Work Text:
Hiromi has been practicing her tennis skills to the bone, with Jin Munakata training her without mercy. Jogs early in the mornings on the bridge before 1000 practice swings and 3 practice matches between her and Jin. It's grueling training, but it's what Hiromi needs to achieve her goals. Munakata believes in her, and so she shall believe in herself.
"Oka!" His voice booms across the tennis court.
"Yes!" Hiromi immediately replies, ready to hear what he says. Was she too slow in receiving his serve?
"Keep your legs bent. If you lock your knees, your head will start to spin and there's a chance you'll faint. You already know this."
"Yes, Coach!" Hiromi replies with a nod, making sure she unlocks her knees.
Jin serves the next ball, sending it hurtling towards her. Eyes laser focused on the ball, Hiromi makes sure to hit it as hard as possible back to him.
Success! She hits it well over the net, and the two send it back and forth to each other in an improptu match.
I have put faith in you, Oka, Jin thinks to himself. You are the player I have put hope and trust in. I have been training you for nearly two years, showing you the agony and hardships one must go through to show their dedication to tennis. You are a reliable player, Oka, and as long as you continue your hard work, I know you can accomplish anything you put your mind and heart to.
He sends and receives the ball effortlessly, or at least it looks that way. In reality, his leukemia has been setting in more, and while he is in pain, he does his best to pay it no mind. He has a job to do and an important player to coach.
Coach, at least you show you care through your demonic nature, Hiromi thinks as she plays against him. I still don't fully understand why you picked me that first time those two years ago, but I am trying. I love tennis, and I am grateful for you showing it to me. Though harsh you may be, you are an effective, dedicated coach. Thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for giving me a chance.
Jin takes in every moment with Hiromi, doing his best to commit it to memory. He will not have long on this earth, just a year at most if he's lucky, so he must make every moment count.
"Coach," Hiromi speaks up after their practice match, and Munakata secretly takes in every time she says his title. He cannot let his emotions show on his face.
"You have done well, today, Oka," Munakata states. He'll try to say her name as much as he permits himself. "But you must keep your energy up higher for real matches. Know when to run, know when to hit back, and when in doubles, know how to work together with your partner. The two of you must flow together, must be one."
The both of them think to themselves that in a sense they are becoming one as student and teacher, that there's a growing bond. It is never mentioned out loud, but through each hit of the ball to each other, an energy between them is sparked. It's like a conversation.
I will always be here for you, Oka, Jin tries to portray through his hits.
I will show my dedication to tennis, and even you, Hiromi shows in her serves, and it pangs his heart alongside the leukemia.
He hopes that Hiromi will be strong enough to continue without him when the time comes.