Rolling Memory

Hamu-Leonia04

Prince of Tennis (テニスの王子様Tenisu no Ōjisama) belongs to Takeshi Konomi

Author just owns the OC and this Fanfiction

Chapter 21 : Seigaku VS (3/3)

"Game and match for St. Rudolph!"

The game ended with Akazawa and Kaneda win it. Everyone gives applause for the performance the golden pair gave. Oishi wraps Kikumaru's arm on his shoulder and helps him walk outside the court.

"I'm sorry, sensei," Oishi says to Ryuzaki.

"Don't worry about it. You guys did great," Ryuzaki says with a satisfied smile. "Right, Chiharu?" Chiharu answers with a smile and gives both of them the towels. She wraps Kikumaru arm around her shoulder to help Oishi bring Kikumaru outside the court to meet the other regulars.

"My battery just ran out," Kikumaru tiredly state to the regulars, try to lift the mood.

"Good work," Tezuka appraise them.

"Sorry guys. I'll leave the rest to you," Oishi states.

"Yeah, we understand," Fuji replies.

"Chiharu," Ryuzaki calls the manager. "After this, stay outside the court. I know you can't handle the heat too. Take care Kikumaru,"

"Hai, I understand," Chiharu answers.

Both Chiharu and Oishi bring Kikumaru outside and make him rest under the tree. Chiharu sits beside Kikumaru and helps him clean his sweat with a towel.

"Chiharu-chan, I'm sorry," Kikumaru states make Chiharu look at him in surprise.

"Huh? For what?"

"Because I can't show you my cool part," Kikumaru look down.

"You're not!" Chiharu shouts and grabs Kikumaru's hand, make him lift his head. "You're cool Kikumaru-senpai! Even I can't take my eyes off from you!"

Hearing that, blush spread out on Kikumaru's faces, not expecting the response from her. Seeing Kikumaru's face become red, Chiharu becomes panic and place her hand on the forehead.

"Kikumaru-senpai, are you okay!? Don't tell me you got a fever!" Chiharu asks in a panic.

"N-no, I'm okay!" Kikumaru shutters and try to move back.

"Really?" Chiharu does not believe and lean her face closer to Kikumaru.

"Really, really!" Kikumaru answers back and feels his face become redder.

"I- I think it's enough, Shigeko-san. You'll kill him," Oishi says to ensure Chiharu which she follows and lean back but still tilt her head in confusion from Kikumaru's reaction.

"Kikumaru-senpai is not fair!" Momoshiro muttered in jealous and bite his handkerchief.

"I don't expect Eiji to be a tough opponent," Fuji chuckles.

"Actually, it's scarier how honest you are," Haruka muttered to Fuji with a sweatdrop.

"Hm? Did you say something, Konishi-san?" Fuji asks and Haruka shakes her head and muttered 'nothing'.

"After this is Single 3 right?" Chiharu asks Inui which he answers with a nod. "Where is Ryoma?"

"He is gone again!" Horio frustrated exclaim.

"That's guy, seriously…" Chiharu stands up and pinches her temple. "I will find him."

"Then, let me find him!" Sakuno says and grabs Chiharu's hand. "Obaa-chan said that Chiharu-chan needs to rest up and take care of Kikumaru-senpai too. I will find Ryoma-kun for you,"

"Are you really can? You won't get lost?" Chiharu says with a grin.

"I won't! Chiharu-chan, I'm no kid anymore, geez," Sakuno pouting making Chiharu laugh.

"Okay, okay. Thank you, then," Chiharu says and mess Sakuno hair.

"Let's go, Tomo-chan," Sakuno says to her friend.

"Let's go! Ryoma-sama~!" Tomoka replies and already running away with shouting Ryoma's name.

"She is annoying," Mio muttered.

"Are you okay with Sakuno searching Echizen-kun?" Haruka ask to Chiharu.

"Of course, why?" Chiharu asks back and tilts her head in confusion.

"There is no point asking that to her," Inui state as he lifts his glasses.

"I guess you right," Haruka replies with a chuckle.

"Geez, what you guys talking about? Anyway, I need to fill the drinks," Chiharu says and lifts the drink box.

"But, Chiharu-chan you need to rest up!" Mio says and grabs Chiharu's hand.

"It's my job as manager. Calm down, I will rest up after this," Chiharu answers with a giggle.

"I thought you need to take care of Kikumaru-senpai?" Haruka lifts her eyebrow, watching her friend.

"I only go for a second. Can you watch him?" Chiharu answers with a smile.

"Hai, hai~" Haruka answers and do a shoo gesture.

"Then, I will help you Chiharu-chan," Mio says and help Chiharu lift the box.

After both Chiharu and Mio walk away from there, Haruka decides to sit down next to Kikumaru.

"How are you feeling, senpai?" Haruka asks.

"Better than before, thank you-nya~~" Kikumaru cheerfully answer.

"Still that was a reckless strategy for both of you to throw away two games," Haruka points out when Oishi has to play by himself while Kikumaru recovers his stamina.

"It's interesting. I'm surprised both of you can think of it at once," Inui adds and opens his notebook.

"Ah, that what Shigeko-san told us," Oishi state.

"Shigeko?" Inui lifts his eyebrow in surprise.

Flashback

Eiji, you should have some fluids too," Oishi place a water bottle next to Kikumaru but he doesn't give a response. "Shigeko-san," Oishi calls to Chiharu which she replies with a nod. She grabs the bottle and put it in front of Kikumaru.

"Here is the water, Kikumaru-senpai," Chiharu says with a smile make Kikumaru finally look at her.

"Th-thank you…" Kikumaru says with a tired smile and grabs the bottle.

Chiharu stands up and walks to Oishi.

"If this continues, Kikumaru-senpai will not make it," Chiharu informs the vice-captain make Oishi wide his eye and look at his partner. "That's why I want to ask your help," Chiharu states and whisper something to Oishi.

"Wha-what is it?" Oishi asks as he lowers his head to make it easier for Chiharu to talk to him.

"I want you to throw away two games," Chiharu states make Oishi look at her in surprise. "Huh? What do you mean?"

"Um… I think I phrase it wrong. Buy as much time as possible," Chiharu explains. "Oishi-senpai, you need to play by yourself. We need Kikumaru-senpai to rest as much as he needs. After he gains his stamina again, we will do the comeback in the tiebreak,"

Oishi stays silent as he glances at his partner. He looks back to Chiharu who waiting for his responses. With a sigh, Oishi finally gives her a nod which Chiharu replies with cheer.

Present

"Chiharu-chan amazing," Haruka state in awe.

"She is," Inui adds with a smirk.

"What with that smirk, Inui? You're scary-nya~" Kikumaru says and hide behind Oishi.

"I think he is proud of her," Oishi states with a sweatdrop.

"I didn't expect that manager to have this much work!" Mio states as she takes the water bottles that Chiharu gives to her.

"Even so it's still fun," Chiharu answers and fills the others bottle.

"I can see that," Mio giggles and put the bottles inside the box.

"What it is, Mio? Are you interest to join?" Chiharu asks her with shining eyes.

"Even though you look at me like that, I can't. I have handicraft club," Mio says and avert her eyes.

"Tch, it's not working," Chiharu muttered.

"Did you say something?" Mio asks which Chiharu replies with shake head and smiles brightly. Seeing this Mio can only sweatdrop. "Chiharu-chan… It is just me or you become more mischief from the argument with Mizuki-san?"

"Well, I need to vent up my frustration you know. It's so annoying seeing him smirking like a jerk," Chiharu explains and turns her face to found the said man is walking at her and frowning. "And there he is,"

"Shigeko Chiharu," Mizuki growled at her.

"Can I help you, Mizuki Hajime-san?" Chiharu asks him with a sarcastic tone. "I see… St. Rudolph is strong isn't it? You are even able to beat out the golden pair, what a surprise! Oh, I also heard that you predict the ending score. 7-6. Seems your prediction is going well,"

"I don't want to hear from megami who afraid to step in the court," Mizuki hiss with a smirk.

Right after Mizuki finishes his statement, Chiharu's finger already brushes on Mizuki's neck. This makes Mizuki wide his eye in shock. Slowly lower his eyes to her finger, he can feel his sweat is drop.

"You have a nice vocal cord," Chiharu says with a smirk and give a pressure to the spot. "I recommend you to stop calling me with that disgusting nickname,"

"Chiharu-chan, what are you doing!?" Mio asks in surprise and pulls Chiharu's hand away.

"You're akuma (demon)," Mizuki muttered and rub his neck with his finger. "What the hell was that?"

"The next 2 matches, Seigaku will win this Mizuki-san. Let's go Mio," Chiharu says and pulls Mio's hand. Still not grasp with the situation, Mio gives a small bow to Mizuki before let Chiharu drag her away.

"Chiharu-chan… Are you okay?" Mio asks when she sees Chiharu's expressionless face.

"Hm? Of course, I'm okay," Chiharu answers with a smile. "Don't you saw his face? So priceless. Anyway, let's hurry up and finishes this so we can go back too,"

While Chiharu is giggling, Mio just swallows her saliva and decides to avert her eyes. It's the first time she saw Chiharu act like that. She doesn't know but she feels scared. "Chiharu-chan looks different," Mio though and glances at Chiharu who already back to her usual self. Shakes her head, she decides to throw away her mind and focus back to supporting the team.

"We are back!" Chiharu says when both of them arrive back to the Seigaku area.

"You're slow! Echizen-kun match already starts," Haruka scolds.

"Did something happen?" Tezuka asks.

"Oh, we met Mizu-" "No, it's nothing. We took rest on the way,"

Mio turns her face to Chiharu when she cut her. Chiharu glances at her and gives a meaningful smile.

"Right, Mio?" Chiharu asks.

"Ah, yes," Mio answers.

"I see," Tezuka nods and walks back to Inui.

Mio places the box down and looks at Chiharu. Chiharu gives her a smile before walk to Kikumaru. Haruka on the other hand approaching Mio.

"What matter?" Haruka asks her childhood friend.

"No, it's nothing. I never thought that this box is heavy. Chiharu-chan is strong!" Mio answers with a laugh and stretches her arm.

"You are the weak ones," Haruka tease and Mio smacks her. "Ow, that's hurt!"

"Shut up!" Mio annoyedly shouts and glances at Chiharu who talking with Kikumaru and Fuji. "Why are you lying about Chiharu-chan?"

"Kikumaru-senpai, are you already okay?" Chiharu asks in worried.

"Of course-nya~! I already had a rest," Kikumaru cheerfully replies and gives her a peace sign.
"I'm glad. It's seemed we have to plan a training schedule for your stamina," Chiharu gives a relieved sigh.

"I would like to have one too, Shigeko-san," Fuji adds which Chiharu replies with a nod. Without Chiharu notices, Kikumaru give a glare to Fuji but Fuji just smile at him.

"Fuji-senpai is really something," Haruka muttered before looks back at the court. "Ah, yeah. That jerk is Fuji-senpai brother,"

"Haruka, don't be salty," Chiharu scold her.

"But he is a jerk," Haruka grumbling and Chiharu just sigh.

The match already started with the score is 1-1. Chiharu hum in impressed seeing Yuuta rising shot.

"Your litter brother is good," Inui says to Fuji.

"Yuuta's specialty, the Rising shot, has improved," Fuji replies in proud.

"Fuji-senpai, this is no time to laugh!" Horio complains to Fuji who gives him his usual closed eye smile.

"Is it wrong if a brother wants to support his younger brother?" Chiharu annoyedly says to Horio.

"Well… It's not, but…" Horio shuttered and try to find another reason.

"Calm down, Ryoma is not going to lost," Chiharu says with a smirk and notices Tezuka move to stand beside Fuji.

"This is a complicated situation for you, Fuji," Tezuka says not leaving his eyes from the court.

"Why is that?" Fuji asks back still smiling.

"I wonder if he ever tired smiling," Chiharu though quite annoyed with Fuji expression.

"I'm okay with it if Yuuta's okay with it," Fuji adds, slightly open his eyes.

"Ah, he can make that kind expression," Chiharu lift her eyebrow when notice the sadness in Fuji's eyes. "I should stop jump in conclusion,"

"I can't believe Ryoma-kun twist serves didn't work," Kachiro muttered.

"This is bad. The flow is completely in St. Rudolph's favor," Katsuo adds.

"Don't worry, Ryoma already predicted it. He is just testing Yuuta-san skills," Chiharu ensured them.

"You always able to read Echizen, Shigeko-san," Fuji comments with a chuckle.

"Thank you, I take it as a compliment," Chiharu giggles and looks at the other first-year already gathering around Inui, asking about Yuuta information. Even Haruka and Mio join them.

"Why didn't he come to Seigaku?" Horio asks.

"He was at Seigaku at first," Inui answer make them surprised. "But he transferred after six months,"

"Was he in the tennis club too?"

"Nope,"

"Why not?"

"Because he doesn't want to be compared," Chiharu answers them make their turn their head to the manager. "to his brother who is referred to be as the prodigy,"

Fuji just smiles and looks down, remembering the moment when Yuuta walked out of the school.

Seeing Ryoma performances, audiences start to talking about Yuuta, not believes that he is Fuji's little brother, the prodigy.

"This is the time for Yuuta to shine," Fuji states make Chiharu and Tezuka looks at him. "He hates to lose, even as a child,"

Hearing that, Chiharu turn back to looks at Yuuta who gripping his racquet. She glances at Mizuki who staring at Yuuta with a smirk. Chiharu let out a sigh and pinch her temple gather two senior attention next to her.

"I think I can see how he ended up at St. Rudolph," Chiharu states. "It's hard when someone compares your skills. Especially with your brother,"

Fuji let out a chuckle hearing that. Chiharu gives him a smile before turn back to the watch. However, both of them widen their eyes when saw Yuuta's stance when he returns Ryoma shot. The ball hit the court before bounces, crashed the fences make it stuck there.

"Th-that's…" Fuji shuttered in shock.

"Twist spin shot," Inui states and lift his glasses. "Even if Echizen returns the Super Rising. It's impossible to return the Twist spin shot,"

The matches continue with Yuuta repeatedly using Twist spin shot. Everyone muttered in awe how awesome Yuuta able to use that skills. However, it's not for Chiharu. She can't hold back her rage and glaring at Mizuki.

"Mizuki you snake!" Chiharu muttered and angrily gripping the fences. "I'll kill him,"

"Chiharu-chan, calm down!" Haruka says and touches her shoulder.

"How can I calm down after seeing that shot!?" Chiharu snaps back at her friend.
"What do you mean, Shigeko-san?" Oishi asks in worried.

"Out! Game for St. Rudolph, 4-1!" the referee announces.

"Hey, you shouldn't use that Twist-something that much," Ryoma says to Yuuta with a smirk. Hearing that, Mizuki wide his eyes while Chiharu let out a relieved sigh.

"Seems like Ryoma already figured it out. I don't have to worry," Chiharu state.

"What do you mean?" Haruka asks wondering the sudden change from Chiharu.

"Because Ryoma will end it sooner," Chiharu answers with a smirk.

Still not believe that Ryoma just return his shot, Yuuta uses his twist spin shot again, ignoring Ryoma's warning.

"Ah~ I can't believe you ignored my warning," Ryoma states as he runs after the ball.

"Why is he running now?" Oishi asks.

"Is he planning to hit the ball before it's bounces?" Momoshiro adds.

"This is a suicide," Inui muttered. "If he hit it too hard, it will go out. If he hit it too lightly, it will hit the net. No matter what, there's no place for Echizen to hit it!"

"There is, Inui-senpai," Chiharu says with a smirk watching Ryoma suddenly sliding under the ball and jump to hit the ball resulting in forming a letter 'b' bounce.

"What's that shot!?" Tomoka asks in surprise.

"Drive B," Ryoma state the name of his specialty shot.

"Hmph, that's such clever drive volley," Chiharu says and folds her arm.

"But it's not normal to drive volley," Inoue adds. "It is a combination shot that utilized the power of the slide and jump,"

"It's just like Echizen to create an awesome combination like that!" Momoshiro says in proud.

"Ne, your big brother isn't the only strong one here. Your goals might be beating your brother, but I'm aiming much higher," Ryoma states as he points his finger up.

"You have to beat me first before you can go higher," Yuuta answers back.

"Of course, that what I planning,"

The match continues. Ryoma is lead. Even though Yuuta is losing, everyone can see that both of the players are having fun.

"Game set and match for Seigaku's Echizen. 6-4!" the referee announces. Everyone starts to cheers. Both Ryoma and Yuuta shake hands before going back to their team. The regulars surround Ryoma while Chiharu, Fuji, and Tezuka only watch.

Fuji takes off his jacket and gives it to Chiharu. After that he squats down to tie his shoes and grab his racquet.

"Tezuka, do you feel like playing?" Fuji asks his captain. "I'm sorry but it doesn't like we'll get to you this time…" Without waiting to Tezuka replies, Fuji walks away.

"Ah… He is mad," Chiharu state when notice Fuji with his eyes open. Before Fuji enters the court, Chiharu grabs his selves, making him stop and turn to her in confuses.

"Shigeko-san?"

"Calm down, Fuji-senpai. I know you will win this match," Chiharu says and glances at Mizuki who already walking to the court. "And I hope you can beat his ass. Same with you, I will not forgive what he has done to Yuuta-san,"

Hearing that, Fuji lets out a chuckle and pet Chiharu's head. "Arigatou, Shigeko-san. Just watches me. Don't take your eyes off from me,"

"I will," Chiharu answers before the walk back to her place, next to Tezuka.

"We'll now start the second singles between Seigaku's Fuji and St. Rudolph's Mizuki!" the referee announces. Both Fuji and Mizuki already standing in front of the net. Mizuki offers a handshake but Fuji ignores it, makes Seigaku surprised.

"Fuji-senpai, not take it…" Tomoka says in dumbfound.

"He is not like his usual self. So scary…." Horio adds.

"I wonder what's wrong with Fuji-kun," Shiba says to her partner, Inoue.

"Oh dear, what a scary expression," Mizuki says to Fuji and pulls his hand back. "Let's play a good game,"

"Good game my ass," Chiharu muttered as she frowning.

"Chiharu, word," Haruka scolds her and hit the back of her head.

"Oww! Sorry mom," Chiharu says and rubs the back of her head.

"I'm not your mom,"

"Hai, hai~"

Tezuka clears his throat to make everyone shut up and focus on the games. The matches start with Fuji serves first. However, Mizuki able to easily return every serves to make everyone surprise because Fuji can't hit it back. Mizuki gets the first game.

"What are we going to do!? He won just like that!" Horio screams in frustration and messes his hair.

"Don't worry! The real game start now," Kachiro ensures his friend.

"This is bad. It seems like he's done a lot of research," Oishi says in worried.

"You're right. I have a bad feeling about this," Kikumaru adds.

"No, not yet! Go, Fuji-senpai!" Tomoka cheers.

"Fighting, Fuji-senpai!" Mio joins her.

However, the match still continues with Mizuki leading. 5-0. The result shocking everyone.

"It's just like Mizuki-san to win like this!" the St. Rudolph team cheers. "This will be a rout!"

Seigaku becomes more silent and watches Fuji. When they change the court, Fuji stops in the middle and whisper something to Mizuki. Chiharu can't hear it but she can see Fuji become more furious. Fuji walks to his bench and changes his racquet.

"What should we do? Fuji-senpai going to lose?" Sakuno asks in worried.

"Fuji-kun can't lose. Can he?" Shiba adds pull down her camera.

"Mizuki-kun's strong," Inoue state in awe.

"Mizuki's scenario…. Indeed, his data can't lie," Inui says and lift his glasses.

"Ano sa… Do you guys seriously think that Fuji-senpai is going to lose?" Chiharu says and glances at her team.

"What do you mean, Chiharu-chan?" Kikumaru asks since Chiharu has been silent since the beginning of the match.

"There is no way, Fuji-senpai is going to lose to someone as weak as him," Chiharu answers and points her finger to Mizuki.

"But the score…" Oishi muttered.

"Fuji-senpai loss in purpose," Chiharu answers and turn her head back to the games.

Seigaku follows her and watches in surprise to see Fuji able to return Mizuki shot easily. When Mizuki says that the spot is Fuji's weakness, Fuji answers that it actually his strong spot.

"Did he get the correct data?" Inui state in realizing.

"Finally, senpai?" Chiharu chuckles seeing Inui expression.

"Eh? What are you saying, Inui-senpai, Shigeko-san?" Kachirou asks.

"Loss in purpose?" Katsuo adds.

"You know… Fuji-senpai is angry right now," Chiharu answers and folds her arm. "Very angry,"

"Really? I don't notice," Haruka says and looks at Fuji.

"Why?" Sakuno asks and tilts her head.

"Because Mizuki-san is hurting Yuuta-san," Chiharu state and glances to Yuuta. "The one who teaches twist spin shot is Mizuki-san. Even though its strong skills, he doesn't care about the consequence that Yuuta-san faces. The more often he used the shot, he will hurt his shoulder. Right, Ryoma?" Chiharu asks Ryoma who peacefully drinks his ponta under the tree.

"Yeah, that's right," Ryoma answers and fixes his cap. "But he doesn't listen to my warning,"

"Because Yuuta-san doesn't know about it. Or the truth, Mizuki-san doesn't even bother to tell him," Chiharu says and clenched her fists in anger.

"That's why he throws away the games," Inui says and lifts his glasses. "Fuji wants to show that he can't easily be defeated with cheap data,"

"Exactly," Chiharu replies with a smirk.

"Even for me… The only person whom I can't correctly get data from is Fuji," Inui says and open his notebook.

"Eh!?" the trio freshmen shout in surprise.

"What do you mean?" Tomoka asks.

"Fuji isn't the kind that allows others to know his weaknesses," Inui answers.

"Mizuki-san only though that he knew them because of his arrogance," Chiharu adds and sighs. "As expected, the prodigy. It's not even a warm-up for him,"

Fuji starts to catches up the games. Seigaku supporters cheering the player again. After hitting the last ball, Fuji wins the games with 7-5, not lose one point at all. Mizuki kneels and glaring Fuji.

"You bitch! You lose 0-5 at the start on purpose! Playing me like that…" Mizuki shouts in despair.

"Thank you for taking care of my brother," Fuji coldly replies and walk out the court.

"We did it! Fuji-senpai came back in a big way!" Horio cheers and hugs his friends.

"He is awesome!" Mio says and starts jumping.

"He is hot!" Tomoka joins her.

"Kyaaaa!" Without Mio and Tomoka notices, both of them hold their hand and jumping together. Seeing this Haruka laughing at them while Chiharu just let out a sigh, happy that they can get along for now.

When Fuji arrives at his team, everyone surrounds and congratulate him. Chiharu walks to Fuji and holds out a towel and water bottles.

"Good game, Fuji-senpai. You should have finished it earlier," Chiharu says with a smile.

"I'm finally relieved," Fuji replies and grab the towel.

"You're cool, senpai!" Haruka joins them.

"Ahaha, thank you,".

After that, both Seigaku and St. Rudolph regulars stand in front of the net to bow, giving respect to each other. When the team tidies up their belonging, Chiharu decides to visit St. Rudolph team, especially for Yuuta and Mizuki.

Chiharu found Yuuta sit by himself, looking at his racquet on his lap.

"Hello, Yuuta-san," Chiharu greets him, make his looks at her in surprise.

"You're Seigaku manager… Shigeko-san? Can I help you?" Yuuta asks and stands up from his seat.

"How's your arm?" Chiharu asks and averts her eyes to Yuuta's arm.

"Eh?" Yuuta looks at his arm and moves it a bit. "It's fine… I guess?"

"I see," Chiharu smile and looks back at Yuuta's face. "Yuuta-san, are you enjoying tennis?"

"Yeah, of course," Yuuta answers still confuse why the Seigaku manager asks about it.

"That's the most important thing," Chiharu state and lower her head. "Fuji-san really proud with you. Don't be hard to yourself when peoples say about you being his brother. Yuuta-san is Yuuta-san. Maybe you're not genius as your brother but you're strong. I can see it," Chiharu adds make Yuuta wide his eyes. "Be proud by yourself,"

"I… Um…" Yuuta can feel his face become hot so he turns his faces away. "Thank you,"

"Your welcome!" Chiharu replies and walks away from him to the captain of St. Rudolph. Akazawa who already watches her from start, turns his head in confusion from her presence in front of him.

"What do you want?" Akazawa asks.

"Where is Mizuki-san? I want to talk to him for a bit," Chiharu answers and look around to find the said person.

Akazawa narrows his eyes suspiciously but seeing she able to make Yuuta comfortably talk to her, he decides to answers her question. He points his finger to the other side, to the places where Chiharu filled her water bottles earlier.

"I see. Thank you!" Chiharu says and bowing her body to the captain before walks to the point place.

At there, she can find Mizuki lean at the wall with his head low. Chiharu lets out a sigh and stands in front of him. Seeing a familiar shoe in his sight, Mizuki slowly lifts his eyes to meet a pair of beautiful dark eyes.

"Are you crying, Mizuki-san?" Chiharu asks with a smirk.

"I'm not!" Mizuki snaps at her with frowning. "What do you want from me? Are you going to dissing me!?"

"Calm down geez… I'm not you, you know," Chiharu says and leans her body to the wall, next to Mizuki. "Or if you want, I will. That's such a pitiful way to a loss,"

"Shut up. You're not cute at all," Mizuki annoyedly muttered.

"I am," Chiharu replies with smug faces. "Well, anyway I'm not here for that. I'm tired argument with you,"

Mizuki keeps his mouth in line, waiting for Chiharu to continue her business. Notices this, she lets out a sigh before look up the sky.

"You know, you're not bad manager actually," Chiharu muttered. "Oh, but I do still not forgive you from what you did to Yuuta-san. You got no respect for your teammates,"

"Then?" Mizuki asks and looks at her from the corner of his eyes.

"Our team looking forward to a rematch," Chiharu says with a smile and turn her head to Mizuki.

"Hu-huh?" Mizuki wide his eyes in dumbfound. "What the hell you're saying? Are you dumb? Are you mocking us!?"

"I'm not," Chiharu calmly replies. "I just said that you're not a bad manager. You'll change. St. Rudolph will change. A new style that only St. Rudolph can play,"

Mizuki just stares at her, still, surprise why Chiharu saying this to him. Chiharu notices Mizuki's look and just chuckles before walk away, leaving him. Mizuki watches her until she has gone from his sight then messes his hair in frustration. He never knows that he will change after this.

After all the matches finished, all the team gather for the announcement. Seigaku receives the places as one of the best four to participant in the Kantou regional.

Right now, Seigaku already inside the bus on their way home. Chiharu sits beside Oishi, seeing Ryoma already fall asleep with Momoshiro and Kaidoh in the back of the bus.

"I wonder what happened to Kikumaru and Oishi," Kawamura says because the golden pair decides to not go home together with them.

"Don't worry about it. Those two likes to take the scenic route," Tezuka answers.

"That's so like Kikumaru-senpai," Chiharu replies with chuckles and looks at the senior beside her. "Are you okay with no going home with Yuuta-san?"

"He ran away when I invited him," Fuji answers with a chuckle.

"Maybe he hates you, senpai," Chiharu tease Fuji and Fuji only responses with his usual closed eye smile make Chiharu frown. "I really hate your smile,"

"Ara, why is that?" Fuji asks to lift his eyebrow in wonder.

"Like there was always a meaning behind that annoying smile," Chiharu says with a pout and Fuji just laughs and opens his eyes at her. This makes Chiharu surprise by the sudden change. "Actually, I prefer to see your eyes, senpai," Chiharu says and leans back on the chair. "You're cool today,"

"Ahaha, if you say so," Fuji replies and pet her head.

"No, seriously. It makes me want to have a match with you if we have a chance," Chiharu says and softly slaps away Fuji's hand from her head.

"I also want to try to play with you,"

"Ah, you closed your eyes again!"

Haruka who watching from behind can only giggle from the interaction from the manager and the prodigy player.

"What happened, Haruka? Why are you giggling for, nothing is funny," Mio asks in confusion.

"No, it's nothing. I just wonder who should I support now. There are three candidates now," Haruka answers with a meaningful smile and glance at sleeping Ryoma.

"I don't understand, you're weird," Mio says and shrugs her shoulder.

"You should have sat beside Tezuka-senpai," Haruka tease her to make Mio's face become red.

"Shu-shut up!" Mio jab Haruka sides making the girl laugh louder.

Chiharu glances back at her team and friends. She let out a smile and notice Tezuka looks at her. He gives her a nod which she replies with the same. Chiharu turns her head to the window, watching the view out the window.

"I'm glad I choose Seigaku,"

-:-:- Rolling Memory -:-:-

TBC