So, the second chapter! ^_^
Disclaimer: PoT, of course, belongs to Takeshi Konomi Sensei
Chapter-2
Caught
What a tiring day that was! Ryoma had surprisingly managed to calm down mid-way through their 'study-session' and had indeed helped out Sakuno with the few problems she faced during the exercise. It surprised him honestly, how she had grown in the past two years—she no longer stuttered, nor was she terribly shy. Somehow it seemed as though puberty had resulted in the awakening of those dormant brain cells as well. Come third year of Junior high, and Sakuno was one of the best students of their year. She could now grasp concepts and ideas with far more ease than she could when younger. Her English, oh, her English! She made Ryoma proud. Her aptitude towards the language only seemed to develop as days passed by. He was more surprised, however, when he realized that he was not only attracted to the girl on a physical level, but on the mental and emotional levels as well. Too bad she assumed he had no emotions.
Sulking as that afternoon replayed in his mind, he stepped into his home, "Tadaima!" he went on to change into a more casual attire without flinging profanities at his 'Baka- oyaji' which surprised everyone. "Oi shishounen! What got under your ass today? Sakuno-chan ditch you?" snickered his father before a loud clang resounded in the dining room as a pan made contact with Nanjirou's head. "Anata! Mind your language!" he simply rubbed the swelling on his cranium as he continued to snicker.
Dinner was dreary and bothersome as Nanjirou kept bothering his son about the coach's grand-daughter and Rinko simply kept telling him off. Finally, as he got to the sanctity of his room, Ryoma plopped on to his bed, tired, as he had been especially aggressive during the practice matches today. He soon drifted off into the vivid world of dreams as his eyes slowly came to a close and the room had transformed into a place of placidity.
As he made his way to the last flight of stairs that lead to the school's terrace. He hoped to sleep through the break because he had forgotten to carry lunch, and the only way to make him forget the insistent rumbling of his stomach was to sleep it off. In his daze, he hadn't noticed the terrace door ajar and hadn't registered the presence of its occupant when he tripped on a bag. Frowning at it, he moved his head to face the owner of the heinous thing when his golden orbs widened at the sight of flowing auburn hair that was let loose from its characteristic high pony—yes, Sakuno had changed her hairstyle this year, and it did nothing but increase the magnitude of the attraction he felt towards her. Noticing Ryoma standing there, mouth agape and body stiff, she simply cocked her head to one side cutely, "Ryoma-kun? Why are you just standing there?" she questioned, but received no answer. Brain-storming, was the appropriate word to describe what his mind was doing, as he thought of the various outcomes this encounter could result in, when he was snapped out of it as his stomach grumbled embarrassing loudly. Clearing his throat gingerly, he simply shook his head in response.
Sakuno laughed lightly as she beckoned him to sit beside her, as she pulled out the extra bento she brought every day, just in case. He gulped visibly as he slowly made his way to her and sat down quietly. She was being too kind to a person she thought was a rock, wasn't she? It didn't make sense to him, but then again, nothing concerning Ryuzaki ever did. A soft gasp brought him out of his reverie as Sakuno sheepishly smiled at him "Ano, I forgot to get an extra pair of chopsticks" she said, a light blush painting her cheeks. Some miraculous part of Ryoma's brain that hadn't stopped functioning, one hell of an opportunistic part, at that, made him say something he never would have, if he were in the right state of mind, "well, then, let's share the same chopsticks, feed me, or something." As soon as the words left his mouth, he caught Sakuno blushing uncontrollably. "F-feed y-you?" pushing his luck further, "what? You don't want to?" he asked coolly. Shaking her head vigorously, "Iie! I do! I mean… u-umm, are you sure, Ryoma-kun?" He nodded dumbly and leaned towards her, his mouth open, "Aaa", the blush on her cheeks deepened as a soft smile graced her lips. He looked so innocent and sweet then, she simply couldn't say no. Gingerly picking up an octopus sausage, she placed it into his awaiting mouth. He immediately smirked to himself as he chewed on the piece of meat. Sakuno continued to feed him and herself, and when both Bento's were wiped clean, she smiled at him brightly. This was certainly enjoyable. Ryoma cracked a slight smile in response as he decided he liked her cooking, more so when she fed it to him.
For a minute there, he didn't know what took over him, but he brought his arm out and encircled it around her shoulders, holding her close. It wasn't very different from a friendly hug, but considering the situation and the people involved in it, it was anything but 'just friendly'. Sakuno could feel herself burning up, she squeaked meekly as she simply sat, unmoving. He then whispered a soft 'thank you', which was intended to be innocent and sincere. It was sincere, alright, but innocent? Not so much. She shivered as his breath fanned her ear and berated herself as not-so-innocent thoughts started filling her head. Ryoma too, felt the heat rising to his cheeks as the events that had transpired were finally registering in his mind.
A soft cough pulled both people apart as they whipped their heads to find a very amused Fuji standing at the door. He usually visited this terrace more than the high-school building's as he found this more peaceful. 'Shit' was the one word that crossed Ryoma's mind as Fuji greeted them both, his conspiring smile in place. Sakuno was quick to stand up and greet him back politely, as she packed hastily, occasionally stealing glances in the younger boy's direction. Ryoma simply pulled his cap lower, to hide the blush on his cheeks, of course, and deadpanned a "cheers…" as he made his way out the terrace landing. Sakuno followed and caught up to his strides as the two teens made their way back to class without the exchange of a single word. Although, they did have one word that repeated itself continuously in their heads, "Caught".
Owari! ^_^
I hope you guys enjoyed the second chapter!
Please R & R!
Love
Hana-chan
