Author's notes: The chapters are getting longer! Woo hoo! This is a double serving of my fic to thank those who reviewed my story at Love Salad! The story is unfolding, but I think it's still draggy…

Another thing, I forgot to put the disclaimer for the previous chapters. Now here it is:

I do not own Prince of Tennis. (Plastered upon previous chapters)

Enjoy and please review!

Chapter 4: Eyes

It has been more than a month since Sakura had become Akahiko's "personal maid". There were times when Akahiko would call Sakura into his room late at night to do some menial jobs or just chat with her. He really enjoyed her company. Sakura at first was unwilling to enter a man's room so late. However, she had gotten used to it after a month and was even enjoying speaking to the young master. Akahiko would talk about many things, from his kendo to the weather and his parents. He always complained that his parents are hurrying him into finding a partner and having a son. They were constantly organizing matchmaking sessions for him with daughters of noble families. He however, managed to escape every time through his wit and intelligence. His parents also could not bear too punish him as he is the sole heir of the Kirisaki clan. They questioned him on his reluctance to join such sessions. He had the same answer: "She is just too boring. Acting demure and everything. Isn't there a better choice?"

One night, Akahiko had called Sakura into his room once again.

"Akahiko-sama. Is there anything I can do for you?" Sakura asked.

Akahiko shook his head. "I just want to have a talk. I need to release it. It is getting on my nerves."

Sakura nodded and sat in front of Akahiko. She had a rough idea on what it was about. The matchmaking sessions had become more frequent and Akahiko was getting exasperated. It was getting more and more difficult for him to escape. His parents were determined to find him a wife, no matter what. The girls in Edo were also excited about this. It was a dream come true marrying into the Kirisaki clan and many even "signed themselves up" by purposely standing outside the Kirisaki household in hope of meeting the Master and Mistress. It did not help that Akahiko was well-known for his kendo skills as well as his looks.

"Those stupid matchmaking sessions! Why do I have to attend them? And those girls, they are practically crazy! Outside my house all day long! I can't even spar with others in other dojos!" Akahiko said angrily. He was in a foul mood lately and every servant kept their contact with him to the minimum, avoiding him if possible. Everyone except Sakura, of course.

Sakura just sat and listened. She pitied him. However she did not know what to say. She hoped that being a good listener would help him relieve some of his stress.

"Why can't my parents let me choose who I like? I have the right to do that right?" Akahiko said frustatedly.

"Then do you have someone you like?" Sakura asked innocently.

When Akahiko heard this, he looked up at her. Sakura was looking at him, wearing an innocent look. He did not say anything. Instead, he just stared back at her. He looked at her longingly and sadly. However, Sakura, being slow, did not catch this. She continued looking at Akahiko, thinking that he was taking time to think.

There was silence in the room for a few minutes, Sakura and Akahiko just looking at each other. Just then, the wind blew against the bamboo outside, creating a rustling sound. This woke Sakura up. She realized she had been looking at the young master for a long time. She took her gaze away from him and blushed.

"It…It's rather late… I…I have to go back to my quarters. Good……good night!" Sakura said and hurriedly left the room.

Akahiko just looked at the leaving Sakura without saying a word. He did not know if he should ask her to stay. However one thing was for sure, he already had an answer in his heart.

Sakura moved swiftly to her quarters. Almost everyone was in bed except for Akane and another female servant. She lay in bed and pulled the covers over her. Her heart was beating fast and her face was hot.

"It is because I was moving quickly just now! It is because I was moving quickly just now!" Sakura thought to herself. "It's not because I…" Images of Akahiko and his eyes staring into hers flooded her brain and her face got even hotter. She shut her eyes and tried to sleep. It was unfruitful. Images of her young master kept appearing. It was only after a long while she had managed to turn in. She had a dream, it was all about Akahiko.

From that day on, Akahiko would call for Sakura for every single thing. Sakura was kept busy all day with orders from him. Sakura did not like this. She did not know why her heart was beating so fast whenever she saw the young master and he would look at her differently now. She did not like the feeling and wanted to have as little contact with him as possible. His eyes held joy and longing whenever he saw her. He seemed to be enjoying every moment Sakura was with him.

All this did not go unnoticed by a manservant. He had cat-like eyes and it had the exact same sensitivity as one. He noticed recently how Sakura would blush and avoid direct eye contact with Akahiko and Akahiko would look at her differently from other servants and girls. He disliked it.

"Oi! Ryonosuke! What are you doing?" A voice called out.

"Ah. Mmm…" Ryonosuke snapped out of his thoughts and silently went to do his chores.