The Truth Behind His Smile

Startling Discovery

Tsurugi ran along the hallway, not making a single sound. Somehow, he managed to slip through the closing doors and followed Tenma and Kenta, but it was easier said than done. Whatever that went on between them, it was clear that Tenma didn't want anyone in the room to notice it. Considering just how much asking helped him out, following him would definitely provide more answers.

The navy-haired forward ran quietly, halting a few times to hide behind the oblivious pair, until Tenma and Kenta stopped in front of a door. Tsurugi stopped running, and went to hide behind the closest pillar to him. He leaned forward, making sure that neither of them would notice him.

For a while, Tenma and Kenta didn't do anything. They just stared at the door. That confused the forward. He looked closer to see their expressions. Kenta was, as usual, unreadable, but Tenma was plain anxious.

"Tenma-sama." Kenta laid a hand on the boy's shoulder. Tenma's eyes remained fixed to the door, but he slowly nodded, acknowledging the little comfort given to him.

He smiled down at the brunet, "Everything will work out, right?" Hearing his own catchphrase being told, Tenma couldn't help but giggle. He turned to Kenta with a small smile, feeling a little better. "Yeah. Thank you."

Kenta nodded, before he knocked on the door. "Who is it?" a muffled deep voice said from the inside. Tsurugi could barely make it out.

"Tenma-sama's here, sir." Kenta replied. The uncomfortable silence didn't last long.

"Bring him in." The voice ordered. Kenta looked at the boy beside him. Tenma gave him a reassuring smile, mentally telling the butler that it would be okay. Kenta unwillingly nodded. He finally reached for the doorknob and slowly opened the door. Tenma stared at the person inside.

Tsurugi couldn't see exactly who. Then, Tenma slowly walked inside. "You may leave, Kenta." The voice said, now a bit clearer to Tsurugi's ears.

"Yes, sir." Kenta said.

He closed the door with a 'click', and walked away. Once he was out of sight, Tsurugi slowly walked over to the door. He leaned against it, pressing his ear against the door's cold surface.

-

Tenma stood in the middle of the room. His hands were shaking, but he did his best to hide it. The person before him didn't do anything. He remained seated on his chair, arms placed on his desk, glaring at Tenma. The tension between them was thick. Not even the Death Sword could slice it.

"It's been a long time, boy." Atsushi finally said. "Yes...sir." Tenma said with a quiver in his voice. The man narrowed his eyes. "I thought I made myself clear last time." Tenma winced. He knew where this talk was going. Atsushi slowly stood up and made his way over to the midfielder. "Do you remember?"

Tenma bit his lip, remaining silent. Atsushi took small steps, circling the boy. "I told you that you're forbidden to come into this mansion. Remember why?" Tenma nodded. He remembered, but he couldn't bring himself to say anything. The man narrowed his eyes dangerously.

"Because, you're not my son."

The man scratched his head with frustration. "Geez, why did I even call you my son to begin with?" Atsushi sighed, "How embarrassing."

Tenma looked down to the floor, tears forming in his eyes. This wasn't the first time Atsushi said this to him, but, he couldn't get used to it. No matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't. Atsushi walked closer to the brunet, "Do I make myself clear?" he asked with venom in his voice.

"Y-Yes, sir..." Tenma faintly replied. Suddenly, he felt a painful, sharp force against his left cheek. The force made Tenma lose his balance, causing him to fall onto the floor. He touched his left cheek, and looked up to the man who did it. Somehow, this situation felt familiar.