Secrets, Socials, and Seigaku

Chapter 36

I ran back with a smile on my face. I had to hand it to him–Tachibana was Captain for a reason. He sure as hell knew how to pick someone up when they were down and get them motivated. Though, I might have been a little too forward with the whole kiss on the cheek thing. American customs don’t seem to work as well in Japan.

 An announcement came on over the speakers and I came to a slow walk. “The third singles match will begin shortly.” The voice said energetically. “Fuji Yuuta and Echizen Ryoma please report to the main tennis court in ten minutes.” I quirked an eyebrow. Ryoma was going to play Fuji’s brother, huh? Wonder how well that would go.

I got into position to jog over to the main tennis courts when a boy ran past me at top speed shouting. “Okay, Yuuta! I’m just gonna go ahead! Hurry over to the tennis courts!” I stared after the guy until he disappeared. I wonder what made the kid take off like that? I turned back to see Fuji standing a good ten feet away from another boy wearing a St. Ruldolph uniform. I noticed the tennis bag hanging lazily off his arm and quickly made note of the obvious resemblance between the two.

“Yo, Fuji!” I called out. Both of their heads turned my way and I snorted at my mistake. They were definitely brothers. I waved as I walked closer. “Sorry. I meant the older one.” I told Fuji’s brother with a smile. My lightheartedness was not returned.

“Ah, Clair, we were wondering where you went off to. Momo thought you had gotten lost.” Fuji said with his usual practiced smile.

“Just went to warm up.” I told him cutting out the part where I ran into Fudomine and may or may not have played a service game with their Captain. “But, what’s going on here? Is this your brother?” I asked him with an excited smile. My hope of easing up any tension with my positive attitude was lost.

“Ah.” Fuji replied simply looking over at his brother. “You look well, Yuuta. Are you used to dorm life yet?” Fuji asked conversationally. “I thought for sure you were going to be playing first or second singles. I was looking forward to the match.” I gave Fuji a glance. Did he think he was going to be playing Yuuta? Is that why he gave me his spot? It was something to think on for another time.

“Shut up!” Fuji’s brother shouted to him with viciousness that was not expected. Fuji’s smile fell immediately. “The freshman who beat out Inui is the perfect match for me. When I’m done there’ll be nothing left of him!” He said pointing threateningly to Fuji. Fuji stayed silent and observed Yuuta.

I sighed loudly drawing the younger brother’s attention to me. “Please do. You’d be doing the entire team a favor.” I told him playing with Momo’s racket in my hand.

Yuuta glared. “Are you mocking me?!” He barked angrily.

I put my hands up in defense. “No! Not at all! I really hope you can honestly beat him. God knows it would take his ego down a few pegs.” I spun the spindle of the racket in my hand mindlessly. “I mean have you seen how often Echizen wins against his seniors? It’s about time someone beat him.” I told him plainly.

Yuuta growled. “You just wait and see! I’ll take your precious freshman and bury him into the clay!” He told me.

I looked to Fuji and whispered just loud enough so Yuuta could hear. “Your brother isn’t to bright is he?”

“Oy!” Yuuta shouted back. “I don’t need some random girl mocking me!” He clenched his fists in frustration.

“Actually, Yuuta,” Fuji interrupted, “She’s–“

“I don’t care who she is!” Yuuta yelled at him. “It isn’t my problem and neither are you!” Even I cringed at the viciousness of his tone. What a mean thing to say to his brother. “You can get beaten by Mizuki.” My ears perked up at the name. “That will ensure St. Rudolph’s victory.” Yuuta held his chin up high and walked past us with a bravado that was probably supposed to make us feel like ants.