everything comes with a price

Chapter 21: The couple finds something interesting

Good news Pakura!" said a woman happily.

"What is it, Mum?" said Pakura, looking bored.

"I've heard of your love's death. It was such a shame! So, I decided you will get married as soon as you turn 18! I am sure you'll forget all about your love!" she gushed.

"Oh? Who am I getting married to?"

Her mother giggled. "Josh Richter, of course. He's such a cute and sensitive boy. He expressed interest in you in a party last year, so I asked him if he would like to marry you. He said 'Yes'!" Pakura widened her eyes in horror. "What? I can't marry him, mom. He's a jerk!" Her mum's tone suddenly turned firm. "You will marry him, or else you get out of this house!" Pakura went to her room, packed her possessions, and went to the door. "Fine, I will get out! I forgot to mention, champions get their own houses when they win." She saw her mother's face light up in greed, and she slapped it....HARD.

"Don't think I will share it with you all, just because you're my family. You all are scums!" she spat, before leaving the house.

Pakura sat up on her bed. 'Oh, it's just a nightmare.' She thought. She checked the clock. It was nearly seven. She refreshed herself, dressed and tied up her hair in her usual ponytail and wearing her usual pink ribbon clip, and went down to breakfast, only to find Ryoma having breakfast with Atobe. Apparently, Atobe came up to have breakfast with his boyfriend. It's quite romantic, in a way, but then it reminded her that she didn't have anyone she loves. "Morning, Ryoma, Atobe." She muttered, as she drew a chair and sat down next to Atobe. "Morning, Princess." They said in unison. Pakura placed French syrup on her pancake and started eating. "So, Pakura, where were you last night during dinner?" said Ryoma. "I went to a restaurant." She replied. "Who did you go with?" said Atobe. Pakura chocked on her pancake. "None of your business." She said, but they could see a faint blush on her cheeks. If she answered the question truthfully, they will think she's on a date with Ryoma's brother! Atobe opened his mouth to say something, but just then, the doors opened and out came the other champions. They greeted the trio, and then sat down and had breakfast. After breakfast, they headed down to the gym as usual.

They waited for the Coach of the day to supervise the matches. When the door opened, everyone (except the champions) gasped. The boy looked a lot like Ryoma. "Hello, everyone! My name is Echizen Ryoga, the new coach for the ITM champions!" Seeing their confused looks, he continued, "Coach Henry had to return to America for some business, so I'm taking over!" Gakuto was the first to speak. "So, were you an ITM champion, too?" Ryoga laughed. "Of course. In fact, I even mentored one of the champions here!" The players looked at them, wondering which of the champions he had mentored. Pakura wished she could just evaporate on the spot. "So, anyway, let's get on with the matches!" the screen lit up, and names began flickering. They stopped at, "Kajimoto Takahisa vs. Kite Eishirou. When they get to the court, Kite muttered to Kajimoto, "Did one of the champions come to speak to your team the other day?" Kajimoto nodded. "Yes. I can't believe Seigaku would do such a thing. However, she said to keep this meeting a secret, and not reveal the fact that we know the truth until the end, to cause more psychological blow." Kite nodded. "Same here. Let's get on with our match." They did, and surprisingly, Kajimoto won with 7-6. Both captains were tired out. "Good match, Kajimoto." said Kite, as he shook Kajimoto's hand. "You too, Kite." said Kajimoto. Then, there was a match between Atobe Keigo and Momoshiro Takeshi. Atobe won, with 6-0, mainly because the fact that he is venting his anger on Momoshiro for betraying Ryoma. After a few more matches (surprisingly, the champions all fell asleep at some point) it was time for lunch. The champions sat together as usual. Ryoam felt a hand tap on his shoulder. He looked up, only to see his brother. "What is it, Aniki?" said Ryoma. Ryoga merely said, "Come with me. You don't mind if I borrow him for a moment, do you?" he said to Atobe. Atobe shrugged. "Do whatever you like." With that, the Echizen brothers left the dining hall, to the curious looks of the other players.