Golden Era (Book 2)

20. People of Two Worlds

Eiji refused to let anything end under his watch, but he also had to consider their constraints. Ayuna was a high-profile figure now. She couldn't roam around two campuses or visit their apartment without nasty rumors being raised. On the other hand, Fuji also dropped off the radar: he refused to answer calls or text messages. Just as Ayuna said, he completely shut down.

Left with no better options, Eiji asked Ayuna to meet him at the Misono tennis center at around lunchtime, when tennis practices were held. 

"You'll need to come every day," instructed Eiji as he pedaled back towards the Hikari campus that afternoon. He explained to Ayuna that Fuji regularly visited him to chat or to play a short rally. Eventually, he'd have to come out of hiding, so they would intercept him that way.

"I think this is our best bet," he said when they stopped at the back gates.  After Ayuna hopped off, Eiji gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze, "Don't worry, we'll find a solution! You're back, and I'm here to help—everything's only going to get better from here."

Ayuna thanked him. As she watched Eiji zip away into the tree-lined streets, she started to feel her optimism wane.

Will it be okay? she wondered.

Stepping into the resplendent courtyard, Ayuna knew there was no room for doubts—she had to take the shot.

***

The next day, Ayuna changed into a casual outfit and blazed through the side trail to Misono. Sure enough, Eiji was ready and waiting at the opening.

A new competition season was starting for varsity teams and Eiji had to keep a close watch on his team. To help Ayuna blend in, they played a short game on the side court, with Eiji occasionally running off to answer questions or to instruct junior players. 

After their rally, they sat on a courtside bench to watch practice matches. It was an unusually warm autumn afternoon. Here and there would come the cicada's intermittent chirps as they exhausted their last breaths. On the central court was the vice-captain leading freshmen through a series of racket drills. To the side were team members batting out one powerful shot after another into their opponent's court, sweat dripping from their brows and tanned faces.

While redolent of their youthful days at Seigaku, the scenes before them now felt misplaced.

Returning with two bottles of chilled tea, Eiji offered one to Ayuna.

She thanked him. "You know, I could get used to coming here every day. Everyone seems so laid back and at ease."

"Right?" Eiji took a long guzzle of tea and wiped his mouth. "When everyone works to help each other grow as a team, everyone tends to be friendly. Here at the tennis center, we're family."

"Just like Seigaku?"

"Well, that's a different story." Eiji looked down at his feet, "Still, I lucked out big time to be admitted to Misono—I wouldn't last a day at Hikari. Fuji took me there for a tour once. The buildings were fancy alright, but the atmosphere was so stuffy. Hikari students are constantly in a rush and they all had a stick up their behind!"

Ayuna laughed out loud. She couldn't have said it better. Certainly, there was no way for her to picture Eiji suited up and following Hikari's formal dress code.

"I'm glad I made you laugh."

"I'm glad you found a perfect little place for yourself."

Eiji leaned back and surveyed the courts, "Wouldn't have traded it for the world."

"Is that so?" Ayuna thought back to their first meeting in the student council office. "Seemed like you would have for my sister."

Eiji's smile faded. Gazing up at the pristine skies, he said, "You know, I thought I would. But I don't know anymore."