Youthful Days (Book 1)

3. Seniors

Contrary to Momoko's carefree ways of speech, her badminton moves were the exact opposite. Even as a warm-up, Momoko's shots had clean finishes and her footing was flawless. From the precision of her aims and her practiced posture, it was clear that Momoko had years of training despite being a junior.

Their short rally seemed to have earned Ayuna Momoko's approval. From that point on, Momoko passed to the younger girl all the tips and tools necessary to make the team.

For the next three days, Ayuna engaged in matches structured by the captain, Nishimura Emi. The participants were divided into four blocks, with six participants in each to play in a criss-cross manner. This initial round would filter out the players with the most wins. In the second round, a winner from each block would be randomly assigned to that of another block. The loser in this round would be automatically disqualified while winners continued competing. The one who triumphed would then play against the captain as a final assessment.

"No matter how badly she beats you, play to your hardest until the end. The assessment is not based on victory, but your persistence!"

Ayuna thought of Momoko's last advice as she stood on the court and faced the captain. Despite being packed to the brim with spectators, the gym was eerily silent.

Taking a step closer to the service line, Ayuna took a deep breath and raised her racket.

***

At the end of three grueling days, Hanamachi Ayuna was announced as the newest member of the girls' badminton team. Walking up to the net, she exchanged bows with Nishimura Emi. From the court perimeters, Momoko pumped her fists in the air excitedly and then stuck out her thumb with a grin.

"I knew you'd make it!"

Once the proper introductions were made and the crowd dispersed, Momoko bounded up to Ayuna and hugged her. Sighing, she said, "I never thought it'd be this fulfilling to reap the fruit of mentorship."

"I don't think I could've done it without you," said Ayuna gratefully. "Playing against the captain was nerve-racking!"

"But you stood your ground, and I could tell she was impressed. Tomorrow, you'll be meeting the rest of the team, so let me give you a preview..."

Ayuna listened to Momoko recite everyone's name as they left the gymnasium. Stopping in the front lobby, she led Ayuna around the glass trophy cabinet and stopped in front of the sports clubs' bulletin board. A myriad of posters broadcasting upcoming events and club activities were tacked across the wooden surface.

Motioning towards the leftmost corner of the board, Momoko said, "The updated team list will be posted here tomorrow. You can check it before our meeting to remember everyone's name." Leaning in, she cooed in surprise. "Well, what do you know! The tennis club is one step ahead of us—they've posted their list already!"

Upon closer examination, her eyes narrowed. "Huh! Other than the usual suspects, there's a name I don't recognize. Could a new student really knock off one of our regulars?"

Curious, Ayuna asked, "What do you mean?"

"The tennis regulars are elites of elites—it's virtually impossible for the youngest year to break in. But I guess they had an unexpected guest."

Her eyes sweeping down the page, Ayuna found herself smiling: Echizen Ryoma, it printed neatly.

***

To her amazement, the usually late Ryoma was already seated at his desk when Ayuna arrived. Instead of napping, he seemed deeply engrossed by his book. Closing in, she saw that it was a pro-tennis magazine.