Youthful Days (Book 1)

16. Love Square

Ryoma felt something was off the moment he approached the courts.

Two anomalies invaded his vision: the first was Hanamachi Ayuna, the second was Momoko dressed in a painfully pink outfit while obnoxiously chattering away with Fuji.

He readjusted the bandages on his face before sitting down beside Momoshiro, who was at the edge of the group. Ryoma's wounds were in the end stage of healing and the scabs were itching whenever the gauze moved.

Overhead, the speakers announced a ten-minute countdown to the match and then called for Yamabuki and Seigaku players to report to the court. Ryoma tried not to scratch his face and ignored Akutsu Jin's biting glare from the opposite side. He couldn't afford to be distracted by anything: today's sole mission was to triumph over a monster.

"Our captain doesn't seem too pleased today—oh no, he doesn't," grumbled Momoshiro.

Ryoma shot him a sideways glance. "Doesn't seem like our captain's the only one."

"Whaddya mean?"

"I mean you don't seem pleased, either."

"No kidding! I'm too worked up about playing singles—d'ya know how long it's been?!"

"I see."

Momoshiro frowned. "Now, if only that Sengoku Kiyosumi can stop looking here. God, that guy hasn't stopped staring since I sat down!"

Ryoma arched an eyebrow. Following Momoshiro's gaze, he caught a glimpse of Sengoku surreptitiously leering at Seigaku. Except, Momoshiro completely missed the fact that his opponent's eyes leaped right over his head and was aimed at the girl behind him.

Smirking, Ryoma said to his friend, "I don't think he's as focused on the game as you think."

Momoshiro didn't respond. Ryoma's words had shot through one ear and came straight out the other: the older boy was too preoccupied with glaring. "What's the deal with Fuji-senpai today? I've never seen him so talkative! And before a match, too! Doesn't he know he's starting us off with doubles?"

"If you want to talk to her, just go ahead."

"I don't want to talk to Momoko!" Momoshiro shot back defensively.

Ryoma sneered. "I never said a word about Miyamoto-senpai—you don't have to be so eager to confess."

In one swoop, Momoshiro raised his arm and whacked Ryoma squarely on the head. "Mind your own business, Echizen! Just 'cause we are great friends doesn't mean you can tell me what to think!"

Wincing in pain, Ryoma clamped his mouth shut and instantly regretted his choice of seating. Without a word, he picked up his bag and started towards the opposite end of the bleachers.

As he stood up to leave, Ryoma came face-to-face with Ayuna, who was absentmindedly listening to Inui's droning. When their eyes met, a relieved smile broke through her stiff expressions. "Good morning, Ryoma. How are your wounds?"

Instead of answering, he asked crossly, "What are you doing here? And with your badminton gears?"

"It's a long story," she said with a grimace.

"What happened to studying?"

"Momoko asked me to come along with her and support everyone."

Ryoma arched an eyebrow. "You sure she's here to support the team?"

Ayuna didn't answer. Her gaze drifted towards Fuji, who was speaking to Momoko with an unusually animated smile. Immediately, Ryoma saw the corner of her lips crumple. Before either one of them could say anything, captain Tezuka stood up to announce that it was time to enter the court.