A/N: Hey, minna-san. Sorry it's been so long since I last updated. This should be the next to the last chapter. Thanks for your support.
I do not own the Prince of Tennis.
Chapter 7
Knowing
She could picture everything. She could see everyone's reaction in her mind. Her grandmother would be calm and understanding. The regulars would have different expressions. And "that boy" he would have the worst face of all. Sakuno wondered what actions he would take. Would he stop pretending that he liked her? Would he try to talk to her? Sakuno also wondered how she would react to him. After Ryoma finally knows the truth would anything change, or just stay the same.
Do I want things to change? Sakuno thought.
"Ryuzaki!"
Sakuno panicked. She knew that voice. What she didn't know was if she should stop, or keep going? Sakuno looked at her best friend for help.
Tomoka turned to face Sakuno. "It's up to you, Sakuno. I'm going to the mall. You can come with me now or catch up with me later." Tomoka half smiled at Sakuno, then gave her a hug before walking away.
Tomo Sakuno thought. What would I do without you?
Ryoma had now caught up with Sakuno. Sakuno turned and stared at him. She didn't know where to go from here.
"Ryuzaki, please hear me out," Ryoma started. He couldn't believe he was this nervous. He took a breath. "You were not supposed to hear that conversation. I was just trying to get Horio off my back. I figured it couldn't hurt anything. I would never wish that on you. You have to believe me." Ryoma stopped. He didn't know where he was supposed to go from there. All he could was wait for her response.
Sakuno continued to look at Ryoma. She thought about what he said. It was time to decide her path. Sakuno reached into her bag for paper and a pencil.
I don't have to believe you. I did hear that conversation. You did say that stuff. And you did make that wish. Sakuno wrote.
Ryoma was shocked at her response. He thought she would be glad to hear that what he said wasn't true, that he didn't mean any of it. "Why are you acting like this? I told you I didn't mean it."
But you did say it. Nothing changes that fact.
Sakuno paused. She thought about all the things that have happened. She was in an accident, she lost her voice, and she had to go through all the pain. But she has also gained. She has made new friends, people who actually like her and hasn't even realized her inability to talk. Sakuno had become stronger. She looked at what she had last written. Nothing changes. Sakuno knew her path. She wrote down what she had decided, folded it up, and handed it to Ryoma.
Ryoma read the note. When he looked up to talk to Sakuno, she was gone.
The past can't be changed, but it can make one stronger. Good-bye, Ryoma. Do not approach me again.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sakuno walked up to the school. When she reached the door, she saw the regulars.
"Ohayo, Sakuno-chan!" Eiji called.
Sakuno replied with a wave and a smile.
"Sakuno, there you are!" Tomoka yelled as she ran up to the school. "Ah, sempai, how are you?"
"We're fine."
Sakuno and Tomoka glanced at each other.
"Umm, sempai, please don't tell anyone about Sakuno's condition."
"Of course we won't," Fuji said. "But Sakuno could you do us a favor?"
Sakuno nodded.
Momo continued, "Please forgive Echizen. He didn't mean it."
I know Sakuno mouthed. The bell rang so the students split up.
"I guess you didn't forgive him, did you?" Tomoka asked her best friend.
Sakuno reached into her pocket for the note she had prepared.
It read No. He never apologized.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Ryoma was hurt by Sakuno's decision. But he decided to tolerate it. About a month had past when he realized that he could bear with it no longer. He felt the worst had produced itself. He saw some guy flirting with his Sakuno. And what's worst, she was actually responding. Of course there were no words coming out of her mouth, but she showed confidence with the boy. She smiled and quietly laughed at the boy. Ryoma didn't know what to feel, so he just walked away.
