Warning: Long dialogues

Full Story

Choosing to gather at Sawamura and Kuramochi's room after they finished eating dinner and taking a bath, a total of ten men were present to hear Rina's explanation. She had told Yoshikawa everything earlier in the afternoon while they were doing their managerial duties so the red-head did not have to stay behind to hear the whole story.

Kominato, Furuya, Kanemaru, Toujou, and of course, Sawamura were present. The remaining half was Kuramochi, Kawakami, Shirasu, Maezono and an unenthusiastic Miyuki. They fitted themselves into the room; some sat on the beds while some plopped down on the floor. Rina sat on the chair of the study table so that she'd be able to face everyone properly.

"I guess it's best if I start from the very beginning." The brunette took a deep breath since it was going to be a lengthy story.

"As you already know, I was originally sent here so that I could have a break from all the stress I was experiencing in America. During the US Open I injured my left knee so I had to sit out for a few months. I was in the process of recovery and rehabilitation but I was so depressed and disappointed with myself. And everything around me just had to remind me of tennis. Not to mention, I had to deal with the press which gave me additional strain. So we decided it was best to come back here to Japan since I did have a relative to look after me. Originally, I was going to stay at Rei-nee's place but, taking after her and her persuasion skills, I was able to convince her to let me stay in one of the unused dorms. If I stayed at my aunt's place then I'd be bored to death for sure!" The brunette skipped the part about the incident which led to the discovery of her injury.

"Anyways, watching the game against Akikawa made me realize how much I missed playing tennis. I felt it was the game where you guys and the retired third years were having fun the most. So, I started thinking about returning… you know, to complete my rehab and play again. But I didn't want to leave yet because I at least wanted to do something for you guys in return." Rina embraced Sora, her blue teddy bear whom she held since she started talking, tighter. "I realized that the best thing I could do was to cheer you guys on so I scheduled a flight around after the finals."

"Why did you leave on the same day as the finals when you could've left the day after?" Maezono asked. Rina bit her lower lip as if she didn't want to answer the question.

"It's because I would have had a hard time leaving…" She answered blushing and in a low voice while looking away from everyone's gazes. "I was thinking that if you guys had won I would've wanted to stay and watch you at Koshien. But if you guys lost, which you did by the way, I would've stayed to comfort you."

Pouting, Rina continued.

"I didn't think the game was going to enter extra innings. Of course I wanted to watch but Rei-nee reminded me that I had a flight to catch so I had to reluctantly leave."

Bringing Sora to her face, the brunette whispered "I cried inside the taxi because I knew you were going to lose and there I was leaving without a word. I felt guilty."

"Rina?" Sawamura called out to the girl. The brunette lifted her head up and gave a meek smile.

"Sorry, sorry. Where was I? Right… Back at home, when they give me the a-ok to finally play in a tournament, the earliest one was the Osaka Mayor's Cup so of course I had to make preparations. First, I made sure not to contact anyone except Rei-nee. Next, I talked with my parents about finishing my high school here. Since I am aiming for pro it is ideal for me to devote all of my time to tennis but I told them how much fun I had during my stay here. I tried to convince them real hard until Lou, my best friend, had the perfect timing! Her dad was going to be transferred to Japan for a year and she was coming along since it's only the two of them in their family. I tried to use this and somehow, I was able to convince them. So now, both of my parents are living here as well for the meantime and I'll still be a manager till my third year. Though, I'll only be staying in the dorms till spring. And the main deal was that we work out a solid training schedule and that we'll return to the US after graduation."

"Now that we're on the topic, how about the one month you missed in class?" Kanemaru cut in.

"I'll have to take remedial classes but it'll be a breeze. Rei-nee always sent me notes to study so I'll be fine."

"Back to the story, of course Rei-nee was the only one aware of my return. I heard from her about the coach and your plans so I asked her to keep quiet about me being back. We all needed to focus on our own games. Fast forward, my final game was a day before yours so I was planning to watch but they asked for an exclusive interview from the Empress and Champion of the tournament so I didn't make it." The boys were left speechless. Rina was always able to surprise them and exceed their expectations.

"To think that you went through all that… as I thought Rina is amazing. I as well cannot lose to her passion and hard work! I, Sawamura Eijun, will definitely do my best at Koshien!" Sawamura completely ignored, the others finally spoke up. They congratulated the brunette and warmly welcomed her back to the team. Rina's smile reached from ear to ear. She was genuinely happy at the moment but deep inside she was also excited for the surprises she had prepared for the team.

I should have probably included this in the last chapter but well yeah... To make up for it, I'm uploading another chapter before writing EHC's chapter 4. I'm really sorry guys for the long gap since my last update. I just went through a lot and it was taxing for both my mind and body so I really had to take some time off. Anyways, I'm back now so I can assure you updates will be faster. But this is all for now so till next time~