The King and The Queen of Hearts

Chapter Three : We're Back!

“Sugoi! I can’t believe that the nationals’ tournament of the women’s division is this huge!” Jirou yelled as he eyed all the people present to watch the finals match.

“It is really crowded.” Gakuto added as found the bleachers all packed with people. The entire auditorium was divided into two colors. On their place and on the right side, people wear and hold something with color yellow and blue. On the other side, people are all in red and green. They slowly went to their seats in the VIP section for media people and fellow tennis players near the court at the lower part of the bleachers. There, they meet their other friends/rivals and co players from the other schools. Seishun Gakuen, Rikkai Dai, Shitenhouji, Higa Chu, Rokkaku and the others are present as well.

“Be awed by Ore – sama’s presence.” Atobe started as they arrived and went to their seats. The other players just shrugged it off, knowing that Atobe will never change.

“Sa, Ryuuzaki – sensei, what teams are playing for this years’ finals?” Fuji asked which caught the attention of all the other players nearby. All of them are really curious for the reason why they are here watching the finals match. Well, aside for them being tennis players as well, they are lost as to why they need to watch the FEMALE national’s finals game when in fact they are all from the men’s division. They are itching to know as well, why and how on earth did their coaches agreed to watch the games. All eyes and ears are waiting for the coach’s reply but before she opened her mouth to answer them, the speakers echoed already signaling the start of the games. All attention was now focused on the court as the emcees started their speech.

“The day has finally arrived for the finals match between these two eternal rival schools.” The first emcee started. “Who among those two teams do you think will emerge as this year’s winners, partner?”

“Honestly, I don’t know. I am as excited as everyone here to know the result. This match and rivalry has already extended from generations to generations. In the case of the players for both teams, the rivalry extended beyond tennis courts as well.” The second emcee commented while looking at his laptop.

“I heard that both teams prepared drastically for this day. And not just that, both of them really prepared their line ups extensively.”

“Yes that’s right. I personally witnessed the training of the defending champions, all that I can say is that, these games will definitely be the best championship that Japan will witness and the defending champions are up in shape for the battle”

“Well, that may be right, but don’t forget that the contenders today are the reigning champions in the women’s division before they were asked to play internationally. But I agree with you that these games will be the best championship that we are going to witness.”

“Partner, let’s not prolong this introduction anymore. Let’s now proceed to introducing the players for each team.” The auditorium suddenly closed all the lights. Only the spot light was opened as it focused on the entrance at the side of the people wearing red and green.

“Coming from the northern part of Japan, the defending and reigning champions, St Mary Gakuen!” One by one, the emcees introduced the players of the gakuen.

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“They have a very extravagant opening ceremony for just the final match.” Akaya commented while he was watching squashed between Yukimura and Yanagi.

“I don’t have much information about the two teams.” Yanagi said and looked at Inui. “And you?”

“None as well. But this is interesting” Inui replied while scribbling on his notebook.

“Hmm, this is indeed interesting.” Yukimura smiled and continued to watch the opening ceremony.

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“Obaa – san, you came!” KC smiled and walked towards the spot where Coach Ryuuzaki is seated. She immediately caught the attention of most of the players present to watch the game. While walking, her eyes locked up with Atobe’s eyes for a split second. That split second send a little fluttering feeling down in her stomach. Standing in front of Coach Ryuuzaki, KC bent down and placed a kiss on her grandmother’s forehead. “I’m happy that you came.”

“Of course KC. Besides, you girls are back in top shape.” Coach Ryuuzaki smiled knowingly.

“And now ladies and gentlemen, our contenders: Four times Gold Slam Champions coming from the southern part of Japan”

“I remember now.” Inoue – san gasped as he stared wide eye at KC. “You are ---“

“Sakura Gakuen! With their regulars: Aya, Minako, Yuki, Akane, Hikaru, Chiyo, Hana and KC!”

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The spotlight focused on two places in the audience, one is on the group of girls standing side by side on a corner where the audience is wearing yellow and blue, the other on KC who is standing on the bleachers of the VIP section.

“We are definitely back!” KC turned around with determination on her eyes. Some of the players seated in the VIP section gasped as realization dawned on them.

“Really now?!” “What?!” “Whoa!!” was the common reactions from the boys.

“Ah. Ecstacy.” Shiraishi commented as he eyed KC seriously.

“She seems strong.” Yukimura stared at KC’s back.

“Interesting.” Fuji added as he opened his eyes and smiled.

“Ahn. So that was it.” Atobe said while crossing his arms in front of his chest.

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The finals game started a few minutes afterwards with KC playing in the Singles One post. The Sakura Gakuen players showed to everyone that they really are Japan’s number one women’s tennis team. Each of their games only lasted for approximately 20mins only.

When it was time for the Singles One game, the entire auditorium is at their nerves already. It was already evident that Sakura Gakuen is the winner but all games must be played; and this last game is a match between eternal rivals. Both players are current members of the student council of their schools, writers in their school papers, and members of top students in their respective prefectures.

During the match, KC used some of the moves from the strong players of the men’s division, earning her an amused looks from their owners. She finished the game elegantly at 13:45minutes sharp without using her specialty moves. Her game marked the end of the National’s Match for the women’s division that year.

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Is she really mocking me? Using my specialty moves in front of my eyes. And she does is elegantly as well. She is enjoying it and she moves smoothly. Atobe thought as he stared at KC from the bleachers, his frown not giving away any signs of what he is thinking at the moment or even what he is feeling towards KC as she smiled. His frown only getting deeper when he noticed that Fuji was already beside KC congratulating the new winners and KC smiling back at him sweetly. What is going on between the two of them?

“Everything fine Atobe?” Oshitari asked as he noticed that their buchou was suddenly quiet.

“Ore – sama is definitely fine. Let’s go.” Atobe stood and started walking away from the courts. Oshitari looked on the court to check what made his friend angry and saw that KC was talking with Fuji. He followed his teammates away from the court but looked back one last time to check and saw that KC was looking in their direction, sadness and hurt evident in her eyes. Hmm. This is romantic.