Of tennis and love ( PRINCE OF TENNIS YUKIMURA SEIICHI FF )

CHAPTER 10 - talking to marui

A/n: check out 'wonderful days' on Ytube, it's a rly good song sang by ATOBE LOL 

The screams and chattering outside the door were distracting the class inside from the pair work I was working on with Mao. I sighed, as Mao waved goodbye to me. I knew it was almost impossible to avoid the conversation with Bunta.

"Bunta, let's go," I called out, as he followed me. I agreed to Marui's request to talk later as there was no tennis practice for him today, and I was eager to go to the famous cafe Mao recommended to me.

"The cakes at Ouran Cafe are really good y'know! Especially the strawberry shortcake, I'm sure you'll love it." Marui grinned after I showed him the shop I wanted to go. We made our way there, laughing and reminiscing of the past.

"2 strawberry shortcakes, and 2 bubblegum soda!" Marui told the counter, as he passed a bill to the cashier. I took a seat, looking at Marui who was collecting the food. As he sat down, we broke into the silence. He sipped on his drink, while I munched quietly on my cake, drooling internally at the spongy cake which was filled with strawberry jam.

"Ayumi...what happened?" He eyed me, as he placed his drink down.

I took a deep breath, before rolling up the sleeves of my jacket, revealing a huge scar on the front of my hand. He gasps, looking at the injury.

"I was attacked," I replied, rolling the sleeves down.

"WHAT?! By who? What happened?" He rambled on, holding my wrist.

"It's in the past. I'm fine now...I just don't wish to go back to tennis." I muttered while taking another bite of the cake.

"You loved tennis! You told me not to give up...so how could you?" Marui's grip on my wrist tightens, as his voice trembled.

"I did love tennis...but I can't bring myself to play anymore. I don't think tennis is worth it anymore. I'm sorry if I disappointed you, Bunta." I pause, removing his grip on my wrist.

"I'll accept this answer for now, but if you ever wish to get back to tennis- please let me know, and don't shut me out, alright?" He continues with a determined expression, holding his glass of bubblegum soda up.

I gave a small genuine smile, clanking my glass against his. "Alright." After we finished up our food, we decided to go to the arcade which we used to frequent when we were younger.

"Eh...it's not early anymore! I'll walk you back." Marui exclaims as we left the arcade. I hugged the plush toy Marui caught for me tighter as I nod my head.

"Wow, you actually live close to buchou!" Marui remarks as he stopped in front of my residence. I quirked an eyebrow, as I waved goodbye to him.

After Marui left, I gave out a heavy sigh, grateful that he was willing to accept my vague answers, and how he was so encouraging- despite not seeing him for so long.

29/5/2020