The wonders of a paradox

Disclaimer: Konomi-sensei owns the tenipuri characters, Aiba belongs to himself (just borrowed his name) and I own the story plot.

Rating: G or K (variable)

Genre: General, suspense (variable)

Pairing: Currently none

Warnings or notes: Possible anime spoilers, AU, OOC-ness, grammar and other errors (English is not my mother tongue).

I fancied watching Tenipuri when the third years were just freshmen and so I decided to write a fanfiction about it. Those who watched Tenimyu will get to know something soon. Hehe.

Hehe, special thanks to Johin for being my beta reader!

Please drop a review if you do like my idea, or even if you don't.

: Ready… Go :

Prologue – A new student

At an early age, Tezuka Kunimitsu was already very dedicated to tennis. His deep passion for the sport and the time he spent practicing were incredible that no one could beat him in it. At the age of twelve, he was enrolled into a famous school named Seigaku and joined its tennis club with letters of recommendations from various well-known people. Acting as a star pupil in his school, a best model for his friends and one of the acknowledged regulars in the tennis team, Tezuka was worshipped by countless people.

"Tezuka-kun!" His fan club was gaining more members as more girls signed up despite his plan to stay low in profile. He never enjoyed such public display of affection or simply fame. He was just on his path to his goal. That was all. Nothing worth to be worshipped on, he mused.

The number of fans increased as each day went by, and everyday Tezuka was surrounded by the girls, until suddenly he finally found peace. Oishi Syuichiroh, his best friend and classmate, gave an amused smile upon seeing a relieved look on Tezuka's face. "Seems like someone stole the spotlight from you," he said as he took the seat beside Tezuka with his red-haired friend tailing behind him.

"Nya! I know who you're talking about. The new transfer student is in the same class as me!" Kikumaru Eiji exclaimed, taking the seat across the stoic boy he came to grow fond of.

"Fuji Syusuke, 12. Birthday unknown. Always wearing a soft smile on his lips with his eyes closed. Looks feminine with his chin-length light brown hair," a voice startled the trio. Inui Sadaharu decided to grace them with his presence and data. Before he could resume reading it, someone else stopped him.

"Hoi! Inui-kun, you're gathering data again," Kikumaru grinned, his finger pointing at Inui's green notebook with interest. But the bespectacled boy withdrew it before the redhead could take a peek. "It's not nice to stalk on a newcomer nya!" with a defeated look, Kikumaru pouted.

"Actually not only on newcomers…," Oishi said, giving Tezuka an indefinable look.

"But, you know? I thought it was a girl when I first saw Fuji-kun! He looks real pretty and all. Nya! You should see him in person!" The redhead cut in suddenly, babbling about the transfer student he met earlier. Oishi was going to reply it might insult the said person to comment that he looked feminine and pretty. His train of thought was halted when a few girls had squealed.

In the middle of the canteen, a group of girls was forming. "97.9 percent the person in the middle is Fuji Syusuke. My data says he has a charm that draws girls to him no matter what."

All the while, Tezuka merely observed. What else could he say?

"Now… I think I asked them to be friends with Fuji-kun, but I don't remember asking them to be over-friendly with him…" one of the teachers said, sighing. "Girls, would you please let Fuji-kun have his lunch?" the same teacher asked, hoping he could help the poor boy. For a moment, the crowd silenced. But, after a while, the noises came back at full force. Unfortunately his words had a reverse effect.

"Oh my! Fuji-kun, would you like to try my bento?"

"You can have my handmade cookies!"

And it was a wonder how someone could stand that long without losing his temper. The boy's patience was admirable.

It was then the crowd went silent again. "Thank you for such kind offer, but I'm in a rush. Perhaps another day," a soft voice replied. For the first time, the boys heard Fuji say anything (of course excluding Kikumaru). "I'm sorry. The principal would like to see me in five minutes," Fuji explained. This time, all the girls moved aside obediently.

"Wow! He's cool. He can command people like Tezuka-kun nya!" Kikumaru clapped his hands and chuckled when he spotted Tezuka twitched. None in their group noticed the piercing sapphire eyes had been opened wide when Fuji apologized. As soon as the crowd thinned, Fuji closed his eyes and offered a sweet smile instantly.

"Even his voice sounds feminine. Good data," Inui commented while he immediately jotted down the new piece of information.

All eyes were now focused on Fuji as he nodded gratefully while walking towards one of the doors. All, but except one pair that belonged to Tezuka. He was thinking that he could have some peace during lunch for one day when the girls' attentions abruptly turned to him.

"20 percent Tezuka-kun will escape through the back door, 60 percent he'll glare at the girls but to no avail, 80 percent he'll shrug off the girls as politely as possible," Inui said hastily without sparing anyone a glance from what he was reading. "Tezuka Zone is a double-edged sword, I must add."

And all Inui earned was a death glare coming from the ever famous Tezuka. Unknown to Tezuka, his days were going to change from that day on. Just because of one pretty boy by the name of Fuji Syusuke.

In Tezuka's room, a magnificent painting of angels welcomed the tired boy home with warm smiles. At the right corner of the untitled masterpiece, a signature was visible. It was signed 'Aiba Hiroki'.

: To be continued :

A few notes:

1) Tezuka became a Regular as soon as he joined Seigaku Tennis Club.

2) Oishi knew Tezuka first because they were in the same class. Later he introduced Kikumaru to him.

3) Oishi was not recognized as a regular yet, but he did play doubles with Kikumaru outside the school. The Golden Pair's past remained the same with only a slight change (this only applies after chapter 7).

4) Inui joined the Seigaku for same reasons as in anime.