Who Are You?
A/N: Ya, minna-san. This chap is going to be a bit sad. Don't send flames to me, 'kay? Just wait till the end of the story.
'Blah,blah,blah' thinking.
"Blah,blah,blah" talking.
Blah,blah,blah Long flashback.
(-)(-)(-)(-) changing plot.
The next day, or week, or whatever.
-blah,blah,blah flashback voice.
Chapter fourteen: Sayonara.
Ryoma patted his stiff shoulders as he slumped onto the bench. He took his drinking bottle and began to drink. He looked around the gym. Momo wasn't there. He promised to join him but he hasn't even shown up. 'That idiot.'
He sighed heavily as he rested his back on the hard bench. He was bored like hell. There was nobody at the gym. He took off his cap. He still remembered when he put his cap on someone else's head. A cute head to be exact.
-Let me send you home.
-Eh?
He slightly smirked. She was cute when she wore his oversized cap. Sort of… cute. He snorted. He never remarked someone as… cute.
He still felt her warmth. She hugged him days ago but he still remembered the words that she spoke to him. Nice words.
He smiled. He liked her.
Suddenly somebody patted him from the back. He jerked.
"Momo!"
He hissed at his senpai. Momo grinned widely. Ryoma put his cap back on it's place.
"You were daydreaming."
Ryoma grunted as Momo snickered at his response.
"I never daydream."
Momo shrugged and put down his tennis bag.
"When someone falls in love, they never admit it."
Ryoma just had the sudden urge to rip off Momo's head.
(-)(-)(-)(-)
Ryoma stared at the ball. It was written Nationals Number One. He sighed.
Was he really in love? Sakuno just told him that she loved him.
But… his career… he's losing.
He shook his head.
No. This wasn't because of her. He lost by himself. It's no one's fault.
"Echizen!"
Ryoma turned to his senpai.
"Whaaaaat?"
The teen responded monotonously.
Momo smirked.
"Is there something special about that ball?"
Ryoma shrugged. Momo frowned.
"Hey, that's not an answer!"
Ryoma shrugged again.
"Oshienai."
He stated flatly. Momo grunted and took a big bite of his hamburger.
"Fine."
Ryoma took a sip of his Ponta and rested his back on the chair.
"Ne, Momo."
Momo turned to Ryoma.
"What is it to…. fallinlove?"
Ryoma blurted out. Momo scratched his chin.
"Well, it's great. It's wonderful."
Ryoma replied with an 'Oh'. Momo grinned.
"Why? You like Ryuzaki?"
Ryoma turned to his senpai.
"You think so?"
Momo smirked.
"I don't think so, I KNOW."
Ryoma just stared at Momo blankly. Momo continued.
"Echizen, you've fallen for her haven't you?"
Ryoma shrugged.
"Hm… I don't know."
Momo patted his kohai's back.
"Just figure out this feeling yourself."
-You've fallen for her..
-Ochibi's in love!
Ryoma shook his head. He sure liked Sakuno. But love… He rolled to his right. Karupin snuggled in the blanket. Ryoma looked at Karupin.
It was not the way he loved Karupin.
He rolled to his left and saw his tennis bag.
It wasn't the way he loved tennis either.
It was… just… love..
He took a glance at his watch. It was only 8.30. He sat up as his cell rang.
"Hai.."
"Echizen."
"Ah, bucho."
"…."
"…"
".Hn."
"Uh.. Tezuka..san?"
"Hai.."
"Got something to tell me?"
"Hm. I'll meet you at Kawamura sushi."
Ryoma turned off the cell phone. After he locked the door, he rushed to Kawamura's.
(-)(-)(-)(-)
Ryoma stared at the cup of tea. He turned to Tezuka.
"Bucho, are you serious?"
Tezuka nodded. Ryoma had the chance to renew his step on being a professional player again. He really liked that. But…
"Listen Echizen. In your world, you only have two choices. Love and Career."
Ryoma massaged his temple. He furrowed with frustration.
"Bucho, the problem is… I don't know whether it's true or not."
Tezuka closed his eyes.
"Echizen, you have the power to choose. You can't hesitate."
"But I'm not-"
"You've fallen for her."
Ryoma stared at Tezuka before he averted his gaze to his tea.
"Maybe I am after all."
He smirked.
"You know how it feels too, right?"
Tezuka nodded.
"I.. I do lo- I mean, I've fallen for her…"
Tezuka crossed his arms in front of his chest.
"Echizen-"
"What if I choose my career?"
Tezuka stared at the junior sternly.
"I'll definitely loose her. As I expected."
Ryoma ran a hand through his hair.
"I'm such an idiot."
Tezuka stood up.
"Echizen, think wisely."
Ryoma stood up.
"Ja."
"Echizen."
Tezuka called. His voice icy and strict as ever.
"Never let your guard down." (Yudan sezu iko! Ahaks! -)
Ryoma stopped for a while. And then he slid open the door.
"Sayonara…"
He muttered under his breath.
(-)(-)(-)(-)
Ryoma walked along the quiet street, ignoring the freezing breeze. He turned around a corner to the park. He stopped his tracks as he spotted the fountain in the middle of the park, with benches around it. Running a hand through his raven locks, he stood next to a light pole. His feline eyes stared at his reflection in the water. Then suddenly someone touched his shoulder.
"What are you doing here?"
He knew that voice. Ryoma turned around, facing Sakuno.
"I was… taking a walk."
Sakuno muttered an 'oh' before standing next to Ryoma, watching the golden Kois. A smile formed her lips.
"Ne, these kois seems like they're glowing."
Ryoma nodded. He then looked at the night sky. There were stars, many of them. Sakuno joined.
"Ryoma-san likes stars?"
He shrugged.
"Sort of."
Sakuno smiled.
"I used to look at the stars when I was little."
Ryoma just listened to her voice. He liked it this way. She talks, he listens.
"Ryuzaki."
Sakuno turned to him.
"Hai?"
Ryoma turned to her for a while and then he averted his gaze to the stars.
"Would you do anything to get what you want?"
Sakuno nodded.
"Um! Of course I will."
Ryoma lowered his head.
"Even it means you have to sacrifice something dear to you?"
Sakuno nodded.
"Yes."
The corner of Ryoma's lips curved up.
"Sou?"
-You only have to choose one.
-Echizen, think wisely.
-Just admit it!
-I'll always be by your side.
"Why is life so difficult?"
Sakuno smiled, she took Ryoma's hand.
"Because difficulties make us strong."
Ryoma's eyes widened as he felt Sakuno's lips brushed against his cheek. She lowered her blushing face and stepped back.
"O- Oyasuminsai…"
She bowed before leaving Ryoma dumbfounded. He was kissed. By a girl. The first kiss by Sakuno. HIS first kiss.
He touched the spot where she kissed. He just couldn't hide a blush. (Ngee hee…)
Sakuno took off her chef hat, stuffing it into her bag. She took out a comb, then started combing her hair. She heard someone opening the locker's room's door so she turned around to see who it was. Unfortunately, she felt a hard blow on her head and fainted.
"Take that, Sakuno Ryuzaki."
Kathy tied a cloth around Sakuno's mouth. She roughly dumped Sakuno in her car and started driving to her suite. She picked up her cell phone next to her and dialed Ryoma's number.
"Hai, Echizen here."
"Hey, Ryoma."
"… Kathy. What is it?"
"Sakuno's with me. But she's all tied up."
Kathy could sense Ryoma's reaction.
"What are you doing to her?"
Kathy smirked.
"Come to my suite. Now."
She turned off her cell to prevent anybody calling. Her eyes took a peak at Sakuno from the driver's mirror.
"Today's gonna be a big day for you… bitch."
(-)(-)(-)(-)
Echizen Ryoma was driving recklessly. He slammed on the brakes as the car skidded around a sharp corner, wet leaves flying up around the windshield, then accelerated once more. He used to drive like this before, three years ago. That was because he was stuck in a traffic jam and he was about to be disqualified in a match. But tonight, he was going to save somebody. Somebody he cares a lot.
It was raining heavily, leaves were flying around as the wind blew heavily. The road was twisty, and the days of rain had turned the packed dirt into slickly treacherous mud. He turned into the skids with expert ease and simply plowed onward.
His headlights speared through the heavy rain, reflecting the fallen leaves as he sped up. He tried to calm down, but he couldn't. Kathy was not somebody he can easily deal with.
(-)(-)(-)(-)
Sakuno flinched as she opened her eyes. She looked around the room. It was a suite, she could tell that. She tried to move, but her head felt like it was spinning.
"You're awake now?"
She jerked and turned her head towards the voice. Her eyes widened with fear. She tried to open her mouth but it was already tied with a white cloth. Kathy smirked and walked towards Sakuno.
"Oh, you wanna squeal?"
She took off the cloth.
"Kathy-san, why are you doing this?"
Kathy shrugged. She hiccupped.
"Kathy-san….You're drunk."
Sakuno half whispered as she could smell the faint smell of wine in the suite.
"I just wanna play with you. Is that wrong?"
She pretended to act innocent. Sakuno just stared at the blonde finishing a bottle of wine.
"You know…-hiccup! Loving somebody is very hard, hiccup! Don't you think so?"
Sakuno frowned. Kathy looked at Sakuno with disgust.
"There's always somebody who interferes! Hiccup!"
The half drunk lady laughed lazily.
"Ryoma… Hm…"
Kathy laughed again. Sakuno just stared at the lady. She was having goose bumps watching Kathy cackling like a witch. She closed her eyes tightly. 'Ryoma-san… senpai-tachi… minna… darega tasukete…'
(-)(-)(-)(-)
Ryoma stopped with a screech as a black car nearly bumped into him. He shook his head, telling himself to calm down. The driver of the black Mitsubishi stepped out. Ryoma slightly widened his eyes as he saw the driver.
"Fuji-san?"
Kyoko frowned.
"Echizen-kun, why were you driving so fast?"
Ryoma sighed. He should use Fuji's help.
(-)(-)(-)(-)
Fuji rubbed his chin, his azure blue eyes staring Ryoma seriously.
"Echizen..."
Ryoma ruffled his hair with frustration.
"I've never expected this."
His brunette senpai sighed. Ryoma should make up his decision. If he doesn't, things are going to turn ugly. Everybody knew this, but they didn't want the two to give up on each other. Not now…
(-)(-)(-)(-)
Sakuno shook her head as she felt her head was spinning. She needed to sleep, now. Kathy was still mumbling to herself about Ryoma. Slowly, Sakuno's eyelids started to close. Little by little.
Kathy stopped mumbling as she heard a soft thump. She turned to Sakuno who was sleeping on the floor.
"Ryoma, what do you see in her?"
Suddenly the door bursted open, with Ryoma and Fuji standing and staring at her. Kathy smiled. She pointed to Sakuno.
"There's her."
Ryoma turned to Sakuno and then to Kathy, his eyes burning with anger. Kathy smiled again, making Ryoma sicker.
"Fuji-senpai, wait me outside."
Fuji gave an understanding nod before leaving the three teenagers.
"Kathy…"
Ryoma spoke up, coldly. Kathy slumped on the couch. Ryoma just stood in front of her, not moving an inch.
"Just tell me, what's gotten in to you?"
Kathy laughed. Then she eyed Sakuno, her eyes showing a glint of sadness.
"You… like her don't you?"
Ryoma stared at the floor for a second.
"I do."
Kathy stood up, walking towards Ryoma.
"Ryoma, why isn't it me?"
"Because you're insane."
Tears rolled down Kathy's face.
"Why?"
Ryoma ignored the blonde and walked towards Sakuno.
"Why are you ignoring me! Ryoma!"
Ryoma still ignored Kathy and lifted Sakuno up in his arms.
"Just go away. Away from Japan. And leave Ryuzaki alone."
Kathy was left alone in her suite, weeping.
(-)(-)(-)(-)
Ryoma stood at the door, just watching Sakuno sleeping soundly in the bedroom. Fuji stood next to him. He touched Ryoma's shoulder.
"Echizen, follow me downstairs."
Ryoma followed his senpai to the living room. He glanced at his watch. 12.45, no wonder he was yawning all the time. He sat next to Fuji. Kyoko served tea and went upstairs to take a look at Sakuno. Fuji started. His face was serious.
"Echizen, why did this happen?"
Ryoma let out a frustrated sigh.
"Because she was jealous… of Ryuzaki."
Fuji turned to Ryoma, his face calm as ever.
"Tezuka told you, didn't he?"
Ryoma nodded.
"I-"
"Choose career."
Fuji stated flatly. Ryoma buried his face in his hands.
"I know…but.."
He groaned, not able to hold the stress bottled up inside him. Fuji gently squeezed his shoulder.
"Echizen, if you love her…"
Ryoma slammed the table. He stood up, leaning against a wall beside the fireplace. Fuji revealed his blue eyes.
"It's the real courage if you let go now."
Ryoma smirked blankly. 'Sou, I don't want to involve her.'
Fuji sighed. 'Echizen, gomen. I had to do this.'
Sakuno clenched her skirt.
"Ryoma-san, arigatou."
Ryoma kept his gaze on the road, his hands holding the steering.
"Senpai saved you. Not me."
Sakuno's shoulders slumped as she heard his cold response. Ryoma turned to a sharp corner, making Sakuno tumbled a bit. She flinched as she felt her ribs were hit by the door handle. Ryoma tried to keep his gaze away from her. He felt guilty, hurting Sakuno like this. But he had to. The car stopped in front of Tezuka's house. Sakuno muttered a 'thanks' before she stepped out the car. Ryoma grasped the steering tightly, before he drove away.
Sakuno was making him weak. Love was making him weak. He blamed himself for falling in love. He had to do whatever it takes to make her hate him.
It hurts to do that. To make someone for not loving you back. But he had to.
Yes, he HAD to.
(-)(-)(-)(-)
Momo plopped down on the bench, checking his racket's stringing. Ryoma sat next to him, finishing up his drinking bottle.
"Nice beginning, Echizen."
"Ah."
Momo turned to Ryoma.
"Ne, treat her well."
Ryoma frowned.
"Daren?"
"Sakuno of course. You have a thing for her, right?"
Ryoma leaned his back.
"I've chosen career."
Momo stood up, determination filling his eyes. He has to knock some sense into Ryoma's skull right now.
"How could you choose career?"
"Because I want to."
His reply was so cold, emotionless yet stupid.
"Omae! How about Sakuno?"
Ryoma shrugged.
"Bucho and Fuji-senpai told me to. And it was my choice too."
The last sentence was barely heard. Momo had a vein popped on his head.
"You'll never win your matches without her!"
"Dakara, you think I could win with luck only?"
Momo rolled his eyes.
"Echizen, I do respect Fuji-senpai and bucho. But they're wrong!"
Ryoma frowned. Momo continued, sitting next to his best friend.
"Echizen… why can't you just let your frustrations go?"
Ryoma shrugged.
"This is the only way… "
Momo shook his head.
"Echizen, you look at me."
Ryoma looked at Momo confusingly. Momo continued.
"Loving somebody gives you the strength to overcome anything. You won't feel scared, you won't feel stupid, embarrassed… Humiliated."
Ryoma leaned his back.
"What kind of strength anyway?"
Momo clenched his fists. 'This stubborn bastard needs someone to throw a tennis ball on his darn thick skull!'
"You could feel something pushing you to not give up, like the times when we cheered for you in your matches. And there was Sakuno, too."
Ryoma ran a hand through his hair. Yes, she was always there for him, cheering him on. Momo really has a point there.
"Echizen, you can't be selfish."
-(-)(-)(-)(-)
Ryoma waked along the busy streets in Tokyo with his eyes covered, and his tennis bag on his back. He saw Kawamura sushi. He smirked. At least, he needed to pay his senpai a visit.
Sliding the door, he slowly entered the empty and silent sushi store. Kawamura was standing at the counter, cleaning the tables. He looked at is watch. No wonder there was nobody. It has passed lunch. Ryoma slowly sat himself in front of the boss, smirking a bit. Kawamura smiled at him.
"Haven't been here in a long time. Irashai."
Ryoma managed a weak smile. Kawamura sat next to his kohai as he noticed the glint of sadness in his eyes.
"Kawamura-senpai…"
Kawamura smiled warmly. He motioned Hasume to make tea.
"You're not here for sushi, right?"
Ryoma nodded.
"There's something.."
(-)(-)(-)(-)
Ryoma furrowed while his hand gently massaging his temple.
"It's complicated, senpai."
Kawamura heard the tennis star.
"Then?"
"Fuji-senpai and buchou told me to choose career, but Momo says…"
Kawamura sighed. He held one of Ryoma's shoulder.
"Echizen, think carefully. If there's Saku-chan, is there life?"
Ryoma turned to his senpai, his frown hadn't loosened a bit.
"When there's Saku-chan, there's always happiness, something to smile about."
Ryoma sighed heavily as he realized the words. Kawamura continued.
"When there's her, there's always love."
The tennis star clenched his fists. He knew what Kawamura meant.
"Echizen, love is more important. Without her telling you the meaning of love… the Echizen Ryoma I see now would never exist. You've been living emotionless these years, she knew that. She wanted you to know how it feels to have feelings. When you lose your career then you'll still have her. You won't lose everything. Everyone starts their lives with love. So do you."
Ryoma nodded. He stood up, headed to the door.
"Arigatou."
That was all he said as he left the sliding door opened. Kawamura watched the raven-head walk away until he was out of sight.
Closing his eyes, he tried to remember his moves. 'Yosh.'
Tossing the ball high into the air, he did his serve. He was about to make a move when suddenly the umpire said out loud.
"Fault!"
Ryoma shook his head. Okay, he had to focus. 'Focus, Ryoma. Focus…. Darn it!'
(-)(-)(-)(-)
Tezuka observed Ryoma's every move. A slight frown formed on his forehead looking at the player's moves. There was something wrong with the raven-head. He put down his cup of coffee on the table in front of him and continued watching the match of Ryoma. After a while, he stood up and took his car keys as the umpire called out loud and clearly.
"Game and Match, Echizen! Seven games to six!"
Tezuka need to have a word with Ryoma. That guy nearly lost to his opponent and he wanted to know why.
"Echizen, think wisely."
He said to himself as he began to drive.
(-)(-)(-)(-)
Ryoma grunted as Tezuka started their conversation. The stoic ex-captain of Seigaku repeated.
"Echizen, you nearly lost. Why?"
Ryoma glared at the senior and then looked outside the café window, supporting his chin on his palm.
"Wakannai."
Tezuka crossed his arms in front of his chest.
"Everything that happened must have a reason."
"…"
Tezuka closed his eyes. Okay, he give up. Tezuka stood up, left a little bit of cash and started to walk away. Ryoma sighed and started to leave too, walking the opposite way. Both were thinking the same.
'Kimeta.'
Ryoma rang the doorbell. He took a deep breath. Okay, he was going to tell Sakuno, privately. A glint of sadness shone in his hazel eyes. One must go. His lifted his head as he heard the door was being opened. And there stood…
"Momo?"
Momo grinned.
"We were expecting you. Come in."
Ryoma just entered Tezuka's house, a frown plastered on his forehead.
"Uh.. why are you here?"
Momo grinned, AGAIN.
"This was supposed to be a surprise but, oh well."
He opened the sliding door to the living room. Ryoma stood in front of his ex-senpais, even with their wives who were smiling at him. Seven month pregnant Sakura stood up, with Oishi holding her hand for support.
"Echizen-kun, omedeto!"
Momo ushered Ryoma to sit on a couch and then while there were still bubbles in his head suddenly a gentle voice interrupted.
"Ryoma-san, you're here. That's great."
Ryoma turned to her, his eyes staring at her confusingly.
"What's going on here?"
He asked suddenly, his voice barely heard. Eiji pressed his hand onto Ryoma's head.
"You won, Ochibi! Thank Kami-sama you have another chance to be pro! Na, Saku-chan?"
Sakuno nodded, her lips smiling sheepishly. Momo patted Ryoma's shoulder.
"Thanks to her, we've got a feast goin' on here."
Momo clapped his hands together and coughed.
"Yosh! Who's here hungry already?"
"OH!"
They all walked to the other side of the living room, chatting and picking the food. Ryoma sighed and rested his back on the couch. They've screwed his plan.
(-)(-)(-)(-)
Ryoma stared the ceiling.
-You won't lose everything.
-You'll still have her.
-There must be a reason
He closed his eyes. This madness had to stop.
"Ryoma-san, daijobu?"
The voice woke him up. He turned to face Sakuno, smiling to him. She looked innocent. He shook his head.
"Iie, I'm okay."
Sakuno replied with an 'oh' then lowered her head, staring at the floor. She then turned to the others who were talking to each other. (actually gossiping about the nineteen year old teenagers. Poor kohais.) The table was already cleaned. Then Ryoma stood up.
"I need to go to the sink."
Sakuno nodded understandingly.
Ryoma gripped the edges of the sink, clenching onto them. He didn't know what to do. She was so kind. Too kind for him.
Suddenly a sudden bark made him jerk. Tezuka's Lassie dog barged in the kitchen, knocked Ryoma and went out using the kitchen door. A plate broke onto the floor. All eyes were focused at him.
"Gomen"
He crouched down to pick up the broken pieces. Then he smelled a flower fragrance. He turned his head to the fragrance. Sakuno smiled at him while picking the broken pieces.
"I'll help."
They suddenly heard catcalls from his senpai-tachi. Sakuno blushed, but Ryoma just stared at her, ignoring his idiot senpai-tachi. He flinched as he felt his finger being cut by the pieces. Sakuno smiled at him, took his hand, telling him it was okay.
She was making him soft.
She was making him weak.
He knew why he nearly lost.
It was because of her.
He knew that he liked her.
And love was making him weak.
He lowered his head, his eyes were hidden under the shadows.
He had enough.
Mustering every courage he had, his hands pushed her aside.
"Don't."
He warned as he stood up. Sakuno frowned.
"Ryoma-san, you're injured."
"Sawarana!"
The house went silent. The air around them tensed. Momo suddenly pushed Ryoma's shoulder a bit.
"Oi, what the-"
"Shut up!"
Everyone widened their eyes. Tezuka was surprised but he still kept his stern face. Sakuno stood up, brushing away the dirt on her skirt.
"Chotto, Ryoma-san. What's the matter?"
Ryoma glared at her.
"Before I met you I was strong. I could beat anybody. Before I knew what love meant, I was able to beat anybody. Now that I've met you, I've turned weak. And you guys know why?"
They kept silent. Ryoma, still lowering his head he clenched his fists.
"That's because of you, Ryuzaki! It's all your fault!"
Oishi tried to walk towards Ryoma.
"Echizen-"
"Don't move an inch."
Ryoma snapped. He then turned to Sakuno, tears filling her eyes.
"Ryoma-san, I-"
"You were trying to turn me into a loser! I've lost my matches, my fame, my strength, just because of you! You brainwashed me!"
Sakuno lowered her head, her shoulders shaking. Ryoma's chest felt like breaking into pieces. He didn't want to see her cry. He loved her, he knew that but she had to hate him. That was the only way he could return to the battlefield again.
"G-Gomen."
Sakuno managed to say, her voice cracking. Ryoma closed his eyes, not able to see her crying. He started to walk away.
"Besides, I've never liked women. Especially ones like you."
Momo clenched his fists. He charged towards Ryoma as he closed the door.
"Matte!"
He was about to open the door when suddenly Sakuno stepped in front of the door, her hands spread out trying to stop Momo.
"Please, let him be."
Momo shook his head.
"LOOK AT WHAT THA BASTARD DID TO YOU!"
Sakuno shook her head.
"No, please."
A vein popped on Momo's temple.
"But that yarou-"
"JUST STOP!"
Her senpai-tachi widened their eyes at the sudden yell. Sakuno slumped on the floor.
"He's.. right. I'm useless, stupid, annoying."
Eiji patted her head gently.
"No, it's not like that."
Sakuno cupped her face.
"I'm such a lousy person, he hates me… I'm a burden to everyone… I'm NOBODY!"
She ran upstairs straight into her bedroom, weeping on the bed. The others sighed. What have they done? Maybe…. Just maybe there were wrong, that Sakuno and Ryoma should know each other.
Minna, don't cry, 'kay? I'll make the next chap amazing. I promise! I know, I know. Poor Sakuno. I was even crying when I read this back.
Translations:
Kohai junior
Oshienai Not telling
Koi Some kind of fish. Remember those fish in Tezuka's garden? Those are kois.
Oyasuminasai Good night.
Omae You
Wakannai Dunno./ Don't know
Kimeta It's decided.
Darega Tasukete Somebody, help.
Sawarana Don't touch
Urusai Shut up
Chotto, Matte Wait, Hold on.
Irashai Welcome.
Dakara So.