A/N: Hey everyone, this is just something I came up with on a whim today. I was listening to Taylor Swift's Story of Us, and this was what came to mind for some reason. Don't worry – it's not a tragedy, there's more to come. Each chapter will be based on one of Taylor Swift's songs and trace the relationship (in my wishful imagination) of Ryoma and Sakuno. Hope you like!

Someday, my child will ask me, "Mommy, who was your first love?"

I'll smile, saying, "Your daddy, of course!"

And I expect you'll do the same for your kid

'Cause it's the right, responsible thing to do.

I used to think one day we'd tell the story of us

How we met and the sparks flew instantly

People would say, "They're the lucky ones"

But in the back of my mind, through all the mushy baby food and family vacations and graduations and hugs and kisses, I will think: It's you darling.

They say first love never really dies, right?

I used to know my place was a spot next to you

Now I'm searching the room for an empty seat

'Cause lately I don't even know what page you're on

Miscommunications lead to fall out

So many things that I wish you knew

So many walls up I can't break through

You were always above me, now that I look back, somewhere up on that high road to fame and glory and the stars. And me? I was just another face in the crowd, gazing up at the heavens in mindless wonder, just like everyone else.

Now I'm standing alone

In a crowded room

And we're not speaking

And I'm dying to know

Is it killing you

Like it's killing me?

I don't know what to say

Since a twist of fate

When it all broke down

And the story of us

Looks a lot like a tragedy now.

Next chapter

You were always so careful about keeping our relationship under wraps, even the nosy senpai-tachis still don't know what happened between us. I wasn't allowed to talk to you like a "girlfriend" when anybody else was around. We never even went on a real date. Ever. Always, always, it was me giving and you taking. But apparently, everything I had was not enough.

Why did you do it? Was I that embarrassing to be with? Then why did you ask me out first? Tell me why we ended.

How'd we end up this way?

See me nervously pulling at my clothes

And trying to look busy

And you're doing your best to avoid me

"Oh my god," one of my friends, Hana-chan, whispers loudly as we walk towards the stairs carrying a stack of books for Yamabuki-sensei, our English teacher. "It looks like Ryoma-sama actually got together again with Osakada. I can't believe it."

Oh, but I can.

I'm starting to think one day

I'll tell the story of us

How I was losing my mind when I saw you here

But you held your pride like you should have held me

Already, there's a crowd of students at the base of the stairwell, surrounding the pair as they act all lovey-dovey, holding hands and giggling loud enough to be heard over the dull roar of a packed high school hallway. I see some of Tomoka's "new" friends – the ones from the Ryoma-sama fan club – gaze at her in envy and admiration as she cups his face in her right hand and pulls him in closer for a kiss.

I'd tell you I miss you but I don't know how

I've never heard silence quite this loud

This is looking like a contest

Of who can act like they care less

But I liked it better when you were on my side

By now, we're at the first step. Hana-chan is muttering something about changing girls faster than girls change clothes.

Their faces keep getting closer. Tomoka's breath is fogging up the reading glasses Ryoma recently got. Her face is reflected in his deep gold eyes. I know all of this, even though I can't see squat through the crowd, because I was there. In that same spot.

"Oi, get a room!" someone behind me yells.

Ryoma's eyes flicker upwards, breaking contact with Tomoka's for the briefest second. And then he sees me.

My breath hitches in my chest, turning into a solid lump. Suddenly, the hallway has lengthened into a long tunnel, with my first love and my ex-best friend at the end. Nothing but them, that's all I see.

The battle's in your hands now

But I would lay my armor down

If you'd say you'd rather love than fight

Ryoma's lips quirk up into a crooked smile that seems to say, "Hey, pulled one over you, didn't I?" Then he turns back to Tomoka, and they smooch deeply. Mentally, I count the seconds: 1, 2, 3, 4…

Finally, at ten, I look away. They break apart soon afterwards. Not that I see it – I just assume, because right then the whole world turns upside down beneath my feet. And I'm falling-falling-falling.

So many things that I wish you knew

But the story of us might be ending soon

It's such a long way down. Everything is a blur of floor tiles and fluttering uniforms and a blue sky so bright I want to cry. Vaguely, I hear someone call out my name. But that lone voice gets lost in the rush of wind as I'm sucked into a vortex of pure sensation.

I loved you lots and lots Ryoma-kun.

Down.

That was the time of my life.

Down.

I hope you find happiness in a nice girl someday, I really do.

Down.

So smile, okay?

Down.

Smile like I did with you.

Down.

And don't worry about me – I'll find my own happiness too.

Down.

If loving hurts too much, I can always forget.

Down.

I'll lock up these feelings and seal away the memories

In a secret little box of my heart

Where they won't ever bother me

Or you again.

And maybe someday someone will open that box

Read those unsent letters, and hear the unspoken words.

And maybe they will decide

It's worth a lunch break, or a Friday night, to write down

The sad stupid story of us.