Youthful Days (Book 1)

42. Challenging the Coach

With July came suffocating heat and sporadic bursts of thunderstorms that marked the peak of summer. At the three-week mark to the final tournament, all regulars were on effective lockdown to prepare for their match against Rikkai. Their training colliding with the end-of-term exams, Ayuna started seeing less and less of Fuji. Knowing he was caught in a storm of practice and studying, she decided to check on him.

When she reached the opening of the cherry blossom grove, she caught a glimpse of the tennis regulars filing out of the courts. Checking her watch, she noticed that there was still one hour left to their scheduled practice. Confused, Ayuna waited until Fuji emerged before heading towards the entrance.

Fuji's face lit up when he spotted Ayuna. "I didn't expect to see you here."

"It's been a while since I saw you last." Her voice dropping to a whisper, she said, "I've missed you."

Fuji reached out for her hand. "That alone is the highlight of my week."

Ayuna's face grew warm. Peeking inside the courts, she asked, "Did something happen? I thought your schedules were extended to prepare for the finals."

"Ryuzaki-sensei only wanted to make an announcement today," explained Fuji, adjusting the straps of his tennis bag. "We're going to the mountains for special training this weekend. Inui drafted a plan to make sure we're in top shape before the match against Rikkai."

"The mountains? Where exactly?"

"We're going north to Nikko in Tochigi prefecture. It's not too far from Tokyo and perfect for weekend training."

Ayuna nodded. "I see. You'd better rest well, then, since you'd have to train and live in a completely foreign place."

"It won't be as punishing as you think. We have some extra helping hands with a couple of first-year members." Pausing here abruptly, his eyes grew pensive when they landed on her face. "Speaking of helpers... Maybe you'd like to come along?"

"Me?" Ayuna's eyes widened. She immediately shook her head to dismiss the idea. "As if the coach would ever allow it!"

"Let's say she did—would you want to come?"

"Of course! But that'd be inappropriate. This is an important time for the team, and I wouldn't want to intrude. What would it look like, anyway, if a girl is alone among a group of boys hard at work?"

"You won't be the only one because Sakuno's also volunteering. From what I remember at Odaiba, you two seem to get along well."

"We do, but..."

"So if you don't come, she'll be the only girl there. You should keep her company and help the team at the same time." Invigorated by this idea, Fuji took Ayuna's hand, his face brimming with excitement. "I can't believe I didn't think of this earlier!"

"Fuji... Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"We'll never know unless we ask." Leading her in the direction of the courts, he urged, "We have to talk to Ryuzaki-sensei before she leaves."

Trailing after him, Ayuna felt a twinge of unease as they approached the coach. Previously absorbed with writing notes on a clipboard, she looked up when she spotted them.

Ayuna said a formal "hello" and bowed deeply.

Nodding in acknowledgment, the coach asked, "Fuji, what can I do for you?"

"I have a request related to our training excursion," he started. "I noticed that Ryuzaki-san would be the only girl on our trip. Perhaps she'd feel more comfortable with another girl's company?"