"Chapter 4: Familiarity Reset"
The seat belt clicked as it safely secured both passengers. "It's a long drive, are you sure about this?" A meek voice inquired. "We can take stops in between, we are in no hurry." The amber eyed man replied determinedly. Nodding in agreement, the girl sighed. "Would you like me to talk during the drive? Or silence will be better?"
The athlete had to give it to the woman for being considerate. But which would he prefer? Hearing stories from the female would probably keep him awake. However the prodigy is aware that the lass has a tendency to tell stories not to his taste. But the drive will be insanely four hours long.
Then an idea came to mind, why not stir the conversation based on his curiosities. Placing shades on, the prince revved up the engine. "Talk occasionally. Can you fill me in what I missed in Japan through the years?" The cat eyed driver probed. "If it's something I can answer by not invading some else's privacy, yes Ryoma-kun."
"Fair enough." The tennis icon conceded. "How did you end up having that roommate?" The lady was surprised with the question. Weren't they supposed to talk about their common friends? Why is he curious of her personal life? Is the former Seigaku regular's gauging how much trust can be invested on her by delving into private life? Sakuno held strong pride about being her truthful by nature. Taking a deep breath the therapist decided to indulge the prince and started the narrative.
"I volunteered for the Red Cross in high school. Dr. Burns was in charge of my cluster. He noticed me giving massages to anyone complaining with strained muscles. The doctor complimented I have a knack for it. He gave me pointers on physical therapy." It was a lengthy answer but not the one Ryoma wanted to hear. "You did not answer the question Ryuzaki."
"Don't be in such a hurry. How I met Dr. Burns is fundamental on my arrangement with Sato." The lady answered defensively. The driver shrugged, so his name is Sato. "While learning Dr. Burns asked me if I can come see his wife. Mrs. Burns suffered a stroke and needs rehabilitation."
"Being the humanitarian, you went to their house and met their son?" The man cut in while the girl was speaking. "Yes. We were both interested in medicine. So we decided to pursue it together."
"Common interest. How did dating came into the picture?" The prodigy tried to sound nonchalant as possible. To his dissatisfaction the lady kept silent as if in deep thought. Is the woman being silent because she cannot express it in English? Is the female exerting the right to privacy? Or maybe, his eyebrows furrowed and the grip on the stirring wheel tightened, she is not over him yet?
The idea made the male's mood sour. Mentally scolding himself for being worked up on something that is supposedly over and unrelated to him. Whatever the two did in the past is their business. The athlete scolded himself mentally more for asking such a stupid inquiry. It's not like she will investigate about his past dating life. Not like there is one.
Sakuno caught by surprise became speechless. The relationship with Sato rooted from deep friendship. The medicine student has a lot of heart and gentlemanly. It was a bonus his American Japanese lineage gave him an exotic handsome look. The man in question was scouted a few times to be an actor or model but politely refused.
Sato was everything one would want. It was him who initiated to start the relationship. Even though they connected on an emotional level, the couple kept an intimate secret. They never shared a kiss on the lips.
Why did it not happen? Sakuno would chicken out at the last moment. The young man was very patient with her. But even saints have limits. The relationship is not working, Sato offered Sakuno to go back as friends. The girl could not point a finger if the lack of physical intimacy made the separation easier. It was as if Sato left her whole. Or maybe she has never given a part of herself to him to begin with.
A sudden halt of the car broke the girl's train of thoughts. "First pit stop. If you need to go the washroom now is the time." The lady decided to stretch and take the offer. The man also went out to do his stuff and get some sugar free gums.
Sakuno stared at herself in the full body mirror inside the restroom. Her height is a bit above average, five feet five inches. The girl's small bone structure gives an illusion of being taller. Proportions wise, there is bit of a bosom and rear. Tomoka her best friend, would teased the auburn lass to owes Tennis this figure. While in the university, the maiden had a fair share of admirers regarding her beauty. But due to her closeness to Sato, the female was labeled as unavailable.
Studying was and is still a priority now. Adding Ryoma's rehabilitation on the list, dating and commitments complicates things. However, hanging out with her platonic friend every now and then is pleasurable. The medicine student always manages to make her feel special. It was one the reasons the therapist decided to keep ties. Realizing the thought panged a sense guilt. Is she keeping him around due to convenience? When they broke up, Sato never exuded any type of resentment. His kindness kept her magnetized.
Ryoma was already inside the car when she got out of the restroom. "Sure took your time." The lad spoke out looking unamused while chewing his gum. The girl muttered an apology while securing the seatbelt. "Are you positive to endure this types of trips every week? It will be for twelve weeks." The man tried to stir a conversation up. "I will endure." Came the reply from the seemingly disturbed lady. It seems his question threw the lass off balanced.
Biting off frustration on the resin in his mouth, the prince decided to set things straight. "Listen, sorry if the question was intrusive. Curiosity got the best of me."
"It's okay. It just made me comprehend something." The boy raised an eyebrow while starting the engine. Part of him wanted to know what the heck she is saying. But it might make matters worse so he decided to shut it.
The drive to the second stop was quiet and suffocating. He never bothered about silence as long as it's the peaceful type. The one they have now is a different story. The auburn's turmoil is just exuding, it's irritating him.
Parking the vehicle he pushed himself to get the female's attention. "Would you like some coffee? This stop is famous for it." The girl swayed her head. "It would be best we arrived as early as we can. I need to prepare dinner."
"Your flat mate can manage to get take out." The prince chided a bit annoyed. She had the audacity to reject his offer? "I want to cook dinner. The earlier you get rest the better. Coffee can wait for another time." The conversation is going nowhere plus the lass is being stubborn. The prodigy resigned to her stand, restarted the engine and drove away.
The athlete found himself stealing glances at the girl beside him. She felt distant. Well they were apart since high school and just acquaintances in middle school. This probably was natural. Plus he was the one who left and never looked back. Now she appeared suddenly and is going to give therapy. A nagging feeling inside him is pushing to make up for lost time. However it seems, he is the only one wanting it.
"We are entering Boston soon, lead me to your apartment." The driver ordered the girl who is still in deep thought. "What's eating you? You are too quiet." The female smiled meekly. "Sorry, something came in my head." Then continued to explain with a defeated tone. "But it's not your fault. I had it coming these past years."
The girl pointed the directions to the apartment. Soon enough the two reached their destination. The space was very homey. Sakuno lead Ryoma to a vacant room. "I'll get you some beddings, a blanket and towel. Anything else?" Shrugging as a sign of affirmation, the prodigy scanned the room and the girl went on her way.
Ryoma decided to explore the nearby living room area. Photo of the Burns family were fondly displayed. There was a picture of the full Burn's family with Sakuno and coach Ryuzaki. Seems like their ties are close. Then there was one with Dr. Burns with the two students. It looks like taken during the Red Cross days. The final piece, Sakuno and Sato. The backpacking holiday the girl spoke about. In the frame, the duo looked genuinely happy much to his disdain.
"Sato and Sati's appearance hardly resemble their parents." The girl fondly explained holding the beddings and blankets with a towel. It is true, Sato's brown hair is not matched with Dr. Burns blonde or the matriarch's black hair. His orbs is a shade of green, unlike the patriarch's blue and the mother's brown hue. The guy's eyes take the shape of almonds a mixture both parent's eye structure. He has a defined v shape jaw, very Asian but a fairer skin tone an attribute of Caucasian roots. This guy is definitely a threat in the handsome Richter scale.
So what if women will find this guy attractive? Ryoma told himself he just viewed him objectively. Reaching to get the things occupying the host's hands. "I'll fix up the room, go start making dinner." The girl nodded and turned her back to get busy. "Thanks for driving all this way Ryoma-kun."
After setting the bed, Ryoma laid on his stomach. What on earth is he doing? Coming uninvited to make sure the woman arrives safely home. Throwing himself into the presence of some guy the auburn lady had feelings for. Then it hit him, what if his hunch was true? Could this girl be still hung up with this man? And so what if she is? Shifting position, he decided a hot shower can clear his mind. "Gonna borrow your shower a bit." He shouted so the host can hear him. "You can use whatever. Our stuff is in dispensers." So they share toiletries that is the level of familiarity. Just great.
He was in the bathroom when he heard the door open and close. A muffled sound of welcome home tingled his ear. So the precious roommate is here. He might as well hurry up and introduce himself. Drying his hair with a towel and dressing up Ryoma inhaled deeply. Why is the meeting making him nervous?
Opening the door he could hear two voices giggling. Getting out of the washroom he caught the glimpse of residents in the kitchen. Their dynamics were pleasantly warm. He managed to look at their faces and a revelation hit him. The way the two stared at each other. Damn it. Why was he here again? No doubt, the idiots were in love.
The girl caught sight of their visitor. With widened eyes, she ushered the other male to look at the prince. "Sato, this Ryoma Echizen. My client and former classmate." Client and classmate yeah that is his proper classification. "Hey." The amber eyed prodigy greeted. "Thanks for driving Sakuno home." The other guy acknowledged.
"But I will vouch, this lady has gone a long a way from no sense of direction to street smart." The speaker continued with a malicious chuckle. The statement made the woman bump his chest with one enclosed fist lightly. "You make it sound unbelievable Sato." A complaining feminine voice argued. "Sakuno, if I were in Echizen's shoes, I would do the same. I will drive for four hours just to make sure you arrive home safe."
The lass crossed her arms feeling very much unamused. Sakuno and Sato they call each other by their first names. While him he is just Ryoma-kun or Echizen. "Sakuno, it's not an issue of trust or capability. It's about choosing the best option where peace of mind is guaranteed. You don't want us worrying too right?"
"If you trust me more you don't have to worry." The lady retorted. "Point taken, but you can't take that away from me. It's not like I stop you whenever you want go to somewhere alone. Just glad this time you did not have to."
The brown haired lad turned to the guest with a warm smile. "You are very welcome here. A friend of Sakuno's is a friend of mine. Call me Sato no need for formalities." Green eyes with mirth, a hand was reached out for a hand shake. The amber eyed male took it. It was the proper thing to do. However, deep inside the prodigy's head, it was a sign of consent in their status quo. Sato is the friend and Ryoma was the client.
"I am just going to help Sakuno with dinner. You can watch TV or use the PlayStation there to entertain yourself." The brown haired man offered. "You can cook?" the prodigy inquired. "Not as good as her but yes." So the chap can be fine by himself, meaning the girl simply wants to do things for him. Like when they were in Seigaku the female would prepare bento even if it's not necessary. Heck why is he clinging on those middle school memories? Shrugging the tennis icon retorted. "I am going to the room to make some calls. Have not informed anyone yet where I am."
"Whatever you see fit Echizen." That said the athlete turned and retreated to his room. First his secretary was notified. He gave instruction that the next day a chopper should be sent with a car driver. The helicopter to take the prodigy home and the chauffer to take his car back. The assistant argued why he did not take one in the first place. The boss simply stated he felt like driving. But since it's troublesome, he would rather not again tomorrow. After receiving affirmation the prince collapsed on the bed. Internally he debated if informing his family is necessary. Imaging the teasing his father and brother would do, the idea was immediately scrapped. He would prefer not to be reminded of this situation.
A knock soon resounded from the door. "Echizen dinner's ready." Sato invited. "Sakuno makes the best natto. Don't be bummed if she force feeds it to you for therapy's sake."
"Don't mind it." The later confessed. The meal prepared was very Japanese. Rice topped with natto, miso soup and grilled eel. It was nostalgic to finally have this type of meal again. Once all three are seated in unison they exclaimed "Itadakimasu".
Plain as the menu was it tasted beyond expectation. Ryoma always knew Sakuno was a good cook. "It has been awhile since the last home cooked meal I enjoyed." The guest confessed. The almond orbed male grinned with pride. "Sakuno is a great in the kitchen. As she is with everything else."
The way Sato looked at Sakuno is undeniably full of adoration. Plus the way the female took it in is just as intimate. It would make one think, why did they break up in the first place? Or did they developed feelings more by going back to square one? "Ryoma must be curious what Sakuno was up to the past years." Green eyes glinted in delight. "During Red Cross days, she was the best volunteer. Top it off with being the most loved. Her compassion is so vast."
"Do tell." The client encouraged. "Sakuno had admirers from all ages. The reasons vary from her healing touch, cooking skills or just plainly her aura. She was someone so easy to like." To be the honest the tennis icon wanted more juicy details. But he decided to hear out what the other guy had to share. "Whenever I am sick, Sakuno would nurse me back to health. I have to give it to coach Sumire for letting her stay over."
The medicine student continued to recall how auburn girl stayed over the weekend. His father was out on some medical mission so the woman took charge. Cooking for him, changing the towels and massaging his head for better sleep. The lady wore a mask all throughout the ordeal to avoid infection. That moment made them closer.
The brown haired male returned the favor. He would visit whenever she was ill. But he was not able to do the extremes she did for him. He made it up by inviting her to go backpacking in Europe. Helping her break free from that blasted curse of direction cluelessness. I was also shared, Sakuno had a sweet tooth for what the continent offered. French macaroons, Belgian waffles, Swiss chocolates and Italian gelato to name a few.
"Your relationship sounds like a couple going steady." Ryoma spat out of nowhere. The comment caught the two host off guard. Why is he so keen in knowing if the two are hiding or denying something? "People see it like that." The other male confessed chuckling. "But we are comfortable as we are right Sakuno?"
The prodigy eyed the lady in question. Nervousness is quite obvious all over her face. "Sakuno, chill we got through this already. Our contract still stands." The information made the prince brow rise. What contract are they talking about? "I am perfectly aware Sato." In order to release the tense atmosphere the male medical student quipped. "Is the natto your liking? Knowing Sakuno she will make you eat it three times a day."
"I like it, having it on a daily basis is not a problem." The guest confirmed. "You must have gone through worst." The other guy added. "Health is wealth, we will be cheering you on Ryoma." The former tennis star nodded on Sato's well wishes. "I know you can't go out but would you like to try and sneak out?"
"Sato!" the girl shouted disapprovingly. "Come on Sakuno, we were supposed to see a movie today. I even have the tickets." So the two have a movie date. "I don't mind staying by myself. You two do as initially planned." The client reassured so that is why she wanted to get back early. "I was the one who came uninvited and all. Plus it's probably the reason she was so eager to come home in the first place." Sato eyed the lady with a single brow raised. "You were in a hurry to get home?" The female could only blush.
"She was. Wanting to tour New York alone was probably just an excuse to take the earliest bus here." The tennis enthusiast concluded. The woman sighed, all of it was true. It was a surprise the client drove all this way to take her home. To her embarrassment she had been found out. "It was not my intention to drag Ryoma-kun here."
"I am not blaming you nor complaining." Ryoma defended. "Just do as you please. Which is something I would do given our situations are reversed." He continued to explain. Upon seeing the woman's disturbed face, did the words came out wrong? The celebrity was about to explain further when a jolly voice cut him off.
"Thanks for clearing that Echizen. Sakuno is often a worry wart." Brown eyes scanned their plates. "Since we are all almost done eating, let's conclude." Someone is eager to leave, the prodigy thought. "Will do the dishes Sakuno, get ready. I know your hair is a handful."
"Because it's still too long." Came the familiar tease. "I can handle it just fine." Sato laughed. "Sakuno is really defensive when it come to her hair. Honestly the pigtails were cute but the single bun is elegantly lady like." With a final spoonful the girl quickly chewed and excused herself. When the female was out of earshot, the guest decided to throw the question. "When did she ditch the pigtails?"
"After high school, freshman year during pre-med. I told her it looks good on her. Plus it convenient when treating patients." Looks like this guy has sharp memory such a detailed answer. "Did Sakuno tell you?" The man in question blurted out.
"Tell what?" is he asking what Sakuno confessed to earlier? "Never mind." The student chortled nervously. "I am not judging your living conditions. That is not the reason why I came here." The prince clarified.
"I recalled her as a hopeless case when it comes to direction. I did not want to receive everyone's spite of not taking care of the coach's granddaughter." The icon further elaborated convincing himself that was the truth. "To you she is the coach's granddaughter." The other man clarified. "Obviously she is." Came the retort.
"When you left Japan and took tennis by storm was there anything you missed?" Green eyes stared at him accusingly. "None that I can think off. You are probably aware I never looked back. Besides Ryuzaki now, I have not met anyone from Seigaku."
"You met her by chance because Mr. Gates is curious of what she can do." The guest nodded. "I had no idea it was her. Donald is still oblivious to the fact that we were once classmates. Unless she told him." Why is this guy asking him these questions anyway?
"We dated." Sato declared. So what if they did? Ryoma did not want to further bury himself in this drama. "She told me." The brown haired male stood up from his seat and started clearing the plates. "Do you approve of me?" came the follow up inquiry. "She's a grown woman and free to date whoever." Was the wary reply.
Having compiled a handful of plates Sato lifted it and headed to the sink. "Echizen, you are an okay guy despite your difficulties." He continued speaking while walking back to the table. "I apologize, thought you came here to size me up." Green eyes looked at the prince sternly. "It's no brainer in her past you took a chunk of it. Unfortunately, it seems until now she is not your priority." Ryoma crossed his arms what is this person driving at? "I have to give it you though. You never took advantage of her feelings back then."
"Why are we having this conversation?" Amber orbs questioningly glared, to tell the truth this guy is the one sizing him up. "Honestly, I am insecure she is hung up with you. That is the reason why relationship did not work." The later confessed.
Insecure with him? A man constantly not present in her life? "But it was unfair to blame you. It's not like you seduced her or anything." With a smirk the student continued. "Come to think of it. I should thank you." Why is this conversations being a mixture of contradictions? "Finally meeting Echizen, I can place my mind to rest."
Where is this talk going? "I really like Sakuno." So much for stating the obvious the Japanese-American continued. "As a guy I have this concern you have unfinished business with her." Does this person actually think he had plans to swoon Sakuno?
"I have no intentions on going war freak Echizen." The brown hued lad admitted. "She is free to make her choice and I am not a spoil sport." The medicine student continued his spiel. "And I hope you are not too."
So this is what all this about. A declaration of stance. "I am an athlete, obviously I have a knack for sportsmanship."
"From what I heard Ryoma Echizen hates to lose." The later teased. "If its concerns about myself, but I do not force other people." The prince confirmed. "Well now that we got that all out let's shake on it again."
Once again Sato offered his hand and with confidence Ryoma accepted. "Whoever emerges in the end, we will make her happy." The Japanese-American declared to which the stoic prince agreed with a grunt. "Honestly I thought you were going to deny your feelings. It would have created more spice."
"Feelings? I have no such thing towards her." Was the scoffed answer. "Thank goodness. Now I don't need to hold back." Hold back? Heck what is this?
"Hold back?" the prodigy murmured. "I broke up with her, because I felt she has not gotten over you." The male host confessed. "Not knowing you personally, I assumed the two of you had a mutual understanding." The speaker continued on. "I did not want to push myself while she is not unready. However, as you see I held on."
"There is nothing to be insecure about. Obviously her priority is you." The way it rolled off Ryoma's tongue tasted bitter. "Never imagined my rival would be the one reassuring me." The prince grunted, he is not in the mood to talk about it any further. Especially when he feelings are getting jumbled now.
"Listen Burns, the treatments will be on weekends. I bet at least once due to bad weather she might have to stayover. There could be rumors about her and me." The tennis star paused what is he babbling about? "What I mean is, when it does. Don't let it get in the way of your better judgement."
"I believe we are both mature to handle that." The less moody guy reaffirmed. There was a soft sound of the door creaking. "Sato, you are not yet done with the dishes?"
Yes the dishes were forgotten on the sink. "Get out the two of you. I'll do it as payment for crashing here." The guest offered. These two just need to exit for him to clear his mind.
Sato refused. "No way, you drove for four hours I got this." The student directed his look to the girl. "I will be done in a sec. Love your look tonight by the way." Ryoma had to internally agree on that compliment.
The guest decided to retreat to his assigned room. "Ryoma-kun, Mr. Gates called, offering starting next week he will pick and drop me off in a chopper."
"How convenient." The celebrity agreed. "Sorry again for causing you trouble." The auburn girl mumbled. "I always cause you..."
"Stop it." Ryoma authoritatively spoke. "I never do anything against my will." Sakuno's eyebrows furrowed. "Sorry I did not mean to upset you.." The prodigy ran one hand in his hair. "Cut the apologies. Ryuzaki for the sake of everything leave the past behind and face the future." That statement sounded like a mean rejection. It came out so wrong he suddenly wanted to hurt himself.
The girl smiled bitterly. "Yes, I will Ryoma-kun. Thanks for helping me let go and move forward."
The response made him look at her intensely. He expected to see signs of hurt and betrayal. But all he could witness was an aura of relief? It was so bothersome witness, his chest was constricting. "It's kind of late. But I would like to personally congratulate you Ryoma-kun. You became world number one."
Yes he did. In a flash his life seemed to have played before him. Everything was achieved all by himself without looking back. It was his choice, it never uneased him before. But fate is playing a cruel joke leading him back to her. For what? Mock him of what could have been? This is so lame, he is a grown man for Pete's sake.
"All done, let's get out of here Sakuno." Sato chimed cheerily breaking their attention from each other. Amber eyes watched the girl whisked away from view. "See you later Echizen. Make yourself at home." The door gently shut leaving him alone.
Why was he here again? What on earth just happened? When he got injured, Ryoma accepted and moved from tennis. How could he have been swayed to accept therapy from her?
He breathed in deeply and rationalized. The reasons probably are, to get Donald off his back. He misses playing competitive tennis sometimes too. The therapist, Ryuzaki is someone he can trust. The prince is assuming the girl will not lie to him about the chances of recovery. Once this is over everything will get back to normal. Tournaments will be back on schedule. Celebrity life mode will be on. All to gain, nothing to lose that should be the scene.
The prodigy collapsed on the sofa and rubbing his temples. Once the agreement is over, Sakuno and Sato will complete their medical degree. Ties with the auburn woman will be permanently cut. Ryoma Echizen is at the end of the stick. He only has twelve week session to hold on to. Damn all these years, the athlete convinced himself to be free of unnecessary sentiments. Where he is now is a choice taken whole heartedly.
However, beneath the show. The prince of Tennis Ryoma Echizen kept a secret. The evidence would have been found in his sports bag. An old green tennis ball with a chibi face drawing and a quote: "World's No.1".
At the moment that thing is still in his room. Thank goodness the dumb woman failed to notice it. How dare she comeback suddenly and place him in a predicament? That nice guy is not helping either, there was no reason to hate the medical student. It was as if fate was telling him it's time to dispose of that old tennis ball.
Truth be told. The reason of not looking back was not because of schedules or his agent's advice. He simply did not because the prince knew, he no longer had the energy to do it more than once. Now the past came confront him of the person who mattered the most. A thing he never admitted out loud. But there is no room for regrets now, the only way is to move forward.
Author's note:
Finally got to push myself and continue this story once again. Thanks for reading it up to here.
I hope you guys enjoyed it and anticipate on what is to come soon. My drafts are done and the course is clear.
Until the next update.