Salut D'Amour

Measure 7: Me and My Mouth

YUNOKI'S POV

***

 "...and maybe that's why Gera-san didn't show up for practice. It's sad isn't it Yunoki?"

"Eh?" I look at Hihara who is peering at my face and I quickly apologize. "Gomen Hihara...I was just..." I begin to explain but suddenly he laughs.

"Ne, Yunoki..." He wipes a tear from his eye and smiles at me, "You're thinking about something aren't you?" 

"..." I stop and am amazed at Hihara. I mean, true his appearance and somewhat callous aura gives you thoughts that he doesn't really pick things up that fast but when he does, it will really amaze you. Just like now. So I give a smile and play with him. Afterall, it'll be quite troublesome if he gets excited. "Nothing in particular."

"Eh? Really Yunoki? I was sure I saw you smile, right Tsuchiura?" He pouts as he addresses this to the tall guy who sighs and shrugs. I had completely forgotten of his presence.

"Hihara-senpai," Tsuchiura begins and I study him. When did he join us again? "It's not like you never see Yunoki-senpai smile." Tsuchiura says this in a matter-of-factly tone and Hihara scratches his head.

"But that isn't what I meant!" He wails like a kid and I chuckle. That's another thing about Hihara - always true to what he feels. Although I usually enjoy watching him try to patch things up with the speed of a 6 year old, now wasn't one of those times. We had reached the second deck where a tennis court was located. Obviously, people were also playing. There was also a playground for the kids and some bowling alley by the starboard side. But apart from all that, the thing that took my interest was the girl by the mini-golf area. Isn't that...No...It can't possibly...be...her?

"Yunoki?! Are you alright?" I stop myself from staring at the girl and look at Hihara who is trying to figure out the person I'm looking at. I quickly point to the tennis court.

"I was thinking of doing a bit of tennis before dinner. What do you think Tsuchiura-kun?" My sudden invitation to Tsuchiura takes him by surprise but although he is shocked by the offer, he agrees.

"A little friendly match wouldn't hurt I guess." He stretches and luckily, Hihara is distracted.

"Sugoi! They have a tennis court here?! Wow! Let's play a match Yunoki!" He dashes towards the supply office and returns half a second later with two rackets. That's Hihara.

"I'd love to play Hihara but..." I narrow my eyes to the girl however her presence has eluded my sight. Where is she?

"You okay Yunoki?" Hihara's face turns to a sad tone and I sigh deep inside.

"Truthfully, I'm not. I must've lacked some sleep due to several last minute preparations I had to attend last night. I'm sorry if I can't play with you Hihara." I speak up. Somehow, Hihara's the only person I feel bad lying to. Which is annoying and amusing at the same time. As expected, his frown drops lower.

"I'll play with you Hihara-senpai." Fortunately Tsuchiura speaks up and Hihara instantly brightens up.

"Really?! Then what are we waiting for? Let's score some games! I won't go easy on you Tsuchiura since you're my kouhai and all." I chuckle as Hihara drags Tsuchiura to the court. I wave them goodbye. Well, well,well...Tsuchiura might have been useful afterall. I give a sigh and walk towards the elevators.