Hi there! This is my first time making a RyoSaku fanfic..and it's oneshot! The plot of my story popped when I was depressed over my grades..haha so I had to write it..directly here. Please..read and be touched.

Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis ( how i wish!but never..ouch!)


" I just have to forget everything and move on or else I'll drown in the memories."


Ryoma's Pov

Present

I inserted the keys to open my door, entered, and then I locked it from the inside. I am hell tired of my intensive tennis practice because in a week, I will have a tournament. After lying down, I was about to close my eyes, sink into a deep slumber when a flash penetrated my mind again. I twitched ad sat up, panting for air. I was aware of the fact that in any moment..i could shed tears even if I was regarded as tough and strong.

That incident happened 5 years ago and hell it still bothered me too much that I couldn't do anything even breathing freely without feeling any choking sense. My memories wouldn't allow me to delete those episodes in my life that have taught how to realize things. Things were way to clear to me. No wonder, until now..i am still affected by its rigid pain; it has been stabbing me and I'm still bleeding.

Past

I was walking my path to our classroom when I saw her approaching. It seemed like everyday my day wouldn't end without having a glimpse of her… through her own efforts, not mine. But I really don't care. It didn't mean a lot to me. She was just one of my fangirls-if my memory were retentive..i think her name is Ryuuzaki…no that's her surname..i forgot her first name-but she made a distinction, she never annoyed me because she was very simple and very gentle. I was not sure if she really has that kind of personality or doing it on purpose for my eyes.

And then, she greeted me, " Good Morning, have a nice day," with her soft, timid voice; I saw her blush. I just nodded and stared straight, continuing my path. Did I even need to greet back? At the corner of my eyes, I could see her eyes somewhat begging for something..i didn't know but looking merely at my back, I think she was in a verge of…crying? I didn't mind because it was her decision, after all.

I had to quicken my pace or else I'd be dead the moment I stepped my foot inside our room by a minute late. I continued. The boring classes started and there was nothing I could do to bring it to a full halt. I usually drooled, feeling somnolent. Heck, I'd rather play tennis with a mouse that would be of some fun than listening to lengthy discussions-that I already knew-without any trace of fun. I was to close my eyes, and had my chin be dragged against my desk when I heard a thud. Was that a book? And then my teacher called that student's attention. I looked at my right side. Oh, it was she, the girl who kept on greeting me and never got tired even when I said nothing. In addition, I really didn't know her first name and that she was in fact my classmate. After being scolded by our teacher, she hastily picked up the book and shyly looked at me. I really couldn't understand what it was on my face to be that interesting to look at. I glanced at her coldly mentally noting "What?". I sighed and pushed through with my interrupted plan.

After class, I decided to go for a walk and I went to the tennis court. I wanted to play badly, but there was no one there. I really didn't mean it literally when I said it was better to play with a mouse than to be a part of a tedious scene. I left those thoughts behind and got my racket as well as balls from the tray. And all I could do was to hit them straight to the wall and wait for them to bounce back, and the cycle would repeat. Suddenly, I heard footsteps. I was really glad to know someone was there to be my temporary enemy. I turned around and I found her..again. geez, was she tailing me? How could she possibly know I was here? And why was she looking down and flushing? It was really obvious..embarrassing. I wish I could tell her that and I wish she knew.

Seeing that, she seemed not to speak, I redirected my attention to my habit. And out of the blue, she spoke, " Err.. Ryoma..can I play with you?" I didn't know if I should burst out laughing that time. A girl, who didn't know anything about tennis, would challenge me? Absurdity! Who did she think she was? But anyway, I couldn't say no, perhaps because I was also in the need of an enemy to get out of that ennui or maybe I just liked her voice that it would be heartbreaking to deny her request." Fine, but don't blame me if you get injured," I warned her. " Yes..," she quickly replied. She got her racket, the one laid on the bench. We proceeded to our respective sides; we started playing..very predictable. I kept on serving the balls, she never made a hit. I even made my serves simpler and easier to hit but still no good. However, I must admit that I loved her efforts, the way she forced her legs and knees to catch up and hit my serves. Because of that, throughout the game, I couldn't help giggling and giggling and giggling. And she only pouted.

At last! I was free from the suffocating boredom. I needed not an enemy but a simple weakling like her. Thanks to her. Our game ended with no official score. Of course, it was obvious that I won. As I was sitting on the bench, she asked me to wait. Before I could ask her the reason, she had sprinted away. So I waited. I easily followed directions but had she taken too long, I wouldn't have waited. I was wiping my forehead, my neck, my scrunch, my limbs, my face full of exhaust droplets when a can of Ponta came into my sight; she was holding it with with a smile. All I could say was a simple " Thank you." "You're very welcome," she answered. I was shocked at the utterance of the word "very" because I usually hear people saying only "You're welcome" or simply " Welcome". Was it supposed to be added? Never mind.

" Uhm..can I sit beside you?" she asked me. I was to choke out if I had lost control of myself. Good thing, I did not, my poise was at stake. Of course, she could! Bench was not made to be used by one person only. But maybe she was just playing safe..good. " Of course," I reacted casually., she did. The wind blew gently. Along with it, swayed the petals of the Salura tree surrounding us..also, her two braids. " They're beautiful, aren't they, Ryoma?" she gave me a placid look. I could feel she was really overjoyed by the sight. For a moment, I was locked in a stare with her. " You know what, sometimes I wish I could be like these Sakura petals. A gentle breeze could make them dance with the wind and touch people's lives, change people's moods. They can land onto the skin of those who would surely appreciate them, cherish them. I want to be a Sakura petal to give happiness to people, especially to my loved ones," she imparted me and I was really stunned. I was speechless. I could see no point why she had to drawl like that. She closed her eyes, sensing more the relaxing effect of the phenomenon. After two minutes, the sight ended for the wind had stopped blowing. She then opened her eyes and her shoulders fell limply. She frowned- sign of disappointment. I was no longer looking at her, just sipping my Ponta.

" Can we walk home together?" I tended not to reply but I know she was expecting. She sure was fast to make a move..huh? Were we even close? I didn't even know her first name. Why did she have to walk with me? To be on my way? I wanted to be alone. I wanted to tell her these thoughts but I had to respect her..her feelings. I was mean but not a heartbreaker. Unluckily, I gave in. " I let you played with me but that doesn't mean we're friends, we're close or we are whatever you think of, so there's no reason for us to walk home together," the words slipped out my tongue..worse..they didn't come out in a careful manner. As much as I wanted not to hurt her,as a token of gratitude for being my temporary enemy, I thought she still suffered. Yet I couldn't console her. I didn't want to pretend I was a gentleman because I was not. I was a straightforward person..and she had to deal with me. I started walking away. Anyway, I could do no more. Again, as I was walking, I saw her at the corner of my eyes, she was pale.

I wondered if she really took my words seriously. Well, bad for her.

Yay! This was supposed to be a oneshot..like what I stated there but I could no longer finish it this time and I stopped here so I decided to submit it this way..i'll continue this some other time..along with my other stories of Gakuen Alice.

Thanks for reading! Please leave reviews.