Fic: Slump Week
Rating: PG
Words: 2,691
Challenge #27 - Slump
AN: Just a warning, this was completed while I was half-asleep (daylight saving hours .. grr!) but I was already late for the deadline and I figured if I didn't post it now, I never would. It's unbeta-ed and slightly crack-ish so if there are any mistakes, please feel free to point them out. This is my first challenge post and not as well-written as I would have liked so forgive me. I'm sure I'll be horrified in the morning that I actually posted this but that's what sleep deprivation does to me.
Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis or any of the characters mentioned within.
Of all the wisdom that Yamato-buchou had passed along to Tezuka, one thing stood out in his mind. Surprisingly, it wasn’t any advice on how to play tennis or even encouragement about playing the game. No, it was about the one week every year that tennis captains and coaches dreaded alike.
Slump Week.
Tezuka had seen with his very own eyes the dramatic changes that occurred in the club. It always happened in the same week of the same month of every year as far as he could remember. But even knowing about it never prepared him for the full effects of Slump Week. After speaking with the other middle school captains, Tezuka concluded it was just something one would never get used to.
During Saturday practice right before Slump Week was scheduled to begin, Tezuka observed the members who seemed to be already showing symptoms. He tried not to frown but wasn’t able to erase the faint crease in his brow. It was happening and he felt helpless to stop it.
Beside him, Ryuzaki-sensei shook her head with a sigh. She, too, had seen the dismal signs of Slump Week fast approaching. “There’s no point in fighting a losing battle. We’ll cancel club activities for the week. Maybe the break will be good for them and remind them how much they love the game.”
Tezuka nodded in agreement but that didn’t have to mean he liked it. As a third year, he was starting to prepare for the exams at the end of the year and could use the extra time to study. But not at the expense of tennis. For a week. He could always practice by himself but tennis was and always had been made for at least two people.
Had he been the type of person to do so, Tezuka would have sighed.
As if reading his mind, Ryuzaki-sensei glanced at him and smiled. “Don’t be so depressed. It’s only for a few days and once Slump Week passes, we can concentrate on tournaments again. Besides, not everyone will be necessarily affected by it.”
That was true. Tezuka could always call Tachibana or Atobe up for a game. But he still preferred playing with his own teammates, if only to see them grow.
“Saa, well, I’ll leave the announcement up to you, Tezuka. You should take advantage of the free time as well.” With a pat on his shoulder, the tennis coach turned and headed back to her office.
Tezuka surveyed the club members grimly. Even the first years were beginning to show signs of wear despite the light training session they were holding. Deciding to end practice before it got even slower and lethargic and more depressing, he called everyone to attention.
Once everyone had assembled, Tezuka stood in front of them, arms crossed at his chest. “Ryuzaki-sensei has decided to cancel club activities for next week. Take this time to finish any obligations you may have and return refreshed. First years, don’t forget to clean up the courts. Dismissed!”
No one questioned the decision. Instead, everybody seemed thrilled about the news. Even the dependable Oishi flashed Tezuka a quick smile of relief and understanding before turning to Eiji to discuss plans for their free week. The lines broke off as the second and third years chattered excitedly while they headed for the club house. Everyone was talking about how they were going to spend their free week, ranging from playing arcades to catching up on school work they had neglected. Even the first years seemed relieved to have a break from training.
Only one person didn’t seem happy about it and made no qualms to show it.
“Ne, Buchou, why did Ryuzaki-sensei cancel practice?” Echizen said from his place in regular’s line. He hadn’t moved from his spot and was positively glaring at him.
Tezuka returned Echizen’s look steadily. “During Slump Week, it’s much easier to let them go instead of fighting the inevitable.”
Echizen’s gaze turned skeptical. “Slump Week? What’s that?”
Exhaling slowly, Tezuka said wearily, “I wish I knew. But it happens every year when no one can concentrate on tennis and does everything to avoid playing or talking about it.” Apparently, it didn’t happen in America since Echizen never heard of it.
“Che. Then you should make them run laps.”
A tiny smile flickered briefly on Tezuka’s lips. “I had considered that but it would be somewhat demoralizing if the entire club were to run laps all practice.”
“Everyone except me,” Echizen said confidently. “I think it’s stupid to cancel practice when there’s tennis to be played.”
Tezuka wanted nothing more than to agree with Echizen but he knew it would only encourage the youth. So he said instead, “It would be wise if you took a small break as well, Echizen. After all, tennis isn’t everything.”
Echizen snorted. “I know you’re not going to, Buchou, so why should I? I can’t get better if I don’t practice.”
Tezuka gave up convincing Echizen when he himself didn’t really believe it, either. He said instead, “If you are free for a match, Echizen, we can meet after school some time next week to play.”
The moment the words left his mouth, Tezuka berated himself for speaking without thinking first. He hadn’t intended on challenging the first year again until much later to gauge his improvement. Perhaps he was just relieved to find another person to find the whole concept of Slump Week difficult to fathom.
Echizen’s eyes lit up and he nodded almost eagerly. “Hai, Buchou!” Grinning, he sauntered off to the club house with that agreement.
Bemused at his enthusiastic response, Tezuka watched Echizen until he disappeared inside the club house. He couldn’t regret asking for the match now, especially since he wouldn’t be playing much this week anyway. Ryuzaki-sensei had been right; Slump Week might be fast approaching but it didn’t affect everyone equally.
*****
They met at the clay courts near Haruno University, both warming up in silence. After finishing, they took up their positions on opposite sides of the court. Echizen had won the spin so he would serve first.
“Ready, Buchou?” he called out.
“Aa,” Tezuka replied, crouching into position near the baseline.
With a smirk, Echizen threw the ball up and smashed it over the net. Tezuka wasn’t surprised to see the ball hitting the ground and swishing around before launching back towards his face. But the Twist Serve had gotten better, sharper, and with more spin and speed. He noted this all with approval while he moved his head to avoid getting hit. The ball thudded against the chain-linked fence and deflated against the ground.
Tezuka wasn’t surprised to see the smug look in Echizen’s eyes, even from across the court. He wanted to say something but decided that he would have better success in shaking up Echizen’s confidence rather than lecturing him on being so bold. So he prepared himself for the next serve.
They traded shots back and forth as the game progressed. Minutes ticked by as each point was fought and earned in grueling volleys and spectacular smashes. Tezuka concentrated solely on Echizen, the ball, and the racket weighing familiarly and comfortably in his hand. Exhilaration and something akin to pure joy coursed through every inch of his body as he tracked the yellow sphere back and forth over the net in a tempo unique to their game. Tezuka felt his every move was sharper and he moved faster and any idea of being in some sort of slump in tennis was unimaginable.
Finally at match point, Tezuka served and Echizen returned it with a sharp slice. Meeting the ball, Tezuka shifted into position and hit it back over the net down the line instead of the zero shiki he knew Echizen was expecting. Eyes widening at the move, Echizen pedaled backwards for the ball - and missed. He dropped panting on the court as the ball rolled out of reach from his racket.
Tezuka gazed upwards, chest heaving as he tried to catch his own breath. It was always invigorating to play Echizen because he could feel himself learning and growing even in the middle of the match to make sure he could keep ahead of the younger boy. He was both looking forward to and dreading the time when Echizen would surpass him some day.
They shook hands at the center of the court and sat down on the side benches together. Tezuka drank deeply from his water bottle while Echizen opened a can of Ponta. “That was a good game,” Tezuka finally said when his breathing slowed.
“I’ll beat you next time,” Echizen answered with a hint of challenge in his voice.
Tezuka hid a faint smile. “Good.”
Once rested, they cleaned up the court and packed up to go. As they walked towards the train station, Echizen said, “Thanks for playing with me, Buchou. I guess I’ll see you next week …” His cap tilted down to hide his eyes.
Tezuka glanced down at the first year, bemused at Echizen’s failed attempt at subtly. “If you’re free tomorrow, we could play again,” he suggested.
Echizen glanced up quickly and a grin slowly dawned on his lips. “All right,” he agreed.
They ended up playing together the rest of the week as well. Tezuka wondered several times how the other regulars were spending their free time. He was surprised that Momoshiro or Kikumaru hadn’t bugged Echizen to join them in their merrymaking or whatever it was they were doing. But the first year met him every single time and Tezuka found himself enjoying their matches intensely. Perhaps it was because they had bonded during the time when none of the club members could stand to hear the word ‘tennis’. Or perhaps it was because they paid more attention to each other’s tennis, alone in their world of playing game after heady game. Either way, Tezuka was almost sorry to see the end of Slump Week.
On Sunday, after their match, Echizen slurped up his Ponta until it was empty. “Ne, Buchou, I’m hungry. Want to come to McDonald’s with me?”
Deciding that he, too, was hungry after their intense game which Echizen barely won 7-5 (7-5), Tezuka said mildly, “That’s not very healthy for you. I’ll take you to some other place.”
“There’s nothing wrong with McDonald’s,” Echizen argued. “Momo-senpai and Eiji-senpai eat there at least four times a week.”
“And they always regret it, either because of the money they spend or because they eat too much,” Tezuka said sternly. He picked up his tennis bag and Echizen copied his move. “I think you’ll like this place and it’s much healthier for you.”
“Che, where’s the fun in that?” Echizen muttered but followed Tezuka out of the court and down the familiar path to the train station.
Tezuka glanced at the first year keeping pace with him. He wanted to know if the other regulars had even thought to spend some time with him. Deciding the question was harmless, he asked, “Has Momoshiro asked you to go eat with him after school?”
“Yeah.”
Tezuka was mildly surprised. He had thought because Echizen met him every night after school, Momoshiro had been too busy doing something else. “Then why didn’t you go eat with him?”
Echizen was silent for so long that Tezuka thought he wasn’t going to answer. But then he said, “I thought this was more important.”
“I see,” said Tezuka, though he was somewhat mystified. What would be more important to a teenager than free food? Tezuka couldn’t imagine himself being so fun to hang out with that Echizen would give up favored activities to spend time with him instead.
To his surprise, Echizen slanted him a sardonic look. “Do you, Buchou?” he asked dryly. “Because I don’t think you do.”
Tezuka was startled by the cryptic comment and didn’t know what to say so he remained silent. But it bothered him as they silently made their way to a noodle bar.
Echizen’s aloof nature didn’t make him much of a conversationalist and Tezuka was too busy musing over what the younger boy had meant with his comment so there was silence between them. But it was fairly comfortable and they both ordered large bowls of udon at the counter. Finally, Echizen turned to Tezuka and said, “So tennis practice starts again on Monday?”
Disturbed from his thoughts, Tezuka blinked once before nodding. “Aa. Slump Week only lasts for that long. It’s oddly regular that way.”
Echizen snorted, fiddling with his pair of the chopsticks that he had picked up from the canister. “I still don’t understand this Slump Week. How can you get tired of tennis for seven days then go back like nothing ever happened?”
“I’ve been trying to figure that out myself for the past three years,” Tezuka said dryly. “None of the other team captains can explain this phenomenon, either. So if you ever find an answer, I would appreciate you sharing it with me.”
“Sure.” Echizen lapsed into silence as he stared thoughtfully at a dark smudge on the counter. Then he said, “Buchou? I had fun this past week.”
A tiny smile hovered on Tezuka’s lips. “I did too, Echizen.”
“We should play more often. You’re always teaching me more when we play than when you just watch.”
“I’ll consider it.” After all, he couldn’t spend too much time with one club member. That would raise up the issue of preferential treatment.
Echizen looked at Tezuka thoughtfully for a moment. “Can we do this again next year, Buchou? I mean, you’ll be at the high school but if Slump Week is universal around here, then it should affect the high school team, too.”
Tezuka slowly nodded. “I’d like that,” he agreed.
“Good.” Satisfied, Echizen swung his legs on the stool freely. “Actually, I’m kind of glad Slump Week happened. If it didn’t, we wouldn’t be here right now. I like spending time with you, Buchou.”
Uncertain how to respond to such a statement, Tezuka finally said carefully, “I’m sure we were able to learn a lot from each other.”
Echizen slanted him a sideways glance and opened his mouth to answer when their orders arrived. Two large steaming bowls of udon were placed under their noses, interrupting Echizen before he could say anything. Tezuka was inexplicably relieved.
After eating, they walked to the station to go their separate ways. Echizen’s train arrived first and Tezuka waited until the first year boarded safely. He nodded as Echizen waved farewell when the train finally took off. Then he started on his way to his own home, exhaling slowly. Slump Week was finally over.
*****
As Tezuka expected, on Monday morning, everyone in the tennis club was back on the courts in high spirits and with more enthusiasm. Everyone was either busy doing drills or playing practice matches with intense concentration and friendly competition.
“Tezuka!” Oishi called out cheerfully as the captain approached after meeting with Ryuzaki-sensei. “Everyone seems to be doing well today. I think we’re going to have some fierce competition in the next intra-school ranking.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Tezuka said, stopping next to his friend. It always happened that way, Tezuka reflected wryly. Consider one thing a curse and it eventually turns out to be a blessing in the end. At the very least, this outburst of fervency from the non-regulars would help the regulars train harder to avoid losing their spot on the team.
But there was one noticeable absence from the area. Scanning the courts, Tezuka looked for Echizen but didn’t see the first year anywhere. He was about to ask Oishi if Echizen was late again or if he was elsewhere when the familiar capped figure appeared at his elbow. Tezuka glanced down at the freshman who watched him with unreadable golden eyes. Echizen murmured something that sounded like a number.
“What was that, Echizen?” he asked.
“Three hundred and sixty-four, Buchou,” he repeated more loudly
Tezuka tilted his head slightly. “Three hundred and sixty-four what?”
Here Echizen smirked. “Three hundred and sixty-four days until Slump Week.”
Words: 2,691
Challenge #27 - Slump
AN: Just a warning, this was completed while I was half-asleep (daylight saving hours .. grr!) but I was already late for the deadline and I figured if I didn't post it now, I never would. It's unbeta-ed and slightly crack-ish so if there are any mistakes, please feel free to point them out. This is my first challenge post and not as well-written as I would have liked so forgive me. I'm sure I'll be horrified in the morning that I actually posted this but that's what sleep deprivation does to me.
Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis or any of the characters mentioned within.
Of all the wisdom that Yamato-buchou had passed along to Tezuka, one thing stood out in his mind. Surprisingly, it wasn’t any advice on how to play tennis or even encouragement about playing the game. No, it was about the one week every year that tennis captains and coaches dreaded alike.
Slump Week.
Tezuka had seen with his very own eyes the dramatic changes that occurred in the club. It always happened in the same week of the same month of every year as far as he could remember. But even knowing about it never prepared him for the full effects of Slump Week. After speaking with the other middle school captains, Tezuka concluded it was just something one would never get used to.
During Saturday practice right before Slump Week was scheduled to begin, Tezuka observed the members who seemed to be already showing symptoms. He tried not to frown but wasn’t able to erase the faint crease in his brow. It was happening and he felt helpless to stop it.
Beside him, Ryuzaki-sensei shook her head with a sigh. She, too, had seen the dismal signs of Slump Week fast approaching. “There’s no point in fighting a losing battle. We’ll cancel club activities for the week. Maybe the break will be good for them and remind them how much they love the game.”
Tezuka nodded in agreement but that didn’t have to mean he liked it. As a third year, he was starting to prepare for the exams at the end of the year and could use the extra time to study. But not at the expense of tennis. For a week. He could always practice by himself but tennis was and always had been made for at least two people.
Had he been the type of person to do so, Tezuka would have sighed.
As if reading his mind, Ryuzaki-sensei glanced at him and smiled. “Don’t be so depressed. It’s only for a few days and once Slump Week passes, we can concentrate on tournaments again. Besides, not everyone will be necessarily affected by it.”
That was true. Tezuka could always call Tachibana or Atobe up for a game. But he still preferred playing with his own teammates, if only to see them grow.
“Saa, well, I’ll leave the announcement up to you, Tezuka. You should take advantage of the free time as well.” With a pat on his shoulder, the tennis coach turned and headed back to her office.
Tezuka surveyed the club members grimly. Even the first years were beginning to show signs of wear despite the light training session they were holding. Deciding to end practice before it got even slower and lethargic and more depressing, he called everyone to attention.
Once everyone had assembled, Tezuka stood in front of them, arms crossed at his chest. “Ryuzaki-sensei has decided to cancel club activities for next week. Take this time to finish any obligations you may have and return refreshed. First years, don’t forget to clean up the courts. Dismissed!”
No one questioned the decision. Instead, everybody seemed thrilled about the news. Even the dependable Oishi flashed Tezuka a quick smile of relief and understanding before turning to Eiji to discuss plans for their free week. The lines broke off as the second and third years chattered excitedly while they headed for the club house. Everyone was talking about how they were going to spend their free week, ranging from playing arcades to catching up on school work they had neglected. Even the first years seemed relieved to have a break from training.
Only one person didn’t seem happy about it and made no qualms to show it.
“Ne, Buchou, why did Ryuzaki-sensei cancel practice?” Echizen said from his place in regular’s line. He hadn’t moved from his spot and was positively glaring at him.
Tezuka returned Echizen’s look steadily. “During Slump Week, it’s much easier to let them go instead of fighting the inevitable.”
Echizen’s gaze turned skeptical. “Slump Week? What’s that?”
Exhaling slowly, Tezuka said wearily, “I wish I knew. But it happens every year when no one can concentrate on tennis and does everything to avoid playing or talking about it.” Apparently, it didn’t happen in America since Echizen never heard of it.
“Che. Then you should make them run laps.”
A tiny smile flickered briefly on Tezuka’s lips. “I had considered that but it would be somewhat demoralizing if the entire club were to run laps all practice.”
“Everyone except me,” Echizen said confidently. “I think it’s stupid to cancel practice when there’s tennis to be played.”
Tezuka wanted nothing more than to agree with Echizen but he knew it would only encourage the youth. So he said instead, “It would be wise if you took a small break as well, Echizen. After all, tennis isn’t everything.”
Echizen snorted. “I know you’re not going to, Buchou, so why should I? I can’t get better if I don’t practice.”
Tezuka gave up convincing Echizen when he himself didn’t really believe it, either. He said instead, “If you are free for a match, Echizen, we can meet after school some time next week to play.”
The moment the words left his mouth, Tezuka berated himself for speaking without thinking first. He hadn’t intended on challenging the first year again until much later to gauge his improvement. Perhaps he was just relieved to find another person to find the whole concept of Slump Week difficult to fathom.
Echizen’s eyes lit up and he nodded almost eagerly. “Hai, Buchou!” Grinning, he sauntered off to the club house with that agreement.
Bemused at his enthusiastic response, Tezuka watched Echizen until he disappeared inside the club house. He couldn’t regret asking for the match now, especially since he wouldn’t be playing much this week anyway. Ryuzaki-sensei had been right; Slump Week might be fast approaching but it didn’t affect everyone equally.
*****
They met at the clay courts near Haruno University, both warming up in silence. After finishing, they took up their positions on opposite sides of the court. Echizen had won the spin so he would serve first.
“Ready, Buchou?” he called out.
“Aa,” Tezuka replied, crouching into position near the baseline.
With a smirk, Echizen threw the ball up and smashed it over the net. Tezuka wasn’t surprised to see the ball hitting the ground and swishing around before launching back towards his face. But the Twist Serve had gotten better, sharper, and with more spin and speed. He noted this all with approval while he moved his head to avoid getting hit. The ball thudded against the chain-linked fence and deflated against the ground.
Tezuka wasn’t surprised to see the smug look in Echizen’s eyes, even from across the court. He wanted to say something but decided that he would have better success in shaking up Echizen’s confidence rather than lecturing him on being so bold. So he prepared himself for the next serve.
They traded shots back and forth as the game progressed. Minutes ticked by as each point was fought and earned in grueling volleys and spectacular smashes. Tezuka concentrated solely on Echizen, the ball, and the racket weighing familiarly and comfortably in his hand. Exhilaration and something akin to pure joy coursed through every inch of his body as he tracked the yellow sphere back and forth over the net in a tempo unique to their game. Tezuka felt his every move was sharper and he moved faster and any idea of being in some sort of slump in tennis was unimaginable.
Finally at match point, Tezuka served and Echizen returned it with a sharp slice. Meeting the ball, Tezuka shifted into position and hit it back over the net down the line instead of the zero shiki he knew Echizen was expecting. Eyes widening at the move, Echizen pedaled backwards for the ball - and missed. He dropped panting on the court as the ball rolled out of reach from his racket.
Tezuka gazed upwards, chest heaving as he tried to catch his own breath. It was always invigorating to play Echizen because he could feel himself learning and growing even in the middle of the match to make sure he could keep ahead of the younger boy. He was both looking forward to and dreading the time when Echizen would surpass him some day.
They shook hands at the center of the court and sat down on the side benches together. Tezuka drank deeply from his water bottle while Echizen opened a can of Ponta. “That was a good game,” Tezuka finally said when his breathing slowed.
“I’ll beat you next time,” Echizen answered with a hint of challenge in his voice.
Tezuka hid a faint smile. “Good.”
Once rested, they cleaned up the court and packed up to go. As they walked towards the train station, Echizen said, “Thanks for playing with me, Buchou. I guess I’ll see you next week …” His cap tilted down to hide his eyes.
Tezuka glanced down at the first year, bemused at Echizen’s failed attempt at subtly. “If you’re free tomorrow, we could play again,” he suggested.
Echizen glanced up quickly and a grin slowly dawned on his lips. “All right,” he agreed.
They ended up playing together the rest of the week as well. Tezuka wondered several times how the other regulars were spending their free time. He was surprised that Momoshiro or Kikumaru hadn’t bugged Echizen to join them in their merrymaking or whatever it was they were doing. But the first year met him every single time and Tezuka found himself enjoying their matches intensely. Perhaps it was because they had bonded during the time when none of the club members could stand to hear the word ‘tennis’. Or perhaps it was because they paid more attention to each other’s tennis, alone in their world of playing game after heady game. Either way, Tezuka was almost sorry to see the end of Slump Week.
On Sunday, after their match, Echizen slurped up his Ponta until it was empty. “Ne, Buchou, I’m hungry. Want to come to McDonald’s with me?”
Deciding that he, too, was hungry after their intense game which Echizen barely won 7-5 (7-5), Tezuka said mildly, “That’s not very healthy for you. I’ll take you to some other place.”
“There’s nothing wrong with McDonald’s,” Echizen argued. “Momo-senpai and Eiji-senpai eat there at least four times a week.”
“And they always regret it, either because of the money they spend or because they eat too much,” Tezuka said sternly. He picked up his tennis bag and Echizen copied his move. “I think you’ll like this place and it’s much healthier for you.”
“Che, where’s the fun in that?” Echizen muttered but followed Tezuka out of the court and down the familiar path to the train station.
Tezuka glanced at the first year keeping pace with him. He wanted to know if the other regulars had even thought to spend some time with him. Deciding the question was harmless, he asked, “Has Momoshiro asked you to go eat with him after school?”
“Yeah.”
Tezuka was mildly surprised. He had thought because Echizen met him every night after school, Momoshiro had been too busy doing something else. “Then why didn’t you go eat with him?”
Echizen was silent for so long that Tezuka thought he wasn’t going to answer. But then he said, “I thought this was more important.”
“I see,” said Tezuka, though he was somewhat mystified. What would be more important to a teenager than free food? Tezuka couldn’t imagine himself being so fun to hang out with that Echizen would give up favored activities to spend time with him instead.
To his surprise, Echizen slanted him a sardonic look. “Do you, Buchou?” he asked dryly. “Because I don’t think you do.”
Tezuka was startled by the cryptic comment and didn’t know what to say so he remained silent. But it bothered him as they silently made their way to a noodle bar.
Echizen’s aloof nature didn’t make him much of a conversationalist and Tezuka was too busy musing over what the younger boy had meant with his comment so there was silence between them. But it was fairly comfortable and they both ordered large bowls of udon at the counter. Finally, Echizen turned to Tezuka and said, “So tennis practice starts again on Monday?”
Disturbed from his thoughts, Tezuka blinked once before nodding. “Aa. Slump Week only lasts for that long. It’s oddly regular that way.”
Echizen snorted, fiddling with his pair of the chopsticks that he had picked up from the canister. “I still don’t understand this Slump Week. How can you get tired of tennis for seven days then go back like nothing ever happened?”
“I’ve been trying to figure that out myself for the past three years,” Tezuka said dryly. “None of the other team captains can explain this phenomenon, either. So if you ever find an answer, I would appreciate you sharing it with me.”
“Sure.” Echizen lapsed into silence as he stared thoughtfully at a dark smudge on the counter. Then he said, “Buchou? I had fun this past week.”
A tiny smile hovered on Tezuka’s lips. “I did too, Echizen.”
“We should play more often. You’re always teaching me more when we play than when you just watch.”
“I’ll consider it.” After all, he couldn’t spend too much time with one club member. That would raise up the issue of preferential treatment.
Echizen looked at Tezuka thoughtfully for a moment. “Can we do this again next year, Buchou? I mean, you’ll be at the high school but if Slump Week is universal around here, then it should affect the high school team, too.”
Tezuka slowly nodded. “I’d like that,” he agreed.
“Good.” Satisfied, Echizen swung his legs on the stool freely. “Actually, I’m kind of glad Slump Week happened. If it didn’t, we wouldn’t be here right now. I like spending time with you, Buchou.”
Uncertain how to respond to such a statement, Tezuka finally said carefully, “I’m sure we were able to learn a lot from each other.”
Echizen slanted him a sideways glance and opened his mouth to answer when their orders arrived. Two large steaming bowls of udon were placed under their noses, interrupting Echizen before he could say anything. Tezuka was inexplicably relieved.
After eating, they walked to the station to go their separate ways. Echizen’s train arrived first and Tezuka waited until the first year boarded safely. He nodded as Echizen waved farewell when the train finally took off. Then he started on his way to his own home, exhaling slowly. Slump Week was finally over.
*****
As Tezuka expected, on Monday morning, everyone in the tennis club was back on the courts in high spirits and with more enthusiasm. Everyone was either busy doing drills or playing practice matches with intense concentration and friendly competition.
“Tezuka!” Oishi called out cheerfully as the captain approached after meeting with Ryuzaki-sensei. “Everyone seems to be doing well today. I think we’re going to have some fierce competition in the next intra-school ranking.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Tezuka said, stopping next to his friend. It always happened that way, Tezuka reflected wryly. Consider one thing a curse and it eventually turns out to be a blessing in the end. At the very least, this outburst of fervency from the non-regulars would help the regulars train harder to avoid losing their spot on the team.
But there was one noticeable absence from the area. Scanning the courts, Tezuka looked for Echizen but didn’t see the first year anywhere. He was about to ask Oishi if Echizen was late again or if he was elsewhere when the familiar capped figure appeared at his elbow. Tezuka glanced down at the freshman who watched him with unreadable golden eyes. Echizen murmured something that sounded like a number.
“What was that, Echizen?” he asked.
“Three hundred and sixty-four, Buchou,” he repeated more loudly
Tezuka tilted his head slightly. “Three hundred and sixty-four what?”
Here Echizen smirked. “Three hundred and sixty-four days until Slump Week.”