Shifting sands

Summary :
Aftermath of Kantou Tournament where Tezuka Kunimitsu lost to Atobe Keigo and severely injured his left shoulder. What will Tezuka do now that he could no longer play tennis?

Chapter 01

Tezuka Kunimitsu bends over the Student Council schedules, pen tapping lightly on the table, eyes unfocused in deep thought. The courts outside echoed with the sound of tennis balls. His gaze shifted back to the brochure Ryuzaki-sensei had given to him.

He had declined the scholarship and opportunity to study abroad. He didn't want to leave Seigaku without fulfilling his promise, to Oishi, to himself, to Yamato-buchou. There was still time. He could go, after .... He would be 14 only once.

But this time, it was different. The new brochure was for a sports medical facility. Germany. It's so far away. It will take so long. It might not even help at all. Only a few more months, Kantou Tournament and National Tournament season would be over. Could he bear the pain for just a few months? He frowned and turned the brochure over, fiercely staring at the white back cover. He could and he would!

Ryuzaki-sensei watched Tezuka from the corner of her eye. She recognized that look in his eyes. Inwardly, she sighed and wondered again why she seems to get only stubborn students this year. One, worse than others.

"Tezuka."

"Hai?"

"Don't misunderstand this. I will not allow any student to play with an injury." She looked directly into Tezuka's eyes, ensuring he understood exactly her stand in this. "It's not negotiable."

Tezuka endured her gaze for a moment, then lowered his head. "He's a smart boy," she thought to herself. "I don't have to repeat this message. I don't like being hard on him. He's hard enough on himself. But, that's why I'm the coach. Tough choices, Tezuka. I'm sorry I have to be tougher on you, for your own good."

Tezuka overturned the brochure again, staring at the front cover. His shoulders drooped slightly as he acknowledged that he had been overruled. "Hai," he answered softly. "I will consider it."

Tezuka did not show up at practice that evening. He took the train home before they were finished. He didn't want to face their worried and expectant faces. Not yet. Not even Oishi. Not when he did not have any answers to offer.