InsaneJournal

The Prince Cafe - Prologue
Title: The Prince Cafe

Chapter: 00

Fandom: Tenipuri

Pairings: None as of yet.

Disclaimer: Original series belong to Konami-sensei. I take absolutely zero claim for this.

Idea for this story was inspired by the newest set of clear cards with "The Prince Cafe" theme.

Author's Note: This is going to be a WIP and AU. If you hate AUs, now is a good time to run for it. And yes, I realize how insane I must be to post this stuff when I have 12 hours of lab, a research project, grad school apps, and a 30 hour field project. Believe me. I know.


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It was on an ordinary day, in an ordinary month, after an ordinary tennis practice that Ryuzaki sensei decided to spring the news to the Seigaku Regulars.

“Gather around Regulars,” Tezuka Kunimitsu, buchou and fearless leader of the Seishun Gakuen tennis club, called to attention the post-practice meeting. The practicing teens stopped their rounds and drifted, like metal filings to a magnet, to the stoic presence occupying the corner of the court. As the Regulars settled down, the less important third and second years filed off the courts to change while the first years ran back and forth chasing after runaway tennis balls like many well trained retrievers. Once Tezuka was satisfied all the necessary members were assembled, he nodded to the club coach, indicating she should begin her announcement, and stepped to the side, arms crossed.

“Thank you, Tezuka,” Ryuzaki sensei acknowledged before stepping into the center of the lopsided half-circle to address the Seigaku Regulars. “The principal, as you all know, felt that Seishun Gakuen has been neglecting in the students’ education in social graces and work ethics. To correct this oversight, each sports club is required to take on a 3 month part-time volunteer at a local shop, where the club members can experience first hand the hardships of working in the real world. Now, I know some of you already have some experience,” she glanced at the shy Kawamura Takashi standing towards the back of the group, “while others are sadly lacking in any real life skills.” Her sight landed on Echizen Ryoma, who was looking apathetic as usual. “Because of the large number of students enrolled in the tennis club, the principal has allowed us some leeway.”

At this, the Regulars began to mutter restlessly amongst themselves, speculating what kind of new stunt Ryuzaki sensei came up with this time.

“Some leeway,” Ryuzaki repeated loudly, gaining the tennis members’ attention once more. “Because the nationals are coming upon us, we can’t afford to lose time in training. Therefore, the principal agreed to turn the volunteer service into a special training event.” She paused for dramatic effect and to take in each Regular’s reaction to the news. Kikumaru Eiji was busy trading meaningful stares with his doubles partner, Oishi Shuichiro. Fuji Syuusuke wore an unreadable smile, waiting patiently for the rest of the announcement. Momoshiro Takeshi and Kaidoh Kaoru wore identical expressions of confusion. Inui Sadaharu was busy scribbling something in his book that may or may not have anything to do with her announcement. Kawamura was still standing in the back, being politely silent. Echizen looked as if he was ready to drop dead from boredom. Glancing surreptitiously to her side, Ryuzaki noted that even Tezuka’s normally sharp gaze was glazing over. She thought it best to get on with her explanation before she put her Regulars into a coma.

“Instead of volunteering, the tennis club will be opening our own café, managed and ran solely by our Regulars, that is you.”

At this, everyone seem to jolt into action, yelling indecipherable phrases over each other, but all to the effect of “Hell no!”

“Quiet!” Tezuka’s voice resonated through the suddenly silent courts. Ryuzaki smiled a thank you and continued to plow on. “Now, here is the map to our café, and the roster for each member’s job.” She began rattling off the Regular’s duties while the stack of paper traveled around. “We will open right after each day’s practice and continue until 19:00. Our cooks, Kawamura and Kikumaru. Waiters are Fuji and Echizen. Receptionist, Oishi. Bartender is Inui.” The various faces around the huddle paled a few shades, but no protest was uttered. “Busboys are Momoshiro and Kaidoh. The first years have volunteered to help you out as official dishwashers and runners. Of course, our manager, Tezuka.

“Tezuka, a few words?” Ryuzaki stepped down, indicating that Tezuka should give his usual pre-game speech, even if this time it was in preparation for the opening of a café.

“Everyone,” he began and instantly all the heads that had been previously turned toward Inui in horror swiveled to attention, “if we are going to do this, then we want to do our best. So, I will say this, ‘Don’t be careless and give it all you’ve got’!”

“HAI!”

“Yosh. Dismissed!”

Heart filled with anticipation and trepidation, the Regulars left the court, conversing chaotically amongst themselves about the merits of this experiment.

Ryuzaki sensei smirked as she watched the boys walk off the court and asked the lingering Tezuka, “So, what do you think? Will the training be successful?”

“Aa.”