Prince Of Tennis Fan Fiction ❯ Electronic Love ❯ Waiting, Hoping ( Chapter 12 )

Waiting, Hoping

Fuji watched his redheaded friend curiously. Though to others, nothing seemed different or out of ordinary, Fuji easily realized that there was something unusual about his friend's behavior. Eiji was talking excitedly and almost making no sense at all in its randomness. That was normal, Eiji spoke randomly often enough, and the only ones who usually listened and understand were Oishi and Fuji. But it was exactly the randomness that made Fuji realized there's something odd about him.

Eiji had been talking since the first class started. He talked about his toothpaste, his latest fight with his siblings, his pets and even the teachers. But not once did he mention anything about his date with Oishi the previous night. In fact he never once mentioned Oishi at all today.

And that was weird because Oishi was usually Eiji's favorite subject in conversation (or monologue, depending on the person around him). Also because Fuji knew how much Eiji had wanted that date in order to spend more time with his boyfriend. So the fact that Eiji didn't mention or even avoid mentioning Oishi, was an interesting fact.

Fuji's mind came up with many reasons why Eiji would do that. The worst possibility was that Oishi had hurt him, perhaps unintentionally, or perhaps not. Many scenarios to make Oishi pay for what he'd done occurred to Fuji (making him eat wasabi sushi, spreading evil gossip, handing out his email and phone number to his fan girls, or the most evil yet: slipping Aozu into his drink). But first he must know what truly happened to Eiji to decide the proper punishment.

However, before he had the chance to open his mouth and ask, Eiji interrupted him with a delighted cry.

“Oishi!”

For once, Eiji managed to refrain himself from jumping Oishi right then and there. Instead, the redhead just grin as his boyfriend approached him and Fuji. Apparently nothing was wrong between the love birds, and Fuji was perhaps just being oversensitive. But all this was lost to Fuji because he couldn't help staring at the person walking behind Oishi. Why was Tezuka here? Fuji's heart beat faster as he smiled, first at Oishi, then at Tezuka.

“Want to have lunch together?” Oishi asked his boyfriend.

Eiji's smile was enough to melt South Pole. “Of course! Fuji, come with us, nya!”

Fuji chuckled and shook his head. “No, I don't think so. I don't want to disturb you two.”

“No, you won't disturb us! Even Tezuka is coming. Right, Tezuka?”

Fuji turned to his captain. Tezuka looked back at him, his face unreadable as always. But Fuji could sense something beneath the mask. Discomfort and hopefulness. Did that mean Tezuka expected him to accompany him?

“Come on, Fuji!”

Oishi nodded in assurance. “It's all right.”

Finally, with a gracefully shrug, Fuji agreed. “All right. Where should we go to?”

Eiji grinned and dragged him out of their classroom. Oishi and Tezuka followed closely behind, secretly exchanging a triumphant and relieved look.

*

Eiji led them to a vacant spot under a sakura tree. The flowers hadn't bloomed at this time of the year, but it provided a nice atmosphere, almost romantic even. Eiji and Oishi quickly got lost in their own world, teasing and whispering to each other as they exchanged the lunches.

Fuji sat in a respective distance from them, not wanting to interrupt their intimacy. But he sat across from them, wanting to observe the work of love between his friends. Tezuka had done the same, sitting next to him. And as soon as the tall boy seated himself next to Fuji, Fuji's heart raced.

From the corner of his eyes Fuji could see a glimpse of Tezuka's face and his graceful movement that Fuji believed rivaled his praised triple counters. His presence overwhelmed him; he was so near yet so far from reach. Fuji was all too conscious to little things like the rise and fall of Tezuka's chest as he breathed, the soft breathing, the soft scent of musk emanating from his body… Fuji wanted to be lost in Tezuka forever. He wanted to drown in his presence. And here, now, with Tezuka so close yet so far from him, he could dream, he allowed himself to dream. He dreamt about Tezuka's arms around him, holding him close; about Tezuka's hands all over him, discovering him; about Tezuka's lips over him, possessing him …

“I heard that you've been receiving odd emails lately.” Tezuka suddenly said, rousing Fuji from his daydream.

Fuji hid his surprise and smiled. “Saa… It appeared to be so.” he replied breezily. He picked up something from his bento box, barely noticing what it was as he was too busy focusing on Tezuka.

Tezuka looked at Fuji closely, ignoring the burst of soft giggle from the couple before him. “Does it disturb you?”

Fuji smiled wider to hide his pain. “Don't worry, buchou, it won't affect my performance in tennis.”

“And what makes you think that's the only thing I'm concerned about?”

Surprised at the annoyance in Tezuka's voice, Fuji turned to him. He kept his smile even as Tezuka's light frown confused him. “If not my tennis ability, what else then?”

“Do you think that's the only way I see you as?”

“What else could I be to your eyes?”

“Fuji, you're not just a teammate or a rival to me.”

Fuji's heart skipped a beat. He dared to cracked his eyes open just a bit. Hazel eyes locked onto blue. The usual seriousness was present, but there was something else that stirred beneath it; annoyance, desperation and… longing?

“Then what am I to you, Tezuka?” Fuji asked. His mouth suddenly dry, his heart suddenly thundered, his smile slowly fell to unmask him…

Tezuka seemed stunned and confused. He paused then repeated his words slowly. “You're not just a teammate or a rival.”

Fuji nodded, waiting. His breathing stopped. That moment, Tezuka was his universe.

“Fuji, I…”

“Fujiko!” Suddenly a very loud cry split the air. “Oishi is so mean, nya!”

Eiji flung himself over Fuji, making it impossible for the brunette to not get involved and amend the lovers. Not just teammate and friend? What was he to Tezuka? What was Tezuka going to say? Could it be… No! But then what…?

Out of Fuji's sight Tezuka glanced at Eiji and nodded slightly in gratefulness and relief.

*

Tezuka never knew that waiting could make you fell this nervous. Not once, not even in when he was about to play Atobe had Tezuka felt like he wanted to flee from a situation this badly. But now waiting in this small restaurant, waiting for Yumiko to arrive, he couldn't help but wanting to bolt out of the place.

He sat tensely, a textbook laid open in front of him. He tried to appear normal by all accounts but failed miserably. Every now and then he would glance out of the window, clearly distracted. He could only find comfort in conjuring up ways to murder a group of girls staring at him and giggling madly a few tables away from him.

Perhaps his friends were right and he did get a kick from seeing (or imagining) others' sufferings. Making his teammates run laps indeed relieve some of his stress. But this stress were usually caused by said teammates own mistakes and trouble so he didn't really make them run laps for the sheer fun of it but merely to remind them the consequences of annoying the captain.

The moment one of the girls gathered enough courage and stood up from her chair, the bell on top of the restaurant's door clinked to signal the coming of a new customer. As he had done half a dozen times before, Tezuka glanced to the door. This time he was right. Eiji was ushering Yumiko into the restaurant. Tezuka immediately stood up to get their attentions and avoid the girl's attempt to approach him. Eiji saw him and pointed to him and led Yumiko to Tezuka's table. From the corner of his eyes Tezuka saw the girl sat back in disappointment and couldn't help but feel relieved.

“It's him. He wants to talk to you.” Eiji said to Yumiko. Then he smiled to Tezuka encouragingly and left.

Tezuka waited until Yumiko sat before reclaiming his seat. The waitress came to take their orders and after taking the orders, left them to talk.

“So, Tezuka-kun, you want to talk to me?” Yumiko began conversationally but the searching look on her blue eyes made Tezuka panic just the slightest bit. He wondered if he had made a mistake.

“Yes.” He answered.

“I thought it were Eiji who wants to speak to me. He implied there's something he wants to discuss about Shuusuke to me.”

“There is something I'd like to discuss about Fuji.”

Yumiko stilled. Her sharp blue eyes pierced into Tezuka's hazel eyes. She leaned back on her seat and said with the kind of deadly calmness Fuji sometimes used when displeased. “And it is…”

“I'm not sure if you've heard, but you probably have. Your brother has been receiving mysterious emails this past two weeks.” Tezuka said softly.

“Aa. I know. There's nothing to be worried about, though. From what I can tell, he is enjoying those emails.”

Enjoying? Did Fuji see this as a game? Tezuka pushed the worry away for the time being. “It's the sender of those letters that I want to talk about.”

“Prince Charming? Do you know him, Tezuka-kun?” Yumiko asked. Curiosity and excitement lighted her eyes.

“Yes. I am Prince Charming.”

Yumiko blinked blankly and then shook her head. “I'm sorry but can you say it again? I don't think I heard correctly.”

“I am Prince Charming.”

Yumiko closed her eyes to process the information. Then she laughed softly. “I'm sorry, Tezuka-kun, but you don't strike me as someone who would…”

“Send love letters with rose in Fuji's shoe locker? Put a box of chocolate with a poem under sakura tree?” When Yumiko failed to say anything, Tezuka drew out several papers from his bag. “They are the poems I sent Fuji and his replies. Do you recognize them?”

Yumiko read the poems slowly, still in disbelieve. She recognized Fuji's poems and the ones from Prince Charming Fuji showed her. But the most important thing was that the poem wasn't the only thing that got printed. On the corner where the user's name was displayed was a very familiar nickname: Prince Charming.

“Do you believe me now?”

“Aa. But I don't think you called me here just to tell me this.”

“You're right. I'm here to ask for your help.”

Yumiko looked up from the papers curiously. Tezuka steeled himself to explain. “I've asked him to meet me.”

“Yes. This weekend.” Yumiko acknowledged the information.

“I and my friends decided that we couldn't do it on our own, so we decided to ask for your help.”

“Your friends?”

“Oishi, Inui, Kaido, and Eiji.”

Yumiko nodded to show that she recognized them. “What kind of help?”

“Decorating the house. We think it needs a romantic touch we can't provide.”

Yumiko hummed thoughtfully then suddenly leaned forward to Tezuka. Her face was serious as she looked straight into Tezuka's eyes. “But first, I want to ask you something. Why do you do all this?”

Tezuka didn't hesitate to answer. He never blinked as he answered Yumiko's question. “I love him.”

“Are your sure?”

“I love Fuji Shuusuke.”

“Even though he is a male?”

“Yes.”

“Why do you love him?”

Tezuka paused and shook his head. “I don't know.”

“Because he is hot and sexually attractive?”

“Yes.” He admitted. “Those are some of the reasons. But most of all I love him because he is Fuji Shuusuke.”

“You've known him for about three years. You know that his character is far from flawless.”

Tezuka nodded. “I know. I love him as he is. I love his talents, beauty and intelligence, but I also love his flaws. I never expect him to be perfect.”

“You really love him.” Yumiko posed it as both a question and a statement.

“I do. I love him with all my heart.”

Yumiko stared at Tezuka some more. Then finally she leaned beck with a satisfied smile. “I'm glad I won't have to entrust my brother to a stranger who could've been a sexual predator.”

“Nee-san…”

“I'll help you. Just promise me you'll treat Shuusuke right even if he rejects you.” Not that she thought it'd ever happen. But from what she heard from her brother and from the way Tezuka acted, she had very strong notion that the two love birds hadn't realized that their feelings for each other weren't unreciprocated.

Tezuka's lips twitched slightly. “Yes, nee-san.”

“So what have you prepared?”

Suddenly Tezuka realized that he hadn't prepared anything at all. All he had were concepts and theories and he planned to invite Fuji this weekend? He only had two days to prepare everything. Was it even enough time? Tezuka mentally cursed himself for rushing into making decision. He hadn't really calculated the time and just assumed that he could do everything within a span of five days. Where was the careful calculation that made him the captain of the tennis team twice? Tezuka shook his head hesitantly.

“Nothing?” Yumiko asked in surprise. “Weekend is only two days away and you haven't prepared anything?”

Tezuka cleared his throat but didn't try to defend himself there. He knew he was at fault. He should've prepared things earlier, though it wasn't really his fault that he had spent most of his saving for the dinner and was now left with a little more than half of his original saving amount.

“I never thought you could be so reckless. From what I heard you are a responsible person. “Yumiko admonished him. Then she sighed dramatically as if in exasperation. Tezuka recognized this technique from Fuji who some times did it to tease him about his responsibility and dedication as a captain. True enough, Yumiko looked up to him and smiled. “We should hurry up then. Show me the house.”

*

Tezuka's head was still spinning with anxiety during morning practice the next day. He had taken Yumiko to the house the previous night. They entered the house with the key Inui had given him and immediately checked the place.

Yumiko was very excited to the point of being ecstatic. Just a few minutes in the house and she already made a long list of decorative items to buy. Tezuka quickly told her that he didn't have much money left to buy them when he saw the number of the items she wanted to buy. But the young woman would have none of it.

“Tezuka-kun, I'll do anything to make Shuusuke happy. And a dull, not-romantically-decorated house will not make him happy. I'll pay for them.”

Once they solved that, Tezuka merely let her put whatever she wished onto the list. He listened quietly as she read the list and only spoke to tell her that they could borrow the sheets, pillow cases and such things from Kaido's uncle. She was so glad to hear that piece of information and put more to the list.

Honestly Tezuka was still unsure whether Yumiko's excitement was good or not. It certainly wasn't good hen she drove him home last night. Her excitement had apparently impaired her driving skill because Tezuka was sure the red lights tailing behind them last night weren't mobile Christmas tree. But Yumiko said that she had a night shift today and was going to prepare the house during the day. Tezuka, Inui, Kaido, Oishi and Ryoma had agreed to come after tennis practice to help.

Tezuka was so engrossed in planning his activity that he didn't realize Fuji had come to stand next to him on the courtside. When he realized this, Tezuka couldn't help but feel a bit worried. Had Fuji found out? Tezuka didn't dare acknowledging his friend's presence verbally in fear of the slip of tongue. Besides, he knew that Fuji knew from experience that Tezuka was always aware of others' presences around him.

“Horio has gotten better, ne? Do you think he'll make it as a regular to replace us?” Fuji began conversationally.

Tezuka didn't respond to this because he knew that it was only the beginning of something more serious. Again, fear gripped his heart. Had his cover been bluffed just a day before the promised day?

“Do you think he and Ryoma will ever be rivals? Like, perhaps, you and me?”

“Maybe.” Tezuka answered quietly.

“But what was it that you said about our rivalry, Tezuka? You haven't finished what you said yesterday.”

Tezuka blinked but didn't answer. He had almost admitted his feelings to Fuji yesterday. He was thankful of Oishi and Eiji's presences yesterday. They managed to distract Fuji and prevent him from asking Tezuka further. But now there was no one around to help Tezuka out of the situation. They were all busy practicing on the courts and couldn't simply abandon their matches in favor of helping him. Tezuka knew he was a lousy liar and wouldn't even dream of lying to Fuji, the tensai. But how should he answer his question now?

“Hmm. Tezuka?” Fuji implored softly.

“You are not just a teammate and rival.” Tezuka repeated his words from yesterday.

“Then what am I?”

Finally Tezuka turned to Fuji. He saw that Fuji was facing him, looking at him closely with his beautiful blue eyes. Tezuka saw curiosity in those eyes and also something else that both darkened and lightened Fuji's eyes. Was it affection? Tezuka hoped so.

“Fuji.” He began softly. Fuji's blue eyes sucked up his whole universe until there were only the two of them. Tezuka tried not to glance down to Fuji's pink lips but failed. He wondered how they'd taste like when he plundered them. Would they be as sweet as they looked? Would they resist him? Would they yield under the pressure of his lips? Did he really have to wait until tomorrow to find out? “I…”

“Buchou, Ryuzaki-sensei wants to talk to you.”

Both teens turned to see Echizen smirk his infamous smirk behind them. Fuji swallowed thickly when he saw how Tezuka immediately took a step back, but still he forced himself to smile to Tezuka. His hands were clenched tightly into fists on his side as he spoke to Tezuka. “Seems like duty calls.” He tried to joke.

Tezuka nodded slightly. “Excuse me.”

Fuji turned back to the courts once Tezuka left. Grief and jealousy gripped his heart tightly. His eyes stung with unshed tears. Just as he wished Ryoma would leave him with his misery, the freshman came to stand beside him. Fuji held back his tears and sadness and smiled emptily.

“So… just out of curiosity, what were you talking about with buchou?” Ryoma asked.

Of course he'd want to know about their earlier conversation. Fuji bit his tongue against crying. He told himself not to hurt Ryoma. He told himself that strangling Ryoma would be so out of character of him. He told himself that there was Prince Charming waiting for him tomorrow. But the dark force of jealousy combined with his inner sadist won. He was going to let Ryoma have a taste of Fuji's source of pain, jealousy.

“Nothing much.” Fuji said with his usual mysterious smile. “I asked Tezuka to finish what he tried to say yesterday.”

“And what did he say to you, senpai?”

“That for him I'm not just a rival and a teammate.”

“And you believe in him? Ryoma asked with a smirk. Now Fuji knew for sure that Ryoma had at least a suspicion that he had hidden feeling toward their captain.

“Tezuka never lies.”

Ryoma shrugged indifferently. “Well, I do suppose that you two are best friends”

Fuji tensed slightly beside the freshman. Before he could come up with a reply, however, he heard a shout from the court.

“C'mon, Echizen! It's time for our match!” Momoshiro shouted.

Ryoma pulled his cap down slightly. “Senpai.” He excused himself.

Fuji watched his junior leave. His eyes opened and his smile crumbled. Best friend. So that's what Tezuka tried to tell him. Best friend. Of course. They were best friends…

Fuji closed his eyes tightly. He couldn't deny his disappointment and sadness. He couldn't deny feeling lost when he heard that. But in the long dark tunnel of despair he was in, he saw one glimpse of light in the end. Prince Charming.

^_^