Hi! How are you? This is getting out of my hands now… I guess I made everything complicated here. But I'll try my best to get in the right storyline… what I am bothered was the chapters have greater number in the future and I am worried about it… I am considering of making it to a sequel… ugh! My mind can't decide for now… anyway I hope you like this…

Waah… I am in a panic mode now… I am pretty busy replying some of the reviews today… I only have limited internet access so I won't be able to reply to all of your reviews but I promise I will reply to you… Thank you very much… I am happy now for you guys are keeping me busy with your reviews… Thank you for motivating me… ^_^

Thank you to JC-zala for reading my fics, from Absolute Kiss to Crystal Teardrops...

Yumi014 - Tee hee hee... It's okay... I am glad that you are back now...

Really... I'll tell you a secret... when I reviewed it, I actually thought the same too... I thought of keeping that way and wondering if readers would understand... tee hee hee... It's okay... ah! that's not a secret anymore ;P

Well, seems like Oishi will be forever their Mother Hen... maybe you're right...

Yep, you are a hundred percent right... The moment, I wrote 'ore-sama' there and Ryoma called him 'Saru no Ou' pertained to one person... I gues you already know who would help Seigaku at this moment... tee hee hee...

thank you very much... I am glad that you found this story interesting... or more? tee hee hee... Anyway... I hope you like this chapter... ^_^

DISCLAIMER: I do not own TeniPuri, Konomi Takeshi-sensei does and forever will. I do not own the song that Ryoma sang and being used here. Zero-related.


Chapter 28: Your Own Fine Star

Chapter Summary: His train of thoughts was all about her. They were temporarily apart but they were practically close. Meanwhile, on the other side of the world…


'You who are whistled from far away address me passing the gentle time

The days we are struck in school, slowly the break time is peeping around,

Where will our drifting reach to let's search the fate's whereabouts together…

If you are tired, come here, I'll always be waiting here…

The drop of tears that time, by no means is not a useless courage…'

~Echizen Ryoma – Kimi Dake no Fine Star~


He had successfully arrived in Melbourne, Australia a couple of hours after Keigo Atobe had picked him up from Sakuno's mansion. From there, he knew what his team was planning to do with the help of their friendly rival team. With that he felt relieved even he was there to compete for the title, far away from everyone.

Far away from her.

But even so, he knew he could trust his team with her. All he needed to do was to give his best to win the tournament, for the sake of her.

Yeah, he was doing it this time for him and for her, now that his goal was added another important thing.

And there was no way that he would back out.

xxx

"Arima."

She looked at him and looked back afterwards. She stared to walk away. Ahiru seemed to know why the bodyguard called her and she was not ready to tell him yet.

"Don't run away from me."

"Fakir-san, I don't have anything to say to you."

Fakir reached for her wrist and held it firmly, "You do," he whispered as he pulled her closer and whispered to her ear, "You know something that we don't know yet."

Ahiru's eyes were widened as he did that. She was blushing, nervous and trembling at the same time. She tried to look away from him and said, "Fakir-san, you are putting me in danger. They didn't know that I discovered their plot b-but I didn't know who was beyond it."

"Who were talking back then?"

Before she could talk, Drosselmeye appeared from nowhere. Ahiru was shocked and she quickly pulled herself away from Fakir. The older knight eyed them and retorted;

"Ahiru what are doing in this area with him?"

"N-nothing, sire. I- I just met Fakir-san here."

Fakir confirmed it, "its true sire, and I was just on my way to the post."

Drosselmeye eyed them suspiciously before saying his next words, "You better be, now go back to your posts."

"Hai!" both of them replied. Ahiru took a glance at him before walking away from the area. Fakir on the other hand, stared at the retreating back of the girl. He too, walked away from his superior without looking back at him.


Three Days passed:

Eiji arrived home a bit early after their practice that day. He was planning to watch the Australian Open tournament in his house. Ryoma was doing fine in his own game. Soon after, the game ended and Ryoma won the game.

6-4, 6-2, 7-5. Ryoma won three consecutive sets without sweat.

"As expected of Ochibi." Eiji said. After the game, he called Oishi and told him about the game. Oishi actually saw the game and they were talking about it forever. After, an hour of conversation he searched for another name and called it. It took three rings before the person on the other line answered;

'H-hello?'

'Hi, Milfie-chan,' Eiji blushed a little, 'did I disturb you?'

'N-no, not at all.' Milfie replied to him, 'why did you call, Eiji-kun?'

Eiji walked to his room and lied down on his bed, 'hmmm, nothing… let's say I just want to hear your voice, nya.'

A chuckle could be heard on the other line of the phone, 'you are funny, Eiji-kun. Ano, arigatou for the other day.'

'Uh, don't mention it,' he said. He took her to her limousine that night but before anything else; Eiji gathered all the courage and asked for the girl's number. He felt happy that the girl gave it to him. He gave the number to her in return and now they were been text mates ever since. It was the first time that he called the girl. He also knew that the girl would be leaving next week, 'Ummm, Milfie-chan d-do you have something to do this Saturday?'

'N-no, why do you ask?'

'Can we meet that day? If you won't mind.' Eiji was blushing this time. He hoped that the girl would agree to his request, but the girl hadn't replied and he thought that she was not there anymore, 'Milfie-chan?'

'S-sure.' She said after a long silence.

Eiji was happy about that, 'Really, thank you! Let's meet at the central clock at noon. I have school until that time.'

'I won't mind going to Seigaku though.'

'Thank you very much… Milfie-chan. I like you already; I'll see you on Saturday then, ja.' With that he ended the call without waiting for her reply. And then a sudden blush surfaced his face. He blinked his eyes twice as he thought something. D-did I just confess to her? This is so embarrassing.

He quickly covered his body with the blanket and thought things over. He couldn't wait for Saturday to come.

xxx

Meanwhile, Milfie was shocked on his words. Did he just say… he likes me? She blushed later when she remembered his words but her expressions became sad when she remembered the conversation with her half-brother that morning;


Flashback:

"Do you really love me that much, Milfeulle?" Chris asked her.

Milfie who was blushing really hard answered him, "O-of course, I love you with all my heart Christopher-san. I would never follow you here if I didn't."

"You know that I can't return it, so don't be stupid."

"I-I know." She looked down trying to refrain from crying.

Chris looked at her. He felt annoyed that the girl followed him there. The Kishida clan returned as possible as they heard the news about Sakuno's threat. They gave their extra protection to the girl and now the blonde boy was guarding the girl when he had the time. He just couldn't take care of her clearly when the tennis prodigy called her sometimes and he felt annoyed when that happened. He couldn't oppose the girl for he promised her that he wouldn't do something to hurt the girl. Then an idea popped up into his mind. He smirked as he talked once again.

"You really love me, do you?"

"I do… a lot." She was still looking down. She couldn't look at his eyes. She felt pathetic about falling in love with her half-brother. Even though they were not brother and sister in full blood it was still forbidden but she couldn't help it unless someone would get her attention and made her fall in love with that person. It was so forbidden. She flinched when Chris put his hands on her shoulder and leaned closer to her ear. She blushed when the blonde boy did that;

"If you do love me, then you will make me happy by doing my request."

She nodded unconsciously because of their closeness, but on what he said next made her eyes wide opened and was definitely left her in shock. He then leaned back and spoke to her;

"Don't let me down on this, Milfie."

After that, Chris left her in the room, leaving the stunned girl behind.


Her reverie was cut when her maid announced that it's time for her to sleep. She merrily answered her personal maid and set herself on the bed. She was alone once again and thought what Chris said to her.

Christopher-san, why? Why go that far? She felt like crying as she thought of her one-sided love. She knew that her love was unrequited and never returned by him. But even so, she would still do it for the sake of her love for him.

…Even if her eyes were closed.


Melbourne, Australia;

He was competing for the quarterfinals that day. As expected he was on the lead. One more game of that set and he would be the winner and would be qualified for the semifinals. He looked at the score board as he reviewed them.

6-4, 7-6, 6-7, 5-4…

If he won the next game, he would be qualified for the next round.

It was his turn to serve. He made his first serve an ace, and then the next one and then the last one. Yeah, it was match point already. He smirked when he saw that his opponent was losing his strength. It was miraculously, that his opponent won a set from him. But he won't let him win another one.

He dribbled the ball and then tossed it upward and hit it. His opponent returned it and they rallied for sometime. He could keep up with me until now, yarujan. He was impressed actually; he was a bit tired too. His opponent was no ordinary player and he was more skilled than he was.

But he has more unexpected talent, for a 16 year old tennis player. Yet, the youngest tennis player who played and won two grand slam titles already in history. And he was not going to stop there. He was aiming for a higher position.

To level a certain stupid fiancé, I must win this. He thought as he hit the ball with his best shot and landed to the other side of the court.

"Game, set, match! Echizen Ryoma!" The umpire announced.

The crowd gave noises for him and he smiled for another victory of that day.


Saturday, Japan;

"Eiji-kun!"

Eiji looked at Milfie who was waving at him. He felt that his heart skip a bit when he saw her with casual clothes, with her pink dress and a large ribbon at the left side of her chest. She was also carrying a pink pouch that was hanging on her elbow. Let alone, he blushed on her entire appearance.

"I'm sorry, I'm late," She said, "Did you wait long?"

Eiji scratched his head and looked away, "Iie… I just got here," he then looked back at her and offered his elbow, "Well, shall we?"

It was her turn to blush that time, she raised her left hand to his elbow and they started to walk.

Unknown to them, snickering people could be heard somewhere.

"I can't believe that Kikumaru-senpai is having a date today."

"Shhh, Quiet Momo, Eiji is sharp unlike Echizen you know." Oishi tugged Momo as he stared at his doubles partner who started to walk away with the girl. Eiji told everyone that he had some business to do. It was unusual of him to say something like that so they followed the acrobatic player to his destination and ended up in the central clock and met the pink-haired girl.

Momo eyed his senpai, "Oishi-senpai, that's so unusual of you."

"Eh? What do you mean by that?" Before he could react, Oishi heard the others laugh. They were all there well, except for the tennis captain and the coach of course. He blushed a little, "Don't get the wrong idea here; I am just worried about Eiji." He quickly defended himself.

"Saa, Is that so?" Fuji said smiling at him, "Well, I guess we should follow them before we lose sight of those two."

"Ii Data." Inui said writing new information in his green notebook.

The others shook their heads as they started to follow the two who were 'dating'.

xxx

Milfie seemed to be enjoying herself with his company. Eiji was really kind and generous. In fact, she liked all of him. She let him lead to all the places of his choice. Whatever the boy did sure make her happy. She just met Eiji once but she felt at ease already when she was with him. Although, there were text mates before but she wouldn't mind spending the whole night texting with the boy. She wasn't staying up late before but now she was doing it just to text the acrobatic player. She also learned some information about the team and Sakuno and had the slight idea why would she have a hint that they didn't like her half-brother for the girl. Somehow, she felt relieved when she heard that but she was not that sad anymore.

She liked talking to Eiji all the time.

Now that the boy had asked for a date, she didn't regret accepting it. She smiled while staring at him. He's… very kind and gentle. I wish he could be more like you though. She thought. She flinched when the boy leaned at her and waved his hands in front of her face. She blushed, "W-what is it?"

"You are not with me. Are you thinking of something?" Eiji pouted a little.

She smiled, "G-gomen, I thought of something."

"Ah, are you thinking of another guy? While you are with me?" he said looking away from her as he pouted, "I am jealous already."

She giggled on his childish act, another thing that she liked about him, "I am not, Eiji-kun."

He looked at her and said, "Is that so?" he became happy once again and grabbed her hand, "Let's go and eat. I am hungry."

She was being dragged by him while her blush never left her face. Mysteriously, her heart was beating really fast especially when the boy was doing something like that.


At the mansion;

She watched every match of him. Her eyes were widened as she stared at the large screen.

He won another match once again. And he was qualified for the semifinals. She folded her knees and hugged them between her arms. She stared at the boy who was being taken close up while being interviewed.

Ryoma-kun… I knew you could do it.

Everytime she looked at the boy, her worries were forgotten. True, that the people at the mansion were giving extra care about her safety and was very thankful of them. Even Chris took turns just to guard her. But nothing could level the safeties she felt when she looked at the boy on the screen.

Even though she was very far from him, she still felt safe. She felt that she could do anything, that she could survive everything, even threats and warnings that were coming towards her.

She smiled as blush returned to her face. Just few more days and she was about to see him again.

…And to congratulate him on his victory. She fixed herself to a more comfortable position and then she noticed something sparkling around her neck. Memories rushed into her brain as she touched her necklace.

The necklace was made of leather. It was smooth on the surface but rough inside but that didn't irritate her when it touched her skin. In fact, it was very comfortable to use. There was also a pendant that was hanging on the leather necklace. The pendant was engraved an average size of letter 'R' and it encircled by the silver ring around it. The letter 'R' had a shiny thingy making the pendent sparkle. She blushed as she remembered someone.

Someone who gave her that necklace was actually on the screen that she was staring at. She was very happy. Of all the expensive gifts and presents that she received on her birthday, the necklace that she was wearing was the most valuable she ever received. It was cheap yet elegant.

But she would treasure it for the rest of her life.


Five days later:

The regulars noticed Eiji's depression, excluding Tezuka, Sumire and non-regulars knew the reason. They wouldn't blame the acrobatic player for they too didn't know what really happened;


Flashback:

They spent most of the time at the park after lunch. Eiji never ran out of story much to the girl's amusement. The young teen seemed to be enjoying his time with her and he was glad that he was able to make the girl happy.

"Tezuka-buchou is the strictest buchou you've ever met."

"R-really?" Milfie giggled.

"Un," He nodded, "and Inui threatens us with his juice, I recommend you not to drink that if he ever offers you one. My partner Oishi is really motherly worried about us sometimes oh; don't tell him that I told you that."

She giggled once again and was so eager to listen of the rest of his story.

"Momo and Kaidoh are best friends in the team who will not miss a day of not fighting. Fuji is the most sadistic genius you will ever met and I'll tell you, you won't mess with that kind of guy," He said and embracing himself in front of the girl who giggled, "He's creepy."

"And Ochibi-"

"Ochibi?" she blinked twice.

"Oh yeah, right, you are not aware of his nickname," he looked at her, "Echizen-chan, nya, you know him? Well, he's actually romantically-challenged but I think he's slowly expressing himself now. Sometimes he is just so difficult to read. What do you know, that boy is just a boy with a few words."

"O-oh?" she looked down as if thinking of something. Then he remembered something.

"Milfie-chan sorry about… you know badmouthing your half-brother." He looked away from her, he didn't like to see how the girl would react on his words, "it's just that, we had seen some things he did to Ryuzaki-chan that we didn't like. I'm sorry about that."

Milfie shook her head, "Un, its okay. He's always rude… I understand that."

"He is?"

Her irises softened as she replied to him, "but he is still a nice guy especially when he cares for the people that he loves the most."

Eiji looked at her and blushed. He was not aware on what the girl was saying, "kawaii…"

"E-eh?"

Eiji became beet red when he realized what he had just said, "err, ano sa… gomen, I-I just blurted what I thought is true… it's just that… you really are cute that I can't stop looking at you. I hope you won't freak out," He looked away as he scratched his head, "Darn I'm miserable, you think I am crazy… hee hee."

She blushed as she looked away, "I-ie, I-I am glad that you said that… t-thank you."

"Really… that's a relief then," he sighed and smiled, "the guy that you will fall in love with will be very lucky. You are sweet and honest."

Her eyes widened as she heard his words. She couldn't hear his words after that. It felt that he hit something from the bottom of her heart. She gripped her hands on her lap as she looked down.

"I am not honest."

"E-eh?"

To the boy's surprised, the girl suddenly hugged him and gave him a tender kiss on the lips. His eyes widened in shock as their lips collided. It took seconds before she broke apart from the kiss.

"Gomenasai…" she whispered before standing up on the bench and quickly ran away from the area.

Eiji was left behind who was still shock. He involuntarily touched his lips that she kissed and couldn't utter a word. Later on, he whispered, "what has just… happened?"


Eiji sighed as he returned from his reverie. He couldn't understand why that girl suddenly ran away after she kissed him and apologized. He should be happy about the kiss but something was wrong as he could sense it. He couldn't get to the girl. He tried to call the girl but she wouldn't pick up nor replied to his messages. He flinched when a racket was being hit lightly on his head and saw Tezuka behind him.

"Buchou…"

The captain was still stoic as he spoke, putting the racket down from his head, "Don't let your guard down."

He was a bit shocked on his word but on what his captain said made him back to his world. He always heard Tezuka's catchphrase most of the time but somehow, the way he said it to him that moment gave him a different meaning. Then, he realized something; he knew that he could talk to the girl one of these days. He would confirm everything for the both of them. He stood up leaving the captain on the bench while playing with his racket once again;

"Yosh, Oishi let's practice."


Night:

'Ryoma-kun?'

'Un.'

'Um, c-congratulations on making it to the finals.'

'I am not the winner yet, congratulate me when I won the finals.'

Won? He's really full of himself. She giggled on her thoughts, 'Okay, I'll wait until you win.'

'Is everything alright, there?'

'Hai, don't worry. They are guarding me well here.'

'That's good.' Ryoma said as he looked at the clock. It was morning in Melbourne and he had the final match later. He estimated that it was night in Japan already, 'You should sleep, and it's getting late. You can watch my game tomorrow.'

'H-hai. Good luck, Ryoma-kun.'

'Un.'

With that Ryoma hung up. She put the phone on the table as she looked at the window beside her. Memories came to her in seconds as she remembered the time; Ryoma sneaked into her window and cheered her up. It was funny but she would never forget that time. It was dark already and she could see some stars above. They were all sparkly but she was only thinking of one star.

He was skilled at tennis, good at all academic subjects, had unbelievable talents in everything and had the power to save her everytime. He was her star indeed.

She settled herself on the bed as she looked at the ceiling. "Chris-kun maybe my partner but you… Ryoma-kun… even though you wouldn't notice… you are my own fine star. Because no matter where you are, I know you will guide me to the right path... arigatou."

She closed her eyes with a satisfaction smile on her face before she got herself in deep slumber.


Meanwhile at Narita Airport;

Milfie was ready to leave. She would be leaving Japan without saying good bye to Eiji. It was too hard for her. The boy was too kind to her and she couldn't take of using the guy to trivial matters. She didn't regret that her first kiss was him. She liked the kiss she gave him and it was a bit sad that Eiji didn't respond on her kiss. Well, how would she expect him to reply if she kissed the boy all of the sudden? He was too shock to respond. At least it was a memory that she would like to remember. She looked at her ticket and gripped it really hard. Then, she remembered what Chris had said to her;

Don't let me down, Milfie. I trust you on this.

After long years of holding back, tears fell down on her face the first time and whispered;

"I am very sorry, Eiji-kun."

Thus, the announcement of her flight arrived and she walked to the departure area.


Done! How was this chapter? I just love hints… did you notice? What is Milfie's mission? Why is he apologizing to Eiji? You will find them in the next chapter… I promise.

It was supposed to be Ryoma-Sakuno moment but I guess my plan didn't turn that way. Anyway, another RyoSaku moment probably be in the next chapter too… if the scenes will get there properly… Stay tuned…

Reviews please… I need to hear your thoughts… Action will take time for a while… it will not be detailed but the mysteries will be revealed one by one…

Next Chapter: Sinful Kisses