"Chapter 5: More Rivals"

The intense stare on the two tickets atop the desk would have burnt it to a crisp. Today is the first official day of rehabilitation. Last week an auburn girl was promised to see Hamilton in Broadway. Immediately that day the tennis star messaged his assistant to get tickets. The instruction was done before the drive to Boston. It was afore meeting Sato and discovering Sakuno's peculiar bond with him.

The prince actually forgotten all about the passes. Until Dave his executive assistant delivered it this morning. The bloke should have given it earlier. At least he could have told the therapist to bring her flat mate along. He just couldn't go with her knowing where female stands. The prodigy thought about just letting her go by herself. He was never a fan of musicals anyway.

But if that happens, it would be too obvious that he is avoiding her. Not that there is a need to. A soft knock on the door disturbed his thoughts. "Ryoma-kun are you ready?" a soft feminine voice spoke. Great she's here. "You can come in, I'm decent."

The door creaked as it opened. Blame it on the girls good vision she noticed the tickets. "You really bought Hamilton tickets?" The man nodded. "Wow, from what you said last time it runs during the afternoon right?" The icon just replied with a "Hn."

"So we are going to see it after the session?" Now that is the question. Amber met hazel, an inquiry of affirmation was dropped. "It's fine with you to go together?" The girl nodded excitedly. "Of course, unless your agent does not want you too." She wanted to go with him, the confirmation somewhat made him feel relieved.

"Left the spotlight for years now. Paparazzi will be less scary." The man expressed confidently. "You should have told me beforehand Ryoma-kun. Should have dressed up for the occasion." The woman complained.

The male eyed her outfit, she was donning a free flowing lavender skirt. It was paired with a short sleeved white blouse. Hair is tied up in a bun and on her feet are pink ballet flats. There was nothing wrong with the outfit, but is she going to massage him wearing that?

"The get up is fine." The guy reassured. "But are you going to work wearing that?" The athlete pointed fingers at the therapist. "I have my scrub suit. If you're ready then I will go change now." As the woman exits the room Ryoma called out. "Ryuzaki when you come back, should I be lying on my stomach?" The man could not mutter "And take off my shirt?"

"Yes, and take off your shirt too so we can start immediately." Was the affirmation. How could she say it so casually? Well the girl probably treated a lot of people now. Like as said as before, seeing folks stripped is no biggie in the medical field.

Pulling up his shirt and leaving it on top of a chair, the prodigy laid on the bed face down. Hopefully, he won't lose it once the female's hands make contact on his skin. He was able to have a feel of it last week. It won't be a surprise now. Or so he pushed himself to believe.

After a five minutes the therapist came. The female gently sat on the bed near the injured shoulder. The woman began to softly caress the muscles. "Nice muscle mass. I believe you diligently ate the natto?" The man grunted in confirmation. "Brought a fresh set with me. I'll placed it in the fridge." The girl proceeded working with every touch making the prodigy tense. "Ryoma-kun relax, I am not feeling you up." The lass giggled.

"You seem to be very casual about this." The male spoke. "I have been doing this for a while now." The lady explained. "You will get used to it too after the third session perhaps?" A muffled "Whatever" beneath the pillows was stated by patient. "Sato said you and he clicked. Both of you have a common interest. It's highly plausible to be friends."

The audacity of this woman to say it nonchalantly. If Sakuno only knew what he and the med stud had highly in common. "Good to know I did not stir trouble with your boyfriend." He just had to say it out loud? How much can a masochist take? "Honestly, Sato's a great guy." Oh no here it is, will the next statement turn out for better or worse? "I always felt and knew he was a good choice." Hearing those words caused a hitch in his breath to which the girl noticed. "Sorry, was the pressure too much?" The prince just swayed his head to negate. Can't talk right now, his voice is lost somewhere.

"I am kind of just waiting." The girl continued to speak and paused. "Sorry, I should not bother you with relationship troubles. I'll talk about something else." No way in hell she will. This girl is going to spill the beans right here, right now. "I don't mind just say what you want." The earlier this is settled, the better he can move on with life. That is what he wanted to believe.

"I really like him and all. But I am scared to make the first move. Our friendship is important to me." So the two are really comfortable with each other big deal, the tennis star hissed mentally. "I am aware he cares about me too. We never dated anyone else after our break up." Ryoma was conflicted whether to be happy or sad hearing details.

"Sato and I made a deal. A contract to be exact." Yes he heard them blurting it out last weekend. "What does the contract say?" The prince just had to know the gist of it. "This is an embarrassing thing to share Ryoma-kun." The prodigy huffed. "You're the one who brought it up."

The girl blushed at the retort, however it is true. She was the one who opened the topic. Maybe it will be helpful to find a guy's point of view? Plus he barely knows Sato, Ryoma could be more objective. "In our contract, our agreement was, when see each other as potential marriage partners we will continue where we left off."

So if they got back together, it would also mean a start of an engagement? "But we still have four years to go until both of us finish med school. I want to keep focus, but if I don't confirm to him anything. What if he tires of waiting and leave me?" Just like what happened to us you idiot? The prodigy hissed in thought.

"If Sato doesn't wait it's his loss. The guy should know what he signed up for when falling for a med student." The prince explained. He will not be quick to judge, the guy told him personally he is holding on. The tennis star has no idea how long the other person can wait. But if Sakuno is going to delay the decision, then maybe an opening can be created. The idea made him groan, why is he even considering that?

"Sorry, is this area painful?" The female inquired. "Just do your thing." The athlete encouraged. "It would be flattering if Sato will wait for another four years. But.. oh never mind." That said she tapped the client's shoulder. "Time to face up."

Flipping right side up Ryoma boldly inquired. "Why are you hesitating with him?" The prodigy spoke the question with gentle intensity. The lady could not help but blush. His handsome face with his hair sprawled over the pillow is not helping. Taking a deep breath from the distractive features, the girl decided to confess a secret.

"You see, Sato is not the only man I kept in touch with the past years." The lady whispered the revelation and continued. "Do you remember the French Prince Ludovic Chardad?" Of course Ryoma does, how can he forget the chauvinistic delusional? The lady continued to speak. "Ludovic wrote to me frequently."

The prodigy recalled the French asking Sakuno to be can pen pals back when he was hospitalized. The nerve of the idiot. Ludovic actually acted upon his intentions. Ryoma suddenly felt furious. The Japanese regretted not giving Chardad a harder time when he was still competing in pro circuit. "Whenever Ludovic comes to Japan for tournaments we would meet up." The auburn confessed with a hint of guilt. "Ryuzaki why does your tone sounds like you committed a crime?"

The girl shut her eyes and with brows furrowed took a deep breath. Once calmness over took, her mouth opened to declare. "All those times I did it behind Sato's back." There she spilled the beans that was being kept shut for so long. "He knew about Sato but did not mind. Ludovic would always openly express his feelings for me."

Innocent Sakuno Ryuzaki was cheating on the person she has a mutual relationship with? The tennis prodigy's eyes widened in shock. Does this mean the girl has feelings for the monarch? How did it happen? He pushed his lips to question. "Do you like Chardad more than Sato?" The woman answered truthfully "I don't know."

Embarrassedly the lady placed both hands on her face to hide the shame. "Ludovic is a romantic, he makes me feel special. But Sato is reliable, he gives a sense of balance and security." Tears began to fall from the female's eyes. "I am such a bad person leading both of them on. But I can't just choose."

Honestly, yes the therapist is awful for keeping the two men in the dark. However part of the patient is relieved, the woman has not made a choice yet. Then selfishly he blurted out his opinion. "You don't need to choose either of them if you can't." The client's amber eyes burned with passion. "Maybe those two guys are not for you. So don't feel obliged to like them because they make you feel special or secure."

"They are important to me Ryoma-kun. Both are genuine with their feelings." The athlete could only frown at her response. "I understand the need to come clean. But I need time and I do aim to settle it." The woman stated in her defense.

Irately the prince of tennis asked. "Why are you telling me this?" Ryoma looked away from the tear stained face girl. There was no one to blame but circumstance of her sudden appearance from the sky via chopper. Declaring to be his therapist? This woman, does fate want to her be some sort of savior in his life? Ryoma Echizen does not need her. He only agreed to get Donald off his back. If by chance he gets to play tennis again well and good. He does not need to get involved in this drama. Despite that he took the bullet, inquiring and now the revelations shook his core to anger.

"Sorry, it is noticeable I ruined your day already." The lass apologetically expounded. "I will just pay you back with tickets. You don't need to go with me." The cat like orbed male did not comment. The female took it as a sign of agreement and went about her job. As the session concluded, Dave the executive assistant came in the room looking frantic. "Ryoma, did you know Ludovic Chardad is going to see Hamilton the same time as you?"

Speaking of the devil. Why is the lunatic appearing out of nowhere? "Chardad is playing in the US open but decided to come in early. Reports say he wants to enjoy the culture thus will come see the show." The aid elaborated. "Ryoma it will be good publicity if you two will be seen crossing paths."

Amber eyes flared at the woman in the room. "Dave get out." The man in question scurried away after seeing a glimpse of Ryoma's rare outburst. For some reason, did the monarch knew the Japanese girl will be going to the play? "Ryuzaki, does he know you are here in New York over the weekend?"

"As part of patient and therapist confidentiality no I did not tell him." The hazel orbed lady defended. "However, he knows I am studying in Harvard. Besides that nothing more."

"So you are going to see him after the musical?" The man accusingly questioned. "I didn't even know I was coming to the show today. If it will make you feel better, there is no need to go." The woman offered to pacify the angered tennis prince. He probably felt bad for Sato that is why he is lashing out on her. Not that she can blame him feeling that way.

Ryoma took in the information again. Maybe he can make this an advantage and piss the blonde. "No, I already said I'll take you." The woman wanted to argue that it won't be necessary. However the patient will not have any of it. "We are going, who knows Chardad might get a hint to back off."

"Ryoma-kun we don't really need to this." The lass tried to reason. Why Ryoma is seemingly irritated with the French royalty? "I understand you feel sorry for Sato." The girl spoke. "Nonetheless I really don't want to confront Ludovic right now."

"What makes you think I'll let you guys cross paths?" The prodigy haughtily huffed. "Dave said it would good publicity.." The prince growled. "Hell with publicity. I said what I said and we are going!" He was fuming, things like this will not go well and the therapist is not going to let the athlete dig his own grave. "I will not! Especially when you are so worked up like this." The female began to shiver, the mixed emotions are getting the better of her psyche. "Ryoma-kun please, trust me to settle this on my own."

"Fine." The client sighed in defeat. "Ryuzaki, listen the tickets is for a private balcony. No one would see." Why is he still insisting to go? "I made a promise. Intend to keep it plus, it would be refreshing to do something new." Initially he wanted to tease the blonde that Sakuno is with him. Nevertheless the prince realized he was being a brat thinking that. So much for being a grown up man. "Sorry I made you cry. Right after you entrusted me with a secret." The man rubbed the back of his neck. "Let me make it up to you by seeing the show. Just pretend you never told me anything."

For some reason this outing was important to the tennis star. The female began to weigh her options. Given she did not tell about Ludovic, the two of them would have went. Then she would have just kept to herself if the monarch sees them. Knowing Ryoma he would have shunned the royalty either way. A part of her wanted to agree, it will be one of the rare occasions to spend time exclusively with the prodigy.

Sakuno mentally slapped herself. Did she not have enough boy trouble already? Getting further involved with the prodigy could complicate more things. But what is one musical show viewing going to right? Praying that the heavens will give a sign of approval. The lass decided to make a phone call. "I need to tell Sato about this outing. He will more or else find out otherwise."

If she does not want further misunderstanding related to the prince of tennis, honesty with her flat mate is necessary. Receiving a nod as a go signal from the man, the woman made the call in private. The other line answered immediately in one ring. "Sakuno what's up?" The girl forced herself to calm. "Sato, Ryoma-kun will be taking me to see Hamilton." The person on the opposite link whistled. "Sweet you always wanted to see it right?"

Not getting any response from the lass, the male concluded there is something bothering her. "I don't mind if you are going with him. It's not like you decided to date him steadily?" The man stated in a playful tone. "You know I am over that Sato." The woman added. "I just wanted to tell you in advance in case the media makes it a circus."

"Sakuno, I know you better that." Sato's sincere voice rang in her ears which is heart melting. "Have fun and get me a souvenir." The man continued to tease. With a smile forming on her lips "Thank you Sato. What would I do without you?" A gentle "hmmm" tone resounded. "I don't know, maybe still a direction challenged girl?"

Sakuno decided to be playful as well. "Agreed. You always knew how to stir me around. So permission granted?" The lass confirmed. "Of course you are a free woman." The colleague confirmed. "Thanks Sato, I will make it up to you tomorrow." The woman shyly promised. "Oh I will be anticipating it Sakuno." Was the pleased reply.

Holding the phone down the girl felt a huge sense of relief. Now she can have fun less guiltily. She has no idea what was the prodigy's intent on this situation. However, she convinced herself to take it as it is. It's not like he will ask her out again ever. Concluding that the therapist dressed out of the scrub suit to casual clothes. Fortunately she has a pair shades to obscure her face. The woman also decided to let her hair down so more features will be hidden.

As the lass reached the living room area, the tennis star came out of his room wearing a dress shirt with casual jeans. The man left the two buttons unfastened. Probably avoiding the feeling of suffocation while wearing the garment. His hair is fashionably unruly and those cat like eyes are also hidden beneath dark glasses. "Ready?" the lad inquired. The female nodded and followed him out of the apartment.

"Dave took care of the security. Our vehicle will be chauffeured." The client explained. "Once the show is done we will come back here. Donald's chopper will pick you then." The girl bobbed her head. The travel to the theater was quiet. The lady decided not to speak anymore contemplating she had talked enough for the whole day.

Reaching the destination, both where discreetly escorted to their seating arrangements. The first part of the musical went in smoothly. As the short break commenced both decided to stay in their booth to avoid unnecessary interactions. Despite the precautions, things were kind of bound to go a bit awry somewhere.

"Bonjour Monsieur Echizen!" A very familiar voice resounded suddenly from behind the balcony's curtains. The French man was surprised that the former rival is not alone. "Mon adieu Chapeau! You have a date!" The girl fought the urged to look back at the speaker. Ryoma nonchalantly stood from his seat and sneered. "Chardad, it is ill mannered to come uninvited. I assumed your etiquette classes tackled that."

Sakuno's heart was pounding what if Ludovic recognizes her? "Haughty as always." The monarch crossed his arms. "To be frank, I came here to cheer you up." The royalty retorted. "Not being able to play at the US Open, such a pity Mon Ami."

"If you came to spite me. Not happening, I have come to terms with that fact already." The prince of tennis shot back. "Stop being a petty blonde brat and grow up." The amber eyed male continued to hiss. "Don't be rude my Japanese friend. Is it awful I wanted to see how you are doing with my own eyes?"

"You see I am well so now get out." The royal pointed out a finger and swayed it in the air. "Are you not going to introduce me to the lady?" Ryoma walked upfront to further hide the female from the French's view. "No need, go away your highness." The blonde quirked an eyebrow and boldly declared. "My eyes and heart are only for Cerisier."

"However, it would be rude not greet the lady." The monarch began to thread closer the female. In haste Ryoma pushed him away. "Get out." Realizing the possessiveness of cat eyed male, the royalty decided to step down. There is no sense in trying to build a commotion. However he was not going to let it end on a low note. "Touché, very well." Stepping back the French player continued. "Apologies milady, I cannot greet you properly due to your pompous date." The girl kept still and did not look at the speaker. "If I may advise, there are a lot of more decent men out there than your escort now."

"What do you know about preferences?" The athlete entrepreneur retorted in fury. "I for one through the years have faithfully pursued a single beauty." Monarch proudly stated. The other male huffed. "And where is she? Obviously that woman did not want to be with you." The Japanese man continued to tease. "Au Contraire my friend in good time. All in good time." The French prince turned his back and smirked. "Compared to you, I know who my sincerity belongs too." With that finally said the unexpected visitor left.

"The nerve of the creep." Ryoma heatedly stated as he took again his seat. From peripheral view the woman beside him was blushing. "Don't tell me the idiot flattered you." The prodigy accusingly inquired his companion. "I am sorry you had to confront him like that." Once again the man huffed. "Dave will escort you out once the play is over. I will take a separate car. Since the lune is on my back, being seen together is a bad idea."

Sakuno did not argue and proceeded to get something from her purse. Dainty finger pulled out two rubber bands. With elegance and skill, the woman began braiding her hair. The tennis prince watched with a perplexed expression. After finishing one side, the lass explained herself. "If Ludovic see me outside, at least I should appear in a different hairstyle right?" The move was naïve but the intent was good. "Given the idiot's IQ he would definitely fall for it." The athlete thought and redirected his gaze back to the stage. "How could you be so conflicted with such a character?"

The question suddenly flooded the therapist's memories. Sato has asked that musing before when establishing their understanding. However the questioned pertained to the lad she is with now. How could she care for someone who never batted an eyelash for her? Why did she devote her heart to someone who easily left and her casted aside? And it was not just once but numerous times? Yes, the fool that was her. Caring for someone who until the end never knew of her existence. How could she?

The memory made the girl giggle lightly. "What's funny Ryuzaki?" The lady swayed her head after finishing the other braid. "You have no idea how much my preference in men have improved Ryoma-kun." The woman gently stated. "To a fault I value the feelings of what is directed to me. Since I know what it feels to be ignored."

The statement made Ryoma's eyes widened. "Since I know what it feels to be ignored." Is the lady pertaining him? He decided to shut his closed. There is no sense in talking about it any further. Specially that what she said affected him deeply. "I do not regret what happened though. It was a part of growing up and moving on." The woman's voice gently spoke as the man reopened his eyes.

The lights in the theatre began to dim. "I would never want to force someone into something they don't want. Nor would I have the heart to deny them their dreams." A gentle feminine voice stated eloquently. "I will always cheer the ones precious to me no matter what." The lass breathed in deeply and added. "Every day having the knowledge they are doing well is enough for me."

"What's I miss?" the prince recalled a line from the character of Thomas Jefferson in the musical. "A lot…" the prodigy internally told himself. "A lot." The athlete suddenly murmured while avoiding to look at the female. "Would you go back?"

"Back to what?" the therapist whispered. "Back from where you moved on?" the prodigy slurred in embarrassment. Sakuno lifted her head and stared at the stage. "Why go back to nothing? I have a future ahead of me." The girl responded determinedly. "Yeah you're right." The client pushed himself to agree. "There is nothing to return to anyway." The man continued to spiel hoping that those words would convince him too.

Damn it! Why is this conflicted feeling creeping in? Twelve weeks, all of this for this period only. Down to eleven counting today and from here on everything will be back to normal. The music commenced and the performance began.

"In New York you can be a new man." Another line expressed in the play. True New York offered a lot to the life he has now. The prince of tennis gazed at the woman beside him. The lass was donning twin braids again, a hairstyle full of fond memories.

Everything came back rushing like a waterfall drenching him of reality. The reality that after all this time, he pushed for something new. He won and taken the spoils of what he sought after. Only to discover that back in time, Ryoma Echizen could have had it all. If he had been true to himself.

Once the show ended, Ryoma signaled Sakuno to go with Dave. He would exit the venue once the crowd is lessened. The lady thanked him for the evening and headed off. The man watched her exit the booth with precision. A lot of changed, not only appearance but demeanor too. The prodigy never imagined himself to be in situation like this. Wanting something he initially rejected. Was he an idiot for doing so? Or is this just a passing phase?

Sakuno with Dave hurriedly wanted to get out of the place to avoid bumping into a certain someone. Unfortunately the person she was running from found her immediately. "Cerisier!" the French monarch exclaimed. "Cerisier! A moment please!" The woman could not find in her to ignore him. Out of courtesy she halted and greeted him innocently. "Ludovic, what a surprise."

The royalty noticed that the lass was with Ryoma's executive assistant. "Why are you with Chapeau's assistant?" Sakuno smiled sweetly hoping to get out the situation with a buyable excuse. "I was just asking Dave how Echizen-san is doing." The French quirked an eyebrow in doubt. "Echizen-san is not the type to accept unexpected visitors. So I disturbed Dave to fill me in." The girl placed one hand below her chin shyly. "However just like always, I forgot how exit to this place. He is showing me the way out."

"I can drive you to your hotel mademoiselle." The French prince offered. "No, Ludovic you don't have too. I need to go back to Boston so I have a bus to catch." Sakuno answered s calm as possible to avoid suspicion. "I am sorry but I need it be on my way. Dave let's go.."

"Stop." The blonde man exclaimed and grabbed her wrist. "The US Open, I will be playing come see me." The dashing man invited. "I have classes during the tournament schedules. I don't know if I can." The monarch shifted the hold from the wrist to her hands. "The finals, it will be on a weekend. Come see me please." The gentleman requested with pleading eyes. "Ludovic I cannot promise. I am sorry."

Ludovic smiled bitterly but did not let go of his grip. "Fine if you cannot come, let me drive you to Boston. Forget that bus." The offered shocked Sakuno, this is getting messier by the moment. "You don't have too, please." The braided girl replied beseechingly. "Sato is staying with me, you know we can't." The royalty loosened the hold and finally let go. "Even until now, it's him huh?"

"Apologies Ludovic. I have always been honest with my status with Sato." The girl explained putting an effort to sound determined. Maybe it is the time to let it out in the open for her flat mate's sake. "Milady Sakuno just because your hair down I won't recognize you. By now you should know the strength of my feelings."

So he recognized earlier. But he decided not to make scene. "Ludovic, you probably think I am some sort of cheat and I don't blame you.." The Frenchman place a finger on her lips. "Hush, remember what I told you before? Hmmm?" The male continued to tease. "I don't care who you are with right now. As long as it's going to be me in the end."

Those words brought chills to Sakuno's spine as the male withdrew his finger. The monarch had no plans of letting her go even if there is nothing to hold on too. "You both best be on your way. Tell Chapeau my regards." The royalty continued to speak in spite.

Muttering another I am sorry the woman walked away in a rush. "Darn it Dave, he knew all along." Sakuno felt the urgency to tell Ryoma. But what good would it do to tell him? However she did not want him to hear it from Ludovic.

As she boarded the car, the female dialed the prodigy's number. The man answered after one ring. "Hello, Ryoma-kun." The girl paused how is she going to explain this? "Ludovic he knows." She mustered out of her mouth.

There was a pregnant pause from the other line. The prince of tennis smirked with eyes gleaming and replied. "So what?"

Author's Note:

Finally got to upload this part. It was sort of difficult for me to construct this chapter due the conflict Sakuno has to go through.

Plus the realizations that Ryoma has to face. Both are at the opposite side of the fence in which both of them are not willing to cross.

At least for now.

I hope to hear about your opinions on how things are going so far. Until the next update.