Youthful Days (Book 1)

38. Friends & Failures

The plan completely backfired.

Saeki Kojiro thought dejectedly as he laid down on the silken grass.

After being responsible for another loss against Seigaku, he couldn't bear to watch the last game. When he left the court, the score was at a harrowing 4-3, tipping in Seigaku's favor. As much as he adored his team, he didn't believe Aoi Kentaro could triumph over Echizen Ryoma—a freshman who outshone the toughest players in Tokyo and even intimidated Fuji.

The thought of his friend acted as another reminder of his dismal defeat.

Before the doubles game, Saeki thought he had the perfect game plan. They would first deplete Kikumaru Eiji's stamina, thereby obliterating his acrobatic play. Then, Saeki would use his knowledge of Fuji's technical skills and chip away at his legendary Triple Counters.

Initially, everything proceeded according to this strategy. By employing a toss-up of short and deep trajectory shots, Saeki drained and effectively debilitated Eiji within one game. Soon after, his doubles partner, Itsuki, successfully disabled one of Fuji's counters with sinker shots. Without any smash shots and the assistance of the wind, his other two counters were rendered useless. At this point, Saeki thought victory was within their grasp.

Except, even with his teammate's incapacitated, Fuji single-handedly rose from the dust and made a comeback from zero. Instead of using direct counters, he tactically manipulated Saeki and Itsuki to hit spinning shots to his advantage. When they realized they were played like pawns, it was far too late. Shouldering the weight of a doubles game solo, Fuji claimed the win at 6-2.

Saeki closed his eyes.

Beat by Fuji again, he thought bitterly. He had long lost track of his losing streak.

All of a sudden, silence was disturbed by a dull clank, followed by coins rattling.

Saeki's ears perked up. He sprung into a sitting position and saw Hanamachi Ayuna standing in front of a vending machine close by. This being a Saturday, she had forgone her school uniform for an ivory sundress that radiated an arresting glow in the midday sun.

Noticing Saeki, she bowed apologetically. "Sorry to wake you."

"Don't worry about it—I wasn't asleep."

Picking up her purchase of several iced teas, she asked amicably, "Would you like one? It's hot today."

Saeki hesitated, then decided to take up her offer. "I could really use it. Thank you."

Ayuna walked up to him and handed over a bottle. "Why are you out here alone, Saeki- senpai? The game's reaching a climax."

"Good question. I wonder..."

"Is it too painful to watch your school lose?"

His head snapped up. Ayuna's expressions held none of the condescension that should've accompanied such a pointed question. Saeki looked at her for a long time, trying to gauge her intent. Finding nothing in the end, he relented, "You know what, you're absolutely right. It's truly been a demeaning day."

Ayuna watched Saeki unscrew the bottle in silence, patiently waiting for him to go on.

"I've never won against Fuji—not even once," said Saeki after taking a sip. "Did you know that?"

"No."

"I'm surprised Fuji didn't tell you."

"He doesn't tell me much about his friends."

Saeki was bewildered. "Really?"

"Is that so shocking?"

Saeki didn't respond right away. Based on his previous exchange with Fuji, he thought his friend was bewitched, spellbound. He assumed Ayuna must know him inside-out.