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

CHAPTER 26 - KANTO

"Finish 50 laps before you get your specific training regime." Yukimura's soft yet firm voice entered our ears, as we made our way to the starting line. Although it was just a small competition for Rikkaidai, the tennis team did not slack off despite being the winners for nationals.

Kanto-tournament was a place for the new batches of students in the other tennis teams to remember why they should fear Rikkaidai and to remind the new recruits of the Rikkaidai tennis team that it was hard work that resulted in the current prestige and victories.

After-all, the amount of effort that they poured in for tennis is the reason why they were victorious, and if they were to slack off, they knew that the crown could be easily snatched away.

I took the longest time to finish the 50 laps as my stamina was lacking. I made my way to Yanagi, panting heavily. There was an approximate 3 minutes difference between me and the first place, Jackal.

For an outsider, they might gasp at how unreasonable Lei Ayumi was. How was she, a female able to compare with a talented student that came from Brazil? Furthermore, the difference was just a mere 3 minutes.

However, for Rikkaidai, such differences were mocked upon. You were strong or weak. There were no differences between females and males. Rikkaidai never lose.

I went to collect my training regime when Yanagi pulled me aside to explain to me. "You have to do more stamina training and wrist training. Your wrist might not be able to absorb the strength of a heavy shot."

I decided to add several weights to my arm and legs before going for a run again. I know that it is important for me to improve my stamina. Our training was harsh, rotating every day- between basic swings, runs, and practice games.

I was usually matched up with Marui, who was lacking in his stamina as well. We encouraged each other during this hell training, and after all the blood, sweat and tears, I felt myself improving- being able to catch-up with Jackal.

"Do you run in the morning, Yukimura-senpai?" I casually asked as we made our way home as usual.

"I run at 6 in the morning, do you want to join me?" Yukimura replied, a small smile gracing his face. I nodded my head furiously as my eyes twinkled in excitement.

"I'll meet you at 6 outside your house." He informed me, as he dropped me off outside my house. I was surprised to see Yukimura slowing down for me to finish the run, knowing that I wasn't as fast as him.

As I felt guilty, I decided to run faster, slowly catching up to Yukimura's 'speed'. "Ayumi, do you want some isotonic water?" Yukimura offered, as he passed me his drink. I took it, satisfying my quench.

"Does this count as an indirect kiss?" I teased as I ran away, laughing at Yukimura who was frozen on his spot. I didn't notice the light pink hue that covered Yukimura's cheeks as he ran after me.

This routine continued for the entire week, as we went for a run in the morning, finishing our 5km run before going home to shower. He would accompany me to school for morning training as well, noting the dangers of travelling alone so early in the morning.

Today, it would mark the start of Rikkaidai's entrance into the Kanto-tournament.

A/n: 26/6/20 :D