Who Is Atobe Dating, Anyway? [Prince of Tennis]

Question: What kind of girl could the famous Atobe Keigo date?

It had long been a much-discussed question at Hyotei, but no one had ever found an answer.

The wealthy young master, always so flamboyant, had no shortage of girls pursuing him, yet he was like a flower on a lofty peak, untouched by a single leaf. If he hadn't asked Oshitari for book recommendations for girls one calm day, the word "girlfriend" might never have passed his lips.

Oshitari: What did you say? A female friend?

Oshitari: Are you sure you didn't misspeak and say "girlfriend" instead of "female friend"?

Atobe: Hm? Wasn't I clear enough?

Atobe Keigo was dating someone, and Oshitari freaked out.

But nobody knew who his girlfriend was, so the Hyotei forums exploded.

The news jolted Hyotei's otherwise uneventful high school life and sparked an all-consuming curiosity. A special investigation was launched under the banner, "Who on earth is this amazing girl? I have to see her!" Nearly everyone tried to identify the remarkable young woman who had won Atobe Keigo's heart. From that day on, the Hyotei forums never knew a moment's peace.

After deciding that none of the girls around him could possibly be the one, the baffled onlookers were at a loss. They looked around, then even started turning their attention to the tennis club members.

Comment 1: Could it be that we're being narrow-minded? It doesn't necessarily have to be a girl.

Comment 2: Fair point. Calling someone your girlfriend doesn't mean they're a girl. Could be a guy.

Comment 3: Fair point. Then I reasonably suspect Oshitari-senpai. He could be the girlfriend, too.

Comment 4: Fair point. I'll guess Kabaji-senpai. They are always together, after all.

Comment 5: That's not fair. What about my senpai, Hiyoshi?

Comment 11: I think you've all lost your minds.

They hadn't gone mad, exactly. They were just getting more and more curious, as if a cat were scratching at their hearts.

So who on earth was Atobe Keigo dating?

>>

Here's how the story goes: On a Paris street, sunlight glitters dazzlingly on a musical fountain. Pigeons take flight, and they meet at a street corner, their eyes locking for what feels like eternity. (The beginning)

Later, beneath the eaves on a rainy Edinburgh night, they discuss their ideals and the philosophy of life in authentic London accents (a key detail), talking about Hegel and John Constable. Their eyes meet, they can no longer resist, and they share a passionate, lingering kiss. (The middle)

A cigar sends up wisps of white smoke between slender fingers. The scent of tobacco colors their hazy, decadent future. The girl falls for the boy and gives him everything. (The ending)

But Oshitari Yuushi knows Atobe Keigo doesn't smoke at all.

...So Oshitari is the lovestruck, innocent boy who's completely smitten with his partner.

Reader advisory:

1. The heroine doesn't appear at first. The male lead is younger, and there's little interaction from either point of view early on. There are lots of forum-style chapters.

2. The story is mainly set at Hyotei, with occasional appearances from other schools.

3. The characters reflect my own interpretation, so out-of-character portrayals are inevitable. Set in high school, and doesn't follow the main storyline.

Core theme: A young and free spirit