Clash of Strings and Rackets

Chapter 8: Unexpected Conversations

Momo's face lit up. "Alright, we're going to the beach! Food, fun, and no training! Sounds like heaven."

Ryoma, predictably, looked unimpressed. "I'd rather practice," he muttered, his eyes still on the ground.

Before he could protest further, Kikumaru and Momo were already dragging him toward the beach, their laughter and voices fading in the distance. Fuji and Oishi decided to stay behind and enjoy the peace, while Tezuka remained quiet, observing the scene for a moment.

The Beach

The cool breeze of the evening air brushed against Tezuka's skin as he walked along the shoreline. He wasn't sure why he had decided to take the team on this hike, or why he had been so insistent. But for once, it felt nice to step away from the rigorous schedule of drills.

As he walked, his gaze landed on a familiar figure standing at the water's edge. Ritsu. Her usual energetic self was nowhere to be seen. She stood there, her back slightly hunched, her head tilted as she stared out at the horizon. There was something different about her tonight—something more reflective, more serious.

Tezuka considered walking away, respecting her space. But something about her posture, the tension in the way she held herself, made him stop. Slowly, he walked toward her, his footsteps barely making a sound on the sand.

Ritsu didn't notice him at first, lost in her thoughts. Finally, after a moment, she spoke, her voice barely louder than the crashing waves.

"Azusa said I was holding the band back. That I need to be more focused... like her." She paused, staring out at the ocean, frustration clear in her voice. "I don't know. I thought being carefree was what made things fun. But now... maybe I'm wrong."

Tezuka stood quietly for a moment, giving her space to collect her thoughts. He could tell it was bothering her more than she was letting on. Slowly, he stepped closer, his presence almost comforting in its quiet steadiness.

"You don't have to be like Azusa to lead," Tezuka said calmly, his voice softer than usual. "Leadership isn't about being perfect or serious all the time. It's about finding your own way—allowing others to be themselves, even when it doesn't match your own approach."

Ritsu turned to him, her eyes wide in surprise. She hadn't expected Tezuka—of all people—to say something like that.

"You think so?" she asked a hint of disbelief in her voice.

Tezuka nodded once, his gaze unwavering. "Everyone has their own strengths. What matters most is recognizing them in others, even if they don't look the way you expect."

For a moment, Ritsu said nothing, processing his words. Then, she smiled, the weight she had been carrying lifting slightly. "Thanks, Tezuka. I guess I've been too hard on myself."

They stood there in silence for a moment, the sound of the waves filling the space between them.

Then Ritsu, always the playful one, broke the silence. "You know, you're not as scary as you look."

Tezuka blinked, clearly flustered for a brief moment. His usual calm demeanour cracked, just slightly. "I'm not trying to be scary," he muttered, his gaze shifting away.

Ritsu laughed lightly, the sound soft and warm against the backdrop of the evening air. "Well, you come off as intimidating. But I think I get it now. You're not that bad once you get to know you."

Tezuka hesitated, then cleared his throat. His usual stoicism returned. "I'm going on a hike tomorrow. If you and your bandmates are interested, you're welcome to join us. We could all use the exercise."

Ritsu raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "A hike? With you?"

Tezuka nodded, his tone firm, but with a hint of something softer beneath it. "Yes. If you're interested."

Ritsu's grin widened. "That sounds interesting. I'll talk to the others."

As they started walking back toward the camp, the evening sky darkening overhead, Ritsu glanced over at him, her expression lighter than before. "Thanks again, Tezuka. I didn't expect you to be so... insightful."

Tezuka gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. "Don't expect me to be insightful tomorrow."

Ritsu chuckled, the sound was genuine and full of warmth. "I'll take what I can get."

The stars began to twinkle in the sky above them as they walked side by side, the silence between them comfortable in a way that neither of them could quite explain.