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

CHAPTER 24 - DATA

I 'tch-ed' them as I took another sip of my strawberry Fanta. "Let's continue," I grumbled, as I shifted uncomfortably on my seat. The regulars sniggered as they faced Yanagi again.

"The captain, Miyoshi Sato. He's the reason why the team became so... dirty. He's not that bad skills-wise, but obviously still lacking in many areas."

"The vice-captain, Soma Aoi. He plays doubles with Ikeda Masa, both of them like to hit ambiguous shots, where it is hard to discern the points."

"Another doubles team, Abe Katsu and Izumi Tone. Their rackets usually slip from their hands, and coincidentally hit the opponents. The games against them usually end with the opponent landing in the hospital."

"The treasurer, Saburo Nakata is famous for pissing people off with their words and forcing them to take actions. He's good at agitating people psychologically. He's someone we should watch out, especially Kirihara." Yanagi continued, staring at Kirihara. Kirihara's face blushed red in embarrassment as we teased him.

"Lastly...the female regular that was promoted. Not much data was collected about her except how she's a singles player. She's most probably playing in Singles 3. Her name is Hikaru Yui." Yanagi stated, as her picture appeared on the projector.

I stiffened when he mentioned her name, gazing at her picture. It felt like yesterday when I last saw that black-haired female. Her black eyes were like the abyss, mocking me. The coy look on the picture...if only I wasn't tricked by it.

"Ayumi? Are you okay? Don't tell me you feel threatened by her." Marui teased, as he nudged me. However, his eyes were full of concern. I knew that he noticed how I stiffened when her name was mentioned, and something was wrong.

"Why would I?" I retorted as I pretended everything was fine. My actions were able to fool most of the regulars, as they laughed along with me. I didn't notice how Yukimura's eyes sharpened when I stiffened up at her name.

'It's the second time this occurred. She must have known who Hikaru Yui is.' Yukimura noted as he looked at the girl who was joking along with the other regulars.

"Take a look at the matchup of who would be competing in this competition. I don't think it's necessary for me to participate in this round, thus Ayumi, I'll give this chance to you."

I looked at the list, taking in a sharp breath as I noticed the pairing for Singles 3. It was a deciding factor for the games, and it meant that most probably I would be participating against Hikaru Yui.

I stared at Yukimura, trying to figure out his intentions in putting me against her when he obviously knew that I had a past with her. 'I guess it's time to settle some old debts.' I thought as I clenched my fist. The nails that were pressing against my flesh could not compare to the pain of that day.

"Training would be slightly adjusted to warm you guys up against your opponents or to improve your weak points. Remember to take this form to submit to your teacher to inform them to excuse you for the competition." Yanagi said as he passed down some paper.

"The courts are closed for washing so everyone would be dismissed." Yukimura closed the meeting. As I had plans to secretly visit the street tennis courts, I decided to go home immediately. Yukimura also had prior plans, thus we made our way home together in comfortable silence.

"What happened between you and her?" Yukimura asked as he looked at me with a twinge of curiosity.

"Nothing much," I answered, controlling my body to walk normally.

"Nothing much? You stiffen every time she is mentioned. It was like that in the morning and during the meeting." He continued, as he stared at me

"I didn't know you were so interested in my business. She and I did have a past. What else do you want to know!" I hissed as I walked faster.

"I'm sorry. I crossed a line just now. I was just concerned for you." Yukimura sincerely apologised, as he held my wrist. I stared at him, as my eyes softened.

"I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have lashed out." I muttered as I gave out a heavy sigh, I knew that Yukimura was not someone who would apologise easily as people usually bow down to him- unless he was really sorry.

"Both of us just share a complicated past, more like she was the reason why I was in such a state. Does this answer your question?" I revealed as I shifted away from Yukimura's piercing gaze. I couldn't decipher the many emotions behind Yukimura's eyes, as I felt something bubble inside me. He nodded his head before we continued our way home.  

A/n: did they have a spat...?

24/6/20