DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING.
Note: This one is for you, Requipimage *.*
12th chapter: Truth or consequence
Sakuno grew more comfortable with Fuji.
She realized how great and refreshing it is to finally have someone to talk to in school whenever she felt alone, whenever those girls in her class says something or do something unpleasant to her or every time they simply bore a hole in her back with their dagger like glares.
And she also finds his smile a little mysterious but charming at the same time whenever he compliments her or do something for her like a gentleman would do for any women. But of course, romance with Fuji-senpai was not a feasible option for Sakuno, simply because she was already a married lady. And even if she wasn't married because of love, Sakuno knew that she would be faithful and loyal to her husband, Ryoma.
"I don't know. They said they saw me in the car with Ryoma-kun" Sakuno replied when Fuji asked her how did Ryoma's fan girls knew that she was kind of together with her husband.
They were finished eating already in the cafeteria where he invited her to eat with him since it was almost lunch time but they chose to stay to chat some more. "Saa, I understand why Ryoma hid the fact that you two are married but is he aware that you're getting this kind of treatment from everybody in school" a concerned look was plastered on his face.
Sakuno slightly shook her head while taking another swig from her watered bottle, "I really don't want to trouble him or make him feel bad" she said.
Fuji mentally sighed, she was too altruistic she didn't want Ryoma to even bother. "Why not? His your-husband".
She simply shrugged, "Eto, I think that even if I tell him it wouldn't even change a thing. And it would probably just make those girls angrier than they are when they know more about Ryoma-kun and me".
He nodded, knowing that she has a point.
This time she smiled at Fuji, "And since I have a friend now- which is you... I think it will be enough for me" she sweetly said.
Returning the smile, he replied, "But since we're friends, will you tell me something that's been bugging me for days?" he opened his eyes for the first time to Sakuno and showed them how serious he was.
Sakuno gulped, Fuji has a pair of gorgeous blue eyes that makes you want to stare at them all day long, "E-to, What is it?" she was somehow unease.
"Why did Ryoma marry you?"
Sakuno became flushed at embarrassment as she remembered why. "A-no.. Er- it's-" she stuttered.
Fuji closed his eyes again and smiled reassuringly. "Saa.. I'm sorry if I asked, it was rude of me" he gently said.
Sakuno was recovering from her blush when she said, "Iie, It's not that I don't want to answer the question that's been bothering you, it's j-just that it's- private" she fiddled with her drink.
Ryoma was playing a match with Natsumi when he saw her waiting for him awhile ago at the courts. She demanded him for a game and as we all know he doesn't refuse a match. So there they were.
"So you're married?" Natsumi asked while running to the other side of the court, trying to hit the ball back to him.
Ryoma saw her shot the neon ball to him, "Yes" he replied to her question.
"Why?" she asked.
Natsumi spent few days thinking. What was the point of her coming in Japan if Ryoma was already married? She was frustrated as hell and felt that she was kind of in a nightmare with all the realization coming to her. She thought that going back to the States would be a good idea but her curiosity as to why he got married so early got the best of her. So she decided to know more before going back.
Ryoma didn't knew how to answer her question. "What do you mean- Why".
Natsumi shrugged, "I mean, why? The last time I've checked you weren't interested in girls and now I found you married? And another thing, you're only 20-Why did you get married out of the blue?" she asked.
Ryoma caught the ball in his hand and stared at Natsumi, "It was a forced marriage" he said.
That stirred something within her and provoked a little hope in her. "Really? How?" she was eagerly walking towards him.
"Betsuni. Nothing much to tell" (a/n: when we know that there is SOooOOooOOO much to tell! Okay, I'm sorry for my interruptions) Ryoma also walked off the court. "And it's private" he stuck a tongue out for her.
Natsumi grunted, "You're such an ass!" she shouted at him in English accent.
"Che" she heard Ryoma mumble before completely disappearing.
"RRIIINNGGGGGG!" the loudness of the buzzing sound of the bell was heard all over the campus.
Ryoma yawned and flexed his shoulders in boredom, I wonder where she is... he thought of his wife.
Actually, this day was pretty much boring for him to the point that it was killing him and it made him want to see his kawaii wife. Cause probably she's the one who could distinguish the boredom.
So then, he took out his phone and punched the numbers lazily...
"Moshi Mosh?" A familiar sweet voice was heard.
"Oi, meet me at the change room. Let's go home. I'm bored" and the line went dead.
Sakuno looked at her phone innocently. What was his problem? Hanging up on the phone? She shrugged at the mystery and decided to head towards the change room where Ryoma has instructed her to go.
When she arrived at the locker room, she noticed people talking from within. She then texted Ryoma- Where are you, Ryoma-kun?
5 heartbeats has passed and her phone vibrated... "Moshi mosh?"
"Where are you?" Ryoma's voice was heard.
Sakuno could hear loud voices and cheering, "I'm outside the changing room".
"Come inside"
"Uhmm... okay"
She unsurely opened the door and was a little bit stunned to see everyone in the room-Eiji, Momo, Inui, Tezuka, Kaidoh, Oishi, Fuji, and Ryoma- and all eyes was on her. "Eh. What's happening?" Sakuno asked.
"Nyaaa! Sakuno-chan! We're playing!" Eiji cheered.
"Playing?" she mused.
"Hai Hai! Come on join us! Ochibi's been waiting for you!" Eiji stood up and dragged Sakuno towards Ryoma, happily.
When everyone was seating comfortably on the floor, Eiji and Momo started to light the candles.
"Ano.. Eiji- What's the candle for?" Oishi asked.
"hohoho... It's for the ambiance, I'm trying to create a romantic atmosphere for our love birds over there" he whispered closely to his best friend.
Oishi sweat dropped. "What for?"
"Of course! Senpai! It's our time to pry!" Momo joined the conversation, dragging along the rest of the members into it as well-except for Tezuka and Fuji-okay... Kaidoh was included, okay!
"But why?" Oishi asked again, "Is it really necessary?"
"Yes it is! I'm his best friend! Yet I didn't knew that he was seeing someone- he just showed up with a ring!" Momo whispered furiously...
"I know.. But it's their choice-" Oishi was cut off.
"Quit it, Oishi- those two haven't spoke a word or gave us any information- and we wouldn't back down without a fight!" the acrobat declared with fire in his eyes.
"I'm with you senpai" Momo also declared with a flaming determination...
"I'm also with you-" the data man spoke gloomily... " I couldn't get any information about the two- it frustrates me!".
"I know senpai.. I know" Momo patted Inui's back.
"That's why ready your pen and note book, Inui-senpai! and let's get started!" Eiji cheered!
Ryoma, Sakuno, Tezuka and Fuji were the only ones left from the conversation that the others are having in that corner of the room, they were whispering furiously and all and Sakuno couldn't help but be amused at the group. She then turned her attention to something else until she saw Fuji looking warmly at her. She smiled back at him, "Hello" she mouthed.
Fuji's smile got even wider, "Hello to you too" he mouthed back.
Ryoma was not in a good mood, Sakuno hasn't even said anything to him or even at least acknowledge his presence but she was already mouthing words to his senpai. Really? Is she forgetting again. He was the husband!
Okay, let's admit.. he was getting a bit melodramatic.
So, to put a stop to this-he cleared his throat.
He successfully snatched the attention of Sakuno, now that she was facing him, "Ryoma-kun- I thought you wanted to go home already?" She asked.
He scoffed, "They wouldn't let me" he said grudgingly.
Sakuno smiled, enjoying his annoyance.
Ryoma just looked at her, "Che" he muttered.
Until then, the group who was once too busy whispering with each other finally got back from the floor and as they said, started the game.
"Yosh! Let's start the game! Momo and Me! Will be the one asking the question! And all of you would have to answer truthfully in our unique game! That I'm sure none of you has yet heard of!" Eiji was MC-ing excitedly.
"Saa- I wonder what that game is" Fuji mused.
"iiiiIIIIITTT'SSS THE- TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCE!" Momo announced elatedly.
Everyone tumbled over with matching sweat dropping.
So much for the originality of the game that everyone was knocked up- "E-Ejii, ehe- ok" Oishi recovered.
"Ok, So the long wait is over and I'm gonna sta-" He was stopped by the opening of the door.
Natsumi was by the door, looking at them with fascination. "What do we have here?" she asked.
Sakuno looked at the girl by the door, she remembered, she was Ryoma's- girlfriend? Friend? Ex? She didn't exactly knew.
"Natsumi" Ryoma said. Well more like asked.
"Well, I thought you'd be here" she said back.
Sakuno bowed her head and found something interesting in the floor. So she was going in the same school as them, and probably she was always with Ryoma. She didn't understand but it somehow bothers her, even though she knew that she should not meddle with them.
"Oh- you're Ryoma's friend right? Natsumi?" Momo asked.
"Yeah" Natsumi said.
"Nyaa! Join is! We're playing truth or consequence!" Eiji candidly said.
Natsumi smirked, "Sure" she completely entered the room and sat at the space beside Fuji.
"Okay! Minna-san! As I was saying- we play! We've decided to change a number of rules in the game- Me and Momo are the one to pick the on to be questioned- and that someone would have to answer truthfully and if not or could not answer the question- we proceed to the latter part which is the consequence! Which is also controlled and decided by me and Momo!" Eiji finished his instructions. "And another. The person who doesn't answers truthfully would have to do the consequence and she/he would have to answer questions continually until he/she answers truthfully" he added.
Ryoma was beginning to stand up "Yadda, I don't want to play- we're gonna go-"
"Hmmm- the one who decides to go has to gulp one pitcher of my latest Inui's special deluxe" the smell wafted to Ryoma's nostrils that it made him sit on his spot a while ago. That drink would kill him and his Sakuno. He couldn't risk it. No wonder why Tezuka hasn't gone yet... no wonder...
Sakuno saw the sticky reddish orange plus a little greenish beverage in the hands of Inui and she knew that the decision of Ryoma to stay was a right one.
"Okay, everyone is settled-so let's begin!" Eiji cheered.
"The first one is- Sakuno-chan!" Momo exclaimed and startled the innocent Sakuno.
"M-me?" Sakuno was starting to get nervous.
"Hai hai! Now the question, What is the reason why Ryoma married you? No offense in that question anyway" Momo asked with unhidden excitement.
Now everyone's attention was turned to the meek girl who's about to answer the biggest question everyone is eager to hear the answer.
"E-to.." She was flustered. She didn't know if she's suppose to tell everybody about Ryoma and her. But what can she do? She was caught up in this game. She looked at Ryoma not knowing what to do...
Ryoma saw Sakuno's distress, "What's the consequence?" He asked, breaking all eye contacts from Sakuno.
Eiji and Momo was challenged- Ryoma isn't the type to give in easily. "Nyaa! Ochibi, the question isn't for you!" Eiji cried.
"Mada Mada Senpai... What's the consequence?" Ryoma was stubborn. Cause, really. Should he tell? It was a private thingy between him and Sakuno- It's not something they could share, can they?
Sakuno was starting to breathe, It was a good thing that Ryoma seemed to take control of the situation-
"Kiss her! Ochibi!" Eiji smugly declared, a little proud with himself after coming up with a brilliant consequence. "That's it!" haha.. It is a win-win situation. They knew Ryoma, and he wouldn't do it. With that fact, he would surely answer sooner or later. Momo and Eiji smiled evilly, they have cornered the prince.
Sakuno blushed tenfold.
Kiss?
KISS?!
She was weighing whether to tell them or show them.
She was about to protest when she felt a sudden force pulling her swiftly and-Ryoma's lips crashing down on hers...
Her eyes widen at the realization that he was kissing her! Her mind stopped responding and started to give in to his touches and intoxicating smell and- she really couldn't think no more.
Everyone had their mouths widely opened. They didn't expect Ryoma to bite the bait! Momo and Eiji was just smiling evilly at their incoming victory (the reason) but was shocked to no extent to see Ryoma facing the dazed brunette who was in deep thought when he suddenly pulled her face to him until both lips have met. Sakuno who was obviously startled, stiffen at the sudden contact. She had her eyes widened at the moment until slowly, she came to respond with the feeling and eventually, she gave in...
Kia Natsumi, suddenly find breathing so hard. She didn't expected to see what she was witnessing right now, and never did she wanted to see this. She wanted to go, but it appeared that she was stuck to her ground. She couldn't move. She just helplessly watched the scene that was lying in front of her. It was breaking her heart. Realization came running to her! He really is married. To that woman, he's kissing as off the moment. She wanted to scream! She wanted to order them to stop, But she can't. So there she was, unmoving, powerless- unable to do anything to help her heart from ripping away.
Fuji Syuuske, had his knuckles white. He was balling his fist so hard, it was already cutting into his flesh. He was frowning. For the first time, he couldn't direct his emotions. He knew that he liked Sakuno and seeing her being kissed with the man who was her actual owner was hunting. He knew it- you don't need to tell him, he knew that she was never and was never for him. He hadn't yet experienced this kind of pain till now. And for a minute, it faced him how can something like this hurt him so much. Yes, it does- it was hurtful, painful and aching.
Ryoma- haven't kept track on how long has it been since he mindlessly kissed her. He was still now, and he find it so-so hard to stop. Sakuno utterly heaved a contented sighed against his lips and it almost drove him to the edge. He leaned further scooping her cheeks with one hand while the other rest on her side, balancing him so he wouldn't tumble over her. He didn't knew what came over him, to act this offhand, not that he doesn't want to. But knowing that they have an audience, he should have came up with a different plan. But nevertheless, he already is buying his way out of the dare by kissing her. And by the way, did I mentioned that he was enjoying this?
"Hey! We get it! You two should get a room!" Momo and Eiji exclaimed in chorus. Not that they didn't or haven't enjoyed this once in a blue moon scene. But for the love of Pete! It has been 10 or 20 seconds.
Most of them.. Kaidoh, Oishi and Inui was blushing furiously. How can their kohai do this? Especially in front of them, his senpais?
Ryoma stopped as he remembered what he was doing. He slowly opened his eyes only to see Sakuno's puffy lips by his with her eyes closed as if she was savoring the moment. He also noticed that her small hands was clasped with his shirt tightly. Slowly but surely, Sakuno opened her eyes, dazzling Ryoma with her brown orbs once again.
Sakuno stared back at Ryoma... he was- addictive... she couldn't make out anything more than that. She certainly didn't want to stop and was faced as to why he did. Until she heard endless-wolf whistles and cheering. She slowly untangled herself with Ryoma to see the commotion when she saw the regulars cheering and all. She got back to her senses and remembered everything and blushed as if it would be her last time to. She stammered an apology for their actions and stuttered here and there, making out nothing that makes sense. The senpais paid no heed to her apologies saying that they enjoyed it and that it was more than enough to satiate their curiosity as they got the answer-which made her all the more embarrassed as she is right now. Ryoma was just silent. Figuring what happened, why he did it, and why he wanted to do it again.
Author's note: Hello! Once again, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart! I've reached a hundred reviews already! Haaa! I'm so happy! It's my first! And it's all because of you! My lovely readers! I so love you all! Please don't stop on supporting me, onegai! Arigatou-gozaimashta!
Haha, things are started to heat up, eh? I'm really excited right now! I have came up with the idea for the next chapter and I can't help but smile! It's going to be a blast! I can't wait to share it all to you! Truly I am going to UNLEASH MY IMAGINATIONS!