over to Echizen finding them still cleaning his wound. I frowned before returning to my conversation with Tachibana.

I crossed my legs impatiently. “No, I’m not on the team. I just moved here around a week ago from America, but I have connections though." I said with a wink. "That’s why I have front row seats.” I said referring to the players’ seats I was sitting in with a smile.

He nodded with a chuckle. I looked over my shoulder again at Echizen worried. “You should go check on your friend. I’m sure he would want to see you.” Tachibana said genuinely.

I smiled at the kind suggestion. I looked over his shoulder to see Shinji looking a little pale. “You should go cheer him up while I’m away.” I said pointing at Shinji. "It looks like he could use it.” I said smiling kindly at him.

We both nodded at each other before going our separate ways. I walked over to Echizen when Oishi was trying to stop the bleeding. “Well?” Coach Ryuzaki asked.

“It’s no good." He sighed. "It won’t stop bleeding. There’s no damage to his actual eye, but the eyelid muscles are done for.” He said frustrated with his work.

“Ouch! That looks painful for Echizen.” I heard. I turned around to see Momo and Taka.

“Hey, when did you guys get back?” I asked.

“Right now.” Said Momo. “But don’t worry we saw your heroic act.” He said with a smile.

I blushed bright red before turning around, ignoring him. Which of coursed caused him to laugh.

“This is what happens when you’re not careful with your racket.” Said Fuji. 

“So uncool.” Kaidoh commented.

Tezuka walked over. “Can he still play?” he asked.

Oishi looked over Echizen’s wound once again before answering. “It’s no good. No matter what the blood won’t stop. He won’t be able to play like this.” He said sadly.

Momo walked out onto the court and picked up the broke pieces of Echizen’s racket. “Momo.” Echizen called.

“Yeah?” he answered. 

“Take out the other racket while you’re at it.” He said rather calmly.

Everyone froze. “It’s crazy to play with an injury like that!” Oishi scolded.

Inui added on. “Don’t force yourself it’s to much of a handicap. 

Momo looked horrified at this idea too. “No way! Are you out of your mind?”

The referee walked over. “Echizen I can’t let you continue unless you stop the bleeding if you can’t do so I’m afraid you’ll have to forfeit.” He said.

“Five more minutes please.” Said Echizen.

The referee thought about it before nodding his head and moving back to his post. I sighed at the thought of what I was going to have to do in about another second. I looked up at the sky. Sorry Teito but it looks like I’m going to have to break our bet a little. I sighed before discreetly taking off my jacket and hanging it on the bench. Tachibana seemed to take notice of it and looked at me questioningly. I just smiled reassuringly at him. Before walking over to the team. “Momo!” I called.

Momo looked up from putting away the broken pieces into Echizen’s bag. “Echizen’s right at least grab his racket.” I said with authority.

He looked at me in question. “Just do it!” I said a little angry. 

As he was getting out the other one I thought to myself. I had seen them train for this the entire week. Never has there been a better definition of blood, sweat, and tears. I can’t just let there work go to waste. Not when I have the power to change it. Momo walked over to me and handed me Echizen’s racket. “I don’t see why you want to give him his racket. Is it to prove something to everyone?” Momo questioned. 

I chuckled. “No, Momo. There’s just been an unexpected twist in the climax of the story. And seeing as the prince can’t make his scene it’s my job as the ace to pick up the slack.”  I said with a wink in his direction.

Momo just looked at me like there was something mentally wrong with me. “Are you on something?” he asked wearily.

I punched him in the arm, which he yelped a little at. I smirked at the sight of him. “Just watch Momo.” I said.

I turned around before giving him time to reply. I walked towards the group discussing what they would do about Echizen. When Echizen saw me walk over he smiled. But not at me, he smiled at his racket in my hand. He got up and reached for the racket, but before he could get to it I push his forehead with two fingers and he landed right back on the bench. “I don’t think so Echizen, not for you.“ I said like an owner telling it’s dog ‘no’. I chuckled at the thought of Echizen being a dog. 

“Then who’s it for?” he questioned. 

I turned to Coach Ryuzaki. She looked at me in question along with the rest of the team. “Please coach Ryuzaki. I would like to take Echizen’s place.” I asked.