Journal of Atobe's Little Sister

Part I: Introducing Atobe

Hello everyone!  My name is Atobe . Yes, THAT Atobe. I am the younger sister of his highness Atobe Keigo. *giggle*

Anyway, enough about my arrogant brother. I don't want to talk about him. Allow me tell you a bit about myself. I am a second year student at Seigaku. Why Seigaku,you ask? Well, the reason I moved from Hyotei to Seigaku is because I hated how my older brother was idolized there. Plus, I was always referred to as “Atobe’s little angel” and I hated that!

But that’s not the only reason. I heard Seigaku also has the best clubs and I wanted to be a part of that, so here I am. Somehow I found myself involved in the tennis club as well; don’t ask me why, but the tennis coach, Ryuzaki-sensei asked me to help with the team management when she once caught me practicing by the tennis courts.

My complicated life doesn’t end there!

Anyway, instead of me blubbering about it here, how about I just show you?

~~~

“Let the limo drive you to school, ,” her older brother said as she munched lightly on her toast.

looked at him with gray eyes and he knew she was going to decline.

“I’ll be fine.” stood up and adjusted her skirt. “It's my first day, so I want to know how long it will take me.”

Atobe stood up as the maid helped him put his jacket on. “Why did you change schools?” he asked, somewhat annoyed. He didn’t like the idea of not being able to keep an eye on her. It would be more difficult when she was at another school.

“Because of you and your stupid obsessive fans,” said, walking with her brother to the main door where the maids were holding it open. She recalled how his fans had attacked her on her first day at Hyoutei when she was seen walking with him. It had taken Kabaji, Shishido, and Gakuto to pry one girl's hand away from her hair.

“Hmph,” Atobe said. “Atobe’s little angel doesn’t like my fans?”

“And that nickname too," she muttered, picking up her bag, and sticking out her tongue at him. She hated that nickname; it was always angel this or angel that. She wanted to go somewhere where she could have her own identity. And she certainly didn’t want anyone to know that he was her brother wherever she went.

Atobe took out his gold compact mirror and checked his hair. “Well, why Seigaku?” he muttered bitterly.

shrugged. She straightened herself and kissed his cheeks. “Goodbye, big brother.” She ran off, not bothering to answer his question.

Atobe crossed his arms as he got into the limo. He smirked lightly.

~~~

As you can see my brother and I don’t get along very well, or maybe it’s because I can't stand how conceited he is. But I know he cares about me in his own little way. Anyway, I'm off to school now.

Psst! Next part is where I meet Sanada....

In the coming days, Sanada will be more involved in my life.

~~~

ran across the streets holding her bag. Her long dark ponytail swayed in the wind as she looked around. She frowned as she stopped. Am I lost? She didn’t see any kids on the streets or any other person. She walked slowly, taking small steps, when she saw someone at the end of the street at the opposite side. “Excuse me!” she shouted. “Excuse me!” she repeated, running towards the figure. She didn’t even look both ways and failed to see the car coming towards her.

~~~

Sanada Genichirou stopped when he saw someone shouting and turned. He fixed his cap and his eyes widened. “Don’t cross…”

He dropped his bag and books and ran towards her. She stopped and looked surprised, but her eyes widened when she finally noticed the car. He grabbed her waist and leapt to the side of the road, taking her with him. The car missed them by inches. The driver had swerved to the right trying to avoid them, making a loud screeching noise.

“You stupid girl! Why don't you watch where you’re going?” The driver cursed out loud. He sped off, not even caring to see if they were alright or not.

Sanada let go of her and sighed as he noted that everything was all over the place.  Books, bags, stationery, cap and the rest were scattered everywhere.

The girl sat up. Her long hair had come out of her ponytail. She had her hand on her knees. “I'm sorry…” she whispered softly with her head down.

Sanada stood, picking up his cap “Are you alright?” he asked, dusting his cap and then placing it on his head.

tried standing up, but her knee gave in. “Ow…” she said softly, “Now I've done it.”

Sanada frowned, noticing that she had bruised her knees. “Wait here," he ordered, walking to his bag and pulling out something. "I have some medicine that can help,” he explained, leaning down. “You’ve bruised your knee.”

finally looked up at him. “Sanada Genichirou.” She spoke without thinking and quickly covered her mouth.

Sanada watched her and realized the girl in front of him was like an angel. She was beautiful and had a certain innocence about her. “Do you know me?” he asked, placing a band-aid on her bruised knee.

winced. “Not really, it’s just that you played my broth…” She stopped abruptly. “It doesn't matter.” I'm starting anew. I don’t have to tell people who my brother is, she told herself.

Sanada didn't push the matter any further. He was never a curious person to begin with. He stood up and looked at her. “You should be fine now.”

She tied her hair and realized she really was fine. “Thank you,” she said with a bow. She straightened herself up and gave him a smile.

Sanada watched her with his expressionless face. “You were calling me earlier, weren’t you?” That was the reason they had gotten into that mess to begin with. He picked up his stuff and looked at her again.

's cheeks started to heat up. “I'm lost,” she admitted.

He looked at her. “Where do you need to go?”

“Seigaku.”

Sanada slung his bag across his shoulder. “Walk with me, your school is on the way." He started walking. He was in this part of town because he had an errand to run. He had permission to not be in school in the morning. Normally, one would have to take a bus to get from Seigaku to Rikkaidai.

She nodded.

They walked in silence.

She watched him from the corner of her eyes and smiled. “I’ve decided that you’re the one," she said out of the blue.

Sanada stopped walking and looked at her. A look of confusion dawned on his eyes. “Huh?”

“I've decided that you’re the one,” she repeated, standing in front of him. She smiled innocently at him and ignored his confused look.

“The one?" he blinked, rubbing his jaw and trying to make sense of what she had just said.

“Oh there it is,” she said, noticing the school. “Thank you.” She bowed again before running towards her school. “Good bye.”

Sanada watched her go and shook his head. “Weird,” he muttered.

~~~

“Oh this school is no fun,” muttered. She was wandering around when she noted an empty court. “Oh wow,” she whispered, looking around the massive yard. “This is so much nicer and more practical than our home.” She looked around curiously and found some balls and a racquet. “Hmm… Why not?” She picked it up, and decided to try some serves.

~~~

Don’t get me wrong. Although I'm not too fond of tennis, that doesn’t mean I'm not good. Hours of being my brother’s guinea pig did improve my playing.

Yes, he uses me to come up with his new techniques. However, what he doesn't know is that I use my own time to practice them myself and so I know how to use them as well.

He is not the only genius in the family~

Although I didn't like the game, but I still practiced when I got the chance. I will beat Keigo at tennis one day and I'm no idiot. I know the only way to do it is by practicing.

~~~

“Come on! Come on!” one of the freshmen yelled, running towards the courts. “Senpais, come on!" he yelled louder, opening the gates, but stopped. "Eh?"

The famous eight regulars of Seigaku tennis club made their way toward the tennis court. However, they stopped as they noticed the girl on the court as well. “Eh?” Kikumaru said. “It's a… GIRL!!!” he exclaimed, blinking in surprise.

Ryuzaki walked out. “What is a girl doing there? Doesn’t she know that this is the boys’ court?” she asked. “I’ll ask her to stop.” She walked towards the girl, annoyed.

“Hold on, Sensei." Tezuka stopped her. “Watch her,” he suggested, crossing his arms and nodding his head in the girl's direction.

Ryuzaki looked confused, but watched and then smiled when she realized what Tezuka was saying. “She is good.” She observed the girl and noticed that her form was well in place as she served.

“Yeah,” Oishi added with a hand on Kikumaru's shoulder. “She’s probably new; I don’t think I've seen her here before.”

“Why don’t you ask her to play a match with one of us?” Fuji asked, walking in.

Momo looked at him. “Fuji-Senpai, do you think it’s a good idea?” he asked, not quite sure if it was alright for one of them to play against a girl.

“She is good.” There was a curious look on his face. "Interesting, interesting.  However, I can't help think that I've seen her form of style before.” Inui flipped furiously through his notebook trying to determine who it belonged to.

“Oy!” Ryuzaki shouted, catching the girl’s attention.

The girl turned around. She looked a bit embarrassed, but picked up the tennis ball and walked towards the group that had gathered by the court entrance.

“CUTE!" Momo whispered.

Kikumaru nodded. "YES!"

"I'm sorry," the girl apologized, bowing. "I didn’t know someone was supposed to use the court."

“That is my racquet," Inui said, before anyone could say anything.

“Oh. I'm sorry," she said, holding out the tennis racquet for him.

Inui did not make any move to take it. He had a frown on his face as if he was trying to determine something. He had a hand on his jaw and the other held his notebook.

“What is it, Inui?” Fuji asked.

The girl looked at the racquet frantically. "Did I ruin it?" she asked, turning the racquet around and looking at it from all angles.

“No, I'm just analyzing." He took it from her. A freshman just used my racquet, it is ruined! Now, I must buy a new one so I can assess my own techniques and curves. I need to do it again with a new racquet. He ignored his overdramatic reaction and looked at her. “Your techniques are also good. You are able to manipulate the ball’s movements. It is rare for a freshman to be able to do that, unless you have been playing all your life," he concluded seriously.

She blushed. “I… I don’t like tennis.” That was all that she said, not looking at any of them. She looked like she felt out of place.

“But you were playing.” Momo remarked, towering over her. "How can you not like it?"

She blushed even more. “A bad habit, my brother’s fault.” She was not ready to admit that she had an ultimate goal in mind.

“Who’s your br…” Fuji asked.

“I’d rather not talk about it," she interrupted, taking a few steps forward, so she could leave the courts. “Again, my apologies, I didn’t mean to cause such a fuss.”

“Would you consider helping us manage the team? Ryuzaki asked out of the blue. "Of course I would have to asses you for a while until I'm satisfied that you're qualified."

She looked surprised and was going to decline, but the coach spoke again.

“You seem to know about the game," she remarked, eyeing her. “I'm looking for some help disciplining these boys. Plus, a girl is more dependable.” She noticed that Momo and Eiji were not happy about that comment.

hesitated, she wanted to say no, but the coach said she wants to assess her. Maybe going through the assessment period will help me get to know this school better and then when its over I can decline or help her find someone else to replace me. looked at her. "Is it alright if I help during the assessment period? I'm not sure if I want to be part of this club, but I'd like to help you until you find someone more suitable."

“That is fair. I shall respect your decision and we'll take it step by step. For now, you should meet with the captain and vice-captain so they could tell you how they run things," Ryuzaki said.

"Yes," she said, bowing.

~~~

And that’s how it happened. I was in charge of making sure everything was in place and Inui-senpai helped me to determine their levels and stamina, so here I am as co-manager. Temporary co-manager.

It’s not bad, so I don’t mind.

However, I couldn't help think that the sport is a curse. Every time I try to stay away from it, it just comes back with full force. It's a curse; I know it's a curse.

I also realized it runs in the family. First my father, then Keigo, and now me…

~~~

Later that Day

“How was school?” Atobe asked as he stood in ’s doorway. He leaned on the frame, watching her move around the lavish room sorting her things out.

“Not too bad,” answered. “I joined a club." She placed her books on her desk. She had been neglecting her studies and she knew she seriously needed to study tonight.

Atobe stretched, moving away from the door. “And what club is that?”

smiled mischievously. “I'm not telling." She sat down at her desk and opened one of her books.

Atobe raised an eyebrow, but he didn't bother asking again. He turned around to leave when she stopped him. "Can you help me study?"

Atobe turned to face her and looked at her wryly. He didn’t want to give in, but he let out a sigh and pulled up a chair next to her. He picked up the book that was opened in front of her and skimmed it. “Let’s see.”

~~~

A lot of people seem to misunderstand my brother. Yes I won’t deny that he’s an arrogant ass and loves himself too much, but all hell will break loose if he sees me mistreated.

He’s cool and he takes care of me. Our parents are divorced and we live with our father. Mom is in France with her sister. She checks up on us from time to time, but that's it. She wasn't one to really care for her children's welfare. That’s why father finally decided on a divorce.

We get gifts and e-mails, but I'd like a phone call once in a while…

Our father is a busy man. I know managing the business takes a lot of his time. That’s why he entrusted Keigo with my care. No complaints from my side. I know that Keigo is always there for me.

~~~

Weekend

“You said we’re going out! That’s why I said let's walk! If I had known…" complained, dragging her feet so she could catch up to her brother who was walking ahead of her. She was dressed in cute shorts and a top, her long hair pulled into a short ponytail with a cap. If she had known they were going to play tennis, she would've worn something else.

Atobe stretched as they walked across the streets. “The street courts are empty.”

“But we have a court at home,” complained, yawning those last words. "Keigo! I am sick of tennis! I want to do other things. That's why I agreed to hang out!"

“The team will be there.”

“The team is always around! Do you pay them to be around you or something?” muttered. “I can’t even help you out! That is conflict of interest and a BIG no no."

The last statement made him turn and looked at her. “Conflict of interest?” Atobe asked, watching her with curiosity in his eyes. This time he waiter for her to answer, unlike times when he just continued walking.

“I'm Seigaku’s tennis club co-manager.”

“You’re what?” he demanded, his eyes widening. "You're Seigaku's…"

She covered her mouth with his hand. “Sh… Not so loud! Do you want me to get killed?!”

He shoved her hand away and continued walking. “That is so typical of you. No matter how many times you say you hate tennis, you always end up involved in it,” he remarked. “Why are you dressed like that anyway?”

“I look cute in these,” told him as she ran. “I’ll race you to the courts.”

“You're too old to play games," he muttered, but let out a sigh and ran after her anyway.

ran laughing as she reached the top stairs then stopped. “Woah…” she whispered. “Someone beat us to it," she said when Atobe finally caught up.

Atobe crossed his arms and smirked. “Rikkai Dai.” He noted the vice captain and a few members playing. On the other side were some people from Yamabuki and St. Rudolph. “I see Sanada’s here.”

looked up from beneath her cap and couldn't help but smile.

“Come on.” Atobe told her as they walked across. He had that smug look on his face as he confidently strode to Rikkai Dai's team.

“What are you doing?” demanded as she noticed him walking towards Sanada. “Are you trying to pick a fight?” she shouted at him before he reached Sanada. "You're going to provoke him, aren’t you?" she knew what type of guy her older brother was and she knew if he wanted someone to play against him then he would use all types of measures to do so.

“I just merely want someone challenging to play against.” Atobe answered, now standing in font of Sanada. “Sanada Genichirou.” Atobe declared, catching the vice-captain's attention.

Sanada looked at him. “What is it?” he asked blandly.

Atobe looked around. “It seems I finally found someone worth playing with.”

Sanada crossed his arms.

"Well?" Atobe asked when Sanada refused to answer and just continued staring at him.

Sanada stood up. “Why not?” He shrugged, picking up his tennis racquet.

At that moment Mizuki Hajime from St. Rudolph ran to them. “Are you guys going to play a match?” he asked curiously. If these two were to play then it was worth watching to collect data.

“Yes,” Atobe and Sanada answered at the same time.

“I don’t approve.” jumped in, standing between her brother and Sanada. “We were here to play, not pick fights.”

“I'm not picking a fight,” Atobe muttered, removing her cap.

glared at Atobe. “Keigo…” she began angrily, tightening her fists.

“Oh,” Mizuki said, his cheeks turning red when he heard the girl call Atobe by his first name. “Is this Atobe-kun’s girlfriend?” he asked, eyeing as her hair fell onto her shoulders when Atobe removed her cap.

glared at him. “Do I look like his girlfriend to you?” she demanded, hands on her hips. "Do I seriously look like his GIRLFRIEND?"

Atobe laughed. “This is Atobe’s little angel,” he said, putting his arm around her. “My baby sister.”

jabbed him with her elbows and glared. "I told you I hate that nickname!"

He glared back. "I told you not to jab me like that!"

“Wow….” Mizuki whispered, interrupting the two. “She’s beaut…”

Atobe’s eyes narrowed and a look of displeasure formed on his elegant face. He knew she was cute. After all, she was an Atobe. But for a guy to say it in front of him… It was nothing short of a death wish.

“Keigo.” rolled her eyes. “Go play!” she ordered, pushing him away from Mizuki. "Stop making a scene and go play."

 “But…”

“No buts! I am beautiful after all.” She flipped her hair, mimicking his voice.

"Damn attitude," he muttered, walking away.  

Sanada looked at her. “I seem to understand now,” he said softly, recognizing her. He didn't say more, but just walked away to play against Atobe.

watched. Somehow her heart seemed to accelerate now. It was a stupid game, but she thought they were playing well. She watched as the atmosphere in the courts turned electric. It seemed quieter. It was obvious that this game was no joke…

“Do you know Sanada-kun?” Mizuki asked, interrupting her thoughts.

ignored him and walked onto the court. “Do you guys mind if I’m the umpire?” she asked the two players.

"Why would you care?" Atobe asked.

didn’t really care to be umpire, but it was either that or… She pointed to the side and Atobe noticed already around thirty or so guys had gathered. He immediately knew what she was telling him. It was either her umpiring their game or being surrounded by those guys.

Atobe looked at Sanada. “ , go ahead. I don't mind.”

“It's fine by me,” Sanada added.

“Okay.” She clapped her hands. “This will be a one set match. Sanada-san to serve.”

~~~

“Woah…” Sengoku whispered, watching from the bleachers. His eyes though were not on the game, but on the rather pretty umpire. “She’s pretty.”

“It's Atobe-san and Sanada-san playing desu!” Dan Taichi, manager of Yamabuki said excitedly. “Watch them."

“I wouldn’t drool if I were you,” Mizuki said, noticing that Sengoku’s eyes wouldn’t leave . “She is Atobe’s little sister.”

“Interesting,” Sengoku added.

~~~

Much Much Later

“5 games all!” announced. She sighed. “I'm tired. Don’t those two give up?” she mumbled, watching them play fiercely. There one set match had turned into match after match. The sun had almost set and it was getting dark. She was more exhausted than both Atobe and Sanada as they played non-stop.

It was obvious that there was no love lost between the two.

watched as they played and admired their determination. Her brother was a top-notch player, but that was something she had always known. Her eyes then wandered to his opponent. He was as admirable as her brother. She loved his seriousness. She knew some guys played for fun, but this guy didn’t care about anything except his opponent when he played.  

" !"

snapped out of her thoughts and looked up. She realized that they were both staring at her. She was too wrapped up in her thoughts that she wasn’t paying attention. She didn’t even know who just scored right now. "I missed that," she admitted sheepishly, rubbing the back of her head. "I'm also very tired," she complained, leaning on the pole that held up the net.

Sanada looked at Atobe. “We should call it a draw,” he said, noticing that the younger Atobe really did look tired.

Atobe nodded. “Yes,” he agreed, glancing at and realizing that she had her eyes closed. He walked towards her and tapped her head lightly. "Up, brat." He pulled her up. He took her wrist and led her to where their things were.

sat on the bench and handed her brother a towel. She looked at the opposite side and saw Sanada walk back to his things and take a water bottle out. left Atobe and went after Sanada.

"Thank you for stopping," she said with a bow. “It was a good game. Maybe one day you can play against me.”

Sanada was surprised, but his face stayed expressionless. “The day you beat your brother,” he told her seriously.

She looked at him. Was she not good enough to play against him?

“ , come here,” Atobe yelled, he was already ready holding his bag in his hand. What is she doing talking to that idiot?

“Sanada-san, have a good night.” bid him. She turned around and ran after her brother who had already started walking.

Sanada shrugged and put on his jacket.

~~~

I found myself liking him. Sanada’s different. He seemed serious and cold, but I could adapt to that. I have a similar being at home. The way he takes command and is not afraid to say something makes him admirable.

Although Keigo makes everyone think he doesn't like Sanada, I know for a fact that Keigo respects him.

That's why I've decided…

I've decided that he’s the one.

~~~

Weekday

“Is it true?” Momo asked as she stood next to Inui, discussing something.

looked up surprised. “What is, Momo-senpai?”

“Atobe is your brother?” he asked as Kaidoh, Kikumru and Oishi came and stood next to them. They were trying not to show it, but their curiosity was written across their faces.

That Mizuki and his big mouth, she thought angrily to herself knowing that he was definitely the source of this news being spread. She sighed and looked at him. It was bound to get out anyway. Surprising though that it lasted this long without them finding out… “Yes, Momo-senpai.”

However, she was still surprised that it didn’t come out sooner. She knew that Tezuka and Oishi knew because she was asked by the coach in front of them. She was definitely sure that Inui knew, but he had kept it well hidden that he knew.

The rest apparently didn’t know as she noticed that their eyes widened and they crowded around her even more, asking a lot of questions. Questions that she hated being asked and questions she hated answering…

Why are you here?

Why are you not at Hyoutei?

Why Seigaku?

Why?

Why?

“Stop it!” she yelled, looking away. “I don’t want to be in the same school as my brother, so don’t ask me anything else." She stormed off and decided to stand next to Tezuka. She knew if she was around him, then no one would dare and come closer to ask anything.

Well the cat is finally out of the bag… Not that I can do anything…

All I can do is show Seigaku that Atobe shall not be compared to Atobe Keigo!

~~~

DeVeliCious

Edited by Elenniel & Kashii