Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis.

Chapter 1: Shining Star

"Eh…eh?"

"What are you doing Sakuno? Run!" Tomoka grabbed her best friend's hand and ran like there was no tomorrow. Sakuno tried her best to keep up. Hordes of students were chasing behind them.

"Finally! We are safe!" Tomoka gasped for air. Sakuno was on all fours, panting for all she's worth. They had found refuge under a sakura tree in the backyard.

"Sakuno! You should know your status now! You should not go anywhere alone! You are a STAR!" Tomoka chided Sakuno.

"Gomen nasai Tomo-chan! I am still not used to this, so I… Gomen nasai, gomen nasai!" Sakuno bowed frantically.

"Seems like you are still the same old Sakuno!" Tomoka laughed. "But you have to be careful! You are a star now Sakuno! I'll go wherever you are! I'll be your manager in school!"

"Arigatou Tomo-chan." Sakuno smiled at her friend.

Ryuuzaki Sakuno and Osakada Tomoka are first year students at Seishun Gakuen High School Division. Sakuno had entered high school thinking that it will be the same as middle school, homework, classes, teachers and the tennis club. Things however changed for her when she was approached by a talent scout when shopping in Harajuku with Tomoka. She was unwilling at first but changed her mind after Tomoka had persuaded her telling her it was a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" and "there was no harm trying". Her grandmother was also supportive of the idea, hoping that it would help Sakuno to learn independence and to take a look at the world.

Sakuno joined the management company. Her sweet looks won her a few advertising contracts and fans. Her big break came when she was chosen to act in a serial. The serial was highly popular all over Japan and brought popularity to Sakuno. She became the dream girl of teenage boys with her sweet looks and demeanour. Advertising, singing and acting contracts for the girl grew. She was the hottest property in the entertainment world.

Stardom did not change Sakuno one bit. She was shy and constantly blushed. There was not a tinge of arrogance stemming from her new-found popularity. Her hair was still done in two braids. Her manager approved it as it suited her sweetie-pie, girl-next-door image and felt that she should have her own time as a normal high school student. Sakuno's new status did not stop her from liking the cool tennis prince, Echizen Ryoma. Sakuno still had feelings for him after four years though it seemed as though he did not reciprocate them.

One thing that had changed was the people around Sakuno. She was being noticed more in school, compared to before when she was just a face in Seigaku High. Many specially went over to her class to catch a glimpse of the star and to ask for her autograph. Everyone had a different opinion of her, everyone that is, besides Echizen Ryoma who did not notice such things besides tennis.

Sakuno also spent less time in school due to her work. She was sad that she could not see her friends everyday but told herself there was no choice. She also had less time to watch the Seigaku male tennis team practice. This made Sakuno feel she was getting more and more distant from Ryoma.

"Ryuuzaki Sakuno desu." Sakuno said meekly.

"Ah Sakuno, come in."

"Sachou-san, you asked for me?" Sakuno asked politely as she went into her manager's office.

"Take a seat Sakuno." He offered Sakuno a seat. Sakuno accepted his offer and sat down in front of him.

"I want to discuss something with you. Sakuno, you know your career is taking off. You have many more jobs coming. You will have less time for school. I was thinking, you should get a transfer." The manager said.

Sakuno had her eyes wide open when she heard this. "But sachou-san, why? I am happy at my present school, Seigaku. Why must I get a transfer?" Sakuno asked.

"I knew you would ask that. You see Sakuno, Seigaku is a good school. But it places a lot of emphasis on attendance and you will have little time to attend school with your upcoming projects. I know you can't bear to leave the school and your friends, but I will arrange another good school for you, Sakuno." The manager explained.

Sakuno thought about it. It was true. She would be missing school a lot and she would not be able to graduate from Seigaku with her poor attendance. She had to give up some things in pursuit of new ones. She felt sad that she would be separated from her friends. "However, we're still in Tokyo right? I can always meet up with them." She thought.

"All right, sachou-san. But which school will I be going to?" Sakuno asked.

Her manager was glad she made up her mind so fast.

"Hyotei Gakuen." He answered.

Notes:

Sachou - Boss (usuallyof a company and that's what they call the boss of a management company who is at the same time, a anager too.)

Author's note: This is my second fic. Please read and review! Thanks!