TENDERNESS IN THE RAIN

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN PRINCE OF TENNIS


Chapter 4: His Unawareness, Her Bitterness

As days flew by, Sakuno had time to think of many things. Within a short amount of time, everyone could sense a change in her. Rather than say she was shy, Sakuno was more reserved now. Somehow, she seemed more mature.

Since she lost her sight, the small girl has found other ways to make up for her disability. She used to daydream and watch Ryoma in class all the time. Now that that wasn't a possible anymore, she kept her ears sharp and concentrated on her classes. As a result, her learning improved significantly. The teachers were more lenient and helpful to her current condition, but also extremely pleased to have her full attention in class.

"Sakuno, you've demonstrated much hard work. All your teachers are happy you've been keeping up. It's hard, but don't give up." The principle had come once to talk to her personally.

Sakuno realized that she's been only using her eyes to see the world instead of using her heart to feel it. It's amazing to find out just how big the world was in another way.

She still attended Ryoma's practices as her grandmother still has her own coaching to do in Seigaku Junior High, so she stayed with Ryoma and Tomoka after school till Sumire could pick her up.

Now that she could no longer see, she listened to people's voices as well as the rhythm of the tennis balls. With practice, she too could understand the game with just her ears and brain alone.

Everyone in the tennis team has been courteous to her. Even the scary Kaidoh senpai offered to help her once in a while. Sakuno smiled to herself thinking about it.

"What's so funny?" Ryoma's voice popped up beside her. Sakuno almost jumped when she heard him.

"Oh, nothing…I'm just thinking to myself that's all." She smiled nervously.

The young man didn't reply as he opened a can of ponta juice, his favourite drink. Sakuno could smell the fruity flavour in the air as she sat silent.

That's right…She thought bitterly to herself, this is what's different. The accident brought Ryoma closer to her, but somehow, he felt so far away. She had told her parents she wanted to stay in Japan so she could be with friends, and while her parents has accepted it, Sakuno knew she was lying to herself. She could not bring herself to be away from the person she loved.

She wanted him to be the first person she sees after her sight recovers. To see him amazed and happy as his smile engraves itself into her memory. But that could only be accomplished with her staying by his side. Yet a part of her has doubts. What the girls said in the washroom rang in her heart constantly. She did not want to be the chain to Ryoma's career.

"Ryoma, I know you're busy with practice. You don't have to come see me so often. I'm quite comfortable here. Please don't waste your time as I'm sure you're on a tight schedule." Sakuno said in a quiet voice.

"…Sakuno." Ryoma said after a while and in an equally quiet voice, "You're different now."

"What?" Sakuno said in surprise, not at all expecting him to say something like this.

"I don't know," Ryoma scratched his head, "Maybe it's because you are quieter now than before."

Sakuno felt dumbfounded at first, then couldn't help herself by giggling. Ryoma lowered his cap in embarrassment and took another gulp of ponta.

"Ryoma?"

"Yes?"

"Promise me you'll still be the same. Win every game…or at least try to, alright?" She asked in a light voice.

"Course…I don't intend to lose to anyone." He said smugly.

Sakuno have always loved his confident attitude. This was the part of him that first attracted her attention and sealed her fate.

I hope he never loses his confidence! Sakuno prayed.


Another week flew by and Sakuno felt more at ease in school. Days and classes were resuming to normal but she still thought she would be better off in a school for special needs.

Her parents returned to business last week after a tearful goodbye from both sides. She promised to phone them as often as she could and to stay in touch regarding her status. Before they left, her mother pulled her aside and asked her personally about Ryoma.

"Sakuno, you're a big girl now, and I'm not prying but, do you like that boy?" Sayuri whispered behind her husband's back.

"Mother!" Sakuno blushed to the roots of her hair, "What are you talking about?"

"You know, that boy that came to help you to the class. The one your father and I saw at school the other day. Boy, I must say…He's a cute one!"

"Ryoma…Ryoma is just a friend…" The young girl stuttered, trying frantically to explain to her mother.

"Dear, you don't have to say anymore. I was young once myself. Sakuno, don't be shy about it. Tell him if you like him." Sayuri hugged her daughter, "Don't give up! Men are dense when it comes to love. You have to spell it out for him if you want him to know." Sayuri wanted to give her daughter a boost of confidence before she left. It was obvious to her and Shugo regarding Sakuno's feelings. Her father wasn't happy when he found out, but Sayuri had been ecstatic. She thought Ryoma was a polite young man with beautiful eyes. How wonderful to see the young couple together! She didn't want her daughter to feel inferior because of her eyesight. If anything else, Sayuri would want her Sakuno to be strong and be the beautiful young woman she is today.

"Sakuno, we have to go now. Take care and I'll be in touch." Shugo gave his daughter a peck on the cheek and entered the terminal with his wife on his arms.

Sakuno smiled as she thought about her parents. But when her mind returned to what her grandmother revealed to her today, her thoughts turned grave.

"Sakuno, I've applied for a special school and they have accepted it. You will be able to transfer in the coming days. I will inform your school so make the preparations." Sumire had told her.

She has yet to let her friends know, as she did not have the right time to tell them. Before letting the others know, Sakuno wanted Ryoma to be the one to know first. She had once told him she wanted to transfer and he thought her afraid. But Sakuno wanted Ryoma to know she wasn't afraid, just more cautious and thoughtful about herself. It would be better off for everyone if she were to go to where she really belonged. It was then she decided she would tell him afterschool at practice.

Afterschool, Tomoka took Sakuno to the tennis court as usual.

"Where's Ryoma?" Sakuno asked her best friend.

"I don't see him anywhere. I'll go find him. Wait here." Tomoka rushed off before Sakuno could stop her.

After a few minutes, Sakuno heard the familiar sound of tennis balls bouncing in the court.

"Practice has already started…" She said to herself. If Ryoma wasn't here, then it meant he was late for practice, which would be rare for the tennis prodigy. Sakuno felt her way around along the fence when she heard a small voice coming to her left. She concentrated and realized the muffled voice belonged to Ryoma.

Sakuno walked cautiously over to where the voice was coming from. From what she could feel and what she remembered, Ryoma was inside the locker room of the tennis club.

"…I know what you mean." Ryoma said as he gripped his cell phone tight.

The person on the line screamed into Ryoma's ears. Ryoma jumped and held the phone away from him, allowing Sakuno to hear what they were talking about.

"Don't tell me you know! Why the hell are you still hanging around in Japan when the Junior World Championships is only a few weeks away?" From the voice, Sakuno realized it was Kevin Smith, the American player she met when he came to Japan for match with Ryoma. After their match, Kevin and Ryoma became good friends and practicing partners. They were still rivals on the court, and so far, Kevin has not been able to defeat Ryoma in all their official matchups.

"I have my reasons. But that doesn't mean I don't plan on winning. You should be more worried about yourself." Ryoma answered.

"What? I've arranged a training camp here and you're bailing out on me now? Get yourself back here now!"

"I can't."

"You better give me a good reason or else…"

Ryoma sighed and briefly told Kevin about his situation with Sakuno, hoping to shut Kevin up.

"Oh, so you're staying with the girl to take care of her?" Kevin said while calming down a little.

"Yeah, I promised to be there for her. Look, I'll still be able to train here in Japan with my senpais. So I guess I'll see you at the games."

"…Fine. I trust you know what you're doing. But don't get carried away. It's not worth losing your future to one girl, and I don't care if she did save your life or not." Kevin hasn't finished before Ryoma hang up the phone.

Sakuno retreated quickly before Ryoma could see her outside.

She leaned on the fence to steady her shaking hands. Kevin's right. Ryoma should be in the states training for his next championship, instead of practicing here, waiting on her.

Sakuno grabbed on the fence and put her head to it. Her mind's a mess as she just doesn't know what to think anymore. She thought she could put her heart to rest but now all of her doubts have resurfaced. The girls' words in the washroom…Kevin's warning….and even the tiny voice in her heart were telling her the same thing. This terrible feeling that kept echoing inside of herself…This fear of undoing Echizen Ryoma's legacy…pushed down on and made her struggle to breath.

"Sakuno? You're here already?" Ryoma said behind her.

Sakuno turned around slowly and faced him.

"I...came to tell you…I'm transferring tomorrow." It took Sakuno all of her strength to say the words, "I won't be attending Seigaku anymore."

"…I see. So you've come to a conclusion. Alright, if that's how you feel, then do it. I was hoping to talk to Coach Ryuzaki about it anyways." Ryoma said tensely, looking to one side.

"Ryoma…I…" Sakuno wanted to tell him to go back to the States. But words would not express themselves from her mouth.

"Yes?"

Sakuno struggled with herself, then slouched down in defeat, "Nothing…just thank you for everything…"

Ryoma frown. Sakuno was acting weird today. "I promised, didn't I?"

At that very moment, Sakuno wished Ryoma had never made such promise to her. The bittersweet promise that Echizen Ryoma saw as his sworn duty, not only imprisoned her happiness, but also his freedom.

This is your duty…or your obligation…


This chapter is a bit shorter than I intended to. I have given some thought about who I'm going to make the big brother role and have come to a conclusion. The character won't be revealed till later chapters, so stay tune! Next up, Ryoma will begin to realize his own feelings while Sakuno struggles with her own. How will our young couple deal with all the problems?