FLASHBACK...
Chapter 1: At the Beginning
"OK, girls, we're done for today. You girls have had a great season and I'm really proud of you. You've all improved a lot. I'm very honored to have been your coach this year, and I hope every single one of you joins the team again next year."
Sakuno and all of her teammates put their hands in the center of the circle and cheered for the last time that year. Looking around, she felt a rush of affection for the team and a slight sadness for the season's ending.
However, she would have felt much, much better if she had actually played for her school at at least one tournament. Match after match she had sat on the bench, watching her teammates pull off service aces and smashes and drive volleys. It was always fun to watch your friends win, but she felt a little left out when they were exclaiming over trophies and "amazing shots."
"I wish I wasn't so bad at tennis," she thought sadly. "Everyone here knows I suck. Ryoma-kun knows it too. Maybe that's why he doesn't even know I exist."
Her best friend, Tomoka, sprinted over to her. "Hey, Sakuno-chan! What's up? Why are you so sad? I mean I know the season's over and all, but we always have next year!"
"No, Tomo-chan. I just wish I could have played more. I haven't played in a single game."
"Oh, right." Tomoka was a bit unsure of what to say to that. "Don't worry, I suck too. But why do you care so much?"
Sakuno gave her friend a look which clearly asked, "Isn't it obvious?"
Comprehension dawned on Tomoka. "Oh! Whoops, silly me." she giggled. "Why don't you just ask Coach? She'll definitely give you some help in improving."
"Yeah, I probably should. Someone with as little talent as me definitely needs some extra help. Jaa ne, Tomo-chan!" At this, Tomoka waved and sprinted off.
Sakuno walked up to her coach, also known as her grandmother. "Obaa-chan, I really want to be a regular next season. Like actually play, and not just sit on the bench. I know I have to practice more, but what do I need to work on, in particular?"
Coach Ryuzaki was silent for a moment. Sakuno waited, deciding that she was ready for the reply no matter how harsh.
"You need to improve your form, mainly. Your timing isn't bad when you do a smash or a volley, but you really need to improve your power. Sakuno-chan, you have potential, and you love the sport. But you need to put in much more effort to play as a regular."
Sakuno nodded. "Obaa-chan, where can I get more practice? I like playing with you, but I want to become a regular next year."
Coach Ryuzaki smiled at her granddaughter's graceful acceptance of her criticism. She half-expected her to burst into tears and run off, so this was a pleasant surprise. "Shunao Tennis Club is an excellent one to practice at. They meet three times a week for two hours each, so it's not much time commitment either. And you will get many opportunities to play at tournaments with this club."
"Arigato, Obaa-chan!" Sakuno gave her grandmother a smile and went over to her bag to put her racket away. Zipping up her bag and pulling out her water bottle, she sat down on the ground and took a sip.
"Oi. Ryuzaki."
Sakuno choked, spitting out the water and coughing. Ryoma just stood by, looking at her. When her coughing ceased, he asked nonchalantly, "You ok?"
She blushed, "Yeah." Ryoma-kun asking about my well-being? Wow...
"R-ryoma-kun, why are you here?"
He shrugged. "I was bored."
Sakuno hid a smile, turning away before it surfaced onto her face. Ryoma-kun will never change...
