Youthful Days (Book 1)

63. New Era

Caught in a deadlock, spectators from both sides wrung their hands together in anticipation.

Only an hour ago, Rikkai had been confident of their continued reign as the regional champion. With Inui's victory followed by Fuji's staggering triumph over Kirihara, doubt started to erode the confidence of Rikkai supporters.

Politely declining the onslaught of ice packs and towels, Fuji extracted himself from the circle of teammates and headed towards the court perimeter where Kippei, Ann and Ayuna stood. When they saw him approach, he was immediately welcomed with Ann's and Kippei's congratulations.

Revealing a faint smile, Fuji said to Kippei, "I kept our promise."

"I never thought otherwise," replied Kippei with a firm grip of Fuji's shoulder. "I knew you'd win against Kirihara, and I'm happy you were the one to teach him a lesson. Now, let's hope he remembers it."

Fuji nodded. "Let's. I think your being here certainly brought me some elements of luck."

"Luck had nothing to do with it!" crowed Kippei. "It's all because you've finally decided to play seriously."

"Glad to know you think I wasn't playing seriously before," quipped Fuji.

They bantered for a while longer before Ann piped up. "Brother, why don't we go to Fudomine's assigned seating area? Our members have been worried sick since they heard you were coming on crutches!"

Catching his sister's hints, Kippei quickly agreed, "Yes, yes. Let's not keep them waiting." With another glance at Fuji, he said, "Just so you know, I'm rooting for Seigaku. It's about time for Rikkai to be dethroned!"

Fuji thanked Kippei. He watched his friend painstakingly totter away with Ann's support and waited until they rounded the corner before facing Ayuna.

"Congratulations," said Ayuna softly when their eyes met. "You helped Seigaku turn the game around."

"Nevermind that, let's take a look at you." Fuji reached out and tilted her face to the side, frowning at the bruise darkening under her chin.

Ayuna recoiled from his touch. The point of impact was still tender, and her jaw ached. "I'm fine."

Sighing, Fuji said, "It's just like you to not admit it. It must hurt terribly, right? I should probably get you some ice. Kirihara's strength is no joke..."

"Speak for yourself." Motioning towards his mauled knees and elbows, Ayuna said, "You should go to the hospital to make sure your joints are okay from all this overexertion. Not to mention, you need to get these wounds sterilized to avoid getting an infection."

Fuji listened with an amused expression. "Are you nagging me?"

"Fuji, please," Ayuna scowled at him, "this isn't the time to be teasing me."

"Let me have a little fun. After all, I just stepped off a brutal match." His smiles receding, Fuji placed both hands on Ayuna's shoulders and looked into her eyes. "Your coming here means the world to me. I'm sorry I made you a target yet again. Even though you don't like to reveal yourself to others, you can tell me when something hurts. You can confide in me about anything, remember that."

"And you two honestly make me want to puke!" rose Yuuta's voice. They turned around to find him grimacing next to a beaming Yumiko.

"Oh, Yuuta, leave them alone," chided Yumiko. "It's so cute! Besides, when you get a girlfriend one day, you might turn out to be even worse."

Yuuta blushed. "Stupid sis—don't start making these wild speculations!"

"Yuuta, sis!" exclaimed Fuji, surprised. "I can't believe you both came!"