Youthful Days (Book 1)

29. Oracle

The game ended at 7-6 with Atobe Keigo as the winner.

It was the match of a lifetime—one Tezuka played with no regret. When it was over, they received a standing ovation. Endless applause shook the stadium for the formidable leaders.

Under the insistence of medical staff and Atobe, Tezuka was rushed off the court shortly after and sent straight to Tokyo Central Hospital. With the overall score being 2-2, the two schools were again at a stalemate. The reserve singles players from Hyotei and Seigaku would play the conclusive match to determine each school's fate.

Suspenseful silence once again cloaked the courts as Hiyoshi Wakashi from Hyotei and Echizen Ryoma from Seigaku concomitantly stood for their warm-up. The two-hundred-member Hyotei tennis club was now split into huddles, each group speculating whether their school would come out on top. At the same time, the Seigaku tennis club also tensed with the possibility of either loss or victory.

The captains from both teams abandoned the court amid hushed murmurings. Although Oishi insisted on accompanying his friend to the hospital, Tezuka demanded him to stay. In this critical hour, Oishi needed to be the team's anchor during his and the coach's absence.

As a gesture of truce, Atobe offered for his driver to chauffeur Tezuka to the hospital. Along with Oshitari, they wished Tezuka well and saw him off in the parking lot.

On their way back, they came across Ayuna, who sat on a stone bench outside the main stadium, her eyes on the ground. The untied headband inked with "Seigaku to victory" was in her palms and limply sagged over her fingers.

Atobe stopped short. "Oshitari, why don't you go back to the court first?"

Oshitari traced his friend's gaze, a knowing smile appeared on his lips. "Ah, it's the girl who rejected you at street tennis. Don't waste your time, Atobe. You're far above someone like that."

"As you said, she's Fuji Shuusuke's girlfriend. So clearly, she isn't just some ignorant freshman."

Oshitari shrugged. "Either way, she's somebody's girlfriend. Forget it, Atobe. You've got more than one fan club. It's not worth your time chasing after a girl who isn't interested."

Atobe ignored him. He wasn't in the mood to explain his odd captivation with her to his self-righteous friend. There was something about Ayuna that made it impossible for him to turn away.

"Go on without me," ordered Atobe, leaving his companion behind.

At the sound of footsteps approaching, Ayuna lifted her eyes. Her gaze crossed with Atobe's yet she couldn't muster the strength to stand up. Shifting in her seat, she lowered her head until it was at a right angle. "Good afternoon, captain Atobe."

To this reluctant greeting, Atobe chastised, "Hanamachi Ayuna, is this how you always greet your seniors?"

"I apologize," she said stiffly. "Forgive me, it's been a long day and I didn't mean to offend you."

While they spoke, the faint roars of the spectators and the rapping of tennis shots wafted over the stadium walls. As the sounds of the crowd swayed and dissolved in the breeze, Ayuna's eyes trailed after it, though she made no moves to stand.

"Just go back in there if you so desperately want to watch the game." Atobe took a seat next to her, resting his elbows on his knees. "At this point, your team needs any support it can get."

"And as captain, shouldn't you also be keeping an eye on Hyotei?" rebuked Ayuna.

Atobe smiled dismissively. "I believe Hyotei has the upper hand over Seigaku. Although Hiyoshi is only a sophomore, I expect him to be the next ace."