If Anything Happens
“Bane-niichan?” Kurobane Harukaze, third grader and tennis regular of Rokkaku Junior High. turned and faced the girl that had just yelled his name. His girlfriend looked at him then back at the girl. Normally, when someone yelled his name that way it was one of the little kids that played at the playground around the courts. However, this was no little kid. This was a girl around their age and she was happily running towards them. “Bane-niichan! It’s you!” She jumped on him wrapping both her arms and legs around him. His girlfriend glared. “Kurobane care to explain?” Bane just shrugged as the girl jumped off him smiling happily. He looked at her and seemed to recognize her but couldn’t put his finger on it. “Haru-niichan you don’t remember me? I’m hurt!” The girl put the back of her hand to her forehead acting like she was extremely distraught. Then it hit him. “ ?” Her smile grew as he grabbed her in his arms and twirled her around. “When did you get back?” There was a Humph from the girl next to Bane and he smiled sheepishly. “Is this her Haru-niichan? Oh! She’s so pretty! You’re lucky don’t let her get away!” The girl named grabbed the other girls hand and shook it. “You’re Emma-chan right?” Emma nodded, holding back a smile. ‘This girls smile is contagious.’ Emma thought. “Oh oh! Bane you didn’t tell her about me! Mou, meanie! I’m Kurobane ! I’m Bane’s cousin.” Emma remembered now. She blushed as she thought this girl was competition for her boyfriend. “Ah! Harukaze has mention you quite a lot. Last I heard you were still in the states though, and I’ve only seen pictures of you from the magazines. Their not very clear you know?” beamed and finally let go of the girls hand. “Oi! Bane we’re going to be late!” tilted her head. “Ah, we are! Coach is gonna kill me!” Bane frowned then he smirked. “C’mon -chan! You are coming with us!” Picking her up and throwing her over his shoulder he started to walk away. “Oi! Oi! Where are we going? My things!”

Bane put her down facing him. She puffed her cheeks out playfully glaring at him. “I can walk you know.” He nodded and put his arms around his girlfriend and ’s neck. “Yep but look how fast we got here. Coach wont be so mad.” looked around at the home built playground that they were getting closer too. “Sorry I’m late.” turned to see a very small old man standing next to five other boys. “Bane that’s the third time this week.” He pulled the two girls closer. “But I have good reasons…” It was then that they noticed the new comer. “Haru-niichan, you shouldn’t use me as an excuse! They look like they are going to grill me now!” pouted then a very hyper, happy, boy flipped in front of her. “Hello! I’m Aoi Kengarou.” ’s eyes lit up as she smiled. “The captain! Right! Ne! Haru-niichan which is the Davide one? He’s your doubles partner right?” They all looked at the girl. “Ne, how do you know us?” looked up at the boy with white and black hair. “That’s simple Saeki Kojirou.” The boy blushed lightly at the smile the girl threw his way. “Haru-niichan talks about you all in his emails and letters!” They looked at her in even more confusion.

A boy in a white cap eyed her up and down. Then his eyes went wide. “You’re Banes cousin. Kurobane aren’t you?” She turned her attention. “Correct, Kisarazu Ryou.” “Hey how did you know that Ryou?” The captain turned towards the capped boy who reached into his tennis bag and pulled out a magazine. “Oh, which is that?” said bouncing over to the boy as he flipped through the pages. “Ah, that’s a good one. Shoji-san who interviewed me was super nice.” He folded the page and handed it to the group of boys. They read; “Amazing female surfer takes the waves by storm!” Right underneath the headline was a huge picture of the girl in front of them holding a trophy two times the size of her. grinned and flashed the piece sign. “Nice to meet you all!”

After practice the group of tennis players and the two girls were sitting on the beach. “Bane I thought your cousin was in the US?” Saeki Kojirou asked as he sat next to him. “Me too…” Bane mumbled as bounced back in front of them sitting in the sand. “Why are you back ? I thought you had tournaments?” Sadness flickered over her eyes as she shifted uncomfortably. “Well…” She sighed. “Suppose there’s no use lying. Anyone that reads a magazine will hear about it.” She sat up and pulled her shirt over her head, leaving her in her bikini top. She turned around and Bane gasp. “ , what happened?” There was a huge, new, scar down ’s back that started at her left shoulder blade ran across her spine to her right hip. She turned back around to face the boys, putting her shirt back on. “Wiped out and got the surfers nightmare. Was caught in the undertow for what seemed like ever. Took me across a bunch of jagged rocks, hence the horrific scar. They had me see some head doctor when I said I wanted to continue the tournament.” Bane shook his head. “Good that doesn’t even looked healed.” laughed leaning back on her hands. “It’s probably not. Anyway, the doctor said it was a bad idea. Not only cause my body wasn’t fully healed but because my mind wasn’t either.” sighed and gazed towards the ocean. “He was right. I went back in for fun about a week ago.” Saeki looked at the girl as she went on. She looked as if she longed for the feel of the waves, the rush of catching that right set. “I froze. I was terrified.” She looked back at Bane and Saeki. “What terrified me more was that fact that I was scared…I’ve never been scared of the ocean. It always felt like home too me. I feel like I’ve lost myself.” Bane frowned. “So, I came back home to clear my head and find it all again!” The smile that disappeared was on her face again but this time it didn’t fool anyone.

* * *


sat in her new class. It’s been a few months since she returned home and it seemed peaceful enough. She stared out the window and sighed but she still couldn’t find that peace that she was looking for. “ -chan?” turned to Saeki, her classmate. “Hai?” She was still a little out of it and that made Saeki frown. It had been happening more recently. yearned for her board and a nice set. Just as he thought he would yearn for his racket and a nice court if he couldn’t play. “I know Bane probably already invited you but do you want to come to our game this weekend?” ’s eyes seemed to light up more. “Game?” Saeki nodded taking a seat next to her. “Yup…our tournament is starting and our first games tomorrow…” He looked down blushing a little. “I’d like it if you could come…” smiled and nodded happily. “Yeah! Where is it? Haru-niichan could probably take me with him right?” Saeki smiled as the happiness filled her face again. “Yeah, I could show you were it’s at today…after school…” He said not looking in her eyes. smirked and laid her head on her desk so she could see the boys face. “Are you asking me out Saeki Kojirou?” His face grew redder. His mouth opened and closed making giggle. “I’ll let you show me where the park is if you treat me to ice cream on the way there.” replied as pink tinted her cheeks as well. Right then the teacher walked in and ordered them to get in their assigned seats. Saeki got up and leaned down. “It’s a date. I’ll meet you at the gates there’s no practice today.” Jumping over the chair he was just sitting in he made his way to his own, grinning from ear to ear.

“C’mon -chan! There’s no practice today me, you and Haru can walk home together.” Emma smiled taking her new friend by the hand only to be pulled back. “Ah…” Emma looked at who blushed lightly. “You can walk home with Haru-niichan alone today, Emma-chan.” Emma looked at and smiled, thinking she was being considerate since her and Bane don’t get to walk home together a lot. “It’s okay -chan, We don’t…” “ -chan!” Saeki came up behind them and blushed more. “Sorry I’m a little late. The teacher needed something from me. Oh, hey, Emma-chan. Where’s Bane?” Emma looked back and forth between and Saeki until it dawned on her. “Oh….OH! -chan why didn’t you say so!” ’s face flushed as she covered it with her one hand. “I’ll call you later -chan. See you tomorrow Saeki!” Emma said grinning. “Have fun!” She winked and ran off to where she was meeting Bane.

licked her ice cream cone and tilted her head to look at Saeki. “So this is where you all will be playing? I bet it’s exciting!” Saeki smiled and nodded his head. “It is.” frowned, every time she tried to talk to him it seemed like there was something on his mind. ‘Why did he invite me out if he didn’t want me to be here?’ “Ah, here lets sit…” Saeki motioned to a bench near by and they both took a seat. paid attention to her ice cream taking small licks. “Ne, -chan.” She glanced over at the boy who seemed to be thinking hard on something. “The game tomorrow if I win will you do something for me?” raised an eyebrow but still looked ahead eating her ice cream. “Depends on what?” He smiled and blushed lightly. “Let me see you surf?” quickly turned her head to him eyes wide. He turned to her and laughed a little. Lifting his hand he wiped the ice cream off her cheek with his thumb. Locking eyes she saw something in his eyes she couldn’t really place and before she knew it his face was really close. She could feel his breath on her lips. Then…

“Saeki is that you?” pulled away quickly, dropping her ice cream on the ground in the process. “Ah, did I interrupt something?” Saeki turned his attention to his childhood friend, Fuji Syuusuke. “Nah, it’s okay. Hey Fuji, this is Kurobane .” looked up, still blushing slightly and smiled. “It’s nice to meet you Fuji-san.” The boy opened his blue eyes. “Relation?” looked over at a tall boy in square glasses. “Huh?” Said boy looked up from his green notebook. “Kurobane Harukaze, your relations to him? I haven’t data on you…” frowned confused as to what he was talking about, Saeki laughed and pat her shoulder. “ -chan is Bane’s cousin.” The boy in glasses seemed satisfied and the questions ended. “Oh shit!” turned as another boy stared at her wide eyed. “You’re Wave Killer Kurobane!” groaned. “I wish they wouldn’t call me that. It’s so lame.” She whispered as she shook her head. Another boy came up beside him bouncing. “What’s that Momo?” The boy named ‘Momo’ smile and looked back at the girl. “She, Eiji-senpai, has been over taking the surfing world ever since she arrived in the US over three years ago. She was one of the best of the best and won numerous tournaments until a few months ago when she had a major wipe out and disappeared from the scene, no one’s seen her since.” He pointed to and smiled. “And we found her.” smiled sheepishly looking at Saeki who only grinned and rubbed her shoulder. “I hope it can be our little secret. It isn’t really hiding out if everyone knows where you are.” said smiling and laughing at the boy that seemed to know a lot about her. “Okay! But can I have you autograph?” rubbed the back of her head. “Sure, I guess but it wont be worth much.” He smiled and handed her pen and paper.

As talked to her, as he dubbed it, biggest fan Momo, Fuji took this opportunity to question Saeki. “You two looked pretty close when I walked up…and you called her by her first name.” Saeki blushed slightly, then cursed Fuji in his mind. ‘He saw us and still interrupted. Bastard.’ “Ah, nah nothing like that. It’s weird calling her by Kurobane. You know with Bane and all, all the guys call her that.” He looked away from those prying blue eyes. “So why are you all here? Checking out the courts for this weekend?” Fuji nodded and turned his attention back to his juniors as they interrogated the poor girl. “Well, I better save Kurobane-san from being eaten alive by Momo. See you this weekend Saeki.” With that the boys were gone just as quick as they came. Maybe not as quiet, as Momo was yelling how he wanted to ask more questions. “Sorry about that.” Saeki said standing next to the girl as they made their way home. just laughed and waved her hand dismissing it. “It’s okay. It’s nice to be known sometimes, you know.” looked up and caught Saeki’s eyes again, causing her to blush madly. They walked the rest of the way in comfortable silence. Finally, they stood in front of ’s door. “ -chan, think about what I said okay? It would really be an honor…” nodded and opened the door. “I’ll think about it…” She smiled at him and was going to thank him for walking her home.

“SAEKI KOJIROU!” Bane came storming out of the door and stood in front of . “Where have you taking my little ?” Emma walked out rolling his eyes. “C’mon Bane, she’s a big girl plus its Saeki!” She took her boyfriends arm and drug him back into the house as he mumbled things like; ‘Saeki or not. No one’s touching my little ’ and ‘Stupid boys thinking they can woe her’. shook her head. “Sorry about that Saeki.” She turned back to the boy right as he leaned down and placed a small kiss on her cheek. “No need, I’ll walk you tomorrow too if you want after practice.” smiled and nodded. “That would be nice. Be safe on your way home Saeki.” She smiled shyly at him as she closed the door and he walked away.

The next day sat on a log by the tennis courts beside Emma, deep in thought. Saeki’s words replayed in her head. ‘Let me see you surf.’ The way he had said it made her feel all warm inside and she didn’t quite understand why. “ -chan… -chan.” looked over at Emma who had a worried look on her face. “Are you alright? I’ve been calling you for like ten minutes.” She smiled and nodded. “I’m fine I just have something to think over.” A wolf like grin appeared on Emma’s face. She quickly looked around to make sure no one would hear them. “So…” looked at her confused. Emma rolled her eyes. “You and Saeki what happened?” face turned beet red. “No…nothing happened!” She finally said turning her attention anywhere by at Emma. “Hmm, sure…” Emma grinned and tapped her with her elbow. “That’s why he’s been looking over here every chance he gets.” quickly looked up and her eyes caught Saeki’s as he smiled and slightly waved to her. If possible her face got more red as Emma giggle madly beside her. “It’s okay Saeki’s a good guy and Bane trust him.” looked down and sighed.

At the game sat in the bleachers next to Emma, biting her nail furiously as she watched the match. She had decided and told Saeki before the game her choice. “I can’t promise anything.” She looked towards the sky. “But I can try.” She spun to face him and smiled wide. “If you win your match Saeki Kojirou I will try to surf again so you can watch me.” Saeki seemed happy enough with that answer and was now fighting his end of the deal. stood as the match was announced. “Game set Saeki Kojirou 6-4.” Saeki looked back at the bleachers and winked at who blushed as Emma giggled again.

sat on the beach alone that night. The waves hitting her feet as the tide went in and out. “My sides been complete.” She looked up at Saeki and then back to the water. “Yeah, now I just need to fix mine.” She pulled her knees up and laid her chin on them. “Do you trust me?” looked up at Saeki who was looking ahead towards the water. She thought about it as she looked at him. ‘I might not of known him long but I think I do, plus Haru-niichan trust him too right?’ She nodded and looked back towards the ocean. “Yes.” Before she knew what was happening she felt cold water all around her. She stiffened and began to tremble. ‘I don’t want to be here.’ Flashes of being under the blood tinted water engulfed her mind. Until she felt strong arms around her waist and a warm body pressed against her back. “I wont let anything happen to you…” His voice was husky as he whispered into her ear. She shivered as she nodded and he took her hand leading her deeper into the water. She trembled but followed him, her eyes never leaving his. They reached a spot where the water was just at her shoulders and he pulled her close. Smiling down at her he pulled her into a tight embrace. “We’re going under…” Before she could protest she felt him pull her under the water. She held her breath and clung to his shirt. She began to see the flashes again and started to tremble more. Suddenly she felt something warm on her lips and calmness rushed through her.

Saeki pulled them both above the water again, his lips still on hers. He moved his hands from her waist to her neck and cheek. Running his tongue over he salty lips asking for permission. Which was quickly granted as she held onto his shirt tighter pulling him down to deepen the kiss. She smiled tasting the salt from the ocean that dripped onto his lips. He pulled away, smiling, as he brushed the wet hair from her face. “See there’s nothing to be afraid of…” felt tears fill her eyes as he leaned his forehead on hers. “I hope your not crying cause I kissed you. I’m already nervous about it you know…” laughed lightly before lifting her head and kissing him lightly again. Saeki frowned as the smaller body in his arms started to shake again. “Still scared?” She shook her head. “No, I’m freezing…” Saeki gasped and panicked. “Oh, god. I’m sorry!” He picked her up and walked as quickly as possible out of the cold water. She shivered more as the cold air hit her wet skin. “I’m so sorry -chan…I didn’t even think of that.” She shook her head and snuggled closer to him trying to get any kid of warmth. “It’s okay…thank you Saeki…thank you so much.” She said through clattering teeth.

* * *


She stood on a beach as the sun beat down on her bare skin. smiled as she thought back to the past few weeks. Saeki had taken her to the beach any chance they got so she could get back her nerve and this was her chance to test it. It was a small competition between surfers and had entered, under a fake name of course. “ -chan!” She turned to see the tennis boys walking up to her smiling. She smiled back then reminded them of her alias. “Ah, you might want to warn him…” looked to where Saeki’s finger pointed where she found Momo running towards her, a few friends behind him. “ -chan! I’m so excited!” She laughed and informed Momo of the situation and he quickly quieted down. stiffened as her name was called to paddle out. Saeki pulled her into a loose hug and whispered in her ear. “I’ll come get you if anything happens. Good luck…” He kissed her temple as she took a deep breath and ran towards the water.

She sat deep in next to her partner. “Bad wipe out?” turned to the girl and nodded slightly. “Only thing to do is get back on the board and try again…” The girl looked back and smiled. “Ima take this one okay…” nodded and she was off. “See you on the beach…” watched as the girl seemed to sore on the water, but she ended badly. looked back and saw the another wave coming, her partner had paddled back out and nodded for her to go. got ready but stopped right as the wave came. She sat back on her board and rubbed her forehead. “Take the next one, no matter what.” looked at the girl who looked at her seriously. “If you want to do it you can…” looked back to the beach and caught sight of Saeki who didn’t even look worried. ‘I can do this…’ turned back to see another wave coming. The girl next to her smiled and nodded. “Go for it…” got ready and went with the wave. Standing on her board she ran her hand through the cool water as she rode through the tunnel. Smiling as she flew out the other end. Jumping off the board when she came towards the beach she grabbed it and ran out of the water. Quickly dropping it on the sandy surface, just in time as Saeki ran up to her lifting her in the air and spun her. “You did it…” She leaned her head on his forehead and smiled. “It’s all thanks to you…” He quickly kissed her lips before setting her down.

“ ?” quickly turned at the semi familiar voice. “Shoji-san?” The man nodded. “Who would of thought that I’d find Wave Killer Kurobane at a small tournament in Japan…” growled. “I hate that name…” Saeki laughed and pat her head. “I heard you were in a spot but it seems that it was a rumor. You’re going back to the states right? For the Fredrish tournament[1], you’re a sure win.” went to talk but nothing came out. “I’ll interview you there okay, I have work to do. See you then…” just stared at where the man stood. She hadn’t thought about that. Once she could surf again she didn’t have to stay in Japan. She looked up at Saeki who had a small sad smile on his face. “C’mon let get out of here.” nodded as Saeki led her away. “Is there anything we can do?” Bane said to Emma as they watch them walk away. Emma shook her head and looked down. “No…”

sat on the plane holding her head in her hands. “I knew that this would happen. I don’t want to hold you back. You’ll go and you’ll win hundreds of tournaments.” sat on Saeki’s lap at the airport a week after her tournament. “I’ll wait…even if you decide not to come back…I’ll still wait for you.” He ran his fingers through her hair, kissing the ends. She took his hand and played with his fingers, trying not to cry. “Saeki…I…”He shook his head. “Don’t. I don’t want you to regret it. Don’t say it.” She stood up as her flight was called. He took her hand and led her to her gate. He handed her a box and told her to open it on the plane. She smiled at him and put her arms around his neck pulling him into a hug. She whispered something into his ear before she quickly kissed his lips, let go and ran onto the plane. She looked at the small box in her lap. She unwrapped it and opened it, a piece of paper fell out. , you’re even more amazing then I imagined. I promised myself I wouldn’t tell you because I didn’t want to hold you back. Because I knew you didn’t belong here, you belong with your heart, which is in the waves. Even though I promised I wouldn’t tell you I’m still writing this cause I have to let you know. I love you, more then anything and I’ll wait for you. I’ll wait for you until you have fulfilled your thirst for water. Love always, Saeki Kojirou

felt the tears pouring from her eyes as she looked down inside the box. She picked up the bracelet that had a an inscription inside. ‘I’ll come get you if anything happens. Good luck - Kojirou’ placed the bracelet in the box and covered her mouth with both hands. Putting her head on her knees and sobbed quietly until the plane took off leaving Japan far behind. Saeki watched as the plane took off, a tear ran down his cheek. He watched the plane until it was a small spec in the sky, remembering what had said before she ran onto the plane. ‘This time I’ll come get you if anything happens, I love you Kojirou.’ He smiled a small smile as he shoved his hands in his pockets and left the airport.

‘I’ll wait for you…’
‘I’ll come back to you…’


©WannaBe