Author's note: So I am back for a monthly update. This chapter is a bit short so I will be posting another one within the month. Happy reading and write down a review if you can, I would love to hear from you guys. Thanks.

"Chapter 10: Beaten but not Defeated"

Ryoma tossed and turned on the bed. The event earlier engraved in his memory. Even if could not confirm it, but damn it seems Sakuno has given up her innocence. The prodigy sighed with closed eyes, he listened to his heartbeat. If it is true does he want the auburn girl any less? Is Sakuno of lesser importance to now because she belongs to another? The tennis start does not want to admit but both his father and brother was right. When it comes to the love department he is a loser.

He bit his lip and grunted in frustration. This is all his fault. He had been too selfish to leave the woman behind thinking these feelings will pass. Then after meeting he could have shown her his intent. But he allowed is ego to get in away. Never admitting anything might have pushed the girl to consider the other guy. And how can she not? Sato was everything he wasn't personality wise. Who would not fall for an endearing guy like that?

Opening his eyes, amber eyes stared at the ceiling. There was only darkness inside the room. Should he feel sorry for himself? No Ryoma Echizen does not do self-pity. Then will he just move on find another. No that is not easy ne noted to himself. Because re-evaluating his preference all through these years, he consciously and unconsciously only wanted her. And if just let her go like this, he will never be able to live with himself. Ryoma then made a resolve. He would rather be rejected than keep his silence.

-o-

The final day of the clinic came and Ryoma was surprised to see Sakuno. He did not expect the lady to come due to her upcoming exams. When their eyes met, the woman smiled at him sweetly. She walked towards him with a better posture now. His heart clenched, how can he have her back? He just need to have her back.

"I came to personally thank you Ryoma-kun." Her sweet voice filled his ears. "You have done a lot to inspire our team to work harder. It is truly an honor to have you here."

Ryoma wanted to keep it cool but he can't. He was acting, like a love sick teenager. But the prodigy just can't help. He wanted to be with her and if meant forcing his way in, he will not hesitate. "How about joining me for dinner as a sign of thanks? It is a Friday after all."

"Didn't we agree that I will be making dinner on Saturday after the session?" Sakuno reminded.

"Being in my apartment is boring. And Sato probably felt now for his job, so you're free too right?" Ryoma retorted not willing to take any type of refusal. There was doubt etched on the woman's face. She did not want to be with him, his mind screamed this thought. However he already made a decision last night, he was going to push it. "What harm will it do? It is not like Sato has anything to worry about." The tennis start reasoned.

"I am not really comfortable being out in public with you." Sakuno explained. "You will be playing for the GHI Bronx Tennis Classic. If I come as your attending therapist people will take notice. And if some prying eyes see us alone together now, rumors can start.

"I don't really care about that." The prodigy answered with finality.

"But I do, my relationship with Sato is official." The auburn girl confessed. "I can't entertain people in an intimate way even if they are my friend. Of course our sessions are different. It is strictly professional.

So she has said it, Sakuno and Sato are now official. Great just great. The prodigy clenched his fist. Okay he may be beaten now but not yet defeated. The other guy must have gotten the first point but he will not lose this game. "Fine I'll get my assistant to get us take out and we are going to have it in my apartment. Fair enough?"

At least the offer is not about going public. The girl nodded her head. "The more discrete the better." The lady confirmed.

-o-

Ryoma was never the one to talk. But Sakuno was not striking a conversation either. If this keeps up, the girl will be leaving earlier than expected. And that is something he does not want to happen. The prodigy then decided to reveal his plans to compete together with Ryoga. Since the event is coming earlier than expected. "Ryoga-nii and I are planning to compete as a pair next season."

A soft gasp came out of the female's lips. "I know I agreed with one competition but a series of them? It is too much." The therapist argued. "Plus I will be schooling, I cannot attend to you all the time."

"You promised me to help me set my foot again at the US Open." The prodigy reminded. "The earlier we get it done the better for you right?" What the heck did he just say? It is like she is pushing her away. "I mean, I don't want to burden you too long. Things get tougher in med school right?"

"Ryoma-kun you don't need to force yourself for me. I don't mind being your therapist for a long time." The woman comforted. "So there is no rush for you."

"I have been slow in certain aspects of my life." The amber eyed man spoke. "I don't want to delay things any further. So please be with me until I set foot again in the US Open."

Sakuno's heart swelled hearing the prodigy asking her to stay by his side. He would usually shun others away but now is requesting for help. Her soft spot for him emerged. She just can't say no to him. "Very well I will be happy to accompany you on this journey. So I guess our sessions are extended?" The lass clarified.

Upon hearing that Sakuno is willing to go with him long term made Ryoma's heart rejoice. She was going to stick with him. Even if it is still strictly business, getting chances with her is important. He will do his best to progress more forward. As long as she is not yet married, he still has a chance.

The thought sudden caught him by surprise. When did that idea come from? Heck he was beginning to sound like Ludovic. However his eyes moved to gaze at the woman sitting beside him on the dinner table. Nothing is going to be easy. But if he wants to win this war then he should be willing to battle.

The girl noticed the intensity of his stare and blushed. Was she eating too much or swallowing too fast? Being alone with Ryoma still makes her nervous. "Do I have something on my face?" She has never seen him look at her that way before. It is as if he is enjoying himself being with her.

The prodigy smirked and leaned in towards. "I am just glad we get to be on the same team again." The remark made the girl's pulse rise and her stomach do somersaults. Did he mean it? He really is happy to be with her? Ryoma just declared that they are on the same team.

The auburn lady gulped and nervously replied. "Ano.. it will be just like, uhm like old times Ryoma-kun." Why was she stuttering? "It will be just like old times Ryoma-kun." the girl repeated doing her best to keep composed. This version of Ryoma is kind of too much for her.

The tennis star smirk expanded to a toothless smile. He was on the right track. Just a little patience and he might get the result he is longing for. "Yeah, I want it you and me, just like the old times."

The girl blushed redder at the connotation of his words. Is Ryoma Echizen flirting with her? Did he realize what his words meant to her? What did he mean about him and her like old times? The surroundings was getting hotter, Sakuno stood up and excused herself to go to the bathroom. Ryoma watched her clumsily walk to the toilet. It seems the weight of his words is having an effect now. The female's reaction made his heartbeat faster. If this keeps up, can it be an indication she still feels something for him?

Ryoma's eyes furrowed and held a determined glint on. Yes just like the old times. Sakuno will like and be devoted to him like then. And when that day comes, he is going to repay her double because she deserves it.