Disclaimer: No, its not mine * sob *
A/N: Okay, from now on… Ryoma to the team members=Echizen (Thanks Cinpii!!) It slipped my mind… I was very tired =\ hehe…! Anyways, before we get to my next (hopefully good) chapter, thank you to EVERYONE who had the time to review!! =) beriath, will something evil happen?? I guess you'll just have to fine out!! ^^ Oh yes, Cinpii, it is DEFINITELY non-yaoi… Sorry for any confusion… Thanks to my BEST Nessa… =) you are too encouraging… and also helpful. Stupid brain deadness. Now… As the plot thickens =)
[…] = Thoughts ( I can't put italics… anyone can tell me, help appreciated!)
----x
Sakuno sat listlessly underneath the sakura tree, looking very despondent, trails of tears leaking out of her eyes. People passed by, not noticing, but Sakuno was too miserable to care, even if someone noticed. Not far away, a tall, striking figure could be seen observing her, but he gave no indication to Sakuno that he was there. After a while, Sakuno got up and left, having regained her composure. The figure remained.
"Tezuka."
"Fuji."
"Have you done anything?" He continued to smile, eyes closed, a continually cheerful expression, but Tezuka could read the danger behind those eyes. He was becoming impatient.
"No." There was nothing particularly emotional in that one-word response. It was frozen.
"You don't understand. Waiting… it will get you no where."
"I know. But there's nothing I can do about it. Echizen…" was the reply as he walked away.
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"Sakuno?" Tomoka flapped her arms in front of her face, but still no response from her. "Are you THERE!?"
"Tomo-chan! Gomen gomen! My mind was wandering… Forgive me please!!"
Tomoka saw Sakuno's expression, and immediately, her expression softened. "What is wrong Sakuno? You haven't been yourself lately. You seem so depressed! What happened to the cheerful girl who's smile makes everyone happy?"
"Tomo-chan… Nothing is going on but…"
"But WHAT! I've known you too long for me NOT to know what is wrong! It's about HIM isn't it? Sakuno, Ryoma-kun isn't for you to worry about! You are much too nice to be miserable because of him!!"
"It isn't Ryoma-kun. Tomo-chan, how can I tell you? For the past four years, everyone believed that I was in love with Ryoma-kun, but that is not true! He had inspired me, yes, helped me realize that tennis was a dream to me, yes, but that was it! It wasn't him who I liked, not after realizing that I put too much into my admiration! Tomo-chan, we're in high school now, and I just can't put behind the fact that I'm in love… but not with R-ryoma-kun…"
For once, Tomoka was speechless. Sakuno was starting to get teary again, but she would not cry.
[I am stronger now… I will not show my weakness. Tomo-chan is my best friend, perhaps my only true friend, but there are some things that she cannot know, especially not about Tezuka-senpai. Time heals old wounds, and it changes people… Maybe I have changed for the better, but for now, all I can do is put on my mask.]
----x
He was tired. Tired of waiting, Tired of denying, tired to have wasted his time with useless fantasies. He turned on his mp3 player, and Kimeru sang softly into his headphones. Tezuka took out his journal, and started to write. (A/N: Can't Tezuka be sentimental on the inside??)
March 13, 2004
Tomorrow is White Day. I dreamt about her last night, but this time, I awoke with a feeling of serenity. I don't know what has overcome me, but with each passing day, my longing to be with her increases. Fuji is probably right, I shouldn't be waiting around like this, but how can I approach her with my feelings when I am almost certain she will never return them? Echizen. I cannot blame him, because Ryuusaki-sensei is correct. All great players have a charisma that draws people to them. I can't stand the fact that she is so close, but so unreachable. This is my last year here… Maybe something will finally resolve between us… but in my heart, I know that is not so…
----x
A/N: For some reason, I don't think this chapter lives up to anyone's standards… Well, awaiting much needed reviews… ^^ Corrections and whatnot, I'd be happy to change if anyone brings them to my attention! J Does the entry sound too OOC? I seriously think that I am going to get a heart-attack from trying to please readers -_-'
