An Angel With A Tennis Racket

New friends? [Part 1]

I opened my eyes and turned towards the owner of the voice.

He was just standing there. His eyes, a mixture of blue, grey and purple, staring straight into mine. His hair swaying softly in the wind. There was just something about him...I couldn't put my finger on it.

While I was trying to figure it out, he had made his way to stand right in front of me.

"You must be a  new student here," he said, giving me a gentle smile. "I'm Seiichi. Yukimura Seiichi."

My lips parted as I was about to speak but was suddenly interrupted.

"Captain! We're here!"

We both turned to look at a group of guys, all wearing tennis outfits and gears. They were waving at Seiichi at first but stopped when they saw me. I recognized them all at once. I've been keeping up with tennis whenever I was free. It was to the point where I know who was on what team, what sort of player they were, what were their main strengths and weaknesses. Rikkaidai was quite an opponent for Seishun in the last tournament.

Genichiro Sanada eyed me suspiciously. "Sorry but we're not giving out any autographs."

"Aw come on, Sanada!" Bunta Marui whined. "She's pretty cute. I think we can give her a few."

While they were deliberating why I was there, I silently stood there and stared at them for a few seconds, observing each and every player. It probably freaked some of them out because most of them started blushing and looking away or at their feet. Knowing that they came for morning practice, I decided that I should hurry up and leave. So, turning to Seiichi, I gave him a small bow. Then, after fixing my headphones, I gave the other players a bow as well before walking off with my hands in my pocket.

As emotionless as I was, I was sure that they definitely were weirded out by me.

What I didn't think was possible was that they would find me interesting.

"Who was that?"

"I don't know...but she's different."

After a total of 30 minutes, I finally found my first period classroom. I knocked on the door lightly before entering but soon found out that I didn't have to since it was still empty.

Right. I came way too early. Welp, I might as well have a small nap.

Tap. Tap.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

TAP! TAP! TAAAAAAAAAP!

Slowly, I opened my eyes, my head still on the table, and was greeted by Marui. "Waky waky, princess."

I almost snapped at him when he called me that. Luckily for him, I didn't but I did gave him a glare.

"Woah, somebody's not a morning person," he smirked and sat down on the desk next to mine. "I'm Bunta Marui. What's your name?"

I sat up in my seat and just looked at him.

He raised his eyebrows but kept on smirking. "You can't pretend to not hear me since your headphones is right here." He lifted my headphones up and I quickly reached out to get it. Marui backed up in his seat with it in his outstretched hand while I was leaning over him. "I'll only give it back if you tell me your name."

I was not having this nonsense.

Swiftly, I stepped on my seat as Marui's eyes widened, thinking I was about to fall. With one smooth motion, I launched forward, made a quick flip and spun around with one of my hand on his desk, the other grabbing my headphones out of his hand, landing perfectly on my feet and putting it around my neck.

To be honest, I didn't think all that show was necessary, but I just wanted it back. He was definitely not going to return it to me unless I tell him my name. He was a stubborn one. Besides, the position we were in just now was a bit embarrassing, considering the fact that other people might walk in and think that we were flirting. Nope. Not gonna let that happen. But...now that that 'show' was over...

"Wow..." he sat there in awe. "How...did you do that? You were.....so fast."

Now, if you were in my position and you didn't really want to talk, but then you did all that... How are you exactly going to react to that question?

"Blackbelt." Yup. That was all I could think of. But, hey, it wasn't a lie. It was just a part of the truth.

Blinking, Marui started smiling again, his shocking expression subsided. "Hey! You finally talk to me."

"..."

"Aw come on! Don't be silent again," he pouted and I just stared at him. He then started offering me all the sweets in his bag when his pouting didn't work. He even asked me if I wanted to go on a date.

Fortunately, I didn't have to respond to that as the bell rang and the other students entered. But...

"Oh, hey guys!" Marui called out, waving energetically. "Guess what? She's in our class!"

Oh. My. GOD!