JC: Kintarou sure was fun, but this one proved to be even more challenging than I thought. Well, the oversized ego was one thing, and I had to deal with his narcissism too. It's my first time writing about this guy, so forgive me if I get things wrong. However, he is one of my favorite princes. I admire his character, even though he's so arrogant. I hope you guys enjoy this one.

Note: The story takes place during Sakuno's second year of middle school. I've based her character more in the manga where she is a promising player for the women's team. Keigo Atobe is in his first year of high school.

Disclaimer: I don't own Prince of Tennis. All rights belong to Takeshi Konomi.

Rondo towards Affection

How can such innocence make an imprint on his ego?

0000

She was not his type of girl.

Yet he has spent a good half-hour looking at her. It seemed like a cliché scene to see the girl sleeping under a majestic tree.

He suppressed the little flutter of sensation in his chest. Looking at her, he had a prompt awareness of his amazing physique. He had everything going for him. He was tall, statuesque, smart, wealthy, and had extremely good looks than can make any lady swoon before him. He was also athletic and a talented player in tennis. In fact, due to his charisma and impeccable leadership skills, he was already made captain of the team despite being a first year in high school.

He wasn't KING KEIGO ATOBE for nothing.

It was weeks before the National Tournament, and the Seigaku Tennis Team (Men and Women Division from both Middle School and High School Level) had gathered at his family's training camp to prepare for the upcoming battle. It was, as a matter of fact, a generous offer from his benevolent self, and he saw that it was the perfect chance to witness how his former middle school team will fair against the Seigaku.

The training camp was one of the best in the country, sporting more than 50 tennis courts (hard, lawn, clay, and indoor). It had the most advanced and respected video system and 60 experienced coaches, and the simulation rooms provided inspirational setting for match play strategy and instruction.

But to see the granddaughter of Seigaku's Dragon Lady apart from her team was something he didn't expect.

Dressed in a Seigaku Regular jersey, Sakuno Ryuuzaki looked like a fragile little doll with her fine ivory complexion. He recalled the Monthly Tennis Pro story about her. She'd been consistently praised for her skills as a player. So, in spite of her outwardly flimsy exterior, she was a true-blue athlete. She was Coach Ryuuzaki's granddaughter after all. No surprises there. He had seen her play as well. But he was mildly surprise to find out that the Genius Syusuke Fuji was personally training her.

How intriguing though…

Nevertheless, a sweet and innocent girl like her in such a state was too vulnerable. A male adolescent may take advantage, and he would not stand for such acts inside his camp. Her grandmother might be looking for her as well.

Running a cool hand through his dark silky mane, he knelt down to her level. He was about to touch a hand to the round of her shoulder when…

"F-Fuji-senpai…"

He was not expecting this.

"Fuji-senpai…"

She was dreaming of Syusuke Fuji.

An amused smile hovered on his lips. Did she actually like the genius? Well, it wasn't exactly impossible, considering how much time they've spent together.

"F-Fuji-senpai, I…I…" she muttered in a voice soft like butter, and he waited for her to continue. However, she chose to wake up that moment. Rubbing her eyes, she straightened and found herself gazing upon his luscious dark-jeweled eyes. "A-Atobe-san?" she stuttered, her doe-like eyes widening in surprise. And her cheeks pinked in a humorous way.

He did not fail to present her with a well-poised smile. "You were talking in your sleep, Ms. Ryuuzaki."

"E-Eh? I was?" She lowered her head, blushing furiously in embarrassment, and he, in all his greatness, found her extremely adorable at this point. "Umm…ano…W-What was I saying?"

Sensing her reserve and insecurity, he knew better than to further her discomfiture. "Well, your words were barely audible, Ms. Ryuuzaki, so I couldn't hear what you were saying."

She breathed out a sigh of relief. "Oh…I see…" She giggled. "You know I…I was actually dreaming of Fuji-senpai…We were training and I managed to perfect a move he taught me."

He choked out a laugh, seeing the blatant admiration sparkling in her chocolate brown eyes for her senior, and he was almost tempted to tease her. Instead, he stood up and offered a hand like a gentleman would. "I'm sure your grandmother must be looking for you."

"Y-Yes, you're probably right." She dared not to look at him as she took his hand.

Now standing at full height, he could see that Ms. Ryuuzaki was not without her share of feminine curves. While she was clearly not the most beautiful girl he'd ever met, she was certainly lovely. Her features were admirable with those pink rosy cheeks, delectable pink lips, and long dark lashes. The milky thighs, of course, didn't go unnoticed. But what was with the fluttering sensation in his chest? That question lingered, as if there ought to be a very specific answer. Maybe her innocence had an allure so strong that always created a feeling of recognition.

"Umm…A-Atobe-san…umm…" She took a deep swallow. "If…if it's all right with you…I wanted…I wanted to ask you…" She looked extremely nervous and shy, and she was blushing to the roots of her auburn hair. "I really didn't expect to see you here…so umm…t-this is my chance to say this."

A brow was raised. It was a familiar scene. He had seen that same look and heard the same track of words from some fan girls before. It seemed like Ms. Ryuuzaki was trying to confess to him. It wasn't much of a surprise. Being named Tokyo's Most Handsome Teen of the year in Japan's leading teen magazine made him the target of countless girls and social climbers around. Well, even without the title he was still popular. But he thought Ms. Ryuuzaki was different and impervious to his blessed looks.

Disappointment creased his features. Apparently no girl was able to resist succumbing to his undeniable charm. Girls routinely fell at his feet. Then why was she dreaming of Fuji? Oh, well, he figured he should prepare himself to politely reject the girl.

"Atobe-san, p-please take me back to Court F!" she gushed, bowing low to him.

He blinked. He may have heard it wrong.

"I'm not really good with directions…and I've gotten myself lost around here a couple of times… I was actually on my way to the lakeside to have lunch with some of my teammates…but I got lost again, s-so I ended up eating here alone…then I got sleepy…"

He barked out a short laugh. Not good with directions? And she has gotten lost a couple of times? Honestly, he had never met such an amusing girl before. "And here I thought you were about to confess your undying love for me."

She stiffened and blushed like an overripe tomato, and he simply laughed at her dismay.

She was a bit outgoing during the Super Tennis Tournament he hosted for his most trusted childhood friend. The Tennis Teams of the Kanto Region had all gathered in one place, and together with her best friend, she participated actively in the event. She had no qualms being the emcee for the obstacle race, the host for the game show, and the reporter for the day. He recalled his short interview with her and back then, he found her quite ordinary.

Taking her hand, he laid it over his arm. "Let ore-sama escort you to the courts."

But she lowered her eyes again in embarrassment, and smiled hesitantly. "T-Thank you, Atobe-san."

A delicate creature she was, so withdrawn, and yet at the same time he sensed something unusual about her, something strong and intriguing.

She was different from other girls, not at all sophisticated like the daughters of business tycoons, and definitely not like the self-centered divas he had come across, and poles apart from his fan girls of Hyotei Academy. Ms. Ryuuzaki was simple in a traditional sense, yet he found himself stealing glances at her.

He studied Ms. Ryuuzaki from a comfortable distance. Her small frame moved gracefully across the court, as if she was a ballerina on stage. Her form was beautiful, her strokes fluid and polished, and her determination shone. She was far from the gawky, stuttering, directionally-challenged girl he had found under the tree a while ago, so he was pleased to see such a transformation.

Doubles was the game, yet Ms. Ryuuzaki was the playmaker of her team. Her partner, although a freshman and novice, was doing fine due to Ms. Ryuuzaki's support. Everything was going smoothly until the freshman fumbled. The racket slipped out of her hand as she tried to return a backhand shot. In a blink of an eye, the racket flew toward Ms. Ryuuzaki, and the next thing he knew he was sprinting.

Blood came next. As she limply dropped onto her knees, she lifted a hand to the spot where she was hit and flinched in pain. The red liquid oozed, streaming down the side of her face.

His heart seemed to stop at that very moment.

"Ryuuzaki-senpai, gomenasai!" the freshman girl said, guilty and scared.

"Ryuuzaki-san!"

"Senpai!"

"Sakuno-san!"

There was much fuss around until he came along and carried her bridal style. The coach of the girl's team opened her mouth to say something when he beat her to it. "I know you are all concerned. But fret not! Ore-sama will take Ms. Ryuuzaki to the clinic." He flashed a model-like smile that made the coach's cheeks pink like a teenage girl despite her nearly thirties.

The coach was, of course, surprised, but noting the pained expression on Ms. Ryuuzaki's face, she cleared her throat. "All right, Atobe-kun, I'll leave her in your care."

"And please have someone inform Ryuuzaki-sensei about this," he said before heading off.

Thankfully, though, she was as light as a feather, and the clinic was not that far from their location. And along the way, the young injured Ryuuzaki unconsciously snuggled her head on his broad chest. It was like holding a pair of butterfly wings. She seemed so fragile.

The doctor had a good look on her and patched her up with a head bandage. It wasn't a serious injury, but he forbade her from further physical stress. In other words, she was not allowed to go back and practice. Rest was a must, the doctor emphasized, and after giving her medicine for pain and headache, he politely excused himself from the clinic for his break.

Their eyes met for a single moment, but within a fraction of a second her eyes were lowered.

Seated comfortably at the edge of the bed, she grasped the fabric of her skirt and chewed on her lower lip. "Atobe-san…umm…I…I want to t-thank you for carrying me all the way here," she stammered as she timidly looked up at him. "And I'm sorry for staining your shirt…"

Glancing over at her, he saw the rose color in her cheeks and a soft glaze of guilt visible in her eyes. Her eyes were a strong point. A warm color filled her eyes with life. Their color shifted in the most interesting manner from bronze to chocolate brown depending upon the light. He considered caressing her cheek, tracing the contours of her face, and even giving her tiny nose a peck. But despite this unexpected desire, he knew better than to take advantage of such an innocent girl.

"Think nothing of it, Ms. Ryuuzaki."

"I feel terrible. Please let me wash your shirt for you," she said with genuine concern.

"It's not a big deal, so don't worry about it," he reassured her. "Just focus on resting."

"But I have to go tell my team. They must be worried." She was already pushing herself off the bed. Due to exhaustion and the sudden nausea, however, she immediately lost balance and ended up crashing against his chest.

Her body jerked, her hands pushing against his rock-hard chest to widen the distance between them. With a gasp, she swayed, trembling and all, nearly dropping to her knees once more. But he pulled her close to him immediately.

"I-I'm so-sorry, Atobe-san," she breathed out.

Well, she had been training hard all day and the injury on the head was no light matter, so it was only natural for her to be this tired. However, he was still trying to adjust to everything that had just transpired between them. The sudden contact made his heart hammer against a flood of interesting sensations.

"Your team understands your situation." He uncurled his arm around her, almost reluctant to part with her. "So stay here and rest, Ms. Ryuuzaki."

Once settled and tucked in, she rewarded him and unknowingly surprised him with a sincere smile. "You've helped me so many times today, Atobe-san. I'm really grateful."

His heart suddenly boomed in his chest, but years of practice had honed his ways of conduct and his natural grace had prevented him from blushing at the sight of her beautiful smile. "It's a gentleman's duty to assist a fair lady such as yourself, Ms. Ryuuzaki." He willed his heart to calm, in spite of the nagging spark of desire coursing through his veins.

What was going on with him?

"Now if you will please excuse me, I have to go now."

The nagging desire was considerably making his stomach churn.

Waving a hand, she bid him goodbye and another thank you, and sat there watching from the bed as he left the clinic.

Not a moment too soon, he saw the girl's grandmother in a hurry to see her.

It was after dinner time when he saw her again.

The girl was already running back to her dorm room. He, on the other hand, had just spoken with the dorm leaders of all the present middle school teams, and had hoped to retire to his own suite. But he just had to bump into her in the hallway. It was like bumping into a human-sized pillow. She was so soft and undeniably frail compared to his strong and sturdy structure. She could have just gone down, but he immediately reached for her arm to prevent it.

Innocent doe-like eyes had met his in a second, and his heart beat hard again.

"Atobe-san…"

"Really, Ms. Ryuuzaki, you should watch where you're going," he said in a tone refined and proud.

Her cheeks pinked. "I'm…I'm sorry, Atobe-san…"

And that was when he noticed it. Though the bandage around her head was a stunning reminder of their moment in the clinic earlier, he focused more on her crowning glory. Her hair, no longer bound in braids, flowed past her waist in stylish grace. He knew it was rude to stare, but he couldn't help it. Ms. Ryuuzaki was absolutely enchanting with her hair down, and he found it hard to take his eyes off her face.

Fighting his own desire to caress such a delicacy, he put on his usual arrogant front. "Run along now unless you want to stare at ore-sama's beauty all night?"

She blushed darker and shook her head. "Oh, I'm sorry for staring." She let out an awkward laugh.

In all honesty, he was supposed to be the one who should apologize for staring.

He then saw something sparkling on the floor not too far from them. His brilliant eyes could see the little object clearly. It was a Dahlia flower-shaped hairclip. He walked past her and reached down to pick it up. "Ms. Ryuuzaki, is this yours?"

She gasped as she saw the hairclip. "Y-Yes, it's mine. I didn't realize it fell." She captured his hand where he held the clip and offered him a grateful smile. "Thank you, Atobe-san." She gently squeezed his hand, her eyes practically sparkling in delight. "I don't know what I'd do if I lost it. You see, a very good friend gave it to me when he visited Tokyo last time. He's really nice."

Pasting a smile on his face, he did his best to maintain composure, even though his heart was running at a fast pace, even though his cheeks had slightly flushed. She had such a sincere expression. The hairclip wasn't made of diamonds or gold, but it was clear that she treasured it well. Shockingly, he felt a pang as he wondered who this friend was.

Willing his hand to withdraw, he reached for the side of her hair. With practiced grace, he pinned the clip to her hair and turned on his heel. "You should be careful next time," he told her, and he could sense her beaming at his back. Nevertheless, he refused to look back at her.

He chose not to be around her the next day at camp.

Why?

The sensation he got from yesterday's experience was still hot and burning. Their hands had touched, and he could have sworn his heart almost leaped out of his chest. He didn't know what was wrong with him. He couldn't eat, couldn't sleep. These sensations were confusing. He thought he was coming down with something, but he made no mention of this to anyone, not even to his teammates, and pray tell what they'll think if he did.

It delighted him, though, to see her looking fine. The injury from yesterday's incident was long forgotten. Even though she still had a bandage around her head, the young Ryuuzaki had been playing her best since morning.

Sighing at his infinite thoughts of Sakuno Ryuuzaki, he walked into his private indoor court. In spite of his own reassurances, she had still troubled him.

Thinking tennis might be a way to make him forget, he picked up a racket and ball. He was ready to establish rapport with the wall before him when the source of his little dilemma appeared at the entrance.

"Atobe-san…" She approached him warily. "Umm…I've been wondering…"

His heart thudded beneath his chest and he felt his whole body shiver with her nearness. She was completely oblivious of what she did to him, and of all the sensations he had felt since yesterday.

"Ms. Ryuuzaki, if you don't mind, I'd like to be left alone." Yet, in his mind, he wanted her company.

She looked horrified. "So I really did something to offend you…" She looked down and bowed low to him. "I-I'm sorry, Atobe-san," she said softly. "I know I've troubled you yesterday."

He gazed down at her this time, surprised by her words.

"I heard one of the coaches say that you turned up late for a meeting yesterday. You got scolded, right? It's my fault…It's my fault that you were late and I wanted to apologize. But you seemed to be avoiding me the whole day, so I…I…"

This girl noticed. She noticed that he was avoiding her. He thought she was naïve, but she was rather perceptive. And now guilt was being a prick. He knew she had wanted to talk to him, but because of his feelings, he deliberately ignored her the whole time.

How could he have been such a fool?

"If it wasn't for me…"

He captured her shoulders, dropping the ball and shaking his head, as he barked out an arrogant laugh. "Ms. Ryuuzaki, I can assure you that you have done nothing wrong…nothing… You think I, in all my greatness, would get in trouble for being tardy? Who do you think owns this place?"

"I-I'm sorry," she said, her head bowed so low that he couldn't see her face. "I presumed much."

Relinquishing his control, he smiled and seized her hand. "It's not like that at all," he said almost breathlessly, wondering if he could sort out these feelings. He stroked a thumb over back of her palm in a circular manner. "Ms. Ryuuzaki, let me say, however, that I find you quite adorable."

And as he lifted her hand and pressed a warm kiss onto her palm, pink stole into her cheeks instantly. It was quite an amusing sight. She was such an innocent girl, yet all the more lovely to him.

"Yonex Bridgestone Dynabeam Grandea, red edition," he said to her in perfect English as she finished her rally against the wall.

"Huh?"

"That is the racket you're using."

"Oh…umm…yes…" She wiped the sweat dripping down her cheek with a towel.

"It's the same one as that brat," he said, his voice laced with amusement. "Is it a coincidence?"

She blushed, meekly shaking her head. "N-No…You see…Ryoma-kun gave it to me before he left for America."

An elegant brow was raised. "He gave it to you?"

She giggled. "It's kind of hard to believe, right? I've been using it ever since I became a Regular." She was already smiling with her eyes. "Ryoma-kun also taught me tennis before. He's so different from Fuji-senpai. We keep in touch through—"

He silenced her with a finger on her lips. It seemed like he had indirectly brought up some bitter feelings from inside of him. "There's no need for me to know further."

She looked down again. It seemed like it still embarrassed her to talk to him, especially alone, but he didn't mind her shyness. He found it was easy and comfortable to be with her. She was like a breath of fresh air compared to the fan girls he has to deal with at school every single day.

"I'm excited for the nationals…" she muttered softly, though her words didn't escape his ears. "I'm going to do my best."

He was amused at the fact that she initiated the conversation this time. "Is that so?" He leaned over so that his lips were a mere inch from her ear. "I wish you all the best, Ms. Ryuuzaki."

She shivered, smiling hesitantly. "And I-I wish…I wish you the best of luck as well, Atobe-san. I have to warn you, Fuji-senpai and the others are stronger than before."

He laughed. "The winner will be Hyotei. Ore-sama will not lose to Seigaku."

She couldn't help but let out a giggle. "You're a very confident person, Atobe-san," she said, then instantly lowered her head in embarrassment. "Of course…I meant that in a good way."

He tapped her shoulder and started toward the court with a racket in hand. "You don't need to tell me what I already know."

"Yes, of course."

"Shall I teach you an interesting trick, Ms. Ryuuzaki?" He figured it was better to coach her. Besides, it would provide him more time to spend with her.

Her face brightened up at offer. "That'd be great. Thank you."

And so their little training session commenced.

"You're too tense. Your feet aren't even in a comfortable position," he mockingly reprimanded her as he prodded her shoulders. "Just relax and adjust your grip."

She gasped. "Ano…I-I can't really relax when you're this close to me, Atobe-san," she said, clearly uncomfortable. Nevertheless, she did as she was told.

He chuckled inwardly to himself. It seemed like coaching her was the only way he could touch her unreservedly. To be honest, her expressions, her reactions were all too precious. She would blush at the slightest contact and teasing, and her pouty face only served to fuel his desire to tease her more.

He wondered if Fuji took advantage of this as well and frowned instantly at the thought. Then he wondered to himself what this would look like to other people. Would they look like a couple to them? Or maybe just a handsome instructor teaching his cute little student?

"I'll try again," she muttered under her breath, gaze focusing across the court, as she held the neon ball tightly in her hand.

By then, the girl performed a swift slice serve to the corner and smiled up at him. And he once again felt something tugging at his heart.

"It's much faster than before," she said.

He failed to suppress a proud grin. "It's all in the timing, Ms. Ryuuzaki."

"Atobe-san, you're not only a great player, but a good coach as well."

Pleasure spread through him, radiant as the sun shining overhead. When did her opinion come to mean much to him? But he realized the he did want her to praise him, even admire him. He felt a smile growing as she went to fetch the ball, and he could feel his heart beating with excitement.

"I'm going to do it again, Atobe-san," she informed him, getting into position again.

She looked very elegant, with her angelic face and huge eyes, and her long two braids that hung past her waist.

From the first, he'd known that Sakuno Ryuuzaki was different from all the sophisticated, well-bred girls that he met. What he hadn't counted on, though, was developing a bond of friendship with her nor had he expected to like her. But he did, and he took care to be as charming with her. He had high regard of his own unique abilities. He was very proud of Insight and special moves. Put it negatively, it'd be arrogance, but to put it positively would mean confidence. But, in spite of his overwhelming self-belief, he was capable of giving respect to other players.

When he'd witnessed her performance and drive to become better, his surprise and admiration had been true. He really did respect her as a player, and his esteem of her growing potential was genuine.

"Atobe-san, I did it again," she said happily, and he smiled at her, admiring her again.

She was such an innocent girl, completely oblivious to his growing feelings inside.

She was not his type of girl.

Yet he has spent time admiring her sleeping form underneath the very same tree. Lunch break was about to end, but the girl was completely unaware.

He knelt down to her level and stroked a thumb over her soft cheek. He knew he shouldn't do this. But what kind of man could resist such a lovely, innocent, vulnerable girl? Yes, any other male adolescent was forbidden to take advantage of her. He, on the other hand, was a walking contradiction to his own decree.

Abandoning all control, he closed the distance between their faces.

Unfortunately, fate decided to play devil's advocate.

When his lips were simply a few breaths away from hers, his sensitive hearing immediately picked up on two familiar voices. Cursing under his breath, he pulled away and rose to his feet.

"Hoi, hoi! It's Atobe, nyah!" a bubbly voice shouted out. "What's he doing here?"

"His family owns this camp, so it's not rare to see him here," a voice much milder this time said.

He showed perfect composure when he turned to the two unsuspecting men. Red-haired, cat-like Eiji Kikumaru and Genius Syusuke Fuji had unknowingly picked the wrong time to arrive. "Well, this is a surprise," he said, masking his irritation with a cool voice. "What brings you to ore-sama's camp?"

"We came to see how Kaidoh and the others were doing, nyah!" Kikumaru happily replied.

"And I wanted to check on Ryuuzaki-chan," Fuji added.

"Ryuuzaki-sensei said that we'd find her somewhere here!"

He raked a hand through his fine hair. "Tone that voice down, Kikumaru, or else you'll wake the sleeping princess here." He moved from his spot to reveal her to them.

A big smile brightened up the redhead's face. "Sakuno-chan!" He merrily skipped toward the young girl and lowered down to get a closer look. "Unnyaaah…My kouhai's so cute," he said, playfully poking her cheek.

He felt his eyebrow twitch at the intimacy, no matter how childlike it appeared. "Kikumaru, might I suggest—"

"Ah! What's with the bandage?" Kikumaru asked all of a sudden. "Did Sakuno-chan get hurt?"

"Calm down, Eiji. Ryuuzaki-sensei told me that it's nothing serious," the genius said, smiling pleasantly as usual.

Kikumaru breathed out the sigh of relief. "That's good then. So, Atobe, what are you doing here with Sakuno-chan?"

"Saaa…I was about to ask the same thing," Fuji added.

"I just happened to pass by," he answered promptly. "Ore-sama is free to roam around his own camp."

Blue pristine eyes were revealed then, much to his amazement, and the next set of words came as some sort of warning, in spite of the unwavering smile. "Free to take advantage of the situation as well."

He gave him a little startled glance and sensed an aura of hostility. Did Fuji see him almost kissing Ms. Ryuuzaki?

"Oh, yeah! We'll be facing your team in the Nationals again, nyah!" Eiji said, leaning his back against the tree.

A smirk for a smile, he dramatically posed his hand in front of his face. "Try as you might. The winner will be Hyotei in the end."

The genius chuckled. "Saaa…We'll see about that. Now then…" He knelt down before the sleeping princess and affectionately caressed her cheek. "It seems like our kouhai here is having a wonderful dream."

How interesting, he mused, aware of the fact that he wasn't alone in regards to his feelings. A smiling white angel against a mighty king? He choked back a laugh. He was confident that the mighty king will be the winner in the end.

0000

A mark was left and feelings emerged,
With such innocence, his confidence surged.

JC: I knew I just had to include Kikumaru too. You have no idea how many times I've revised Atobe's story. At first, I wanted to include ball gowns and a party, but Zaizen already had that covered. I thought of letting them go on a date, but the idea didn't appeal to me either. And so I decided to keep it simple. Of course, tennis has to be involved. Aside from Fuji's frequent cameo, have you noticed that Ryoma's name keeps on popping up too? She is using his racket, so it's no surprise. Honestly, though, I had difficult time writing about Atobe. He is a character I respect and admire, and I was being very careful here. Please don't forget to review. No flaming!