Ponta: Thank you all! Thank you very much for all of your reviews. Your reviews are such an inspiration to me. Thank you! Sniff I felt so happy! Keep this up and I will definitely update my story. Thank you for taking the time to review unlike my friend who wouldn't review. :: look at QueenofEngland::
QueenofEngland: What? It is improper for the queen to do a commoner's work.
Ponta: .............................. :: burn his make-ups::
QueenofEngland: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Ponta: Again, THANK YOU ALL! WAHHHHHHH I FELT SO HAPPY! MORE MOMORYO FICS! And more Reviews heh!
To my reviewers of Ch. 12
Blue Orbs-Blue
Ponta: Sorry I changed the title! I'm glad you like the first title.
Momo: What's wrong with the first title?
Ponta: It's JUST SOUND WEIRD now! And no, Ryoma did not fall for Mizuki. That would be too creepy.
Momo: Ryoma, is it Mizuki?!
Ryoma: ...
::Ponta gave Momo flying kick:: Didn't you hear what I said?
Tezz
Ponta: Of course I will continue! I planned many angst for them and it is far from over. Yes, more angst! BWAHAHAHA!
Momo and Ryoma: ............................
Sonic16
Ponta: Yes, I know it's not fair but hey "All is not fair in love and war."
Momo: Isn't supposed to be "All is fair in love and war?"
Ponta: ............WHO CARES! I'M BEING EVIL! BWAHAHAHAHA! I will continue to torture poor Momo-chan!
Momo: ...........that's so mean.
Ponta: And no, I'm not pairing Ryoma up with Atobe. Are you kidding!? I hate Atobe and Mizuki! No offense to all fans of Atobe and Mizuki.
Momo: IS IT ATOBE?!
::Ponta kicked Momo in the stomach:: HELL NO! Do not worry. Even if it is angst, everything will be alright in the end ...eventually.
Momo: ..........does that mean I'm going to be tortured for a long time?
Ponta: ....HMMMMMMMM YES.
:: Momo wept ::
Sue
Ponta: Thank you for your review. I deeply appreciated it. For your question, is it a girl? Maybe or maybe not. Depends on how Momo thinks (winks)
Momo: RYOMA, YOU'RE STRAIGHT?!
Ponta: .................. :: punch Momo:: and when you say Ryoma has a crush on his father, do you mean a "LOVE" crush?!
Ryoma: ..................why would I have a crush on my own stupid perverted father?
Momo: Is it him?!
:: Ponta kicked Momo in the back :: HELL NO! Or do you mean that Ryoma admired his father? Either way, I will think it about. Thanks for the suggestion. About TezuFuji story, hmm I don't know. Right now I wanted to finish this MomoRyo Story beside sniff I don't have a beta reader because QueenofEngland is being all "High and Mighty" to do a thing.
QueenofEngland: HO! HO! HO! HO! HO!
Ponta: ....................... ::burn his expensive clothes::
QueenofEngland: GASP! MY BEAUTIFUL CLOTHES! OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!
Darkspider
Ponta: Thank you so very much for sending the fifth review! Who is Ryoma's special person? Geez, all the readers must be thinking about that. Hmm, should I tell or not?
Ryoma: Here, Karupin.
Karupin: Meow.
Momo: IS IT THAT CAT!!!!!!!!!??????????????
:: Ponta beat up Momo:: DON'T BE RIDCULOUS!
Momo: THEN WHO?!!!!!!!!!
Ponta: ...........just to tell you, that special person is mentioned in this chapter. And I would like to warn about the arrival of one character in POT because that character will be OOC I think depends on how you think. Secondly, there will be one original character. Thank you for reading "Knowing Innocence."
Karupin: Meow meow meow meow. (Ponta doesn't own POT)
Ryoma: Sigh, here's Ch. 13.
Knowing Innocence
Chapter 13
Momo's POV
"I have someone else."
I couldn't forget it.
"I have someone else."
Those four words hurt.
"I have someone else."
I'm such a fool. Why do I have to like Echizen in the first place? He already has someone. If I haven't like him, then I wouldn't feel this pain.
"I have someone else."
ARGH! How long must I listen to those words!?
...
THANK YOU!
But even though it hurts, I'm glad for one thing. Before our match with St. Rudolph, we became friends again. I'm little disappointed that we can only just be friends but it was enough for me since I couldn't had him.
We won against St. Rudolph with three wins to one loss. I was paired up with Mamushi in doubles but we actually won which I find it hard to believe. The Golden Pair had lost but because of that loss, they became more determined than ever. Echizen won against Fuji's little brother and Fuji won against Mizuki, which I think Fuji had some personal hatred on him for some reason.
We won the game which brightened everyone's spirits up because we were closer to the nationals. I continued to improve in my tennis and talked with Echizen normally as nothing bad had happened between us. I appeared normal to my teammates but deep down in my heart was an inerasable pain of rejection.
Fuji and Buchou had noticed my pain but I kept telling them to keep it secret because this was my pain and I have brought it upon myself.
Even if I was in pain, I'm happy that I get to be with Echizen. I'm happy enough that I'm friend with him. Spending my time and chat with him like friends is good enough for me. Maybe one day, I will get over him. One day I will just see him as a high school crush and I will find another person.
... I hope.
For now, I wanted to spend my last school year with him and perhaps I will stop having this foolish crush and pain when I get into college.
I got up from my bed and did the usual activities. I dressed up in my black school uniform with white T-shirt underneath.
I headed toward Echizen's room to wake him up because he always slept late.
Before I knocked his door, there was another question that bothered me greatly.
Who is this someone else that Echizen like? Could it be a girl or guy?
...Why do I care about it so much? Remember idiot, Echizen is just a crush. Just a simple crush...
I knocked on his door and called, "Hoi, Echizen! Are you up?!"
I didn't hear any response and realized that he must be asleep. I opened his door and entered his room. His room was neatly tidy and all the moving boxes were gone. I realized it had been awhile since I was in his room. I remembered when I first came in, I actually tried to kiss him but what good would that do now?
I saw Echizen sleeping peacefully in his bed with no worries at all. He does really look cute when he slept. He is a sleeping beauty but for sure I'm not the handsome prince.
Sigh, why couldn't Echizen just buy his own alarm clock so he could wake up for himself?
...but I do enjoy watching him asleep or seeing him half-awake because he was really a wondrous sight to see plus he doesn't act bratty at all when he sleeps.
I was about to wake him up but something prevented me.
Karupin, Echizen's cat, suddenly jumped on me and I fell on the floor. I looked up at the cat with annoyance, "Why, you."
Karupin just meowed and jumped to the top of Echizen's drawers, accidentally pushing off two framed photos to the ground.
I scowled at the cat and picked up the photos, "Geez, Karupin. You shouldn't play around like that? What happened if you break those?"
I scooted Karupin off the drawers and tried to put the photos to back where they were. However, I couldn't help but look at them.
I grinned at the first photo I saw. It was picture of Echizen standing on the middle, holding Karupin, looking annoyed because a man in a brown monk's clothes, whom I assumed was his father, was resting his arm on Echizen's head and made a "V" sign with his other hand. On the right of Echizen, was a woman dressed up in a housewife's clothes. It must have been her mother. On the left, was a young looking woman wearing a striped shirt and a jacket over a dress. From the look of her, I could guess that she was in college and must have been Echizen's cousin.
But the second photo surprised me. In the middle of the photo, there was a young boy who had a handsome face with eyes closed and a bright grin. He had a smooth golden yellow hair straight down with few bangs popping out. He looked so handsome that I would have fallen for him. His two arms were hugging two persons on his sides. On the left, there was a small girl with brown eyes and brown hair tied up into two pigtails. She was smiling nervously and looked shy. On the right, there was Echizen with his white "Fila" cap.
But what surprised me that Echizen was smiling as he was happy. His golden eyes showed laughter and cheers. I never saw Echizen so happy like that.
I wonder? Are they friends of his? Or... could that girl be his girlfriend or that boy could be his boyfriend?
My grip on the second framed photo tightened.
...why do I feel so angry? Why am I mad at this photo? Am I jealous?
I never felt so angry because my grip tightened the second photo so hard that I wanted to break the glass and rip this photo to shreds.
"Momo-senpai?"
I stopped gripping and my anger dissipated as I heard my name. I turned around and saw Echizen sat up in his bed, rubbing his tired eyes.
He asked me, "What are you doing here?"
I replied, "I was about to wake you up but I couldn't help but look at your pictures." I smiled, not wanting to show my hidden anger. I quickly put those two photos back to where they were.
Who are those two?
Echizen looked at me strangely but said flatly, "Oh." He removed his quilt and tried to get up from the bed.
I couldn't help but asked, "Say, that picture? Is that your family?"
I swore I saw Echizen cringed as he stood up from his bed. He muttered, "Yeah."
"Say, how come you never talk about your family?" I asked.
Echizen replied coldly, "There's nothing to talk about."
But I really wanted to know about him.
I continued, "What about that girl and guy you're in the picture with?"
When Echizen heard that question, I saw sorrowful eyes. It was a sad eyes but it only lasted a moment because his eyes suddenly became filled with anger directed at me.
Echizen spoke in an icy tone that frightened me, "That's none of your business."
I became frightened and looked down, "Sorry."
Why is Echizen so upset at me? I just wanted to know more about him.
I realized that I didn't know anything about him except his bratty arrogant personality and his passion for tennis.
I suddenly felt depressed thinking of the fact that Echizen knows me more than I know him.
"I shouldn't ask." I was about to leave Echizen's room.
"Sorry." I stopped after hearing that word and turned my head to where Echizen was. His face was pensive. He continued, "It's just that I ... I don't want to talk about it."
I could tell that he was struggling with his words.
I smiled cheekily, "Nah, it's alright. I mean it is your personal stuff after all. Well, I'm going downstairs to cook breakfast. So hurry up and get ready." I closed Echizen's door and headed downstairs.
Just being with him is good enough for me. I don't want him to ignore me again.
We ate our breakfast and headed for the tennis courts. We entered the locker room and almost dressed up in our Seigaku uniforms until Inui spoke to us.
Inui called, "Momoshiro. Echizen. You don't need to practice this morning, Ryuzaki-sensai wished to speak with you."
Grandma Coach wanted us?
I asked, "What does she want?"
Inui spoke, "I have no data about that, so I suggest you go meet her right away."
We found Grandma Coach waiting outside the tennis courts and I asked her right away, "Do you call for us?"
Grandma Coach replied, "Yes, I need you guys to pick up a new transfer student arriving here from America."
"America?" Echizen asked with slight interest in his dull tone.
"Why us?" Why would Grandma Coach choose us to pick the new transfer student?
Grandma Coach answered, "Just go pick her up and you'll see why."
It's a girl from America? Well at least we get to take a break from Buchou's excruciating training.
"Fine, we'll go pick her up." We were about to leave until Grandma Coach called out to Echizen.
"Hoi, Echizen! You may skip today's practices."
We were both surprised when she said that. I mean the nationals are coming closer and we practiced harder under Buchou's strenuous practices and the dreaded Inui Juice.
Echizen asked, "Why?"
Grandma Coach just smiled, "Let's just say there are lots of things you need to catch up."
HUH?
We walked down the school hallways to the main entrance where the new girl should be.
As we were strolling, I asked Echizen, "Hey, Echizen, what does Grandma Coach meant by lots of things you need to catch up?"
Echizen replied coolly, "Do I look like I know?"
"Oh." Echizen didn't know too. I couldn't help wonder what Grandma Coach meant and why she allowed Echizen to skip practices. Unless ...
Nah, I think that's impossible. Echizen wouldn't know the girl.
...but what if he does know her? Suddenly, I felt angry at such thought.
...psh, I should ignore it. It's not like I care.
I saw a little girl waiting by the wall. I assumed she was the transfer student that Grandma Coach was talking about. Her hair was brown and neatly tied up into two ponytails. For strange reason that hairstyle seemed familiar.
I called out to her, "Hoi!"
She turned around and saw us. I get a better look at her face. She looked cute and had brown eyes. She appeared to be a freshman but why does she looked so familiar.
Her face showed extreme happiness and I heard Echizen said, "Oh. It's ..."
"RYOMA-KUN!" She yelled his name and ran past me.
...is it me or did I just heard the girl called Echizen by his first name? Does that mean they knew each other already?
I turned around and I became shocked. My eyes widened as I saw this sight.
THAT GIRL WAS HUGGING MY ECHIZEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
...my Echizen? Why do I say that? Why am I getting mad about? It's just a hug. Just a normal hug.
I looked back at them.
...HOW LONG IS SHE GOING HUG HIM LIKE THAT!?
She let him go. FINALLY! She greeted, "Ryoma-kun! It's been a long time! I missed you."
Echizen didn't seem affected by her sudden hug and appearance. It seemed like that he was used to it. He replied dully, "Oh, it's you."
The girl pouted, "Ryoma-kun! That's so mean! Do you forget about me?"
"Who would ever forget about a ditzy girl like you, Sakuno?" Echizen taunted.
"I'm not a ditz." The girl complained.
Echizen appeared bored but his intense eyes were expressing happiness. I was enraged. I was extremely jealous!
I taunted Echizen, "Hoi, aren't you going to introduce me your girl?" Even though I looked like I was teasing him. My anger was boiling inside.
The girl looked at me and bowed, "Hello, my name is Ryuzaki Sakuno."
I didn't expect her to bow so I bowed back and introduced myself, "I'm Momoshiro Takeshi, Echizen's ROOMMATE." Noticed how I highlighted roommate but then I realized something, "Ryuzaki, by per chance, are you related to Coach Ryuzaki?"
"Hai, she's my grandmother."
"Your grandmother?" No wonder she told us to pick her up.
Sakuno continued to talk to Echizen, "Are you improving in your tennis?"
Echizen replied in a matter-of-fact tone, "Of course, I'm."
Then I remembered they called each other by first names. ...Ryuzaki called Echizen by his first name and Echizen called Ryuzaki by her first name. Does that mean... NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! That cannot be true. It can't be true.
I couldn't help but asked, "Say Echizen?"
Echizen looked at me, "What, Momo-senpai?"
"Um..." I was lost with my words, "Are you guys a ... a coup...?" Suddenly the school bell rang, interrupting my question.
Ryuzaki grabbed Echizen's hand and yelled, "Ryoma-kun, I need you to show me around the school." She dragged with Echizen away and waved to me, "Nice to meet you, Momoshiro-senpai."
I just waved back with a stupid grin at my face. When they disappeared, I immediately punched the school wall.
Damn it! Why do I felt so angry!? Why am I jealous!?
I opened my eyes and saw people looked at me strangely. I just gave them an angry glare that would put Mamushi's glare to shame and walked to my boring classes.
During those few hours of dull lectures, I kept thinking about Echizen and Ryuzaki and what is their relationship.
...IT BETTER NOT BE A COUPLE!
...I did it again. I got jealous for no reason.
The lectures were finally over and lunch break started. I went to the cafeteria, trying to find Echizen because I wanted to talk to him but to my disappointment, I couldn't find him.
...he could have been with that girl. I clenched my fists so tight that my knuckles were turning white. The thought of it made my blood boiled.
Eiji had noticed my expression and asked, "Hoi, Momo, is something wrong with you?"
I turned around and yelled, "NOTHING IS WRONG!"
I quickly realized what I have done when I saw Eiji jumped on Oishi and hugged him like a scaredy cat. Eiji whined, "Geez, Momo, you're scarier than Kaidoh!"
Me? Scarier than Kaidoh?
I quickly looked at my reflection of the clean dinner plate and saw that my expression was full of hatred.
What happened to me? When did I become like this?
I looked around the cafeteria, trying to find Echizen.
Oishi slowly pried of Eiji of himself and asked concernedly, "Momoshiro, are you sure nothing is wrong with you?"
Echizen was not here.
I smiled at Oishi and replied, "Yeah, nothing is wrong with me."
That was definitely a big lie. I'm just lying to others and myself.
After few hours of more dull classes, school was finally over and tennis practice started right afterward.
I dressed up in my tennis uniform and noticed that Echizen's tennis jersey was still there.
Sigh, Echizen is not here at practice today.
I remembered Grandma Coach's words to Echizen. "You have lots of things you need to catch up." What does Echizen and Ryuzaki need to catch up?
Suddenly an offensive image came to my mind, where Echizen and Ryuzaki are ...
THEY WOULDN'T DARE!
...stop it, Takeshi. Echizen is just a crush. Just a crush.
With that thought in my mind, I continued to play tennis normally under Buchou's orders.
But...it was boring here without Echizen to talk to but at the same time I felt mad at Echizen for hanging out with that girl.
Eiji groaned, "Ohhhh, Ochibi is not at practice again." Then he looked at me, "Hoi, Momo. Do you know what happened to Ochibi?!"
I scowled at Eiji, "What am I? His guardian?"
Eiji countered, "No, his roommate."
I groaned out of annoyance, "How am I supposed to know where that brat is? He could be hanging out with that transfer student for all I care."
"You mean, the coach's granddaughter?!" Eiji exclaimed, "I saw her today. She looked kawaii but not as kawaii as Ochibi!" then he suggested, "I wonder if they are in a date."
That word made me enraged.
I yelled, "NO WAY!"
Eiji winced, "Geez, you don't need to be grouchy about it."
I don't want to think about Echizen and Ryuzaki now! Thinking about it just makes me mad!
Inui came in with his creepy notebook. He commented, "Echizen Ryoma and Ryuzaki Sakuno knew each other in America. There's a high possibility that they could be in a relationship."
"Maybe that's true." Fuji pointed out.
ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
"NO! THAT AIN'T POSSIBLE!" I yelled so passionately and loud that everyone in the courts could hear me.
Takashi came up to me and asked, "Why do you care about it?"
All the regulars knew that I got over Echizen but hearing about Echizen and Ryuzaki just make me so mad.
I yelled, "WHAT?! I can't have an opinion!? I just don't think she's his girlfriend!"
Oishi was worried, "Momoshiro!"
I finally calm down, "I...I need a break." I walked out of the courts with the Regulars' worried eyes on me.
I went to the sinks and turned on the faucet to let the cold water flow. I drenched my face and looked at my reflection in the running water.
I never got that angry. What is wrong with me?
Neutral's POV
Eiji complained, "I thought Momo got over Ochibi. So why is he so mad about it?"
Oishi explained, "I don't think it's that easy to get over it."
"There was 34 percent chance that Momoshiro would get over Echizen." Inui calculated.
Takashi expressed concern, "Is there anyway we can help him?"
Fuji just smiled, "I think he just needs to talk with Echizen. Right, Buchou?"
"Hai." Tezuka spoke sternly.
Kaidoh hissed, "That idiot."
Momo's POV
Practice was over. I ate my dinner already. The sun has set and the dark night enveloped the sky with blanket of stars. Here am I sitting on the couch of the living room of my dorm.
...THIS IS PATHETIC! WHAT AM I DOING WATCHING THE CLOCK?!
What do I care when Echizen comes home?
The clock said 10:17 p.m.
Okay, I do care very much.
...why is Echizen so late?
Then I heard a door opened, knowing it was Echizen.
I quickly picked up a tennis magazine and pretend to read, not wanting to show that I was waiting for him.
I turned my head to Echizen and scorned, "Hey, you're late!" I went to my magazine.
I swore that Echizen was looking at me suspiciously.
I looked at him and asked annoyingly, "What?"
"Your magazine is upside down." Echizen stated as it was obvious.
I became beet red with embarrassment but I countered, "So what? I like to read it upside down!"
Echizen looked at me as I was odd but he shrugged, showing that he doesn't care. He went to the fridge to pick up his favorite can of Ponta.
I asked, "Why you're late?"
Echizen opened the can and answered, "There was a lot to catch up on."
Offensive images of Echizen and Ryuzaki filled my mind and I immediately ripped my magazine in half out of jealously.
...oh crap.
I realized that I ripped my magazine and Echizen again was looking at me suspiciously.
I quickly came up with a lie, "Uh...I was reading something really cool! I guess I got so excited, I ripped my magazine. I guess I don't know my strength." Then I laughed it off as I rubbed the back of my head.
I must have look like a fool.
"Um...ok." Echizen's left eye twitched.
Yep, I really look like a fool.
Echizen decided to ignore it since it was late.
I have to ask him now.
I have to find out the truth.
I have to find out if that girl is that "someone else" that Echizen has.
While he was drinking, I took my chance and asked the question that triggered my anger, "Echizen, is...is Ryuzaki your girlfriend?"
Echizen finished drinking and replied, "Yeah."
I had never felt so jealous. I had never felt so angry. Why am I feeling this anger and pain at the same time?! Why do I felt like I want to cry and hate?! WHY!?
I CAN'T TAKE IT!
Neutral's POV
As Ryoma threw the empty can into the recycle bin, he continued, "Yeah, she is a girl and a friend. So, she's my girlfriend." Then he realized that Momoshiro was gone. He mused, "Where does Momo-senpai go?"
Momo's POV
I couldn't take it. I can't take this madness anymore.
I ran all the way to my room and secluded myself in there.
So it is true. Ryuzaki is Echizen's girlfriend. She is the one that Echizen likes.
When I think it about, I became enraged and punched the walls.
DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT!
I kept banging the wall until my knuckles were bruised. I became overwhelmed with pain. I nestled myself behind the door because I was tired of those emotions.
WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE HER?!
I hold my head as I shook with anger and fear.
DAMN IT! WHY AM I JEALOUS!?
ISN'T ECHIZEN JUST A STUPID HIGH SCHOOL CRASH!?
AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!
I banged the back of my head on the door repeatedly.
SO WHY AM I FEELING THIS?! WHY AM I ANGRY!? WHY AM I JEALOUS!? WHY DO I HATE THAT GIRL SO MUCH!? WHY DOES MY HEART HURT SO MUCH!?
I finally stopped hitting myself. I looked down and touched my chest where the pain was overwhelming along with my anger. I wanted to be mad at her but at the same time, I felt like I wanted to cry.
Isn't Echizen just a crush?
...it isn't fair.
TBC
Momo was shocked.
Momo: IT'S HER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!????????????????????????????????
Ryoma: It is?
Ponta: Ummm.
Momo: WHY HER!!!!!!!!!???????? :: shook Ponta like crazy ::
Ponta became dizzy: I just need her for angst. ....wow there's so many Kaidoh- nichan.
Kaidoh: .....
Ryoma: Mada mada dane.
Ponta: BEFORE YOU COMPLAIN! I PROMISE FROM MY VERY HEART THAT THIS IS YAOI! Sakuno and Ryoma are just friends. THEY ARE NOT A COUPLE! SHE IS NOT RYOMA'S SPECIAL SOMEONE! I just made Momo think she is.
Momo was not listening and was weeping in the corner.
Ponta: ......... um I would like to request at least 100 REVIEWS!
Kaidoh and Ryoma: ...............what?
Ponta: JUST KIDDING! Again, I would like to request 5 or more reviews. SO PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would not post the next chapter until the reviews reached at least 36! Sorry again for making such request and sorry for my grammar and limited words! Thank you for reading!
QueenofEngland: What? It is improper for the queen to do a commoner's work.
Ponta: .............................. :: burn his make-ups::
QueenofEngland: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Ponta: Again, THANK YOU ALL! WAHHHHHHH I FELT SO HAPPY! MORE MOMORYO FICS! And more Reviews heh!
To my reviewers of Ch. 12
Blue Orbs-Blue
Ponta: Sorry I changed the title! I'm glad you like the first title.
Momo: What's wrong with the first title?
Ponta: It's JUST SOUND WEIRD now! And no, Ryoma did not fall for Mizuki. That would be too creepy.
Momo: Ryoma, is it Mizuki?!
Ryoma: ...
::Ponta gave Momo flying kick:: Didn't you hear what I said?
Tezz
Ponta: Of course I will continue! I planned many angst for them and it is far from over. Yes, more angst! BWAHAHAHA!
Momo and Ryoma: ............................
Sonic16
Ponta: Yes, I know it's not fair but hey "All is not fair in love and war."
Momo: Isn't supposed to be "All is fair in love and war?"
Ponta: ............WHO CARES! I'M BEING EVIL! BWAHAHAHAHA! I will continue to torture poor Momo-chan!
Momo: ...........that's so mean.
Ponta: And no, I'm not pairing Ryoma up with Atobe. Are you kidding!? I hate Atobe and Mizuki! No offense to all fans of Atobe and Mizuki.
Momo: IS IT ATOBE?!
::Ponta kicked Momo in the stomach:: HELL NO! Do not worry. Even if it is angst, everything will be alright in the end ...eventually.
Momo: ..........does that mean I'm going to be tortured for a long time?
Ponta: ....HMMMMMMMM YES.
:: Momo wept ::
Sue
Ponta: Thank you for your review. I deeply appreciated it. For your question, is it a girl? Maybe or maybe not. Depends on how Momo thinks (winks)
Momo: RYOMA, YOU'RE STRAIGHT?!
Ponta: .................. :: punch Momo:: and when you say Ryoma has a crush on his father, do you mean a "LOVE" crush?!
Ryoma: ..................why would I have a crush on my own stupid perverted father?
Momo: Is it him?!
:: Ponta kicked Momo in the back :: HELL NO! Or do you mean that Ryoma admired his father? Either way, I will think it about. Thanks for the suggestion. About TezuFuji story, hmm I don't know. Right now I wanted to finish this MomoRyo Story beside sniff I don't have a beta reader because QueenofEngland is being all "High and Mighty" to do a thing.
QueenofEngland: HO! HO! HO! HO! HO!
Ponta: ....................... ::burn his expensive clothes::
QueenofEngland: GASP! MY BEAUTIFUL CLOTHES! OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!
Darkspider
Ponta: Thank you so very much for sending the fifth review! Who is Ryoma's special person? Geez, all the readers must be thinking about that. Hmm, should I tell or not?
Ryoma: Here, Karupin.
Karupin: Meow.
Momo: IS IT THAT CAT!!!!!!!!!??????????????
:: Ponta beat up Momo:: DON'T BE RIDCULOUS!
Momo: THEN WHO?!!!!!!!!!
Ponta: ...........just to tell you, that special person is mentioned in this chapter. And I would like to warn about the arrival of one character in POT because that character will be OOC I think depends on how you think. Secondly, there will be one original character. Thank you for reading "Knowing Innocence."
Karupin: Meow meow meow meow. (Ponta doesn't own POT)
Ryoma: Sigh, here's Ch. 13.
Knowing Innocence
Chapter 13
Momo's POV
"I have someone else."
I couldn't forget it.
"I have someone else."
Those four words hurt.
"I have someone else."
I'm such a fool. Why do I have to like Echizen in the first place? He already has someone. If I haven't like him, then I wouldn't feel this pain.
"I have someone else."
ARGH! How long must I listen to those words!?
...
THANK YOU!
But even though it hurts, I'm glad for one thing. Before our match with St. Rudolph, we became friends again. I'm little disappointed that we can only just be friends but it was enough for me since I couldn't had him.
We won against St. Rudolph with three wins to one loss. I was paired up with Mamushi in doubles but we actually won which I find it hard to believe. The Golden Pair had lost but because of that loss, they became more determined than ever. Echizen won against Fuji's little brother and Fuji won against Mizuki, which I think Fuji had some personal hatred on him for some reason.
We won the game which brightened everyone's spirits up because we were closer to the nationals. I continued to improve in my tennis and talked with Echizen normally as nothing bad had happened between us. I appeared normal to my teammates but deep down in my heart was an inerasable pain of rejection.
Fuji and Buchou had noticed my pain but I kept telling them to keep it secret because this was my pain and I have brought it upon myself.
Even if I was in pain, I'm happy that I get to be with Echizen. I'm happy enough that I'm friend with him. Spending my time and chat with him like friends is good enough for me. Maybe one day, I will get over him. One day I will just see him as a high school crush and I will find another person.
... I hope.
For now, I wanted to spend my last school year with him and perhaps I will stop having this foolish crush and pain when I get into college.
I got up from my bed and did the usual activities. I dressed up in my black school uniform with white T-shirt underneath.
I headed toward Echizen's room to wake him up because he always slept late.
Before I knocked his door, there was another question that bothered me greatly.
Who is this someone else that Echizen like? Could it be a girl or guy?
...Why do I care about it so much? Remember idiot, Echizen is just a crush. Just a simple crush...
I knocked on his door and called, "Hoi, Echizen! Are you up?!"
I didn't hear any response and realized that he must be asleep. I opened his door and entered his room. His room was neatly tidy and all the moving boxes were gone. I realized it had been awhile since I was in his room. I remembered when I first came in, I actually tried to kiss him but what good would that do now?
I saw Echizen sleeping peacefully in his bed with no worries at all. He does really look cute when he slept. He is a sleeping beauty but for sure I'm not the handsome prince.
Sigh, why couldn't Echizen just buy his own alarm clock so he could wake up for himself?
...but I do enjoy watching him asleep or seeing him half-awake because he was really a wondrous sight to see plus he doesn't act bratty at all when he sleeps.
I was about to wake him up but something prevented me.
Karupin, Echizen's cat, suddenly jumped on me and I fell on the floor. I looked up at the cat with annoyance, "Why, you."
Karupin just meowed and jumped to the top of Echizen's drawers, accidentally pushing off two framed photos to the ground.
I scowled at the cat and picked up the photos, "Geez, Karupin. You shouldn't play around like that? What happened if you break those?"
I scooted Karupin off the drawers and tried to put the photos to back where they were. However, I couldn't help but look at them.
I grinned at the first photo I saw. It was picture of Echizen standing on the middle, holding Karupin, looking annoyed because a man in a brown monk's clothes, whom I assumed was his father, was resting his arm on Echizen's head and made a "V" sign with his other hand. On the right of Echizen, was a woman dressed up in a housewife's clothes. It must have been her mother. On the left, was a young looking woman wearing a striped shirt and a jacket over a dress. From the look of her, I could guess that she was in college and must have been Echizen's cousin.
But the second photo surprised me. In the middle of the photo, there was a young boy who had a handsome face with eyes closed and a bright grin. He had a smooth golden yellow hair straight down with few bangs popping out. He looked so handsome that I would have fallen for him. His two arms were hugging two persons on his sides. On the left, there was a small girl with brown eyes and brown hair tied up into two pigtails. She was smiling nervously and looked shy. On the right, there was Echizen with his white "Fila" cap.
But what surprised me that Echizen was smiling as he was happy. His golden eyes showed laughter and cheers. I never saw Echizen so happy like that.
I wonder? Are they friends of his? Or... could that girl be his girlfriend or that boy could be his boyfriend?
My grip on the second framed photo tightened.
...why do I feel so angry? Why am I mad at this photo? Am I jealous?
I never felt so angry because my grip tightened the second photo so hard that I wanted to break the glass and rip this photo to shreds.
"Momo-senpai?"
I stopped gripping and my anger dissipated as I heard my name. I turned around and saw Echizen sat up in his bed, rubbing his tired eyes.
He asked me, "What are you doing here?"
I replied, "I was about to wake you up but I couldn't help but look at your pictures." I smiled, not wanting to show my hidden anger. I quickly put those two photos back to where they were.
Who are those two?
Echizen looked at me strangely but said flatly, "Oh." He removed his quilt and tried to get up from the bed.
I couldn't help but asked, "Say, that picture? Is that your family?"
I swore I saw Echizen cringed as he stood up from his bed. He muttered, "Yeah."
"Say, how come you never talk about your family?" I asked.
Echizen replied coldly, "There's nothing to talk about."
But I really wanted to know about him.
I continued, "What about that girl and guy you're in the picture with?"
When Echizen heard that question, I saw sorrowful eyes. It was a sad eyes but it only lasted a moment because his eyes suddenly became filled with anger directed at me.
Echizen spoke in an icy tone that frightened me, "That's none of your business."
I became frightened and looked down, "Sorry."
Why is Echizen so upset at me? I just wanted to know more about him.
I realized that I didn't know anything about him except his bratty arrogant personality and his passion for tennis.
I suddenly felt depressed thinking of the fact that Echizen knows me more than I know him.
"I shouldn't ask." I was about to leave Echizen's room.
"Sorry." I stopped after hearing that word and turned my head to where Echizen was. His face was pensive. He continued, "It's just that I ... I don't want to talk about it."
I could tell that he was struggling with his words.
I smiled cheekily, "Nah, it's alright. I mean it is your personal stuff after all. Well, I'm going downstairs to cook breakfast. So hurry up and get ready." I closed Echizen's door and headed downstairs.
Just being with him is good enough for me. I don't want him to ignore me again.
We ate our breakfast and headed for the tennis courts. We entered the locker room and almost dressed up in our Seigaku uniforms until Inui spoke to us.
Inui called, "Momoshiro. Echizen. You don't need to practice this morning, Ryuzaki-sensai wished to speak with you."
Grandma Coach wanted us?
I asked, "What does she want?"
Inui spoke, "I have no data about that, so I suggest you go meet her right away."
We found Grandma Coach waiting outside the tennis courts and I asked her right away, "Do you call for us?"
Grandma Coach replied, "Yes, I need you guys to pick up a new transfer student arriving here from America."
"America?" Echizen asked with slight interest in his dull tone.
"Why us?" Why would Grandma Coach choose us to pick the new transfer student?
Grandma Coach answered, "Just go pick her up and you'll see why."
It's a girl from America? Well at least we get to take a break from Buchou's excruciating training.
"Fine, we'll go pick her up." We were about to leave until Grandma Coach called out to Echizen.
"Hoi, Echizen! You may skip today's practices."
We were both surprised when she said that. I mean the nationals are coming closer and we practiced harder under Buchou's strenuous practices and the dreaded Inui Juice.
Echizen asked, "Why?"
Grandma Coach just smiled, "Let's just say there are lots of things you need to catch up."
HUH?
We walked down the school hallways to the main entrance where the new girl should be.
As we were strolling, I asked Echizen, "Hey, Echizen, what does Grandma Coach meant by lots of things you need to catch up?"
Echizen replied coolly, "Do I look like I know?"
"Oh." Echizen didn't know too. I couldn't help wonder what Grandma Coach meant and why she allowed Echizen to skip practices. Unless ...
Nah, I think that's impossible. Echizen wouldn't know the girl.
...but what if he does know her? Suddenly, I felt angry at such thought.
...psh, I should ignore it. It's not like I care.
I saw a little girl waiting by the wall. I assumed she was the transfer student that Grandma Coach was talking about. Her hair was brown and neatly tied up into two ponytails. For strange reason that hairstyle seemed familiar.
I called out to her, "Hoi!"
She turned around and saw us. I get a better look at her face. She looked cute and had brown eyes. She appeared to be a freshman but why does she looked so familiar.
Her face showed extreme happiness and I heard Echizen said, "Oh. It's ..."
"RYOMA-KUN!" She yelled his name and ran past me.
...is it me or did I just heard the girl called Echizen by his first name? Does that mean they knew each other already?
I turned around and I became shocked. My eyes widened as I saw this sight.
THAT GIRL WAS HUGGING MY ECHIZEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
...my Echizen? Why do I say that? Why am I getting mad about? It's just a hug. Just a normal hug.
I looked back at them.
...HOW LONG IS SHE GOING HUG HIM LIKE THAT!?
She let him go. FINALLY! She greeted, "Ryoma-kun! It's been a long time! I missed you."
Echizen didn't seem affected by her sudden hug and appearance. It seemed like that he was used to it. He replied dully, "Oh, it's you."
The girl pouted, "Ryoma-kun! That's so mean! Do you forget about me?"
"Who would ever forget about a ditzy girl like you, Sakuno?" Echizen taunted.
"I'm not a ditz." The girl complained.
Echizen appeared bored but his intense eyes were expressing happiness. I was enraged. I was extremely jealous!
I taunted Echizen, "Hoi, aren't you going to introduce me your girl?" Even though I looked like I was teasing him. My anger was boiling inside.
The girl looked at me and bowed, "Hello, my name is Ryuzaki Sakuno."
I didn't expect her to bow so I bowed back and introduced myself, "I'm Momoshiro Takeshi, Echizen's ROOMMATE." Noticed how I highlighted roommate but then I realized something, "Ryuzaki, by per chance, are you related to Coach Ryuzaki?"
"Hai, she's my grandmother."
"Your grandmother?" No wonder she told us to pick her up.
Sakuno continued to talk to Echizen, "Are you improving in your tennis?"
Echizen replied in a matter-of-fact tone, "Of course, I'm."
Then I remembered they called each other by first names. ...Ryuzaki called Echizen by his first name and Echizen called Ryuzaki by her first name. Does that mean... NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! That cannot be true. It can't be true.
I couldn't help but asked, "Say Echizen?"
Echizen looked at me, "What, Momo-senpai?"
"Um..." I was lost with my words, "Are you guys a ... a coup...?" Suddenly the school bell rang, interrupting my question.
Ryuzaki grabbed Echizen's hand and yelled, "Ryoma-kun, I need you to show me around the school." She dragged with Echizen away and waved to me, "Nice to meet you, Momoshiro-senpai."
I just waved back with a stupid grin at my face. When they disappeared, I immediately punched the school wall.
Damn it! Why do I felt so angry!? Why am I jealous!?
I opened my eyes and saw people looked at me strangely. I just gave them an angry glare that would put Mamushi's glare to shame and walked to my boring classes.
During those few hours of dull lectures, I kept thinking about Echizen and Ryuzaki and what is their relationship.
...IT BETTER NOT BE A COUPLE!
...I did it again. I got jealous for no reason.
The lectures were finally over and lunch break started. I went to the cafeteria, trying to find Echizen because I wanted to talk to him but to my disappointment, I couldn't find him.
...he could have been with that girl. I clenched my fists so tight that my knuckles were turning white. The thought of it made my blood boiled.
Eiji had noticed my expression and asked, "Hoi, Momo, is something wrong with you?"
I turned around and yelled, "NOTHING IS WRONG!"
I quickly realized what I have done when I saw Eiji jumped on Oishi and hugged him like a scaredy cat. Eiji whined, "Geez, Momo, you're scarier than Kaidoh!"
Me? Scarier than Kaidoh?
I quickly looked at my reflection of the clean dinner plate and saw that my expression was full of hatred.
What happened to me? When did I become like this?
I looked around the cafeteria, trying to find Echizen.
Oishi slowly pried of Eiji of himself and asked concernedly, "Momoshiro, are you sure nothing is wrong with you?"
Echizen was not here.
I smiled at Oishi and replied, "Yeah, nothing is wrong with me."
That was definitely a big lie. I'm just lying to others and myself.
After few hours of more dull classes, school was finally over and tennis practice started right afterward.
I dressed up in my tennis uniform and noticed that Echizen's tennis jersey was still there.
Sigh, Echizen is not here at practice today.
I remembered Grandma Coach's words to Echizen. "You have lots of things you need to catch up." What does Echizen and Ryuzaki need to catch up?
Suddenly an offensive image came to my mind, where Echizen and Ryuzaki are ...
THEY WOULDN'T DARE!
...stop it, Takeshi. Echizen is just a crush. Just a crush.
With that thought in my mind, I continued to play tennis normally under Buchou's orders.
But...it was boring here without Echizen to talk to but at the same time I felt mad at Echizen for hanging out with that girl.
Eiji groaned, "Ohhhh, Ochibi is not at practice again." Then he looked at me, "Hoi, Momo. Do you know what happened to Ochibi?!"
I scowled at Eiji, "What am I? His guardian?"
Eiji countered, "No, his roommate."
I groaned out of annoyance, "How am I supposed to know where that brat is? He could be hanging out with that transfer student for all I care."
"You mean, the coach's granddaughter?!" Eiji exclaimed, "I saw her today. She looked kawaii but not as kawaii as Ochibi!" then he suggested, "I wonder if they are in a date."
That word made me enraged.
I yelled, "NO WAY!"
Eiji winced, "Geez, you don't need to be grouchy about it."
I don't want to think about Echizen and Ryuzaki now! Thinking about it just makes me mad!
Inui came in with his creepy notebook. He commented, "Echizen Ryoma and Ryuzaki Sakuno knew each other in America. There's a high possibility that they could be in a relationship."
"Maybe that's true." Fuji pointed out.
ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
"NO! THAT AIN'T POSSIBLE!" I yelled so passionately and loud that everyone in the courts could hear me.
Takashi came up to me and asked, "Why do you care about it?"
All the regulars knew that I got over Echizen but hearing about Echizen and Ryuzaki just make me so mad.
I yelled, "WHAT?! I can't have an opinion!? I just don't think she's his girlfriend!"
Oishi was worried, "Momoshiro!"
I finally calm down, "I...I need a break." I walked out of the courts with the Regulars' worried eyes on me.
I went to the sinks and turned on the faucet to let the cold water flow. I drenched my face and looked at my reflection in the running water.
I never got that angry. What is wrong with me?
Neutral's POV
Eiji complained, "I thought Momo got over Ochibi. So why is he so mad about it?"
Oishi explained, "I don't think it's that easy to get over it."
"There was 34 percent chance that Momoshiro would get over Echizen." Inui calculated.
Takashi expressed concern, "Is there anyway we can help him?"
Fuji just smiled, "I think he just needs to talk with Echizen. Right, Buchou?"
"Hai." Tezuka spoke sternly.
Kaidoh hissed, "That idiot."
Momo's POV
Practice was over. I ate my dinner already. The sun has set and the dark night enveloped the sky with blanket of stars. Here am I sitting on the couch of the living room of my dorm.
...THIS IS PATHETIC! WHAT AM I DOING WATCHING THE CLOCK?!
What do I care when Echizen comes home?
The clock said 10:17 p.m.
Okay, I do care very much.
...why is Echizen so late?
Then I heard a door opened, knowing it was Echizen.
I quickly picked up a tennis magazine and pretend to read, not wanting to show that I was waiting for him.
I turned my head to Echizen and scorned, "Hey, you're late!" I went to my magazine.
I swore that Echizen was looking at me suspiciously.
I looked at him and asked annoyingly, "What?"
"Your magazine is upside down." Echizen stated as it was obvious.
I became beet red with embarrassment but I countered, "So what? I like to read it upside down!"
Echizen looked at me as I was odd but he shrugged, showing that he doesn't care. He went to the fridge to pick up his favorite can of Ponta.
I asked, "Why you're late?"
Echizen opened the can and answered, "There was a lot to catch up on."
Offensive images of Echizen and Ryuzaki filled my mind and I immediately ripped my magazine in half out of jealously.
...oh crap.
I realized that I ripped my magazine and Echizen again was looking at me suspiciously.
I quickly came up with a lie, "Uh...I was reading something really cool! I guess I got so excited, I ripped my magazine. I guess I don't know my strength." Then I laughed it off as I rubbed the back of my head.
I must have look like a fool.
"Um...ok." Echizen's left eye twitched.
Yep, I really look like a fool.
Echizen decided to ignore it since it was late.
I have to ask him now.
I have to find out the truth.
I have to find out if that girl is that "someone else" that Echizen has.
While he was drinking, I took my chance and asked the question that triggered my anger, "Echizen, is...is Ryuzaki your girlfriend?"
Echizen finished drinking and replied, "Yeah."
I had never felt so jealous. I had never felt so angry. Why am I feeling this anger and pain at the same time?! Why do I felt like I want to cry and hate?! WHY!?
I CAN'T TAKE IT!
Neutral's POV
As Ryoma threw the empty can into the recycle bin, he continued, "Yeah, she is a girl and a friend. So, she's my girlfriend." Then he realized that Momoshiro was gone. He mused, "Where does Momo-senpai go?"
Momo's POV
I couldn't take it. I can't take this madness anymore.
I ran all the way to my room and secluded myself in there.
So it is true. Ryuzaki is Echizen's girlfriend. She is the one that Echizen likes.
When I think it about, I became enraged and punched the walls.
DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT!
I kept banging the wall until my knuckles were bruised. I became overwhelmed with pain. I nestled myself behind the door because I was tired of those emotions.
WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE HER?!
I hold my head as I shook with anger and fear.
DAMN IT! WHY AM I JEALOUS!?
ISN'T ECHIZEN JUST A STUPID HIGH SCHOOL CRASH!?
AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!
I banged the back of my head on the door repeatedly.
SO WHY AM I FEELING THIS?! WHY AM I ANGRY!? WHY AM I JEALOUS!? WHY DO I HATE THAT GIRL SO MUCH!? WHY DOES MY HEART HURT SO MUCH!?
I finally stopped hitting myself. I looked down and touched my chest where the pain was overwhelming along with my anger. I wanted to be mad at her but at the same time, I felt like I wanted to cry.
Isn't Echizen just a crush?
...it isn't fair.
TBC
Momo was shocked.
Momo: IT'S HER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!????????????????????????????????
Ryoma: It is?
Ponta: Ummm.
Momo: WHY HER!!!!!!!!!???????? :: shook Ponta like crazy ::
Ponta became dizzy: I just need her for angst. ....wow there's so many Kaidoh- nichan.
Kaidoh: .....
Ryoma: Mada mada dane.
Ponta: BEFORE YOU COMPLAIN! I PROMISE FROM MY VERY HEART THAT THIS IS YAOI! Sakuno and Ryoma are just friends. THEY ARE NOT A COUPLE! SHE IS NOT RYOMA'S SPECIAL SOMEONE! I just made Momo think she is.
Momo was not listening and was weeping in the corner.
Ponta: ......... um I would like to request at least 100 REVIEWS!
Kaidoh and Ryoma: ...............what?
Ponta: JUST KIDDING! Again, I would like to request 5 or more reviews. SO PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would not post the next chapter until the reviews reached at least 36! Sorry again for making such request and sorry for my grammar and limited words! Thank you for reading!
