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-Epilogue-
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28 November 2009 to 29 November 2009

Rated: T

Pairings: Thrill (FujiRyoma) ; minor ToFu (AtobeFuji) ; maybe hints of Dream (FujiEiji)

A/N: I didn't expect this story to be added to so many people's favourites and alerts! I really am flattered. :) So, to express my appreciation for your encouraging reviews, I've decided to add this epilogue. And probably write a sequel too, if many of you really wish it. XD

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Fuji chuckled in amusement as he watched the freshman roll his eyes when he showed up at his door again.

"Yes? What is it this time, Fuji-senpai?"

"Dear me, 'Fuji-senpai'?" Fuji raised a hand to his chin and cocked his head in mock innocence, "Is it really an appropriate addressing for me, Ryo-chan?"

Ryoma wrinkled his nose, a tint of pink finding its way across his cheeks, as he recalled the event that had occurred a few days before. He cleared his throat in an attempt to hide his embarrassment, "I personally see no problem with that."

"No?" Fuji raised an eyebrow with feigned disbelief, "It certainly brings a blow to my delicate heart to know that you should think this way, Ryo-chan," he deliberately said the freshman's name in a long emphasized drawl, "Is there really the need for me further emphasize my feelings so that you are able to realize your unsuitable addressing for me?"

Ryoma drew back a step, "I appreciate your offer," there was no telling what the blue eyed prodigy might be able to do, "But I'd really like to know the reason that brought you here today."

"Ryo-chan, is it really hospitable of you to allow a guest to remain standing at your doorsteps?"

Ryoma groaned inwardly. Must Fuji choose a time like this to 'pay a visit'? While no other people were at home? It was almost as if the prodigy had planned to to come at such a time, and the mere thought of the possibility of himself being stalked by the sadistic tensai sent a cold shiver down Ryoma's spine. But, a small smirk tugged at his lips, it was an irrefutable fact that one is unable to deny the thrill of spending time alone with Fuji Syuusuke.

Especially when you are Echizen Ryoma.

With an air of mild reluctance, Ryoma allowed the blue eyed prodigy to enter and closed the door behind him. The freshman led his senior to the dining room and offered him a seat on the sofa. Ryoma settled himself on an armchair across Fuji and asked again, "Now would you kindly explain why you're here?"

"Hmm," with his everlasting smile still on his lips, Fuji tapped his chin and ignored his kohai's inquiry again, "A cup of water would be nice."

It took him a lot of effort to stifle the irration that rose inside him; exhaling, Ryoma stood up and poured a cup of water for the brunet. Barely restraining the glare with which he directed at his senior, Ryoma decided not to play along with his tactics, if the brunet ever wished it, "Anything else you'd like, Fuji-senpai?" he asked, stressing the suffix added to the prodigy's name.

"Oh yes," Fuji said pleasantly, placing the cup on the table, "I'd like a treat, please."

Had his eyes been open, Fuji's azure orbs would have glinted with wicked amusement. Oh, how interesting it was to annoy and tease Ryoma! And how absolutely adorable his reactions were! Fuji chuckled lightly when Ryoma merely stared at him, trying to digest the statement that was presented to him.

"This treat you'll have to give me," Fuji leaned forward and tapped the freshman's cheek, "I've already hinted at it before."

The brunet leaned in and licked the unsuspecting boy's lips; seeing how Ryoma kept them determinedly shut, Fuji smiled, obviously amused, "No?" he sniffed in feigned indifference, "Then I shall have to get it myself."

Keeping a hand under the freshman's chin and the other clamped around his wrists, Fuji continued to tease the boy's lips temptingly. Despite the slenderness of his figure, Fuji's grip proved to be strong and firm. As he was pushed deeper into his armchair, Ryoma was at the mercy of his own undeniable fact. The tensai sadist always had everything his way.

"Syuusuke—!"

Ryoma stared with embarrassed indignation into the now revealed orbs of his senior, discovering them flashing with utmost amusement and mischievous adoration. The boy felt, rather than saw, the playful curve of the prodigy's lips. Fuji was evidently satisfied with the reaction he received from his teasing and took obvious pleasure from it. The brunet arranged his face into ingenuous lines and gently tipped his head to further express his false innocence, "Sorry? Did I hear correctly?"

Ryoma turned his head away, muttering under his breath.

Fuji watched the freshman's cheeks slowly turn into a lovely shade of pink. His Ryo-chan must have no idea how cute and tempting he now looked! The blue-eyed boy stifled a chuckle, oh, he haven't had so much fun since—

Rrring.

Irritation prodded Fuji's senses as he felt the vibration in his pocket with the ringtone resonating in his ears. Abruptly, he released his grip on the indignant boy, much to Ryoma's bewildered disappointment.

"Hello?"

"Where are you, Syuusuke?"

The pair of azure eyes flashed with alarm and surprise.

"...Keigo?"

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Fuji didn't bother to disguise the annoyance in his voice as he paced in front of the gates of the Echizen residence.

"I thought we have nothing to do with each other anymore?"

"Syuusuke," oh, then why does his heart still sting when he hears his name being called by him? "For all our pride and dignity, let's set them aside for now."

"Pfft, you? The high and mighty Atobe Keigo? Talking about throwing away your imperious pride?" every one of his words dripped with cold sarcasm.

"It was pride that got in between us." and every one of his were grim.

"I've made my point already, I thought we've both decided that we'll never—"

"You never offered me the chance to explain."

Fuji narrowed his eyes, his heart twisted with unspeakable bitterness.

"Where are you?" Atobe repeated his initial question, "You're not at home."

The blue-eyed prodigy glanced at the open gates of Ryoma's home. For once, his mouth was dry. For once, he didn't know what to say. He was drawn back; by what, he didn't really know. Nor understand. He drew in a sharp breath and backed towards the house, avoiding the thoughtful gaze which his kohai directed at him through a window.

"I'm with my pet."

There was silence. A defiant silence, Fuji would have described it.

"I wouldn't allow my pet to have a pet of his own, Syuusuke."

"What are you—"

Fuji could picture the Hyoutei buchou's confident smirk, "Tell your little tennis player that he shouldn't snatch other people's rackets away."

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Ryoma knew something was wrong.

Had he not overheard the last bit of the conversation, he would have guessed as much.

He watched Fuji's slender figure turn the corner of the street and out of sight. Ryoma raised his chin in arrogance, if there was rivalry, he most definitely welcomed it. A little challenge is what makes it all the more interesting.

If the match had already started, he'd better begin to take action too.

They both accepted this match with confidence and walked onto the court with determination.

Unknown to both players though, was that the umpire who was to decide the winner of this match was in a perplexed and bitter dilemma.

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-Owari-
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