Sakuno opened her sleepy eyes to the sight of her boarding house room's ivory ceiling. She shifted on her bed, still comfortably laid as she looked over the time at her digital desk clock. 7:00 am. Her scheduled first period would be at 10:30 in the morning, so she still had time to prepare.

The girl slipped out off her bed, unruly long brown locks cascading on her back. She let out a yawn as she rubbed her eyes. Standing up, she glanced at her morning-lit room with some boxes still unpacked by the corner. She stretched as she looked over the morning sky by the window.

It has been a full month since their flight from Japan. The new semester has already started and so far, it's proving to be more hectic than the past. Group projects are piling up that she just realized that it was so rare for her to actually wake up a morning where she isn't rushing to go to school or a group mate's place.

Dragging her feet to the adjacent bathroom of her room, she washed her face and brushed her teeth. She wiped her face with a clean towel then changed out of her pajamas to a more casual t-shirt and black shorts. Still feeling lazy to make two braids, she settled on a fast single braid to her long hair. With a final tie at her hair, she got out of her room.

Outside her door, she descended the stairs planning for a quick breakfast. It has been a whole week too that she hasn't made one for the both of them because of her hectic schedule.

Arriving downstairs, there was utter silence. She looked around, hoping that the tennis prince was around so she could ask him if he would also want breakfast. But with not a soul around her, she shrugged. At least she could easily just cook herself some omelet without thinking about his japanese cuisine preferences.

She was in the process of beating the eggs when Ryoma arrived from the back door in the kitchen. He was in his practice clothes, with a small towel hung on his neck. He didn't say anything as he navigated his way to the fridge to get himself his favorite grape beverage.

"Ano... Ryoma-kun?" she called, pouring the eggs on the hot pan, "Have you eaten breakfast? I made some omelet..."

His cat eyes only stared blankly at her, as if thinking. Then, he replied, "You know I don't like western food..."

"... Right." she exhaled, regretting that she even asked him. Sakuno focused on not burning her food. She expected him to just leave the kitchen without a word.

"But it's okay," he suddenly spoke, "I'll eat what you make."

Then he made his way to the kitchen table, as if waiting for her to finish up. His sudden action made the girl lightly blush.

"This is bad," she thought, realizing how her heart skipped a bit by his small gesture.

"O-Okay..." she replied, concentrating on the eggs she's currently placing on a big plate. Sakuno then, prepared another batch of omelet for her housemate.

Finishing up on her cooking, she carefully prepared two plates. Fetching the toasts from the toaster, she placed the food in front of him.

"Would you like some coffee, Ryoma-kun?" she felt stupid, not realizing on time that he's already had Ponta in front of him. As expected, he shook his head as he grabbed on the fork.

Sakuno turned to get her mug and filled it with coffee as she sat across him to eat her breakfast.

"I'm sorry for not preparing a japanese breakfast," she uttered, "And not making anything the past week. I just got busy."

"Hn. It's okay," he only replied between bites, "I've been busy with practicing too... a tournament's starting."

"I see," she gave him a small smile, "I'll be rooting for you."

"Hn." he nodded, and for a while the room was silent again save for the subtle sounds of the plate clashing with the fork.

Sakuno sipped on her coffee, her mind starting to drift away to thoughts of the group projects their group are yet to finish. If her calculations are correct, the next free time she would have would be for tomorrow afternoon. And then, work continues the day after.

"You should come and watch."

"Huh?" she didn't hear him clearly when he suddenly spoke. Her curious eyes met with his amber ones.

"If you aren't busy, come and watch my match." he casually said, momentarily stopping his eating to look at her expectantly.

"Umm..." she was at a loss for a second, not really sure what to reply, "I-It depends on the date and time of your match, Ryoma-kun." she reasoned while breaking eye contact, considering her hectic schedule.

He frowned for a moment, seemingly confused by the girl's reply. But still, he told her the date and time.

"Tomorrow at 3 pm."

"Oh..." she mused. Lucky enough, it fit her only free time for the next days to come, "I could come and watch."

"It's at Mercury Stadium," he ate up the last bite of his toast, "I'll send you a map so you don't get lost." He smirked at his last sentence before taking a sip from his Ponta.

"Mou..." she found herself pouting, realizing his indirect teasing as she focused on her food.

"Thanks for the meal." Ryoma announced as he stood up from his seat. He picked up another can of Ponta from the fridge before heading out the back door, presumably to practice some more.

"I'll be going, Ryuzaki." she heard him say before the sound of the back door closing reached her ears.

"Take care, Ryoma-kun." she replied loudly enough so he would hear. With a small smile, she resumed on comfortably drinking the remaining coffee in her mug.

"Phew. That was whole four hectic weeks, right, Sakuno?" the blonde-haired girl sighed as she hugged her own book bag, walking along the lit small streets within the confines of Thompson University.

"I'm just glad we're halfway done, Cheska." Sakuno exhaled, timidly walking along with her classmate.

It was already around 10 pm when they finally wrapped up the first half of their group project. Exhaustion catching up to them, it has been decided that they would be having a break for a whole day tomorrow instead of only in the afternoon.

"When I remember that I still need to find a housemate replacement, I feel tired even more." Sakuno's classmate vented.

"Hm? Did someone leave from your boarding house?" Ryuzaki asked, genuinely surprised.

"Yep. And over some relationship too." Cheska kicked a small rock they passed by, "There should be established rules that house mates can't be in a relationship together. It is so... so awkward seeing them date and even more when they break up."

"So why did your housemate leave?" the twin-braided girl let the conversation roll, as she observed the still active streets on their way home.

"She left because she said she can't take it anymore when she sees her ex... Something like she can't properly move on," the blonde stated, "Not like I blame her or something... because I think that's valid."

Sakuno didn't reply anyway, instead, a memory from weeks ago when they were in Japan suddenly resurfaced. In truth, it was a memory she kept on trying to escape for the past weeks by drowning herself with school work.

It wasn't that hard, really, to pretend that nothing really happened. Her house mate, the tennis prince, did his best to act normal. And for weeks, their interactions have been anything but awkward. Still, the nagging she felt even when she made the decision back in Japan, continued to be there.

"Are you okay, Sakuno?" Cheska worriedly asked, "You became silent all of a sudden."

"Huh..? Oh," Sakuno let out a small chuckle, hoping it would suffice, "I'm okay. Just a little tired, that's all."

"Really?" her classmate didn't seem convinced at first, but she let it slide, "Oh well. If you know anyone who can be my house mate's replacement, please refer me."

"Sure, I will."

Passing by the small gate connected to the area where the boarding houses are built, both women waved goodbye to finally walk on their temporary homes' respective paths.

Upon arriving at their boarding house, Sakuno took note of the still turned on lights in the kitchen as seen from the windows. Swiftly opening the lock to the front door with her own keys, she silently went inside the house and locked it again.

By the living room with the lights off, the only source of light to make of the room was the illumination from the kitchen area. She wandered her eyes around, only to find her housemate sleeping by the sofa.

"Doesn't he have a match tomorrow?" the thought crossed her mind, remembering how he mentioned it earlier at breakfast, "Why is Ryoma-kun sleeping here?"

She wondered whether she should wake him up.

"Wouldn't sleeping in the sofa affect his game tomorrow?"

Stealthily, she approached his laying form. He was lying on his back, his arms bent to support his head. She can't see the upper half of his face since his white cap was on top it, acting as a cover.

"Ryoma-kun..?" she whispered, hoping that it would be enough for him to stir and wake up.

But he didn't budge at all. And she felt even more conflicted whether she should just wake him up or let him spend the night there. But the possibility of him waking up with sore muscles over his current set up, and therefore resulting to him not being in top condition for his match tomorrow, bothered her. Either way, she feels like she would be the person to blame if ever that happens.

With a sharp inhale, she crouched by his side.

"Ryoma-kun..." she said, though it wasn't nowhere near loud enough so he could hear, "Ryoma-kun, wake up..."

Still, he wouldn't move.

Sakuno didn't know what occurred to her, but she had the sudden urge to remove the white cap from his face. So she did try, even if her heart started to pound faster. Like she was doing something illegal that she shouldn't even try.

Slowly, her one hand reached to the brim of his hat. Closer and closer, she leaned for a bit. Her erratic heartbeats played loudly in her ears.

And then the tennis prince's hand moved abruptly to reach the cap for himself.

Stupefied, her body wouldn't move. She was close enough to see his sleepy eyes that peeked through his long eyelashes when he removed the cover. His dark-green hair was disheveled, bangs on either side of his forehead. From the dim light in the room, his amber eyes seemed to glow as he stared at her.

"Ryuzaki..?" he grumbled, maintaining their eye contact, "What are you doing?"

The unexpected visual attack were too much. Her breath hitched and Sakuno could feel her face growing hot from their small distance. Attempting to calm herself, she willed her body to move. But all it did was made her stumble and fall on her butt.

She winced at the forceful contact to the ground. Gritting her teeth, she wanted to curse herself for being easily faltered.

"Are you okay?"

At this point, Ryoma sat up from the sofa. He extended his hand to help the clumsy girl's behind off the floor.

She hesitantly let him grab her hand as he pulled her back up.

"T-Thanks, Ryoma-kun." she said, finally finding her voice, "I-I was just about to wake you up... It's not good to sleep on the sofa when you have an important game tomorrow."

"Hm." He blinked, a bit surprised at her intention. Then, he caressed his nape, facing his side, as if easing a sore. "You just arrived?"

"Un." Sakuno nodded.

"Dinner..." she heard him say, though his voice was like a whisper.

"Eh? What is it, Ryoma-kun?"

"...Have you eaten dinner?" he asked.

"I..." the girl took her time to reply, "I already did."

He only nodded in regard. She couldn't see the face he made since he wasn't looking up at her. Sakuno chewed on her lip in worry. There was a strange tension that loomed in the air. The girl watched the tennis prince stand up from the sofa and head to the kitchen.

For a while, he didn't come out. The smell of chicken-flavored cup noodles wafted in the house.

Sakuno wasn't really sure why she ended up crying again.

It has been a full month since she told him to forget about her confession. She was well aware that on her part, it would take a long time to heal. But what she did not expect, was a month later, she still felt terrible as if it all happened yesterday.

Nothing really changed. And if it was a good thing, she wasn't feeling it... not in a bit.

The ringing of her phone by the small table beside her bed caught her attention. Fumbling, she reached over it. The screen lit up, the name of the caller flashing.

"Tomo-chan?" she picked it up, hoping her voice didn't sound croaky.

"Girl! Are you okay?" Osakada's voice echoed from the phone.

"Un. I'm okay, Tomo-chan." Sakuno lied.

"You sound terrible! Have you been crying?"

Sakuno sighed, a tear escaping her eye. She can't really lie to her best friend.

"Tomo-chan..." Now, she couldn't hide her sadness.

"What just happened? Did anyone hurt you? I swear to god..."

"No, Tomo-chan. No one really hurt me..." Sakuno tried to make herself coherent even if she's crying her eyes out, "It's... It's just that Ryoma-kun..."

"Ryoma-sama?! What did he do this time?"

"He didn't really do anything..."

"Huh? Then why are you crying?"

"I... I don't know." she honestly replied.

"I told you it wasn't a good idea with your current set up with Ryoma-sama."

"Tomo-chan... this is so hard." the girl's voice cracked, sniffling, "This isn't even Ryoma-kun's fault. This is all on me..."

"Even if I think I am just fine... Around Ryoma-kun, I falter," she rambled on, "My feelings just won't go away."

"I don't know what to advice, Sakuno... What I do know, is maybe you should minimize being around Ryoma-sama? It seemed like being around him doesn't help you at all."

"Maybe..."

Ryuzaki Sakuno could only stare at her ivory ceiling, contemplating at her life and her friend's suggestion. Was it the only answer? She didn't know.

She felt dizzy, walking around in circles. Panic registering in her face as she observed the time at her wrist watch. There was only 30 minutes left before the first match starts and she's yet to find the entrance.

" The roads all look the same!"

The day so far was anything but lucky. She woke up late that day after staying up all night talking over the phone with Tomoka. She missed on charging her phone, rendering the device useless while she navigated her way to the park that holds the Mercury Stadium. It was just the smallest stroke of luck that she managed to write down the details of transport when going by the park from the map that Ryoma sent her.

When she arrived by the park, she was faced by another problem. Finding the entrance to the stadium. She did try asking for directions and following the flow of people, but it was to no avail. The girl gets pointed to multiple directions or face some shenanigan where she loses the crowd. Sometimes, she thinks that her problem with directions could be so terrible it's baffling.

Shoulders slumped, Sakuno could only let out an exasperated sigh as she sat by one of the benches outside the stadium. She absentmindedly fiddled with the strap of her sling bag. Lips pursed and trembling, she felt bad. Ryoma even made the effort of inviting her and giving her a free ticket so that she could attend and watch his match. Thinking about how she could potentially let the tennis prince down made her guilty.

She rummaged over her bag to find the ticket that he left her by the kitchen table that morning. She held it gingerly with both her hands as she looked down, defeated.

"Mou..." a dispirited sigh escaped her again.

The cold of a chilled soda can made contact with her cheeks. She flinched, surprised at what happened.

"What are you doing here? The entrance is on the other side."

Curious golden amber eyes stared down at her as she looked at the perpetrator. He was wearing his signature white Fila cap with a red and black jersey and shorts ensemble that seemed to be a uniform of some sort.

"R-Ryoma-kun?!" she exclaimed, standing up, "What are you still doing here? Your match is about to start, right?"

He only shrugged, pointing his chin by the side of the vendo and showing her the unopened grape Ponta he held in his hand. "Just buying a drink."

"I-I see," she gave him a relieved smile.

"Did you get lost?" he inquired, "I sent you a map, right?"

She gave him an awkward nod and then proceeded to glance sideways to not meet his questioning gaze, "M-My phone's battery died so..."

"Heh." he shook his head gently, an amused smirk now etching his features, "Isn't that to be expected, Ryuzaki?"

She wanted to protest. But realizing that he was saying nothing but facts, dismissed her desire to argue. Instead, she only gave him a sheepish smile.

"S-Shouldn't we go inside now?" she suggested.

"Let's go," he gave her a knowing nod and then they walked to the stadium.

The twin-braided girl followed the player as they made way on the queue that Sakuno could see even from afar. She can't quite believe that the entrance was just near, and she easily gave up earlier. Ryoma's confident back was facing her when one of the security personnel stopped them.

Sakuno saw Ryoma pull out an ID and showed it to the security. Upon verifying, he was granted immediate entrance and to the girl's surprise, she was included too. The both of them were led to an area away from the queue of spectators going to the audience area.

The long corridors they passed weren't as crowded as the japanese girl expected to be. The white doors aligned in the hallways had name tags pasted on. Ryoma stopped on one of the doors, making her halt. His name, Ryoma Echizen was written on the name tag in front.

They went inside, greeted by the simple ambiance of the tennis prince's own waiting room. A small TV was hung on the wall, playing the tournament commercial. Sakuno could see the boy's tennis bag leaning on the locker. The large couch inside was currently occupied by the blond friend she hasn't seen in a month too.

"Yo." Kevin greeted.

"Yo." Ryoma replied casually.

"You didn't tell me you'd be picking up Ryuzaki too, Ryoma." the blond grinned, eyeing the Ryuzaki behind Ryoma.

"How are you, Kevin-kun?" Sakuno greeted their friend, returning his grin.

The last time she saw the boy was a month ago, when they were at the cafe, talking about each other's love failures. She wondered whether he got over Kate. They both had it hard the past month. And speaking of Kate, she hasn't seen her for a month too. And due to her insistent dodging of what happened in Japan, she never got the chance to ask the tennis prince about the real score between them.

"Good!" Kevin replied, "You're watching Ryoma's match right?"

"Hai." the girl replied, "Ryoma-kun invited me."

"I see." hearing her reply, Kevin sneered at his white capped friend who was now leaning on the wall, "This should be fun."

Ryoma only dismissed his american friend's words while he watched the TV. The sole Ryuzaki in the room only looked at both guys, clueless as to what they were pertaining to.

All of their eyes settled on the door when it opened to reveal one of the uniformed staff.

"Mr. Ryoma Echizen?" the staff asked, "You're asked to come now."

"Okay."

Sakuno saw the prince of tennis adjusting his cap as he slung his tennis bag on his shoulder. The boy walked towards the door, presumably going out without saying anything more.

"We should go to the audience area now, Ryuzaki." Kevin turned to look at the girl. She nodded while the blond stood up from the sofa. They were also about to exit the room now.

Ryoma got out first, not even pausing to wait for them. They scrambled behind him and then stopped to closed the door. His back faced Sakuno and Kevin as he continued on his way to the athletes' area.

"R-Ryoma-kun!" she called for him, making the amber eyed boy halt in his steps. Still, he didn't look back, "Good luck..."

Sakuno felt her heart swell.

Acknowledging her words, Ryoma only waved a hand before he disappeared among the other uniformed athletes, seemingly in rush from their own waiting rooms.

Even in the bleachers, the audience could feel the intensity of the match. Every point made earned enthusiastic claps and cheers. Among these energetic viewers, Ryuzaki Sakuno was seated. Putting on a concentrated face as she watched, with the triumphant smiles that she made when the tennis prince gets a point.

"Game, Ryoma Echizen 6-5." the umpire announced, making the twin braided girl stand and clap in happiness.

She clapped and stood for a while before realizing that she was the only one who did. An embarrassed blush creeping on her cheeks, she stopped clapping and sat down, focusing still on the match in front.

At the crucial match point, she found herself gripping her handkerchief. Heart pounding loudly while the action ensued. She put a hand on her chest, feeling the excited beats. Thinking about it, she always felt this way whenever she watched him play. It seemed like she was the one on the court defending, attacking, and chasing the neon tennis ball.

Her breath momentarily stopped as Ryoma hit the finishing shot. An unreturnable ball with a spin that the opponent can't counter. Among the crowd, she stood and cheered. Feeling the familiar warmth of watching his win. A gentle smile crossed on her face as she saw him point his red racket at the opponent, as if saying his signature phrase while smirking:

"You still have lots more to work on."

Her heart skipped a beat.

And then, the girl realized that no progress has really been made by herself. She's still the same Ryuzaki Sakuno that still liked the tennis prince with all her heart. Even if she resolved to finally bury it all deep.

No matter the denial, it was the truth she's starting to see and feel.

After the lengthy speeches of sponsors and guests, the awarding ceremony was finally over. It was already starting to get dark, the setting sun giving the sky its red orange color. With Kevin already on his own way home, it left Ryoma and Sakuno inside the service car by themselves. By the car's next turn, the entrance to the university dorms was finally visible.

They both got out and quietly made their way to their own boarding house. Ryoma was walking in front, his white cap now finally gone and tucked inside his tennis bag. Since he had his own keys, he was also the one who opened the front door.

He stepped inside the house with the brown-haired girl behind him. He reached for the light switch by the wall. But the bulb didn't light at all. The tennis prince repeatedly switched on and off, but it seemed to be out of power.

"The lights won't turn on." He went inside the house, checking the light switch for the kitchen. But it won't open too.

Furrowed eyebrows, he turned back to the front door, checking the streetlights in front of the house. They were working perfectly.

"Ryoma-kun, I think it's a power outage." he heard Ryuzaki comment from the side of the house. She was overlooking the back area of the house, "The streetlights and houses at the back area don't have lights on either."

The boy made a face, irritated at the inconvenience. She could see it even with the distance. In truth, she felt bummed too.

She pulled out her phone from her bag and sent a text to a classmate she knows that resided around the back area of their boarding house. It only took a few minutes before she received a reply. It seemed like the outage would only be for three hours more.

"It seems like the power outage would only last for around three hours more, Ryoma-kun." she told him, "I guess we could just wait."

"Hn." he grunted in reply as he went inside and the girl followed. They both made their way to their own rooms.

On that particular July night, it was extra hot and humid. Without the electricity working, the temperature inside the house can't be regulated. Sakuno found herself sitting outside by the porch. With the sun long gone, the moon shone with the stars on a clear night sky.

She just observed the skies, basking on the natural air that proved to be more comfortable. Hugging her knees, she exhaled a relaxed breath.

"So this is where you are."

Hearing her house mate, she faced the direction of his voice. He was standing a few meters beside her. He was wearing a white shirt and black shorts. His dark green hair wasn't covered with his cap.

"Do you need anything, Ryoma-kun?" she asked, wondering.

"Not really," he simply replied, "You have a nice view here... Can I sit here?"

She was a bit surprised at his question. Sakuno simply nodded, not minding another presence on the porch.

Hearing her agree, Ryoma sat beside her in a comfortable distance-- not too close that their shoulders touched, and not too far to even talk with each other. They were both silent for minutes before the girl came to a sudden thought.

"Congratulations on winning your match, Ryoma-kun..." she said softly, turning her head so she looks at him, "I didn't get to congratulate you earlier since you were kind of busy..."

She referred to the hordes of people-- most of whom seemed to be important figures, who were the first people who approached the tennis prince as soon as he got out of the court. Since there was a closing party for the event, Sakuno didn't really expect that she'll get to congratulate him right away. So it was a bit of shock when Ryoma sneaked out of the party earlier and told her they were going home.

It was only at this peaceful moment that she got congratulate him.

Ryoma's cat eyes widened for a bit, not expecting her sudden praise. Still, a small smile graced his lips as he turned to look at her, one of his cheeks atop his knee.

"Sankyuu." he replied.

There's this fuzzy feeling that made way to her stomach when their eyes met. She slowly looked away, the flush in her cheeks visible if not for the dim environment. The girl allowed herself to enjoy it for a while.

For almost two hours, the two house mates sat by that porch. There were small talks that turned to catching up over the days that they didn't see each other over their own busy schedules. They talked about school, family, and some tennis related matters. The ambiance around them were light-hearted and pleasant.

Frankly, the girl didn't want these things to end. It all felt too good, spending time with him. But she knows that all of these had to be shortened. If she wanted to completely be free of her strong attachments, she had to sever it. Sakuno had a feeling that if she won't make the move, she'll always be stuck in an endless loop of liking him.

They were talking about a certain school paper to be submitted. The tennis prince was actually sharing the principles he applied, when Ryuzaki finally brought it up.

"Ryoma-kun..?" she asked.

"Hm?" he innocently asked, interrupted.

"I'm thinking of moving out." she confessed, "... Will you let me?"

He stopped on his words, genuinely taken aback at her seemingly out of the blue declaration. Realizing his expression, he cleared his throat. His face turned to his normal indifferent expression that Ryuzaki was already used to.

"You should..." he started, "If that's your decision."

And then he looked away, his amber eyes looking at anything but hers.

A/N:

A/N:

Yep, I know it's late. Sorry. Haha. I'm currently on a break, so I've been writing so slowly.

Anyway, as I have stated on my earlier notes, this fic is cross posted on wattpad. The chapters I've been uploading on this site are around three chapters behind from my wattpad account. Why?

I've been hiatus on this account for the last five years or so, but I've been slowly updating this fic on wattpad ever since. As I can't really just copy and paste from wattpad to FF because of formatting, I take my time to slowly update here.

If you can't wait for the next chapter here, you can read them on wattpad. I'm using the username @neko-alme there, too. Don't hesitate to comment there and let me know if you came from here. Haha.

Thank you so much for reading and the reviews! They mean a lot to me~