oOo
The lounge was packed with patrons, drunken patrons, Fuji noticed and he was beginning to have second thoughts about meeting their friends. But they were already seen and it would be very rude to just leave without saying hello. Besides Tezuka already ordered his drink and pretty much gave into the idea of having fun with everybody and even sing.
Fuji finally reached the bar but Tezuka was no longer there. Limited in height as he was, Fuji tip toed to locate where the rest of their friends were. He caught a glimpse of Tezuka talking to Atobe, Oishi as well as Kawamura and another guy Fuji did not recognize. He zigzagged through the crowd, avoiding dancing drunks from getting too close. The flashing strobe lights made it difficult for him to see where he was heading or where the people were exactly in the crowded dance-floor.
The lounge had three stages where people performed and plasma TV screens were all over the place. The music was loud and the thumping from the base vibrated in Fuji’s ears. His temples began to throb and he was getting disoriented. Suddenly he felt hands grabbed both of his arms and yanked him out of the crowded dance floor.
“Well Sanada, I guess he did need saving after all!” Fuji recognized the snotty voice. He was led out of the dance floor, centered between Atobe and Sanada, both men firmly holding onto his arms. Fuji remained quiet, relieved he was getting out the crowd and taken to where he could catch some air. They led him towards one of the stages where the rest of his school mates and tennis friends were gathered.
“Fuji!” “Fujiko!” “Fuji-senpai!” “Fuji-kun!” The crowd of friends screamed his name as he was led closer to them.
Fuji waved and smiled at everybody. “Quite a crowd you have here Atobe. How did you manage to gather everybody in such a short time? Fuji inquired, his eyes lit open seeing Sanada smile as he stood quietly next to Atobe.
“Atobe promised us an evening of fun and so far he kept his promise.” Yukimura stated from behind Fuji. Realizing the reason for the taller man’s smile, Fuji smiled as well as he turned to greet Yukimura.
“It’s been months since we played tennis. We should plan a doubles game again and soon.” Yukimura stated. He slowly cut his way through the group and stood next to Sanada.
“Let’s plan something around spring?” Fuji replied. Yukimura nodded and turned his attention to his former Vice-Captain. Fuji turned to Atobe, crossed his arms and frowned as he stared at his arrogant friend.
“Where is Tezuka?” Fuji asked Atobe, he looked around to search for Oishi and Kawamura as well.
Suddenly the entire place went dark and the music stopped. The crowd complained loudly and eventually silenced. The stage spotlight was turned on but no one was there.
“Well Fuji, you asked and here’s your answer!” Atobe exclaimed smiling at him. “I am nothing but awesome! Watch me.” He walked towards the stage, Kabaji gave Atobe the microphone and helped him climb the stage.
“We have something special lined up tonight. I am pretty sure everybody will enjoy. A friend of mine asked for a song from a loved one and of course, he was more than happy to comply.” Hoots and whistles loudly came from the crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen, former Seigaku Tennis Captain Tezuka Kunimitsu, his Vice-Captain Oishi Shuichiro and teammate Takashi Kawamura.” With that the stage lights shutdown.
When the lights came back on. Tezuka was on stage. Another spotlight was turned on and centered on Fuji.
“This is for you.” Tezuka stated and kept his eyes on Fuji. Fuji heard everybody’s hoots and whistles. All eyes at him, he felt red on his cheeks.
“Fujiko’s blushing!” Kikumaru screamed.
“Fuji-Senpai mada mada dane!” Echizen screamed from afar.
“Echizen 100 laps!” Momoshiro mimicked their former buchou. The whole group roared out laughing and very loudly applauded which caused Fuji to blush some more.
The music piped through the sound system and Tezuka, at the middle of the stage, kept his gaze at Fuji. Fuji was in total awe, gaped openmouthed at Tezuka. Everything else was a blur, Tezuka zeroed on him and sung to him. Then the music shifted, the lights were off again, three voices harmonized then “SHOUT!”
Three spotlights turned on at the stage as Oishi, Tezuka and Kawamura continued singing, dancing and having the time of their life. Fuji was shocked at how well the three men performed on stage. Female patrons gathered in front of him, swooning and screaming over the three handsome men.
But Tezuka kept his eyes on Fuji and gave him a wink. All their friends witnessed that winked and bellowed their approval.
Fuji could only smile. “This is definitely one for my memory book.” He pulled out his digital phone and took pictures of the three men performing before him.
oOo