Secrets, Socials, and Seigaku

Chapter 33

The atmosphere was tense among the team. I was surprised because not even Momo and Kaidoh were fighting; they were sitting right next to each other! If I was being honest with myself I was quite nervous as well. The day so far had obviously not been according to whatever organized plan I had before, and I was anything but calm at this point.

“Regulars, listen closely!” Coach Ryuzaki called out, gaining our attention.

“This is the quarter final, meaning that if we beat St. Rudolph we have won our ticket into the Kantou tournament.” She said with confidence.

Everyone’s eyes hardened at the mention of the Kantou tournament. anyone could clearly see our teams determination to get to that point. “The order will be-“ My ears were trained on her voice and I shiver with anticipation. This is it. 

“Singles 1: Tezuka, Singles 2:Fuji, Singles 3:Echizen, Doubles 1: The Golden Pair, and Doubles 2- ,” She trailed off enjoying the silence with a smirk.

“Momoshiro and Kaidoh.” …What?

I turned to look at the pair who jumped in surprise at the mention of both of their names being said together in the same sentence. Just by the looks on their faces I could tell, anyone could tell. “This won’t turn out well.” I muttered.

“Doubles?” Momo called out angrily.

“With this guy?” Kaidoh finished in protest.

At this point they were both standing and looking less then happy. I clasped my hands together with a dry smile. “Great, and I thought this would be difficult.” I said sarcastically. They both turned and glared at me hard, which was definitely not going to be working on me. Then I jumped in realization. “Wait a minute.” I said mostly to myself, before jumping up to look at Ryuzaki. “How come I’m not in the line up?” I questioned angrily. 

Ryuzaki steadied her eyes on mine knowing this was coming. She sighed in annoyance.  “We don’t know your capabilities yet Clair, so we can’t send you out on the court without knowing how strong you are.” She said evenly.

I was flabbergasted. “B-but, Inui!” I said looking to the nerd for help.

He stared at me for a moment as if contemplating something before turning to Ryuzaki. “Coach, I would like to retract that earlier statement of mine when I said we didn’t know her capabilities.” Inui said quickly, as to not dwell on the reasons.

Ryuzaki arched an eyebrow and stared at him. “And what has changed since this morning?” She asked him doubtfully; her wise eyes calculating the possibilities.

A corner of his mouth lifted just the slightest, but as soon as it was there it disappeared. “I now have data that shows that she would do better against an actual opponent when something of importance is on the line, that is all.” He said as he read his book. 

I looked up at him and smiled. I would definitely owe him for this one. Ryuzaki still looked at him questioningly though. “Do you believe it would be a smart idea to send her out there without training?” Tezuka cut in, earning everyone’s attention.

“Yes.” Inui replied simply.

“She can have my spot then.” A voice from behind me said.

I turned to look at him and smiled. “Fuji.” I said softly. 

He looked down at me from under his hair. “I want to see how far you can go.” He said, opening his eyes. I froze for a moment. His ocean orbs stared back at me; they were utterly hypnotizing to say the least.

Tezuka trained his gaze on Fuji before letting up and turning to me. “Don’t let your guard down.” He said sternly, snapping me out of my daze.

I broke out in a huge grin before turning to Fuji. “I’ll make sure to put on a great show.” I winked at him as he smiled back. 

“Hmmmm~?” I heard from behind me.

Ryoma sat with his hat barley covering his eyes and hands behind his head. ”Now I’ll be able to see with both eyes if you’ve gotten any better.”

I smiled down at him even though he couldn’t see it. I smiled deviously. “You still haven’t thanked me Ryoma.” I said teasingly.

I could see him pull his hat down lower. “Thanked you for what?” I saw him mutter.

“You know what I mean.” I egged him on, wondering if I could actually get him to say thank you. 

It was quiet between us before he spoke again. “Thank you for taking advantage of me being injured for your own selfish needs.” He said monotone.

Soon after that u grabbed him by his collar and lifted him off the ground causing his hat to fall off. “Oy.” I said trying to smile. “What did you say, brat?” I taunted.

He looked me in the eyes with a stare that just bled boredom. “Is that not what happened?” He managed evenly.

“Forget it!” I spat, putting him down and grabbing the hat in turn.

“No need for a thank you! The hat will do just fine.” I said with a sadistic grin. 

He stared once again and sighed before turning around. “You still have much to learn.” I couldn’t contain myself anymore.

“I’ll kill him! Let me go Kikumaru!” I yelled at him.

Kikumaru who had cut in before I tore out Ryoma’s throat looked anything, but scared at my sudden outburst.

“Calm down first and I’ll let go.” He said still somehow smiling. After a few moments I calmed down and Kikumaru kept his word on his promise of letting me go as well. 

I stood up and left brusquely after my outburst, but before I could leave our bleachers Momo called out to me. “Where do you think your going?”

Remembering Momo’s promise from before I quickly ran back to grab one of his rackets which, without objection he let me take. “I’m going to warm up. I need to calm down anyways, besides you’ll do fine on your match.” I said testing out his racket quickly.

He stared at me quietly before nodding with a smile. “Of course! I can beat these weaklings even with this a stupid snake holding me down! He declared. 

“What was that, Moron?” 

I quickly stepped out of the way so I wouldn’t be in their argument and stepped in front of Inui. “Can you just send someone to get me when it’s my turn?” I asked nicely.

Without looking up from his data book he nodded and I left without a trace to go to some practice courts. Maybe there will be someone to practice with?