Hidden Plays

21: But I couldn't stop thinking of my old life

In Japan Yukimura was recovering. He was awake, but could not leave just yet due to the fact that his body was simply too weak.

When the team came to visit him Kirihara handed him a letter.

"It's from Tomi." Kirihara said. When they left Yukimura weakly tore open the letter and read it.

Dear Sei-kun,

If you are reading this that mean you did it! I'm proud of you.

I don't know if I ever will come back to Japan, but when I do, I will fulfill the promise for something you want, I promise and I never go back on my word. Being around you is comforting. I can get relax and be my normal self. I have no need to worry about you telling others about me or anything. Unlike Nori, you make me feel like I can be myself without knowing that others will judge me. If you ever do see Nori tell her I said 'thank you for all that you have done for me'. It's time I turn a new leaf, don't you think? I want to change, I believe that no one likes me for who I am. Fight strong in Nationals. I believe in you.

(Look at the back for the rest of the letter)' Seiichi read it to himself and looked at thhe back.

Seiichi turned the letter round to see a more words. He continued reading.

'I don't quite understand this feeling. The feeling like whenever I think about leaving Japan and you I have a heavy heart filled with guilt. The feeling that whenever I'm with you I want to show you all my flaws. It's hard to understand. I'm too scared to tell anyone else about it. Tell me what this feeling is, Sei-kun. I'm scared, what's happening to me?' Seiichi read in his head as if Satomi was talking to him.

'I'm sorry for asking, I don't want to burden you. Best of luck at nationals." Seiichi finished reading. He reread the whole message.

"I know what I want now for my request." Seiichi said.

————

At the Hyotei practice a few regulars have just been told about their presence asked at the Junior Invitational Camp.

"Where's Beauchène-senpai?" A first year asked.

"She wasn't in school today." Ootori said.

"She is studying aboard at our sister school in France." Atobe said.

"But Dumont Academy doesn't start until August and September, and the school year's ending soon." Oshitari said.

"She told me she has business to finish with her family and France, and may consider moving there all together." Atobe said.

"Eh?! But then we'll need to find a manager!" Shishido said.

"Or we can run without a manager, plus she'll be back to visit. She has no choice but to be back to visit, actually." Atobe said.

"Now continue practice!!" Atobe shouted and everyone went back to practice.

A week or so had passed, Coach, Atobe, Oshitari, Ootori, Shishido, and Kabaji were sent to the Junior Invitational camp.

Hiyoshi took over since the third years decided to focus on studies while they still could.

————

In France Satomi was scrolling the streets with her grandmère, since her grandmère thought her style of clothing was too bland and no feminine. It was tennis casual.

Her grandmère dragged her into a tailor shop where her measurements were taken.

As her grandmère continued talking with the tailor about what kinds of clothes Satomi's phone vibrated. She turned on her phone to see text messages from Atobe.