I'm Not That Girl // Prince of Tennis

Chapter 6: He's All That

The school week went pretty fast; now it was only a day away from the tennis tournament Shiraishi invited her to watch.

In the past four days, she hadn't seen Shiraishi much except during lessons.

The spot under the lamppost right outside her house was always empty every time she left for school. For obvious reasons, morning practices and after-school practices that last till dark were necessary as the tournament drew close. Even during lunch breaks, Shiraishi would be one of the earliest to be out of their classroom to god knows where.

The only things they had going were some occasional greetings, meaningful eye contacts, and nods. It was not really odd though – it'd been quite a busy week with many tests and assignments due. Even Megumi has been busy with her club's fashion showcase for the festival.

Today was no different. But being a Friday, almost everyone was in a good mood – with the tennis tournament drawing near, the students especially the girls were particularly excited. Everywhere Shizue went on the campus; there were always words about the upcoming event. People were already discussing their anticipations.

The day also quickly came to an end, signaled by the resonating school bell.

Shiraishi was the first to leave for tennis; everyone knew it was for his team's final practice before the tournament. There were many wishes of 'good luck' spoken to him as he hurried past desks for the classroom door.

....

Shitenhouji was truly a strong team. Barely past noon, the team had already won three games against their rival team, already halfway to a complete victory. The spectators' stand belonging to Shitenhouji was nearly packed to the brim; fans and friends alike were there.

When she reached the tournament area with Megumi, they could barely find any seats and could only settle on remaining empty seats on the last row of the elevated spectators' stand. On their way to the designated tournament area, she spotted many ongoing matches between other schools. Apparently, there was more than one tournament occurring at the same time.

"It's Shiraishi-sama's turn!" An excited nudge prodded at Shizue's side as Megumi gushed along with the rest of the girls occupying the seats.

Shiraishi-sama...

Amusement and incredulity hummed through Shizue as she let out an awkward chuckle at her friend's reaction, cringing inwardly.

Her eyes were drawn back to the front in time to watch Shiraishi slip his jersey off his shoulders. Shizue noticed how the shrieks and gushes around had somehow grown even louder at that gesture. The banners held up seemed to be waved even more passionately too.

Shizue returned her eyes to the captain, eyeing the oblivious figure walking calmly into the court with his racket. Did he even notice the reactions he had caused? Or was he so used to this that he has become immune?

She knew Shiraishi had always been a magnet for attention, even when he was in his shy phase. But-But this was getting too exaggerating...!

The cacophony across the area was hushed into silence when the umpire announced the start of the game.

The soft, kind Shiraishi whose eyes were always smiling made her forget he was a person to be reckoned with on the court. But watching him now, the hard glint of determination and confidence in those eyes that showed no mercy reminded her that he wasn't just Shiraishi Kuranosuke. Not just her childhood friend and neighbor.

The man standing on the court now was simply Shiraishi Kuranosuke, the captain.

....