Title: Innocent Romance

Author: Miyuki Meiru

Summary: Ryuzaki Sakuno, a medical student fortunately granted with an international scholarship. Her luck changed when she was assigned to a certain patient. RYOSAKU

Pairing: RyomaxSakunoxOC

Genre: Romance

Rating: T

Warnings: If you don't like stories set in AU (Alternate Universe), then this story is not meant for you to read. Sakuno's inner mind may sound OOC. Some spoilers in the succeeding chapters may be present.

English isn't my first language, so please bear with the grammar.

Also, there are lots of new OCs in the story, I just want to warn you about that.

Author's note: It's been a long time since I last updated. It's been a while and I've been caught up by the heat of my summer vacation. This may sound silly but I've been way much lazier now that I'm on vacation. I'm really sorry for procrastinating and delaying my updates.

Thank you for all the reviews that I received for the previous chapters. As an amateur writer, I really appreciated all your efforts to read and follow my stories.

For those who have twitter, blogger accounts or any account that could 'follow' blogs on blogger, I hope you could follow our blog: sunnydaysandsundaes dot blogspot dot com(just change the word dot into a .) My friend and I created a blog last March so if you're curious to know what I'm doing when I don't update my fics then you could check out our blog. You can find me there under the pen name 'Amethyst'.

Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis.


Chapter 4: Unbreakable Bonds

I was floating, wandering without direction.

I woke up with the sound of Beethoven's symphony number seven being played magnificently at the entire dormitory. I hastily stood up and was really thankful for the gentle wake up call and the creativity of our land lady, Mrs. Crosswood. I took a brief shower and arranged a few text books for today's classes. The last week was a mess, I got betrayed by my first set of medical school friends and the only thing that makes me not to hate that week was that moment with Ryoma.

My gaze shifted to the cream handkerchief folded neatly on my desk. I smiled as I remembered him, I was hoping that he wouldn't be cold to me anymore. The weekend recharged me emotionally as Tamara and Stephanie took me into a shopping spree while the other girls and Mrs. Crosswood made sushi and sukiyaki for our dinner which really made me happy. I missed Japanese food already, while the others were glad to have a change of cuisine.

I'd been preparing myself on how to face Lara, Anne and Winny. They still haven't known that I found out about their dirty little secret. I'd never thought so lowly of anybody and I was surprised too that I already considered them as desperate cheaters.

Breakfast was as magnificent as always and with just one week of staying here, I felt like I was already gaining weight and it was all thanks to Mrs. Crosswood's cooking. I made an effort to catch up with Tamara and Stephanie as the three of us made our way to the hospital.

"I think it's not good enough!" Tamara whined, "I should have scored a higher mark on that exam!"

"You're already very smart and you still think that a ninety percent grade isn't high?" Stephanie sarcastically said. Tamara was a very kind and intelligent woman aside from that she was very strong-willed, compassionate and ambitious in a good way. After graduating she was dreaming of working for organizations which helped children and provided them their health needs. Sometimes, I thought that I should be more like her.

"My target is ninety-five percent!" She gave out her infamous sick expression, "I'm short with five percent!"

"Umm… there's always next time," I smiled nervously.

"Ah Sakuno! You're such an optimist!" She exclaimed with ecstatic pair of orbs.

We reached Claire's and we went to our respective classes. I saw Lara, Anne and Winny seated at the back and they were waiting for me. I looked for another vacant seat and saw one at the right corner of the classroom. My seatmates were two Asian students too whose names I forgot already. They ignored me and went back to reading their books.

"Sakuno!" Lara called with her 'friendly façade' and this time I wouldn't be buying it. "Why are you sitting with those geeks?" She asked as Anne and Winny laughed.

"She's right," Winny rolled her eyes, "come sit with us."

"A-anou, I think I'm good in here… you guys should just go…" I said as I tried to be as nice as possible. Anger had always been my weakness, I just couldn't imagine myself being totally angry… it was never my thing.

"So you're being friends with them now?" Anne asked.

"W-well, t-there's n-nothing wrong with it…" I stuttered.

"That's your choice then…" Anne smiled sarcastically, "So you think sitting with these losers are cooler than being with us?"

"It's not that b-bad..." I tried to suppress my dislike for Anne. She was nothing near beautiful, she might be pretty but never going to be beautiful.

"Let's go Lara, Winny… our little ex-friend has betrayed us!" She exclaimed and made sure that everybody in the room heard it. I received confused stares and questionable looks as Anne, Lara and Winny marched back to their respective sits.

Mr. Bruce came in a few minutes after our small quarrel and was amazed by the silence of the class. He praised us for having such a good behaviour, he knew that we were already in College and to top it off, we were all medical students so for the remaining thirty minutes of the class he gave us a lecture on how to enjoy our student life. He might've thought that we were all too serious in our own studies but nobody dared to mention Anne's previous outburst.

We were also required to write a research paper about medical malpractices. Mr. Bruce wanted to emphasize on the heavy consequences of medical malpractice, he wanted us to reflect on the possible tremor s of being a medical practitioner. I think it was also essential for a doctor to know the laws that might be possibly charged against him if he committed medical malpractice.

I was about to go in the library when I heard my name being called by an unfamiliar voice. "Sakuno Ryuzaki, right?"

"Yes…" I remembered her; she was my seatmate from Mr. Bruce's class.

"I'm Nikki, it's nice too meet you" she smiled, "I just want to say that you're really cool a while ago." Nikki's Asian features made me miss my home country more, she had almond- shaped onyx orbs, jet black hair that shines, and porcelain-like skin. "Oh, I'm Chinese, by the way…" she laughed.

"N-nice to meet you too…" I smiled back, "I think that was a little embarrassing," I shyly admitted as I giggled a bit.

"No, not at all! The others were pretty impressed too… well those three were acting like bitches and were always getting things the way they wanted. They were my classmates last semester too!"

"We wanted to warn you about them but none of us had the guts to do so…" she paused, "I'm so sorry."

"It's okay." I simply said with a smile.

"I really want to help you," Nikki said. "I know how it feels to be away from home. We were living in China a few years ago but we have to come here for my dad's work. It's really difficult to adjust into a new life style," She revealed. Nikki was more like Tomoka, bold and straight to the point, the only difference was Nikki was a little timid unlike Tomoka.

"If you really want to help me," I hesitated a bit, "then w-will you be my f-friend?" I asked hoping that she would accept.

"My pleasure!" Nikki instantly replied.

Nikki introduced me to her other friend, Merrielle, who we've met at the library. I recalled that she was also my classmate in my other classes. She had rounded eyes and toned arms and legs, her hair fixed in a high pony tail. I rarely noticed her good features during classes; her beauty was comparable to Tamara's.

"Nice to meet you Sakuno," she said with a slight nod.

"Yeah, nice to meet you too, Merrielle" I replied with a smile.

"Call me Merrie," she smiled.

"Merrie… like Merry Christmas!" Nikki giggled.

"It's M-E-R-R-I-E," Merrie corrected, "not Merry!" She emphasized.

I felt more comfortable with the presence of my new set of friends. They were more approachable and they never gave off that intimidating aura that I felt with the presence of Lara and the others. They were really good students too, Nikki was a year younger than me yet she was able to gather enough credits to have advanced lessons. On the other hand, half- British, half- American Merrielle was just as hard-working as I was. I could relate more to them.

"We tried a really good Chinese restaurant down town! Maybe both of you should try it too!" Nikki said excitedly as she browsed her notes and highlighted important terms.

"Chinese food sounds good!" I smiled, "I guess we could go on Sunday?" I asked.

"I'm free on Sunday!" Merrie exclaimed, "But are you sure we won't experience Chinese Restaurant Syndrome?" She gave Nikki a suspicious look.

"Awwe, of course not!" Nikki giggled, "definitely not!"

"How 'bout Japanese food? I've always liked onigiri and sushi but I just can't get it how to make one!" Merrie whined.

"I could make some for you guys if you want," I volunteered, I was sure that Mrs. Crosswood wouldn't mind lending me her kitchen for a while.

"Really! Finally I could have a taste of authentic Japanese food!" Nikki said.

I couldn't describe how comfortable I was with their presence; just imagine a younger version of Stephanie and Tamara. We ended up buying frozen yoghurt at a shop near the hospital lounge. Nikki whined about her seniors from one of her classes, it seemed that they were belittling her for being the youngest.

"They're just jealous!" Merrie said as she gave a 'thumbs up' sign.

"But they're annoying!" Her cheeks puffed as she rolled her eyes, Nikki was childish yet matured at the same time.

"Just enjoy the yoghurt," I smiled at them as we all ended up giggling.

We went to our own classes and I was surprised when I found out that Nikki was also my classmate for my next two classes, much to Merrie's dismay who protested that it was unfair. Nikki simply smirked at her and told her that it was fate's inevitable choice.

The next classes weren't as lively as Mr. Bruce's class. Nikki and I ended up passing notes and random scribbles the entire time.

"That was tiring!" Nikki whined as she arranged her review materials. "Too bad we're not staying in the same dormitory."

"Yeah, see you tomorrow!" I said, "I still need to attend to my assigned patient." I parted with Nikki as she gave me her infamous 'wide smile'. She was such a cheerful person, in fact she was beautiful not only on the outside but on the inside too. I suddenly remembered what my mom said, 'beauty lies within the core of the soul' I could never forget the calm expression of mother's face as the soft eastern breeze blew.

I was outside of Echizen Ryoma's bedroom chamber when the door swung violently open. A doctor in his late forties marched outside in protest; I was stunned as I saw the doctor's retreating figure as he muttered about stubborn patients. He barely noticed me as he swiftly passed by. I heard whispers from the nurses and other medical staffs who witnessed the unexpected ruckus.

"Mr. Echizen did it again…" A nurse said as they all resumed to what they were doing as if nothing happened.

I came back to my senses as I nervously knocked on his door. I heard an irritated whimper before he said "Come in." I saw him on the bed reading his tennis magazines.

"A-anou…E-echizen-san," I called his attention. Ryoma turned his head towards me and gave a slight nod. I was expecting a glare but received none of it. I remembered the cream handkerchief folded neatly in my pocket. "I just wanted to thank you for your help the other day," I trailed off, "A-and t-thank you for this…" I said as I placed the handkerchief on his bedside table.

"Welcome," he said as he resumed reading his magazines.

I took a sit on the usual place; in his hospital room I'd already considered his velvet couch as my personal sanctuary. I studied Ryoma's face today, somehow he was gentler than he was last week and it made me more comfortable. He was pissed off and annoyed and I knew that it had something to do with the doctor's outburst a while ago but I was really happy that the intimidating aura that I felt in him last week had already disappeared.

"A-anou… it m-may not be m-my place to ask but-" I took a deep breath, "… I want to know what happened a while ago."

There was silence and I was really expecting it. It wasn't like we were already close friends but I really wished that he'd be friendlier to me. "I hate that doctor." He muttered, I wonder why?

"Umm… Why?" I asked, my curiosity was taking over my fear and shyness.

"He decided to change my rehabilitation menu and it was already the third time that he did it," Ryoma said as his grip tightened and made wrinkles to the magazine that he was holding.

"Maybe the doctor figured out that another rehabilitation menu will suit you," I tried to reassure him.

"That's non-sense! He's just like my previous doctors! All of them are incompetent!" He exclaimed, I felt like he had this building hatred for medical staffers.

"A-anou, I'm really sorry if I bothered you…" I apologized, I noticed that his overflowing frustration brought him too much stress. I guess he really wanted to return to the tennis court that badly.

"Tsch," he frowned as he resumed his reading.

"N-nice weather…" I commented as I tried to change the subject.

"Yeah," he agreed, "not really that cold unlike last week." I noticed his lack of interest in our conversation. Come to think of it, who in the world would like to talk about the weather and now I think that it was a stupid idea to strike a conversation using the weather.

"I miss Japan's climate, not really that cold but not too warm either," I said as I mentally scolded myself to stop talking about the weather. I was sure that he was annoyed at me more than ever just because of my 'weather awareness'.

"You didn't stutter…," he whispered in an almost inaudible voice.

"W-well…" Iflushed a bit. I didn't know that he would notice something as random as that.

"-and you're talkative today…" he added as I gasped. Did I really talk too much today?

"I-I'm sorry…" I apologized as I blushed madly. A smirk curved in Echizen Ryoma's face, I was speechless. He was smirking! I never expected him to smirk at me, somebody like me above anybody else. Now I knew that he was messing up with me, he was actually teasing me. I tried to suppress my annoyance and irritation but as far as I remember it was the very first time which he ever gave me a smirk aside from those death glares, annoyed scowls and irritated frowns.

"You too," I paused as I smiled, "Ryoma-kun," I called him by first name without thinking. It was an obvious mistake, a terrible slip up. His eyes widened and I realized that he may not be comfortable with him being called by his first name. "I'm s-sorry, E-echizen-san!"

"You're always apologizing."

"I-I'm sorry-"

"You're apologizing again," Ryoma gave another smirk.

"N-no!"

"But didn't you just say that you're sorry?" He asked with another smirk.

"F-fine," I muttered in defeat as Echizen Ryoma plastered his victorious smirk, a smirk commonly seen whenever he won his tennis matches. It was as if he won a tennis match, well in fact he was actually teasing me. Did it also mean that he was paying attention to me now more than he was used to? I blushed at my own thoughts.

I browsed my text book as a pamphlet fell, it was one of those pamphlets that we were looking at a while ago at the library. It was a pamphlet of Japanese cuisines. I smiled as I recalled Merrie and Nikki's excitement on food and cuisine.

"Japanese food," he read as I glanced at him.

"Yes… w-we're l-looking at t-these a while ago…" I revealed.

"Much better than hospital food," he said as he resumed into his reading. Could it be that it had been a long time since he ate Japanese food?

"I-if you w-want I could b-bring you J-japanese food tomorrow."

"Sure," he replied and I felt like something heavy was lifted away from me. Ryoma shifted his gaze as he resumed reading his tennis magazines. Even without looking at me, I knew that this time he enjoyed my company and I was happy for that.

We sat in silence yet we were comfortable with each other's company. I noticed that Ryoma's initial irritation disappeared and finally he was starting to open up to me. I glanced at my watch and noticed that it was already seven in the evening. My shift for today was finished. I kept all my books and things in my bag as I wore my sweater. "I should be going now," I said as I smiled at him.

"See you," he replied.

I was smiling as I walked along the cold, chilly streets of New York. This day had been fun; I gained new friends and a brand new confidence. I just felt so happy today, no worries and everything seemed alright. I'd definitely need to borrow Mrs. Crosswood's kitchen.

Ryoma's change of mood was a miracle and an answered prayer. I didn't know that he was such a kind person. Things had been rocky for both of us at first but I was sure that we would get along fine now.

I decided to stop by the nearest grocery store to buy the needed ingredients for tomorrow. I picked up sticky rice and some sea foods for fillings. I decided to buy some ingredients for muffins too since I promised Tamara and Stephanie that I would let them taste my mom's muffin recipe as a token of appreciation for taking me out on a shopping spree last weekend.

I was already on the line when I noticed that I was lacking sea weed wrappers for sushi. I went back to the shelf were the sea weed wrappers were placed. I tried to reach it but my height wouldn't allow me to. It annoyed me so I did a very ungraceful thing for a lady thing; I jumped to reach the sea weed wrapper but still my efforts failed.

"Here ya' go," a guy who was about my age, or maybe older, handed me the sushi wrap which he took from the 'sky high' shelf so easily. He was tall, maybe around Ryoma's height and he had the most adorable pair of onyx orbs that I'd ever seen.

"T-thank you" I blushed, as I got the sea weed wrapper from him. He smiled at me and I suddenly felt stares from other women who were also around. It seemed that he was the woman charmer type of guy and we were getting too much attention now.

"Oh, you're also a student from Claire's."

"Y-yes… I'm on my first year of training…" I replied shyly.

"That means that we'll see each other a lot from now on," he beamed at me. I'd never seen him at Claire's before, even at the opening assembly for all new trainees. "I'm Shuya Lington… nice to meet you."

"I'm S-sakuno Ryuzaki," I replied hastily. "Nice to meet you too, Mr Lington…"

"Nah, Just call me Shuya." He smiled as he took a quick glance at his wrist watch. "It's already this late!" He said as he picked up his phone. "I need to go…" He was already about to leave.

"S-see you then," I waved.

"See you soon… Nori-chan," he smiled as I watched his retreating figure. Nori-chan? He gave me a nick name from sea weed. I was starting to think that Shuya's a lame guy.


"So how's it?" I asked Nikki and Merrie who were quiet for quite a while now.

"This is the best!" Nikki exclaimed as she continued to eat more of the onigiri that I made.

"Definitely the best!" Merrie complimented, "You're such a great cook, Sakuno-chan!"

It was a worth while experience for me to have a bonding time with Mrs. Crosswood. She was such an excellent cook, she also taught me how to make her famous cupcakes. Somehow I found similarities between Mrs. Crosswood and my mom, they were both insightful people and both were also talented in the kitchen.

"I'll try to bring sukiyaki for tomorrow's lunch," I offered. Merrie and Nikki gave me huge grins.

"Oh sure! We'll certainly love that!" Nikki exclaimed, "And these muffins are just the best!"

"Sukiyaki will be nice… it's been a while since I had sukiyaki," Merrie said.

"I just noticed that you brought an extra bento box…" Nikki grinned, "I wonder what that is for?" She hummed, "Hmm… could it be for Sakuno-chan's boyfriend."

I was beet red, "No!"

"Then who's gonna have that bento?" Merrie asked.

"M-my assigned p-patient…" I revealed hesitantly.

"Assigned patient huh…" Nikki gave a soft giggle. "Too bad my assigned patient's only allowed to have a vegetarian diet… "

"So who's your assigned patient?" Merrie asked.

"E-echizen R-ryoma"

Nikki and Merrie's eyes widened.

"Is that for real?" Nikki asked, she almost spilled her tea due to shock. Merrie was surprised too, she was speechless and jaw dropped.

"Y-yes…" I replied.

"No wonder you're such a tough woman!" Nikki exclaimed, "You've been dealing with a grumpy tennis brat all along!"

"W-well, he is actually nice…" I paused, "…and really kind too."

"Include very handsome and prince-like," Merrie said, "Cocky and arrogant!" She frowned and let out a giggle. I couldn't help it but to giggle too.

"But seriously, I wonder how you put up with his tantrums and fits," Nikki wondered. "Almost all the staff here gave up on him."

"He's not that bad actually he was just teasing me the other day," I replied.

"He's teasing you!" Merrie almost shrieked.

"Yes, in fact he was even smirking."

"Oh, I'm sensing something!" Nikki giggled.

"Me too," Merrie grinned teasingly.

"What?" I asked.

"I think Echizen Ryoma likes you!" Nikki dropped the bomb.

"N-no way!" I blushed madly, "I mean, that's impossible!"

"In fact, from the looks of it…. I think he's already hitting on you." Merrie nudged my elbow. "Oh you lucky girl!"

Our conversation continued as both of them tease and warned me of Ryoma's 'real' intentions. Nikki and Merrie were already giving me tips if ever he decided to court me and for the first time in my life I'd never felt so embarrassed. Break ended yet during classes, Nikki was still giving me her own version of Ryoma's smirk and it just made more uncomfortable and embarrassed.

After classes, it was already time for my shift at Ryoma's quarters. Nikki wished me luck and read to me a text message from Merrie also wishing me a successful love life. Those two were really incredible with all the teasing and the fact that we only became friends yesterday didn't bother any of us at all. I paced my way to his bed chamber as slowly as I could, still rehearsing myself on how to give the bento to him. I was worried if he would like my cooking, I never cooked for a guy before. I did cook for my guy classmates way back in middle and high school but I didn't know why I couldn't set on my mind that Ryoma's case was the same.

"R-ryoma-kun?" I called as I knocked.

"Come in," he sounded like he just woke up from a nap.

"I b-brought you this," I blushed as I handed him the bentou box. I watched as Ryoma carefully untangled the knot on the bentou box, I studied his features observantly. I noticed that he wasn't frowning at all, unlike before, I was glad about the progress we made.

"Sushi and onigiri," he said before he ate one. "This is very nostalgic."

"I'm glad you liked it," I smiled at him.

"You didn't stutter…" there was slight amusement in his voice, "...and the onigiri and sushi, they're just fine."

Fine.

I was expecting this kind of reaction from him. As much as I knew Ryoma, he was unlike any other guy I'd met before. Ryoma wasn't the kind who would make such big deal of home made bentou given by a girl he barely knew.

"I p-promised to bring sukiyaki t-tomorrow," I paused, "I-is it alright if I b-bring some for y-you?"

"No problem," he replied in between his bites.

It made me laugh when I saw his slightly undignified way of eating. Ryoma might be the 'prince of tennis' but outside the court he was just an ordinary guy. And most guys are messy in eating.

"R-ryoma-kun… you have rice on your cheek," I blushed as he cleaned off.

"Thanks."

"A-anou… how's the rehabilitation program?" I asked hesitantly.

"It still sucks," he replied, "but I heard that a new doctor's coming and he's going to take my case."

"T-that's g-good then!" I exclaimed.

We sat in silence as Ryoma continued reading his tennis magazines. As much as I wanted to ask more, I doubted that he would just be annoyed.

"I want to go out," Ryoma stated.

"Eh…"

"I want to get some fresh air."

"Oh…."

"Come on," he picked up his jacket. "I just want to get out of this hospital."

"A-anou we still need permission from the head nurse…" I said, Ryoma frowned which made me slightly amused.

"Fine."

"I'll just inform the n-nurse station," I said before leaving the room.

The nurses were really kind enough to accommodate Ryoma's request. They said that Ryoma could go out as long as he would stay in the vicinity of the hospital.

"They allowed us to go."

"Good."

As we made our way outside the hospital, several medical staffs were staring at us. I even heard some squealing and giggling from girls, I suddenly remembered that Ryoma was a celebrity. Then before we knew it, a group of girls were already screaming his name. I could feel that Ryoma was tensed with all the attention he was getting. Luckily, a few doctors ordered those 'fans' to leave us alone because they were disturbing the other patients.

We were finally at the park, although I couldn't hear those ear-breaking squeals anymore, I could feel a lot of eyes staring at us. I studied Ryoma's peaceful face as he enjoyed the breeze.

"The breeze is really nice," I said.

"Yeah," he agreed, "the feeling's more like what you'll feel if you run in a tennis court."

"A-anou R-ryoma-kun," I paused at my loss of words, "I know s-someday y-you'll play tennis again."

"I wonder when will that 'someday' happen."

"In the n-near future," I replied.

Ryoma smirked, "You're kind off futuristic."

"I-is there s-something wrong w-with it?"

"Nothing"

"T-then why a-are you s-smirking?"

"Should I ask you too, why are you stuttering?"

Ryoma really knew how to piss me off. "You didn't answer my question."

"You stopped stuttering," he smirked again, "You didn't answer my question too."

"I c-can't help it b-but to s-stutter."

"I smirk because I want to."

I laughed as I saw his dismayed expression.

"Why are you laughing?" Ryoma asked, I knew he was annoyed at me now.

"You're c-childish," I revealed.

"I'm not a child."

"But y-you're childish," I retorted, "Being a child and being childish are two different things."

We were stuck in the middle of insensible conversations but I knew that we both enjoyed it. I never thought that he would be the guy I would be able to talk to like this.

"I plan to return to the tennis court soon."

"Yes, y-you w-will," I clasped my hands, "I k-know y-you c-can do i-it R-ryoma-kun."

"Be there at my matches," he said, "and stop stuttering," another smirk.

"M-mou, I'll be there."

It was already getting late. After I joined Ryoma back to his room and fixed my things, I prepared to leave. Before I went back to the dormitory, I stopped by the grocery again to buy ingredients for sukiyaki. I couldn't help it but to think how great this day had been for me.

I picked up all the ingredients that I needed and I was already on my way to the counter. "Nori-chan!" I turned to see Shuya, the one who helped me reach the sea weed wrap yesterday. "You're shopping again," he gave me that usual warm smile.

"Y-yes, it's really good to see you." I smiled back.

"So what are you cooking this time?" Shuya asked with that friendly smile.

"S-sukiyaki," I replied.

"That's cool."

"I'm really hoping that I could see you here again."

"Eh…"

"I'm going to start attending Claire's tomorrow.

"That's nice."

"Well then, see you tomorrow, Nori-chan."

"See you… S-shuya-kun."

Owari

Nori: sea weed

Finally, I've finished typing chapter three which I think, so far, is the longest chapter in this story. So how's it? I'm excited to read your reviews and comments.

I'm really excited to write the next instalment especially now that Shuya made his first appearance, I got his name from Yukito Nishi's movie 'Confessions'. I wonder how will this affect Sakuno's love life? Could it lead to a much better or worse situation? How about Ryoma?