Another chapter! I was so on the roll with the stories right now and i almost finishes it. But still, i'll be updating the chapter one by one at a time...Patience everyone! To Guest-san who noted the cafe name. Thank you very much...well...yeah i do used the google translater for that haha...since i'll be taking Japanesse as my third language ha ha ha ha ha ...since English is my second ^-^ . Enough with my babbling...let's just continue with the story!And so, I wanna give my thanks to all that read this story and liking, favouriting,reviewing and visiting this story and me. As for the reviews...I really am happy reading them and i wanna give my gratitude to all that reviews this story. And so THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for everyone's support! Enjoy minna~

One-shot: Prince of Tennis.

For me to say "I love you"

Part 8 – 'Truth'

The seigaku members and the Hyotei members filled the room, Atobe was clutching his hand together with Ryoma tightly. Ryoga was sitting right beside them with a serious face. The room was quite gloomy and Ryoma keep on fidgeting.

"So…Echizen, it's been a while since we last met. How are you doing?" Asked Tezuka.

"Well…fine…I guess…"

"We kinda meet you at the café earlier but well…seem like you were busy talking and you just suddenly leave, we don't really have the opportunity to talk with you." Said Fuji.

"Ah…umm…"

"You…grew your hair huh, Echizen?" Asked Momoshiro suddenly.

"Ah…yeah…I…didn't really have the time to cut it so…but I like it long…I guess…" Ryoma answered while looking down.

"You look feminine with it though." Momoshiro added.

"Heard that a lot." Ryoma added and started to pout.

"You lost quite a weight, Echizen. Did you get the nutrition you need?" Asked Inui.

"Ah…well…that…I am eating fine."

It was quite hard to keep up the conversation since Ryoma would answer it short and it soon turn into an awkward situation for all of them. Atobe started to nudge Ryoga's arm trying to ask for some kind of help from him but even Ryoga don't know what to do in that kind of situation which lead to a silent war inside the room until suddenly Ryoma hold Atobe's hand tightly and breathe in and out, trying to calm his nerve.

"I'm dying." Was what Ryoma said.

"…" Ryoga and Atobe went speechless at Ryoma's declaration and quickly look at the others face.

Fuji was totally shocked and the same goes for the others. Fuji was thinking that Ryoma's disappearance might have something to do with an injury or illness but he didn't think that it is a chronic and lethal disease. Oishi can't help but panicked at Ryoma's word and stand up abruptly with a shocked face. Momoshiro was speechless and freeze while Kikumaru started to cry silently. Kawamura was obviously shocked that he just stared at Ryoma trying to search for some kind of clue on what kind of disease that Ryoma might have. Inui had dropped his precious notebook on the floor and gape at Ryoma trying to analyse his condition. Tezuka went shock and it was clearly shown on his face just how shocking that news is to him that he lost his calm and collected composure.

Hyotei's member on the other hand keep on looking at Ryoma trying to figure whether his words were just some kind of bad joke that he made to keep them away from questioning him more. They were trying to search for some kind of proof that it might just be a joke when they saw Atobe's and Ryoga's expression which surprised them the most. Atobe's worried face and Ryoga's sad expression just reveal the truth behind Ryoma's words.

"Was it the reason that you had disappeared right after national two years ago, Echizen?" Asked Inui.

"Yes…it is."

"You…you are joking, right? It can't be true, it just can't…" Said Momoshiro.

"Does it look like a joke to you, Momoshiro ahn?" Asked Atobe with such a serious face.

"Keigo…" Ryoma tried to calm his nerve.

"Since when did you guys are in a friendly term with each other?" Asked Oshitari.

"Why would you care about Ore-sama's business, ahn?" Asked Atobe.

"Since you skipped school." Said Shishido.

"About Ryoma, what do you guys want to know?" Asked Ryoga after sighing loudly which caught all of their intention to him.

Ryoma only look at his older brother to notice that Ryoga is actually trying to help him to explain his situation to all of them since he might have a hard time explaining about things especially about his own condition. Ryoma keep on clutching onto Atobe's cloth. Atobe could feel Ryoma's uneasiness and started to hug him without even caring about the situation and the place that they were in. Ryoga sigh again.

"Don't be so lovey dovey in here." Ryoga said which made both Atone and Ryoma to blush.

"What?" Asked Atobe.

"About Echizen…"Asked Kawamura.

"Ahh…yes, Ryoma…well…"

After the National Tournament a year ago.

"I am fine, Oyaji…kaasan…" Protest Ryoma.

"Are you sure? You even have amnesia because of that fall…just for safety okay, Ryoma?" Asked Rinko.

"Fine…"

Suddenly a loud knock was heard at the front door. The Echizen household was surprised of it because it was already late at night. Who could it be that came knocking on someone's house this late. Nanjiroh went to see who that person is only to smile broadly as he opened the door.

"Rinko! Ryoma! Looks who's here!" Shouted Nanjiroh happily.

Rinko and Ryoma hurriedly to the door to see the visitor only to see Ryoga who was long lost. Rinko was crying and went to hug Ryoga which made that young man to blush and flustered. Ryoma would just smile as he does not remember that young man. His memories are still hasn't fully recovered.

"Yo Chibisuke!" Shouted Ryoga happily and came to give him a big hug.

"I…I'm sorry…but I don't remember who you are." Said Ryoma.

"Ehh?"Ryoga was shocked to hear that. "O…O-Oyaji?"

"Ahh…you see…this brat here had amnesia…well…he kinda forgot about things…" Explain Nanjiroh.

"Ehh?! How…but…you…don't remember your older brother?" Ryoga asked.

"Maa, maa…Ryoga…don't worry, he'll remember it soon. For now, both of you need to rest! Tomorrow we're going to the Hospital." Said Rinko.

"O-Okay…" Said Ryoga. "Then…I'll be sleeping with Ryoma…" He added.

"Ehh? Why?" Asked Ryoma who was clearly not liking the idea at all.

"I could tell you stories about when we're kids…it might help you to remember." Ryoga said happily while smiling broadly.

"Just don't sleep too late, alright boys." Said Rinko who was clearly happy that both her family is finally completed.

That night, both Ryoma and Ryoga were talking till dusk. Ryoga's stories actually helped Ryoma to remember bits and pieces of his lost memories about his childhood. Both of them clearly talks happily and Ryoma's mood was better and he actually smile while talking to Ryoga which it never happens before. It was such a happy day.

Rinko came to wake both of them for breakfast when she realise that they never did get a sleep that night as both were wide awake when she came. Rinko sigh only to receive smiles from Ryoga and Ryoma trying to beg for her apologies. She just accepted it as she was actually quite happy that her family is becoming closer than before. Nanjiroh was waiting for both of them for breakfast without reading his usual 'magazine' but actually reading a newspaper.

Nanako was helping in the kitchen and she was humming happily that morning. The house was filled with laughter that morning. It was such a good day for the Echizen family. Soon after breakfast the four of them went to the Hospital while Nanako had to go to her college for the day. The ride to the hospital was pleasant and happy. It was then when they arrived at the Hospital that everything had turn into a nightmare.

"Parts of his brain are damaged and it might will continue to do so." Said Dr. Munazawa.

"What do you mean by that?" Asked Nanjiroh.

"Well…it…actually seems like a cancer but different. I mean cancer is where there are blood cloth inside the brain structure and the tissue could be removed by surgery but in your son's case the brain tissue itself are starting to die and we don't even know the reason behind it." Explain Dr. Munazawa.

"Can…can you cure it? Fi-find a way to maintain it or…or…something! There must be something!" Shouted Nanjiroh who had started to lose his temper.

"We will try Echizen-san, but the equipment in our Hospital is not enough. If you want I would recommend a Hospital in America that might could help with you son's condition."

"That will do, I'll do anything to help him." Said Nanjiroh.

The whole day passes by fast for the family. Ryoma was informed by the doctor about his condition. The doctor advised him to stop playing sport because it would actually faster the rate of the damaged that would affect his brain tissue. In his word, stop playing tennis. He was informed that his health would be affected as well. Everything that was told by the doctor seems to be some kind of an alien speech to him. His silent cries were accompanied by hugs and tears from his family members. Ryoga was too shocked to say anything that he just stood there by his side, touching Ryoma's shoulder as if he was trying to give him his support altogether.

That night, they had packed all of their stuff and belonging and took the first and earliest flight that lead them to America. Without even saying any goodbyes and words of gratitude or advice to any of his friends actually help Ryoma from breaking down. Ryoga was by his side, all the time. Encourage him, talking to him and helping him. Having the illness actually had tighten their brotherhood bond, their family bond altogether and it actually calm Ryoma. Knowing that his family is by his side, knowing that he is not alone trying to fight his illness.

….

"Even if I'm cured…I can no longer play tennis like I used to…"

Ryoma's words keep on playing on Tezuka's mind for a while now. Tezuka was sighing for a few times already which makes Fuji began to ponder on what he was sighing for. Fuji walks closer to Tezuka who was sitting in front of the table crossing both his arm in front of his chest.

"What are you sighing for?" Asked Fuji.

"He got talent and a great future ahead…"

"At least he's alive and breathing." Answered Fuji with a smile.

"It was my fault…I told him to become the Seigaku Pillar…and it destroyed him like it did to my arm." Tezuka answered filled with guilt.

"It was no one's fault Tezuka…It's fate."

"Fate." Tezuka paused for a while. "No…it never was fate…my arm become injured because of my stubbornness."

"And Echizen is because of his stubbornness…he never say that it was all your fault, Tezuka." Fuji said.

"But…"

"No more of that…let's just enjoy ourselves…we finally could meet Echizen. It is enough."

"…" Tezuka was silent for a moment. "Yeah, you're right, Fuji."

Ryoma was outside in the garden again. He was watching the cherry blossoms again. The moon was on the night sky, and the wind was blowing gently as the petals of the cherry blossoms were scattered on the ground. The view was very beautiful. Ryoma was smiling happily and he started to hum a song that he made when he was staying in the Hospital in America. How nostalgic. Soon, Ryoma started to sing while watching the flowers at night under the moonlight.

"Walking pass the lane, meeting a stranger up ahead…

Everything is white and blue, whenever I see…

I wish that it would end, by the time the clock stop ticking…

Only to be left with another day of mundane…

I hope and I wish,

For a hope that never exist,

I hope and I wish,

For my love to be reached…

Walking down the road, watching people passes by…

Realizing how big world is, just how small I am…

Sadness, happiness nothing is matter …

I could no longer be who I was, just because destiny came for me…

I walked away from everything and now I am left here hurting…

I left my past behind for a future that won't be there…

I left my soul and now this body would disappear…

Again and again I kept on wishing, for there to be a hope…

I hope and I wish,

For a hope that never exist,

I hope and I wish,

For my love to be reached…

I hope and I wish,

For there is time,

I hope and I wish,

For I could say the words of love…

Just wishing is not enough,

Just hoping is not a way,

Wishing for there would be a time,

For me to actually say…I'm in love with you…"

Tears were falling, wetting his face. As his voice cut through the night, a smile was curved on his lips. For a wish to come true, how incredible and magical it is. Atobe was listening and looking at him all the time and he did not even noticed it. A smile was curved on Atobe's face, thinking that Ryoma was thinking about him all the time, knowing that Ryoma was in love with him for such a long time, before they finally express their love to each other. Atobe come out from his hiding place and hugged Ryoma from behind.

"That song is for me?" Atobe asked.

"Wha..Keigo…" Ryoma become flustered that Atobe heard him singing.

"You have the most beautiful voice…I love it."

"Hmmm….'Wishful wish'…" Ryoma said while blushing red.

"What?"

"The …title…"

"Hmmm…it's a great song…you made them, right?"

"Hmm…yeah…Kevin taught me how to play the guitar and…the music score and such…Ryoga too…" Ryoma said as he kept on blushing beneath Atobe's arm.

"Is that so…Thank you, Ryoma…and I love you." Atobe said.

"Hmm…I-I love you too, Keigo…I really do…"

To be continue...