I'm Not That Girl // Prince of Tennis

Chapter 5: Together They Drown

a/n: Thanks for your patience! I was studying for my papers so it took me a while. 

The theme songs for this story generally are 'Hero', 'What You Mean to Me' by Sterling Knight and 'Hello' by YUI (not its lyrics, but the general high school drama feel it gives me). I thought it would be good to know so you can experience the feeling I had while writing the story. These songs inspires the theme of this story and listen to them when I write.

Anyway, here is the new chapter. I apologize in advance for any grammatical mistakes you might spot below. But I hope you'll like it. Please read and review!

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Shiraishi wasn't there when she left her house for school. She should be glad, and not dread seeing him but it was really hard not to give in to these emotions. Even though they were the closest friends when they were little, Shiraishi Kuranosuke felt more like a stranger now.

Talking and their acknowledgement toward each other after so many years did strengthened the rusty old bridge they call 'friendship' slightly but not enough to fill the noticeable gap between them. It was ironic how close Shiraishi was, yet felt so far away and untouchable.

Sometimes it made her wonder whether was it even possible for whatever she had hoped for to happen.

Half dragging herself toward the familiar gates of Shitenhouji High, Shizue let out a dejected sigh as she stared at the picture of their younger selves longingly. Slipping her phone back into her pocket, Shizue gazed at the school building ahead, the uneasy feeling from yesterday coming back to her once more.

Finding her shoes dumped inside the school fountain worried her, but she thought she should give the situation the benefit of doubt. She was no longer the old Shizue – nobody was going to pick on her again. Even if it really was, she had to stand strong and think positive.

Well, at least that was what she had been trying to tell herself.

Shizue dragged a hand down her face wearily.

Ding ding ding! Ding ding ding!

Hmm?

Shizue found her train of thoughts broken through by a frantic clanking of a bell and snapped her attention back to her surroundings, turning her head to find where it came from.

"Don't just stand there! Move!"

Surprised by the voice that seemed to come out from nowhere, Shizue found herself tugged over to her left by a hand around her bicep and was instantly met with a warm, breathing wall. Just as she was about to turn her head to identify it, a man on a bicycle zoomed past her in a speed she knew would probably send her to the nearest hospital if she was still standing in its way.

Shizue stared after the cyclist, blinking once, twice. Stunned and bewildered.

What could have happened made her gulp deeply and felt gratitude from whoever was holding her right now. Curious about her saviour, Shizue glanced behind her and jumped back instantly in shock when she found herself looking at the face of Nagamine Kaito. Annoyance was clearly shown from the way his eyes were narrowed at her.

"Na-Nagamine-san!"

Her heart pounded hard against her ribcage. Out of all people, it had to be him!

Nearly forgetting her gratitude toward him, Shizue quickly bowed at her waist. 

"Erm, thank you for saving me."

Finally releasing her from his narrowed gaze, Nagamine ran a hand through his hair with a sigh. "Just be more vigilant and be less troublesome next time." Not another word, he started walking, continuing his way to the school ahead.