Stealing Spree

Just like I thought, the tennis court close to the park in our neighborhood was still deserted. From afar, it looked like it was abandoned with freshly fallen leaves slowly filling up the entire court.

Of course, it's not that it hadn't been used at all. There were times when I saw people back then using the court to play. However, with the adults within our neighborhood being so busy with their work that even the nearby park would only be filled during weekends, this became the tennis court's state.

"... What a pitiful court this is. Ruki-kun. Shall we clean it up first?"

As a passionate tennis player, Fuyu's expression became downcast upon seeing the state of the tennis court.

I nodded at her but before she could go to get the broom that was also quite neglected in the small storage shack next to the public bathroom, I already started moving.

"Let me do it, Fuyu. You and Akane should prepare. This won't take long."

Fuyu was somewhat unconvinced but upon seeing my smile directed at her, she acknowledged and moved towards the small bench next to the court to dust it off and put down the equipment we brought with us.

Good thing the net was still in good condition, otherwise, it could affect our match.

When I returned to them with the broom, Akane was already climbing up the umpire's seat to dust it off as well. Fuyu was polishing the tennis balls and also testing out the bounciness of it within the court.

I've read that there are different types of courts when it comes to tennis and they vary greatly with each other.

What we have here in our neighborhood is a hard court with a surface made from cement.

It's the ideal one for those who want faster gameplay because of how high the balls can bounce.

As I began sweeping the court and also scrubbing or pulling the roots of invading overgrown grasses, Fuyu would sometimes look in my direction, maybe to check if I needed help.

Soon, I reached the middle of the court. Both Akane and Fuyu walked toward me. One was holding a towel and the other a water bottle. These girls... I haven't sweated yet but they're already this thoughtful.

I let Akane wipe my face with the towel and I took a sip from Fuyu's water bottle.

After thanking them, I resumed my task of cleaning the whole court.

"This will be over soon. You two should relax." I said.

However, they just won't listen to me, will they?

True enough. They remained standing at the side, watching over me. If someone passed by this road, they'd probably think they were anxiously cheering for me because I was slow.

And the odds are stacked against me.

"Alright, you two. I can hear you from a mile away. Akane, stop being mischievous. Let's set aside what's going to happen depending on the result for later. Why don't you two play a match first? To decide who will play against me last."

After putting back the broom and returning to them, I opened up that suggestion.

Akane and Fuyu were surely alerted before they looked at each other. A moment later, they both grinned as fighting spirits clashed in the middle of their gazes. If we were in a manga panel or an anime scene, a clash of their auras would've happened, causing a strong surge of

wind.

Their skirts would also flutter because of it! Alas, we're in reality and all they could do was butt heads and then bid each other good luck.

They both suggested letting the other play against me first, after all. So, isn't it just right to

let them decide it through a match?

This is not me trying to tire them out. I swear!

We're on a tennis court. I'm just letting the sport itself be the decider.

As the two of them positioned themselves on the two sides of the court.

I climbed up the umpire's seat to watch over their judge.

I may still be a newbie at this sport, but I can at least judge by following the movements of the

ball, right?

"Ready? This will only be a 3-game match. First to take 2 game wins. If a deuce occurs, it will be decided by whoever can score 3 points first. Not who can take a two-point lead."

I raised my voice and shifted my gaze to the two girls. Akane made a peace sign, saying she understood while Fuyu was pleasantly surprised.

"Ruki-kun, I'll help you judge with faults and outs. Just watch over us carefully." She said. "Alright. I'll leave it to you, the expert. Don't mind me analyzing your plays."

"Pfft... If you can be an expert in a short match like this then aspiring pros won't exist at all. So, prepare well. We both want to beat you."

"That's right, husband! Don't relax!"

"Sure, sure... Well then, Fuyu to serve. Let's start this match."

Upon saying that, the two girls immediately went into battle mode. Fuyu started preparing her serve and Akane took up a stance to receive the Ace of the Tennis Club's attack. Maybe the first point will be decided whether it will be a Service Ace or a Return Ace.

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