JC: Well, well, I've finally managed to write a Prince of Tennis fic. After straying away from the franchise for years, it's amazing that I found myself hooked again. I'm pretty much a RyoSaku shipper, but it doesn't mean that I don't ship Sakuno with others. I'm particularly fond of FujiSaku, so I decided to start with that. In addition to that, I have to say I'm more inclined to Sakuno's progress in manga. She's a potential regular and I have to give props for that.

Disclaimer: I don't own Prince of Tennis. All rights belong to Takeshi Konomi.

The Truth behind the Lens

An art captured in its purest form
A moment meant to be preserved in time

She didn't know. She wasn't aware.
But that's how he wanted it…

0000

Beautiful.

That was the first thought that came into Syusuke Fuji's mind when he saw her at the tennis court. Eiji, his classmate in high school, pointed her out. "Isn't that Ryuuzaki-chan?" he said cheerfully. "Wow! She's doing great!"

Yes, he admitted, she was playing tennis remarkably well. She was giving her senior opponent a tough time in the court. She had control of the game.

"Inui said that she won 3rd place in a charity tournament," Eiji continued, gripping onto the fence. "I've also heard that she's a potential Regular last semester. Nyaaah! Looks at those braids fly!"

Two braids absolutely long, down past her waist. Her hair gleamed like polished wood. Photographing her, capturing her in such a determined state, he thought of that. She was beautiful with that soft heart-shaped face of hers.

She was in her second year of middle school. A white pleated skirt, a white shirt with pink sleeves, and tennis shoes made up her outfit. She had been a member of the girls' tennis club since her first year. He remembered how she used to miss her shots, how she would mess up her serve, and how weak she would strike the ball. But he had seen her improve. It wasn't just once or twice he would wind up near the women's tennis courts. It wasn't his fault that he would happen to see her play most of the time. Somehow, in his eyes, she seemed to stand out from the rest.

He had photographed a few girls before, but there was something about her that drew him in as if she was some kind of magnet. She was certainly pretty, he admitted, and she had nice fingers—his personal preferences in girls. He shut his eyes for a second. It was strange for him to think this way, especially towards a junior who happened to be the granddaughter of his ex-coach.

"6 games to 4!" Eiji exclaimed happily, raising one fist into the air. "Ryuuzaki-chan won!"

So she did, he mused. "Well played…"

"Nyaaaahaa! Fuji, she's good!" Eiji said with eyes sparkling in admiration. "Didn't o-chibi teach her tennis before?"

Eiji Kikumaru may act like a child at times, but he was a talented acrobatic tennis player. He had the looks and the personality to appeal to any girl. He had vibrant red hair with a parting line in the center. He usually wore a plaster on his right cheek. Eiji and Fuji had been Regulars of their middle school team before they graduated to high school.

"Yes, I believe he did," was Fuji's simple reply. He kept his eyes on her, watching her smile and blush as the others congratulated her for winning. She looked adorable, so pure. He wanted to capture that moment. "Ryuuzaki-chan…"

He had been waiting for her at the school gate, leaning casually against the pavement. He had promised his old coach that he would escort her to the stringer. Her racket needed adjustments after its long, tiring day at the Ranking Tournament.

She looked concerned as she bowed. "Fuji-senpai, I'm sorry to keep you waiting."

Such a sweet voice that made him thought of delicious chocolate cream. "Don't worry about it, Ryuuzaki-chan," he told her.

"Umm…Senpai, is it really okay for you to accompany me?"

Those big brown eyes were mesmerizing. The way she fidgeted and stuttered made her more charming. And he wanted to reach out and stroke her face. He felt silly, though. "Yes, it's no trouble for me. I'm happy to be of service to you, Ryuuzaki-chan."

She smiled. "Thank you, senpai."

Her smile had never been anything but warm. It was another thing he wanted to capture. Was it even right to even think of these things towards a junior? What has become of the Genius of Seigaku? If he found himself alone, he would have probably laughed at himself.

The trip to the stringer had been a pleasant one. Conversation had varied from topics like her tennis match to his current tennis team in high school. There were moments where he would playfully tease her and she would blush like a ripe tomato. Shyness was definitely a plus for this girl.

"Fuji-senpai, I-I have a favor to ask," she said all of a sudden when they left the stringer's store. She had her head low. Her cheeks flushed pink like baby flesh.

Even though he was a master of hiding his emotions and sadistic nature behind a calm and contented smile, he wondered if he could keep himself in-check. The fact that she seemed so unaware made it all the more tempting. "What is it?" he managed to say smoothly.

"Play a match with me…" she muttered a little hesitantly.

Keeping his smile intact, he stroked her hair and touched the flower clip. He couldn't control himself from touching her. "Are you sure you still have the energy to play?" He had watched her for the whole day. The Ranking Tournament had been intense, and Sakuno had managed to earn a Regular spot.

She nodded meekly yet her eyes shimmered with enthusiasm. "Just one match…" She bent her body forward, letting her braids fall to the front. "I want to test myself."

"All right then."

She gave him a startled glance. "Senpai…" Then a smile curved her lips. "Thank you so much!"

Her voice was warm and inviting. He could feel his heart melting like butter. Her cheeks looked so full and soft. Yes, indeed he wanted to take a picture of her. There was nothing wrong with that. He could see her in photographs already.

She was starting to get inevitable glances in the court. Downtown in a tennis court, the two of them played a friendly game. How could people not look at her? If she'd notice the stares, he was sure that she'd bow her head and feel uncomfortable because of her chronic shyness. But she was absorbed in the game—determination present in her eyes. People who were close to her would know that she was clumsy and jumpy. However, the very same girl in the court was moving like a swan—graceful and fine. There were some moves in need of refinement, but her form was still beautiful.

Fuji knew he was hooked. There was no denying it.

The game ended in his favor. Nonetheless, the girl was grateful to him for honoring her request.

"Mada made dane…" she muttered under her breath, giggling, as she hugged her pink racket. "Is that right, senpai?"

"If he was here, he'd definitely tell you that."

She flinched. "Umm…erm…"

"Still I'm impressed," he told her, taking a seat on a bench. "You've got skills, Ryuuzaki-chan. It's no wonder you're a Regular now."

Her cheeks flushed red instantly. "T-to have s-senpai say such things…" She bowed her head, feeling embarrassed. "I-I…I know I'm still not good enough."

Such a humble girl, he mused. "I beg to disagree."

She sighed and sat down beside him. "Mou…Senpai, you give me too much credit," she said. She looked up at him, her eyes so brown and almost childlike. "I know I can't be compared to senpai and the others. But I'm going to work hard."

Her face, her eyes, that nose, those lips—he swore he wanted to capture everything. "Ryuuzaki-chan, I—"

"AH!"

Her sudden gasp almost made him flinch. "Ryuuzaki-chan?"

"Excuse me for a second, senpai," she said, reaching out for her bag. She rummaged through her things and pulled out a magazine. "Obaa-chan showed this to me last night."

"Hmm… About what?" He sounded curious. He watched her flipped through the pages.

"Fuji-senpai, you like photography, don't you?" she said, stopping at a page with pictures of photography equipment and an Android Tablet. The gadgets were prizes for a Photography Contest.

"A contest, huh?"

"Umm…Do you feel like giving it a try, senpai?"

He took the magazine from her, briefly brushing his fingers with her delicate hands. He scanned the page and found it interesting. "I wouldn't mind. It sounds fun. In fact, I already have a concept in mind."

"Already? Wow!"

His heart seemed to skip a beat at the sight of her wonderful sunny smile. It was another picture perfect moment—so irresistible.

"I'll be looking forward to it, senpai."

His signature smile stayed, hiding the excitement brewing within. "I'm looking forward to it as well…"

A promise and a favor from his former coach—he was more than happy to oblige. On a bright Sunday morning, he accompanied the granddaughter to a tennis recreational facility.

She went into the open court, short pleated skirt swinging tightly with her hips, showing the naked thighs right above her knees. He went in after her, watching her. Her braids were very long down her back. An idea came to mind.

She took her racket from the bag. A shy smile made its way to her face. She took a deep breath and looked back at him. Her eyes seemed to shine with the sunlight. "I'm gonna warm-up, senpai," she said.

He raised a brow. The racket in her hand caught his attention. The color was not pink. It was red. "That racket… May I see it?"

She blinked. "Umm…S-Sure…" She handed the racket to him.

He had always been observant. He could pick up things in a split second. He would notice even the slightest change in detail. He wasn't called genius for nothing. "This…" The racket had more weight than her pink one. He could tell it has been through a lot from its strings to its handle. This wasn't her racket. This belonged to someone far more experienced. "This is Echizen's, am I right?"

She suddenly looked panicky. "T-That's...um…" A blush crept to her face.

A realization drifted through his head. "Echizen gave you this racket, didn't he?"

She couldn't get any redder. "Y-Yes…I-It was before he left for America."

"How sweet…"

She shook her head, flipping her braids about. "Um…Senpai, it's not what you think! He just...He just…" She took a deep breath and looked at him sincerely. A genuine smile was presented. "R-Ryoma-kun…He wanted me to use it when I finally become a Regular."

A girl in love was a beautiful sight. Her face was so sincere, yet so innocent. He didn't know whether it made him sad or excited. Ryoma Echizen, his cocky little junior with nerves of steel, had left for America to further his tennis career. He was an all-rounder, talented, and quick-witted. Echizen was the one who inspired the girl to take up tennis, the reason why she had grown so much to love it. He felt his heart shut down rather abruptly.

But he continued his façade. Why would he let her know? She didn't need to.

As he handed the racket back to her, they proceeded to warm up.

Genius was just one of his titles.

He woke up to the sound of his digital alarm clock on the bedside table. The time told him that he had slept for two hours after working on his personal project in his computer. It was already night time.

Getting out of bed, he fixed his layered chin-length brown hair. He saw his phone on the desk, vibrating. He had just received an email.

He stifled a laugh as he read the content. "Same old, Echizen…"

At that moment, he knew that dinner was going to be particularly pleasant for his tastes.

"Syusuke, you look inspired lately…" was the comment of his older sister at the table.

No one else can tell where his real emotions lie. Showing a contented smile every single day, one could hardly tell the real him behind the mask. But his sister could tell. She would know what was up with him.

He didn't give her a direct clear answer. He played with his words and led the conversation to a different route. He wanted to keep his feelings for himself or else his sister might misunderstand.

Yes, he was inspired because of HER. How fragile and naïve she had seemed, and yet so insightful and mature. He felt so happy being with her.

She was near yet so far away, he thought, as he sat down on his bed after dinner. The way she talked about his junior, the way she would smile just by thinking about him—everything about her radiated in pure essence. He felt a little envious. Echizen, you're so sly…

He flipped his phone open and read his junior's reply again.

Are you a stalker now, senpai?

Mada mada dane…

As for Ryuuzaki, she's not too bad.

He had sent him pictures of her. He wanted to tease his junior. He wanted him to see what he was missing out. He wanted him to see how close they've gotten.

He had shot them himself when she wasn't aware. All of them were candid photos at their best and brightest moments. He had photographed her from every angle, in every combination, in every aspect. She didn't know. She wasn't aware of what he was doing.

Maybe he was a stalker…?

He preferred not to refer himself as such because he was doing it out of passion.

He was envious—envious of how his junior could bring out beautiful expressions from her. He wanted to be the one to do it. As good as she made him feel, he wanted to exploit those emotions and feelings. She was better than any fairytales. She was better than any dream.

And so he decided that he should make his next move.

He flipped his phone open and typed in a message for his junior.

Neh, Echizen… I hope you won't mind…

Yes, Genius was not his only title.

A month later he visited an exhibit…

It was a haven of luscious colors. Various photographs hanged on the walls, the expression of every photographer in each. Great moments were captured in each frame, a series of inspiration, a set of precious memories. The way their lens point to adventure, he could feel it through the pictures. He could see how they blur and sharpen, the way the photographers would dance together with their subjects and model just to create those images. Oh, yes, he could sense the emotions; he could see them through their lens. Moments shimmered into being. The art unfolded in the lens in the clearest hues of light and shadow. Indeed, this was art. This was photography.

A genius he may be in tennis, but his life didn't revolve around the sport. He had a lot of hobbies. Billiards, bowling, a little bit of gardening—he did them all so well. But there was one thing he was passionate about: Photography.

He stopped by a particular picture, framed on the white wall. He remembered this one. It was in an instant. The image simply framed itself. It was as if his hands had a mind of its own with the way they set the aperture and shutter to best expose. Then there was the click.

He found himself mesmerized. The shot was candid, basically at its purest. But it wasn't the shot that made him smile kindly at the moment. It was HER.

"Oh, if it isn't Fuji-kun…"

He recognized the voice. The kind smile disappeared as it changed back to his usual calm, contented one. He turned to face the person, giving her his respects. "Fancy meeting you here, Shiba-san."

A sports photographer for Monthly Tennis Pro, Saori Shiba was a beautiful brunette woman. She would be usually present in Seigaku's tennis matches. "What can I say? The photos here drew me in. They're wonderful."

"Yes…And every picture is really unique," he said.

"I used to enter contests like this when I was in college," Shiba said, glancing around until her eyes caught sight of the photo he was looking at a while ago. "My, isn't that...Sakuno-chan?" She approached the photo.

"Yes…" was his casual reply.

"This is the first time I've seen her with her hair down," Shiba said, her gaze focused on the photo. "I know she's always been this cute and adorable girl…But here…she's just so beautiful."

With the white curtain dancing to the wind behind her, the girl was sitting on her desk. The warmth of her gaze bound to the view outside, she had half of her hair in front with her hands making work of her braid. The rest of her hair flowed elegantly down her back. She was giving that soft, sweet smile. He remembered the incredible happiness that came over him at that moment. The innocence of her eyes, her smile—they were a treasure worth keeping. He couldn't believe an innocent girl like her could invoke such emotions from him. A billion words can't express her beauty.

"A gaze that expresses various feelings…" Shiba continued. Her eyes gleamed in admiration. "The feeling of nostalgia that surfaces every time after school… It can project the innermost feelings of anyone who sees it. This one has a lot of depth."

"You can tell that much by looking at it," he stated, appreciating the comment she gave. It made him proud.

"There's more to this than meets the eye," Shiba said, looking at Fuji. "Behind the lens…The photographer…"

"Hmmm…What about the photographer?"

"It's difficult to explain. When the photographer took this photo, he was gazing at Sakuno-chan with strong feelings."

His pristine blue eyes grew wide. That caught him off-guard.

Was he hypnotized by this girl?

Was he?

"Please excuse me, Shiba-san, but I must go now," he told her, taking a curt bow.

"Oh, is that so? And here I thought we could go get coffee or something," she said. "Take care, Fuji-kun."

"You too, Shiba-san." He then turned on his heel and walked off. It wasn't until he disappeared at a corner when the reporter suddenly let out a shout.

The people gave her weird looks, but she couldn't care less about them. She had been so mesmerized by the photo that she didn't read the sign below it. And she couldn't believe it!

EMOTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY CATEGORY
GRAND PRIZE WINNER:
SYUSUKE FUJI

0000

It was a moment frozen time.

Beauty in its purest form…

Indeed a frame worth of a thousand praise.

JC: I knew I just had to start this series of oneshots with FujiSaku. The general awesomeness and potential of this couple is pretty much hard to miss. They have such a unique chemistry. I've always wanted to highlight Fuji-senpai's passion in photography and I figured that Sakuno would be the best model for his pictures. He appreciates the beauty in all things and he found inspiration in Sakuno. Being a genius and all, Fuji is aware of Sakuno's feelings for Ryoma, which led me to include Ryoma's racket here. It is a FACT that Ryoma did give Sakuno his racket in the end, so it's not that hard to imagine Sakuno using it.

Well, this is just one of my oneshots. Next up will feature another prince for Sakuno. Who will it be? Just wait and see. Please don't forget to review. No flaming!