Clash of Strings and Rackets

Chapter 6: Crossing Paths

In the music room, Ms. Hoshino stood before the band with a warm smile. "I've spoken with the principal, and we've arranged a weekend trip to the farmhouse by the sea. You'll share a bus with the Seigaku tennis team—this will save on travel costs and allow you to carry your equipment along. It's a great chance for you all to refresh and refocus."

Yui and Mugi gasped in delight, already buzzing with excitement at the prospect of the trip. However, Ritsu remained subdued, her fingers idly tapping her drumsticks. She nodded in agreement but lacked her usual enthusiasm.

Azusa noticed Ritsu's hesitation but didn't press. She knew her friend was wrestling with something deeper—a conflict over how her carefree nature might be affecting the band, especially in their final semester together. Ritsu couldn't shake the thought that this might be their last time performing as a group before life pulled them in different directions.

Ms. Hoshino clapped her hands. "Be at school by 5 a.m. sharp on Friday. The boys will be leaving then too, so don't be late."

Friday morning arrived. True to form, most of the Seigaku tennis team had assembled at the school gates on time, though their groans over the early start were audible. Tezuka's stern gaze ensured no one dared complain too loudly.

Inside the bus, Momoshiro and Kikumaru were already dozing off in the back, while Fuji and Oishi exchanged knowing glances as they awaited the trip ahead.

Meanwhile, at the gate, Yui and Mugi stood chatting with Azusa as they waited for Ritsu. She and Yui, perpetually late, hadn't arrived yet.

Tezuka, standing by the bus door, gave clear instructions. "Move to the back rows and leave the front seats open."

The team complied, though some grumbled, confused by the unusual seating arrangement. Inui adjusted his glasses knowingly but said nothing. The rest, including Fuji, simply smiled at the mystery.

The bus's atmosphere shifted when the girls began boarding. The boys who were awake froze in surprise. Fuji and Oishi offered polite nods, while Inui remained predictably unfazed. Momo and Kikumaru, blissfully unaware, continued sleeping.

Azusa, Yui, and Mugi took their seats at the front, leaving a few spots empty for the latecomers. Tezuka, stoic as ever, announced that he'd wait for the stragglers.

Finally, Ritsu and Riyoma arrived, barely making it in time. Riyoma slumped into the last single seat beside a teammate, muttering about how early it was. Ritsu hesitated for a moment before heading toward the only seat left—a double seat beside Tezuka himself.

Tezuka's glare could've cut through steel, but Ritsu was too lost in her thoughts to care. Normally, she would've cracked a joke or tried to swap seats, but this time, she simply sat down quietly, her mind weighed down by the pressure she felt.

Tezuka, for his part, noticed the unusual seriousness in her demeanour. It was unlike the Ritsu he'd expected, and though he said nothing, he found himself curious.

With everyone finally aboard, the bus rumbled to life and began its journey. Little did they know, this weekend would bring more than just training—it would be a turning point for both teams.