Over Him
PROLOGUE:
“Ja Minna”
A smiling Fuji Syusuke said, as he waved goodbye to the other regulars standing in front of Kawamura Sushi.
It was after the much-awaited Nationals, and in what have become a post-game tradition; the Seigaku Tennis Club had just eaten a hearty meal of free sushi, sashimi, and anything else they wanted to eat at Kawamura Takeshi’s Sushi restaurant.
“Aaah! That anago sushi sure tastes good! It sure does!” Maomoshiro Takeshi exclaimed while rubbing his stomach.
“Teme…anything edible tastes good to you.” Kaidoh Kaoru hissed as he slung his tennis bag over his shoulders.
“Nani?! Care to repeat that Mamushi?! Are you saying I have no taste?!” Momo shouted raising his fists.
“Fsshuuu….that would be insulting to Kawamura-senpai. I’m talking about that endless pit you call a stomach.”
“Oi..Oi…stop that you two.” Oishi said stepping in between the two regulars who are angrily eyeing each other. “You shouldn’t be saying things like that especially after Taka-san was nice enough to let us celebrate our championship for free; and with such good food too!”
“Oh…It was nothing.” Takeshi said smiling sheepishly as he scratches the back of his head, blushing timidly.
Kikumaru Eji, moved next to the power player, and with a snicker secretly slipped a tennis racket at the left hand hanging limply by his side.
Everyone jumped back in surprise to avoid being hit by a wildly swung racket as a burning Takeshi started shouting, “C’MOOOON BABYYYYY!!!! YOU DARE INSULT KAWAMURA-SUSHI?!?!?!?!?! ORA! ORA! COME HERE AND I WILL WHIP YOU WITH A FRESH TROUT!!!!” (Pun for IRCers)
“Taka-san!!!!” Momo screamed as he ran from the raging Takeshi “Gomen! Gomen!” I didn’t mean it that way; No I didn’t!”
He ran behind the smiling Tensai daring to use Fuji as a cover against the agitated racket-wielding senpai.
“Saa…Taka-san. Arigatou. The sushi were very delicious as usual. Honto ni. Especially the wasabi.”
“Eh?!” Everyone gawked at the ever similing Tennis Tensai in unison, since no one can really abide the taste of Wasabi sushi except for him.
“OH YEEESSSSS! WASABI SUSHI IS THE BEST!” Taka shouted agreeing with Fuji. He pointed the racket menacingly at Momo before saying “You hungry boy! I will feed you with all kinds of Wasabi sushi till you can’t eat no more!” He cackled as he continues waving the racket like a madman, until his hand accidentally hit a signpost making causing him to finally drop the racket. As usual, Taka-san dropped from his burning mode as if doused by cold water. “Eh..well of course unless you really don’t want Wasabi…but you still need to pay for additional orders since it’s no longer free.” He added shyly.
Everyone laughed.
“Well, Minna.” Ryuzaki sensei interjected “That’s enough fun and games for now. Everyone; good job! Omedatou! Since this is the last tournament for the school year — and as a reward for doing such a great job — everyone can take the rest of the week off. Practice will resume next week. You sophomores and freshmen,” she said looking at the non regulars. “Make sure you train hard. The Seniors will be graduating by summer and there will be a lot of Regular slots to fill. Don’t think it’s going to be any easier for you now than it was before.”
There was a moment of thoughtful silence as everyone let Ryuzaki-sensei’s words sink in. Incoming seniors like Arai are excited knowing that they will definitely have a higher chance in getting a Regular spot this year. The freshmen like Horio (and the others) also feel excited and nervous because they can finally compete in the ranking matches. The seniors contemplate on their chosen paths going into high school. While the incoming third year regulars like Kaidoh and Momoshiro can’t help but feel both excited and nervous at the thought of the huge responsibility of ensuring that Seigaku will win their back-to-back championship even without the strongest players in their team. And as for the freshman regular…
“Ne, Ochibi” Eiji blurted. “Have you decided what you’re going to do next year?”
“Hmm?” Was Echizen Ryoma’s only response as he cocked his head; “Who knows.” He said shrugging. It was a question everyone had wanted to ask. They all wanted Seigaku to win next year’s Nationals as well but with mostly rookies composing the new team, with the exception of Momo and Kaidoh, everyone was hoping that Echizen will be the driving force of the new team. And with that responsibility of being Seigaku’s new pillar of Support, everyone’s train of thought immediately went to the next burning question.
“Ryuzaki-sensei” Oishi spoke up “I think we should start discussing with Tezuka who will be succeeding him as Buchou after graduation.”
“Sasaga Oishi. We should be finalizing that by the next 3 weeks.” The coach agreed. “Tezuka?” She turned to the Buchou.
“Hai!” Tezuka Kunimitsu replied. “Wakarimashitta.”
“Well, everyone. That’ll be it for now. I’ll be seeing you at the courts next week.” The sensei said effectively dismissing the team.
The group dispersed, and everyone waved each other good-bye’s as each team member went his own way.
”Eiji-senpai!” Momo ran up to the acrobatic player, excitedly asking him if he wants to check out the newly released tennis shoes at their favorite store. Eiji excitedly pumped his right arm while he glomped his doubles-partner, Oishi, with the other; dragging him along an impromptu shopping trip. The trio had already walked a good mile towards the direction of the Sports shop when Kikumaru stopped in his tracks. “Nya! We forgot to take Ochibi!” He wailed. “Chotto matte, Momo.” He said as he jogged back to where they had left Echizen.
“Oi! Ochibi!” Kikumaru called out as he rounded the corner going to Kawamura Sushi. He sighed in relief when he saw that Ryoma is still standing where they had left him. He was about to try to get his attention when he realized that there was something odd about Ryoma. With his keen sense of observation he stared at the rigid stance of the freshman that the regular’s affectionately consider as their ototou. “Ochibi…” Eiji said quietly when he followed Ryoma’s line of vision.
Ryoma stared intently down the road. He didn’t even notice that he was the only one left in front of the shop. He vaguely remembers Taka-san asking him if he’s okay standing there alone, and him waving off his senpai’s worried look. “I’m ok Kawamura-senpai. I just wanted to rest a while before going home. My Baka-Oyaji will probably be clamoring me for another match as soon as I come in through the gate.”
The glare of the setting sun slightly blurred his vision. He knew he should be turning around so that he can get home before it gets too dark. Even so, he continued to stand transfixed as he stared at the departing forms that held his interest for the past ten minutes.
“Fuji-Senpai…is very lucky” The young boy said; his voice barely above a whisper as he looked on at the two prominent players of the Seigaku tennis club walking side by side. Even from the distance, he can still make out the genuine smile that masked Fuji-senpai’s face as he returned the look of unconcealed affection from their generally impassive Buchou.
Ryoma took out his cap, lowering the visor as he placed it on his head. Turning on his heels, he calls it a day and made his way home.
