Saying Goodbye
Echizen wins 6-4.
"Yes! Ryoma!" Sakuno cheered. She ran to hug him.
"Che, the game was mada mada dane."
"You always say that." She smiled. She can't believe that Ryoma actually fall for her instead of the other multitude of girls. Life was too kind to her. The rest of the former Seigaku regulars who came to watch the final Wimbledon match went to cheer for him as well. Tomoka cheered loudly as well.
"Ryoma-sama!"
"O'chibi not so chibi anymore!"
"Urusai na, Eiji-sempai."
"See, you still call me sempai anyway nya."They all laughed while Ryoma sulked.
"Hey Echizen! When are you two getting married? I heard you two are already engaged."
"It's none of your business."
Momoshiro faked bawling about how Echizen was being bratty to everyone. Kaidoh got irritated and called him a baby. And another round of the usual fight ensues. Everything was back to its usual state like how it was during their junior and high school. Everything felt so perfect.
Until the deafening noise of the gun interrupted the happy moment.
Everyone stared in horror as the auburn-haired woman fell to the ground. It was so silent. Nothing moved as the blood splattered everywhere. Sakuno opened her eyes stunned. Tears sprung up from agony. Pain shot through her body as she crumpled. The killer was nowhere to be found. Time seemed to have stopped that very moment.
"Sakuno!" he caught her with his fast reflexes. Yet it wasn't fast enough to save her.
"Ryo…Ryoma…"
He stared at her speechless.
I can't believe my life is ending already…
Drops of blood slowly dropped to the ground, staining the lush green tennis field. The golden eyes looked at her fallen self, her brown eyes, his own glazed with tears. Murmurings swept through the crowd. Tezuka was speechless. Fuji called the ambulance while staring at her shocked. The rest were frozen in fear. Some of the spectators couldn't stand the tragic scene unfolding before their very eyes and turned around. Sniffing could be heard.
"Ryoma, I wish I could stay with you longer…"
Maybe we weren't meant to be.
Ryoma felt frigid, unable to comprehend the situation at hand.
Lights of cameras flashed, yet no one noticed. Trembling slightly, Sakuno reached out to caress his face.
"Ne, remember the times when we still young? I was too shy to even approach you then! I can't believe you are here right now!" she chuckled painfully.
How wonderful is childhood, always being carefree…
He looked at her, trying to take in every lasting image of her.
"My only regret is we couldn't get married. Promise me you will find another person to love, to care for."
It's probably time to let go…
She smiled at him, the light slowly fading away from her eyes. Sakuno saw her life flashed past her. Everything was too sudden to take in.
"Promise me…Ryo…ma…" her eyes fluttered close.
Perhaps we may meet again…someday, in another place.
Finally he was able to move but she was already dead. "I can't promise that. Sakuno."
- - - - -
Sakuno's funeral was a short yet sad one. Everyone who knew her gave their last partings to her.
"Sakuno! You promised me that you would come to eat ice-cream me! Now look! You are six-feet under the ground! You promised…"Tomoka broke down in front of her grave.
"I…am sorry Osakada."
"You! You cause her death didn't you?!"
"I couldn't save her. I'm sorry." Guilt eating him on the inside.
Flowers of remembrance lay at the side of her grave, beside her grandmother's.
- - - - -
The Prince's Fiancée died from the bullet shot. It was assumed that it was aimed at him but it missed. The bullet is intended to kill him as it was found having a lethal poison imbedded inside. Killer unfortunately was not found. The police are still investigating the murderer…
Zzz...Some random thoughts/ideas. Don't take it too personal. Review:3