3. Ryoma's Defiance

He was pretty much satisfied to see the gaping faces of his senpais the moment they knew the news. It was afternoon practice and Ryuzaki dropped by, claiming that her injury didn't hurt that much anymore all while giving out the cookies she made during their Home Economics class. They were pretty much cheerful, thanking the girl for her continuous support to the team. Ryoma knew that it wouldn't take more time before his senpais start to tease them together again. In fact, when Ryuzaki handed the cookie for him, Momo whistled and Eiji made a funny face. He could also see the glint in Inui's eyes as he scribbled some love data, and Fuji's eyes were open, a knowing smile on display. When Ryuzaki returned to the farther area where Osakada and the fan club cheered from afar, Momo immediately starts.

"Isn't it nice being Ryuzaki-chan's boyfriend, ne, Echizen?"

It was Eiji's cue to get Ryoma in a headlock, "Now tell me, o-chibi, isn't Ryuzaki really your girlfriend-nya?"

"I can't breathe..." The tennis prince's shoulders slump at the weight of his boisterous senpai. He grumbles, "I'm not dating Ryuzaki... I'm dating someone else."

"EH?!" the collective gasps of his senpais and some club mates alike were comical.

"Was it really that weird that I'm dating someone other than Ryuzaki?"

Ryoma took note of their gaping faces. How Eiji and Momo seemed speechless, Inui frantically writing in his data with a horrified look on his face, how Fuji's cerulean eyes turned serious, and Kaidoh and Oishi who were in the middle of their match, stopped at what they overheard- was a sight so rare, only brought upon to this world by the revelation of Ryoma's love life.

"What do you mean, Echizen?" It was surprising that it was Fuji who started the follow-up question. The tensai's smiling face was even more creepy than usual.

"It's just like what I said. I'm dating someone else." Ryoma deadpanned.

"Wow. This is so surprising," Momo finally collects himself, "Who is it then?"

"It's..." The realization that he didn't even ask for the girl's name was baffling enough for him to pause.

"What was her name?" He racked his brain for answers, even looking towards the area of the girls' tennis club to remember. His senpais had puzzled expressions as they waited for him. Luckily for Ryoma, the girl he was now dating passed by, prompting him to point a finger at her.

"It's her."

Curious eyes followed his finger, seeing a blue-haired girl as she passed by with two of her friends.

"Uh... Who?" Momoshiro asks.

"Mori Akane, Class 5, a freshman regular candidate of the girls' tennis club." Inui adjusts his glasses, "I'm impressed that your relationship with her isn't on my data, Echizen."

"Ah! How mean, o-chibi!" Eiji pouts, "Don't you know that Ryuzaki-chan loves you?"

Ryoma shrugs, uttering his words as a matter of fact, "Ryuzaki doesn't love me, Eiji-senpai."

He turns his head, accidentally facing the area where Ryuzaki and her friend stood. Even with his senpais' over the top reactions, it seemed like the news hasn't reached them yet. Though Ryuzaki looked back, face appearing worried about the commotion, Osakada was busy instructing the cheering squad. He looks away, unsure if he did the right thing.

"I'll get a drink." Ryoma excuses himself, leaving his senpais in the middle of their discussions. He felt drained, thinking about the amount of effort he's bound to be required to do. He sighs, wondering if all of it would be worth it.

Sakuno heard the news from one of Tomoka's networks in the fan club that overheard the regulars' conversation. She didn't think much of it, even after knowing that Mori Akane is supposedly the lucky girl. Just yesterday, Mori approached her because she was apparently rejected. And Sakuno knew that Ryoma wasn't the type to back out on his words. Still, it surprised her how the rumor immediately spread. The Ryoma-sama fan club was frantic, utterly shocked that it was someone not even registered in their club. Tomoka was a ball of temperamental emotions, full of questions as to why and how Mori Akane escaped her radar.

That afternoon, after the tennis club's practice, she walked home with Tomoka and the Freshmen Trio. Sakuno became too busy, calming Tomoka who initially wanted to confront Ryoma's supposed girlfriend.

"Calm down, Tomo-chan..." she says, rubbing her friend's back.

"But I still can't believe it, Sakuno!" Tomoka gushes, "I refuse to believe it!"

"Believe it or not, Osakada, you're overreacting." Horio interjects, "Besides, it was Echizen who said it all... Right?" he looks over to Katsuo and Kachiro who awkwardly nods.

"It was weird too that Ryoma-kun would just casually drop that information." Kachiro states.

"Well, it didn't really seem like Ryoma-kun was the type to date, ne?" Katsuo adds with a chuckle.

"That's why I refuse to believe it!" Tomoka clings to Sakuno who pats her head to comfort while they walked.

"Oh, drop it, Osakada," Horio casually comments, "It's not like Echizen would actually choose to date you over Mori."

"Ah! You're so annoying, Horio!" she fumes, "Who told you that I'm angry because I wanted Ryoma-sama to date me?!"

"You don't..?" Horio throws her a genuinely surprised look before facing the road again, "Oh well, it's not like Mori is a bad choice. I'm saying she's pretty and popular enough for Echizen, surely."

"Geez! And I really wanted Sakuno to date Ryoma-sama..." Tomoka pouts, looking at Sakuno whose eyes widened as she blushed.

"W-What are you saying, Tomo-chan?"

"Duh!" Tomoka says, "Since middle school, I always thought that Ryoma-sama was interested in you. Plus, I'd rather that it's you who date Ryoma-sama than anyone."

Sakuno waves her hand in dismissal, "Where did you get that, Tomo-chan? Ryoma-kun doesn't appear interested to me at all."

"He does!" Tomoka insisted, "He's always there to help and save you. I'd say that Ryoma-sama really looks out for you. Right, guys?" She flashes a look at the other two freshmen who only observed.

"I do think that Ryuzaki-san is the closest female friend to Ryoma-kun." Katsuo replies, "You spend a lot of time together." He turned to look at Sakuno.

"Un. Most of our classmates really noticed that," Kachiro agrees, "I think it was one of the reasons why everyone thinks Ryuzaki-san is dating Ryoma-kun."

"Eh? B-But I'm not dating Ryoma-kun..." Sakuno replies, "Though maybe that's the reason why people ask me things about him."

"Come to think of it," Tomoka pauses for a bit, "Didn't Mori talk to you about Ryoma-sama the other day? I'm still not convinced that she didn't cause you to trip."

"It's an accident, Tomo-chan," Sakuno assures, "Mori-san didn't push me or anything."

"Maybe you just really don't like Mori, Osakada." Horio points out, "You even told Momo-chan-senpai and us about how you find Mori suspicious."

"But I still think she's suspicious!" Tomoka defends, though she had an embarrassed blush on, "Sakuno is just covering up for her."

"She just really hates Mori, no?"

It was the collective thought of the remaining four with a sweat-drop. Sakuno tightens her hold on Tomoka's hand knowingly, "It's okay, Tomo-chan... I promise you that Mori-san didn't really do anything to me."

"Hmp." Tomoka pouts before changing the subject, "Sakuno, you have to confirm it with Ryoma-sama, okay?"

"It's useless," Horio barges in, "Echizen was the one who said it earlier."

Tomoka glares at him, "Well, just in case! Maybe Ryoma-sama was just joking around."

"Right, right," Horio mocks, "Like Echizen is one to joke."

And so, the usual banter between the two commenced. Kachiro and Katsuo ignored the two, quite used to the amount of energy they expend on their loud fights. Sakuno could only knowingly smile, relieved that Tomoka is relieving stress with Horio. When she turns to look straight ahead, her heart turned heavy in confusion and melancholy. If it was Ryoma who announced it, then it must be true, right? Sakuno chewed on her lip, trying her best to not let the fact get to her. After all, she still hasn't heard it from his lips. Tomorrow, she would ask him- hopefully, it wouldn't hurt even more than now. But then, who was she to even feel that way?

He really intended to skip afternoon practice that day. Never in his imagination did Ryoma think that this would be even more troublesome than his previous situation. All day, he's been answering questions from everyone in the tennis club. As if his senpais' prying wasn't enough, he's got a whole lot of crying girls- who claimed that they were in his fan club- seeking him out just to ask why he chose to suddenly date.

"Like it was their business." He cringed. Ignoring them didn't prove to be enough. Every subject breaks he gets hounded even by his classmates. It all intensified even more when at lunchtime, Mori Akane went to their classroom and asked to talk regarding their set up. It was mostly her who proposed some date spots, activities and decided that they walk home together from now on. Now, it wasn't like he was already regretting everything. He was the one who agreed to everything after all. But the day was just already too tiring. Too draining that he just wanted to go home and never go out. That's why, the moment their class was dismissed for the day, he dashed for it. Never mind getting loads of laps for tomorrow, never mind that he was supposed to walk Mori home. What Echizen Ryoma wanted is to recharge.

"Ryoma-kun..!"

Ryoma just passed by the school gates when he heard someone call him from behind. He didn't look back, instead, he continued to walk promptly. It wouldn't do if he gets caught again. He was far too exhausted to deal with them. But then, as the call for him continued then significantly dwindled, he realized how the voice sounded familiar. He reluctantly stops to look back, seeing Ryuzaki Sakuno follow him.

"Ryoma-kun..." She struggled to pace her steps faster. Without a crutch to support her left foot, she limped.

He threw her a questioning look, worriedly staring as she approached him. Ryuzaki clumsily walked fast. It was a miracle that she didn't trip with her injured foot. She was heaving, cheeks flushed as she moved. Ryoma felt guilty not realizing that it was her right away.

"Ryuzaki, what is it?"

"A-Ano..." she looks sideways, "Are you skipping practice?"

"Did you follow me just to ask that?" He didn't bother to hide the annoyance in his voice. "What's with her?" He mulled, "Did she seriously follow me all the way here to ask if I am skipping?"

"Gomen..." she pouts, her doe eyes looking sorry. The view of her tugged at his gut and it made him guiltier than ever. He lets out a sigh before speaking up.

"Why are you saying sorry?"

"I... I don't know," she looks down, "I'm sorry for bothering you, Ryoma-kun."

Ryoma's brows furrowed, his amber eyes boring at her as she turns her back. For some reason, after all these years, he still couldn't quite understand this side of her. She always seemed to shot her own self down whenever he's around. He thought that whatever was the case, she's slowly been getting more confident around him. He did spend more time with her than anyone in their classroom, wasn't that enough for her to think that she could speak herself around him?

When Ryuzaki trips and she lands on her knees, Ryoma didn't hesitate to help her. She hissed in pain, glimpsing the scrape on her knee. She looks up to see the boy's hand, held out to her in support. She takes it, flinching as her ankle ached.

"Can you carry my bag?" Ryoma asks though he slung his tennis bag on her shoulder anyway. He crouches in front of her after making sure that their bags are secured. With a hand, he gestured for her to climb on his back.

"Eh?" She felt her face burn up.

"Climb on my back, Ryuzaki," he simply mutters, "I'll carry you home."

She awkwardly latches her hand around his neck as she leaned on his back. He locks his arms behind her knees, tucking her skirt so it doesn't flutter with the wind. Ryoma carefully lifted her off the ground with great balance.

"Not as heavy as I thought." He started walking.

"Mou..." She pressed her forehead on his back, too embarrassed to say anything more, "You shouldn't have made the effort, Ryoma-kun..."

Ryoma ignores her murmurs, not even minding the curious gazes of strangers who passed by. He looked straight ahead, brimming nonchalance. He could feel her soft body against his back. There was loud pounding and he wasn't sure whether it was the girl's heart or his. He adjusted her hold on her, so she could shift more comfortably.

"Did you really follow me just to know whether I'm skipping practice?" he grumbles, turning his head though he couldn't really see her from his angle.

"Umm..." He could feel her warm breath prickling his nape, "I-I wanted to say that we wouldn't be having any more tennis lessons until my foot heals." He heard her small chuckle that reverberated against his body.

"Of course. What would you even do with a sprained ankle?" Ryoma says in an obvious tone, "Mada mada dane. Ryuzaki."

"Right..." Ryuzaki humors, relaxing her hold on him. They've been walking for a while now, passing through the landmarks towards her place. There were only a few turns left and they'll eventually reach the Ryuzaki residence.

"Ne, Ryoma-kun..." her soft voice was small and nervous. It was a stroke of luck that he has sharp ears to hear what she had to say.

"Hn?"

"Ano..." she takes a deep breath, talking slow as if carefully taking her time, "I-Is it true that you're dating Mori-san?"

With that question being thrown at him all throughout the day, he should've immediately given her an almost irate response. But since it was Ryuzaki, his former coach's granddaughter; Ryuzaki, a person who he trusted enough, he faltered for a moment. Ryoma debated within himself whether he should tell her the truth and explain. Then again, taking note of their circumstances, his mind says otherwise. Ryoma figured that telling her unnecessary things would beat his purpose- and it was supposed to be the plan so people wouldn't think that they are dating anymore.

"Hn." He simply grunts, unwilling to divulge anything further.

"I.. I see." Ryuzaki utters in almost a whisper, dropping the topic completely.

After that, they both went silent. They just passed by a turn that led to the only pathway left. Ryoma appreciated that she didn't pry any further. He was actually positive that everything would turn out better when he notices her body trembling. Ryoma froze, hearing her muffled whimpers. The wet sensation of hot tears seeping from his uniform surprised him.

"Does your ankle hurt, Ryuzaki?" he asks in contained panic, "Are you crying?"

Ryuzaki doesn't reply, letting go of her arms' hold around his neck. Instead, he could feel her motions as she shifted. Her sounds were even more muffled and Ryoma assumed that she covered her face. He tried to look over her, though it was really futile.

"Oi, Ryuzaki..." he repeats, worry etched on his voice, "What's happening?"

She grabs his shoulders for balance and she says softly, despite almost being out of breath, "I-I'm okay..." she croaks, "I'm okay, Ryoma-kun..."

She wasn't okay and he knew it. With his fast legs, he tried his utter best to reach her house sooner. If her injury ached enough for her to cry, then they have to at least apply some first aid to it. The sound of her crying lurched his stomach to an uncomfortable feeling. He wasn't sure whether it was guilt or frustration that welled up in him. He had her follow him in a distance unknowingly with her bad leg. As soon as they reached the Ryuzakis' house, he gently set her down hoping that it wasn't as bad.

"We need to apply ice on your sprain." he mumbles.

"Ryoma-kun... thank you for bringing me home." she says with glassy eyes, "I-I'm really okay... You don't have to worry."

"But your inju-"

"It's okay, Ryoma-kun." She smiles at him and he somehow felt a strange pang in his chest.

Ryuzaki slowly made her way to open the door. She seemed disoriented as she went inside, shoulders slumped. When she turned to face him for the last time that day, she wouldn't even meet his eye.

"I.. I have to rest now," she feigns a laugh to make the mood appear lighter, "Goodbye, Ryoma-kun."

She closed the door to a confused Ryoma who was still processing what transpired.

"What a weird girl." He thought, though his lost expression couldn't leave his features. He felt hollow as if he did something wrong that he wasn't even aware enough. Ryoma didn't like that feeling in particular. For some reason, he stood outside for a few minutes, waiting at particularly nothing before leaving.

"Tadaima." He was removing his shoes by the door when his father peeked from the living room.

"Oi, you're early," his father chuckles, eyeing him, "You skipped practice since you finally got a girlfriend?"

"Yep." Ryoma replies unamused, putting his used shoes on the rack.

"Oh! You finally made a move on Ryuzaki-chan!" Nanjiro hollered, laughing at what he thought his son finally growing up, "Shouldn't we celebrate?"

"It wasn't Ryuzaki." He bluntly retorts, making his way upstairs and ignoring his old man's questions. His day was a mess and he wasn't in the mood to entertain his antics.

As soon as he opened his room, he jumped on his bed without changing clothes. Lying on his side, he scanned an area of his room. Atop his bookshelves were random trinkets that he collected over the years. An old tennis ball caught his attention, one that made him remember middle school. The caricature on the ball was faded, but he could still make out his cartoonish face from afar.

Ryoma sighed, relaxing. He hoped that his defiance was all worth it.

A/N: Hi! Yes, I know that somehow Sakuno hurts again. AAAAAAA Believe me, I cry when she cries too. But then, Ryoma really does dumb stuff in this story. I think 50-70% of this story is about Ryoma's mistakes, before he realizes some things. I love writing an in love Ryoma so I can't wait until I reach that point. Haha. Anyway, if anyone with you is familiar with NaNoWriMo (a writing challenge where you write a 50K words novel in the whole of November), this story is kinda my attempt at that. So yep, I hope I can live up to the challenge~

Thank you for reading! I really love hearing about your reactions~