Author's Notes: I've decided that when I started fanfic-making, I would stick to something that is close to reality. But there are really ideas that would never leave you alone until you pen them. This is a product of my self-indulgence. Ryoma and Sakuno with side dishes of certain 'favorite pairs' on the later chapters.
She's Artemis
Tomoka, exhaled and puffed as she made her way to her part-time job. She decided to have one since she needed money for her studies. Her previous pigtails now in a high ponytail with her brown locks cascading from the top of her head to the upper portion of her back. She liked to keep it as such to be ready for the day's work.
The streets were not as busy as they should be, after all it's the middle of the day and with the scorching summer heat, no dared to step outside the comforts of their homes and air conditioners, save for the few who had to earn a living... people like her.
"Just a little bit more Tomoka... the store's just around the corner..." she encouraged herself hoping it'd make a difference. With the heat directly glaring, not even God's encouragement could lessen the heat. Heck she'd even gladly take one of her Inui-senpai's juice if it means cooling down.
Speaking of her senpai, she wondered what kind of miracle prompted everyone to go to the same college, save for Kawamura who's now running one of the best sushi shops in town.
She stopped for a while under the shade of a Sakura tree and took a close look at her wristwatch. Still 17 minutes left, I could afford a little rest.
It seemed as if everyone from the old Seigaku Tennis Team were now studying at Tokyo University. Oishi-senpai decided to proceed with his dream of becoming a doctor and is now on his third year for his pre-med course, while Kikumaru-senpai have decided to go for marine biology. Guess, his love for aquatic animals have finally come to the surface.
It was chemical engineering for Inui-senpai. No surprise there. Momochan-senpai decided to take up business administration. He seemed to discover that his knack for talking can be used for earning. Kaido-senpai chose a quite surprising career. Who would've thought that the scary guy had a passion for teaching. If she thought about it, his attitude can certainly be used to make students listen. Tomoka giggled at the thought of the poor students.
Fuji-senpai has always been inclined to photography, so it's only natural he make a career out of it. But with his genius mind, he could probably do anything. Tezuka-buchou's studying to become a lawyer. She thinks it's perfect for him. But... he can also do pretty much everything he wants.
Sure, a lot of things has changed but there were still other things that stayed the same.
The first year trio minus Kachiro decided to stick together even in college, although they took different degrees. Horio was still Horio but apparently with seven years more of tennis experience in addition to his two years on freshman junior high.
She, on the other hand, have decided to become a preschool teacher. It's the second semester of the school year and it's also summer break so Tomoka's taking the opportunity to earn more.
What surprised her the most was the fact that the Ryoma Echizen have decided to go to college and even enroll in the same university. Everyone thought he'd immediately jump on all the pro offers from different countries. But apparently, the brat decided to finish his studies first. Yes. He's a brat. He's no longer Ryoma-sama to her. After what he did, he didn't really deserve the title.
Things have also took a romantic turn between her and Horio. The first time she thought deeply about it, she couldn't help but cringe. But she's getting used to it now.
She and her senpais as well as her other friends from way back then have the same treatment towards each other. She could even confidently say they're really close, except of course for Ryoma whom she decided to kept her distance from.
How about you? How are you Sakuno?
She finally reached her destination after several minutes of walking. The heat was something she barely felt as she remembered her best-friend. That's all it took to turn her driven behavior to that of a depressed and wilting soul under the scrutiny of the scorching heat.
"Irashaima-... Oh! It's just you"
A nerve formed in her forehead when she heard that frog- like voice coming from the mouth of the good-for-nothing person she calls boyfriend. There were times she's pretty sure she'd been victimized by black magic and love potions. With all the years of experience Horio has for other things, none of them were delegated to experiencing how to read moods. Shaking her head while sighing, she headed to the lockers to change.
"There seems to be lesser customers today..." Horio muttered as a passing comment. He purposely dropped the subject of teasing his girlfriend, lest this be the last day he takes breath.
Having heard what Horio said, Tomoka emerged from the other room. "Haven't you thought of the fact that maybe they're not coming because you're here? Why are you here anyways, your shift's supposed to be later tonight."
They have been working together at the average- sized convenience store together. But it was one of the weeks when their shifts don't match.
"Oh, that's because everyone's gathering together tonight after a month of not seeing each other. I asked Nanao-san to exchange shifts with me"
Right. Their once-blue-moon gathering is happening later. "Hmmm... It's not like they'll notice you're not there anyways" she commented offhandedly. Nanao Kaede was the other part-timer they have with them.
"Of course they would, I Satoshi Horio-sama, have been with them for the longest time and supporting them with my years of tennis experience" Horio stated proudly.
Every time Horio mentions his infamous line, she couldn't t decide whether to beat him senseless or just laugh. "You're really are a bother. Make sure you thank Nanao-kun though.
The gathering later was something that started way back when the senpais also started college. They were just glad to be part of the team again. It's the one event that everyone gets to see each other, so it's quite understandable that Horio would want to be there.
She's looking forward to seeing everyone later.
"Hyun Jung~a, I'll leave this here okay? Finish that up and eat, you haven't had lunch yet" a tall handsome man bellowed as he made his way to the office of the newly constructed resto-bar. His Korean heritage, highly evident with his facial features. Tall, lean and handsome, Park Hyun Min carried himself with the same dignity bestowed upon him having been born in such a prestigious family. "Abeoji might think I'm starving you, he'll kill me for sure."
"Don't worry Oppa, I'll protect you when that happens" came the soft reply from the bar counters.
"Why can't you protect me now and make sure it doesn't happen huh?" He loved his sister to death but sometimes, she's too hardworking for her own good.
"I'm almost done. You know we need to have everything ready for the opening later." Their bar was located in the busy Shibuya district. And unlike others, it's Korean-themed from the food, place, service and music. Hyun Min have handled a lot of bar openings before as they have various branches all over the world.
Recently, Hyun Jung have been helping him. With her background in Japan, it would surely be easier. Plus, she needed to be trained with the ins and outs of their 'other' business. She'd be handling it all when the time comes. Hyun Min was pretty sure that with her skill and natural acumen for business, it'll be easier.
He abandoned climbing towards the office and have decided to go down and check on her instead. He noticed the smoking cup beside the tons of papers as she scribbled furiously with delicate fingers. My sister sure is cute! Hmmm but that seemed to be the fourth cup today. "Man, cannot live on coffee alone" he muttered as he got closer to her.
"But I cannot live without it" she smiled. Sparkling brown eyes met his gaze. If the red overpowers the brown, he's sure that it'll perfectly match her hair, burning chestnut and very beautiful.
He sighed, he can't just win any argument with her. Come to think of it, neither does any of his brothers. Despite that, having her in the family was a decision he's pretty sure they won't regret.
"Are you almost done? I'm gonna have Joo Hoon prepare a meal. We'll eat together."
He just saw her nod before and gave a small smile before he proceeded to the kitchens
"You're flight's tomorrow right? Is everything prepared? You usually forget stuff." Hyun Jung commented as she nibbled heavenly meat. She must thank Joo Hoon-Oppa later.
"Tsk. You make it sound like I'm very irresponsible. I can take care of myself. Will you be alright though?" It wasn't her skills that he's worried about. Leaving her precious sister in a different country is very unsettling.
She knows of her brother's worries. Hyun Jung smiled reassuringly. "I'll be fine."
They continued eating in peaceful bliss when her phone rang. She looked at the screen and then looked at her brother. "Excuse me for a while Oppa."
Several seconds later, she came back with a look that's a mix of sadness and frustration. "What happened?"
"Apparently, the band that we hired for tonight's event can't come."
"What?!" he exclaimed almost spilling his drink.
"Their vocalist is down with the flu." This is bad, with only two and a half hours left to the grand opening, they can't find a band who could perform Korean songs. And if they do, they aren't sure if the services can still be good enough. They can't mess up the opening.
Why... Why now of all days?
"Then, why don't you perform?"
"Eh! Oppa, this is hardly the time to be making jokes!"
"Who said I'm joking? You can just contact the other band members and be a fill in vocalist for them. You don't need to worry since we invited a DJ as well. That's how we work around the time gaps" her brother stated matter-of-factly.
"Bu- but..." She saw reason In her brother's words. But her? Singing?
"You've perform for the family a lot of times. And all of them would agree that you have a great voice."
"O-Oppa! That's because it's the family." Hmmm so cute when she's flustered.
"You don't want this to be a failure now, do you?"
When put that way, she can't really refuse, can she? She sighed, "Fine".
From where he sat, he stood up and walks towards the office, stopping to pat his sister's head. "Well then, call the band. You need to practice and choose songs after all."
A certain red-head can't seem to sit still. With eyes shining he commented, "Waaaaaaah, I've never been to such a different place before! Everything's so lively!
Oishi felt the need to pacify the over-eager boy. "Eiji, don't jump around too much. You're attracting too much attention."
"Let him be Oishi, We weren't able to see each other for a long time after all, and this place isn't bad." Fuji smiled from the drink he ordered.
Momo sweat dropped at that. "Fuji-senpai, I think you rally like it here because they're serving spicy drinks."
"Hmmm, that too…"
"But there sure is a lot of people tonight" Katsuo piped in.
"Well that's because it's the grand opening and the place is quite unusual. I have learned that this is Korean-owned and is one of the most successful bars in Korea. It's also strategically placed where professionals and university students can frequent it."
Inui's information gathering skills sure has no bounds. Scary.
Looking around, was an impressive place for people who desire to unwind. They're currently located in one of the elevated circular group booths far back. It was decided that way since they're going to occupy space. With its circular design every group is given privacy while keeping the front area open to view the entertainment.
Smaller tables are also scattered up front. But there was surely space for dancing and the elevated area up front was for the band and the DJ. On the upper floor, several function rooms were also available on the right side. The entrance is located on the left where tables and chairs were placed as well. The space overlooks the lower grounds. Muted lighting and warm light tones prevail in most corners and sides contrasting the darkness and giving you a comfortable feel. But the center is quite intense with its lighting effects, perfect for dancing or performing.
"Are we still missing some people? I want to order food already" Eiji whined as they have been doing nothing but order drinks.
Eiji's food hysteria and Horio and Tomoka's bickering was cut off by a male voice.
"Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen. We at Crimson Lei are delighted to have you this evening. To show our appreciation for your support and presence, I encourage you in behalf of the staff to partake in the service and the fun that we offer." He raised his champagne flute in a gesture of a toast. "Here's to hoping we see you here every night. Enjoy!"
Everyone clapped and was amazed by the strong charisma shown by the man. He left such an impression that even without introducing himself, anyone can easily conclude he's the owner.
Several minutes after, everything went back to its usual chatter. Food and drinks we're being ordered. Laughs and talks are heard everywhere.
It seemed to mellow down when the first notes of a song were played by the piano. Several eyes were directed to the stage. Then a spotlight illuminated the stage.
"Sumeol kuggae sseobayeo,
Dangssine gaseum yeon jeogi jeorigue
Jugeumeun appaeol ttaekaji…"
Tomoka stopped strangling Horio because of two things. One- Echizen Ryoma was staring dumbfounded at something that he even dropped his spoon. And two, she heard a voice she was sure she recognizes. Slowly, she turned her gaze to the stage only to stop frozen.
"Echizen!" Momo hollered. Somehow his kouhai seemed to be in a daze. "Oi Echizen! What's the matter with you?" Everyone save for Tomoka is looking at the tennis prodigy now.
And as if it was the only way to answer them, he whispered the only thing that came to mind.
"Ry- Ryuzaki..."
A/N: (Cue dramatic music) Dun Dun Dun Dun! I'm really not good with cliffhangers but I've tried my best. Also, I know that some people don't favor RyoSaku so much but I love them, so shoo! And as I've said, this is my self-indulging fanfic. Try spotting the various Korean tidbits I've inserted. That's that for the first chapter. Reviews anyone? And do feel free to comment and suggest since I'm not sure how to go about this yet.
**Bows