Youthful Days (Book 1)

13. Show-Off

"Hey Ayuna, wanna come to the tennis courts with me?" Momoko asked Ayuna as they were changing out of their jerseys. "The regulars are playing mock matches against each other today."

Badminton club practice had ended early for the day because of the captain's monthly meeting with the school sports committee. Grateful for this unexpected break, everyone else had already eagerly run off. This left Momoko and Ayuna as the only ones in the change room.

Checking her watch once, Ayuna nodded. "Sure. How did you hear about this?"

"Some guys passing our gym were talking about it. Apparently, the captain's going to play and there are some interesting pairings. It's going to be a show, so everybody who cares about tennis is running over there! I think it'll be interesting to see how the regulars fare against each other."

"Or maybe," Ayuna grinned mischievously, "you just want an excuse to watch Momoshiro-senpai play."

Momoko blushed dark red. "No! I'm enthusiastic about tennis, okay?! I'll have you know, Hanamachi, that I am equally passionate about all racket sports!"

Ayuna closed her locker with a chuckle. "Whatever you say, senpai."

Momoko made a face at her.

***

Once in the courtyard, ominous-looking clouds encroached. Wind had picked up from the west, sending a veil of dust and withered leaves across the deserted school grounds. Shielding their heads with their bags, several students were scurrying to catch the rush hour bus like rain was already falling.

"Looks like a storm's coming," Momoko fanned herself. "I bet it's going to be a big one. It's been so humid today."

"Are you sure they'll even be playing?" Ayuna glanced at the darkening sky dubiously. "Coach Ryuzaki always said 'tennis doesn't mix with rain'."

"But it's not raining yet. Since making it into the semifinals, that woman's been relentless. So I'm sure she'll want to maximize all scheduled practices."

They wended around the back of the Physical Activities Complex to the tennis courts. Upon arrival, they found it to be completely packed with onlookers. The lucky ones who'd secured the front row shouted excitedly over each other, placing bets on match pairings and the likely winner. Those who stood in the back craned their necks and stood on their toes in an attempt to make sense of the happenings inside the court.

As they drew closer, they saw that coach Ryuzaki had just assigned court A to the first pair: Ryoma and Fuji. Immediately following her announcement, a hush fell over the assembly.

"What a pairing!" Momoko hooted. She elbowed Ayuna hard on the side. "Aren't you glad we came?! This will be the game of the term!"

Ayuna didn't answer right away. She stood at the outermost edge of the crowd, scanning for an opening with a decent view. While Momoko tried to push her way through the wall of people, Ayuna circled the court until she passed the entrance. Fuji Shuusuke had just taken out his racket when Ayuna passed. Spotting her, he waved once and made his way out.

"It's a pleasant surprise to see both of you here," Fuji said, motioning to Momoko, who now jostled towards them. "No practice today?"

"We were let out early," answered Ayuna.

"And we've got perfect timing!" added Momoko emphatically. "Just in time to see our top-tier players rally it out."

Fuji kept his eyes fixed on Ayuna. "I hope you'll stay for the full game?"

"I will, senpai."

Fuji's smile widened. As if speaking to himself, he turned around and said softly, "I won't lose."