Just As I Promised
Chapter 6 – Flashbacks, a Dinner and the Match I
Rio's POV
I grumbled as I heard the alarm clock went off and kicked Ryoma awake. In return, he slapped me on the arm and soon a fight against feet and hands commenced. We both stopped when Kurorin and Karupin scratched us. "Itai!" I yelled and fell off the bed. I rubbed my bum and glared at the innocent-looking cats. "…You guys are lucky that you're adorable." I stood up and looked at the clock. "Oi, Oma-chan, we're gonna be late for morning practice." I heard him grumble and sat up. We got ready and went to school with toast in our mouths.
"Oi, Echizen-futago!" We turned and saw Momo-senpai with a bouncing Kikumaru-senpai behind him. Before they could catch up to us, I turned around with a blush and started power-walking to the clubroom. As soon as I got into the clubroom, I saw Fuji-senpai with a sadistic smile on his face. I turned around and met face-to-chest with Momo-senpai. I backed away until I could feel the wall behind me. "I saw you with Eiji-senpai yesterday," I blushed and looked away. "So what about it?" I saw Fuji-senpai with his camera in hand. "I just happened to pass by the café and took pictures when I realized you guys were there." I blushed big-time and lowered my cap. "Urusai(1), senpai-tachi…" They both laughed and gave each other a high five.
"This is fun!" Momo-senpai exclaimed as I was gonna enter the bathroom. "Who knew that Rio being a girl would be so much fun?" We heard a gasp and something fall. We turned around to see Oishi Shuichiro with wide eyes. "Oishi-senpai…" I gasped. "Rio's a girl?!" He exclaimed. "Momo-senpai, door; Fuji-senpai, windows," I ordered as I took off my cap and wig. When everything was blocked, I nervously laughed as Oishi-senpai kept on staring at me. "Well, you found out the big secret…" He fixed his composure and cleared his throat. "Why did you hide your gender?" I sighed. "I have two reasons:
"1 – I wanted to have fun by deceiving you but soon will tell you guys;
"2 – I wanted to hide from…someone…or people, I guess." I could see Fuji-senpai's and Momo-senpai's widened eyes when they heard the second reason. Oishi-senpai kept on staring at me until I started to fidget. He shook his head and smiled. "If you're wondering if I'm gonna ask more, relax; I won't. I'm not like SOME people," he said pertaining to Inui-senpai, Momo-senpai, Kikumaru-senpai (sometimes when he's in the mood), and Fuji-senpai. Before I could thank him, I saw shadows behind him and ran into the bathroom.
"Nya, was that Rio just then?" My eyes widened. "Yea, he's just getting changed, you know how shy he is, senpai." I sighed when Momo-senpai covered for me. I then heard other voices meaning it's almost time for morning practice. I changed into the school-colored shirt and jersey and fixed my wig and cap. When I opened the door, I blushed and lowered my cap until I could only see the floor. As I power-walked myself out I heard Momo-senpai and Fuji-senpai giggling until Oishi-senpai shushed them. I sighed as soon I saw the bright light of the morning sun. I started to walk towards the courts when my otoutou(2) stopped me. "He knows?" I followed his eyes to Oishi-senpai and nodded. "He walked in when Momo-senpai yelled the word." I saw him sigh. "Everyone will know soon. Why don't you just tell them?" I looked away from him. "…I don't trust them yet. You know my trust issues." Ryoma sighed again and turned around. "But at least cry once in a while… I could see you trying not to cry when we're sleeping… "
I was shocked when I heard those words come out of his mouth. I sloppily walked towards him and hugged him from behind. I already had a few tears run down my cheeks. I felt him turning around but I hugged him tighter, not letting do as he pleases. "Just a few more seconds, please…" But the moment was ruined when Momo-senpai and Kikumaru-senpai glomped us. "That was so CUTE‼" Kikumaru-senpai exclaimed. "Brotherly love‼" I wiped my tears on Ryoma's jersey and glared at them. I saw them getting ready for the verbal attack but I just turned around and continued my way to the courts.
Normal POV
Rio sat through her classes like a zombie but during English, she cracked. She clutched her head and groaned. Ryoma stood up and rushed to his sister. "Nii-san, nii-san!" The teacher walked up to them and gave them a pass. "Bring him to the nurse's office. Make sure he gets some rest." Ryoma put her arm around him as he helped her walk to the nurse's office.
When they arrived, the nurse led them to a bed. "I'll tell you when your brother wakes up, ok Echizen-kun?" Ryoma nodded and looked at his sister. 'Rio…please, just move on…' He walked out with worried eyes.
Rio was tossing and turning, looking like she was having a nightmare.
-Dream-
An 11-year-old Rio smiled at her friends as they sat under some trees. "Hey, guess what?" She said. They leaned in, wanting to listen to the latest gossip. "Well, you know how I like CJ right?" Her friends nodded. "Well, I was planning to on telling him during our school field trip!" They all smiled and started screaming. "OMG! Finally, we thought you weren't gonna ask him out!" Rio blushed. "I wasn't going to but I'm going to follow my heart and tell him!" She smiled as they continued to chat about the latest gossip. 'I'm so lucky to have friends like them…' Rio thought as she started talking about the girl in her class with ugly fashion.
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Her friends urged her to walk up to the wandering boy. "Come on!" They whispered to her as they pushed her towards him, a little too hard if you ask me. She bumped into the boy and landed on top of him. Rio blushed as they stared at each other's eyes. She got off him and helped him up. "I'm so sorry, CJ! I didn't watch where I was going." CJ looked at her like she was just an ant. "At least you didn't dirty my shoes, they cost a lot!" Rio blushed. It was quiet for a few minutes, letting the sound of the aquarium surround them.
"Um… CJ?" The said boy turned around with an annoyed look on his face. "Yea, what?" Rio continued to blush and clutched the hem of her skirt. "I like you, would you go out with me?!" CJ's eyes widened and a few seconds later, he started laughing. "No way," he said while laughing. "Hey guys‼ Look at tiny Rio confessing her undying love for me‼" Rio's classmates surrounded them with mocking smiles on their faces.
"Aww… does Rio need a hug?"
"Hey, maybe if you grew a bit taller, I would've gone out with you, Shortie!"
"She didn't realize she was being played eh?"
Tears started to form and soon she was running away from the group. Unbeknownst to her, her so-called friends smirked at her retreating figure. "Serves her right for actually liking the CJ."
"Kids come on, hop on the bus!" The students went on the bus, not caring about Rio's whereabouts. "Wait, where's Rio?" The teacher asked. "Oh teach, didn't you know? She didn't come today." One of the girls said as the girls behind her started giggling. "Are you sure? But I have her on the list."
"We're sure teach, come on! Next stop: DISNEYLAND!!"
The bus drove off, leaving the crying Rio inside the Aquarium's bathroom.
-End of Dream-
The final bell rang, waking Rio in the process. She clutched her head as tears continued to flow out of her eyes. 'Dammit, it's been a while since I had this dream. At least it wasn't 5 in a row…' She felt like screaming but in order for her not to scream, she bit her tongue. She soon tasted the metallic taste of blood.
"Echizen-san, are you…" The nurse walked in with wide eyes. She ran by her side and started to ask questions about her well-being. "I'm ok, ma'am," Rio said. "No, it's better for you to go home. I'll ask you brother—"
"NO!" The nurse looked at her with skeptical eyes. Rio sweatdropped. "Uh, I mean, I'll walk home, it's just a few minutes away from here." 'Lie,' Rio thought. 'It's like 15 to 20-minute walk!' The nurse continued to skeptically look at her. "No, I'll call someone from the tennis club and have you escorted home. I'll be right back." The nurse left with Rio scrambling to fix herself. She looked out the room and checked if anyone was in the hallway. When the coast was clear, she ran out and to the school gates. Rio ran until her legs gave out on her. She started leaning on a wall next to her and started crying. She sat down and hugged her knees. "I feel so weak…" Rio's gold eyes started drooping and soon, she fell asleep next to the road.
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"Guys, have you found him?!" Ryoma yelled as he approached Momo, Fuji and Kawamura. Let me explain:
Flashback – Few Minutes Ago
"Ryuzaki-sensei, is it ok for some of your students to help Echizen Rio walk home?" The nurse asked the red-haired sensei. "Why? Is he ok?" The nurse shook her head. "I wanted his brother to walk him home but he said that he'll walk home by himself. I would've agreed if not for his mental and physical problems." Ryuzaki nodded and called Kawamura and Oishi over. "You guys feel like walking to the Echizen house?" She explained the situation and immediately they agreed.
When they arrived at the nurse's office, the nurse gasped as she tried to find her missing patient. "He's not here!" Oishi's and Kawamura's eyes widened. "We better tell Ryuzaki-sensei and ask to help look for him." Oishi said as he started running back to the courts with Kawamura trailing him.
End of Flashback
Fuji was on the phone with Inui. "No we haven't," Momo said as Fuji snapped his phone shut. "Inui said that Oishi found him asleep next to the road." Ryoma's eyes widened. "Where?" Fuji turned around and started running, signaling everyone to follow him.
'Why do only bad things happen to Rio and me?' Ryoma thought as he followed his upperclassmen. 'Is it because we're twins(3)? Just now, Tezuka-buchou wanted a match with me. That's a good thing for me but I feel all nervous…like something bad is gonna happen during the match…' Fuji opened his eyes when he saw that everyone was crowded around the sick Rio. Ryoma ran faster and slid next to his sister. "Rio! Rio! Wake up!" Oishi was trying to calm down Eiji, who was in hysterics for reasons unknown. "I'm gonna call the ambulance," said Inui while flipping his phone open. "No…" Everyone's heads turned to barely awake Rio. She was trying to sit up but failed and fell back on the ground. "Rio, don't push yourself," Kaido said, supporting her. Inui looked at her for more information. "I…I hate hospitals. Please, just help me to get home." Everyone saw her tear-streaked face and her pleading eyes and decided that it's best if she were to be brought home. Tezuka called their coach informing her that they found their missing team member and soon, they all started walking to the Echizen house with Rio on Kawamura's back. "Minna, arigatou(4)…" Rio whispered as she lost consciousness.
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The next day, Rio woke up with a killer headache. She tried to look for her brother who was nowhere to be seen. Her eyes went to the door when she heard something drop. "Rio, you're awake!" Rinko said as she rushed to her daughter's side. "Are you ok? Are you hurt anywhere?" She asked as many questions she could think of about her well-being. "I'm fine, okaa-san, don't worry." Rio said as she smiled at her mom. Rinko sighed as she returned the smile. "What happened, Rio?" The said person looked at her mom with a small smile. "Emotional breakdown, I think." She chuckled. "I think I'm going emo, mom." Rinko sighed once again. "You're an idiot for making jokes when you're mentally hurt." She stood up and picked up the dropped item which was Ryoma's clothes.
"Honey, I want you to try and forget about the past, ok?" Rinko said as she left her daughter in silence. Rio looked at the clock beside her. Her eyes bulged out when she saw that it was already 12pm. She sighed and tried to stretch her body. The female twin winced as her body was sore and decided that she'll stay in bed and continue to sleep.
It wasn't long when people interrupted her beauty sleep. Rio peeked and regretted it. In front of her were the regulars minus Tezuka, Oishi and Kaido. "Ne, Ochibi, do you think he's ok?" Eiji asked the male twin. "I think he's ok, he just needs sleep I guess." They all continued to chat amongst themselves, not letting sleeping beauty have her beauty sleep. Rio opened her eyes and suddenly sat up, only to flop back to the bed from the sudden rush. "Ugh…my head…" The chatter stopped and soon all she could see were everyone's faces. "Are you ok, Nii-san?" Rio turned to face her little brother. "Yea, I'm good, just sore from the rush. Don't worry; I'll be up in no time!" Rio sat up with the help of Fuji and smiled at everyone. "Sorry for making you all worry," she said as she bowed. "It's fine!" Eiji said. "We're friends and we watch each other's backs." Everyone agreed and soon, everyone kept her busy by chatting with her about random things.
"Hey, Rio," She turned to face Fuji but was thrown something. "What's this?" Rio said as she looked at the blue covered gift with a white bow on it. Fuji smirked. "Open it when we're gone k?" Everyone protested; they wanted to see what was in the gift. Fuji turned around and opened his eyes. His cerulean eyes scared them, along with his sadistic smile. Everyone stopped what they were doing and started talking about the weather today. The Echizen twins sweatdropped. 'Fuji-senpai is a sadist…'
It was already 6pm so everyone left with smiles and get-well-soons. When Momo finally left, Ryoma stayed to keep his sister company. Rio sensed that there was something wrong with her brother. "Ryoma, what's up?" She saw him clutch something tighter. She gasped as a tennis ball was thrown to her. "Wha…?" Ryoma frowned at her. "Tezuka-buchou wants a match in 2 days. I know I should be happy but for some reason, I feel all nervous." Rio tossed the tennis ball up and down, trying to come up a solution for her brother's feelings. "I…I can't think of anything, Ryoma. Sorry," Rio said as she passed the ball back to her brother. "It's ok but…can you come with me to the match? Just hide yourself from view." 'He's so dependant. Ryoma always wants help from me. He has to try and solve his problems on his own, even though we're sharing the burden of the problem.'
"I…I'll try…" Rio hesitantly said with a small smile. Karupin and Kurorin walked up to her with worried faces. They both snuggled up next to her, trying to comfort her. She smiled and caressed their fur. Ryoma gave a small smile and helped her with the cats. Rio's eyes wandered around until they landed on the gift Fuji gave her. She picked it up and opened it, giggling when she put the bow on Kurorin. The Himalayan meowed when she saw her person's smile. Rio patted her head and continued opening her gift. Her eyes widened when she what's inside. 'I'm gonna kill you, Fuji-senpai…'
Inside were two small picture frames. One of them was a picture of Rio, with her hair down, and Eiji in the café laughing about some joke and the other picture was of her hugging Ryoma from behind. "These were special moments…not blackmail material…" Rio groaned. Ryoma smirked. "Mada Mada Dane, nee-san," Rio glared at him. "Shut up, Oma-chan," Ryoma sweatdropped. 'Nice comeback…'
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"Ohayou, Rio-kun!"
"Welcome back, Rio-kun!"
"Hope you feel better."
As soon as Rio stepped in Seigaku, many students, from freshmen to seniors, greeted him. Her jaw hurt from smiling too much. When she opened her locker, she was buried under a pile of get-well cards and other things. The girls next to her started to squeal. "He's back~!" She heard chuckling and saw Momo helping her up. "Looks like you became popular just because you went missing two days ago." Rio fixed her cap and started to pick up all the gifts and cards on the floor. Momo started to help her with confusion on his face. "Why are you picking them all up?" He asked as he picked up a gift. "I don't like how people just ignore their fans. Even though they're annoying, it feels good to know that they at least know you not by your bad deeds but by your accomplishments and your looks; but the looks part would be annoying if they just like you for that." Momo started laughing. "You're one interesting fellow, you know that?"
'But I used to ignore things like these until the CJ incident happened. He ignored my letters too, that's why I decided to have a heart and read all the fan mail and accept all their gifts.'
During club activities, Ryoma was anxious. He kept on losing focus and Tezuka and Oishi could sense it. Rio hit a drive twist, shaking her brother from his thoughts. She shook her head and jumped over the net to her brother. "Look, I know you're anxious and nervous but GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME!!!!" She screamed while hitting her brother on the head. "Itai!" Ryoma exclaimed while clutching his hurt head. His sister frowned and sighed. "Ahh, I forfeit, he's not fun when he's not focused." She said as she lazily walked out the courts.
While Rio was riding on Eiji's shoulders, she saw her brother glance at Tezuka who was walking past him. She sighed and put her chin on Eiji's head. "You ok, Rio-chan?" Eiji asked looking at her. "I'm fine, don't worry." She smiled to calm Eiji down or else chaos will occur. Eiji carried her to his and Oishi's favorite spot: the green box at the park. "Oishi and me go way back," he said when he helped her up. "We met near here and became doubles partners here." Eiji smiled and stood up. "Whenever the Golden Pair loses a match, we always come here to be reminded why we became doubles partners and our goal before we graduate." Rio smiled and watched the setting sun with far eyes. 'I feel all guilty for lying to Kikumaru-senpai…' She looked at him and saw that he had a smile that reached his childish eyes. She started giggling. "What's wrong, Rio-chan?" Eiji said as he kneeled next to the giggling twin. "Nothing, senpai, it's just that Kikumaru-senpai had a cute smile," she said. Eiji's eyes widened.
Flashback – 7 years ago
"Midori(5)-chan, come on! We're gonna miss the sunset!" A 7-year-old Eiji yelled as a 5-year-old girl caught up to him. "Mou," she panted, "Ei-chan is too fast…" Eiji grinned and bent down low so that his back is leveled with the girl. "Ride on my back so we can watch the sunset!" The girl blushed and hopped on Eiji's back. He then ran while carrying her on his back. "This is good exercise!" He exclaimed as Midori smiled at him.
When they arrived at the cliff where they always watch the sunset, they were just in time for the main event. Eiji let Midori jumped off his back and watch the sunset next to him. She smiled and held her friend's hand like she's been doing ever since they started watching the sunset together. Eiji smiled at her, making her blush and giggle. "What's so funny, Midori-chan?"
"Nothing, it's just that Ei-chan always has a cute smile on his face!"
End of Flashback
'What the-? Why am I having flashbacks now?' Eiji stared at the now-calm Rio. Suddenly, an image of Ootori Kaede invaded his mind. He shook his head and Rio's figure came into the picture. He sighed and sat next to her. "What's wrong, Kikumaru-senpai?" Rio asked. "Oh, nothing, don't worry about it." He smiled, making Rio's worries disappear. A few minutes later, Rio's stomach growled along with Eiji's. They both blushed and started laughing. "Why don't we eat at my house? We're having sukiyaki for dinner tonight!" Eiji exclaimed as he jumped down from the box. Rio was about to jump down when he slipped and started falling head first. She braced for the impact but nothing came except for some loud groaning. She blushed when she realized that she fell on Eiji and quickly got off of him. "Are you ok, senpai?" She asked as Eiji sat up with his hand on his head. "Yea, I'm fine. I didn't realize you were that heavy, Rio-chan!" Rio blushed and glared at him. "I'm not that heavy! Maybe you're just tired from practice." Eiji grinned and chuckled. "I'm kidding, Rio-chan but do you want to have dinner at my house? I'll walk you home after dinner or have my brother or sister drive you home." Rio's eyes widened. "Just how many people are at your house?" She asked as they started walking to the Kikumaru house. "Um…my mom and dad, my grandma and grandpa, two older sisters, two older brothers, and me!" The female twin was shocked and silent as they walked.
Eiji started to fidget but calmed down when he saw the familiar door. He got his house keys and yelled, "Tadaima(6)!" A lady with brown hair and blue eyes walked up and smiled at him. "Okaerinasai(7), Eiji-chan." She then smiled at Rio. "Konbawa, anata dare desuka(8)?" Rio smiled and bowed. "Hajimemashite, Echizen Rio desu(9)." Eiji's mom smiled. "Ah! KAWAII!!!" She was about to glomp Rio when Eiji stepped in front of her view. "Ofukuro! You're gonna scare Rio." His mom sighed and bowed. "Gomen, watashi wa Kikumaru Mariko(10). You can call me oba-chan(11)!" Eiji blushed. "Ofukuro(12)!" Mariko waved his son off. "Gomen, I hope Eiji hasn't been a hassle to you or the club members." Rio shook her head. "Iie, don't worry, Kikumaru-senpai has been very active and nice to all of us." Eiji's mom smiled and led them all inside. "You're just in time for dinner, we have sukiyaki tonight!" Eiji smiled and dashed towards his seat. "Oi, oi, otoutou!" Rio looked behind her and saw 2 girls. "You have to take a shower first, you smell gross!" Eiji pouted. "Mou, it's dinner time and I have a guest." His sisters glared at him and was about to yell at him when 2 boys entered the room. "Aw just leave him be. It's not every day that Eiji brings friends from school." They both sat down and was about to eat when a man came in the room. "Oi, Kosuke, Yamato, you're being disrespectful." He turned to the girls and gave them a stern look. "And you girls, manners, this is Eiji's friend. We don't want him to think we're always like this." Eiji sweatdropped. "We ARE always like this…" He whispered to Rio's ear making her giggle.
When everyone was seated, they said their prayers and started eating. It was funny to see Eiji and his brothers fight for the last meat. She laughed when their father took the meat and ate it. "Oyaji!" The brothers whined. Their sisters giggled and smiled at Rio. "Don't worry, it's always like this whenever we have sukiyaki. By the way, I'm Haruko. I'm the oldest out of my siblings." Rio smiled. "And that's Sumie, she's four years older than Eiji." They smiled at her and gave her more of the food that was on the table. "Kosuke's two years older than Eiji and Yamato is six years older than Eiji. And I'm eight years older than my brother."
"Wow, such a big family…" Rio said as she looked around. "It must be very lively here." Haruko nodded. "There's always a ruckus here but it'll feel lonely when everyone's quiet." Rio smiled as she continued eating her food. When dinner was finished, Rio tried to take the dishes when Haruko and Sumie snatched them away from her. "No, no, you're a guest and possibly our future brother-in-law." Rio blushed. "Um, huh?" Sumie smirked. "You should see how Eiji looks at you. Ah, romantic!" The cross dresser blushed deeper. "Iie, Kikumaru-senpai doesn't like me like that…" Eiji suddenly appeared and dragged her away from his sisters.
"What did they say to you?" He asked when Rio flopped down on his bed. "Nothing, just asking if the food tasted ok." She looked around and was thinking about something. "Hey, where are you grandparents?" Eiji smiled at her. "It's their wedding anniversary and we got them a week-trip to Okinawa, the place where they got married." Rio smiled. "That's pretty nice of you guys. How long have they've been together?" The acrobatic was thinking with a pout on his face. The girl couldn't stop staring at him. She turned around when Eiji started to talk. "They've been together for 50 years now." Her eyes widened. "Wow!!! That's so cool!!!" Eiji nodded.
The two continued to talk until Rio fell asleep on Eiji's bed. Eiji smiled and called Oishi. "Ne, Oishi, do you know Ochibi's house number?" The fukubuchou gave him the number and hung up. Eiji then called the Echizen house. "Moshi moshi?" Eiji asked for Ryoma. He waited for a while and smiled when he heard the freshman regular. "Ne, this is Eiji. Your brother's staying at my house for the night is that ok?" On the other side of the line, Ryoma's eyes widened. "Why Kikumaru-senpai?" He heard chuckling. "Your brother fell asleep on my bed. Don't worry, just bring him a set of clothes tomorrow. Ja, mata ashita!" Eiji hung up, leaving Ryoma is a state of shock. He snapped out of it his dad flicked him on the forehead. "So, who was that?" Ryoma glared at him. "None of your business, oyaji." He walked to his mom and whispered what happened. "Oh no, that's not good…" Rinko said. "What if he finds out?" Ryoma groaned. "Stupid Rio…"
The next day, Rio didn't want to wake up. She felt safe, wherever she was. She clutched something tighter until she heard a flash going off. "Shh! I told you to turn off the flash!" Someone angrily whispered. "Well sorry!" Rio slowly opened her eyes only to see something unexpected.
WHEW!!! *wipes sweat off forehead* Ew...
Anyway, I finally updated!!! After 2 months of waiting, I have arrived once again!!!! ^^ Sorry, I kinda lost track at what to write...Anyway, Rio's dream or should I say dreamS (coming soon) will soon be explained.
Oh, translations!!!!
1: Urusai - shut up. (most should know this...)
2: otoutou - younger brother
3: 'Why do only bad things happen to Rio and me?' Ryoma thought as he followed his upperclassmen. 'Is it because we're twins(3)?- Well, there was an ancient superstition that twins were a bad omen. *shrugs* That's what I heard.
4: Minna, arigatou - thank you, everyone. (again, most should know this.)
5: Midori - in japan, green and in australia, it's an energy drink.....XD hahaha.
6: Tadaima - I'm home! / I'm back!
7: Okaerinasai - Welcome back.
8: Konbawa, anata dare desuka? - good evening, who are you?
9: Hajimemashite, Echizen Rio desu. - Nice to meet you, my name's Echizen Rio.
10: Gomen, watashi was Kikumaru Mariko. - Sorry, my name's Kikumaru Mariko (I have no idea what Eiji's mom's name or any of his family members....)
11: oba-chan - aunty
12: Ofukuro - mom
Well, I guess that's all of it. Seriously, some of them people should already know... Review please! ^^