Chapter 2073: Won't go down without a fight (1)

As we walked out of the court for a short break after Fuyu broke my service game, the girl didn't revel in her victory or comfort me for my loss. Instead, Fuyu grabbed my hand and brought me with her to sit on the bench where she continued advising me on how I could improve.

With a fiery glint in her eyes that was not burning for competition anymore, she put forth her enthusiasm to coach me. It's like it became her mission to have me improve in this little match of ours.

As for Akane, my silly wife remained silent and just stood behind me to massage my shoulders.

Mhm. Such a pleasant break time.

"I'll keep all of that in mind, Fuyu. Thank you."

"Don't mention it... I've seen your potential and I think... if you really put your time into tennis, you'll reach my level quickly."

"That's a high evaluation."

"It's true! I've never seen someone like you from the boys in our club! Even that guy they called prodigy won't be able to match your speed and strength."

Fuyu firmly squeezed my hand as she conveyed her thoughts. And she's probably not lying. Furthermore, it's an opinion without any form of bias. Since it's her beloved tennis, she won't throw empty words or lie about someone's potential. And I, as someone special to her, is no exception.

"Alright. I believe you. Unfortunately, I don't think I can devote a lot of time to one activity alone. You know about my aspirations now. I only have one goal in mind."

At my mention of that, Fuyu's brightened expression immediately deflated. Her enthusiasm had taken a hit.

Before a frown could form on her face, I gently placed my hand on her cheek, my thumb caressing the lower part of her lips affectionately.

"Don't worry. I appreciate your intention. And did I say I'm not going to do it? Although it's impossible for me to focus on tennis, I'll continue swinging my racket and improving my skills. So that next time, I can once again play in a level field with you, Akane, and maybe Yae too."

The girl curled her lips before they stretched on both sides as her beautiful smile peeked.

"You... You really know what to say in situations like this. You don't even let me feel sad from your rejection."

"Well, that's what I always strive to prevent. Making you sad. No matter how impossible something may be, I'll accomplish it to continue seeing you smiling like this."

I continued caressing her cheek and the girl savored the warmth of my palm. I was already tempted to kiss her but Akane suddenly interjected. Her voice was as playful as ever.

"Husband, that's bad for Fuyu's heart. What will you do if she ends up getting out of focus in class today because of you?"

"Eh? What are you saying, Akane?"

"I'm just voicing out your thoughts. Am I wrong?"

With her face turning crimson red again, Fuyu heatedly stared at me and nodded. She's really so susceptible to teasing but in a different way than my grumpy Satsuki.

"N-no... Ruki-kun is..." Fuyu stuttered as her eyes rolled all over, not knowing whether to stare at me or evade my gaze.

"Is what?"

"So charming."

Upon saying that, Fuyu turned her head to hide the entirety of her face in my palm. But I followed her movements, preventing her from doing that. Instead, I pulled her close, enough for our bodies to touch.

With her hands landing on my chest, Fuyu's bountiful front pressed against me.

Akane chuckled at this point, teasing her best friend more.

"Hear that, husband? You already captured her heart."

"You silly girl. Don't tease your best friend like that. Fuyu, I'll call you during lunch break." I flicked my wife's forehead, before turning my attention back to Fuyu who appeared to be struggling whether to be happy or embarrassed. In the end, she voluntarily leaned her head on my shoulder and then snuggled closer before hugging me tightly.

A moment later, her sweet voice traveled to my ear. "I'll look forward to it."

Perhaps finding that she was losing her ground, Akane then spoke up next.

"Only Fuyu?"

"Of course, you too. When did I forget you?"

"Hehe."

Another flick and the silly girl heartily laughed before taking the liberty of snuggling on my right side.

Just like this, the short break got extended again but only for a minute. It's all to enjoy this blissful feeling of being sandwiched by the brilliant sun and the tranquil moon.

After a while, Fuyu already recovered and we're set to return for the second game. "Mhm... Well then, I still have to break your service game, right? In order to accomplish my wish to introduce myself to your parents, I have to do the impossible this time."

"You still think you have a chance, husband?" Akane already drew my loss. She found no hope of me winning this when the advantageous service game where I could use my strength and speed was broken easily by Fuyu.

"Aren't I the luckiest guy in the world? Maybe I can also manifest in this game." I boisterously declared, causing the two girls to giggle.

"Pfft... I still won't hold back."

"Of course. It won't be fair if you do. In things like this, I want to break through using my own abilities. You all say I have a glib tongue but I also excel in other things, you know."

I put on a confident look but Akane just had to blurt out something else.

"For example, in bed?"

"You mischievous girl."

"... Shameless.

I gave Akane another flick on her forehead and then kissed her. Following that, I turned my head to Fuyu who murmured something and gave her the same treatment, minus the flick.

Upon returning to the court, Fuyu had to slap her own face to wake herself up from the trance that I put her into from all the affectionate kisses that we shared.

"Ruki-kun. Here I go."

And with that, she tossed the ball up high and the motion of doing her signature serve began.

This was something I watched her do during her match with Michiru-senpai so... I dared not

to take it lightly.

I took a few steps back to make sure that I could see the ball. I still trust my sharp eyesight that can locate my target even if they're miles away.

Alright. That's an exaggeration.

But I can't afford to lose now. No matter how impossible it is to match her skill, I won't go down without a fight.