My Worst Enemy

Chapter Nine

What is a heartbeat?

A heartbeat consists of the contraction of the atria, quickly followed by the contraction of the ventricles. The rate of the heartbeat varies according to different levels of activity: the higher the level of activity or emotional excitement, the faster the heart will beat. No matter whom you are, a human being has no control over the rate and pace the heart beats. Rather, ironically as long as you require the heart to continue beating, you are under the control of its every pulse and every movement.

Even for a man like Atobe Keigo, a man who believed he was in control of everything in his life, a king who administrated and governed all those around him was still unable to direct or control the pace of his very own heart.

Losing his ability to control frustrated Atobe Keigo, and there was always only one reason that caused his heartbeat to speed up uncontrollably. Looking out the window with his arms crossed Atobe smiled derisively with the thought. Yes, just like the time when he saw Tezuka kissed , Atobe thought he experienced hurricane, thunder bolt, tsunami and the flash of a million colours before his eyes. The beating of his heartbeat had increased to maximum controlling over Atobe’s composure. It was the greatest challenge Atobe had ever faced, if he was not brainwashed to believe he could maintain self-control in all chaotic situations he did not know what he would have done.

Or maybe, it would have been better if he had not maintained his composure and pride. would finally come to understand that he cared and he was jealous. He wanted her for himself and no one was allowed anywhere near her, because if any man did, Atobe would sure obliterate and destroy him.

“What do you think of this proposal, Kabaji-san?” Like him ’s mind did not seem to exist in the room either as she continued to stare into blank space not noticing everyone’s focus on her.

“Kabaji-san?” not sure if heard her the student asked again this time tapping gently on ’s shoulder. Finally responding ’s eyes moved onto the person that just tapped her, replying with a weak and faint smile, “Sorry, what were you saying?”

“The proposal for next month’s student benefits, Kabaji-san.”

had been acting strange all day.

Atobe noticed it the moment he saw entered the school gate, as if she was finding it hard to concentrate her reaction was always delayed and most of the time there were no response to the questions directed at her and that liveliness Atobe have known of her was also no longer there.

Sitting here at the student union meeting, both and Atobe have been rather quiet. Atobe was not in the mood to talk, he had not been in the mood to converse with anyone but was different. Atobe knew what was wrong with but he did not ask, the same reason why they have continued to ignore each other’s presence for the past ten days. However Atobe continued to observe and watch over in silence, not sure if knew, although Atobe had never approached her about the strange unspoken atmosphere around them, he had always been watching her.

This is stupid.

Atobe finally discovered the act of his stupidity. Being so concerned with his pride and ego he had given Tezuka every right to come near . Tezuka have confessed, a man who seemed wordless and emotionless confessed to . Tezuka had always known what he wanted, he wanted Seigaku to enter the National and he strived for it just like he knew how he felt for , he showed it.

If Tezuka could do it, why couldn’t he? Atobe asked himself the question. What kind of pride would remain with him if he stood by and watched Tezuka take away from him?

If you love her you should let her know.

Those were the words that came from Tezuka, the last man on earth that should be giving him advice.

I will take her away from you.

A challenge from Tezuka or more it was actually a declaration. Atobe owned many things in his life; there was nothing he asked for that he could not have. Many things he possessed but not all was what he really desired for.

Atobe could have many things because he knew he was born with the privileges. With the privileges came the designated obligations as well. He was educated to know he was different, and he will be nothing else but a leader. He must remain a leader at all times even if it means to never admit to his mistakes. Being a leader means to never let go of your pride and being a leader does not mean you will be liked.

Atobe discovered that a long time ago when he joined the tennis club. Adults treated him with pretentious politeness and civility but not the children. The peers of his own age ignored and discriminated against him because Atobe was treated with privileges. No children liked him and no one wanted to have anything to do with him.

There was all but one person.

The moment that soft little hand handed him a tennis ball, Atobe felt for a moment that he was relieved of the obligations. Maybe he did not need to be born with such privileges, maybe Atobe only wanted to be liked. was the only person that approached him and just saw him as a fellow member of the club. She did not care that he was given special treatment, she did not care either that he was Atobe Keigo, the heir to the almighty Atobe-Group.

The only thing knew was she needed to reach out to him and she did.

“Something is wrong.”

“Ah…” Atobe responded to Oshitari as the two watched over the rally competition between and Aya again. The peculiarity expressed all day continued on, her reaction remained slow and performing at only less than half of her true ability struggled to keep the rally going.

“Looks like will lose today.”

Atobe was not concerned about the result of the rally because he knew what was wrong with today. was always a strong minded person and in many ways she was the mirror image of him. A mirror image of himself? Atobe closed his eyes and his lips lifted a little with relief finally feeling his mind so clear knowing what he should do now.

It is now his turn to reach out to her.

“Oi, and Horie,” Atobe called out to the two girls on the court. “Rally practice is over.”

“Eh? Oh…okay…” Not expecting that from Atobe Aya replied as she lowered her racquet to stop.

“You lose if you give up first, Aya-chan.” called while she swung the shot back at Aya ignoring Atobe’s order.

“I am not giving up yet!” Aya quickly returned to position and returned ’s shot.

“Che,” Atobe knew was going to ignore him, so grabbing his own racquet Atobe opened the wired door and entered the court walking towards Aya.

“A…Atobe-san?” Not knowing what Atobe was doing Aya stared at the tall proud figure coming closer to her. Instead of answering Aya, Atobe stood before her and with a strong powerful swing returned the shot that just came from .

Totally different to the pace of the rally between the two girls before, Atobe’s return came swift and sharp cutting through the air. Quickly stepping back swung her racquet against the ball but the moment the ball impacted against her racquet, felt a burning sensation in her palm with Atobe’s power and failing to withstand it her racquet flew off her hand and as if all the strength in her legs also disappeared with the impact fell back onto the ground.

“ -chan?!” Aya called out in shock when she saw fell.

However unmoved Atobe calmly walked up to with his racquet held under his arm. Standing over with his tall figure overshadowing her, Atobe repeated his demand again. “Rally is over.”

Feeling blood rushed to her face and the extreme anger aroused in her with Atobe’s action glared up at Atobe, “What is your problem? This is a normal practice that goes on in the girls’ team; you have no right to tell me when to stop!”

As if he did not hear anything just said Atobe picked up ’s racquet and called out while still standing over . “Oi, Kabaji.”

“Usu.”

Upon Atobe’s call Kabaji entered the court too and received the two racquets Atobe handed to him. watched silently while trying to understand Atobe’s absurd actions however before she had more time to think she saw Atobe crouched down before her and stretching out his arms Atobe lifted off the ground.

With Atobe’s action immediately Atobe’s fan girls screamed and groaned in anger. “No!!! Atobe-sama!!”

“Don’t touch her Atobe-sama!!!”

“Leave her alone, Atobe-sama!!!!”

Hearing all the screams and roars called in horror and started to struggle like mad. “What are you…?! Wait a second!! Put me down!”

“If you won’t stop moving,” Atobe’s deep bluish eyes looked straight down at the delicate face just underneath him. “I will kiss you right here in front of all these people.”

’s eyes opened wide in disbelief to the threat Atobe had just thrown at her. However knowing Atobe’s personality he really WILL do it. Although still complaining stopped struggling just as Atobe had commanded, “What…why are you doing this?”

“Arn?” Atobe snorted as he started to walk off with in his arms. “Who was the idiot that pretended to be okay when she actually has a fever?”

felt her heart skipped a beat with Atobe’s statement, he actually knew all along that she was sick? had refused to stay at home and rest because the Kantou Regional was soon coming for the girl’s team as well. Already taken too much time off because of her ankle injury, could not believe her bad luck of contracting a flu virus straight afterwards. Therefore she had refused to take anymore time off practice and came to school as normal.

had never thought she wanted to win the game so much until she met Tezuka, the man that changed her whole view on what it means to be a true lover of tennis. Tezuka wanted nothing else than to bring Seigaku to the Nationals and he had confessed to her that it was a dream he no longer wanted to accomplish alone.

Just like how they reached the mountain top together, also wanted to reach the same goal as Tezuka. When she called out their wishes on the mountain top she was very much encouraged when she saw the tender look in Tezuka’s eyes. It was like they understood each other and they shared a common goal. Being with Tezuka made her strong and she was starting to believe she could also bring Hyotei girls’ team to the Nationals. For this she must become stronger and with the limited time left to practice had made the choice to ignore her sickness.

Although she willed to do so but it was not so easy when the fever had taken away her concentration and strength. The headaches and the drowsiness, no wonder she was struggling to keep up the rally with Aya. With her condition there was no way she could handle a shot from Atobe thus throwing her balance and racquet off.

“38.2 degrees.” the teacher on duty at infirmary informed of the reading on the thermometer. “Luckily it is only a low fever so with proper rest she will be fine in a day or two. I have also given her some medication which will give her proper sleep for a few hours to recover. Meanwhile,” Nodding the teacher turned to look at the man that just brought into the infirmary. “Atobe-kun, is it okay if you remain here for a while, I need to see the principle about a few things.”

“Yes, Akajima-sensei.”

When it was just the two of them left, felt her entire body heating up making her heartbeat rapid and head drowsy. She blamed it on the fever but at the same time she could not forget what it felt like to be carried here in Atobe’s arms. She should hate it, really, to be touched by the man that she despised the most and yet what was this uncontrollable increased rate of her heartbeat and why did her heart felt afloat when Atobe held her so closely and tightly.

It was always like this, was frustrated to find that no matter how strong she had wanted to be, her heart rate will increase making her dizzy every time she was touched by Atobe. It was as if Atobe was the man that could control her heartbeat instead, telling it to go fast when she did not want it to, and tell it to be calm when she had wanted it to be thrilled. ’s hands gripped onto the edge of the blanket as she pulled it over her face hoping the man sitting there with her in the room would not see through her confused heart.

Slowly closing her eyes sensed the medication taking over. She could not understand Atobe’s actions and words. Even when he was rude and demanding with what he had just done, can not help but notice the concern and care he had for her subtly expressed through his words and actions. Being the busy man he was why would Atobe remain here with her in the infirmary and most of all why does she feel so safe having him around?

soon discovered Atobe was able to throw her heart into chaos and at the same time he was also able to grant her the tranquillity she never thought would come from him. Gradually noticed her heartbeat calmed down and the serene peaceful atmosphere took over and eventually her will letting go as she soon fell deeply asleep.

***

I am in a hotel.

cannot help but hold that thought when she saw the interior of the room she woke up in. Wait, this is not a hotel, soon changed her mind. She had stayed in hotels before and they were nothing compared to the surrounding she had found herself in the moment she woke up. Putting aside the humongous size mattress she woke up in, she had found the room to be grand and royal with dark imperial navy colours that adorned the walls. The curtains each had a pattern of gold on the blue giving it a majestic colour. The rich carpet matched the other furnishings in the room and felt like she had woken up in the master bedroom of Buckingham Palace.

Knowing that was not possible either got off the bed and felt the soles of her feet tingled with pleasure to the touch of the soft carpet beneath her feet. Walking cautiously out of the bedroom into another room rubbed her eyes again when she saw after opening the sliding door of the bedroom what awaited her was another luxurious striking room with an executive desk made of solid timber majestically carved and painted in gold on the edges. On the other side of the desk were bookshelves that contained hundreds of books in many different languages that mostly could not recognise. However on a particular shelf there were things finally recognised.

On the shelf were abundance of trophies and awards for sports, academic and even musical achievements. Every single trophy displayed nothing else but first place and top most award and most of all, felt her heart nearly jumped out of her mouth when she found one name on every single one of the trophies, Atobe Keigo.

Even by now had finally discovered where she had woken up at. Turning her head slowly in terror discovered another shelf with photographs of Atobe Keigo that had taken away her last doubt that she had found herself in Atobe’s bedroom for some unknown reason.

That is exactly right, why am I in Atobe’s room? asked herself the question again while trying to remember how she ended up here. However all she could sense was the drowsiness from her flu and the constant sting of the headache. Quickly looking around the room again to see if she could remember anything, she found a note placed on the desk next to a telephone.

‘Dial *1 once you wake up, Keigo.’

Staring at the piece of paper in her hand recognised the writing to be no one else but as addressed, written by Atobe Keigo. Not sure what Atobe had in mind, could not resist and dialled *1 as instructed on the note. After only about two tones, the other end picked up with a polite and professional voice.

“Yes, Keigo-bochama, how may I be of assistance?”

“Hi…hi, I am sorry, but I was asked to dial this number…?” felt like an idiot with what she said. Luckily the other end replied immediately with politeness to save from further embarrassment. “Yes, Kabaji -sama. We have instruction from Keigo-bochama to look after you once you are awake.”

“Oh…okay.” Not knowing what to say replied ambiguously still trying to figure out what Atobe was doing and why he had brought her here? After the call, ’s eyes moved to the pictures on the shelf again, looking through them her eyes landed on one particular photo and felt a stir in her heart. It was a group photo taken in the tennis club they belonged to where they all held a certificate of graduation in their hands. Gently brushing her hand over the frame she found the little her standing next to the little Atobe doing ‘V’ signs together.

Unnoticed a gentle smile came onto ’s face while she looked through the faces of the group, it was indeed a wonderful time back then and yet she had already forgotten some of the names. remembered at the back of the photograph are names of the children in the photo, gently opening the frame took the photo out. To her surprise another photo fell out of the frame and landed on the desk.

As if a lighting struck her saw it was also a photo taken at the tennis club, however the only people in the photograph were her and Atobe. recognised the photograph immediately because she also had the exact same copy of it hidden in her room because she had tried to not look at it again. It was taken when both she and Atobe won first place for respectively girl’s tournament and boy’s tournament.

Tears came onto ’s eyes immediately when she found the message written at the back of the photograph:

Keigo-tan, go for the top of the world and I will meet you there too!

Love,

Covering her face felt her heart twitched with extreme pain as tears rolled down her face the moment a similar message replayed in her memory. She remembered every word although she had not looked at her copy of the photo for a long time.

-chan, we will reach the top of the world, because I will take you there.

Love,

Keigo

Why? Why have the both of them changed so much? Keigo promised to protect her and bring her everywhere he would go, and to she had not wanted anything other than just being there for Atobe. However now she was no longer the person to share his dream, Atobe no longer needed her for he could manage everything on his own. However if that was the case, why have Atobe not thrown this photo away? It was as if he had done the same thing she had, hid it somewhere not to be recovered yet close at hand.

When at this time someone knocked gently on the door and pulled ’s mind back. In haste placed the photograph back into its frame and dried her tears. “Yes?”

Entering the room was a beautiful lady with a tray of food, when her eyes met up with ’s with a warm gentle smile she greeted with a sweetest voice. “Kabaji , right?”

Nodding replied, “Yes, I am Kabaji .”

Upon ’s answer, the beautiful lady’s face brightened up and she nodded as she observed the girl before her with a teasing smile. “So you are …no wonder…yes, yes. No wonder Keigo...”

“Sorry?” Blinking at her statement suddenly remembered who she was. The moment the sweet voice said ‘Keigo’ remembered! She was the girl that picked up the phone the last time called Atobe to say good night.

“Anyway,” Clearing her throat she placed the tray of food on the table and introduced herself. “Nice to meet you, my name is Atobe Naoko. I believe I talked to you on Keigo’s phone the other night?”

“Atobe Naoko?” noticed immediately a surname that resembles Atobe Keigo.

“Yes, that’s right.” She smiled. “In case you have been wondering, I am not Keigo’s girlfriend. Rather I am Keigo’s father’s youngest sister. So that would make me Keigo’s aunty?”

Atobe’s aunty?! couldn’t believe her ears because standing before her eyes stood a beautiful charming lady only a few years older than her. With the news discovered immediately whatever happened that night was all a stupid misunderstanding!

With a sheepish smile Atobe Naoko replied, “I know I don’t look that much older than you and Keigo, I am actually twenty four years younger than my brother,” Shrugging her shoulder Naoko continued. “That might explain why Keigo doesn’t have much respect for me.” Naoko stopped when she saw continued to stare at her starting to understand the truth behind the entire confusion. “Sorry I caused the misunderstanding,” She apologised. “I wanted to explain to you about it earlier but Keigo wouldn’t let me.”

“Atobe-san wouldn’t?”

“Yes, that kid is stubbornly proud.” With a sigh Naoko explained. “You can’t really blame him though because he was educated to become so. That is why,” Pausing Naoko looked to with sincere eyes. “Please do try to understand Keigo. The moment he was born his destiny was decided for him. He was to be educated as the next leader of the almighty Atobe-Group and that means to always have your chin up despite you have been wronged. He was never to apologise nor explain himself to anyone. He must learn that whatever he says and commanded are to be obeyed as always.” With a bitter smile Naoko shook her head, “Can you understand how heavy a burden it was on Keigo? Even if he was hurt and upset he could never show it, simply because a little mistake or weakness from him could never be tolerated.”

“ -san,” Naoko’s eyes looked to in understanding and whispered softly. “With all the authority and pride he possesses, Keigo can not even tell the girl he loves that he cares. Only because he was not allowed letting go of his pride.”

“But…?” blinked. “But Atobe-san is very popular with girls at school. He was never short of girlfriends…”

Seeing the confused look on ’s face Naoko replied calmly. “I don’t know about his reputation with girls at school, but this much I can tell you -san.” Looking around the room Naoko giggled. “You are the FIRST girl Keigo has ever brought home.”

“Eh…?” felt blood rushed to her face immediately with Naoko’s shocking statement and not knowing what to say or how to respond, could only hear her heart beating fast with disbelief or even, joy?

As though ’s reaction was what Naoko expected, the beautiful lady continued to smile and pushed the tray of food before , “Here, I believe you would be hungry by now. Eat something and here is more medication for the flu. Keigo had to attend a business meeting with his father but he will be home soon, so until then just relax and take more rest.”

“But I need to get home soon…” interrupted quickly still unsure of the reason she was here in the first place.

“Don’t worry,” Naoko replied with a warm smile. “Once Keigo is home he will take you home. Oh and also, promise you won’t tell Keigo that I have talked to you?”

***

Actually there was nothing Naoko needed to worry about; did not know how to talk to Atobe anyway. Indeed as Naoko had described, Atobe returned not long after that, and as usual he did not bother to explain and acted as if nothing had happened, “Take your medication and I will take you home now.”

The two sat in the limousine in silence and all could think about were the things Naoko told her tonight about Atobe. For some reason suddenly became clear of Atobe’s actions and if whatever happened that night was all but a misunderstanding then everything Atobe did actually was for her! Maybe Atobe had always been the same Keigo-tan she knew when they were small, maybe he had still wanted to keep his promise and take her to the top with him, and it was only because of the weight placed on him he was not allowed to show his care for her.

“Don’t come to school tomorrow, is that understood?” Atobe commanded when they arrived.

did not know how to respond because although Atobe still acted arrogant and demanding but now she understood they were actually Atobe’s way of showing how he cared. Once again sensed tears forming in her eyes and horrified Atobe would see she quickly opened the car door and stepped out. “Good night.” fled quickly into the house before Atobe could have a chance to see through her heart.

The moment she entered her room headed for a book on her bookshelf and opening it a photograph fell out. could no longer hold it in as she wept not understanding why her heart ached so much when she read the writing on the back of the photo again and again.

-chan, we will reach the top of the world, because I will take you there.

Love,

Keigo

***

That stubborn idiot.

Atobe repeated to himself while he sat as usual on the rooftop by himself looking up at the blue sky. What must he do to keep out of trouble? He had specifically told her to stay at home and rest today but she still showed up at school pretending to be fine. Doesn’t she know if she doesn’t take proper rest she will get worse?!

Well, there is another stubborn idiot here on the rooftop too. Atobe mocked when he knew he could not help but continued to sit and wait here at the rooftop for someone who will never show again. He did not know why he continued to wait, and still every time that metal door opened his heartbeat would increase in hope. See? Right now when the metal door opened Atobe found his heartbeat raced again although knowing it would just be another unrelated person who will get scolded by him for disturbing his ‘peaceful rest’.

This time however when Atobe’s eyes moved to the metal door he saw a girl standing there with her head lowered and her hands behind her back. Like being hypnotised slowly Atobe stood up from where he was sitting as his eyes continued to stare at the girl before him.

It was a long moment of silence between the two while they both remained where they were, Atobe continued to stare and the girl’s head remained low. After a time that seemed like a decade long the girl finally spoke first as her beautiful light brown eyes looked up at Atobe.

“Keigo no baka.”

“Arn~?” Atobe’s eyebrow lifted and felt his heart in ecstasy the moment she called him Keigo, however as usual Atobe replied against his will, “Who are you calling a baka?”

“You are baka!” She called again. “Why do you have to be so stubbornly proud? Why didn’t you just tell me the truth?”

With ’s words Atobe discovered that she had finally found out the truth and she had now returned to him again. “Oi, it was you that turned your phone off on me remember?” With his arms crossed Atobe replied although he could not help smiling.

Blushing insisted too, “You still could have explained it to me the next day! Or the day after that! But you never did!”

“You…” Atobe did not know what to say because nothing could describe the joy and rapture overwhelming him right now. He had waited day after day for to come meet him at the rooftop again and now there she was standing right there Atobe had become an idiot.

“Although you are such a baka,” poked out her tongue and held a lunch bag in front of Atobe. “I guess you still deserve some lunch?”

“Che,” Atobe turned away feeling his cheeks slightly hotter than normal. “You are two weeks late.”

“It’s because you were so stubborn…!!” immediately tried to justify but before she could say anymore she had found Atobe grabbed her by the waist and pressed her tightly into his arms.

“Shh…enough talking for now.” Atobe whispered deeply by her ear.

Once again felt her heartbeat was controlled by Atobe as it pumped so rapidly responding to Atobe’s body heat, strength, scent and everything about Atobe Keigo. Maybe it was the flu, realised she could not think as all she could do was collapse into Atobe’s arms feeling so faint.

“ ,” heard Atobe whispered gently by her ear making her body hotter. Gently brushing his finger through her hair Atobe’s beautiful charming blue eyes looked straight into ’s, “I don’t need you to keep your contract anymore.”

“Eh?” must admit she did not expect that from Atobe. For some reason felt her heart sank immediately with what Atobe said. Although it was something have wanted, to be freed from this ‘boyfriend girlfriend contract’ but what was this dumped feeling inside her?!

“Oh...okay,” said quickly moving away from Atobe. Turning her back to Atobe knew there must be a horrible expression on her face.

“Don’t get me wrong,” Atobe continued his eyes fixed on as the proud smile once again returned on his face. “You must understand that no way I will lose to Tezuka.”

“Huh?” turned around immediately in astonishment. “What do you mean?”

Stretching out his arm Atobe’s fingers caressed ’s soft tiny face gently as he declared, “Kabaji , once I defeated Tezuka, you will become my girl.”

***

Kaho