A Christmas Miracle
I will beat him this time! I will win! If I can’t beat him, I can’t improve my tennis! thought to herself as she was pressing the buttons to call him.
“Hello?!” He barked in an annoyed and pissed way.
“Hey Akustu-kun! Play me tennis!”
“What?! Why don’t you go and play with one of your other shitty friends?!”
“Now, don’t be that way! I improved my tennis more since we last played! Meet me at the indoor tennis courts near the park! JA!” exclaimed as she hung up.
“What the hell?” Akustu glared at his phone as hung up. Che…..I guess I’ll have to go….damn………
was a senior at Seigaku. She and Akustu met at the Perpetual Tournament. She came to support Momo on his match against Sengoku that day.
~~~
7 Months ago
“Good job Momo-chan! You were sugoi!!!” yelled out to him as she ran over to and gave him a victory hug.
“Thanks -senpai!”
“Don’t be so formal! Call me -chan!”
“Hehe ok.”
“What? Is Echizen going against that big guy?!” said confused as she watched Echizen and Akustu walk out on the court.
“Don’t worry. He can handle it -chan!” Momo said patting on the back reassuringly.
During the game….
“Wow……..sugoi…………” said astonished.
“Yea, that Echizen is something, eh?” Momo said overhearing her.
“I guess……”She mumbled, but the truth was that she was really impressed by Akustu’s preformance.
~~~
“Game and match! Echizen! 6-4!” The umpire yelled out.
“Congrats Echizen-san!” said smiling at him.
“Thank you -senpai.” Ryoma replied putting his towel around his neck.
‘But now to find the other guy……………’ thought to herself.
~~~
‘What?! He’s quitting tennis?!’ whispered loudly to herself. Once she found him, she overheard Akustu talking to Kawamura yelling about, that he was quitting tennis.
‘Why?! He’s so sugoi! Now! Here’s my chance!’ Kawamura started to leave Akustu to join the rest of the team.
“Hey you! Wait up!!!! You’re name’s Akustu, ain’t it?!” yelled out while running towards him.
“What?” Akustu said annoyed looking back at her.
“I just wanted to tell you that your tennis is awesome! Even though you lost, you’re play is just awesome! You’ve inspired me to play! But why are you quitting?!”
“You’re annoying! Leave me alone!” Akustu snapped while walking away.
“Now wait a minute!” said really irritated and grabbed his wrist before he could walk away. “What did I do to you? Have some manners for God’s sake! You could have at least have answered my question!”
“Who do you think you're talking to like that?!” Akustu yelled at her yanking his wrist out of her grasp.
“I’m talking to you, duh!”
They glared at each other for awhile until broke the silence with a sigh. “I guess I’m not getting to you. Can you at least help me get some starter tennis equipment?”
Akustu didn’t know why, but something was different about this girl. She wasn’t like the other girls at Yamabuki that just run away at the sight of him. No, she was different.
“Che, whatever.”
“Yay! And let’s go get some ice cream too!”
“Why?” Akustu muttered annoyed looking at her confused.
“To a new friendship!” Once chooses a friend, there’s no resisting. Somehow, Akustu could feel that she was going to know for a long time.
“Nani?!”
~~~
They’d been friends since then and she’s been practicing her tennis everyday so that one day she could beat him.
“Hey Akustu-kun! Over here!” noticed Akustu walking through the doors of the gym that they were meeting at and waved at him. “I was starting to think you weren’t going to come!” said teasingly sticking out her tongue at him.
“Whatever, let’s just play.” Akustu said taking off his school uniform jacket and taking out his racket.
“Yea yea.” said pouting taking out her racket.
~~~
“Game and match. Me. 6-2.” Akustu said looking at her.
“Crap, not again.” said looking at the ground then back at Akustu. “Thanks for playing me though! Guess I’ll be going now. Mind walking me home?”
Akustu glared at her. He knew he didn’t have a choice. He knew she was going to find a way for him to walk her home one way or another.
He started packing his racket, put on his school uniform jacket, and stood next to her waiting for the next action to be taken.
“Yay! Thank you Akustu-kun!” said giving him a quick hug.
Akustu was surprised by her actions and pushed her off as a reflex.
“What are you doing?!” Akustu said glaring at her.
“Hehe, gomen gomen!” apologized while grinning at him with a light blush.
“Whatever, let’s just get going.” Akustu mumbled walking towards the door.
~~~
“My god it’s cold!” exclaimed hugging herself. She had forgotten her jacket in her locker at school.
“Are you really that stupid to forget your jacket?”
“Well sorry! I was in a hurry to coming since it takes awhile to get here!”
“Che, here.” Akustu said placing his jacket over here shoulders.
“I can’t wear your jacket! You’ll freeze to death! Your shirt has no sleeves and is thin!” yelled, surprising him.
“Just wear it!” Akustu ordered.
“Fine…..” said pouting then she noticed a clothes store while they were walking. “Hey! Follow me!”
“What?!” Akustu said while being dragged by .
~~~
“Here! I got a big scarf and a jacket!” told Akustu while they were walking out of the store. “You can wear the jacket and we can share the scarf!”
“Share it?” Akustu asked annoyed. How could they possibly share a scarf?!
“Yea! Wait a second!” wrapped the scarf around both of there necks. “See?” said lightly blushing after noticing how close their heads were together.
“………..” Akustu felt awkward being so close to , and yet, he didn’t pull away from it either. He actually kind of enjoyed the closeness.
“Oh look! There’s an ice cream stand!” said in excitement.
“You want ice cream in the winter?” Akustu said putting his hands in his pockets.
“Ice cream is good no matter that season it is!” said poking his forehead. Akustu was going to slap her hand but grabbed his wrist too quickly.
dragged Akustu over to the ice cream stand and got a large chocolate ice cream.
“You only got one ice cream?”
“I only have enough for one! We just have to share ok?”
“Eh?!”
“Two spoons please.”
“Here you go.” The ice cream stand guy said giving her the two spoons.
“Arigatou.” said giving one spoon to Akustu. “We will share the ice cream with spoons! What were you thinking?! We lick the same ice cream?!” teased.
Akustu just stared at awkwardly. What was this feeling? He’s never felt anything so enjoyable inside of him. It felt….weird. Was this what they call love?
“What are you looking at? Is there something on my face?” said touching her face.
Akustu scooped up some ice cream in his spoon and put some on her face.
“Now there is.”
“Thanks!” said sarcastically wiping it off her face.
Akustu chuckled. She was cute when she was annoyed. Wait, did he just think she was cute?!
~~~
“Well here we are. My house.” said looking up at her house then at Akustu. “My mom is out at work right now, want to come for some hot chocolate or something?”
“I’m good.” Akustu lied.
“Ok, well then…..bye.” said taking the scarf and jacket with her inside.
It wasn’t ‘till after she
put the newly bought jacket and scarf and Akustu’s jacket on the coat hanger
when she realized she still had his jacket. “Oh my gosh! I still have his
jacket! I might be able to catch up to him if I try to return it now!”
grabbed his jacket and ran out the door. “Akustu-kun!”
He was still outside her house leaning on wall, smoking a cigarette waiting for her. Every time he breathed out it look like he was blowing out smoke he saved in his mouth. Wouldn’t he be freezing with the sleeveless black shirt?! It’s so thin too! thought.
“Here Akustu-kun. I forgot to give you your jacket back.” said with an disapproval face. She hated the fact he smoked at such a young age.
Akustu took his jacket and put it back on. Then he reached up for ’s chin and lifted up her face. She looked cute with her nose and cheeks red from the cold and with her long black hair blowing out of her face. He then he let go of her chin and started walking the other way laughing. He felt so confused and started laughing at himself for being so stupid.
“What was that all about?” whispered rubbing her chin and walking back inside. And what was this feeling inside all about?
~~~
“Ahh! I feel so much better after taking a long hot shower!” sighed outloud falling onto her bed. “So refreshed and alive!”
“, honey! You here yet?”
“Huh?” looked up from her pillow staring at the wall in front of her. “Yea mom. I’m here in my room. Why are you home so early?”
“I got the rest of the day off today! Come down! I got something to show you!”
“What?” complained as she put on her slippers and went downstairs.
“Look what your dad sent to us!” ’s mom said as she passed her a snow globe.
“Europe.” read the inscription that was on the snowglobe.
“That’s right! And look, read this.” ’s mom gave a letter.
“A letter from dad?” whispered as she opened the letter.
“Read it outloud.”
“Ok……….Umm…………let’s see……
Dear ,
I hope you got and liked my snow globe. I would have gotten something nicer but business here is killing me. I don’t have time to do anything anymore. So how are you guys? I hope you two are well and are healthy. Things here in Europe are nice. But I miss Japan and you guys. Just a couple of more deals to make with these bozos and I’m going to be out of this living hell.
You better be keeping up with her studies! Anyways, how is your tennis practice doing ? From your last letter, it seems you’ve gotten better. Is the tennis club at Seigaku helping? I hope it is. If you keep playing tennis, one day you’ll be able to play with those fancy pros! But when you do, you’ll put their fancy asses in place.
Ok, now to get to the excitement of this letter. You know that Christmas is coming up soon and how I missed Christmas with you guys last year. Well…..I talked with my boss and I’m coming home for Christmas for 2 weeks! I’m going to be leaving for Japan in a week. I should be there by Christmas Eve. I can’t wait ‘till that day. You have to show me everywhere! And I want to meet this Akustu person you keep mentioning in your letters! He seems like that decent guy. And I want to see your school and all the friends you’ve made! I just can’t wait.
Well I got to go now. I would say write back, but I’m coming in one week! And don’t worry. I won’t forget to buy you guys some Christmas presents while I’m here. I love you guys. See you guys in a week!
- Dad
Love you guys very much.”
As read the last paragraph her eyes were full of tears. She was so happy that her dad coming home for the holidays. Her dad worked as a land dealer in Europe. He visits about 3 times at the most a year if possible.
“Isn’t this great?!” ’s mom said hugging “We can have the whole family for the holidays!”
“I know! And for 2 weeks also!” yelled wiping away her tears. “I’ll be right back. I need to make a phone call really quick!” ran up to her room.
~~~
“What the hell do you want?” Akustu hissed as he answered his phone.
“How did you know it was me?” questioned.
“There is such a thing as caller ID.”
“Yea, but I didn’t know your cell had it!”
“Whatever, why are you calling?”
“Oh yea! My dad is coming for the holidays!”
“Is that why you called me?” Akustu said as if she was wasting his time.
“No! Not only that! I want you to meet him when he comes! And I also want you to come to the mall with me to buy him a present, because I need to get something for you too!”
“No, go by yourself.”
“Oh come on! Please!”
“Why?! I thought Christmas presents were supposed to be a surprise.”
“But I don’t know what to get you! Please!!!”
“Fine, would you just shut up? You’re annoying.” Akustu growled giving in.
“Yay! Thank you! I’m going to come over now! Ja!” proclaimed hanging up.
“I’m going to the mall now! See you later mom!” yelled out running down the stairs putting on her jacket.
“Have fun! Remember to bring your jacket!”
“I got it! Bye!” ran out the door.
walked down the street and ran around the corner. Since his house wasn’t too far she wasn’t in much of a hurry. As she was walking she looked at the sky. She loved the color of the sky in the winter. It just had a certain touch that could only be seen in winter. After about 8 minutes of walking she finally reached Akustu’s house.
She knocked on the door. No answer. She knocked again. Still no answer. She knocked five times then rang the doorbell. In the distance she could hear someone say, “Coming!”
“Oh, -chan! Nice to see you. I’ll just tell Jin that you are here. Would you like to come inside?” Yuki offered.
“Yes please. Thank you Yuki-chan.” said walking inside and sat on a couch. Akustu’s house was basically the exact opposite of him, nice, clean, and very organized. His mom must find a lot of time to clean the house.
“Jin! -chan is here! Come down!” Yuki yelled up the stairs.
“Shut up! I’m coming!” Akustu yelled out sounding annoyed. could hear his heavy footsteps coming down the stairs.
Yuki gave a sympathetic smile and just smiled back. She could never understand how Yuki could be so calm when Jin talked to her like that. If she talked to her mom like that…..she probably won’t be here right now.
“Let’s just go now.” Akustu grabbed his pack of cigarettes that were on the coffee table.
“Thank you from letting me come inside Yuki-chan.” said bowing.
Yuki smiled at and nodded. “Don’t forget your jacket Jin.”
“I got it already! Let’s just go now!”
“Goodbye, Yuki-chan.” said walking out the door and closing it. “Do you always have to be so mean to your mom?” growled at him.
“Shut up.” Akustu said lighting a cigarette.
“You seriously need to stop smoking.” nagged as she grabbed his cigarette and smashed it on the ground.
“Who do you think you’re ordering brat?” Akustu snapped as he glared at her.
“You! DUH!” said glaring back at him.
“Nani?” Akustu said grabbing her neck collar. He didn’t know why he did that. He regretted treating her that way. Did he just regret that?
“You heard me.” glared at him slapping away his hand.
“Humph.” Akustu sighed and put his hands in his pockets.
“So anyways…….what do you want for Christmas?”
“Why does it matter?”
“So I can get you something duh!”
“………………”
“Fine, be that way. But you better not complain of what I give you then.”
“Whatever.”
“Whatever!” mimicked. Akustu glared and her and she just smirked at him. She knew how to handle this kind of situations with him.
~~~
“OMG! This is perfect! My dad would absolutely love this!” said holding up a box that contained art supplies.
“Art supplies?” Akustu asked bored.
“Yup! My dad is a whiz at art! He’ll love it! I’d like to buy this please!” said putting the box on the counter.
“Thank you! Now to go buy your present Akustu-kun! Go somewhere else! I want it to be a surprise!”
“Che. It’s just a present.”
“It’s not just a present! It’s a Christmas present from me! Now shoo!” said pushing him out of the store. “Go sit on that bench and wait for me!”
“…..” Akustu went to sit on the bench wondering what he was going to get her for Christmas. What was taking her so long? She shouldn’t have taken so long just to buy him a present.
“Hey Akustu-kun! I got your present! Ready to go!” said walking out of the store.
“You go ahead. I want to go buy a pack of cigarettes.” Akustu said lying. “I’ll catch up.”
“Ok, whatever. I’ll wait for you outside.” replied walking out of the mall. It was much colder than it was before. As she was sitting there she saw all these Christmas couples walking out of the mall. She sighed wondering what it would be like to be a Christmas couple. She then saw a tall, mean looking guy with silver hair walking out. “Did you get your stupid cigarettes?” She complained.
“Yea. Let’s go.”
“Hai. But let’s go get some ice cream!”
“You eat too much ice cream. You’re going to get fat if you keep eating it.”
“You should worry about your body.” teased sticking out her tongue at him.
“……......”
~~~
6 days later - The day before Christmas Eve night.
“I can’t believe dad is coming home tomorrow! I can’t wait!” whispered to herself while laying on the living room couch. “And what timing! I mean, the day before Christmas! Talk about a Christmas miracle!”
“! Akustu is on the phone! Answer it please!” ’s mom yelled out from the kitchen.
“Ok!” said walking to her home phone. “Hey Akustu-kun. What’s up?”
“Can you meet me at the park on Christmas?”
“Umm…….yea…….I guess…..when?”
“When you are ready to come. Don’t worry, I’ll be there. Bye.”
“Wait Akustu-! Damn it. He hung up.” looked at the phone. “What’s up with him. He’s acting weird.”
~~~
“ honey!! Wake up! I want you to see something!!!” ’s mom yelled at her.
“What is it? I’m still sleeping!” complained.
“Just come down! You have to see this!”
“Coming!” got out of bed and slipped on her slippers.
“Hurry!!”
“I’m coming! I’m com-…” stopped as she saw a tall figure standing in the doorway. He wore a Santa hat and was carrying a huge bag. As soon as she saw him tears started coming out of her eyes. “Dad…….DAD!”
started running down the stairs and jumped up on her dad. “Woah there tiger! I only have just so many lives now!”
“I’m just so happy to see you!” said hugging him some more.
“Hehe, I’m happy to see you too! You have to inform me of what’s happened!”
~~~
Knock Knock
“Ah, Akustu-san. What are you doing out here so late? Never mind that.” ’s mom teased as she answered the door. “Would you like to talk to ?” ’s mom asked
“No, I just came to drop this off. Could you give this. It’s her Christmas present.” Akustu knew to be polite around her parents, if not, wouldn’t want to think about it. He decided to come at night that day since he knew never would answer the door at night. Too scared to. Wimp. “And could you make sure she doesn’t see it ‘till tomorrow?”
“Sure, I’ll put it under the Christmas tree.” ’s mom said taking the present smiling at him. “Would you like to come inside? ’s dad’s here. I’m sure would love for you to meet him.”
“No thanks. I just came to drop that off. Merry Christmas.” Akustu answered leaving.
“And Merry Christmas to you Akustu-san.”
~~~
Christmas day.
“Merry Christmas tiger!” ’s dad screamed in ’s ears.
“Must you scream in my ears dad? I’m so tired!” mumbled hiding her head under her pillow.
“How can you be tired on Christmas?! Come on!” ’s dad said picking up and carrying her downstairs.
“Oh my god! WOAH!!!” exclaimed rubbing her eyes looking at all the presents.
“Merry Christmas!” Both ’s mom and dad yelled.
“Hehe, Merry Christmas!” searched thru the presents. “Here you go dad!” passed him the present she bought him.
“Thank you !” ’s dad said kissing her forehead.
“Ehh, what’s this?” whispered softly to herself. “It’s from Akustu….there’s a note on it:
, when you get this present don’t open it. Just take it to the park and meet me there. Merry Christmas.” just stared at the note for awhile. suddenly remembered. Damn it! I forgot to give Akustu-kun his present!
“Mom, dad! I’m going to go out for a bit. I’ll be right back!” told her parents as she went to get Akustu’s present and her jacket.
“Shouldn’t you change your clothes first? You’re still in your pajamas!” Her mom asked.
“Daijoubu! I won’t be out long!” said running out the door.
“I guess she didn’t get what you meant dear.” ’s dad chuckled and wrapped his arm around his wife’s shoulder and kissed her on the cheek.
~~~
I hope he’s here! Ah! There he is! noticed him waiting on a bench. “Akustu-kun!”
“Nice pj’s.”
blushed. She finally knew what her mom meant by changing her clothes. She was in too much in a hurry that she forgot. “Thanks? Hehe.”