"Chapter 6: Aggressive"
Growing up with a silver spoon has often placed prejudice on Prince Ludovic Chardad. May assume that because of royalty status the lad gets all he wants. Inarguably in terms of things that can be bought by money, yes it can be considered true. However, Ludovic has always wanted someone. Since the day his eyes lay on the girl while lost in the stadium grounds. Her beautiful hair bouncing in the wind tamed by twin braids.
The prince would recall his irritation after finding out that the lady fancies a certain classmate. To his relief, the said acquaintance seems to be oblivious of the luck he possess. When the opportunity came, the monarch boldly challenged the clueless man. It was hilarious how ignorant the opponent was with familiarization with the lass. It was the perfect opportunity to step in. Unreturned feelings will fully fade and once it does, Ludovic Chardad is ready to pounce.
Fortunately the woman has a friendly and innocent personality. The opened chance made contacting the lass very easy. Of course the royalty establish self-control to appear not predatory. The female was too accommodating, the French prince could not help but fall more into the abyss of his desire. When his rival the proclaimed prince of tennis moved away, Ludovic thanked the stars his time has come.
Despite the removal of the threat, victory was still not in grasp. Due to the distance, an unknown factor came into the picture. Soon the woman revealed that she is in a mutual understanding with another male. Accounting that fact, the French man held on praying that like the former opponent this person too will go away.
The couple actually broke up after sometime but decided to stay platonic. Some would say he should give up the lost cause. His affections were doomed from the start. However, that one day she came to see him play during the Japan Open.
All emotions in him sparked once again. Yes she is no longer the girl wearing braids but a woman with hair tied in a bun. But she looked awesome just the same. Her eyes full of kindness that can put saints to shame. Those lips so cherry pink which he always dreamed off to claim. The way she meekly waved and smiled sent him to the nirvana. How can he give up such treasure?
Good things comes to those who wait. A saying he read somewhere. Gazing at the lady before him, Prince Ludovic Chardad made a vow. It does not matter who she was with in the past. As long as the future is him, everything will be worth it. That as an incentive to the present the monarch never given up.
Author's Note:
He has no idea why she was seeing a play with Echizen. Noticing the effort to keep it discreet, are the two hiding something intimate? But the lady mentioned her platonic partner Sato. Where does Chapeau and Sato stand in her heart? It seems winning her affections is getting more complicated as the days passed. Is this a call to be aggressive?
-o-
Sakuno sighed for the nth time to Sato's curiosity. "Hey if you inhale that deep for another time your plate will be sucked." The boy spoke in jest but the female did not respond. "Tell me Sak, what happened after Hamilton?" The girl's eyes widened in surprise. "What makes you think something happened last weekend?" Shrugging the male answered. "I have known you for a while. It will be obvious to me if something is bothering you." The man held out his hand to squeeze hers. "So tell me what's wrong. Maybe I can make it right?"
Tears began to brim on the female's eyes. How can she deserve such kindness from this guy? What will he say if she reveals her meetings with Ludovic? Will Sato turn away from her? Technically she was never intimate with the French man. Some would say there is nothing to be guilty about. However, seeing the other lad behind his back feels like cheating.
"Sak, did Ryoma try anything funny?" The chap questioned sternly. "Did he do something that caused you discomfort? Did he hurt you again?" Sakuno swayed her head in negation. "No it's not about Ryoma-kun."
Not about the prince of tennis? If so then who is bothering her? "Some bad news from home? Having trouble with studies? You can tell me anything Sak." The guy continuously inquired but the lass kept silent. "Please don't shut me out." The man spoke hurt obvious in his eyes. The display made Sakuno's heart sink, she never wanted to hurt Sato. Rather her goal is to set them both free. Maybe it's time to get aggressive and truthful. If one day, they are to fulfill the contract, isn't it the best time to lay out all the cards?
Taking a deep breath she mustered courage to confess her concerns. Keeping their hands together, Sakuno looked into Sato's eye. "Sato, I don't blame you if hate me after this." The girl nervously explained. "But there is something I need to reveal. And I hope you forgive for it."
"Are you choosing him? After all this time are you going to choose him?" The man before her interrupted. His grip on her hand tightened, indicating a resolved not to let go. "I saw him Sakuno. Spoke to him too, the idiot remains the same. His feelings have not changed."
Him? Saw and spoke? No this is not about Ryoma Echizen. She clarified it to him already. "No Sato, this not about Ryoma-kun." The guy looked at her with hopeful eyes. "Then what is it? Is it because I am a clingy friend?" The girl swayed her head. "No, you have been wonderful. I cannot ask for more."
"Then what's wrong?" The brown haired student reaffirmed. "What is bothering you Sakuno?" Tears began to fall from the lady's eyes. "Sato, I have been seeing and entertaining another man besides you." As the words escaped her lips, the boy withdrew his hand from hers. "It's not Ryoma but someone else…"
"Sato it's not like that!" the lass exclaimed. "It was a mistake on my part to have gotten involved with him." The girl continued to confess. "I was awful to the both of you." Sakuno could not help but sob. Letting it all hurts just as much as keeping everything in. "I am sorry for going behind your back."
Sato stared at the female before him. All these years together, this is the first time seeing her in agony. If she cared for him and not the other person then why is there a conflict? What is she feeling guilty for? To settle his doubts, the man decided to ask a bold question. "Do you love him?" The girl immediately replied a firm "No."
"So we don't have a problem." the man clarified. To ease the mood he approached the girl and with both hands ushered her face to look at him. "Sak, if you're not in love with whoever, then we can still work on us." The boy smiled gently and leaned his forehead to the female. "You are too kind and courteous to a fault. Are you being that way with me too?"
"Sato, being you is a choice I never regretted." The lass sniffed. "Can't help but feel bad that I was seeing someone without your knowledge." The lady continued to divulge and the man withdrew to give her space. "But I have come to terms of revealing and closing this issue permanently now."
"Feeling better to spill all the beans now?" The male jokingly inquired keeping his hands on the side. They have always had this dynamic. Switching moods of conversations and in the end working it out. This man has been very kind. He only deserves the best from her.
"In middle school I met Prince Ludovic Chardad of France. Taking an interest in me, he made ways and means for us to communicate. It was just pen pals and occasional meet ups when he plays in Japan." The lady explained uncomfortably.
"Why did you no bother to introduce us?" the flat mate inquired. "The schedule was too spontaneous and I was afraid you would not get along with him." The woman clarified. "Why because we both like you? While it's okay to meet up with Echizen since he does not feel anything for you?" The man curiously delved in.
"Ludovic is very expressive. It is embarrassing to a point, I guess didn't want people to know what I was dealing with." The girl implored. "He treated me like a princess. Everything felt like a fairytale. I think the real part of me did not want that fictional part merging. So I unconsciously separated it."
"What made you want to break the fantasy now?" was the follow up question. "Grew up and realized reality is better." The lass smiled shyly. "This is not a valid excuse. But part of me has so much unreturned affections. I ended up hoarding it when it is made available to me. For that I am sorry."
"You have a strong affinity for princes." The male commented. "Honestly, I am also complacent with our status quo. But if I want to get somewhere I should start to be bit more demanding right?" There was a mischievous glint in the man's eyes. "Chardad is playing in the US open. He invited you to watch right?" The girl nodded. "Why don't we see him play together? So the guy will take the hint to move on."
"He is not going to be swayed by that. In truth when we were dating it did not stop him." Sato crossed his arms. So the French man had the nerve to hit on a lass in a relationship. Taking this into account, it seems the only way is for Sakuno to reject him. "Then you should straight out turn him down."
"I did, but still he persevered. But this time no matter how he asks, I will not come to see him anymore." The woman determinedly declared. "Did he try to black mail you with attempts self-hurt?" The female swayed her head. "Not that extreme, the man may be stubborn but personality wise he is a good person."
"Let's go see his game and I will talk to him personally." The brown haired lad offered. "What are you planning to accomplish in doing so? And do you think he will listen?" The auburn girl is skeptic with the plan. "I want to have a man to man talk with him. If I were in his shoes, I would not give up easily too. But he should know that you are in good hands." The woman's face looked perplexed. Is this guy even for real? How can he be so nonchalant about all this? "Sakuno, for the record. We live together. That as fact, assures me there is nothing to be insecure about."
The lady sighed, the situation is at its limit. For years personally reasoning with the French monarch had no fruition. Maybe this time more drastic measures must be done. "If it will help put a point across, let's give it a shot Sato." The man grinned at the affirmation. Whether the rival will concede is not the whole matter. It's about taking a stand together.
-o-
The weekend for the US open finals came. Sato came with Sakuno via chopper and eventually will wait it out in Ryoma's apartment. Returning the favor of hospitality. That is what the prodigy claimed as the brown haired man appeared on his door step. The medical student is as courteous as always.
Inside his bedroom where the therapy will commenced the client inquired the purpose of the duo's trip. The lady then explained that Sato wants to settle things with Ludovic. The patient then teased that the girl has finally made a choice. The girl then admitted that she has always made a choice. Though in the past the woman wished that she should have been sterner about it. Hearing those words from the auburn girl made the prodigy somewhat uncomfortable. Sure he was not in the position to force himself. But as felt before, he wanted a fighting chance.
A defeated sigh escaped his lips. If there was something learned through the years, one can never win it all. Because of a dream, he decided to give up the happiness that within reach. Now after achieving the dream and getting more than expected, he still feels unsatisfied. "Is something bothering you Ryoma-kun?" A gentle female voice inquired. The man mustered to say nothing. "Do you feel bad of not being to participate in tournaments?" was the follow up question. "Kind of, things are boring without playing competitive tennis."
The lady smiled meekly, her touch softening compared to last. "I promise to do my best and give you back what you love Ryoma Echinzen." The aptitude of the words were sincere but the cat eyed lad decided not to respond. He did not want to hold her on that. It would be best for things to get over with. Maybe if they don't have to see each other things will go back as it was. Him not having these strange feelings toward her. Why did he have to be in such a mess?
As the session ended the medical students left side by side. Knowing there is nothing better to do the prodigy decided to tune in also on the game. The French guy might win, but it's always best to be updated with opponents. Because hopefully, Sakuno might be able to keep her promise. When that happens and Chardad is still playing, how he would love to defeat the monarch.
Speaking of battles, the prince of tennis wondered how he got infatuated with the auburn girl recently. Was he just excited in seeing someone familiar? Memories came flooding into his mind. The braided girl would always be cheering for him in every game. The girl would prepare him bentou's during lunch and official matches. When the U17 training incident pissed him off, the woman kept him company. She even gave a good luck fortune. Amusingly it took a lot of tries before getting it. Switching teams, the female declared that no matter what flag he plays, her support will not waver. Ryoma sighed. How could he been so dense with those signs? Maybe it was not the proper time? However is now any better?
-o-
Ludovic Chardad had a good game. However it does not pertain to a good day. Seeing his flower haired goddess, the giddiness inspired him to do better. To his dismay the lady came with an escort. The guy who came along seems very comfortable with skin ship. The brown haired male placed his arms around Sakuno. He would occasionally whisper in her ear. But from what he has seen they did not display the aura of lovers. They are more like brother and sister? The royalty smirked. The two came here to make a statement that they are together. Yes they are but not in love. As long as Sakuno Ryuzaki is not in love, the French prince vowed he will still not give up.
Sakuno and Sato tiredly slumped in the chopper. "That person is a total case Sak." The boy commented. Both were expecting Chardad to make thins difficult. But they were surprised he reacted beyond the two have imagined. "I wonder where he got his fighting spirit from. How can he be so sure he has a chance with you?"
The woman shrugged. "I warned you about him being stubborn. But at least he knows that I would refrain from seeing him." The female rubbed her temples. If only she cut ties before maybe things would not have been complicated. "Well what is important is we both made a statement." The male chirped. "And if he really is a good man as I think, letting go will come soon." The lady meekly smiled in agreement.
"I don't mind if you want to be civil or friends with him. Just don't meet him all by yourself." The lad declared. "Aren't you being too complacent?" the woman questioned. "If I tell you not to, it might work against me. You know I was never the type to deny you of anything." The woman would have to agree. Sato Burns has spoiled her rotten. "Thanks Sato, I will stand by what I said of keeping it quits."
Reaching the dormitory the duo decided to call it a day. Agreeing to order take-out, Sakuno proceeded to shower. As she is to strip her clothes, a notification bell rang. It was a text message from Ryoma. The note is rather peculiar. It stated How did the idiot receive it?" The woman decided not to answer as of yet, because in truth she does not know the answer at all.
-o-
Ryoma stared at his phone it has been a hour since the message was sent. It seems the receiver decided not to answer. Given the situation, it means the idiot Chardad managed to deny the inevitable. Honestly if the guy had half a mind, did he not realize how can it be competition when the woman in question is living with your rival? It is only a matter of time until the two decided to make it official.
Slouching on the sofa the prince questioned why did it have come to this? Back then when he blew his chance, there was no sense of remorse. Fate had only one job to do. Assure that the two of them never meet again. But lo and behold this is where they are now. Ryoma has always been know in being a passive person specially in emotions. In this state now should he remain the same?
Heck, why is he even thinking of doing something about it? Did part of him wanted another fighting chance because of competitive nature? For the sake of peace of mind, should he embrace aggressiveness once? Can he handle the pursuit once it commenced? He could just find another girl, there are lots out there. The thought shocked him. The prince mentally slapped himself. That would be unfair to the person he might pursue. It's so hilarious he got into this predicament. Musing over his love life since when did he care?
Sakuno's image alighting the chopper came in to memory. Followed up by their unintentional date in the arcade during middle school. The prince could still feel the warmth of her touch during their sessions. He smile no mater how subtle makes him feel lighter. The female's cooking sill remains unrivaled as far as his palette is concerned. That lady has always been kind and considerate to a fault. Sakuno Ryuzaki was the type of woman one would love to go home to.
Ryoma bit his lip. Reminiscing about her like this made his chest constrict. Ludovic was supposed to be the one broken hearted now. But why is he the one suffering? Ten more sessions to go. Will it be enough time for him to take the leap?
Author's Note:
Hi guys, our characters are in an emotional jumbo now. Its kind of conflicting whenever people engaged in matters of the heart. As for our girl Sakuno, it is quite natural to get attracted to a guy boldly showing affection. But how can one let go of someone who has always been by your side? Or how about the first love to which one had a somewhat platonic past? As for our males, all is fair in love and war, but to what level should one accept to back off. That is something we will all find out.
Thanks for everyone who have been reading until now. You guys give me the encouragement to continue this story. It will be a long haul. But I promise to finish it. Until next time.