Tennis no Ojou-sama: A Prince of Tennis Fan Fiction

CHAPTER 75: Underneath the Dim Lights

"Kampai! (Cheers!)" Sengoku said as he stood from his seat, holding his glass of juice above his head.

"Kampai!" The others chorused, copying him. The calmer ones who were too cool to join in the chant raised their glasses modestly.

Each school took the opportunity to gather their club members and share a table with them. After all, it was a rare chance to spend some time with their original teammates in the camp. They have to return to their teams and cabins on the next day. They should take advantage of the event.

For that reason, all the Seigaku members surrounded two long tables put together end-on-end and being the largest group, they were the most boisterous. Kikumaru was probably the happiest about the arrangement and made a lot of noise to prove it. Ryouko, Sakuno and Tomoka, however, did not join them because they have to stay in the buffet tables of their own teams to provide assistance.

It only took the Seigaku members thirty minutes to empty their plates. Some of the freshmen began to visit the buffet tables of the teams that they do not belong to. They wanted to get a taste of every dish present.

"Man, I ate a lot..." Momoshiro said as he patted his belly.

"Thank you for the generous meal." Inui said as he folded the table napkin, putting it away.

"Yohei wasn't lying when he said that Team 2's meals are great." Horio commented. "The pasta is delicious and the apple fudge brownies are just heavenly. They disappeared almost as soon as they were put in the table, you know..." He told Kachiro and Mizuno, who nodded as they ate.

"Even so, how did a junior high freshman girl learn the technique to make such a complex dish? Seafood vongole, right? Isn't that Italian?" Fuji said.

"It's not that impressive. I've seen kids go to cooking shows in television. If children are taught early, they can pull off almost any recipe." Inui answered.

"If children are taught early, they can pull off almost anything. That applies to sports as well." Ryouko suddenly said from behind them.

"Hime-chan!" Kikumaru greeted her with a brotherly hug. "It sure is nice that everyone is here."

"Hanashite kudasai, Eiji-senpai. Kurushi-desu. (Let go of me, Eiji-senpai. It's suffocating.)" She told him blankly.

"Tsumetai... (So cold...)" Eiji said with a pout. He let go of her and went back to his seat. "I'll hug Fuji instead." He said and threw his arms around the latter who was seated right beside him.

"I can see why your family prioritizes training within a young age. It does make a lot of sense." Inui told her, flashing an intelligent smile.

Ryouko smiled back. "It works most of the time." She shrugged her shoulders. "Well, did you enjoy the food?" She added.

"It was exquisite." Kawamura answered. Kikumaru held a thumbs-up sign while the others smiled in response.

"I'm honored that you liked it, senpaitachi." Ryouko replied.

"What's that on your shoulder?" Kawamura asked, noticing a duffel bag slung over it.

"Oh. Just something..." Ryouko answered, hoisting it up. "By the way... Did anyone see the Captain?" She asked, looking around.

"Tezuka said that he's taking a walk to aid his digestion. He should just be around the area." Fuji answered, freeing his chin from Eiji's arm. "Why? Do you have something to say to him?" He added.

"Yeah. Sort of." Ryouko answered. She scanned the table. "How about Ryoma?" She asked.

"Ochibi said that he's going to sleep early. I guess he already returned to his cabin." Eiji answered, rocking sidewards with his arms still around Fuji.