Hi! There. A lot of thank you's who are actually reading my story and bearing with me. I was supposed to watch AIR TV on my portable but I changed my mind and finished this chapter. So for my next installment, please enjoy! ^_^

Disclaimer: I Do not Own POT.


Chapter 9: Ryoma's Resolve

Chapter Summary: She was shocked and confused. He was furious inside while a rare feeling was obsessing him. He, trying to absorb everything was definitely solving nothing, but he will…

"Ryoma… kun…"

She slowly covered her mouth as she began realizing what was happening. She looked at Fuji and then to Ryoma. Both faces have different reactions. The tensai was confused but trying to catch with the situation. The young tennis prodigy was showing his same expression. He remained stationary from where he was standing.

She was trembling all over. She took a few steps backward. Fuji tried to reach her but stopped halfway. He saw pain all over her face. Seconds later, she ran away from the scene.

"Sakuno-cha-"

"Don't you dare..." Ryoma interrupted him. He saw him glared. It was like an accusing look. He didn't do anything. And so he was too. They just look at each other having the unusual aura that filled the area, untiil Ryoma started to run where Sakuno went. Fuji just looked at him run. He sighed big after that. He picked the teddy bear that Sakuno dropped. He stared at it for along time and then glared at the bushes across the street. The bushes moved on its own and creating large sweat drops.

"S-senpai can see us." Momo whispered.

"Y-yeah, he is in a bad mood." Kawamura was a bit nervous too.

"What are we going to do now, Inui?" Eiji asked the data analyzer.

Inui just fixed his eyeglasses and said nothing.

They can feel the strange eerie around him. He stared at them for a long time before leaving the place opposite to the two kouhai's direction without releasing the aura around him. The trailers sighed and felt a relief after Fuji left.

"T-that was close." Eiji said.

"Don't ask me to do this again." Kaidoh commanded. But no one listened to him.

"It was definitely a weird date they had," Momo said remembering all the flashbacks and felt a little sad afterwards. "…but ended up a sad one."

"What's going to happen now?" Eiji asked almost to himself feeling a bit upset as well.

"There's definitely a 90% that this is going to be a major problem." Inui stated.

Everyone chose to be silent afterwards. They started to leave the place. They were actually thinking the same thing; they leave the rest to the young kouhai.

xxx

She ran and she didn't know where to go. All she thinking was to get out of there. She closed her eyes firmly as she let her tears fell down. I am so pathetic. How can I be so coward? She thought. It was something that she couldn't handle and she doesn't know what she was feeling right now. She was almost jumped from her running when someone called her name:

"Ryuzaki!"

Her eyes widened when she recognized the voice. Ryoma was chasing her from behind. But she didn't stop. She ignored him and continued to run.

"Hey, wait!" He shouted just enough for her to hear.

"P-please… don't follow me… " She almost whispered her words. She didn't know if he can hear her.

"Ryuzaki! Wait!" he called once again.

Probably because of adrenaline rush that she could run faster than him, knowing the fact that he was actually run faster than her. He couldn't reach her although he was almost catching up to her.

"Hey!"

She turned around the corner. She really wanted to escape from him.

Ryoma snapped and a serious face appeared from him as he called her again:

"Sakuno!"

She stopped. She stopped on two reasons: One was the corner that she turned around was a dead end and two was when he called her by her first name. Ryoma was actually facing her back when he called her name. Her eyes widened on the realization. Her tears were still visible on her face.

They were both catching on their breaths as they ran for ages. He was still facing her back; he knew that she couldn't face him. Ryoma gain his composure first. He quickened his pace as he grabbed her right shoulder with his right hand that pulled her back to him while he wrapped his other arm to her. And then both of his arms were wrapped around her shoulders.

His actions surprised her. Her eyes were slowly widening as she was trying to familiarize the actual situation. She couldn't react. He didn't talk as well. They stayed like that for a while, until Sakuno broke the silence:

"W-why… are you… h-hugging me?" She asked without making a move. She was crying for a long time that she would never recognized if she was blushing.

Ryoma remained silent. He buried his face on the back of her neck. That made her gasped. She repeated her question again:

"W-why… Ryoma-kun… why…?"

Ryoma answered this time. "I don't know," He said as he tilted his head a little to her ear so that she could hear it. "I don't know." It sounded like a bit irritation but not in the offended tone. He was actually confused at that moment. Why is he holding the girl right now?

"T-then stop doing this," She said as she trying to struggle in his arms. "Don't let my hopes up."

Ryoma flinched a little when he heard her say that. She grabbed the chance while he was not paying attention. She unclamped his arms around her shoulders and distanced herself a few inches. He still was facing her back.

Silent was observed between them. It was awkward.

"He," She started. "F-fuji-kun is really nice. Y-you should know better because you have known him for a long time before I do." She was still crying but trying to hold back from bursting.

Ryoma kept silent. He just clenched both of his hands.

"I-I was surprised… on what he did. I was not expecting that—I was not ready. T-that's not how I dreamt my-" She couldn't finish her words in one try. She sobbed and couldn't control herself. "My first… kiss. N-not like that. But after all what happened, I just couldn't bring myself to hate him." She gasped as she began to crouch on the ground. "I am just sad and… upset." She burst out crying and she didn't care if Ryoma was watching her, not anymore.

Ryoma just stood there watching the girl crying. He thought everything through. He hated it, that 'scene'. He couldn't understand himself but he somewhat felt a slight pain in his chest when he saw him kissing this girl who was crouching in front of him. He couldn't understand himself why did he show himself in front of them like that after he witnessed that 'scene'. There were just things that he didn't like to see and do when it comes to this girl. He was certain of that… at last. After a sighed he made, he slowly walked towards her and helped her stand up. He held one of her arms but she didn't allow him to do so. The girl struggle when she said;

"P-please Ryoma-kun, don't do this. Leave me alone… and do me a favor, I beg of you." She said trying to compose herself.

Ryoma's short temper surfaced. He grabbed her arm again, turned her to face him and leaned her on the wall behind them.

Sakuno was shocked once again. She didn't know how she managed to stare at his eyes who were staring at her fiercingly. To her surprise, Ryoma rubbed her lips with his handkerchief that he got from his pocket that she didn't know when exactly he took it out. She closed her eyes firmly as she felt the harsh rubbing actions he was doing to her lips. She held that hand of his unconsciously.

"Done!" Ryoma retorted.

Sakuno was shocked. She felt another tear fall down her cheek. Ryoma talked again with the same rhythm of tone.

"If you don't like it, then don't let anyone kiss you anymore." He stared at her as he began to touch her lips with his index finger and played a little in that now smooth location. She was startled on his actions he was doing right now. Ryoma continued to talk when he noticed that she couldn't talk at that moment;

"Remember that there is also someone who doesn't like it," His eyes was a little enigmatic watery when he said that and he continued. "…Someone who doesn't like you kissing another." He slides his thumb finger to her lips before releasing them from his fingers. He released her completely and distanced himself a little further. He stared but said nothing to her.

She was quietly crying as she stared back at him. She was not actually staring at him, she was staring nowhere. Ryoma noticed that, he fixed his fila hat as he began to walk away from her. He left without saying any last word. She was left there stiffened. She couldn't adjust everything in order. A lot has happened and she was confused.

She started to walk once again. After long minutes of walk she somewhat reached someone's residence. It was not hers but she pushed the doorbell three times.

"Coming!" The person from the other side said. The person opened the door only to be surprised to see who the unexpected guest was.

"S-Sakuno-chan?" The person retorted, couldn't believe her eyes what was seeing.

Sakuno was not even looking at the person but she knew who the person was because of the voice. She hugged herself as she said the person's name;

"T-tomoka-chan… " She said as she leaned to her best friend.

"W-what happened to you?" Tomoka was surprisingly shocked that her best friend was looking restless and suddenly barged in to her unit.

"C-can I, can I stay the night with you… here… just for tonight." Sakuno said as she began to cry again… so quietly.

Tomoka felt sad on her best friend's condition. "O-of course, silly. You can stay here anytime you want." She hugged her back afterwards.

"T-thank you Tomoka-chan, really… " She said ruefully. She closed her eyes as she felt security in her best friend's hands.

xxx

"I called Ryuzaki-sensei. She said that you can stay the night here." Tomoka said to her afterwards. They were on the living room. Tomoka gave her a hot tea before calling her grandmother. She has calmed down a bit.

"Thank you Tomoka-chan." Sakuno implied. She looked around as she analyzes the look of the unit. "Uhm, where are your… family?" She couldn't help but ask.

"They'll be out until the day after tomorrow." Tomoka answered. She was rarely been left alone. She always takes care of her brother.

"I am sorry for the trouble." She said as she put her cup of tea on the table.

"What happened, Sakuno-chan? Tell me." Tomoka wondered.

Sakuno didn't say anything. She looked down, she felt that her tears were about to fall again.

"Is it Ryoma-sama?... or Fuji-sempai?... " Tomoka confirmed.

She reacted when she heard both of their names. She gripped both of her hands on her lap.

"Sakuno-chan… " Tomoka was losing her poise for her suspense.

She began crying again. "I-I don't want… to see… them for… a while." She finally said.

Tomoka was a bit shocked. She didn't imagine that she will see this side of hers. "I-I could understand Ryoma-sama's case but… why also Fuji-senpai?"

She couldn't bring the words to her. She just continued to cry. Tomoka sighed as a sign of defeat. She knew that she won't be able to talk to her if she was acting like that.

"Okay, I won't force you if you don't want to tell me. But I am here Sakuno-chan, if you need someone to talk to, just call me." She said as she patted her back.

Sakuno nodded. She felt secured when Tomoka did that to her. She was definitely a great help.

xxx

"You are not going to school today?" Tomoka asked her the next morning.

She was still lying on the bed. Tomoka was looking on her back when the girl asked her. "I-I am not ready to face them, Tomoka-chan. Please make an alibi to my grandmother that I can not make it today."

"Sakuno-chan… "

"I beg you Tomoka-chan, please." She turned a little sideways to her. "Just this once."

She sighed upon hearing that. "I can't turn you down now that you are acting like that. I'm just a little worried that's all."

She faced her completely. Tomoka went near her. "I am perfectly fine. Don't worry about me. I'll tell you everything when I am ready. I promise." Sakuno smiled at her best.

"Okay, if you say so. I'll go on ahead now. See you later." She said.

"Please don't tell them that I am here except Obaa-chan." She pleaded.

Tomoka was a bit worried but she nodded. Sakuno called her again and said 'thank you' to her. She smiled at her helpless best friend. She released another sigh before leaving the house.

xxx

The training was tensed. Everyone was having their worries. They learned that Sakuno didn't go home last night when Fuji asked their coach when they noticed that the girl was not there but been told by her not to worry because she was fine. They also learned that she didn't go to her class today. Tezuka and Oishi along with their coach, not to mention Tomoka and Trio were the only people who didn't know the real deal. Everyone in the court remained silent, even Eiji.

The girls rejoiced silently. They noticed Sakuno's sudden disappearance.

"Maybe she backed out without even trying." The girl with a short hair whispered to their leader with the long hair."

"That will be the case if she doesn't show up for the following days." The girl couldn't stop her smile that she's trying to hold.

"Victory is ours." They laughed wickedly. One of the girls flinched when they saw Ryoma staring at them accusingly. The others stop laughing as they lowered their faces. They walked in different positions afterwards thinking why the prince was staring at them like that. Even they admire him a lot they couldn't get the courage to talk to him at all.

Ryoma, on the other hand was thinking a lot of things. The truth was he couldn't sleep last night because of his previous actions that he did to her. He too couldn't believe himself that he did that. He was a bit upset when he didn't see her today and a bit pissed to learn the truth that she didn't go home last night.

Where is she? He thought. That girl was freaking make him worried. Is he starting to regret about leaving her last night? Regret? He will never regret anything. That's what he planted in his brain. He looked around as he was a bit shocked. He could see his senpais' stare asking like 'what did you do to her' question. Even Fuji was glaring at him, like he was the one who started the whole fuss and not his senpai.

?

That was a bit confusing but he stared at Fuji accusingly. The feeling was tensed again because of the auras they are both having.

Sumire clapped her hands three times:

"Enough with the weary faces! Don't worry about my granddaughter. You will all see her in a while it's not like she's leaving us for good. Now get your head in the game already!" Sumire ordered.

Everyone followed and they started to practice.

xxx

"Y-you are not going home?" Tomoka whispered on her phone. She was in an isolated corner of the school premises talking to Sakuno. She made sure that no one could hear her so she lowered her voice.

"A-am I bother to you, Tomo-chan. I leave-"

Tomoka interrupted. "No! You are not a bother. But are you sure?"

"Y-yeah please just one more night. I can't think straight right now. I need a piece of mind without seeing them." She said on the other line.

Tomoka signed. "Alright, please find a solution to your problem whatever it is. I hope you will tell me, that will be better Sakuno-chan."

"I will, don't worry. I am strong, remember?" Sakuno made a faint laugh after and they end their call.

She was not use of her being like that. Her best friend was really depressed and she's willing to help her, as in the HELP that she needed.

After Practice 8:30Pm:

Sumire finished the practice a thirty minute early. She held a meeting for the captain girl's team with their captains and vice captains. The regulars and non-regulars left as they were dismissed.

"Echizen"

He reacted a little when he heard him calling his name. He was about to leave when Fuji called him.

"Do you know where she is?"

He looked at his senpai. Nothing can be seen at his face. He was definitely, difficult to read. He looked away as he said his words:

"I won't tell you even if I knew."

Fuji chuckled a little and that didn't escape to Ryoma's ear.

"I knew you would say that." Fuji retorted. "You know, I didn't regret it."

He looked at him again and this time he stared with an accusing look.

"I was shocked at first but I didn't regret what I did." Fuji met his stare.

Ryoma didn't say anything. Instead he made turn and started to leave the place. He was not in the mood to talk to his senpai. He was being rude to his senpai again but he didn't mind at all. Fuji just sighed as he said his words:

"I won't do things that I will regret in the end."

Ryoma snapped that made him stopped for a while. Fuji smiled on his reaction. The young prodigy held his hat down and he smirked afterwards: "che" he whispered.

He left the tensai without knowing his reaction. He was thinking of going to that court. She will be probably there. He thought. He still believe that she will be there practicing her tennis. He's just exited the school when Tomoka approached him.

"Ryoma-sama, can I have a word with you?" She asked him with a little worry wearing on her face.

He looked at her but he didn't say anything. The girl was not sure what to say. He frowned a little. That was the first time he saw the girl's reaction. This is her loudmouthed best friend… acting so quiet and… shy— he shook his head in his mind and changed his last word. …weird.

"I don't know how to say this but… " She averted her eyes.

Ryoma kept staring at her. What is she saying?

"I don't know if I am going to… " Tomoka ruffled her hair. "I don't know how to start, argh"

"I'm leaving." He said shortly as he started to walk away. Tomoka panicked and she said her words hurriedly:

"—ah, Sakuno-chan is staying with us." Tomoka said as fast as she could and then covered her mouth right after.

Ryoma stopped from walking. He turned to face her again. "She's with you?"

Tomoka nodded. "Actually, I was planning to tell Fuji-senpai about this but I changed my mind. I don't know I just felt like I should tell you this first." She explained.

Ryoma remained silent and still with his expressionless face but he clenched his fists after hearing her words. He didn't think the possibility that she would stay to her best friend's unit. Ryoma reacted a little when she spoke again.

"I promised her that I won't tell anyone but I couldn't. Please convince her to go home. She's not a burden but I hate seeing her like that. I think that you are the only one who can do that." She said and she gave her address to him. She couldn't go home yet for she was assigned to clean up.

After hearing that, Ryoma smirked as he held his hat down again. He turned around and wave at her. "Thanks, Osaka."

Tomoka flinched. "It's Osakada to you!" She shouted as she stuck her tongue out. "…and thank you." She felt relieved after telling him those words. She will face Sakuno's complaining words sooner or later but it doesn't matter to her anymore.

xxx

She borrowed a dress from Tomoka that night. She picked the white dress that suit enough to sleep but it was not daring to her. "I think I should go buy milk for tonight." She said.

She looked at the mirror. "E, my hair is a mess. Probably of my sleep the whole day." She began untying her hair and combed it. She was looking at her hair and slowly touching them. "I guess… it is really long…" She was shocked when she said that. She was there to have a piece of mind and not to think of something… or someone. She put that aside and continued combing her hair. She was about to braid them again when someone rang the doorbell. She flinched when she heard that.

"Tomoka-chan?" She wondered. Why would she ring her own doorbell? She thought as she started to stand up and reached the door. Only to wear a big shocked on her face to see who was on the other side of the door.

"R-ryoma… kun" That was all she could utter.

Ryoma on the other hand was surprised to see her appearance. Her hair was not braided but it was loosen at her back. It suited her pairing with the dress that she was wearing. He wondered what it feels like to touch her hair like that. He reacted after. What was he thinking? He cursed himself after thinking something like that. He came to his senses and looked at Sakuno.

"Are you running away?" He said regaining his expressionless face.

Sakuno gripped the doorknob as if she wanted to close it immediately. She couldn't say anything. She looked down. Ryoma saw that. He accepted her silence as a yes. That pissed him. He suddenly grabbed her wrist and leaded her outside.

"R-ryoma-kun, w-what are you—let me go please," Sakuno tried to struggle but Ryoma didn't say anything. "I won't go with you. S-stop it!"

"Don't make a fuss or you'll wake up the neighbors." Ryoma retorted still dragging Sakuno along.

They walked for a couple of minutes. She thought that he would take her home but they walked on a different location.

"W-where are we going?" She asked.

"Tennis court." Ryoma replied shortly. "Let's practice."

Her eyes widened. She didn't want to, especially with this person or anyone in the club. She wanted to forget everything… and she knew how to do it. She took the courage to pull her hand that he was holding.

Ryoma wondered on her action. He looked at her. "What's your problem?" He said irritatingly.

Sakuno lowered her head as she said her words. "I am quitting… "

"What?" Ryoma couldn't believe her words.

"I am quitting tennis! I won't play the game. I won't be a bother to anyone anymore." She shut her eyes firmly.

Ryoma remained silent but his eyes were glaring at the girl even though she doesn't it. He should be leaving her in that place right away when he heard that. He didn't like a person who would give up halfway. But for some reason, he couldn't leave this girl who was almost crying… again. Blurting her words in front of him like that. Everything changed and he was sure of that. In a flash of seconds, he grabbed her wrist once again and forced her to walk further. The girl was trying to struggle but he was stronger. They reached the court. He let go of her hand and walked inside. Sakuno just watched her on his actions. He put his bag on the bench and took off his racket. He pointed his racket to her and said:

"Beat me on a match… " Ryoma dared her.

Sakuno was shocked on his command. He was challenging her on a match. That was impossible.

"If you beat me then I will concede your words of giving up." Ryoma said keeping his stoic face.

She stood there without saying anything, staring on the young prodigy and his challenge. The wind was blowing hard but it doesn't care. Her hair was not braided but she appeared a young damsel in distress in front of him. He will provoke the little girl to his little resolve.


Done! Hey, Am I meeting your expectations? Is my chapter long? Tell me and I will try to adjust, actually I was making the most of it, every chapter that is.

Ryoma just challenged her on a duel. What now? A lot of revelations will come in the next chapter and the competition will soon be approaching. Stay tuned!

Please review. I really need it. Motivate me to continue. Thank you very much. ^_^

Next chapter: Kasukana Kibou (A Faint Hope)