Disclaimer: I don't own Prince of Tennis

Chapter 1 – Do You Like Me?

Fuji Syusuke, the well-known prodigy to his friends, was humming a light-hearted tune as he combed his silk brown hair in front of the mirror in his bathroom. Dressed in a pair of black jeans with a baby blue jacket that matched his shirt beneath, Fuji smiled to himself.

Today was the day – a day that was special to the tensai. After contemplating for hours and hours, Fuji finally mustered enough courage to make the first step in asking Tezuka Kunimitsu, the person who held his affection for years, out on a date. Of course, the ever-stoning ex-captain had absolutely no idea what Fuji was up to, but nevertheless, he agreed to Fuji's invitation for lunch.

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The sky was clear with large billowy clouds that reflected a lemon-yellow sun. Fuji waved enthusiastically, straightening his back a little when he saw the familiar figure approaching him.

"Tezuka!" Fuji greeted brightly, his smile widening as his eyes took in the well-built frame of Tezuka Kunimitsu.

"Been waiting long?" Tezuka asked, adjusting his glasses, feeling slightly awkward under the gaze of his friend.

Shaking his head in amusement, Fuji said, "No. I did not wait for long. Plus, you were not late." Without waiting for the captain's reply, he grabbed Tezuka's bigger right hand. It felt warm and his heart fluttered when the taller boy did not make any move to take his hand away from Fuji's grip.

With that, Fuji immediately led the both of them to a nearby restaurant that sold Japanese cuisine. The atmosphere was just right, neither too noisy nor too quiet. A tall and slim waitress took their orders, grinning widely especially at Tezuka. But the expressionless ex-captain did not really take notice, which greatly disappointed the waitress.

"The sushi here are good," Fuji began, breaking the moment of silence that followed after the waitress left. Although on the surface Fuji seemed calm, his heart was beating so wildly that he had to take a few deep breaths to slow his racing heart down.

'I wonder how I should tell Tezuka,' Fuji thought, casting a cursory glance at the man sitting opposite him.

Sensing that Fuji was looking at him, Tezuka angled his head slightly to the right, eyebrows raising a little as he asked, "Is there anything you wish to say, Fuji?"

Fuji flushed a little for being caught staring. He smiled, looking very self-conscious.

"It has been a few days since we graduated officially from university," Fuji began slowly, "So, what are your plans?"

Tezuka ran a hand through his dark brown hair, looking deep in thought before his eyes met evenly with Fuji's, "Inui proposed that I become a professional tennis player. Of course, he will be my coach and manager. I intended to accept that. What about you?" Tezuka questioned back, hoping that his voice did not carry the obvious note of curiosity.

Shrugging his shoulders, Fuji did not reply. Instead, he leaned slightly forward and pressed his hands together. Blue eyes piercing into Tezuka's eyes. Placing his chin on his knuckles, Fuji spoke slowly and haltingly, but with emphasis.

"Tezuka… What did you look for in your ideal partner?"

That question almost sent Tezuka choking on his drink. 'What did Fuji just say? Why did he ask me that?' He asked silently, widened eyes looking back at Fuji in surprise.

Tezuka did not answer immediately as the waitress returned with the food that they had ordered. However, Fuji did not wish to let go of the topic that easily. He had finally gotten the chance to ask Tezuka and it was a good opportunity.

Instead of starting to eat, Fuji repeated his question, "Tezuka…Tell me. What did you look for in your ideal partner?"

Tezuka looked thoughtfully at the curious-looking Fuji who was staring earnestly into his eyes. Knowing fully well that Fuji was stubborn, he sighed, leaning back against the seat as he asked back, "Why would you want to know?"

'This is my chance!' Fuji thought brightly.

"What if I say…that I like you?" Fuji replied slowly, carefully observing Tezuka's expression, "I like you a lot, and since we are already adults, I thought I should let you know. But," he paused, biting his lower lip, "Will you accept me? Will you give me a chance? Will you give us a chance?"

'Is Fuji joking? This can't be true. It is too good to be true,' Tezuka thought as he stared at the tensai in a startled fashion, 'But I cannot just accept him like that now. It will be unfair!'

"Tezuka?"

Snapping out of his thoughts, Tezuka took off his glasses to massage the bridge of his nose – a habit that he had formed whenever he faced a conflict.

Placing his glasses back, Tezuka cleared his throat as he replied, hoping that he sounded gentle.

"I'm flattered, Fuji, that you like me. But I am sorry. I cannot accept you."

That very last sentence sent Fuji's heart into an endless well of disappointment. All he could do right now was to try to salvage whatever pride he had left. There was no need for sympathy or comfort, especially from Tezuka.

Breaking into a forced laughter, Fuji grinned, hoping that it did not look artificial.

"I was only joking! Gotcha!"

Tezuka eyed Fuji silently for a moment. His eyes were on him very steadily. 'Was Fuji really joking just now?'

But Fuji Syusuke hid his feelings well. His eyes conveyed nothing of his current feelings as he continued in a cheerful voice, "Let's eat, Tezuka. The food is getting cold. And, I'm sorry if I offended you."

Picking up his chopsticks, Tezuka started to eat. Fuji seemed to be his usual self, yet deep down in his throat, a nagging feeling told him otherwise.

A/N: Hello everyone! First, i would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Haha..

I have decided to write this story, because i was not very satisfied at all with the very first story I wrote, "A Long Way To Go." That story was simply not very good, in my opinion. Do not worry that i will re-write that story - it is just that I wanted to write this story based on some of the framework of "A Long Way To Go."

My apologies in advance if i update this story slow, because school is starting! *weeps*

Once again, reviews will be appreciated so that i can try to make this story better and better. :)