"Chapter 8: Taking Action"
Therapy plus rallying with Ryoga has been the norm for the past four appointments. The setting has always been Wimbeldon. The prince of tennis is on fire to get back into the European tournament.
The elder half-brother, happened to share to the family about what they have been working on. The patriarch was thrilled of the details and decided to join in the fun. The head of the house blabbed on about how matured Sakuno is by now. From what he recalls coach Ryuzaki was a hot lady in her youth. The tennis ninja then elaborated further that Sakuno probably inherited those genes.
It did not help that Ryoga chimed that their father was correct. The duo in unison teased the prince about having the pleasure of being touched by a gorgeous woman. The later then would retort that it is just physical therapy. It was not emotional of nature. The shenanigan relatives would argue that he looks too flushed. Maybe for the girl it's just work but for Ryoma it's different.
The tennis icon decided not indulge anymore to the teasing. He was going to concentrate on what matters. Getting better physically, getting in the game and wining both in tennis and the girl back. At the moment it seems winning in the sport would be easier that getting the girl back. Why was he such an idiot then?
The weekend came and the therapist arrived on time as usual. She was pleasant surprised to see Nanjiro Echizen in the apartment. "Long time no see Sakuno-chan." The old man greeted. The girl elegantly bowed clad in white floral printed dress. "You are looking too pretty dressed up for a massage sessions." The elder teased to which the maiden blushed.
"Well uncle, you see after work I'll be going on a date." The girl explained causing some eyebrows to raise. "I will change to my scrub suit now." The lady excused herself to prepare to work.
Arms crossed Nanjiro spoke. "Eh seishounen, I know she is seeing and living with someone, but I was hoping you were doing kind of better." The prodigy just muttered "Shut up oyaji" The patriarch's shoulders slumped. "I was hoping to flex some skills in front of her."
"Then you need to come another time Dad." Ryoga added in. "Come to think of it, she did not mention of an appointment today." The former Spain player commented. "Chibisuke, did she tell you about her date today?"
The youngest sighed of course she did. The girl did so knowing that there was an agreement she would watch him and Ryoga play. "Yeah, something about her and Sato celebrating the anniversary that they met." The two older men swayed their heads, is their prodigy playing a losing game? "Listen here, I appreciate your interest with my life right now." The amber eyed male spoke. "But I would deeply appreciate it if you let me handle this."
"Seishounen, I let you do that for the past years and look what happed?" The father commented. "We need to be more aggressive you need to ask her out." The later argued that he did take the girl to a play. But going out in public is too troublesome. "If you don't man up and show you are not embarrassed being with her, the lady will assume you are just friends."
"That is what exactly is happening to chibisuke Dad." The elder sibling confirmed. "He is helplessly friend zoned." Ryoma wanted to rebut but the woman in question arrived dressed in her work suit. Letting the conversation go, the prodigy proceeded to his bed for the session. He warned his two male visitors to keep out of the room and stop humiliating him. A warning which the duo only answered him with a sneer.
Ryoma and Sakuno proceeded the session in silence. Could it be that the presence of his family intimidated the girl? "Don't let those two get to you." The prince comforted. He need to hear voice, he was longing for it strangely the past week.
"Is uncle here to play with you too?" The lass questioned. To which the client affirmed with a grunt. "Ryoga Nii-san is already a tiring opponent. But your father too? Isn't it a bit of overkill?" The male did not comment. "Even though your muscle mass seems to be filling up quite a lot. It does not mean you can over indulge Ryoma-kun."
"I know the boundaries don't worry." The patient replied. "We are half way the treatment schedule." The man spoke in monotone somewhat nervous voice. "Things have been great so.." The lad paused for a bit. "How about I treat you out for dinner as a sign of thanks?" The girl did not reply and the man continued on. "It doesn't have to be on a weekday. Maybe after our therapy?"
The girl sighed a small smile tracing her lips. "It would be nice but.." There was reluctance in her tone. "I don't think it's proper since I am exclusively seeing Sato." The woman reasoned. Of course, the woman would refuse, she has someone special already.
"Well, I wanted to thank you with something." The prodigy reasoned. "It was the only thing I can think off. Because giving a gift is too troublesome." How is he going to get anywhere?
"As long as you recover I will be okay with that Ryoma-kun." The girl reassured. "You don't need to give me anything. After agreeing to do this and giving me a chance to achieve my dream. I think we are even once the success is complete."
"I just wish, there is something I could give. Coming from me, since your studies is courtesy of Donald." The tennis star confessed. The lady then furrowed her brows trying to think of something. Then it hit her, the Harvard team is looking for some mentors. Maybe Ryoma can show the athletes a thing or two. He is the prince of tennis.
"Ryoma-kun, Harvard is looking for pro's who can motivate its tennis club. Can you sign up as a mentor?" The therapist queried. This was not the request the male was expecting. He was more of anticipating a personal item. But Sakuno being selfless asked for something that can benefit the campus.
"When does it need to be?" the celebrity probed. The student replied that it wil be based on his schedule. If he can confirm the university will adjust to it. Ryoma thought that this could be a chance to spend some time with her. Then maybe ask her out for coffee or dinner after the training. "I think I can spare sometime in my calendar this month. You would not be having issues if we do the therapy in a hotel room?"
The girl suddenly stopped her ministrations. An indication she is not comfortable of the idea. "You see Ryoma-kun, the press might kind of blow it out of proportion."
"How about we do it after the training clinic? Inside the campus will that be okay? The prince questioned. The girl argued there won't be a massage bed available. "So we just have to skip the therapy if I do the seminar?"
"That is not a good idea." The woman reprimanded then an idea came to mind. "How about we do the session at our apartment?" the lady suggested adding that there is a back door where they can come in. Plus Sato will be with them the media will have nothing to fuss over.
So much for having time alone with her. But the prince has already proposed and the activity must commence. "Fine, I will text you of the schedule." The lad muttered dejectedly.
"After the session I can prepare dinner that day. Most likely we will finish late." The girl offered. "Would you like anything in particular?"
"Any Japanese dish would be good." The prodigy confirmed. The therapy went on again in silence. Ryoma is still thinking of ways how to get some alone time. But no matter how he tried, the scenarios end up with the girl declining. If this is the case, he should make a way for her to be available but how? "Where are you and Sato going to later?"
"He is going to have a recital today." Sakuno excitedly shared. "Sato is an A list violinist. If he does well a spot to play in the New York theatre can be secured. The establishment is running a tribute for Jascha Heifetz for a month." Is this the opening he has been waiting for? If Sato gets invited to that event, he can have a chance with Sakuno for a month.
"So he is into music?" The prince clarified. The lady confirmed that besides medicine it is one of Sato's passion. The male medicine student believes that music and medicine can both make a person feel healthier. Qualifying for the gig can pay up six months of rent which will be very convenient.
"He wants to get a job to pay for your apartment?" The therapist nodded and stated that Sato wanted to be not a burden to his father. Even if Dr. Burn's practice is doing well, a sense of independence is just as good. "It is just his share or yours too?"
"For the both of us." The woman answered. They really approach things conjugally. This is deeper than he expected. "But we have not made any joint accounts in case you're wondering. We share a lot of stuff, but we keep tabs on where we should have space."
The appointment ended and Sakuno said her goodbyes to the three men. Once the girl is out of earshot the patriarch asked challengingly. "So squirt what progress did you make?" Ryoma shared about the training clinic in Harvard to which the two elder men found lame. "That will get you nowhere loser son." The father lectured that he should start acting more passionate and interest. Not like some frigid ice block that seems to be from another dimension.
"I am working on it." The prodigy defended. "Now let's go play some tennis." The celebrity invited. His guest obliged and put up a satisfactory match without burning him out.
"Your play is getting better and better chibisuke." The elder sibling praised. "About that Harvard thing, why not make it a week or something? So you have an excuse to be there longer. Then maybe one of those nights you can have her for yourself?" The suggestion was appealing but first he has to make sure Sato gets into the violin event.
Then an idea popped into his head. "Excuse me I need to make a call." Going to a secluded area Ryoma dialed Donald's number. The man answered after one ring. "Ryoma my boy what can I help you with?"
"Donald, are you aware of the recital scheduled today for the Jascha Heifetz? An event is slated in the New York theatre." The prodigy explained. The businessman confirmed that he and his wife received invitations for the gala night. "Well you see Dr. Burn's son is trying out there, maybe you can give a good or two about him?"
The elder man in the other line smirked. Ryoma Echizen barely asks for favors. There has got to be something big underlying this request. "Ryoma, why do you want him in the roster?"
Ryoma stiffened but did not falter. He was not going to get caught red handed. "Sakuno told me that if Sato qualifies it will amount to six month's rent. She would not accept money from me. And I bet she would not ask more from you. Then I figured if we can help get her roommate a job, then things will be settled."
"That was very considerate you Ryoma." The man answered with a voice still clouded by suspicion. "I'll see what I can do. If he has talent it would not be difficult to pull some strings or maybe add him in as an additional act."
"Perhaps you want to come to the gala with the girl?" the rich elder inquired suddenly. The suggestion caught Ryoma off guard. "That won't be necessary Donald. You know I hate public appearances."
"It will be fun Ryoma." The tycoon reasoned. "If Sato qualifies, Sakuno wil come watch him. You don't want her alone do you?" The later did not answer. "That event will have the most refined men but among them are wolves. You get what I mean right?" The prince sighed the man had a point, he did not want leeching old geezers offering Sakuno a sugar daddy arrangement.
"Fine I'll be there. I assume we will be sitting beside each other?" The prince questioned. Donald always loved good publicity. He would try to avoid whenever possible. But for this situation he cannot. "Just don't make me do interviews? I am going to walk out if that happens." Once the deal was sealed, the prodigy sighed. He might have gotten a chance to be close to the girl. But it will be seen publicly. Yes, he can say she is a friend and a therapist. But if people asked, it would be revealed she is there for Sato. Damn, he would appear like a home wrecker. Looks like he will need to ask more people some favors.
Returning to his brother and father the prince declared. "Ryoga nii, you are coming with me on a violin event gala night." The elder raised a brow. "Why am I being dragged into this?"
The younger then explained how he possibly go a date with the girl. But he does not want it to appear exclusive so a chaperone is needed. "Aren't you too old for getting a third wheel?" The older Echizen sibling teased. Despite the initial distaste, he did agree to support his brother.
"Okay if the Sato guy gets the job, he will be out of Sakuno-chan's reach." The patriarch stated. "Then Ryoma and can start his move. We have at most a week for you to confess seishounen." The tennis ninja proclaimed. "Is it enough time? Knowing how clueless you are, this operation is doomed."
"I am willing to take the slowly but surely route." the younger defended. What Sakuno and Sato had was special. It cannot be easily swayed by wowing the girl with gifts. "I just need to show her I am as sincere as Sato."
"How chibisuke?" The brother inquired. "You said so yourself she depends on the other guy so much."
"I will find a way." Ryoma then pulled out his phone to call his assistant Dave. The aid answered immediately after one ring. "Dave free my schedule two weeks from now. I am going to do a tennis clinic in Harvard." The prince declared. "Get me a hotel near the campus, the shorter the travel the better." Then the prodigy paused. "Come to think of it, if there is an apartment for lease get me one instead."
"Ryoma sir, why would you be needing an residence in Boston?" The secretary queried. "Ryoga and I might need to take residence there to continue training." The brother raised a brow but somehow understood the plan. Looks like Ryoma is going for the kill by keeping your rivals closer. Of course he does not mind being an accomplice.
-o-
After a week Sakuno came for another appointment. The auburn girl happily shared Sato made it to the show. He will be going to New York every Friday afternoon. Then he will come back home Monday morning to catch up with classes. Once the girl was finished telling her story, the prodigy revealed he will be doing a tennis clinic in Harvard for a week. Ryoga will be accompanying him and the residence they got is in the same building as Sakuno.
Sakuno argued that there are nicer residences out there. The tennis star rebutted that the location is convenient. Paparazzi will have less access. They can have the massage session in his apartment. They can still enjoy some privacy. The lady did not contest any further, the prince has the means to keep everything under wraps. Might as well not fret over it.
"Donald gave me and Ryoga gala tickets for Sato's show. We have an extra one since oyaji is not interested." The client offered. "Wanna tag along?" The next day was a therapy session day. "If you don't mind you and Sato can stay here to save on hotel rent." Sakuno smiled at the generosity.
"Sato will be staying at a staff house the organizers provided." The girl revealed. "Your offer is generous but I do not want to overstep my welcome." The woman confessed.
"None sense, it will not be a burden." The prince reassured. The woman stated she will discuss it with her roommate before making any decisions. They maybe friends but he is still a famous male celebrity. People are always thirsty on finding scoops about the elusive bachelor.
-o-
Sato found nothing wrong with the offer. He would rather have Sakuno with a friend than out alone. The musician was never the jealous type and has always been confident of the girl's loyalties. Since it was not a date in Sakuno's point of view she went to the venue with Sato. The man introduced her to his colleagues. Both affirmed they have a special relationship.
Ryoma had a sour look on his face inside the limousine. The smirk on Ryoga's is not helping. "Chibisuke, you really can't pull her away." Talk about rubbing it in. As the vehicle halted the popular brothers walked down the red carpet. Cameras flashed and the media is awed at how fabulous Ryoma looked in a crisp navy suit. Ryoga is equally stunning in a dark green piece. The siblings broke in with their unique fashion choice amidst the black suits and tuxes. "Looks like we made a good statement little brother."
"I don't care about any of this." The younger bluntly stated.
The elder's eyes browsed with a sneer. "I know, you are only interested with the lady inside."
Sakuno was already seated when they arrived. She choose the seat by the aisle and the prince sat beside her. "Ano, aren't you going to sit close to Mr. Gates?" The man just grunted. The tycoon in question just smirked knowingly. Sure Ryoma can act like he wants to avoid him. But he is here because he aims to be with someone. Is the boy doing consciously or unconsciously that is something he is itching to know. But today is not the proper time.
Ryoma knew that for people who are familiar with him. The gesture he is doing now is already a dead giveaway. But Sakuno is dense when it comes to him because of her roommate. "I am doing a tennis clinic in Harvard next week." The amber eyed male commented. "Will you be joining it?"
The girl replied with enthusiasm. "Yes, the campus asked me to be an organizer noting that we are familiar." Then she paused. "Did you tell them we know each other?"
To be honest Ryoma insinuated to the administration Sakuno is part of the terms. "Yeah, I am making sure no crazy fan girls will be near me." Was the defensive explanation. The girl left it as it is.
The night commenced. As soon as Sato took the stage, it was obvious in the maiden's eyes her overflowing admiration. Did she look at him that way too once upon a time? "He's good." The prodigy commented. The lady smiled at the compliment. "Did he try teaching you?" The woman swayed her head and reason she had no talent for it. "Maybe you were just not interested enough." The tennis star reasoned. The girl argued she tried but it did not work out.
As the night ended, the group greeted Sato back stage. Each congratulated him for a job well done. With a final hug Sakuno said her good bye and took a different vehicle to the penthouse. Ryoma handed him the key so she can come in early. The brothers arrived with pizza on hand. They were enjoying the treat when Ryoga's phone rang. The elder Echizen said a friend was inviting an all nighter. In haste the older left leaving the lady dumbfounded.
She was alone with Ryoma in his penthouse. Well nothing is going to happen. So she should just chill. Ryoma was nonchalant about the situation. However he was kind of more talkative than usual. The prodigy spoke about his body condition, the business he is handling and how it was for him studying in the university. The tennis star that night tried his best to appear more open. If he was going to win her over, hey need to feel connected right?
But it seemed he was the only one talking. The girl only intently listened. "Enough about me, what about you?" The client egged the lady on to speak.
"I always talk when we do the therapy." The woman replied. "But currently I am preparing for my final exams. Since the semester will be ending soon." The lady shared. "That is why after the clinic I need to study immediately, I do have a scholarship to keep." The information was an unexpected turn out for the prodigy. He was expecting to spend some time with her during that week. However the girl has to study. What stupid luck is this? "Ryoma-kun is there something wrong?"
"Yeah everything is wrong." The tennis star thought but his lips said so otherwise. "I was planning to invite you for coffee." The celebrity confessed. "I need to hear feedback if as an instructor I am doing alright." The girl had a questioning look. "Not all the best athletes can be good teachers. So I wanted to know." The prodigy defended.
"You did teach me before and I improved." The woman declared. "At least in my standards. Ehat do think?" The medical student clarified with her previous instructor. "Did my knee bend improve? Was my hips less wobbly and did my long hair even mattered when I played?" The male smirked at the nostalgia and honestly there was only one way to find.
The words that escape Ryoma's lips caught Sakuno off guard. Did she hear him right? "Come play with me." It is going to be a friendly match but he never initiated before. Tennis is scared to Ryoma he only plays with people who matter to him. She is not in that caliber.
"Ryoma-kun, I don't think you need waste your time playing with me." The auburn haired lass replied. "We know you will win, there is nothing to gain."
The prodigy looked at the woman straight in the eye. She has to know that as far as he is concerned, Ryuzaki Sakuno means a lot. "Hey being with you is not a waste of time." The tennis star confessed. "If I made you feel that way, I am sorry." The girl swayed her head in panic. "Ryuzaki, I was not the kindest person to you back then. I don't blame you if due to it, your decision to keep distance is the result."
Ryoma's words felt like a long overdue apology. The auburn female's heart swelled. In the past it would have made her cry since the prince is her world. But she is a different person now. It is touching but the significance of it to her emotions is lower. "It is all in the past Ryoma-kun. We all have moved forward." The maiden smiled meekly.
"I hope we can go back…" the man muttered and halted himself. He was just about to expose himself at such an inopportune time. "What I mean is, I should have been nicer. Then maybe things would have been different."
"You are you, if people cannot accept that then they are not meant to be by your side." The girl responded.
"Can you stay by my side?" The male could not help but enquire. He needed to know if there is some chance under heaven for him.
"Of course Ryoma, you are my friend. As I said before no matter who you play for, I will always cheer you on." The female confirmed with resolve.
"Then please stay close no matter what happens." The tennis star repeated. Turning back time, it was tennis who brought them together. Maybe this time it will aid again in solidifying what they should have had.