"Chapter 9: Back on Track or Not?"
The anticipated tennis clinic in Harvard finally kicked off with day one. Registrations went off the roof after the word that Ryoma Echizen is teaching. Who would want to miss an opportunity like no other? The competitiveness of the participation resulted into small elimination round robins. The organizers challenged the hopefuls that only the best deserves a spot to have exclusive time with the tennis prodigy.
The interesting part of the event that it was a competition regardless of gender. In terms of participant ratio, seventy percent were males and the other thirty were females. All attendees were reminded to act collected. Ryoma Echizen is entitled to walk out if things go crazy. So if everyone wants to enjoy the full experience, they should practice maximum self-control.
The chosen twenty lined up in the courts of Harvard. Like any professional, the tennis prodigy arrived on time. Clad in red sweatpants and zip jersey jacket, a normal person would look plain in the get up however it is the Ryoma Echizen. He is never ordinary. The students held their breath, despite the stoic face he is gorgeous. In order to not displease the prince, all the tried their best not to drool.
His amber eyes scanned the area, gleaming with scrutiny. He is perfectly aware that all eyes are on him. The prodigy does not care, there is only one person whom he wanted eyes on him. Unfortunately for now, he is trying to make it happen.
The coach of the tennis team presented the welcome and introductory speech. The prince's gaze was fixated on the auburn girl checking the equipment inventory. Thank goodness she is here, at least all his subtle efforts are not for naught. But will she grant him sometime to have coffee later? The lady's eyes somehow managed to meet his eye. As their orbs clashed, Ryoma's lips lifted to a smirk. If they can't see each other after the activity, he still has a back-up plan to make up for the time.
His reverie was broken when the audience clapped signaling it's his turn to speak. Honestly he is never the talker. But for the sake presence he needs to do so. As much as he wants to impress a certain someone, Ryoma prefers to keep his original demeanor. Clearing his throat the prince freely spoke. "Congratulations on getting a spot. Remember the difficult part has not yet began. Even if it's rough, overcoming it makes the success sweeter. Making the impossible possible is the mantra of champions." With a shrug the prince stepped back and everyone was in shock. That was a strong declaration. Impossible to possible.
Sakuno proudly looked at the prodigy. He has always been straight forward and confident. The tennis star work ethic has always been formidable. He might give them hell now but they will thank him later. She was not supposed to be here. Finals is up and people on relying scholarships like her should be studying. However that guy over there is the reason she got a scholarship in the first place. In a way she owes him this time. Though it's going to cost her some sleeping hours.
The after class special session ended after three hours each participant gasping for breath. Ryoma had no reservations on going all out training wise. As the organizers are cleaning up, the prince approached the familiar medical student. "I might have over did it." The amber eyed male stated. "Can you take a look at it?"
The woman consciously looked at her surroundings. "Mr. Echizen, I will attend to it once my duties are finished." The trainer then eyed the campus' coach with one eyebrow raised. The instructor immediately understood and informed Sakuno to go on ahead. The lady felt uneasy. People knowing she is familiar with him can really be messy. In truth the therapist wanted things under wraps. The prince however has a different opinion. In defeat the lass followed and walked behind the celebrity exiting the area.
The duo walked towards the medical student's apartment. "You needed to study so I bailed you out." The prodigy explained. The girl's eyes widened at the revelation. He did not have to do that. "You seem not pleased?" was the accusing question.
"You did not have to do that Ryoma-kun." The girl muttered. "People might think something is going on."
"Your with Sato what else going on?" The male blurted out. The female eyed him with a questioning face. "Sorry, I meant nothing mean about it." The lady did not answer. "I was just assuming that since your connection is strong people readily accepted."
"The people in that training clinic does not know Sato exists. So in their eyes they might thing Ryoma Echizen is close to this plain student organizer." The woman declared tiredly.
"You are not ordinary." The tennis star stated as they continued to walk towards the apartment building.
"You don't need to walk me all the way back." The girl retorted. "Rest in your hotel Ryoma-kun." The male smirked at the lass and continued on the same path. "Is there anything else I can help you with?"
"I am staying that apartment too." The celebrity revealed. "Travelling from Boston to New York is a drag."
"You leased an apartment just to stay in it for a week?" The woman could not believe what was revealed to her. The tall man shrugged as if it's no big deal. "When I promised to stay close, this did not cross my mind." Sakuno blurted out of a sudden.
"Nothing much you can do about it." The man spoke with finality. "You know what's funnier?" The prodigy teased. "Got the apartment across yours."
"What? Someone was staying there." The girl recalled someone was using that place. "Why did she not notice them moving out?"
"They wanted a cheaper place so needed to move out." Ryoma explained. "The landlord did not want to permit it due to the lease contract. Dave happened to be there and proposed a deal." The girl could not believe the coincidence. "Are you conscious that I will be hearing the noise you two would make?" The girl blushed furiously. "So you are." The thought made Ryoma's stomach churn. Damn it, of course what is he expecting?
"Sato and I are not like that." The lady confessed. "I mean, we get intimate but never got past second base as you men would say it." Sakuno felt her body heat up. Why is she explaining herself? The information somewhat relieved the prodigy. "I just couldn't get through it and Sato understands it."
"Good." The male companion stated as the duo entered the building. Arriving at their respective front door the lady bid goodbye and entered first. Ryoma stared at the door across him a bit longer. She has not yet full surrendered herself to him. Even after they have been together for so long. Does it mean, part of her is still in doubt? And can that doubt be used as leverage for him to get in? Ryoma's lips lifted to a tiny devious smile. On normal occasions he would refuse to be the cunning serpent in a story. He believes in bad karma that can return a hundred fold. However for this one chance the prince of tennis is willing to gamble. Indirectly he will draw the two apart and when their grip is lost, he will be sure to catch maiden. In every story, the protagonist gets the girl right?
-o-
"How's your day?" Sato cheerily asked Sakuno as soon as she entered their home. "Tiring but I need wash up and prepare dinner." The girl replied back.
"No need, I cooked something." The man answered. "Just wash up I'll set the table." The male offered. Nodding the lady headed straight to the shower. She is thankful to be someone as dependable as Sato. But how come she cannot give him her all?
Turning on the shower, warm water tickled her skin. Lathering the soap around her body, an image of Ryoma flashed. Her treacherous mind began playing disturbing images. The prince lying flat on his stomach during therapy. The feel of his muscled body, her finger tips and palms could not forget the sensation. Sakuno felt her insides heat up. She switched the water temperature from warm to cold. This situation has been repeating itself much to her liking. The woman shook her head in attempt to push away the thoughts. Why is she feeling this?
Stepping out of the shower, the woman still looks withdrawn. "You okay?" The roommate approached and her forehead. "You look flushed but your body temperature seems normal." The man stated in confusion. "Open wide and let me see your tongue and tonsils." The lady did as told. "Looks normal too, you must be stressing over the finals." The male medicine student then concluded. "Your grades is more than enough secure your spot. So don't fret too much."
Sakuno smiled shyly. "I'm hungry let's eat." The female tried her best to act normally for the rest of the night. She thought she was doing a good job until Sato interjected the comment that Ryoma Echizen now lives next door. The girl explained that the prodigy will just use it as a temporary lodging.
"Why here? He could have picked any hotel." The male reasoned. "It seems he has some motivation to be close." The statement made Sakuno feel uneasy. A fact that was not missed by the companion. "Sakuno is there something I should know?"
There was nothing to feel guilty about. She was not doing anything shady with Ryoma. But why does her heart feel that Sato is wronged? The prince has been more open recently. Come to think of it seems he is trying to get closer. However the prince never made it clear it was just assumptions. "Besides our official business and camaraderie nothing is going on." The auburn maned maiden managed to say.
"How about him does he think the same way?" The brown haired man retorted. Trying to keep his composure, the male medical student decided to open up. "Sakuno, you may be trying not to notice, but it's obvious that he likes you."
The girl was about to argue that is because they are friends when Sato beat her into talking. "Yes you are friends. So are we." The roommate stated. "We never moved past it." The man sighed with tiredness in his voice. "Sure we try to appear exclusive. However we never made it clear if there is a future for us."
"Are you tired of waiting Sato?" The female then questioned. Is she going to lose him because of her indecision? The man did not answer but the fatigue and longing can be seen in his eyes. "I am sorry you had to feel that way. It was selfish of me." The girl continued with a reassuring tone. "But I want you to know given the choice. I choose you."
The male moved closer and gently cupped the lad's cheek. His eyes were intense and very needy. She could not blame him for feeling that way. He had been tolerant to an imaginable degree. Their foreheads touched and the man began planting butterfly kisses on her face. His body felt warm and after a few seconds his lips caught hers. She gasped and with the opening of her lips Sato dipped his tongue. The approach was fierce and demanding, as if challenging the answer that indeed he is the chosen one.
Sakuno tried to relax as the male continued his ministrations. If she is to assure him, then shouldn't she more openly accept him? The female wrapped her arms around the man before here. Breaking out for her, the violinist shifted his attention to her neck. Hands began to creep into underneath the female's shirt. "We have never moved past base two." The fact clouded her mind. Can she do it now for Sato? Once the line is crossed there is no going back. Is she ready to give herself completely now?
"Sakuno…" Sato uttered in pure longing and need. Can she deny him again? Will she be able to handle the consequences if this continues? Or can she bear the cost of him pulling away. As the male continue to shower her with affection, the female was placed on the spot to make a decision. "Is now the time for a homerun?"
-o-
Ryoma Echizen was a bit restless the next day. The auburn head he was anticipating to see did not show up. Due to pride, that morning the tennis star did not take the liberty to knock next door. The prodigy assumed the female will be here. Maybe she took the time to study. The amber orbed superstar concluded. The lass does need to keep her scholarship.
"My, my aren't we looking bitter Chibisuke?" The teasing voice of his elder brother resonated out of the blue. They are of the same height know but he still calls him that. The visitor stood beside him and whispered. "She did not show up?" The prince just shrugged. "You live across next door why didn't you knock?" The superstar remained silent.
The elder Echizen raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you heard them last night?" His pervert of a brother is so annoying. The prodigy's hands began to shake. "Oh so you did hear them. Never thought Sakuno was the screamer type."
"Shut up." The prince hissed. "Whatever they do is their business."
"So what happened to I am going to be more aggressive from now on?" The senior man challenged. "Honestly Ryoma, how much of a loser can you get?"
"You can't force people." The younger said with finality.
"Sure but you can manipulate their lives to get the output you want?" The elder argued. The statement made the prince look directly at his brother. There was contempt in the prodigy's eyes. "Ryoma, if you keep this act up and she finds out.. " The sibling tried to explain "Do you think she will choose you?" The voice of the senior was stern. "Heck you will lose her all the more stupid."
"I just can't say it." The prince confessed. "But I don't want to lose her either."
"There is so much we can do for you Chibisuke." Ryoga replied. "But the only way to do this is to come clean with your feelings. Unless you do that, don't expect to get anywhere."
"Why are you here Ryoga-nii?" the superstar questioned. "You didn't come all the way here just to lecture me right?"
"Bingo! Mr. Gates actually asked me to suggest that you join the GHI Bronx Tennis Classic." The visitor revealed. "You know it happens during the summer. So having your therapist on site won't be a problem. And Mr. Gates said he can also request her to accompany you during practices."
Ryoma sneered at the idea. "Who's meddling now?" Honestly here he was talking all high and might about coming clean. Then they devise this plan to get the girl's attention for the summer. The prince is confused if he should be angry or happy about it.
"As I said we can only do much for you squirt." The sibling reiterated. "Listen, I promised you we will play doubles. So after that competition, we will be training together."
"Who gave you the idea I will join that competition? And what made you assume I want to play doubles next season?" The younger asked in provoking tone.
"Stupid Chibisuke, if you don't grab the opportunities to confess. She might end up marrying the other guy." The elder brother whispered by while gritting his teeth in in frustration. "Of course when we play, she will still be your therapist. Do you want to cut ties so soon? Your rehabilitation sessions are almost over idiot."
"Do you think she will agree?" The prince questioned the plan, he didn't want Sakuno to feel she is a prisoner to him.
"As long as she is studying yes. So you have three weeks to three years to get your act done." Ryoga expressed in urgency. "After that it is game, set, match for you. But will the final winning point be yours? "
"Ryoga-nii, I don't lose." The prince confidently spoke but his stomach is actually churning. Can he really win this?
"Then start you winning." The sibling prompted. "I'll file your application to the GHI Bronx Tennis Classic. Expect some crazies to jump in and seek revenge on you."
The tennis star shrugged and faced the students working hard on their training. "As if I will let them."
-o-
Practice concluded and walking back to the apartment, Ryoma decided to let down his pride and knock next door. It was Sato who answered. "Oh you must be here to see Sakuno. Come on in." The medical student stepped back and the guest walked in. "After class she busied herself studying." The brown haired violinist explained. "I already told her that she has enough to pass everything. But you know Sakuno, always giving it her all." The prince just nodded.
Sato ushered Ryoma to sit. Then the man knocked on Sakuno's room to which the girl came out. She greeted the visitor and walked towards the living area somewhat limping. The superstar eyed her with questioning eyes. The girl blushed at his quizzical appearance.
A memory flashed in his head "We get intimate but never got past second base as you men would say it." Darn did his moving next door triggered something that should not have happened? "I did not want to push myself while she is not unready. However, as you see I held on." This promise from the Sato vibrated in his mind. Crap! Did they finally do it? It was too personal to ask.
"I must have visited on a bad time. You seem ill." The prince stated keeping his composure.
"Don't worry, I am just a bit sore but by tomorrow it will be okay." The female answered back. "So what is it that you have to tell me? It probably is so important you actually came."
Sore what did she mean by sore? Clearing his throat Ryoma decided to say what he intended to do. "I will be signing up GHI Bronx Tennis Classic this summer. I am personally asking you to be my therapist."
Sakuno was taken aback. Ryoma wants her on his team. Considering it is for the summer the schedule plausible. But she has concerns about the tennis prodigy's stamina and over all strength. "Ryoma-kun, isn't too sudden to play a tournament? I know it is an amateur event but can you really do long hours?"
"That is something for us to see." The tennis star answered. "I will never know unless I try." The girl cinched an indication she is worried. To appease her concerns Ryoma blurted out an out of character dictum. "I will withdraw if my shoulder acts up." It was the least he could do for her hard work not go to waste.
"Well I do think rallying with Ryoga-nii and Nanjirou Oji-chan is harder than playing with other folks." Ryoma smirked at the respect Sakuno has for his family members. Even though the two idiots are shameless perverts.
The prince observed the maiden's face intently. Her cheeks are flushed and some beads of sweat are trickling out of her forehead. Was she really that tired? "I will be on my way so you can rest up."
The girl nodded and tried to stand up to see him out. "Don't bother, your pain will aggravate." The prince reprimanded. "You don't have to come to the tennis clinic tomorrow. Just rest up."
"Thank you for being considerate." The female answered. So she really was not coming tomorrow too. The prince looked away and proceeded to go out.
Once the door was closed, the girl seated on the sofa wondered why the prince seemed lonely. Or maybe he is just tired, huge social gatherings is not a thing for an introvert like him.
"He looks like a beaten man by his opponent by a homerun." Sato stated with a smirk on his face. He shifted his gaze to Sakuno who is blushing intensely. His grin got wider and with a triumphant tone said with finality, "Can't blame him though."
Author's note:
Hi guys, sorry for the wait. I kind of can manage only to update once a month. Because of RL stuff. But as I did my other stories I will see this through till the end. I wanted this chapter to be a bit steamier. Our boy Ryoma is not easily thrown off balance. So we need to push him hard. Please tell me what you think about how the direction of the story is going so far. I would love to hear your predictions and feelings about it.
Until next time!