Youthful Days (Book 1)

59. Prophet

Watching Fuji's back view disappear, Ayuna became afraid for the first time. Though she had no doubts about his technical abilities, she had a premonition that something sinister was about to unfold.

She lingered at the court entrance for a few more beats before ambling towards Seigaku's designated bleachers. Even from a distance, she could see the regulars standing at the front row, clad in their blue-and-white jerseys. She hadn't seen the team this close up since their stay at the Atobe villa. Given the state of the match, Ayuna wasn't sure if she should intrude.

She was going to opt for the backmost row when she spotted Sakuno breaking out of her circle of friends and heading towards her.

"Hanamachi-san, what a surprise!" greeted Sakuno. "I haven't seen you since Nikko."

"Sorry for leaving you with all the work," said Ayuna bashfully.

"Why don't you join us first-years to watch the next game?" She motioned towards the middle row. "Everyone's worried sick about Seigaku. It'll be nice to give each other support."

As Ayuna considered Sakuno's kind offer, a nonchalant voice rose from behind her. "I see you've finally decided to stop hiding, Hanamachi."

Spinning around, Ayuna and Sakuno were approached by Momoshiro and Ryoma, each holding an armful of Ponta. Brushing past Sakuno, Ryoma headed straight for Ayuna. "What are you still doing back here? Come down to the first row."

Ayuna was reluctant. "I don't know... The team's at a critical stage right now. Not to mention, Ryuzaki-san's already invited me to sit with her—"

"The current situation's got nothing to do with you," Ryoma cut her off curtly. "Besides, don't you of all people want to see Fuji-senpai play close-up?"

"Yes, but—"

Ryoma prodded her forward. "Quit hesitating. I have to get back."

"What about Ryuzaki-san?"

"Isn't Ryuzaki sitting with her friends?" replied Ryoma, already stomping down the stairs. "Just come with us."

Flashing an apologetic smile to a speechless Sakuno, Ayuna trailed after the pair towards the front row. On their way down, Momoshiro slowed until his pace was in line with Ayuna, a gleeful smile on his face. "Long time no see, Hanamachi-san!"

Astounded by his warm greeting, Ayuna murmured demurely, "It's sure been a while."

"I'm so glad you're here." Tentatively, he added, "We've missed having you around."

Shocked, Ayuna didn't know how to respond.

"I'm sorry about leaving you to your own devices at the Atobe villa," said Momoshiro. "Fuji-senpai roughly explained to us witnesses about what happened. We should've known Atobe's the culprit, that cocky jerk!"

"Everyone makes mistakes, right?" answered Ayuna mildly. "I'm just glad everything's finally cleared up."

"Me, too," agreed Momoshiro. "So, how did you have the time to get here in the middle of the day? Momoko's been complaining about missing the game for days because she's stuck with a term test."

"I cut the rest of my classes," she replied.

"You're kidding!"

"I'm on strict orders to report back to her with our victory."

To this, Momoshiro could only release a weary exhale. "We'll have to see about that. This game will be the deciding factor."

Together, they made their way back to the group. Moving along the front, she greeted the other seniors who all eagerly made room for her like she was a fellow team member. When coach Ryuzaki caught a glimpse of Ayuna, she gave a perfunctory nod of acknowledgment and the slightest hint of a smile. With this, Ayuna felt her lingering unease melt away: she knew she had regained the coach's approval again.

She ping-ponged between the seniors until settling near the center of the file, where Ryoma stood, already snapping open the soda can and taking a satisfying gulp. What a guy, she thought, he always took the front-and-center spot with the most expansive view of the court.

"I heard you snuck out," Ryoma smirked at her. "So much for your perfect attendance record."

Ayuna shrugged. "I never gave a damn about those trivial things anyway."

"Why are you so worked up?"

"Aren't you supposed to be as well? Seigaku is in danger."

"But Fuji's playing next!" Eiji cut in from beside them. With a frown, he said to Ayuna, "Shouldn't you of all people have faith in his tennis skills? He is our prodigy, after all!"

Ayuna shook her head. "That's not it. As much as I believe in him, I don't know a thing about his opponent, and this makes the situation murky. It's nice to have healthy confidence, but personally, I'd never underestimate anyone. There's no such thing as being overly cautious."

"Hanamachi-san's right," Inui conceded from behind her. "It doesn't hurt to overestimate the opponent rather than fall short of keeping guards up. We can't afford that type of carelessness at this point."

Ryoma gazed at Ayuna's taut side profile. "Hmm, you think like the captain."

"But not like you, right?"

"Not at all," Ryoma smiled crookedly, bold as ever. "Whoever my opponent is, I'll find a way to take them down."

"Who is it this time?"

"Sanada Genichiro."

Ayuna followed his gaze to find a stone-faced Sanada sitting with his arms crossed, his expressions stern and his eyes penetrating. Reeling her attention back to Ryoma, she saw that a luminescent aura enveloped him, indicating a steadfast victory. With a tranquil smile, she said, "I'm sure you would."

Ryoma met her eyes for a protracted moment. As usual, Ayuna's meaningful tone differed from conventional encouragements of his peers. When these words came from her, it always sounded like a prophecy. He had let it slide many times before, but not today.

"You know something, don't you?" he demanded.

"What do you mean?"

"Why does it always sound like you know the game's outcome before it's even played?"

Ayuna tried to bypass his question. "That's nonsense. I'm not a fortuneteller."

"So all those times you assured me I'd win, and I ended up winning—they were all just flukes?"

"That's exactly it. They were guesses and I lucked out."

"I don't believe you." Ryoma was relentless in his pursuit. He pointed to the court, where Fuji and Kirihara were now shaking hands over the net, he asked, "What do you think about Fuji-senpai's match?"

Ayuna fell silent. She directed all her focus to the pair, her brows scrunched and her eyes squinted. Still, there was no hint whatsoever. Shoulders collapsing in defeat, Ayuna sighed, "I have no idea. Like everyone else, I'm only hoping this game isn't Seigaku's last."

***

A/N: Our prince is onto something, too bad he's shot down~ ^^'' Sakuno's back too, so y'all know what that means...