A Samurai for the Buchou Chapter 11
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Prince of Tennis, its characters, etc. I am merely borrowing them for this fanfic. What I own are my own characters like Akumi and some plots of the story.
Yey, last chapter before the epilogue... Flashbacks would be in italics and words spoken in English would be in bold letters. By the way, there'll be a huge leap of time with this chapter (basically they're not in highschool anymore)... On with the story then...
Title: A Samurai for the Buchou
Chapter: 11
Author: akumitsu
Rating: T
Characters/Pairings: Tezuka K./OC,
Summary: Ryoma's cousin transferred to Seishun in order to protect herself from some nasty stalkers... Not to mention to turn the brain upside-down of one certain captain of the tennis team.
A Samurai for the Buchou
Chapter 11
It's been five years since Seigaku had won their Nationals Tournament when they were in highschool. A lot of things have changed. Some continued their tennis career as professional players, some became active in the medical field and some ventured into the business world.
Their first year tennis prodigy who's not really a first year anymore is in his last year of college, taking up medicine, before proceeding as a professional tennis player. The third years and second years are now college graduates and are on their respective field of knowledge. Kaidoh stayed in Seigaku, becoming their tennis coach which resulted in Seigaku still one of the most famous tennis schools in Japan. Momoshiro is happily dating Tachibana An and is a famous director despite his early entry in the movie industry. Inui is a doctor or rather a chemist working in one of Japan's top companies that produce medicines. Oishi also was in the medical field, being a sports doctor since he made up his mind that he wouldn't let any athlete be in the same path that Tezuka had once stepped on. Eiji became an architect, travelling around Japan all-year round. Fuji or course became a professional photographer who spends most of his time in Europe since he was hired by a fashion magazine, to shoot their monthly issue, that was stationed in Paris. Kawamura succeeded in making Kawamura's Sushi Restaurant one of the most popular and well-respected sushi restaurants in the country and now his restaurant has branches nationwide. Tezuka became a professional player in just half a year. After graduating college where he took a business course, he went straight to Germany to train and in just six months was already playing his first grand slam tournament.
Although Tezuka has travelled around the world, made lots of new friends and met interesting people, there was one person he wishes to see again. And of course, that would be the famous renowned Japanese author Akumi Kinomiya. She also lived a very hectic schedule. Usually in major cities around the world having a book tour. She writes children's books and also some young adult books. She started writing when she was in her second year of college at Columbia University studying world literature and with foreign language as her minor. One of her manuscripts was read by her classmate, Chelsea Aniston, who happened to have an uncle who runs a small publishing company. She decided to give it a chance and it surprised her that the book actually became a hit. She started writing more and slowly but surely, by the end of her third year college, she has established herself as one of the most successful budding authors in the writing industry. She also went into some script-writing for an independent film and the movie won. By the time she graduated college, she started touring around the world, promoting her books, helping people in need since she has also established some charities. She still played tennis but that is whenever some of her friends during higschool would visit her in New York where she continued to live. She has purchased her own condominium using the money she earned from writings. She still lives with her auntie and uncle though. She would only use the condominium whenever she's writing and needs concentration and away from the noise.
This particular month, a grandslam tournament would be taking place. The prestigious U.S. Open. The players participating would be staying at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Queens, New York since the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where the event will be held, is located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens, New York City.
The players have just arrived and a lot of them went straight to their assigned rooms. One certain brunette tennis player, though, went straight to the restaurant since he was hungry. He walked holding his chin up high, with his tennis bag slung to his left shoulder when, wearing a dark blue t-shirt and khaki pants, partnered with a white rubber shoes. His walk suddenly stopped when someone bumped in to him.
He looked down, to see who the person is. What he saw, though were papers scattered everywhere, the lady who he was sure the one who accidentaly stopped his walk was calmly collecting it. He bent down to help the lady. While he was picking up some of the papers, he heard her talk which made his heart skip a beat when he heard the familiar voice behind him.
“I am so sorry, sir. I didn't exactly see you since I was reading something from the menu.” He turned to look at her, still on the ground and when he came face to face with those sparkling blue eyes, the near-perfect shaped nose, the shiny wavy black hair hanging, almost touching the ground which was with a pretty silver headband, and those smalll pink lips that still looked the same as before.
“Akumi-chan,” he managed to whisper while he thought he was already hyperventilating at the sight of his angel, or at least supposed to be his angel.
Akumi dropped the papers again, her jaw hanging open, her blue eyes in shock, somehow staring at the brunette made her lose her senses. “Tezuka-san?” She managed speak, almost choking.
They quickly grabbed the papers when they felt that the people were staring at them. They probably thought they were acting like children, playing in the ground. They stoood and Tezuka gave her the papers she was carrying. She said thank you with her angelic smile. Again that smile that made Tezuka fall for her, and now he was doing it all over again. Staring at her with longing eyes, just like when he barged in to Rikkai Dai just to talk to her which pretty much ended in a dramatic albeit sad way.
Akumi smiled before she opened her delicate mouth again, saying, “Tezuka-san, it is you. Wow, you're taller now, ne?”
He can't believe her. It was like nothing happened five years ago, but then again, she was happy with Sanada wasn't she? She had moved on already, and besides, they didn't really date. They're just a pair of tennis players hanging out every weekend back then. He finally spoke, “Akumi-chan. How are you now?”
“I'm great! Wait, if you're here, you want to eat right? Wanna grab a bite with me?”
It was like playing back a video tape. Akumi asking a favor from Tezuka and he accepting. Soon, they found themselves settled into one of the 'table-for-two' tables of the restaurant, near the window where they could see the bustling city of New York. Akumi ordered some European pastry with hot coffee. Tezuka had the same.
“So, you're here for the U.S. Open, right?”
“Aa...” There goes his one-syllable answer again. What if Akumi get bored talking to him like that?
“Still haven't changed a bit, huh? Well, how's your arm?”
“It's fine. It's not the same as before.”
“That's good! Now you're living the life you've always wanted, right?”
“Hai.” He lied. There was one thing still missing from his life until now, and he wasn't sure if he'll ever have the opportunity to have it.
When their food arrived, they ate in silence. They're not really the one who talk too much. They enjoyed each other's company in silence, used to it already. When they finished eating, the waiter took away the plates and they started questioning each other about what happened the last five years.
“So, how was college? Heard you took business. Was Tokyo University good?”
“Hai. I had Atobe Keigo and and your friend, Marui Sumire as classmates.”
“Oh yeah, Sumi-chan did mention that you guys were classmates and Atobe lived his life pissing you off every time he can.” They both chuckled at that. Akumi also knew the king of Hyotei since they battled with the Hyotei girls before, so they also met the Hyotei boys.
“How about you? How was Columbia?”
“It was great! I mean I didn't had any problem with the culture since I was raised here, not to mention my classmates were great. I stayed at the dorm for four years before finally moving here a year ago. This is where my uncle and auntie lives. And besides, Ryoma-kun's house is also near here.”
“Aa... I do see Echizen a lot back in Tokyo. We still play with the other former regulars.”
“I know that. Ryoma-kun has told me all about the former regulars and how you guys hang-out whenever you have the time and schedule permits. As for me, my friends are the one who visits me here. Sometimes, they even tag along with my book tours, specially Shiori-chan since she's a reporter.”
“Hai. You're talking about Sasaki Shiori, right?”
“Yep.”
A minute of silence followed, and then another, until Tezuka spoke.
“How is Sanada?”
“Gen-chan? He's fine. He's great! He spends a lot of time here since he's on the business world and one of the major partners of the company where he works is in here, and he's usually the representative when they need to have a meeting with them. The boss of the New York company is pretty sensitive so they always make it to the point not to disappoint him or the contract might break.”
“Oh. Well, Akumi-chan, I have to go now. My coach is expecting me for some practice before the start of the tournament tomorrow.”
“Alright then, oh and by the way Tezuka-san, will you be available on Saturday two weeks from now? Will you still be here?”
Akumi's question made Tezuka sit back to his seat again. “Hai.”
“Will you attend the wedding?” His eyes widened with the question. She's getting married? To who? Although he was sure he already knew who was her husband-to-be.
“Tezuka-san? I'm sorry I don't have any invitations with me, but will you go? You're one of my special friends so I want to see you there.”
“H-hai.”
“Great! That means you'll be able to-” Akumi was cut off when her cellphone rang. She excused herself from Tezuka and answered it. When she left the table for a while, Tezuka's thoughts went wild. He can't believe Akumi's getting married at the age of twenty-two. How can Sanada marry her that early? He wanted to talk to Sanada and shake him to realize what he's doing. Or probabaly he was just jealous. He didn't have any right to interfere with their plans. But he did notice that Akumi wasn't wearing any engagement ring. Was Sanada too conscious about spending the money that he didn't bother getting her an engagement ring? If that would have been him, he would've gotten Akumi the most beautiful, princess-cut diamond ring he could find. He went back to reality when Akumi was back on their table.
“Gomen, Tezuka-san. Gen-chan was just to wrapped up about this whole wedding thing it's like his brain isn't functioning anymore. So, I'll expect you on Saturday then at 10 in the morning here? The wedding is on one of the hotel's special function rooms.”
“Hai.” With that and a last glance at Akumi going the opposite direction, he sighed and felt that the whole world just dropped on his shoulders, literally.
…............................................................................................................................................
It's been two weeks since Akumi and Tezuka saw each other again and met at the restaurant in Crowne Plaza hotel. He still remembers Akumi's reason why she wanted to invite him to her and Sanada's wedding.
“Tezuka-san? I'm sorry I don't have any invitations with me, but will you go? You're one of my special friends so I want to see you there.”
“Special friend...” He muttered under his breath.
He was staring at the black tux that was laid out on the hotel bed. He, still wearing the thick, white bathrobe that the hotel issued. He still hasn't made up his mind whether he would go to the wedding or not. He wanted to see Akumi, but not in a wedding dress getting married to someone. But it would be the last time he might see her. They day after tomorrow is the date he'll go back to Germany to continue his training before proceeding to the next tennis event he'll be competing. He was sure that he won't be able to see Akumi tomorrow since after the wedding, she and Sanada will have a vacation.
After some minutes passed, he was still looking at the tux on his bed. He looked at the bed-side clock. '10:30,' he thought. He was late. He didn't bother getting the tux back to his bag. He deposited himself to the bed, looked at the ceiling like with a glare that if it were a living person, he would've ran some laps by now. He sighed again. 'Good-bye, Akumi-chan. Aishiteru.” He closed his eyes, felt a single tear wet his cheek and buried his face to the pillow, drifting off to sleep.
…............................................................................................................................................
He woke up, still groggy. It was dark and the only thing that made light was his bed-side clock displaying '8:00 P.M.' and his phone that was ringing. He wanted to sleep again. Whoever was disturbing him made a huge mistake. He picked up the phone and placed it on his ear.
“Moshi moshi. Tezuka speaking.”
“Tezuka-san? Did I wake you up or something?” A familiar voice was on the other line. He immediately became alert, switching the bed-side lamp and putting his glasses above his nose.
“Akumi-chan?” He sounded like a kid seeing a ghost who wanted to run for help.
“Hai. Why weren't you here? I thought you said you'll come?” Her voice was full of disappointment. Tezuka wanted to slap himself and he mentally hit his head on a wall. Why did he make Akumi sad when it was supposed to be one of the happiest days of her life? He should've just dropped by and forget whatever feelings he had for her. That was easy, right?
“Gomen, Akumi-chan. I- I fell asleep.” He admitted shamelessly. He didn't want to lie to her so he just told the truth.
He heard her chuckle a bit. He smiled at hearing her laugh again. “Well, the reception's almost over and to tell you the truth, I'm not even tired. You wanna meet up at the coffee shop near the hotel?”
His jaw dropped. It was her wedding day, she was supposed to be with her husband and she was asking if he wanted to have some coffee? Wait, aren't they at the second floor of the hotel? He was on the third, so, with a mad dash, he just said yes to Akumi and changed his clothes to a casual and went down the stairs not patient enough to wait for the elevator. They said they'll meet up at the reception where some of the closest friends are the only ones who remained and hanged out for a while. When he faced the door of the function room, he took a deep breath, touched the knob and turned it.
What he saw inside made him almost jump for joy, luckily he had self control or he would've looked like a mad man. He stared in surprise at the bride, wearing her wedding dress, Marui Sumire was clinging to Akumi's brother Hiro. Then he saw Akumi approaching him with that to-die-for angelic smile. She was wearing a dark blue spaghetti strap dress that went up to her knees. She wore a pear necklace and pearl earrings. Her shoes were black stilleto heels. Finally she spoke - “Tezuka-san! So what do you think? Nii-san and Sumi-chan look great together, don't they?”
The only reply he gave was, “it wasn't you wedding?”
Akumi wanted to roll on the floor with what she just heard. But she just chuckled lightly, almost blushing.
“Ne, Tezuka-san, where in the world did you get that idea? She looked at him with a very wide smile, or actually it was a grin.
“I thought you and Sanada, well, gomen Akumi-chan.”
“Come on, let's talk about that on the cafe. I'll just say bye to nii-san and the rest. I'll catch up with you later.” He nodded and went out of the function room. He mentally hit his head again on the wall. How come he was so stupid when it comes to Akumi? Was he really that head-over-heels in love with her? Well, she was worth it anyway. He went to the coffee shop and waited for Akumi.
After some ten minutes of waiting, he finally saw her enter the shop. She still wore the beautiful blue cocktail dress. When she sat across Tezuka, they ordered their coffee and talked.
“So what was that about Gen-chan and I getting married again?” She said this now with a much more gentler smile. Tezuka relaxed and answered truthfully. “I thought it was your wedding. You were very happy while talking about it and you said Sanada was nervous about it.”
“Oh that. Gomen. Actually, the reason why I was on the restaurant was because nii-san was the one who ordered me the task of taking care of the menu for the reception. Gen-chan was also being pressured by nii-san to take care of the wedding guests' invitations. Some of them hasn't answered yet during that time that Gen-chan had to fly back and forth to Japan and here just to make sure all the guests got their invitations. That's why he was so crazy about the whole wedding. As for me, of course I'm very happy. My brother and bestfriend getting married was a dream come true for my parents and grandfather and mine too, of course.”
Tezuka looked relieved when he heard her story. He wanted to laugh when she mentioned Sanada being paranoid about Akumi's brother.
“So, why didn't you attend the wedding, Tezuka-san?” Her tone became more serious. She looked at him straight in the eye when she asked this.
“Because I fell asleep, gomen, Akumi-chan.”
She seemed distracted for a while but then went back to her old self. “Oh, well, I guess that's just the way it is. It's late, Tezuka-san, I have to go back to the party.”
“I'll walk you there. My room's on the third floor anyway.” They walked back to the hotel. When they got to Tezuka's room on the third floor, they bid each other goodbye until Tezuka went back to the empty hallway and called Akumi.
Akumi turned and went back. “Tezuka-san, you need anything?”
“Anou, ah, are you dating Sanada?”
“Eh? Since when? Kidding! Of course not. He's my bestfriend and besides, I like someone else already.”
“Oh, but the day I went to Rikkai, you, you were hugging him.” Tezuka couldn't believe he was doing this. What the hell was he thinking asking Akumi personal questions?
“Gen-chan and I have been doing that since we were little kids. We're like brother and sister you know. And besides, we are bestfri-” Her little speech was cut by a kiss from Tezuka. A soft kiss that showed her and let her feel that he truly loved her. She was too surprised by the sudden action that she just stood there with her hands on her side.
Tezuka broke away and felt like slamming his head again on the wall, for the third time. He lifted Akumi's wrist, as if telling her to slap him, or if she wanted to, punch him in the face.
“You want me to hurt you for what you did? Her voice was neutral, no taint of anger, surprise or any emotions. He nodded. She let go of her hand and looked like she really was about to slap him. She stopped halfway and just tapped Tezuka on the cheek. He looked at her with an 'I'm sorry' look. She seem to understood that and she shook her head. “I didn't date Gen-chan because I, well I, oh great!” She slapped her forehead with her hand. Tezuka wanted to laugh at her, but instead, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her again, and this time, Akumi responded with her own soft, sweet kiss. He broke away then held Akumi's face in his hand, “I love you.”
“Ne, Tezuka-san why didn't you-” She was interrupted again by a finger on her lips. Tezuka hugged her and whispered to her ear, “Kunimitsu, you can call me that.”
She shook her head, looking up at him with that smile he always loved, “That's too long, Mitsu. Why didn't you tell me before?” He smiled at the way Akumi called him. He felt his heart leap again, this time with the joy he'd been wanting to feel all along. He tucked her head under his chin and answered her question.
“Well, basically, I didn't have the guts. Second, I thought you liked Sanada.”
She looked at him again, now they were staring at each other's eyes. “Mitsu, I can't and won't like him like that. We've always been together, but, we're just bestfriends, nothing more, nothing less.”
He looked at Akumi, smiling the brightest smile he could ever display on his face. Akumi smiled at him back. “I love you Mitsu, more than ever.”
Tezuka leaned and whispered again, “I love you, too, Akumi.” With a smile on his face, he kissed her again. Finally, his feelings have been released after a long time, and it was returned back by someone he knew he would spend the rest of his life with.
Yey, last chapter before the epilogue... Flashbacks would be in italics and words spoken in English would be in bold letters. By the way, there'll be a huge leap of time with this chapter (basically they're not in highschool anymore)... On with the story then...
Title: A Samurai for the Buchou
Chapter: 11
Author: akumitsu
Rating: T
Characters/Pairings: Tezuka K./OC,
Summary: Ryoma's cousin transferred to Seishun in order to protect herself from some nasty stalkers... Not to mention to turn the brain upside-down of one certain captain of the tennis team.
A Samurai for the Buchou
Chapter 11
It's been five years since Seigaku had won their Nationals Tournament when they were in highschool. A lot of things have changed. Some continued their tennis career as professional players, some became active in the medical field and some ventured into the business world.
Their first year tennis prodigy who's not really a first year anymore is in his last year of college, taking up medicine, before proceeding as a professional tennis player. The third years and second years are now college graduates and are on their respective field of knowledge. Kaidoh stayed in Seigaku, becoming their tennis coach which resulted in Seigaku still one of the most famous tennis schools in Japan. Momoshiro is happily dating Tachibana An and is a famous director despite his early entry in the movie industry. Inui is a doctor or rather a chemist working in one of Japan's top companies that produce medicines. Oishi also was in the medical field, being a sports doctor since he made up his mind that he wouldn't let any athlete be in the same path that Tezuka had once stepped on. Eiji became an architect, travelling around Japan all-year round. Fuji or course became a professional photographer who spends most of his time in Europe since he was hired by a fashion magazine, to shoot their monthly issue, that was stationed in Paris. Kawamura succeeded in making Kawamura's Sushi Restaurant one of the most popular and well-respected sushi restaurants in the country and now his restaurant has branches nationwide. Tezuka became a professional player in just half a year. After graduating college where he took a business course, he went straight to Germany to train and in just six months was already playing his first grand slam tournament.
Although Tezuka has travelled around the world, made lots of new friends and met interesting people, there was one person he wishes to see again. And of course, that would be the famous renowned Japanese author Akumi Kinomiya. She also lived a very hectic schedule. Usually in major cities around the world having a book tour. She writes children's books and also some young adult books. She started writing when she was in her second year of college at Columbia University studying world literature and with foreign language as her minor. One of her manuscripts was read by her classmate, Chelsea Aniston, who happened to have an uncle who runs a small publishing company. She decided to give it a chance and it surprised her that the book actually became a hit. She started writing more and slowly but surely, by the end of her third year college, she has established herself as one of the most successful budding authors in the writing industry. She also went into some script-writing for an independent film and the movie won. By the time she graduated college, she started touring around the world, promoting her books, helping people in need since she has also established some charities. She still played tennis but that is whenever some of her friends during higschool would visit her in New York where she continued to live. She has purchased her own condominium using the money she earned from writings. She still lives with her auntie and uncle though. She would only use the condominium whenever she's writing and needs concentration and away from the noise.
This particular month, a grandslam tournament would be taking place. The prestigious U.S. Open. The players participating would be staying at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Queens, New York since the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where the event will be held, is located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens, New York City.
The players have just arrived and a lot of them went straight to their assigned rooms. One certain brunette tennis player, though, went straight to the restaurant since he was hungry. He walked holding his chin up high, with his tennis bag slung to his left shoulder when, wearing a dark blue t-shirt and khaki pants, partnered with a white rubber shoes. His walk suddenly stopped when someone bumped in to him.
He looked down, to see who the person is. What he saw, though were papers scattered everywhere, the lady who he was sure the one who accidentaly stopped his walk was calmly collecting it. He bent down to help the lady. While he was picking up some of the papers, he heard her talk which made his heart skip a beat when he heard the familiar voice behind him.
“I am so sorry, sir. I didn't exactly see you since I was reading something from the menu.” He turned to look at her, still on the ground and when he came face to face with those sparkling blue eyes, the near-perfect shaped nose, the shiny wavy black hair hanging, almost touching the ground which was with a pretty silver headband, and those smalll pink lips that still looked the same as before.
“Akumi-chan,” he managed to whisper while he thought he was already hyperventilating at the sight of his angel, or at least supposed to be his angel.
Akumi dropped the papers again, her jaw hanging open, her blue eyes in shock, somehow staring at the brunette made her lose her senses. “Tezuka-san?” She managed speak, almost choking.
They quickly grabbed the papers when they felt that the people were staring at them. They probably thought they were acting like children, playing in the ground. They stoood and Tezuka gave her the papers she was carrying. She said thank you with her angelic smile. Again that smile that made Tezuka fall for her, and now he was doing it all over again. Staring at her with longing eyes, just like when he barged in to Rikkai Dai just to talk to her which pretty much ended in a dramatic albeit sad way.
Akumi smiled before she opened her delicate mouth again, saying, “Tezuka-san, it is you. Wow, you're taller now, ne?”
He can't believe her. It was like nothing happened five years ago, but then again, she was happy with Sanada wasn't she? She had moved on already, and besides, they didn't really date. They're just a pair of tennis players hanging out every weekend back then. He finally spoke, “Akumi-chan. How are you now?”
“I'm great! Wait, if you're here, you want to eat right? Wanna grab a bite with me?”
It was like playing back a video tape. Akumi asking a favor from Tezuka and he accepting. Soon, they found themselves settled into one of the 'table-for-two' tables of the restaurant, near the window where they could see the bustling city of New York. Akumi ordered some European pastry with hot coffee. Tezuka had the same.
“So, you're here for the U.S. Open, right?”
“Aa...” There goes his one-syllable answer again. What if Akumi get bored talking to him like that?
“Still haven't changed a bit, huh? Well, how's your arm?”
“It's fine. It's not the same as before.”
“That's good! Now you're living the life you've always wanted, right?”
“Hai.” He lied. There was one thing still missing from his life until now, and he wasn't sure if he'll ever have the opportunity to have it.
When their food arrived, they ate in silence. They're not really the one who talk too much. They enjoyed each other's company in silence, used to it already. When they finished eating, the waiter took away the plates and they started questioning each other about what happened the last five years.
“So, how was college? Heard you took business. Was Tokyo University good?”
“Hai. I had Atobe Keigo and and your friend, Marui Sumire as classmates.”
“Oh yeah, Sumi-chan did mention that you guys were classmates and Atobe lived his life pissing you off every time he can.” They both chuckled at that. Akumi also knew the king of Hyotei since they battled with the Hyotei girls before, so they also met the Hyotei boys.
“How about you? How was Columbia?”
“It was great! I mean I didn't had any problem with the culture since I was raised here, not to mention my classmates were great. I stayed at the dorm for four years before finally moving here a year ago. This is where my uncle and auntie lives. And besides, Ryoma-kun's house is also near here.”
“Aa... I do see Echizen a lot back in Tokyo. We still play with the other former regulars.”
“I know that. Ryoma-kun has told me all about the former regulars and how you guys hang-out whenever you have the time and schedule permits. As for me, my friends are the one who visits me here. Sometimes, they even tag along with my book tours, specially Shiori-chan since she's a reporter.”
“Hai. You're talking about Sasaki Shiori, right?”
“Yep.”
A minute of silence followed, and then another, until Tezuka spoke.
“How is Sanada?”
“Gen-chan? He's fine. He's great! He spends a lot of time here since he's on the business world and one of the major partners of the company where he works is in here, and he's usually the representative when they need to have a meeting with them. The boss of the New York company is pretty sensitive so they always make it to the point not to disappoint him or the contract might break.”
“Oh. Well, Akumi-chan, I have to go now. My coach is expecting me for some practice before the start of the tournament tomorrow.”
“Alright then, oh and by the way Tezuka-san, will you be available on Saturday two weeks from now? Will you still be here?”
Akumi's question made Tezuka sit back to his seat again. “Hai.”
“Will you attend the wedding?” His eyes widened with the question. She's getting married? To who? Although he was sure he already knew who was her husband-to-be.
“Tezuka-san? I'm sorry I don't have any invitations with me, but will you go? You're one of my special friends so I want to see you there.”
“H-hai.”
“Great! That means you'll be able to-” Akumi was cut off when her cellphone rang. She excused herself from Tezuka and answered it. When she left the table for a while, Tezuka's thoughts went wild. He can't believe Akumi's getting married at the age of twenty-two. How can Sanada marry her that early? He wanted to talk to Sanada and shake him to realize what he's doing. Or probabaly he was just jealous. He didn't have any right to interfere with their plans. But he did notice that Akumi wasn't wearing any engagement ring. Was Sanada too conscious about spending the money that he didn't bother getting her an engagement ring? If that would have been him, he would've gotten Akumi the most beautiful, princess-cut diamond ring he could find. He went back to reality when Akumi was back on their table.
“Gomen, Tezuka-san. Gen-chan was just to wrapped up about this whole wedding thing it's like his brain isn't functioning anymore. So, I'll expect you on Saturday then at 10 in the morning here? The wedding is on one of the hotel's special function rooms.”
“Hai.” With that and a last glance at Akumi going the opposite direction, he sighed and felt that the whole world just dropped on his shoulders, literally.
…............................................................................................................................................
It's been two weeks since Akumi and Tezuka saw each other again and met at the restaurant in Crowne Plaza hotel. He still remembers Akumi's reason why she wanted to invite him to her and Sanada's wedding.
“Tezuka-san? I'm sorry I don't have any invitations with me, but will you go? You're one of my special friends so I want to see you there.”
“Special friend...” He muttered under his breath.
He was staring at the black tux that was laid out on the hotel bed. He, still wearing the thick, white bathrobe that the hotel issued. He still hasn't made up his mind whether he would go to the wedding or not. He wanted to see Akumi, but not in a wedding dress getting married to someone. But it would be the last time he might see her. They day after tomorrow is the date he'll go back to Germany to continue his training before proceeding to the next tennis event he'll be competing. He was sure that he won't be able to see Akumi tomorrow since after the wedding, she and Sanada will have a vacation.
After some minutes passed, he was still looking at the tux on his bed. He looked at the bed-side clock. '10:30,' he thought. He was late. He didn't bother getting the tux back to his bag. He deposited himself to the bed, looked at the ceiling like with a glare that if it were a living person, he would've ran some laps by now. He sighed again. 'Good-bye, Akumi-chan. Aishiteru.” He closed his eyes, felt a single tear wet his cheek and buried his face to the pillow, drifting off to sleep.
…............................................................................................................................................
He woke up, still groggy. It was dark and the only thing that made light was his bed-side clock displaying '8:00 P.M.' and his phone that was ringing. He wanted to sleep again. Whoever was disturbing him made a huge mistake. He picked up the phone and placed it on his ear.
“Moshi moshi. Tezuka speaking.”
“Tezuka-san? Did I wake you up or something?” A familiar voice was on the other line. He immediately became alert, switching the bed-side lamp and putting his glasses above his nose.
“Akumi-chan?” He sounded like a kid seeing a ghost who wanted to run for help.
“Hai. Why weren't you here? I thought you said you'll come?” Her voice was full of disappointment. Tezuka wanted to slap himself and he mentally hit his head on a wall. Why did he make Akumi sad when it was supposed to be one of the happiest days of her life? He should've just dropped by and forget whatever feelings he had for her. That was easy, right?
“Gomen, Akumi-chan. I- I fell asleep.” He admitted shamelessly. He didn't want to lie to her so he just told the truth.
He heard her chuckle a bit. He smiled at hearing her laugh again. “Well, the reception's almost over and to tell you the truth, I'm not even tired. You wanna meet up at the coffee shop near the hotel?”
His jaw dropped. It was her wedding day, she was supposed to be with her husband and she was asking if he wanted to have some coffee? Wait, aren't they at the second floor of the hotel? He was on the third, so, with a mad dash, he just said yes to Akumi and changed his clothes to a casual and went down the stairs not patient enough to wait for the elevator. They said they'll meet up at the reception where some of the closest friends are the only ones who remained and hanged out for a while. When he faced the door of the function room, he took a deep breath, touched the knob and turned it.
What he saw inside made him almost jump for joy, luckily he had self control or he would've looked like a mad man. He stared in surprise at the bride, wearing her wedding dress, Marui Sumire was clinging to Akumi's brother Hiro. Then he saw Akumi approaching him with that to-die-for angelic smile. She was wearing a dark blue spaghetti strap dress that went up to her knees. She wore a pear necklace and pearl earrings. Her shoes were black stilleto heels. Finally she spoke - “Tezuka-san! So what do you think? Nii-san and Sumi-chan look great together, don't they?”
The only reply he gave was, “it wasn't you wedding?”
Akumi wanted to roll on the floor with what she just heard. But she just chuckled lightly, almost blushing.
“Ne, Tezuka-san, where in the world did you get that idea? She looked at him with a very wide smile, or actually it was a grin.
“I thought you and Sanada, well, gomen Akumi-chan.”
“Come on, let's talk about that on the cafe. I'll just say bye to nii-san and the rest. I'll catch up with you later.” He nodded and went out of the function room. He mentally hit his head again on the wall. How come he was so stupid when it comes to Akumi? Was he really that head-over-heels in love with her? Well, she was worth it anyway. He went to the coffee shop and waited for Akumi.
After some ten minutes of waiting, he finally saw her enter the shop. She still wore the beautiful blue cocktail dress. When she sat across Tezuka, they ordered their coffee and talked.
“So what was that about Gen-chan and I getting married again?” She said this now with a much more gentler smile. Tezuka relaxed and answered truthfully. “I thought it was your wedding. You were very happy while talking about it and you said Sanada was nervous about it.”
“Oh that. Gomen. Actually, the reason why I was on the restaurant was because nii-san was the one who ordered me the task of taking care of the menu for the reception. Gen-chan was also being pressured by nii-san to take care of the wedding guests' invitations. Some of them hasn't answered yet during that time that Gen-chan had to fly back and forth to Japan and here just to make sure all the guests got their invitations. That's why he was so crazy about the whole wedding. As for me, of course I'm very happy. My brother and bestfriend getting married was a dream come true for my parents and grandfather and mine too, of course.”
Tezuka looked relieved when he heard her story. He wanted to laugh when she mentioned Sanada being paranoid about Akumi's brother.
“So, why didn't you attend the wedding, Tezuka-san?” Her tone became more serious. She looked at him straight in the eye when she asked this.
“Because I fell asleep, gomen, Akumi-chan.”
She seemed distracted for a while but then went back to her old self. “Oh, well, I guess that's just the way it is. It's late, Tezuka-san, I have to go back to the party.”
“I'll walk you there. My room's on the third floor anyway.” They walked back to the hotel. When they got to Tezuka's room on the third floor, they bid each other goodbye until Tezuka went back to the empty hallway and called Akumi.
Akumi turned and went back. “Tezuka-san, you need anything?”
“Anou, ah, are you dating Sanada?”
“Eh? Since when? Kidding! Of course not. He's my bestfriend and besides, I like someone else already.”
“Oh, but the day I went to Rikkai, you, you were hugging him.” Tezuka couldn't believe he was doing this. What the hell was he thinking asking Akumi personal questions?
“Gen-chan and I have been doing that since we were little kids. We're like brother and sister you know. And besides, we are bestfri-” Her little speech was cut by a kiss from Tezuka. A soft kiss that showed her and let her feel that he truly loved her. She was too surprised by the sudden action that she just stood there with her hands on her side.
Tezuka broke away and felt like slamming his head again on the wall, for the third time. He lifted Akumi's wrist, as if telling her to slap him, or if she wanted to, punch him in the face.
“You want me to hurt you for what you did? Her voice was neutral, no taint of anger, surprise or any emotions. He nodded. She let go of her hand and looked like she really was about to slap him. She stopped halfway and just tapped Tezuka on the cheek. He looked at her with an 'I'm sorry' look. She seem to understood that and she shook her head. “I didn't date Gen-chan because I, well I, oh great!” She slapped her forehead with her hand. Tezuka wanted to laugh at her, but instead, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her again, and this time, Akumi responded with her own soft, sweet kiss. He broke away then held Akumi's face in his hand, “I love you.”
“Ne, Tezuka-san why didn't you-” She was interrupted again by a finger on her lips. Tezuka hugged her and whispered to her ear, “Kunimitsu, you can call me that.”
She shook her head, looking up at him with that smile he always loved, “That's too long, Mitsu. Why didn't you tell me before?” He smiled at the way Akumi called him. He felt his heart leap again, this time with the joy he'd been wanting to feel all along. He tucked her head under his chin and answered her question.
“Well, basically, I didn't have the guts. Second, I thought you liked Sanada.”
She looked at him again, now they were staring at each other's eyes. “Mitsu, I can't and won't like him like that. We've always been together, but, we're just bestfriends, nothing more, nothing less.”
He looked at Akumi, smiling the brightest smile he could ever display on his face. Akumi smiled at him back. “I love you Mitsu, more than ever.”
Tezuka leaned and whispered again, “I love you, too, Akumi.” With a smile on his face, he kissed her again. Finally, his feelings have been released after a long time, and it was returned back by someone he knew he would spend the rest of his life with.