2 years later…
Slap
"What the f –"
"ASSURANCE!" the perpetrator started; knuckles turning white in fury. "You can't just keep barging in my life like you're always welcome!" she stormed, wrenching off from the man's hold. "You can't be here! YOU SHOULDN'T EVEN BE HERE."
"Look, I came here for –"
"For me? Really? You're gonna pull off that You're-the-most-important-woman-in-my-life monologue? Right now? Because I won't be buying any of that! Not anymore."
"Would you please listen to m –"
"STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM ME."
Silence, too deafening, took over as she slowly stepped back. "You don't have to call anymore because there's nobody picking up that damn phone call. This is the last straw… there's…there's nothing left to beg for. You know that, right? You tell me that you're sorry, but the truth is you're just saying that to ease your damn ego. You're not sorry; and I'm done with all this bullshit." She then turned for the door before setting her auburn orbs back to azure ones. "Get out."
"Plea –"
"OUT!"
A loud bang courtesy of the entrance signaled the end of the heated argument; a woman left catching her breath and leaning against the doorframe. A tear. A sob. A heartache ended.
.
.
"AND CUT! That's a wrap, people! Congratulations!"
Applause erupted within the vicinity. There was always that bliss after such a good take – much more, of course, if it's the last scene to film. Banzai. Hoorah. Omedetou.
Wiping the stray tear from her eyes, Sakuno Ryuzaki began recollecting herself after the intense scene. People from various departments started crowding her, giving the usual sycophancies post-film. In turn, of course, were her heartwarming replies – much different from the assertive woman she had portrayed a few moments ago.
"OMG KITTY GIRL!" Raven locks drown the 24-year-old's view as she was tackled to the ground. Ouch. "You were sooo amazing back there! I can't believe…"
Sakuno sighed helplessly as she got up; this had become a habit of her friend. "Let's go, Timn." She murmured between faint laughs as her friend kept the torrent of flatteries going.
"I knew calling you that day and modeling for us wouldn't be a one-shot deal! I just knew you had it in you, Kitty girl!"
"It was a pretty good idea that you pursued theater rather than the sports you sucked at way back junior high." A familiar feminine voice rang as she threw a water bottle in the air.
Sakuno panicked as she settled the bottle in her hands, sighing after a successful receive. "You mean when you made me quit tennis – my beloved sport – and had me go through acting. Yes, I do remember that, Tomo-chan, thank you very much." She replied too sarcastic for her own good.
It had been more than 10 years since that faithful day; her best friend signed her up in the drama club without her concern. Sakuno's apparent problem upon figuring things out; after her tennis club captain deliberately cut half of her practice time – hers only, and after her grandmother insisted to have Tomoka as lead manager of the boy's tennis club, was just a very light one: she was as shy as the word goes – no, maybe even shier than shy. Scratch that. She's the feeling shy given a darn body and soul. Imagine her panic and the almost-FO (friendship over) situation she gave her best friend upon learning of the act.
Tomoka was very complacent about it, much to Sakuno's dismay. The pig-tailed girl casually told her that if she really did gave up on a certain tennis prince – she'd have to give it all up completely; being the timid girl her best friend was, she knew that Sakuno wouldn't give her the who-are-you-to-decide skit. But girl was she very wrong about that.
"You love me." Tomoka grinned, pulling both out of their reverie. A story for another day. She thought.
"That I do."
"Let's goooooo, you two. The afterparty's at 7 sharp and I don't know about you guys but I wanna get my well-deserved beauty sleep."
Giggling, they made their way back to the dressing room, passing by congratulatory messages and, of course, respectfully replying to said compliments. Finally, after a series of turns and humble responses, they were able to see the familiar sparkling gold sticker with the name SAKUNO SAITO in script font and glittering pink plastered on a double door.
The Hollywood-bound Japanese actress let her make-up artist and manager in first before entering. Before she could enter, though, a hand from behind her made its way to stop the door. A shiver crept up Sakuno's spine; she had a bad feeling about this.
"Sakuno? You were amazing out there! I just knew you'd be awesome. Don't worry about the slap, by the way, I totally saw it coming. It stings a bit but…" he continued to ramble.
Sakuno slowly turned to face the movie's lead actor, Alexis Storm. Your typical American hunk with the blond hair and blue eyes. The 27-year-old actor wasn't your typical Steve Rogers, though, contrary to his features. He'd fall under the Peter Parker vibe and as much as Sakuno enjoyed her time acting with the guy, she cannot deny the eeriness from the lack of sense of space. "Alexis-san! Thank you, too; I'm sorry about the slap. You were amazing, too!" she replied in English.
Every time she does this, she's reminded of the arrogant, tennis-loving rookie from junior high. Ha. Ryoma-kun, if only you can see me now. She proudly thought but later waved the cloud of arrogance realizing that the now King of Tennis would be too busy with his own agenda – he wouldn't have time to check up on her, much less her English.
Plus, she wasn't expecting anything from the guy since their interactions before – when they were kids, when they had the chance to be labeled love-struck kids – were baseline platonic. More so due to her transferring clubs back then. The only time they had socialized, if you'd even call it socialization, was during the private lessons he'd still give her. The then-kid arguing that it'll help with her stamina for her whatever club as Ryoma had termed.
"Kitty girl, you comin' in or not? I'm afraid the AC's prowess would go to waste with the open door and all."
"Timny, heeyy!" – Alexis
"Ohh, lover boy! Look at you; chasing over your leading lady of the movie." Timn greeted back; too nice for Sakuno's comfort. The angelic aura surrounding the world-renowned HMUA goes dim as she continued. "Again. Get the hell outta here. No flirting with my Sakuno. Byee" She waved and dragged Sakuno, much to the latter's delight.
A defeated sigh was the last thing they heard from the other side before sighing also, that is, in relief.
"See? This is why I don't hire bodyguards. Timn's enough to swat people off our backs!"
"Got that right, Wonder girl! You gotta be extra careful around here; especially since you've just started. I ain't throwin' my precious bunnies to those wolves."
"You're the best! Now if you'll excuse me, I've had my fill of rest. Need to take these calls; sponsors keep contacting our queen here."
"Tomo-chan! You've barely warmed that chair. O-oi don't wink at me like that! You also need to rest. The calls can wait! Get back h–" Sakuno was a second too late as she heard the soft click of the door and her best friend's oath of rest. Sigh. Off she goes, again.
"Have ta hand it to Wonder girl, I've never seen anyone function in 2 hours of sleep."
"Mou. A little help would've been nice… Eh?" she stopped in her tracks as she looked at yet another familiar object.
"Oh, right. Secret admirer must've placed that there when we were all huddled watching your final scene. Aren't you creeped out? Those stuff always make its way to your every shooting. Always during the 14th of every month. Never faltered since you started."
Sakuno traced the outlines of the glass case; admiring more the flower encased – settled royally in a lush crimson cushion. It was yet another Eternal Cherry Blossom. Whoever had the audacity and free time for this remains unknown to her. Much to her friend's chagrin, she wasn't the least creeped out. Rather, she was touched and even thrilled. The ornament somehow sweeps away her exhaustion. "Anyway, I don't want both my precious friends strained from all of this, so do me a favor and take your well-deserved rest?"
"Promise you'll do the same?"
"Have my phone on alarm at 5. We still have a good 4 hours from then."
A grin flashed across Timn's features. Her cat-like eyes again in awe. "You're starting to get the hang of this."
"I learn from the best." Sakuno nonchalantly replied before settling on the makeshift bed the staff had prepared.
"Touché. Well, semi-lights off for now, Kitty girl!"
"Mmm." She murmured as she drifts away to dreamland; the admirer's gift nuzzled at the side of her pillow.
"Mmmm…"
"Meowww~"
A stuffy Himalayan cat continued its purr, waiting for his master to take notice. Said master was still beneath the satin sheets. The 25-year-old tennis royalty grumbled at the thought of liquor and confetti in the air; his head wrung at the loud music and endless flattery for his undefeated triumph. Recuperating from his celebratory party, Ryoma Echizen inwardly apologizes for absence of courtesy to his cat, Karupin.
As if feeling the sentiment of his owner, Karupin left the fluffy mattress and sauntered his way to his own cat bed. Peaceful.
BANG!
"ECHIZEEEEEENNN!"
Or maybe not. "Echizen! Echizen! ECHIZEEEENNNN!"
"Nnnghh.."
"Come on, come on, wake up! It's a little passed 7! You've been asleep the whole day!" The poor manager reprimanded, making his way to the bed and removing the warmth-inducing cloth from the sleeper's clutches.
"O-oi!"
"Hnn. So disappointing; and I thought you'd finally get laid tonight. I was expecting women beneath those! Not your shredded body."
The object of sarcasm pulled himself up with an arm, the other rubbing his eyes lightly; his muscles flexing from the simple movements. "Nn.. Hilarous. Sponsorship interview dinner's not 'til tomorrow."
"You know you love me."
Ryoma cringed at the words and eyed him murderously. "Cut it."
"Eh, I try – THAT'S NOT WHY I'M HERE. I heard from Tomo!" Horio answered and stepped away upon seeing the lethal glare pointed at him.
Sleepy, but deadly, golden orbs turned its full attention, in a milder manner, at the mention of a certain manager, which later settled looking nonchalant albeit otherwise. "What about your wife, Horio?"
"Hehe… Don't think for a second that I didn't see that glow in your eyes, Echizen" Horio knowingly smirked.
"What did you hear?"
"Whatcha wanna know?"
"Horio"
"Echize – ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT, I'LL TALK, PLACE THOSE DAMN TENNIS EQUIPMENTS DOWN." The manager sweat dropped and only released a breath he didn't even knew he was holding until his friend had placed the racket and ball by the bedside table, inwardly thinking why they were there in the first place. Re-composing himself, he turned back to the still-attentive, semi-naked, Ponta-sipping man in front of him. "They're downstairs"
"PFFTT"
"FUDGE CAKES, ECHIZEN. THIS SUIT WAS A GIFT. GAAHHH"
"What are they doing here?"
"Just a sec. Lemme wipe this grape off me first."
"You can answer while doing that, Horio."
"Towel?"
"Third leftmost cabinet. Why are they here?"
"Somethin' about dsfsdghjsf"
"Speak clearly or I'll have Osakada know she's only second to pachinko."
"Party! Celebratory party! They're finally done with Alabaster Eyes. The team reserved the hotel's assembly hall… and you know she's a Horio now, too, right?"
"Party?"
"Yes."
"Alcohol?"
"Well du – HAIIIII justputthatdamnballaway."
"And the typhoon guy?"
"Storm." Horio corrected with the much-needed eye rolling. "Dude, you're really bad at names AANNNDD TomosaidTimn'skeepinghimatbaysopleasenoviolence." He pleaded with eyes closed shut.
The rustling of sheets were Horio's sign of safety; he opened his eyes to see his friend shuffling towards the bathroom. "Echizen?"
"Busy. Talk later."
"Ugh. Where're ya even going?"
"Party"
"Ohhhh. Alrighty. Wai- WHAT? WHAT PARTY?!"
Sakuno stealthily leans away, covering her mouth as another yawn came up. The 4-hour nap wasn't enough to satiate her fatigue she finally concluded hearing her raven-haired friend point out that the previous display of boredom was, in fact, her third one – within the given minute. Tomoka joined in and noted the starlet's lack of participation in conversations whenever somebody walked over towards them. Dully noting it wasn't good for their business.
"This is why I have you." She mumbled and took a swig of the alcohol from her glass.
Tired Sakuno is feisty Sakuno. This beats drunk Sakuno who forgets everything she'd done the next day – every embarrassing thing the sane Sakuno wouldn't even think of doing much less think of it. A good two years in the states may have changed a few of her ways but she's still not fond of painting towns red and everything adulthood has to offer.
"And that's enough, kitty. Need I remind you that your alcohol tolerance ain't even near a 5-year old's?"
"From where I came from, we don't let minors drink."
"Don't go sassin' up on me or else you'll regret it. Now go and freshen up before people start thinking I put too much blush-on on you."
"Timn, it's just a glass…"
"Yeah, yeah, and I've had enough of your sass. Now go, go!" the said HMUA shooed.
Sakuno looked at her friend questioningly, only to find Timn looking, or rather glaring, elsewhere. She followed her line of sight to see Alexis Storm – our Steve-Rogers-look-alike-but-Peter-Parker-vibe of a male lead coming their way. An enlightening Oh was her thought as she scurried albeit discretely away from the group, Alexis's empty praise for her red, flowy tunic swallowed by the celebratory noise.
.
.
.
.
"Oh my dear Kami." Sakuno murmured. Two years – a good, full, two years and counting and she was still that broken compass she was born as. Yes. In such a venue, Sakuno Ryuzaki aka Sakuno Saito, one of the rising stars of the current era, is… without a doubt… there was no doubt, really,about it… given we are talking about the Sakuno Ryuzaki here… lost.
Lightly rubbing her temple, hoping to ease the throbbing pain in her ego, she took another turn and was pushed forward a bit by something that hit her calves. A soft thud followed by a small mewl caught her attention. Sakuno immediately snapped back to reality and turned.
"M-Mommy…" a small whimper came.
Blinking, Sakuno looked down to see a little pig-tailed girl, dressed in blue, covering her eyes. She quickly settled on her knees to level with the little girl whose shoulders were tense and shaking; the little one was probably holding her cries. "Hey there, sweetie."
She found the toddler finally looking up at her. "I-I'm sowy… I…I was wooking fow my m-mommy" she stuttered; the girl's hazel eyes filled with fresh tears ready to stream down its owner's chubby cheeks.
"Oh dear. I'm sorry but… umm," Sakuno paused, she cannot simply say she's not the toddler's mother. That'd cause panic from the other party. The auburn-haired woman looked back with a soft smile. "What's your name, darling?" she asked softly while stretching her hands to gently wipe the tears from the little one's eyes.
"Ch-Chewwy…"
"Ch-chewy? Cherry? It's Cherry? Cherry! That's a sweet name! It suits you very much! My friends often call me that before." she beamed and felt herself relax upon seeing the toddler settle in. She smiled warmly, "Listen, love… Cherry. Do… Do I look like your Mommy?" she further questioned, keeping the gentleness and subtlety.
The little girl nodded as a reply. "B-but… Mommy… eyet…bwue…" Cherry added. Pointing to her eyes.
"Blue eyes and auburn hair! Got it! Well then, Cherry. Don't worry and just come with Auntie. Let's look for your Mom!" she decided and picked up the little girl, who was then beaming. This made the older woman giggle and settled her mind for the new adventure she found herself in. Tomo and Timn won't be looking…yet. She thought after realizing that she's been circling the venue for, more or less, 10 minutes.
"CHERRY!" A deep, husky voice too familiar for Sakuno exclaimed upon her first step.
"Daddy!" the little girl squealed and wriggled away from Sakuno's grasp.
"Oh thank god… Don't go on your own like that. You had me all worried."
"Sowi… b-but Auntie… elped… wook… fow you… and Mommy." Cherry innocently mumbled as she looked expectedly in her father's eyes.
The father had a questioning look at his daughter before turning to where the toddler was pointing.
Sakuno stepped back. Which shojou schnitzels was she in to even be in this kind of situation?
"Sa-chan?" Ah, there it goes. The guy's all-too-familiar way of addressing her in an all-too-familiar tone.
"Seth! Don't let your little one wander off like that!"
Sakuno mentally slapped herself – of all the things she could say to her ex. She goes off reprimanding him. That's it, no more alcohol. Ever.
A profound laugh caught her attention and she saw him smiling at her. Seth gave the little girl to who seemed like their butler and gave a few instructions and a kiss on the little one's temple before having them leave. He turned back to Sakuno who was too nervous to look at him. A rather uncomfortable silence followed.
"Yeah… Sorry about that… Umm, you look…really bea–"
.
.
"Sakuno."
Sakuno can count the many times she was kissed in public: once – at the oh-so-delicious moment. She found herself holding onto the perpetrator's polo, feeling a pair of hands settling on her hips. She was lost for reasons she couldn't fathom. Maybe it was the lips pressed on hers? Or those fine hands comfortably resting on her? Or was it the broad, muscular chest she was holding on to for Kami's sake?
She was only able to collect herself when the man was torn off from her by Seth. "Hey, pal. What gives?" Seth asked in annoyance which fell on deaf ears as the person in question did not even spare a glance his way.
Golden orbs turned to look at disheveled hazels. "Sakuno?" he said once more before reaching for her hands. Rubbing the knuckles rather affectionately.
"H-huh? Hai?" She blurted, still lost.
"Let's go." The man gestured her to follow him and she found herself do so willingly. He turned back to look at the person who interrupted his little stunt a while ago and shot him down with a look.
Ryoma looked forward and smirked triumphantly. Rescuing the princess from her ex, done. Was probably what was going in his mind as they made their way back to the Sakuno's friends. He was up and about after finding out his woman – damn, that sounded good – was just a few strides away. So, he hurried and readied himself – bath and all and sporting in a casual look. Not too flashy.
Flashback to a few minutes ago, he already saw Sakuno by the time she went away from the crowd. He assumed she's probably going to take a breather, and, being fully aware of his woman's tendency to turn to the wrong direction, he followed her. He was expecting her to be lost, yes, but not this lost. What were the odds of running into her ex, much less said ex's kid?
"Ryoma-kun?" she finally spoke after a while.
"Hn – itta." Ryoma nursed his pinched cheek.
"You're real. Oh great, Kami. You're realllyyy real!" she half-exclaimed.
"Would you rather otherwise?" he grumbled and held her hand again. Ah, another round of redness. Glad there's things that don't change.
"I have to get back. My friends, they might be waiting… and worried."
"You sure that's what you want?" he asked before turning back to face her – the bag under her eyes rather visible amidst the cosmetics. "My room's just a few floors from here."
"R-Room? Wha – well, umm, thank you but you know we aren't close – I mean it's just, you know, ah, umm–"
"I've got a bed."
"R-Ryoma-kun…"
"And milk."
"You see, Tomo and Timn…"
"Karupin's there too."
"I-I really should get– … excuse me?"
He flashed her a devilish, irresistible, drop-dead grin to seal the deal. "You heard me."
"Anyway, thanks for the save, Ryoma-sama! We really thought she'd gone off to another world courtesy of the bathroom. And fine, she'll stay with you for the night."
"HEY LEGIT LOVER BOI. NO INAPPROPRIATE STUFF, MMKAY?!"
Ryoma scoffed. "Mmn."
"Damn you and your cockiness. Tomo! Speak to this… this… this Groot here and tell 'im good. I don't want anything happening to our Kitty girl. Btw the Groot thing's a compliment. Be honored."
Ryoma heard a faint giggle from the other line before having to hear another round of reminders from Sakuno's friends. And after an eternity of swearing and oaths establishment, they finally decided to rest their case.
"Ryoma-sama, really, thank you. She's been through a lot. Please, please, please…"
"Got it, good night, Osa–… Tomoka."
"Heh… Good night, Ryoma-sama."
Ryoma placed his phone back on the coffee table and settled the guitar. He strums a few chords before checking up on the damsel sleeping comfortably on his bed – Karupin having the honor of her snuggles. He'd long forgiven his feline confidant. He did use the cat as bribe. Figuring he might disturb her, he got off the couch and went to the room's balcony, placing a can of ponta on the table and readjusting his seat so he could play.
He strums a slow melody for a while. His mind drifts off to the event he got himself into just a few hours ago. Though admitting the fact that he wanted to see her – personally and not through live streams and movies she's been part of – this time, the thought of being with her this way hadn't crossed his mind… Well, not this early in the story. Of course, much less the kiss and sparks of intimacy. His lips formed a lazy smirk as he changed chords, keeping the melody alive yet subtle.
Twelve years of constant glances and nonchalant acts. There'd been years of regret within those, he acknowledged – especially when a certain American entered the picture. His Fuji-senpai held a small affection for Sakuno before, but he didn't mind knowing full well that Sakuno was his. He always thought so.
He always thought she'd be there – no match unwatched and un-cheered for, no injury un-scolded, no lunch un-bento …ed. Contrary to what most people deem him as, he was aware. He knew. He always did and he never minded it – because he always thought she'd stay. That he didn't have to make it clear – but damn was he corrected after her change of clubs. His surprise when the news came up was at par with everyone else; he was wide-eyed, had a questioning look and was in chorus for that "Haaaaaaaa?!" his Senpai-tachi had exclaimed. An insulting hmp escaped his lips for his 12-year-old-self; the world did not revolve around him and she wasn't up for his silence.
His mild dilemma further escalated when Katsuo informed them that Sakuno was dating. That was in college. She got a scholarship to enter a prestigious performing arts school at the States. He was then continuing to smash through the tennis world – and was also thinking of ways to make do with his schedule so he could coincidentally see her at her uni. But Horio, who was his manager-in-training (as the unibrow had stressed) back then, decided otherwise. That was when the supporter told his Tennis Royalty that the cherry of his mind was already the apple of somebody else's eye. She was going out with a Seth Russ – whom he's decided not to be informed of to lessen his irascibility and save the lives of his tennis rivals (and his career) from going down the drain.
Horio had convinced him that it was maybe Sakuno's way of forgetting about him; and that if the girl did have strong affections for Ryoma, then the current relationship wasn't something to be threatened of. But a year passed, and then the next, and then Horio Satoshi graduated from manager-in-training to full-time-the-one-and-only manager, then Osakada Tomoka became Horio Tomoka, then his senpai-tachi held reunions and get-togethers at places each of them have owned but no break up news popped up.
Call him brash but he always expected it to happen, always wanted it to happen; when it did come, though, he had to pass up the opportunity for kampais and flowers and rekindling of love when he'd heard how devastated she was. It was Tomoka, who was too drunk for her own good one reunion, who blurted it out to them.
Sakuno was scouted as an undergraduate, she didn't want to pass up the opportunity because other than the experiences, she needed the monetary benefit the projects came along with because of her grandmother's hospital bills, one which her father, Saitou Itaru, had reassured her of but to no avail. She had already decided to work while completing her degree. This meant she got busier…farther. So, the guy settled for someone closer – but damn was he a douche to choose someone so similar to Sakuno.
Ryoma must've been to engrossed in his own thoughts to take notice of a figure making its way near him.
"Meoowwwww"
"Why'd you stop? It was pretty good. Familiar, even."
Ryoma turned to the side to see Sakuno, hair already free from the bobby pins and ornaments that adorned those auburn locks and settling for the chair to his right.
"Penny for your thoughts, Ryoma-kun?"
"Hair"
"Hm? My hair?" she reiterated before checking her locks for anything tangled on it. "Something wrong?"
"Long."
"Oh"
"Hn"
Unlike his display of poised monosyllabism, Ryoma was a mess. Not only did he not expect her to wake up at… quarter to midnight, according his phone. He's also realized that holding a conversation with the woman had him swap places with his younger self – nonchalant and, well, a d*ck.
Sakuno giggled at the concentration the man beside her was giving to… the table? "Ryoma-kun?"
Instead of answering, Ryoma re-settled in his seat, startling the her.
This was his chance. He sighed. Calm down. He started filling up his ego with thoughts of confidence. Proof of his method was how his shoulders had relaxed.
"Ryoma-kun?"
"Ryoma."
"Hm?"
She felt calloused hands wrap hers'. Gazing to meet his stare must've been the worst mistake Sakuno did that night. Intense, feline eyes stared back at her. She had to look somewhere else but before she could, she saw him open his mouth. "Ryoma, Sakuno."
"O-oh…" Only then did Sakuno realize that she wasn't Ryuzaki anymore to him. Clearing her throat from the imaginary thing blocking it. "U-un…R…Ryoma, then." She corrected herself, albeit shyly.
"And I like it."
Sakuno can recite all the words in Ryoma's vocabulary stash and there was never that four-letter word in there. "You like it?"
"Hn."
"What do you like, Ryoma-k… Ryoma?"
"Your long hair. Keep it that way."
"Ah…" She was left in a dazed state. An open Ryoma was new territory and Sakuno didn't know whether to be happy about it or more nervous than she already was. This wasn't the Ryoma Echizen that she knew. Stoic, stern, and tennis – that was he. No guitars or first name basis or even like in his book. A hmp made her look back at him; only to be met with a challenging gaze and a knowing smirk.
Oh. It's on. She finalized. If he was going to be that way; omniscient and novel, she figured testing him up. With her new-found determination, she stood up and went back inside.
Ryoma blinked before following her with his gaze. For a good minute, he heard shuffling from inside.
"Ryoma!"
"Yeah?"
"Pen. Oh, and paper, I need some."
"Bedside." He simply answered and had her shuffling back after a while. He saw her sit back across him this time. She was scribbling down on strips of paper and folding them in two then placed the folded notes in his cap.
Seemingly looking satisfied with her work, she worked her way back beside Ryoma. "Alright!" she started and placed the cap of notes in front of the tennis superstar; earning a questioning glance from the man. She giggled, "Since you've been surprising me in ways we both did not expect but you still love to end conversations with your monosyllabic replies and hums, I figured you could surprise me one more time and play a game with me. And probably re-get to know you…"
Sakuno anticipated for a reply. Your move, she thought. After what seemed a minute or two of probably processing her words, she saw Ryoma settle the guitar to his left before turning back to her.
"What game?"
Beaming at his reply, Sakuno gestured to the cap. "I've written random words in those strips of paper over there. What you're gonna do is pick a paper each round and say whatever's the first word that comes to your mind upon reading the content."
"Hn.. Alright. But how will you know the word I've picked?" he asked, rather interested in this little stunt of hers.
"Ah, that, you'll have to show me the paper's contents first before answering. Oh! And remember, only one word – I wanted it to be monosyllabic at first, but I might just get grunts and hums if that were the case."
"One word, no explanations?"
"Mhmm." She beamed. Ha.
"Okay." He answered lightly, shooting down his companion's bravado. Ryoma turned to the cap and picked a piece of paper. He read the word inside then turned it to Sakuno.
Onigiri
"Well?" she tried not to sound too excited for his answer. But boy, was she stupefied by what followed.
"You." He simply answered taking in her expression. Placing the paper on her hand, Ryoma took another and followed the pattern from before.
Train
"You." He answered again.
"What? Why?" she inquired this time only to get a smirk in reply.
"Explaining wasn't in the rules." He simply answered before taking another piece, clearly enjoying Sakuno's flabbergasted expressions.
English
"You."
Time
"You."
Charms
"You."
"MOU! You're just playing with me now!" she huffed in frustration and took the cap which had a little over 9 more notes in it.
"What gave you that idea?"
"Well… well you keep on answering You, you, you, I mean, I don't get that!"
"Hn. Alright, I'll be clearer this time." He grinned and extended his hand, expecting to have his cap full of more stress-inducing words for the one currently holding it.
"Hmp. You mean serious, right?" she corrected before giving the cap back.
"Nope. Just clearer."
Camping
"Sakuno."
"What is it?"
"Huh?"
"Why'd you call me?"
"No. I just simply said my answer." He shrugged and turned back to the notes, leaving behind another baffled Sakuno.
Eyes
"Sakuno."
For the remaining notes, Sakuno had never heard anybody say her name as much as she was hearing him say them now. Well with his dichotomous answers of either you or Sakuno, who wouldn't?
Ryoma waved the last piece of paper in front of her this time, probably realizing she's dazed from his answers.
Tennis
Finally. She thought, for this time around she's pretty sure he'd have a different word to say.
"Sakuno." Well maybe not.
He grinned and placed the last piece on her hands and leaning back on his chair; he felt rather satisfied with this game.
She, on the other hand, was left confused. She had written down the things that they had shared with the others since middle school, expecting answers like a team or rival that was strong for one, but nada. She was deliberately debating whether to call 911 or not and tell them that the strongest tennis player in the world probably got taken away by aliens. This wasn't the Ryoma she knew. The Ryoma she knew was, again – a tennis-engaged (or probably married) person. Since when was he conscious of anybody, not filial, from the opposite sex? His answers clearly made her heart stir.
No good. She panicked. Panic turned to irritation when she heard him snicker. "MOU! You've got to be kidding me, Ryoma!"
"Hn? Why?"
"I know this was a game but you're clearly playing with me!"
"I was playing your game, Sakuno. Not you."
"Ok. So, for the first few notes, I guess I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. But for the rest? Mou! I haven't even played since the last time you helped me with my swing! And that was ages ago! I even transferred clubs!" she exasperatedly blurted and shrugged back to her seat with a thump, her cheeks reddening at her next words. "I-it's as if you were paying attention to me – which is clearly not the case because –"
"I was paying attention."
Ryoma was met with the most curious pairs of hazel eyes since years ago, realizing that these were the same pairs that used to look at him.
Sakuno gulped. She clearly did not know what she had gotten herself into. She knew something was up from the moment they reunited a few hours ago – from the kiss, to his bribery, now this. She may have boarded a roller coaster of emotion ride by the name of Ryoma Echizen… and she didn't know whether to get off or just see where this was going.
Ryoma was partly the reason why she decided to take another path. She knew he'd have girls flailing at him wherever he'd be. Kotoha was the first incident to prove this claim of hers. Being the girl with such low self-esteem and wobbling hips too unfit for tennis, she had decided she never really had the chance, to stay by his side. She didn't think it was worth it. But still, for the remaining times he was still there, she kept on, not as much as before… but still, she did. She couldn't completely remove him from her life.
Until college, where he flew from country to country, winning match after match and slamming every title the tennis world had to offer. While she stayed in a foreign one; believing their friendship was nothing more than a loose bond brought by proximity.
This yearning for what was never there was probably one of the reasons her relationship cracked; she'd miss Seth's e-sports leagues but never once Ryoma's matches. She always thought it was because of her work, that she couldn't make it to her ex's games; and that Tomoka and their friends, their senpai-tachi, even her family, were there to always keep her updated of Ryoma's whereabouts, how he's been and how he kept shaking the world of the sports he was born to conquer.
She's always thought she'd best stay alone; that the love god wasn't fond of her and kicked her off to Singlesville. She wasn't one for romance, not anymore, since her failed pursuit of the tennis prince, followed by her 4-year relationship with the American gamer. Sakuno loved Seth, she did. She's always thought he'd be the one. The one to make her feel the love that she was yearning for, the one person to make her forget him; and that was probably why the One Who Knows All got pissed off at her, for finding a replacement. But can you blame her? Seth gave her love, genuine even – but this, this feeling Ryoma made her feel… as if rekindling something she thought had never existed…it was different, and it made her scared. For her, this was all too surreal.
Her train of thoughts were stopped by Ryoma; he was playing the melody from before. His then-relaxed disposition, though, now more earnest…more profound.
He set his eyes firmly on her as he started.
"I can't count the times, I almost said what's one my mind – but I didn't…"
Everything about this felt too alien for Sakuno but she couldn't find herself looking away… If it were a dream, would it be okay to savor it further? Would anybody allow her to? Would she allow herself to?
"Baby I know that you've been wonderin'… So here goes nothin'…
In case you didn't know, baby I'm crazy 'bout you.
And I would be lyin' if I said that I could live this life without you
Even though… I don't tell you all the time
You had my heart a long, long time ago.
In case you didn't know."
Ryoma felt her breath hitch at his words but he's done it already, knowing there was no next time anymore – he'd had all the chances years ago and let them all go to waste, he couldn't ask for another after this.
"The way you look tonight… that second glass of wine… that did it…
There was something 'bout that kiss…girl, it did me in…got me thinking…I'm thinking
All of the things that I've been feeling…It's time you hear 'em…"
Ryoma faltered for a second upon hearing a higher pitch join in and saw Sakuno singing with him, smiling at him. Grinning, he strummed through the chorus, singing alongside her.
"You got all of me… I belong to you…
You're my everything…"
He looked at her intently once more; stressing every word of the next lines because he knew, as deviant as the situation was, she had to hear it. She deserved it, possibly more, if she'd give him the chance.
"You had my heart a long, long time ago.
In case you didn't know."
He ended, finally being aware of the thumping in his chest. Catching his breath, of which he was surprised to do considering his athleticism, his gaze left his hands and travelled to the petite woman next to her; she was looking at her clasped hands.
Sakuno was always aware of the fact that there were times where silence could eat one whole; much like what was happening to her right at those very moments. She couldn't find her voice.
Serenaded. By. Ryoma. The. Ryoma. Echizen.
How was she supposed to react to that? Kami help this woman.
"So…"
"S-So?" she found her voice and looked up to see the object of her apprehension lightly scratching his cheek and looking to the side.
"Would you let me?"
Let you? Let you what? She internally screamed. Praying to the gods to let this man be more specific right now because everything that's happened just further stated the obvious; but she wanted all of it, only if he'd tell her. Only if he did, then she'll be sure. She wanted him to state the obvious and end this dance of theirs.
"Let you…where, Ryoma? Where am I holding you? For you to ask this of me?"
Ryoma didn't answer and Sakuno felt her resolve crumbling; she wasn't going to have any of this. Maybe she thought too much into it and maybe less of what they were before. Maybe Ryoma did pay attention to her before but not that much; maybe he did intentionally help her a while ago because he was concerned but not too much; maybe she did HAD his heart before… just not that way, not anymore. Sakuno felt her eyes reddening. This was just too much.
Ryoma saw Sakuno's hands slowly balling into fists. He held onto one and placed it near his chest, catching the attention of the tearing woman. "Don't…make me say it again."
"Mou…" it came out as a plead, as if his answer was her lifeline. "Please…"
"Here. You're holding me here; for a long time, you've had this, and you still do."
"Ryoma…" she ached and crashed onto him, releasing the cries she had been holding.
Waves of relief came crashing onto him along with her. He slowly felt the hollow in his chest subtlety changing. He had always thought how fictional people would be about this; about feeling incomplete once you've given a part of yourself to someone who'd end up disappearing from you. But as he sat there, finally feeling his heart beating wholly. He closed his eyes admitting defeat. Ryoma hugged her in return, caressing her back and planting soft kisses on her head.
Sakuno didn't know how long she'd been crying; but she was thankful for the throbbing of her eyes, the hitching of her breath, and the numbing of her body from their position – the discomfort made her feel that everything was real; it was really happening. He had confessed to her. His kisses were real, there were no goodbyes, and the warmth of his hands weren't something that would vanish.
She found herself being lifted and placed on the bed. Instinct got to her and she quickly pulled back the man, which earned her an amused, faint laugh. Ryoma shifted on the bed, making sure she was comfortable.
"Is this really all…real?"
"Would you rather otherwise?"
"N-no! No…oh Kami, no."
"Hn. Sleep."
"I've done much of that in my life."
"Not with me."
"Touché."
"Sleep. Now."
"But –"
"We have all the time in the world to catch up. But right now, it's lights off."
"You won't go away?"
"I won't."
"Promise?"
"Mhmm…"
"Really?"
"Yes. I love you."
"Ok–… I love you too, Ryoma."
"Hn… Mada mada… dane… Sakuno."
QED
Author's notes: Finally! *evil laugh* I never thought I'd be given the chance to clear all of the questions this story had made. To marudiaz who favorited and Seth Vincent who reviewed this story of mine... I DEDICATE THIS SECOND, enlightenment, CHAPTER TO BOTH OF YOU! Thank you for believing!
One of the reasons why I decided to post this up was, other than the overwhelming feeling of clarifying things, I wanted to contribute to the few PontaPair authors that're still writing up to this very point. Prince of Tennis has gone a long way – a way not everybody's pleased of but still, it keeps on going… but the kids that've come to love the series have probably grown out of it and that's reasonable. We move on. Most of us do; but not everybody. Though I still want to be part of the people that continue to share our own wild thoughts of how they'd end up, what if it's this way, how's it supposed to be…
Just a few clarifications,
1. No, I don't know if it's possible to switch clubs in the middle of a school year. Hehe
2. Sakuno's OOC? Well, I don't think she'd still be the same as she was when we all first encountered her; there's bound to be character development through the course of time. And, in this fic, where I am the The One Who Knows All (and basically decides all), I've decided that my take of her changes would be like this; broken but valiant. I always deemed Sakuno as timid, yes – but never forever. I imagined her breaking from the shyness, the clumsiness, and the Ryoma obsession… well not completely, of course. I wanted her to find herself – make herself whole, feel that she is she because of her own efforts; that Ryoma was inspiration, not mere fascination. Or in my terms, empowered.
3. Ryoma's OOC? Similar argument here. Plus, we're going along the idea (and believing that this is canon) that he holds feelings for Sakuno. But I don't think it's fair that she's the only one chasing after him whilst he goes reaches his dreams. What about Sakuno's? A relationship works both ways and I wanted Ryoma to realize that – that it's not just Tennis that he needs to work on; balance your life, bruh. And who wouldn't want to see a pursuing tennis prince, right?
4. The song. In Case You Didn't Know is a country song by singer Brett Young but for this one, I went with Boyce Avenue's cover – it's more subtle and fit for the fic. I always thought Krauss's take on When You Say Nothing at All was the national PontaPair anthem until I heard this one. Listening to WYSNA makes you see the relationship in a woman's perspective; consider ICYDK as Ryoma's sing song reply.
5. This second part still has many loopholes? Yes. It does. I don't plan on ending it here, but I also don't plan on leaving any reader hanging; I don't want to commit if I don't have the guts and time and effort and writer's prowess to finish something. I wouldn't want readers to hate me even more.
6. Do you still planning on adding chapters? Yes, I still do; but it won't have cliffhangers and such. Each chapter can stand on its own, not needing subsequent chapters to reach a conclusion.
7. Updates? It actually depends. I've finally realized that my source of writing prowess comes from songs I unexpectedly grow fond of. So whenever that hits me and makes me type away, then we'll have an update.
8. Timn is a real person and she's also a make-up artist. She's my friend and she's one awesome HMUA. She handled and prepped me up in a number of pageants she's made me participate in. I love her so much. If you ever feel like visiting her Instagram here it is: makeupbytimn
As said by others, reviews also help keep the fire burning. Let us know if you're still there, our avid PontaPair shippers! Much love.
-nakneknik