Back in Tokyo. Art always loved the Japan Open, he'd won the title multiple times on tour. It was one of his favourite tournaments. And here he finds himself again, just this time— he's not playing. Art had been retired just shy of a year before he accepted the commentary role he was offered by the Tennis Channel. It was embarrassing really, how quickly he ran back to the sport. But it was all Art knew, all he'd ever known.

Turns out Tokyo isn't as fun as he remembered. Maybe it was the competition he was missing, maybe it was Tashi. He was so used to travelling with her, with Lily. But just because Art had retired didn't mean Tashi had. They took turns with Lily, on their different spots on the tour. It worked. But God, was Art lonely when he was without them both. Japan was slowly being spoiled for him, his nights empty, spent alone in his hotel room. Until, you.

Art had seen you the first day he arrived at the hotel, you smiled at him in the elevator. You looked kind, you were the first person to smile at him, just to smile. Not because you knew who he was. He liked that. You first saw him later that night, alone in the hotel bar. His eyes were soft when they met yours, you liked that.

He knew he should leave it at that. Soft eyes and a smile. That was innocent, normal. Art tried his best to ignore how his chest fluttered when you walked into the hotel bar again on his second day. But there was no way he could ignore that feeling when the drink arrived to his table, sent by you. He felt wanted, desired almost. Art hadn't felt that way in a long time. He didn't even know your intentions, he hardly cared. You had shown him more attention that he had received in years. He would be an idiot to let that pass him by.

It was his third night when he gathered the courage to actually speak to you, shyly smiling his way over to you at the hotel bar. Sliding into the seat next to you, he didn't ask. His fingers grasp the rim of his glass, suit still clad to his body. "I never thanked you, for the drink yesterday."