Secrets, Socials, and Seigaku

Chapter 20

I smirked at the compliment that was given to me. I hit the ball hard as I aimed straight for the Orange haired guy's face, but all it did was bounce back from the string right before hitting him. I frowned a bit at this seeing as he didn’t even flinch. All I heard was Sakuno and Tomoko scream a little at what almost could have happened.

But one loss wasn’t going to stop me. I tried hitting him again, and again, and again, and again, and again, only to find the same conclusion to happen over and over again. I wasn’t really trying to hit him; hell I wasn’t even using all my strength seeing as yesterday wore me out. But even then I was hoping he would flinch at having the ball inch so close to his face.

With every shot I attempted to hit his smile just got bigger and bigger while mine got smaller and smaller. “You know,” he interrupted my internal debate. “If you put more weight on the spindle then you’ll have more power.” He said cockily.

I smiled sadistically. Here’s my chance. “Thanks for the advice.” I said before rearranging my grip and hitting the ball with all my might.

 He stood their like before thinking that the ball would just miss him, but then to his surprise something happened. The Ball snapped right off the string and hit him in the face, which in turn knocked him out.I Lowered my racket and laughed a little at this stranger lying on the floor before me. Sakuno and Tomoko quickly checked his condition. “He’s unconscious!” Tomoko said surprised.

I walked over and took a look at him. He had orange hair that was cut short but still looked like he just got out of bed with it. He was an averagely tall guy too. Now that I took a closer look at him, he was actually pretty cute. And from what he said to me before he was quite a flirt too. Sakuno butted in to my thoughts. “Who do you think he is?” she asked curiously.

I shrugged. “Probably a scout from a different school, just look at his uniform.” She nodded at my explanation.

“Oh!” Tomoko said.

“What did you find?” Sakuno questioned.

Tomoko read his information off of his tennis bag. “Sengoku Kiyosumi of Yamabuki Jr.” she read aloud.

I shrugged again. “Never heard of him.” I said bored.

“W-what should we do with him? Take him to the nurse?” She asked a little panicky. 

I smiled. “Just leave him there! It’s none of our business anyway.” I said walking away with a smile of the thought of him waking up there.

“B-b-but..” Sakuno said questioning my judgment.

I put one hand up to wave goodbye as I left. “Just do whatever you want with him!” I said carelessly. “He’s not my problem.” I said and walked away leaving them with a passed out Sengoku.

I smiled remembering what he said about boosting my strength, and then how he had his tennis bag with him. He was definitely on Yamabuki’s tennis team without a doubt, if I had to guess I would say he was a regular too. I wonder if Seigaku will get to play him. It would certainly be a fun match to watch. I walked over to the tennis courts before Coach Ryuzaki stopped me. I looked up to her in question. “Is something wrong?” I questioned.

“No nothing at all! If anything it’s the opposite.” She said smiling. I looked at her not comprehending what she meant. “Look I won’t complicate this for you, so listen closely.” She said seriously.

“After watching your performance yesterday during the match and the potential we think you hold Tezuka, Oishi, and myself have come to an agreement.” She said.

I still looked at her confused. She looked into my eyes for a second before continuing. “Clair Brown, we want you to become a regular of Seigaku’s Tennis team.” She announced to me.

I stared at her in shock. I couldn’t even move. A regular? Me? Could I really be one? Yesterday when I helped them out it was only for the sake of their hard work. Even if I didn’t chip in I’m sure Tezuka could have won his match anyway. But she said that they saw potential in me too. Maybe I could become stronger along with the rest of them. I would also get to play Fudomine again, and play Hyotei in an official match. But… the bet, and my promise. What about that?

Coach Ryuzaki’s voice brought me out of my thoughts. I looked up at her with clouded eyes. Confused at what I should say. “Actually, Coach Ryuzaki,” I started timidly.\

COACH RYUZAKI POV 

I looked down at her contemplating her answer. If she were on the team it would only help our goal of winning nationals. But what Tezuka said last night was still bothering me. It was easy to see that she loved tennis with all her heart. But if she did than why avoid it? Why would she quit the sport that brought her happiness? “Actually, Coach Ryuzaki,” Clair said timidly.

I looked up to see her looking down at the ground. She reminded me of Sakuno how she wouldn’t meet my eyes. She continued. “Do you mind if…I think about it?” she asked.

My eyes widened when she finally looked up at me. She had a forced smile on that just didn’t match the way she was feeling. She looked broken hearted if anything. “It’s just a lot to take in, so can I give you an answer tomorrow maybe?” she asked uncertainly. 

I looked her over before crossing my arms and sighing. I nodded. She then turned around and grabbed her skateboard before leaving. “Where are you going?” I asked curiously. 

She turned around once again with that forced smile plastered on her face. “I’m going to visit Nanjiro. I promised I’d go see him when Ryoma was away so we could talk. “ She answered.

Her mood brightening a little at the thought of going to see the retired professional. I smiled seeing as I know he could cheer her up. “Well, have fun.” I called out.

“I will” She replied before grabbing her skateboard and heading towards the Echizen household.

I frowned as soon as she was out of site. ‘What is she hiding?’ I asked myself. I would have to tell Tezuka and Oishi about her answer. Maybe I would call Nanjiro and ask him to talk to her. She sighed to herself. “Why must everything be so complicated?”