Chapter Text
Lisa is the life of the party no matter where she goes. The mood maker, the one who can keep everyone together and get them through tough times. It goes without saying that she’s gained a lot of friends and supporters due to her overflowing kindness. Especially in her tennis and dance clubs, where it didn’t matter how good she is, people always enjoyed having Lisa around. For Lisa, she really enjoyed the smiles and good times everyone is having. It really makes for a lively day.
Today, she chose to attend practice with the tennis club. She isn’t the best by any means, but she plays well enough to be chosen as practice partners for many members. Maybe it’s the relaxed atmosphere she creates or the support she doles out that makes the others feel like they can raise their playing level up a notch. Either way, Lisa is popular.
“Imai-san.”
“Wh-Huh?” Lisa was out on the courts warming up when she hears the familiar formal speech.
“Sayo?” Sayo was on the court, walking up to surprised Lisa. There were some eyes on her as to why someone from another school was at their practice.
“I see you’re spending time with the tennis club today. It’s good to maintain your fitness.” Sayo said calmly. Lisa was still confused to why Sayo was there. She’s always busy with something, so it’s rare for her to show up unless it has to do with student council duties which means Hina causing trouble again.
“Uhhhh, Sayo, why are you here? Aren’t you busy?”
“Not particularly. I just wanted to see you. I hope you don’t mind me watching a bit of your practice.” Sayo said with as straight a face you will ever see. Saying something like that would usually cause the speaker to be embarrassed in some form.
“Wh-no no, I mean, I don’t mind. It’s just, um,….kind of shocking to see you outside of Hanasakigawa without work to do.” Lisa fumbled. She was excited, but nervous that Sayo would come just to watch her. It truly is a rare event.
“I assure you, it’s not always work with me.”
“Hahaha, sure~. Well, we’re warming up right now. You can sit on the bench right there and we’ll start up in a few.”
“Thank you. I look forward to seeing you in action.” Lisa felt a tug in her heart. This Sayo is saying things, not knowing what she’s coming off like and in front of others too.
Sayo went over to the bench and sat with the other members who weren’t playing practice rounds. They welcomed Sayo and made a spot for her, though there were still some puzzled looks. Mainly from figuring out who Sayo was to Lisa. And also, if this is really “The Sayo Hikawa” they hear about from Lisa and Hina. Her seriousness fits the bill. And that cool like beauty fits the bill.
Lisa was nervous. For whatever reason as she was warming up she felt her nerves just exploded in her. She was fine if Yukina or Afterglow or some other friends watched, but with Sayo here, she felt giddy. She really hoped the adrenaline kicks in and calms her or she’ll look foolish in front of Sayo.
After warmups, practice matches on the courts began. Sayo examined all the courts in use and the players. But her main focus was on Lisa as stated. She learned more about tennis from Misaki and occasionally watches whenever she can. Of course with Sayo, she looked into tennis more and has a full grasp of the sport. Enough in fact that she can actually play if needed.
Looking at their uniforms, Sayo can’t help but be encaptured by Lisa’s. The fitted short sleeved top did wonders to show her body. The short skirt and tights which hug her thighs just the right way. The way the skirt sways as Lisa moved. How the sweat just runs down her skin. Sayo shaked her head up and down with a happy grin. To the others around her, they were thinking that she was analyzing the play on the court.
Ogling time was over, Sayo had to refocus. Watching it, Lisa’s serves were adequate. Not a lot of power behind them, but enough where the returner can’t tee off on it. Her accuracy was impressive, spotting her serves away from the middle of the service box if she knows she can’t power it in. Lisa moved pretty well and Sayo believes her experience with dance club helped with her footwork and vice versa. Her movements were smooth. Side to side Lisa moved to retrieve the ball and quick she was to return back to her spot.
Her swings were pretty much on par. Simple swing motion, nothing exaggerated. Easy to repeat to minimize mistakes. Just like how Sayo preaches about the basics and Lisa practices it, her basics for tennis was superb. Watching the rallies from point to point, Sayo can conclude that Lisa wasn’t a finisher of the point. She relies on defense mainly to win her points but can hit a winner when she creates the opportunity. The gap in score though showed Lisa isn’t going to win the match, but she’s competing, making her opponent earn the win. Nothing was given with Lisa fighting back as best she could. Sayo doesn’t like losing, but with Lisa, she understands that Lisa is putting in her best and it’s just her opponent being more skilled. What can be expected when her opponent probably has been playing tenins her whole life and is more into tennis than Lisa? Still, Sayo is proud and enjoyed watching Lisa play.
The set was near over and Lisa got into a somewhat long rally. The ball flew over the net from one side to the other. Both players are retrieving the ball well. Both players being pushed side to side. The onlookers followed the ball. It was soon that they notice Lisa is straying further from the baseline. The power from her opponent is pushing her back. Sayo furrows her brow, sensing the control is shifting to the other player. Then the opponent sliced the ball short. Lisa reacted and rushed up to reach. She reached out with her racket to pick the ball. She didn’t make it in time. As she lunged, her feet caught one another and Lisa falls onto the court. She rolls once from her momentum. Everyone stood up in worry.
Lisa grimaced from the pain, though she felt like it wasn’t as bad as it looked. When she looked up, Sayo was already on the ground with her.
“S-Sayo?” Lisa was surprised to see Sayo. She was just on the bench a second ago. How fast did she respond to get here already?
“Are you hurt anywhere Imai-san?” There was some unease in her eyes.
“I’m fine, I’m fine. It was just a kyahh!” Lisa then felt Sayo’s hands rubbing on her leg. The sudden scream was mistook for pain. Sayo was looking around Lisa’s legs. She examined to ensure there weren’t any scratches, bruises, bumps, or scrapes on those beautiful smooth legs. Lisa was burning red. She can’t fathom what Sayo was doing out in the open. Sayo’s hands felt so soft and good. Lisa kept her mouth shut, afraid she might make a weird sound from Sayo rubbing on her.
Sayo was oblivious to the effect she was having on Lisa. Her safety was all that mattered right now. Sayo finished examining the legs and checked Lisa’s hands, holding them with hers. Sayo moved to the arms and fails to see Lisa somewhat panicked look. The others on the court were watching, making out what this scene was. A worried Sayo that jumped on instinct the moment Lisa fell. Lisa being all shy and red about the contact when she’s normally full of energy.
“Hey, are they-“
Sayo suddenly got up and offered her hand to Lisa. Lisa grabs hold and is pulled back up onto her feet.
“It seems you aren’t hurt anywhere Imai-san. Thankfully.” Sayo was relieved.
“I-I said I was f-fine. It was just a fall.” Lisa doesn’t understand how Sayo is still so calm. Does she really not realize what she was doing or what it might look like from someone else’s perspective?
“But you can never be too sure. I recommend you get checked up on by the medical staff.”
“I-I’m fine Sayo. And we still haven’t finished the match yet.” Sayo looked across the net and see the opponent looking at them weird. Then Sayo noticed everyone else was staring.
“Oh. Ahem. Very well. I’ll just return to my seat. My apologies.” Sayo walked back, slightly embarrassed for the commotion she caused. She sat down and once everything was in order the rest of the match played out.
Lisa went over to the wash area and rinsed her face. She looked for a towel and heard someone call.
“Here Imai-san.” Lisa felt the towel and wiped her face. Once done, she sees Sayo smiling at her. “Good work out there.”
“Thanks Sayo. It’s so sweet of you to be here.”
“I-it’s nothing. So….are you okay after the fall?” Sayo blushed a bit. There was still some worry in Sayo even though she can see Lisa was fine.
“I’m fine. A fall like that happens sometimes.”
“Yes, but, well, don’t hurt yourself out there.”
“Awwwww, look at you taking care of me.”
“Don’t make fun of me. Of course I’d be worried if you were hurt.” Sayo kept cool, but was beginning to feel irritated at the tease.
“Why don’t you become my personal nurse? Ahahaha-blghghhg” Lisa’s laugh was stopped when Sayo took a water bottle and sprayed water onto her face. “HEY!”
Sayo sprayed a second round of water onto Lisa. Lisa coughed a few times before drying herself off with her towel. Sayo smirked at the payback, her cheeks began to grow brighter though, from the “personal nurse” comment. Lisa was mad now, giving Sayo an incredulous look. She grabs the bottle and takes off the cap. Then dumps the water onto Sayo’s face. Sayo remained still like a statue with her frown.
“How you like that?” Lisa looked proud at what she did. Sayo just stared down Lisa with water dripping all over her face. Sayo took her hand and ran it through her hair. “Uh uh uh umm …..wow”
Lisa was aghast at how sexy Sayo looked when she ran her hand through her wet hair. Sayo didn’t smile, she still had that stone cold look, which absolutely screamed handsome sexy. Lisa just froze. Sayo took the towel from Lisa and wiped the water off.
“I wished you didn’t do that Imai-san.” Sayo said lowly before grabbing Lisa’s hand and took her off somewhere.
Meanwhile, the other members just watched from afar. They are certain there’s something between the two. That was clearly flirting if they have ever seen one. And something else was noted. Sayo used the same towel Lisa used.
Two days later, Lisa was in the dance studio. The dance team was getting ready for practice. Lisa was helping to set up the laptop and speakers. There was a knock on the door and one girl went to answer it. When she opened the door, she saw a scary looking teal haired girl. The girl said something and the dance club member could only nod and let her in. Lisa finished the setup and turned to see the guest.
“Sayo?!”
“Hello Imai-san.”
“Y-you’re at my school again.”
“Hina called me over to help with something but she up and disappeared. I decided since I’m over here and free, I might come over and check in on you.”
“Ah, but how did you know where we were?”
“I...asked?” Sayo was at a lost. She was sure it should be obvious how she found where the dance club practiced. “Hmm? I thought Udagawa-san was in the club too?”
“Ako? She’s out with Tomoe. I think she said something about a family event.”
“I see. Well, I hope I’m not intruding. I really am interested in seeing you in your club environment.”
“Yeah, it’s not a problem at all. Ahuh. Yep. No problem.”
The other members saw how Lisa was getting flustered at the taller girl who just remained stoic. They’re not sure if the person is just dense or she’s really good at maintaining a poker face. Hearing from the tennis club members, the two had these types of interactions. Flirty lovey dovey where one of them wasn’t even aware of what they were doing. Everyone continued to observe and surprisingly the captain joined in on the observation. It seems as though Sayo is turning red and her eyes aren’t as focused. Strange from what they know about the stern girl.
“Sayo, what exactly are you looking at?”
“I-I, uh, uh , you’re outfit’s a-a bit, uh, revealing.”
“Hmmm? It’s comfortable to dance in.” Lisa spun around, checking out her outfit.
Sayo scanned Lisa from head to toe. That white tank top and loose cut light purple shirt. Her right shoulder and a small part of her stomach being revealed. Lisa wore workout shorts that just goes down and covers part of her thighs.
“Uh, it looks….good on you.”
“Th-thanks.” Sayo and Lisa avoided looking directly at each other. The dance club members are in disbelief at how the two are acting. They were perfectly fine just a moment ago and now they can’t even look each other in the eye. What are they? Children?
“We need to get started with practice.” The captain stepped in. She was getting tired of the romcom.
Lisa and Sayo snapped out of their stupor. The two frantically gather themselves and went to their spots. Sayo, now seated watched as the captain gave her speech and everyone got in formation. Lisa held a tight grip getting to her spot, trying to calm her nerves.
‘Okay, okay, Lisa, calm down, it’s just Sayo watching, no big deal. I mean, she watches during Roselia practice too. And that time during tennis. Okay, maybe its nerve wracking but it’s okay. Breathe. Just look good in front of Sayo.’
On signal the music began playing. A playlist of pop songs played through. Sayo closely watched their routine. They were well in sync. Members moved in tandems or small groups, perfectly maintaining symmetry, keeping the visual clean. Their moves were simple but effective in delivering the images the song tries to convey. Small parts called for more intricate and precise moves. It really showed how hard they practiced to keep form.
Sayo was mesmerized at Lisa. Every step, every sway of the hips, every puff of the chest, every artful hand movement, every turn, Sayo was just in awe. It felt like it was just the two of them in the room. The other members were just blurs. The room light only shone on Lisa. The brunette was just dancing, just for her. Sayo was gone in her own world.
The music stopped and Sayo was back to her senses. She cleared her throat and stood up. Everyone started to talk about their practice. Lisa had her hands on her hips, breathing hard. Lisa saw Sayo standing there and walked over.
“So? How did we do?”
“You were beautiful.”
“Oh? Um thanks. I kind of asked about the group though.”
“Yeah, it was enjoyable. But, you were really breath taking there.” Sayo doubled down on her praise for Lisa. The others were fine, but Lisa was really the only person Sayo paid full attention to.
“Was I really th-!” Lisa felt her legs give out from under her, her nerves finally returned and kicked in. Sayo was quick and caught her. Sayo pulled Lisa up and they were really close. There was a sparkle in the dance club members’ eyes. It didn’t really register for Sayo since her worry was on Lisa. Lisa meanwhile is losing her composure at how close they are. The guitarist’s arms are around her waist.
“Are you okay?”
“I-I-I’m fine, yeah, I’m cool.” It was a clear lie, her legs were shaking.
“Doesn’t look like it.”
“No, see.” Lisa pushed off and backed away. In her haste, Lisa slips and Sayo caught her again. This time, Sayo has one hand on Lisa’s arm and the other around her waist, similar to a dip in a duet dance.
“You’re really red Imai-san. Are you running a fever?” Sayo grew more worried by the second with Lisa. Sayo places her hand on Lisa’s forehead to get her temp. To her, it feels like Lisa was starting to get hotter. Lisa was really close to going into a full spazz at this point. Suddenly, she feels herself get swept up. Sayo is now princess carrying her.
“Aaaa, wawawwa, w-what are you doing?!” Lisa has now entered full panic. She was not ready for this.
“I think you might be getting a fever. I need to get you to the nurse’s office.”
“Nononono, I’m totally fine! Yes! Fine!”
“No you are not. Your face is completely flushed.” Sayo said more sternly.
‘Cuz of you!!!!’ Lisa was screaming internally.
“Hikawa-san!” The captain spoke up, getting Sayo’s attention.
“Yes?” The captain looked at the two for a minute and closed her eyes. Then she opened them with a suggestion.
“Lisa does seem to be panicky. Why don’t you take her to the nurse’s office?”
“My thoughts exactly. Thank you.”
“Wait, captain!”
“Lisa, you’ve done well, take time off and…. Heal up.”
“Captaaaain!!!”
Sayo began to walk out the room. Lisa tried to fight free. She isn’t sure if walking around the school like this is a good idea. She covered her face so the others can’t see her distress. Then she thought of something and started slapping Sayo’s arm.
“Down, put me down.” Sayo didn’t want to but Lisa kept hitting her. So in the end, she put Lisa down.
“Turn around and kneel a bit.”
“What?”
“Just do it!” Sayo flinched back at the sudden outburst.
She complied with the brunette’s orders. Lisa then climb on top and allowed Sayo to piggyback her to the nurse. Lisa shot daggers into her dance club members and they gave her a thumbs up in return. As they made their way out, Lisa buries her face into Sayo’s back. This was really not what she expected to happen. It was just supposed to be practice after all. Sayo meanwhile was happy to be able to carry Lisa. This feeling. This feeling of how soft Lisa’s thighs are and the softness of Lisa’s chest pressed on her back. Sayo thought, maybe, she should offer to carry Lisa around more.