"Damn it!"

With that said, a fist had collided against the surface of a cement wall.

He fell upon his knees, trying not to let the tears spill. He was strong willed like that.

"Shishido-san."

Looking to his right, Ohtori stood, feeling pity for him.

He didn't want any pity.

All he wanted was

Comfort

Slumping down on his bed, he sighed. What was he going to do?

Tennis meant a lot to him. He'd be able to play the game he love. Not only that, but he'd be able to play tennis for the one he loved.

-----

"Class, please welcome . She had just transferred here from overseas. Please make her feel at eased."

"Hai!"

Shishido's eyes lit up and his pulse started rising.

Why was he feeling like this?

Why was he feeling this?

He pushed that feeling away.

-----

Over the span of just a few months, Sakamoto had gotten very close with her class. She knew each one of them well and was liked in return.

Sadly, there was only one person that she couldn't get close to.

Looking at the boy with the long ebony brown hair, she sighed.

Why couldn't she get close to him?

Was it fear?

Yes, had developed a crush on him. However, she could never get close to him. But why?

-----

Every time he saw her.

Every time he heard her.

Why did he feel even weaker?

He walked through the hallway. The off-white coloured walls made the school even brighter when the sun shined in.

" -chan~ Tell us already! What kind of boys do you like?"

This made Ryou's heart skip a beat. He stopped. Why wasn't his body cooperating with him?

"Hmmm... the types that are good at tennis?"

His eyes widened.

" -chan! That's funny!"

The girls laughed and giggled as they walked off, leaving Shishido in the shadows by himself.

It was at that point when Shishido decided.

He was going to play tennis.

Not for himself.

But for her.

-----

Shishido felt miserable throughout that day.

Every time someone tried to cheer him up he just brushed them away like he would dust.

"Shishido-san, you shouldn't be sulking so much. I am sure you are going to be on the team again."

Pity.

Where was the comfort when he needed it?

-----

Staring at Shishido, felt hurt. Nothing bad was happening to her but she was still hurt.

The look in his eyes made her want to fall.

The look on his face made her want to cry.

The look of him made her want to comfort him.

-----

The ball impacted against the wall repeated. The forced of it caused it to make a loud 'plonk' sound.

"Damn it..."

The yellow tennis ball rolled to a stop as it hit his feet.

Looking down, he felt shame.

How was he going to get her to notice him now?

He then felt something grab hold of him. An arm around his waist and a head upon his back.

"It's ok, Shishido-san."

He realized who it was.

.

Why was she here?

What was she doing?

His body tensed up and his pulse increased.

It was exactly like the first time he laid eyes on her.

"It's ok."

He turned around and held her close.

Finally, some comfort.

***

Written by Annie

March 5, 2006