Tennis Can Wait, Let's Fall in Love

[NOTICE] Years have passed, and the author still hasn't managed to write a single word. This story is taking too long to bring into the world, so I've given up and locked the main text. Just enjoy the blurb for now, sob. 1. [Childhood Friends Arc] At the National Tournament, Yukimura, known as the Child of God, ultimately lost to the Samurai's successor, Echizen Ryoma, and his Cloudbreak. That night, after Rikkai Dai's tennis club finished reviewing the match, someone saw their captain crying prettily in the vice-captain's arms. Between sobs, he said, "Sanada, Rikkai Dai's three-peat... it's gone." Their vice-captain, who was always decisive and a man of his word, hesitated for once. His face had turned faintly red, and he awkwardly pressed it beneath his cap brim as he stammered, "I-it's okay. You still have... me." At that moment, everyone thought Yukimura was truly heartbroken, if you ignored the corners of his mouth, which he couldn't keep from turning up. Yukimura: I'm crying. It's an act. Also, he's so cute when he blushes. Flirty beauty vs. awkward, quiet fool 2. [□□ Arc] At the Kanto Tournament, Seigaku pulled off an upset and beat Rikkai Dai to win the championship. After finishing a trial practice session with Seigaku, Atobe Keigo heard that the tennis club was going to Germany to visit their captain. He immediately had his butler secretly make arrangements, bringing the entire Hyotei team to Germany for a three-day sightseeing trip. Seigaku: Captain! We came to see you!! We ran into everyone from Hyotei on the plane, too! When they heard we were visiting you, they said they'd come along! Hearing this, Tezuka Kunimitsu, whose face was usually cold and expressionless, showed the faintest crack in his composure. A flicker of panic flashed behind his rimless glasses. "Sorry, my rehab isn't finished yet. Let's get together another time." Before he could even leave, a tall figure blocked the doorway. A familiar scent rushed over him, and the memories of that night came flooding back. Atobe Keigo caught the person trying to escape and leaned close, lowering his voice. "We only slept together once. Why are you running?" Do you really have to avoid me this much? Self-obsessed weirdo vs. awkward weirdo P.S. Atobe is the one who turns himself gay. 3. [Rekindled Romance Arc] The physical exam results had just come in. Echizen Ryoma stared at the words "Height: 165.1 cm," his expression darkening to an alarming degree. Fuji Syusuke, the scheming fox who stood 179.1 cm tall, dragged the murderous Echizen Ryoma back and held him in his arms. Bending close, he whispered into Ryoma's ear, "Grow up quickly, little one. Once you're taller than me... I'll let you top me once." A year later, the 185.0 cm Echizen Ryoma cornered the 180.1 cm Fuji Syusuke against a wall, raised his chin with a finger, and said with a teasing smile, "I wonder if what you said two years ago still stands, senpai?" Fuji Syusuke: "..." #The story of how I grew only 1 cm in a year while my boyfriend shot up 20 cm Scheming and secretly passionate vs. innocent and easily flustered ------Reading Guide------ An episodic story, mainly featuring three couples, with a chaotic mix of other pairings. The author ships rarepairs, one after another, each more obscure than the last... proceed with caution. The main pairings can't be reversed, but anything goes for the others. A truly chaotic mix of ships! Please don't flame if it's not your thing. The logic is buried underground, and mild criticism for out-of-character writing is fine. The Echizen-Fuji arc may include characters from New Prince of Tennis, but you can read it even if you haven't seen it. Theme: Shipping couples is the source of human happiness, so enjoy yourself while you can.