Smile for Me

Chapter One

“-chan!” 

The said girl looked up as she inserted a bookmark between the pages of her history book.  “What is it ?”

The shorter girl grinned widely at her, “Did you hear ? It seems that Rikkai Dai’s captain left the hospital yesterday.” 

smiled nervously, “Yes, I heard from Sanada-san three days ago.” 

blinked, her grin fading, she suddenly looked like she lost something very important to her.  “So you knew already?” she asked, apparently sullen. 

“Sorry. I do.” 

“Oh… I was going to surprise you about it.”

“I didn’t mean to-”

“Anyway, are you free tomorrow? How about we go have lunch out?” asked, with a new charge of enthusiasm. 

gave a more comfortable smile, “I don’t mind, but only until three o’clock.”  

“Why?” 

“Sanada-san invited me to go out with the team tomorrow, in celebration of Seiichi’s recovery,” she explained. 

giggled, “I half-imagined that they would start training at once.” 

The dark haired girl giggled as well, “Me too, but it seems that the doctor advised Sanada that Seichii would need a few more days of rest before doing anything strenuous.” 

“So, where are you guys going?” paused as she tucked a stray strand of her short mahogany.  “Are you the only one going out with all of them?”

blushed at the obvious implications, “!” she half shrieked.  “Don’t think like that!” 

“Think like what?”

The two girls – one grinning slyly and the other blushing profusely – turned to the direction of the familiar voice. 

“Ah! Fuji-kun,” bounded up to meet him - they talked for a moment,  probably was asking Fuji if he wanted to join them for lunch which in turn earned an apologetic decline on the tensai’s part - then settled back on the chair in front of .  “We were just talking about ’s date tomorrow,” the gray-eyed girl needlessly informed.

“!!” 

“Date?” Fuji Syusuke looked at his childhood friend with a contemplating expression before his usual smile broke out.  “I didn’t know our Hime-sama, was going to go on a date tomorrow, with whom if I may ask?”

blushed darker at the pet name he used and the volume of his voice which made some of her classmates turn their attention to their small group.  “It’s not a date Syusuke,” she protested quietly, not wanting to be the subject of any gossip.  “Rikkai Dai team just invited me to go out with them, in celebration of Seiichi’s recovery,” she explained. 

Fuji continued to smile as he made an ‘I understand’ noise at the back of his throat.  cringed inwardly, having known Fuji since childhood, she knew better than to think that this smile he wore now was anything but harmless.  

“-san, I think that maybe we could make it to lunch tomorrow.” 

arched a curious brow, “We?”

OOOOOOOOOOOOOO

“Tell me again why can’t join us for lunch today?” Marui Bunta grumbled.  He had been expecting to see his first year classmate by lunch time. 

“You just want to eat the cake she made,” Jackal said, his expression quite disapproving. 

Marui grinned, “-chan makes the most delicious chocolate cake with strawberries.  You can’t just find it anywhere,” he informed the rest of his teammates, not feeling a bit ashamed of his actions.  “It hurts so much to wait so long.” 

Kirihara rolled his eyes, “Sanada-fukubuchou only invited her to join us for tonight Marui-senpai.” 

“I know! That’s why I asked Jackal to invite her to lunch,” Marui then turned his gaze on his doubles partner, “You did invite her right?”

Jackal sighed, not wanting to put up with anymore childishness.  “I told you, she’s busy.  It seems that she was invited by some of Seigaku regulars out for lunch.” 

Yukimura laughed, “Its bad enough that we have to disturb her tonight,” he gave Marui a look of reprimand, “I don’t want to trouble her anymore.” 

“Seiichi’s right.  Though there is a slight chance that their lunch out was a last minute plan,” Yanagi added with an amused smiled.  “After all, when she was on the phone with Genichirou, I overheard that she was free all day,” he ignored the glare that came from Sanada and continued to look at Marui.  “Unless she purposely didn’t mention it, but I doubt that.” 

Yukimura lifted a piece of sea bass to his mouth, “I wonder…” he mumbled softly.  He was feeling abnormally happy today and he wondered whether it was because he could finally play tennis again or see the girl in question outside the hospital for the first in a long time. 

Marui grinned, “Ah, it seems that buchou is quite happy today.” 

OOOOOOOOOOOO

“I’m going to have fatty tuna! Nya~”

“I want salmon! And some tuna! And finally some more of those!!”

“Fsshh, you’re disturbing others!”

“Shut up!! Mamushi!!!”

“I’d like some wasabi sushi,”

“Tamago…*”

“I’ll some some una please,” 

“Aren’t you going to eat anything ?”

glanced at the person beside her, “Ah Tezuka, I’m just waiting for the rest of them to finish ordering.  How about you? What would you like to eat?”

Tezuka looked at Kawamura, “I’ll have some eel.” 

grinned, “Maybe sometimes, we should go eat Una Cha**”

The stoic captain nodded, “I’d like that.”

“What would you like -san?” Kawamura asked, as he placed Tezuka’s order in front of him. 

“If you don’t mind Kawamura-kun, I’d like to have some fatty tuna and…” she was cut off as Fuji pushed his plate towards her. 

“I don’t mind sharing.” 

She smiled kindly at him, “Thank you Syusuke.” 

“Fatty tuna it is then!” Kawamura grinned and left. 

grinned at and Fuji as they shared a plate of wasabi sushi, laughing as they ate.  It wasn’t too hard to figure out that Seigaku’s tensai had fallen in love with a few months after she moved from Rikkai Dai to their school in their second year.  She was even pretty sure that her friend also had some romantic feelings for Fuji but when she raised the topic for discussion sometime last Christmas with Momoshiro, Inui and Eiji, she had learned an interesting bit of information from the data man. 

It was suspected that were in love with Yukimura Seiichi. 

The first thing that came in her mind was the shock that Inui had been ‘stalking’ , but it seemed that he just got the data from his disclosed source.  The next was her unending curiosity between the relationship that existed between and the Rikkai Dai captain.  Inui gave a defeated sigh before admitting that he didn’t have enough data on it when resolved to ask herself the following day.  But the answer had been even more disappointing than the one she got from the data man. 

“Just friends, that’s all.” 

  was so nice to everyone that sometimes it made wonder if the girl could ever be in love with anybody.  Poor Fuji… Poor Yukimura… She gave a melodramatic sigh, “Love sure is complicated,” she mumbled to herself. 

“Is something wrong ?” asked, after hearing the girl beside her sigh… quite dejectedly. 

“You were mumbling about something being complicated,” Fuji added, his expression still with a smile. 

He hadn’t heard it all right? asked herself, suddenly nervous under the smiling gaze of Fuji Syusuke; I could have sworn I was just thinking to myself. 

“?

The short-haired girl blinked and gave an overly cheerful grin, “I’m just great -chan!!”

“If you say so.” Though didn’t look quite convinced. 

“Saa… Hime, it’s almost three,” Fuji said, changing the topic as he glanced at his watch.  “I’ll walk you.”

cast one more concerned glance at her friend who made quite gestures to shoo them away.  She nodded at Fuji, mumbling a soft goodbye to Tezuka and then to Kawamura.

Then it struck , she never really got to the bottom of another issue.  Grinning, she stood and walked towards the data man, “Inui-san, do you happen to know why Fuji-kun calls Hime?”

The data man grinned, “As a matter of fact…”

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

“Back to your place first?”

nodded, “Yes.  I have to change first and then I’m heading over to Seiichi’s house.” 

“I see,” Fuji kept his smile on, but he had an urge to frown at the moment.  He had known from Chiba, where he and his brother, together with Saeki Kojirou.  She had been the only girl in their little group of friends back in Chiba and almost everyone of them had been protective of her – even Yuuta who was younger than all of them.  She moved to Tokyo around the same time as he did, so keeping in touch was not as hard as doing so with Saeki but she ended up studying at a different school. 

He didn’t even realize that he had been in love with her all along until he saw her again in Seigaku in their second year of middle school.  He wasn’t even aware of the close relationship she had formed while studying in Rikkai Dai until she had heard of Yukimura’s sickness.  It was then that he realized that she wasn’t just their – Yuuta, Saeki and his – Hime any longer. 

“What are you thinking about? You look deep in thought.”

Fuji stopped mid-stride, realizing that the household’s front gate could already be seen from where they stood.  “I was just reminiscing.”

“Ahh…” walked up to him and tapped the tip of his nose, “You’re suddenly being sentimental on me Syusuke.  Is something bothering you?” 

You, he wanted to say but thought better of it.  After all, his words could be taken with two meanings.  “Nothing’s bothering me,” he gave a short laugh; “You’re being a worrywart.” 

“I can’t help it.  Speaking of the past, it’s because you, Yuuta and Saeki always seem to get into trouble.” She started walking again, “Speaking of which, it’s been awhile since I’ve seen Kojirou.” 

“They’re busy with training too.” 

She rolled her eyes as they stopped in front of her house, “Boys and their tennis.”  Laughing, she pushed the gate open, “Want to have a drink?” she offered. 

It was a habit to say ‘yes’ but after remember the current situation he shook his head and declined, “Nee-san needs help around the house today.” 

She nodded; there was a subtle change in the atmosphere.  “Then can you bring something home with you?” she tried to smile as she fished her house keys from her pockets.  She pushed the door open hastily and ran towards the kitchen, absently dropping her bag on the floor.  The pulled open the fridge and took out a medium sized brown box. 

“Is that a cake?”

“Actually I made two, if it isn’t a bother.” 

Fuji smiled, genuinely again, was always sweet and thoughtful.  “Of course not, but why two?”

“This smaller one is for Yuuta; you mentioned that he was visiting tonight right? Tell him its raspberry pie, I know it isn’t as good as Nee-san’s pie but I hope he likes it.” 

“I’ll tell him that.”  Fuji took the boxes and bent to kiss her cheek, his grin growing wider as she blushed. 

I love her, but maybe for now this is how we’re meant to be. 

“See you then, -hime.” 

“You really need to stop calling me that.” 

He laughed, “I don’t think so.  See you.” 

As soon as saw Fuji out, she felt her heart suddenly thumped loudly against her chest at the prospect of the next event.  She drew in deep breaths to calm herself, she didn’t feel like this a moment ago, but as she warmed to the idea of finally seeing Seiichi out from the hospital for the first time, she couldn’t help but feel excited and nervous.  She picked up her bag from the floor and climbed up the stairs, she remembered Sanada telling her that the party was going to be held at Yagyuu’s place and that he advised her to wear something a not too casual. 

As she entered her room, she quickly spotted the attire she had readied the night before, it was just a simple sleeveless aqua blouse and a long skirt.  She hurried and showered, put on very light makeup (just to brighten her cheeks), fixed her hair and wore her clothes.  She took a pair of flats from the shoe closet and slipped them on. 

Before she left the house, she took out the cake she baked Marui and tapped a note on the refrigerator for her older sister saying that dinner was in the ref.  Smiling, she got her bag, double-checked everything before heading out, it was time to see Yukimura Seiichi. 

When she arrived at Yukimura’s place, there was a car waiting up front.  She was about to ring the doorbell when somebody called out to her. 

“!” A familiar voice called her through the open window of the glossy black car.  

She turned, “Ah, Niou-san!” She beamed as she made her way towards the car.  Niou opened the door of the backseat, moving farther in so that the girl could enter. 

“This is one of Hiroshi’s family cars,” Niou explained as he caught sight of ’s perplexed expression.  “Come on, hop in or they’ll start without us.” 

“Right…” entered the car, feeling quite uncomfortable at the sudden extravagance.  “I’ve never been to Yagyuu-san’s house.” 

Niou smirked, “Did Seigaku reset you or something? We just met last week and your back to addressing us like we don’t know each other.” 

blushed, her fair complexion brightening up in embarrassment.  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to, Masaharu-kun.”

“Loose the kun, -hime.”  

She childishly stuck out her tongue at him, “Fine then, Ma-sa-ha-ru.  Don’t call me hime.” She sighed, “I can’t believe you’re actually following Fuji with that.” 

“Only Seigaku can call you that?” Niou’s smirked seemed to grow bigger, “Buchou would be upset to hear that.” 

Her face brightened again, “All of you should stop calling me that, I’m not a princess.”   

“Don’t complain.  The regulars seem to have taken a liking with spoiling and pampering you.” 

“I’m going to turn like Atobe Keigo one day, I warn you.” 

Niou feigned a look of disgust, “May the gods have mercy on us.”

She smacked his arm playfully, “Masaharu!” 

“You were the one who suggested that, but either way, I don’t think that you’d end up like that guy. Ever.” 

“Well, it’s good to know that you trust me.” 

“Poor Seiichi and Akaya if you do though, and Bunta can forget ever getting any cake from you ever again.” 

“I take back what I just said.” 

Niou stretched his arms and leaned back on the leather seats, “So how are you?” he asked, suddenly sounding half-serious. 

turned to face him.  There was still the small smirk on his face but his eyes were serious as they looked straight into hers.  She gulped and wet her lips, trying to summarize her stay in Seigaku.  “Well for one, they’ve been nice to me.” 

“They better be, or they’ll be sorry asses.”

She gave him a slightly reprimanding look followed by a small smile; she knew very well he meant good.  “Their tennis team works hard too,” she complimented. 

“Tsk.  Nothing compared to us.” 

She giggled, looking out the window, “The members are extremely dedicated,” she thought of Fuji, “I like them.” 

“Ouch.” 

She turned back to him, “Stop that.  You know how I mean.” 

“Oh sure I do.” 

“But I still miss you guys.” 

Niou smirked and stretched his hand to pat her head, “Now that’s what I wanted to hear, good girl.”  He laughed as she gave him a mild glare, “It’s only fair, because we missed you too.” 

Her heart warmed at his words, “Thanks.” 

“Do you wish that your dad didn’t have to make you transfer?”

She paused, slightly taken aback by his question.  Did she? Thinking back to all the memories she had made in Seigaku with her new friends and her time in Rikkai Dai. 

“I do,” she mumbled softly, “It’s selfish of me but a part of me wishes I didn’t have to move.”

“-” Niou started as the car pulled into a halt.  He looked outside, “We’ll continue our little heart to heart moment next time shall we,” he grinned fully at her, “We’re here.” 

When they entered the large mansion, looked all around in awe.  She never knew that Yagyuu lived in such a big house.  Two helpers came to her, one took the cake she was holding and the other took the light coat she threw on before she left the house. 

“Hiroshi and the others are in the main dinning room, let’s go.”  Niou took her hand and started to pull her along. 

“We’re having dinner already?” 

“Nope, Seiichi isn’t here yet.” 

“Where is he?”

“At home.” 

’s mouth dropped open, “Why did we leave without him then?”

“Yanagi told me to pick you up first; Sanada and Seiichi would come together, probably in fifteen minutes.” 

“I need to call Yukimura-san, I-”

“What did you say?”

“I need to call Yukimura-san-”

“Whaaat?”

frowned, “Fine, I meant that I need to call Seiichi.  He’s probably waiting for me, after all Genichirou told me to go to his house.” 

“There was a slight change in plan.” 

frowned even more, “A change?” 

“You see, Akaya pissed fukubuchou off this afternoon when he broke something in the restaurant and deemed it logical to punish him, so both he and buchou are in the courts with Akaya.  Hiroshi got another one of his cars to fetch them so don’t you worry.” 

“Oh.  I see,” nodded. 

Niou opened the sliding door leading to the main dinning room.  There was the large round table in the middle and the other members of the Rikkai Dai regulars were present wearing comfortable slacks and polo shirts.

“ my cake!!” Marui’s voice boomed from across the room.

“I told the maids to keep it until after dinner,” Yagyuu informed the red head as he stood up and pulled a chair for to sit in.  “I hope that you had a pleasant trip here, -san.” 

The brown-eyed girl smiled in appreciation, “Thank you for the ride Hiroshi-san.  You have a beautiful home.” 

The gentleman smiled back, pushing his glasses with his index fingers, “My pleasure.”

“How were the exams ?” Yanagi asked. 

“I didn’t make it to top one again,” she told him.  “Tezuka Kunimitsu beat me.” 

“Ah, Seigaku’s buchou I see.”  Yanagi leaned back to his seat and smiled, “Though I heard from Sadaharu that you beat him.” 

She gave a wry smile, remembering how Inui sulked when that happened.  “It was just out of pure luck.” 

A maid knocked and Yagyuu gestured her to enter, “Yukimura Seiichi-sama and Sanada Genichirou-sama has arrived.” 

Niou grinned, “Let the party begin.” 

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

giggled as Kirihara Akaya stumbled with his words.  He had claimed to have taken a bath before coming to Yagyuu’s but she quietly whispered to him that there was dirt on the side of his neck.  He hastily tried to wipe it off, causing the rest of the members to notice, which leads to a round of laughter.  Now, she felt somewhat guilty for his mortified state though she admitted that it was part of his charm.  All of them were actually very charming once outside the tennis court. 

“-senpai, do you mind if I seat next to you?” The second year asked. 

She was about to say that she didn’t mind at all when Niou spoke up, “Sorry youngster, buchou reserved that seat already.” 

Kirihara pouted, “Yagyuu-senpai, can you move?”

The man in question declined, muttering something about manners and etiquettes which Kirihara lacked. 

“Where is buchou anyway?”

“He’s been on the phone for a while now,” answered.  “He said that it was a friend.” 

“Ah, he’s back,” Kirihara sourly announced as he saw the door open. 

“Sorry, that took so long,” came a soft apology as the captain entered, wearing his ever-present smile.    

“It’s alright.  Who was it anyway?” Yanagi asked. 

Yukimura glanced at , “It was Fuji Syusuke.” 

“Fuji?”

“Ah, anyway,” Yukimura smiled wider, “How about we have dinner now?”  He looked around for a place to sit and patted the empty chair between her and Kirihara. 

Nodding, he took his seat between the two.  “How have you been ?” he asked, casually watching Yagyuu gesture the maids to serve their food before meeting ’s gaze. 

“Great…” she could feel her voice fading away as she met Yukimura’s eyes.  She realized that he was here now, with her and he was healthy.  It saddened her so much that she wasn’t there when he was being operated on, and that the distance between them seems to have grown wider.  “I’m sorry Seiichi, I-”

He looked at her with confused eyes, “You don’t have to be sorry about anything, .”

She wet her lips, “But I wanted to be there for you, but then I wasn’t.”  What the hell was she babbling about? Did he even need her to start with?

“I’m sorry that I didn’t get to see you through the operation and when you got out of the hospital.” 

“It’s not-”

“Just don’t do anything inappropriate ok?”

Both Yukimura and snapped their head towards Kirihara who looked pretty annoyed, “Pardon?”

“The food’s here. Let’s eat,” the second year said, ignoring both his captain and . 

Yukimura smiled apologetically to , “Let’s talk later , I’ve missed you.”  She told her before looking at Sanada with eyes that said that Kirihara Akaya needed more punishment. 

sighed as she looked at the plate before her, was she still in love with Yukimura Seiichi?  If someone asked her two years ago, she didn’t even need to think twice about it but now, as she sat right next to him, she couldn’t sort out the emotions rumbling in her. 

She felt confused.     

-

-

*Tamago – egg roll (egg sushi)

**Una Cha – grilled eel soup.