Chapter Ten
Sakuno made a rapid recovery.
Hardly surprising, considering that Ryoma had the best medical service in Japan for her. Also, since she wanted to leave Ryoma's place as soon as possible, the only way was to get better. After all, Ryoma's excuse for keeping her was that she was ill. If she recovered, then there was no reason for her not to go home.
Nevertheless, Sakuno had to appreciate her temporary ward. A patient couldn't have asked for a better environment. The guest room was a bower of luxury itself, with the adequate heating and fine furniture. Upon the doctor's advice that she be well-fed, Ryoma ordered a vast supply of vegetables and meat and fruit, plus hiring a temporary housekeeper, on the recommendation of his agent. Matt had said that he was incapable of looking after a sick person, when he couldn't even take care of his own diet.
Sakuno was embarrassed by the assistance she received, but she accepted it reluctantly, as the sooner she recovered, the sooner she could leave.
Because I don't want to trouble Ryoma-kun, Sakuno told herself firmly. He has done enough for me. He doesn't need a sick, helpless, pathetic person in his apartment.
Yet deep down inside, she knew that this was only a partial reason.
Every time he strode into her room, with that steadfast look in his eyes, it seemed much harder to breathe.
And when he asked, "How're you feeling?" in that deep, masculine voice, she would stutter, like the flow of time had overturned, and she became the timd, shy little girl whose crush on Echizen Ryoma was so painfully obvious that everyone knew except him.
It was stupid of her, really. He hadn't done anything scandalous. Of course, it was kind of improper for her to be staying at his place, but the doctor had advised that she best not be moved. A cold may not seem fatal, but there are people who died from a cold gone worse.
And Ryoma never came near. He maintained a reasonable distance between them when he talked, and he didn't even talk much.
He didn't need to.
It was enough to disturb Sakuno's equilibrium.
And so, she must go.
Even if she didn't really want to.
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One night, just after the nurse brought her dinner, Sakuno's cell phone began ringing.
"Hello? Syusuke!"
"Sakuno-chan." Fuji's voice was warm and pleasant. "Are you all right? Your voice sounds a little hoarse."
"Oh--just a little cold. Don't worry." She was almost well by now. "How are you? Are you having a good time?"
"Definitely. The weather is much better here, and everything is so relaxing. Wish that you could be here too."
Sakuno blushed. "Uh--right. Me too."
"So what are you doing for Christmas?"
"Eh?" To tell the truth, she had completely forgotten about it, so busy she was.
"Don't tell me you're going to spend the day with another man?"
His voice was teasing, but Sakuno cringed. What would he say if he knew she was in Ryoma's apartment right now?
"I haven't made any plans." Sakuno said, trying to stay calm. "I--I've been busy. And I'm sure Tomo-chan and Ann want to spend Christmas with their boyfriends. So I guess it'll be just Ryo-chan and me."
"I see." Fuji sounded amused. "Ah--I have to go now, nee-san is calling."
"Okay. Enjoy the rest of your trip!"
"Bye, Sakuno-chan. I love you."
Sakuno went scarlet at his last sentence. It was the first time he said those three words on a phone.
"Lo--love you too, Syusuke." she tried to say as naturally as possible, and clicked off the phone quickly.
Staring at the wall, Sakuno felt utterly wretched.
She must leave this place.
As soon as possible.
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On the day the doctor proclaimed her as fit as a bell, Sakuno immediately started packing. It didn't take long; Tomoka had brought some clothes, but Ryoma had provided most things necessary, so there were very few things that she actually had to take along.
She looked around the guest room. It was the first time she was pampered in such luxury, and perhaps the last time as well?
Sakuno gave herself a mental shake. She would NOT miss this place. Especially not the low sofa where Ryoma used to perch...
Baka Sakuno.
After making sure she had taken all her stuff, Sakuno went out. When she passed Ryoma's door, she wondered if he were inside. She should thank him. No matter what, he had done A LOT for her.
First, he saved the orphanage. Second, he provided excellent medical care for her. Third, he found her a new place to live.
Anything more, and she'd have to kneel down and hail him her benefactor.
She raised her hand to knock, but before she could do so, the door opened.
Mrs. Tanaka, the nurse, emerged from the room, plump and rosy and smiling. In one hand she carried a broom, in the other, a plastic bag full of empty Ponta cans.
"Are you all right, my dear?" Mrs. Tanaka said quickly. "Anything you need?"
"No, I'm fine. Is Ryoma-kun in?"
"He left an hour ago, to prepare for some interview at an orphanage." Mrs. Tanaka said.
Sakuno was somewhat relieved to hear that. She didn't feel like saying goodbye to Ryoma, not now anyway.
"The doctor told me I'm fully recovered, so I must be going home now."
"You're going?" Mrs. Tanaka said, surprised. "So soon, my dear. Are you sure you don't need more rest?"
"I'm fine." Sakuno smiled. "Thank you for all the care you've given me these days."
Mrs. Tanaka was real sorry to see Sakuno leave, though she expressed her gladness at seeing her fully recovered.
"Since you're well now, I guess I won't be here long either." she said. "Though I wonder who will take care of this young man here. I know his career is important, but couldn't he take a break sometime? He needs someone to see to his meals at least. Make bentos or something. Ponta isn't the only beverage on Earth, you know?"
Sakuno remembered the time when she shared her bento with Ryoma. Her heart skipped a beat at the memory.
But all she said was, "When Ryoma-kun comes back, please let him know that I've gone home, and tell him that I'm really grateful for what he has done."
"I sure will." Mrs. Tanaka smiled. "Even if he leads a hectic life, I can see that he is extremely concerned about you. Don't let this chance slip by, my dear."
She winked, and Sakuno felt heat rise in her face. Karupin junior, who happened to pad by, stopped at her feet and rubbed his face against her ankles, as though seconding Mrs. Tanaka's words.
For the umpteenth time, her mind screamed for her to leave.
Sakuno fled.
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Sakuno was welcomed home by open arms. Although it seemed like stepping into another world, after being totally pampered at Ryoma's place, she felt much more at ease.
Ann made a large, steaming pot of Russian cabbage soup, and Tomoka baked her favourite cookies. Ryo-chan leaped into her lap once she sat down, and purred contentedly.
"Here's to Sakuno's full recovery!" Ann said, raising her glass.
"It must be hard to adjust to our humble dwelling, after living at Ryoma-sama's place." Tomoka said teasingly.
Sakuno flushed, which did not escape Ann's eye. However, she did not say anything that might embarrass Sakuno further.
"So what do you plan to do tomorrow, Sakuno?"
"Tomorrow?"
"Yes! Don't tell us you've forgotten it's Christmas tomorrow!" Tomoka exclaimed.
"I didn't." Sakuno remembered Fuji's call.
"Well, if you don't have any plans, Momoshiro and I are going to a party. You're welcome to join us." Ann said.
"Or you can come with me and Suzuki!" Tomoka said. "Don't worry; we'll definitely make sure you have a good time!"
Sakuno smiled and shook her head. As she expected, her friends were going out with their boyfriends. Christmas should be a perfect romantic experience for couples. It wouldn't do if she were to butt in.
"Thank you, but I'm fine," she said, and picked up Ryo-chan. "Someone should stay behind and keep Ryo-chan company, anyway."
"But Sakuno..." Tomoka began.
"I insist." Sakuno said firmly. "Really, I don't mind being alone."
Tomoka wanted to argue further, but Ann stopped her. It might not be a bad idea, as Sakuno had just recovered from a fever. She should rest as much as she could.
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Still, when the next day arrived, Sakuno couldn't hope feeling a little down as she saw Ann and Tomoka out the door, both of them dressed to the nines.
"Are you sure you don't want to come with us?" Tomoka said anxiously.
"I'm sure." Sakuno smiled.
In the living room, Sakuno turned on the heater, got some blankets from her room, and proceeded to watch a movie with a cup of steaming hot chocolate.
I'm fine, she thought. It's so nice and cozy inside, just me and Ryo-chan.
The movie was a romantic comedy, recommended heartily by Tomoka. Sakuno laughed several times, but in the end, when everyone "lived happily ever after," a mixed feeling of sadness and helplessness engulfed her.
Everything works out so neatly in the movie.
So different from real life.
A tear leaked from her eye, and cruised down her cheek.
Why was she being so stupid? True, she may have endured some hardships before, but everything was solved now! She had found a new place to live in, a new flatmate who'd help her with her English, a boyfriend who treated her like a princess, and probably with some more hard work and luck, Julliard would no longer be a fantasy.
What more could she ask for?
You should be ashamed of yourself, she told herself. Look at the poor orphans who'd be grateful to have a roof over their heads.
Sakuno wiped her cheek fiercely with a swipe of her hand.
At that moment, Ryo-chan started meowing. He always did that when he was hungry.
Sakuno realized it was lunchtime. Her own stomach was growling as well.
"Okay, Ryo-chan. Let's go get something to eat."
However, when Sakuno took out the bag of cat treats, she discovered it was almost empty. There was hardly enough for a full saucer.
I have to get more supplies, or Ryo-chan won't have any dinner tonight.
Pulling on her coat and scarf, Sakuno went out.
The icy wind blew against her head, and she chided herself for not bringing a hat.
The streets were lined with trees laden with colourful light bulbs which twinkled and winked, giving a truly festive air. The sidewalk was crowded with people laughing and talking, mostly families and couples and groups of friends.
Even though Sakuno had insisted that her friends go out without her, she couldn't help feeling a little lonely, especially when she appeared to be the only one walking alone on the street.
Some people glanced at her with pitying looks, as though they felt sorry for her--a girl who has no friends or family to spend Christmas with.
It wasn't like that! Sakuno wanted to scream at them. It was her own choice--she could have gone out with Tomoka or Ann, and were not Fuji in Hawaii, it was likely they would've been together.
Sakuno quickened her pace.
"Sakuno?"
To her surprise, Tae and Tsubame were standing behind her.
"Tae? Tsubame-chan?"
"Oh Sakuno, how are you?" Tae said. "I haven't a chance to thank you for convincing Echizen Ryoma--Ann told me you fell ill."
"Yes, but I'm well now." Sakuno glanced at their shopping bags. "What are you doing here, Tae?"
"Getting some baking materials." Tae said. "We're having a feast for Christmas at the orphanage! Now that Echizen Ryoma has made some renovations--including the kitchen--we have to make the best of it, especially on the holidays!"
"That sounds great." Sakuno smiled.
"And what are you doing, Sakuno? Who're you going out with for Christmas?"
When Tae learned that Sakuno was staying home, alone, she immediately insisted that Sakuno come along with them.
Sakuno tried to protest, saying that she didn't mind, but Tae remained obstinate.
"Unthinkable!" Tae declared. "No one should be lonely on Christmas day! Especially not a nice girl like you! And I heard your baking skills are exceptional, so don't deprive us the chance to sample your cooking!"
"Tae..."
"Please, Sakuno nee-san," Tsubame spoke up shyly.
Under the influence of Tae's indignant expression and Tsubame's sweet, hopeful face, Sakuno gave in. Plus, she did feel rather lonely walking down the street.
After going home, depositing her purchases, having a quick lunch, and making sure that Ryo-chan had a full saucer of milk and cat-treats, Sakuno headed to the orphanage.
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A gust of wind blew over her, and she shivered. With a sigh, Sakuno entered the orphanage. Inside, she noted the run-down furniture and cracked walls. So this is how it was, to be living at a place in danger of closing down.
However, when she reached the communal area, where the children ran about and played, she found that the tables and chairs were new, and the walls have been repainted. Ryoma's doings, possibly.
Moreover, a huge Christmas tree had been erected in the centre. Colourful lights gleamed from the branches, as well as golden balls, tinsel, and other ornaments.
"Sakuno!" Tae, wearing an apron and holding a measuring spoon, suddenly appeared. "Over here!"
Tsubame was beside her, smiling.
For the moment, Sakuno forgot all her worries about seeing Ryoma, and hurried over to her friends.
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Sakuno had a better time than she expected.
Cooking was something she loved and excelled in, though only as a hobby. Teaching the kids how to bake cookies was fun, especially when she saw their excited faces and listened to their eager voices.
Yahiko, Tsubame's friend, was having a quarrel with another child, Yutaro.
"It's my turn to stir now! You had your turn breaking the eggs!"
"Aw...shut up, Yahiko-chan! You'd mess up the mix so badly that no one can eat it!"
"Don't call me Yahiko-chan!"
Tae settled the conflict, by telling the two hot-headed kids to take turns, while Tsubame giggled.
A little girl tugged on Sakuno's sleeve.
"Sakuno nee-san, what is a cookie?"
"Eh? You have never tasted a cookie before?"
The little girl, who looked to be around Yuzuyu's age but much thinner, shook her head.
"You poor thing." Sakuno patted her head. "Do you know what chocolate is, Ayame-chan?"
Ayame tilted her head and thought hard.
"Un! My sister once got a piece from a stranger. It is so delicious!"
Sakuno smiled. She reached for a jar of chocolate chips, and let Ayame have some. When Yahiko and Yutaro finished stirring the cookie mix, Sakuno showed Ayame and the rest of the kids how to mold the dough into various shapes and of course, roll in the chocolate chips.
Soon the cookie dough was used up. Sakuno and Tae put the baking trays in the oven, and set the heat and time.
"When will the cookies be ready?" a kid whined.
"In a moment, dear." Tae said. She glanced at the window. "Why don't you all go outside and play? The snowing has stopped; you can have a grand time making snowmen and snowballs! And we'll call you in once the cookies are ready, fresh and hot from the oven!"
Tae's suggestion was greeted with shouts of glee. Within seconds, the kids dashed outside, without bothering to wash off the flour on their hands and faces.
Sakuno, who had become quite popular among the children, was dragged along as well.
"Just go, Sakuno," Tae laughed. "I'll take care of the kitchen, it won't take long."
At first, Sakuno stayed with Ayame and some of the little girls. They made several chubby snowmen with stones for eyes and twigs for arms. Sakuno taught them how to play Tic-Tac-Toe, using a branch to draw on the ground.
Then Yahiko and the bigger kids wanted a game of snowball fighting.
Sakuno, who hadn't had a snowball fight for years, joined without hesitation. It reminded her of her childhood, at her parents' house. Both of her parents had passed away, leaving her in the care of her grandmother. To this day, Sakuno was eager to do anything to remember the times when they were still alive.
Plus, Yahiko was excellent at taunting people.
"Come get me, ugly hag!" Yahiko stuck out his tongue at her, and ran off.
"You asked for it!"
Sakuno made a huge snowball and threw it towards Yahiko. Her aim was poor; Sakuno's coordination was never good, except where the piano was concerned.
Yahiko easily dodged the flying attack, and made a dreadful face. "Ha! I just knew you can't hit me in a thousa--"
Thunk.
Uh-oh.
Time seemed to have froze for a moment, as Sakuno and the children beheld Echizen Ryoma standing behind them, a splattered snowball on his face.
"Ryo--Ryoma-kun?"
Calmly, Ryoma wiped the wet snow from his face.
"Tae said the cookies are ready." he announced, as though nothing happened.
"Yay!"
At the sound of cookies, the children rushed inside, whooping in delight. Which left both of them standing outside together.
"Er--" Part of her wanted to stay, but the other--the rational part--told her to run. "--I'm sorry. I didn't realize you are coming today."
Sakuno made a little bow, and turned around to leave.
"Baka."
She paused in surprise. Baka?
"I told you I scheduled my interview around Christmas."
"I know, but--"
Sure, he told her he'd come around Christmas, but she never dreamed that he'd choose Christmas day, the day he should be with his friends or family, to visit the orphanage.
"So why are you here?"
Sakuno nodded. She gave an account of her running into Tae and Tsubame, as though trying to prove that she didn't come to see him, that she wasn't throwing herself in his way on purpose.
Ryoma, however, did not seem much interested. He was gazing at her intently--the earnest, steadfast gaze that always unsettled her--and Sakuno, becoming aware of his staring at her, blushed and stuttered. She looked so pretty in the snow, her eyes bright and sparkling, and her cheeks bathed in a rose-pink hue.
This girl must have bewitched him. As cliche as it sounds, he had never felt the same way for anyone before. When she left his apartment, he had come to realize how badly he needed her. He wanted her with him--to brighten the days with her smile, to taste her cooking, to share all his troubles and joys with her.
He opened his mouth, to speak of something that he wouldn't use between mere friends--
--when a woman emerged from the building, carrying a camera.
"Ryoma-sama!" she called. "Please get ready; the interview starts in twenty minutes!"
The way she said "Ryoma-sama" sounded a bell in Sakuno's head.
"Shiba-san!" she exclaimed without thinking.
"Eh?" The woman looked around, and fixed an inquiring gaze on Sakuno. "Who are you? How do you know my name?"
Sakuno gave her name, and the woman gasped.
"Ryuzaki Sumire's granddaughter! Oh my god, you have grown so much, I didn't recognize you!"
"It has been eight years." Sakuno said, smiling.
"Eight years!" Shiba repeated. "God, that makes me feel so old!"
They chatted for a while, until Shiba exclaimed that she must go.
Sakuno looked around, and saw that Ryoma had gone.
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That night was one Sakuno would never forget.
Shiba did a wonderful interview. There were Christmas presents for the kids, as Ryoma had seen to it, and it brought tears to her eyes when she saw the scrawny kids hug their new teddy bears or dolls, whatever they received.
Moreover, when Ryoma presented the new owner with a cheque worth of 1 million yen, some of the staff started crying. The children needn't be turned out into the streets now.
When she finally had to go home, Tae clutched her arm and whispered, "Thank you, Sakuno, for what you have done! God bless you, my dear."
Outside, snow was falling thick and fast. It was much colder now. Sakuno sneezed.
A warm, woolen coat settled round her shoulders.
Sakuno looked up--and found herself staring into Ryoma's eyes.
"Wear it."
He didn't even give her a chance to protest.
"But--"
"How are you going home?" he interrupted.
"The bus." What else?
"Your boyfriend isn't picking you up?" There was a tightness in his tone.
"He's in Hawaii."
Ryoma looked ahead. The sidewalk was already covered with a thin layer of snow.
"Come." he said abruptly.
"Huh?"
"I'm giving you a ride home. No buts," just as she opened her mouth. ", you're gonna catch cold if you stay out any longer."
Just as he finished, his limo pulled up beside them. The door opened automatically; Ryoma grabbed Sakuno's arm, pushed her in, and got inside himself.
All of this happened within five seconds.
By the time Sakuno realized what happened, the limo was already speeding on the streets.
There was nothing she could do except to send him a death glare across the seat. But he was lying back on the cushions with his eyes half-closed, so she couldn't tell if he saw it.
Vexed, Sakuno also sat back with a thud.
Why is he making this so hard for her?
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"Road is blocked, sir."
The limo had suddenly come to a halt.
In front of them, lights were flashing. It appeared that there was a car accident.
"Then turn around and take another fork." Ryoma said.
"Uh--no, it's okay." Sakuno grabbed her bag. She made sure to leave the coat Ryoma gave her on the limo. "My flat is only several blocks away."
She was barely out of the limo, when Ryoma caught up with her.
"I'm walking you back."
It wasn't a request, he simply stated it like some unquestionable fact.
Why was she letting him do this and that? Why did she have to give in every time? Moreover, why did she resent him helping her?
Sakuno whirled around and faced him.
"Stop. Bothering. Me."
Ryoma blinked. Her expression was dead-serious.
"Ryuzaki..."
"I mean, why are you doing so much for me? I didn't ask you to have the doctor for me. I didn't ask you to find an apartment for me. And I didn't ask you to walk me home! The only thing I asked you is to help the orphanage, but it cost me so much effort to get you agree!"
She glared at him fiercely. Ryoma was taken aback--did she really hate him that much?
"I apologize---regarding the orphanage." he said quietly. "I should have never refused you. Today when I saw those children, I realized how privileged I am. Even if you don't ask me now, I intend to assist them continuously."
Hearing him use that contrite, remorseful tone, Sakuno softened.
"As for my helping you--" he gazed directly into her eyes. "--I thought it should be obvious."
Echizen Ryoma--in love with her?
Impossible.
What other explanation could there be for his actions?
Ryoma stepped forward and cupped her face. Seeing that she did not scream and slap him, he grew bolder. Slowly, he brought his lips to hers.
This time, his kiss was tender, gentle, affectionate.
For a moment, Sakuno felt nothing but a giddy, sweet sensation, as though she was tumbling into a bed of cotton candy.
Years ago, she had this huge, unreciprocated crush on him. Now, the prince of her dreams had fallen for her--though when, how, and where she couldn't tell.
Kami-sama, what should I do?
To accept him was unthinkable. She had to admit she was attracted to him, but she couldn't picture a future with Echizen Ryoma, renowned Tennis-World-Champion-And-Lady-Killer. He might like her now, but with countless girls more beautiful and clever than her out there, Sakuno was sure that one day he'd be tired of her.
And no way did she want to break Fuji-senpai's heart. He had never been anything but kind and considerate towards her.
She pushed him away.
"I'm sorry, Ryoma-kun." Her knees were shaking. "I--I can't. Please forgive me."
She turned and left, feeling that this was the worst Christmas ever.
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Fuji emerged from the bathroom. He was in a very good mood, having had a relaxing swim, a sumptuous meal, and an enjoyable time with his niece and brother.
The shower in the hotel was quite refreshing, Fuji noted. If they come to Hawaii next time, he'd definitely choose the same place again. Maybe even bring Sakuno on a honeymoon, should his wishes come true?
Yuuta was perched on the bed, watching television.
"Yuuta. It's your turn." Fuji said, while drying his hair with a towel.
"In a minute," Yuuta said, and suddenly sat up straight. "Aniki! Look, isn't that Echizen Ryoma?"
Fuji looked accordingly. There was no mistaking the famous tennis star/former kouhai on the screen.
"Echizen Ryoma, Japan's most celebrated tennis player and currently world champion, has chosen to dedicate this day of festive cheer to an orphanage, which, without his attention, might have been forced to close down..."
The Fuji brothers watched Ryoma bend down and hand a wrapped gift to a small girl who looked just as cute as Yuzuyu.
That was decent of you, Echizen. Fuji nodded in approval. Didn't know that you'd find the time for a bout of charity.
A second later, Fuji's smile froze.
Yuuta's mouth fell open.
In the background, a young woman with cinnamon eyes was standing with Tae--both of them radiant and smiling as they watched the children receive presents.
"Sakuno-chan?"
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A/N: Phew, another chapter done! I have to admit this story no longer excites me as it used to, but I really want to finish it--I hate the incomplete-ness. And as I've said, I have the ending in mind, and I want to get to it.
Reviews would be greatly appreciated. They help to keep me going : )