A/N:Osashiburi, minna-sama, mada mi-chan desu! Ogenki desu ka? Here's another update from me! Sorry for the wait!
"..." denotes speech
denotes thoughts
'...' denotes phantom's speech
'...' denotes flashbacks
denotes highlights
(...) denotes author's note
Pairing: RyoSaku/FujiSaku (Slight)
Warning: Might contain OOC, readers had been warned...
Standard Disclaimer: Yeahee! Santa-sama had replied me (coz mi-chan's good :P) He sent me a note, urushi...Sayin "WRONG ADDRESS!" XP Doushiyo? Fu...hu...hu...!
Phantom of Christmas
Recap of Part II:
"Why not? I would love to... " Fuji replied with another warm smile "besides...it's would be my pleasure..."
Fuji's reply took Sakuno by surprise and she looked up swiftly 'Kaede-san...he agreed...'
'Sakuno-chan...thank you...thank you! I'll make good use of these few days...' Kaede couldn't help but shed her tears of contentment 'Kami-sama...kanza shimasu (thank you)...!'
Part III: Eternal Snow - The POT Matchmakers!
Time was with most of us, when Christmas Day, encircling all our limited world like a magic ring, left nothing out for us to miss or seek; bound together all our home enjoyments, affections, and hopes; grouped everything and everyone round the Christmas fire, and make the little picture shining in our bright young eyes, complete.
-Charles Dickens-
Two days after the 'Ryoma's Drunken Incident', Oishi called Fuji and had asked him out, to join the others for an early breakfast meeting. The topic for the meeting was no other than the 'RyoSaku' issues. It was to their surprise that Inui had brought Kaidoh along with him (this is for Undine1), since both of them were doing their trainings. On the way, Inui had also told Kaidoh about the incident. The only absentees are Kawamura and Tezuka. Kawamura needs to assist his father with their sushi house (Kawamura: Minna-san, I'm so sorry!) whereas Tezuka has no interest when it comes to those lovey dovey discussions. (Tezuka (Killing glare): Hn, leave me alone or else I'm gonna make you run 20 laps, 30 laps, 40 laps...)
Just right after they finished their breakfast, all the gazes began to stare at Fuji as they expect the tensai to began and so had Fuji complied to their request. Without holding back, Fuji revealed every single details that happened when he was alone with Sakuno.
"Fuji, what did you say!" Oishi and others were stunned for a moment "You've agree to go out with her?"
"Tashikani..." Fuji said softly, and was obviously waiting for some retaliation from someone. (Tashikani: Certainly)
"Fuji-senpai! Why did you agreed with her in the first place?" Momo asked, with some trepidation.
"Isn't it obvious? How can I say 'NO' to her...afterall, she's been hurt!" Fuji frowned audibly.
"As always, Echizen has yet given me another shock when he had chosen Ponta, instead of a girl" the tensai continued as he massaged his throbbing temples.
"Nyah...Fuji, " Kikumaru placed a hand over Fuji's shoulder "actually there's some misunderstanding here..."
"Echizen...he really care about Ryuzaki..." Oishi said quietly "He had made a confession right after both of you left!"
"He did?" Fuji eyed Oishi with disbelieve "Oishi, please tell me about it..."
"Sono toki..." Oishi nodded and was about to explain the whole incident to Fuji but paused when Momoshiro stopped him. (Sono toki - at that time)
"Oishi-senpai!" Momo panicked "don't say it!" his face turns red with embarrassment upon hearing that Oishi was about to tell Fuji what was happening at Kawamura's place, right after the two of them left.
Both Kikumaru and Inui giggles "Ne...ne, Momo-chan, don't be shy...just tell your dear senpai of what Echizen had done to you!" Kikumaru's words had not only raised the interest of the tensai but also Kaidoh.
Kaidoh sliently stared at his rival for a moment, his face slight tinted crimson red 'Fushyuu...That idiot, he looks like he has seen a ghost or something...I really wanted to know, Echizen, what have you done to him...'
"Eh? Something's interesting?" Fuji raised one brow with curiosity "Oishi please begin..."
"No..." Momoshiro was horrified "that was disgusting!"
Other customers stared at the Seigaku members, some were curious, others were frightened when they heard Momo's terrifying retaliation. Their stares ended as soon as when Kaidoh turn around and stares back at them.
"That was not a good way to show your retaliation..." Kaidoh interrupted, feeling slightly embarrassed by the scene caused by his rival, However, this time Momoshiro was totally annoyed by the situation that his seniors had put him through otherwise the two rivals would be throwing words at each other. (A/N: Poor Momo-chan senpai)
"Oishi! I'll portrayed as ochibi!" Kikumaru flashed his trademark cat's grin and quickly went over and gave Momoshiro and sat beside him "Nyah, senpai's so excited!"
"Oishi-senpai, Kikumaru-senpai..." Momo pleaded "please don't remind me of it..."
"Oishi, onegaishimasu..." Fuji insisted despite of seeing Momo's pledge. (onegaishimasu - please)
"Actually, it happened when Momo was about to lift the drunken Echizen up from the floor..." Oishi began and paused when Eiji interjected.
"Momo! Mou...you're suppose to do what Oishi had mentioned just now!" he complained "Momo...kechi!" (kechi -stingy)
"Kikumaru-senpai!" Momo bellowed scornfully "No way! I'm not gonna do it!"
"De? I wonder what will happen next?" seeing Momoshiro's fearful biting his fingers, the frolicsome tensai let out a soft giggles before asking Oishi to continue.
"All of a sudden we saw Echizen spranked up and hugged Momoshiro..." Oishi said with slight excitement in his tone and Eiji instantly did what Oishi aforesaid. While taking a few sips of his hot coffee, Kaidoh let out a smirk on his face upon seeing his rival's terrible expression 'Hn...Serves him good!'
"That was not the end of it! We were startled when..." Oishi paused when Eiji continued the accounts.
"I love you! I never let go of you again!" Eiji repeated every words which Ryoma had said back then.
Upon hearing that, Fuji began to ponder "So, that means Echizen is in love with Momoshiro?"
Momoshiro face turned pale meanwhile Kaidoh burned his lips, not expecting that their senior would really go into details. Inui took out his favourite data book and flipped to the page where he had recorded what Ryoma had said that day!
Adjusting his specs again he began "Eiji! You missed the 'Itoshi no Sakuno-chan!' part" (Itoshii no - My dear)
"Eh? I did?" Eiji blinked "well, can't help it! I was overwhelmed by what ochibi did...nay...hahaha..."
"Heh, heh, heh, very funny!" Momo scrowled "I'm the most innocent victim here!"
"Hm...Echizen Ryoma, what a shy guy in disguise..." Fuji rubbed his chin as he remarked "well, at least now I know what we should do...moreover, the ace is now in our hands!"
The others just blinked with curiousity upon hearing Fuji's words, but Inui had comprehended the tensai's thoughts "Fuji..." Inui interjected "don't hold back if you need any help..."
"Then, I'll leave the plottings to you..." he wide smile appeared on both Fuji and Inui's face while others are still scratching their heads, trying interpret what the two were up to. Their sly expression had shown something chaotic was about to happen.
"Mou...Fuji, Inui?" Eiji growled impatiently "It's not only both of you are concern!"
"Eiji, you'll have to be patience!" Inui's grin widen "Our plottings should be ready in no time!"
"Inui-senpai? You mean you're going to set up a plot? For who?" Momo asked curiously
"Isn't it obvious, you idiot!"
"Hey, who do you call an idiot? You freaking Mamushi!"
"Fushuyuu...Wanna fight!"
"Yeah, come on!"
Shooking his heads, Eiji interrupted their fight "Nyah, Momo, Kaidoh, should at least save your energy for later use!"
"Kikumaru-senpai!" both of them protested in unison.
"Hm?" Eiji instantly threw them a dangerous glare "so both of you are eager to try out my new Kikumaru's beam attack or Kikumaru's deadlock bear hug attack?"
Both of Kaidoh and Momoshiro instantly zipped their mouth tight, not even a screech could be heard.
"Good! Alright, lets end our meeting here!" Kikumaru resumed his cheerful face "All four of us will be heading to the Ryuzaki's place now! Inui, are you coming with us?"
"I don't think so! Me and Kaidoh still have to go for stamina training!"
"Stamina training? Isn't it a little too pushy, Inui?" Oishi asked concernly "the snow has piled up around the streets and other walkways!"
"Don't worry, Oishi," Inui adjusted his specs and gave Oishi a trademark smirk "we're using the indoor stadium!"
"Eh...Sasugai Inui and Kaidoh!" Fuji praised. (sasugai - as one would expected)
Just when all of them were about to go to their seperate ways, Inui passed a few bottles of of Inui's special edition penalty juice to Momoshiro.
"Momo, please help me to pass this drinks to Ryuzaki-san!" Inui continued and earned a louder terrifying exclaimation from his teammates.
"You mean she's asking for these disgusting stuffs?" Eiji blinked with astonishment "Oh no! That poor girl is really out of her mind!"
"Kikumaru-senpai's right! Some people really have weird tastes, though I never know that Sakuno-chan is one of a kind!" Momo added
"Maybe not," Oishi said frightfully "Perhaps she's having some kind of after taste side effects! Who knows, it can be an addiction! Remember she had it once during one of our gatherings?"
'Disgusting? Weird? After taste side effect!' all of a sudden Inui felt lambasted 'You guys would never learn the nutritional facts of this drinks! What an innocent bunch of fool!' scribbling some remarks on his data book, Inui glared at those who had insulted his piece of work 'I'll remember this!'
"Hm, maybe that's not the facts" Fuji asserted firmly.
"Fuji? Douyou koto?" Oishi asked as soon as Fuji ended his protestion. (Douyou koto - What do you mean?)
"Back then, she said she wouldn't have felt as lively as before! Just as I thought, Inui, your invention is the best!" Fuji continued "I wish I could have the luck to drink some next time" he added with another smile.
Staring at his senior with disbelieve, Momo stuttered "Maji?" (Maji - really, slang used by younger generation, same usage with hontoni)
'Still Ryuzaki-san, you're the best! Only you had praised my invention! Only you knows how a quality life's like!'
Kaidoh, who stood beside Inui could felt his ireful aura 'Fushyuu...Inui-senpai...Kowai!' he confirmed inwardly (kowai - scary)
A light of snow was falling, the wind was cold and the street looked as busy as ever.
"The stores in Seishun-shi are always so busy at Christmas time," Tomoka said cheerfully as the bus pulled through the busy street. "But doesn't it get you into the spirit, going to the mall and seeing everybody rushing around, doing their last-minutes shopping?" (shi - city)
"Ah sou...it gets on my nerves" Ryoma said sourly "I don't know how both of you talked me into going!"
"Me too..." Horio echoed "I'm not the type to eat lunch in the food court. That place was so noisy, I couldn't hear myself think"
"You never think anyway..." Tomoka muttered inaudibly.
"Hey! Osakada, I can hear that..." Horio growled "It's because of my 2 years experience in tennis, our seniors had entrusted such important mission to me, otherwise, with you alone...we...can't..." just when Horio was about to boast out all their plans Tomoka quickly went over and shut him down.
"Hm...what mission?" Ryoma asked coldly, instantly giving them an inquisive stares.
"Ha...ha, Ryoma-sama, please do not listen to what Horio said, you know he's a big mouth and the lousiest baggart in the whole Seigaku..." Tomoka stuttered and cold sweats formed around her forehead.
"Hidoi...Osakada, how could you trash me like that..." Horio weeped "you should at least treat me more politely after considering my 2 years experience in tennis..."
Tomoka rolled her eyes upon hearing Horio's self-praising before she could change their topics of conversation.
"But...but at the end, we got you some good stuffs..." instantly Tomoka faked a bright and flashy grin!
"That present that you've bought looks so nice..." Tomoka continued her comments and stared intensely at the bag that Ryoma was carrying "I'm sure she's gonna like it! The trouble is how pass it to her..." she shrugged her shoulders "Ryoma-sama, what are you going to do?"
While Tomoka was walking into the short pathway which ran up one side of Tomoka's house, Ryoma stood behind and stared curiously at the girl for a moment.
"What?" Ryoma asked irritably "for the sake of their stupidity, those ditz seniors forced me to spend my whole month's allowance to buy this stupid thing! Isn't this more than enough?"
"What do you mean by that 'More than enough'! Face it Ryoma-sama, you should show your sincerity...moreover, it was your fault for hurting the girl whom you've...love..." seeing the first year eyes sparkle with flames, Tomoka quickly zipped up her mouth. Faking another frenzy laughter Tomoka quickly shooked her head "Nan demo...nan demo nai..." (nan demo nai - nothing)
"Those ditz! They never learn to keep their mouth shut!" he hissed as he pulled his hat lower to hide his blushing face "Just when will they ever give me a break?"
"Oi...Echizen, our senpais are only doing this for the sake of you!" Horio said, slightly squeezing Ryoma's shoulder "especially Momochan-senpai! He is full of determination, that you'll get your girl back from Fuji-senpai's hand!"
"Momo-senpai! My girl? That guy! Just tell him to leave me alone..." tossing the bag to Tomoka, Ryoma turned his back and before walking away from his two classmates he declared coldly "and I don't give a damn to whoever Ryuzaki's with! It's her prerogative!"
Although Ryoma might have sounded cold and steady, but deep inside him, the pain, the prostration of learning that Fuji and Sakuno were dating each other, makes his heart sinks 'I'm such a moron...' he frustratingly cursed himself 'Perhaps, it's better off this way!' feline eyes soften when images of the hazel haired girl keeps on projecting in his mind. Their very first meeting, the first time he wore his Seigaku regular jacket in front of her, their first so-called date that didn't turn out well, their very first pictures that was taken by accident and the very first time when he asked her to give him the ball which she had drew him in a chibified form. (chibi - runt/dwarf)
Flashback...
"Kore...moratte ii?" tossing the tennis ball up and down, Ryoma asked nonchalantly. (kore moratte ii? Can I keep it?)
"Ii...ii desu.." Sakuno shrugged, face slightly turns crimson red. (ii desu - yes)
(A/N: Based on episode 171, while Sakuno was practicing all by herself, Ryoma stood behind her, watching her form. Sakuno only realized his presence when he commented her form. She missed the last stroke. Ryoma then picked up the ball. At the end he asked her to give him the ball (which Sakuno-chan had drew a Ryoma in chibi form)
"Ryoma-sama/Echizen..." both Tomoka and Horio was petrified by Ryoma's sudden coldness. Yet based on their observation, they noticed that the first year tennis prodigy was not in his usual self. Ryoma's unusual coldness and his lack of potency had lead them to comprehend the facts that Ryoma has already realized his feelings towards Sakuno was more than just a friend, yet he's just being stubborn.
"Demo...Ryoma-sama, what about this present? Will you be attending Ryuzaki's X'mas party?" Tomoka asked anixously but only gets to see Ryoma waving back as he continued his routine without replying her.
While walking back to his home, Ryoma began to ponder whether he should or should not attend the party. If he misses the party, his friends and senpais would definitely be mad at him, and if he goes, there'll be two people whom he'll have to avoid, Fuji and Sakuno. 'Maybe I'll just ask Osakada-san to give the present to her...wait, why should I avoid them?'
When Ryoma reached home, shoving away all his thoughts of Sakuno, he get himself to relax in the hot bathtub, washed and blow-dried his hair, and without having his dinner, he dressed in his pajamas and ready to go to bed.
As soon as Ryoma entered his room, he found that the usual playful Karupin was having his nap 'Karupin? You're so discipline today...' he thought with a slight smirk on his face. His eyes soften as he cradled the sleeping Karupin onto his arms before laying himself to rest. To Ryoma's surprise his father, Echizen Nanjiro entered the room and destroyed all thoughts of sleep.
"Yo...Ryoma..." Nanjiroh began jovially "It's unusual to see you going to bed at this time..."
"Kondo wa nani, Oyaji?" he asked coldly "better not hit around the bush! I'm not in a mood to entertain your childishness!" (kondo wa- now, nani-what, Oyaji - father) he ended softly when Karupin began to stir a little.
"Oi...oi, cool down, seishonen! I'm here to have a nice chit chat with you!" Nanjiro gave Ryoma his trademark sly grin. (Seishonen - young man)
"Chit chat?" Ryoma stared inquisitively at his father for a moment. Before he decided to ignore his father, Ryoma threw his father a square remarks "You can now save. Like I said, I'm not in the mood...sore made..." (Sore made - that's it)
"Ai yai, yai! Great, I know you would give me something like that!" Nanjiroh said with a mixed English-Japanese accent while he shooked his head idiotically "Listen...SHONEN" he bellowed "Guys like you would never learn the importance of being socialize! No wonder until now you still haven't got yourself a girlfriend! Even the most amenable girl like Sakuno-chan also couldn't get along with you...shippai...shippai..." (shippai - failure)
"OYAJI!" Ryoma's eyes widen and he was petrified by his father's word, especially when he mentioned Sakuno's name "Oyaji...what have you heard?" Ryoma asked with a subdued tone.
"Heh..." Nanjiro's grin widen when he saw his son's face suddenly turns crimson red and he decided to tease him further "Ryoma-kun, mui...mui..." he said in a sing-song tone "Yappari...you've soften, haven't you? Ma, everyone has to learn from mistake...don't get discourage by just one failed attempt..."
"Oyaji...urusai..." Ryoma hissed as he cursed inwardly 'That tanukioyaji, as usual he would tease me till the end! When will he ever learn to be more serious?' (urusai - noisy/annoying, tanukioyaji - cunning old man)
"Ryoma..." Nanjiro shooked his head, grimacing "open up your heart..."
"Oyaji...?" Ryoma's voice began to waver into incoherence "that...that's the las-t thing I would ever beg you...please leave me alone..." drewing a deep shuddering breath, Ryoma laid his back to rest and closes his eyes.
"Seishonen...listen and don't ever lie to your heart...you are hurting not only yourself...and also the other party..." with his last advice, Nanjiro turned and left Ryoma's room.
Just as soon as his father left, Ryoma quickly sprank up from his bed, waking up the himalayan cat in process, the troubled young man let out an inaudible scrowl "Oyaji! You're so annoying..." That night, Ryoma couldn't get himself to sleep as words of his father keeps on repeating itself in his mind! That was the sixth times he had spranked up from his bed and this time he get out of it and slowly walked towards the window. 'Yuki...' he sighed 'must be very cold outside...but not as cold as my heart...'
(A/N: Minna-sama, I noticed that this part goes well with a song by the title of shizukana yoruni (silent night), a theme from Gundam Seed. If anyone has this song, kindly listen to it while reading this whole part! Of course the lyrics has been well translated, thanks to chunli-chan who supplied me with such information!)
"Meow..." Karupin purred. He get off the bed and scrolled by Ryoma's side.
"Karupin..." Ryoma let out another frown as he went down to cradle Karupin into his arms "how I wish you can talk to me...at least tell me what I should do...?"
"Meow?" Karupin only stares blankly at his owner "Meow, meow..." giving a lick on Ryoma's face, Karupin jump out of Ryoma's arms and cat-walked towards a tennis ball. Karupin that scratched the ball lightly and the ball began to roll around, hitting Ryoma's feet. Ryoma stared at the ball for a moment before picking it up.
In this quiet night, I'm waiting for you
During that time, your smile has faded away
Now that a little time has passed,
Fond memories start to resurface.
Flashback...
"Ryoma-kun! Demo...kitsu wa?" (demo - but, kitsu wa - your injury)
"O...obento, dou?" (How's the lunch box?)
"Ano...Ryoma-kun..."
"Ganbatte ne, Ryoma-kun!" (Ganbatte ne - work hard)
"Let's go together...Ryoma-kun..."
"Ryoma-kun...when I said Sengoku's No.1, I'm not only referring to national's No.1! I mean the whole world's National No.1!" (A/N: Based on Ep173 where Ryoma has to leave Japan and go back to America! As usual Sakuno was late, but luckily the flight delayed its schedule! Thus Sakuno was able to pass Ryoma her present!) (Sengoku - whole nation)
"Ryoma-kun?"
"Ryoma...kun..."
"RYOMA-KUN..."
"Sa...Sakuno..." Ryoma murmured in a deceptively soft voice.
At the place where stars fall,
I'm always wishing for your laughter.
Even though we're apart now
We can meet again, right?
"Ryoma-kun, let's go..." The hazel haired girl suddenly appeared before him with an extending hand to hold onto, her sweet smiling face had instantly melted his freezing heart.
"Sakuno..." just when Ryoma reached out his hands to hold onto hers, Sakuno instantly vanished in front of him.
From when has my smile faded this much?
Since it was shattered by one mistake
Change only the precious things into light and
Go beyond the sky with fortitude.
"Sakuno?" Ryoma eyes widen "Where? Where are you?" his voice cracked 'I...What was that just now?' tears formed at the corner of his eyes.
"Meow?" Karupin stared curiously at his owner "Meow? Meow?"
"Karu..." tears rolled down his cold cheek "Karu, I...I understand! Oyaji's word! I know, I need to see her...I have to tell her. Tell her all the words that was kept inside my heart!" embracing the himalayan cat tightly into his arms, Ryoma weeped.
To the place where stars fall,
I want my thoughts to reach you.
I am always by your side
Since I will embrace that coldness.
Even though we're apart now,
We will definitely be back together.
In the quiet night...
It was two days before X'mas, at last, after so many days of darkness, the sun began to shine across the field of dazzling white snow.
Kaede had be detained in a waiting room, located right outside a very beautiful gardens of heaven. She could hear the heavenly choir doing a run-though of songs that would commence the upcoming Christmas Eve celebration.
An elderly man finished reading from the list and folded the paper. Kaede was the only one left. The waiting room felt covernous and lonely. The man laid down the list and began to walk toward her.
'Kaede Takeyamano,' the man said 'You have been summoned. Follow me, please.'
Bracing herself, she stood up and followed the man to the door of the chamber. The man, his face and voice full of sympathy, whispered, "Good luck," as he opened the door and pushed Kaede inside.
The room was large. It was bathed in a soft, exquisite light, the likes of which Kaede had experienced once. The floor-to-ceiling window gave an awesome view of the heavenly garden and she realized that the light was reflecting off them.
A gaily-face man with white bushy beard at the far end, open the proceeding 'It's been quite a few decades since our first meeting, Takeyamano-san! Sit down...'
Kaede abided and sat in the chair facing him, acutely aware that the man's eyes were fixed on her.
'You look as though you have the weight of the world on your shoulders, Takeyamano-san' the man observed.
'I feel as though I do, Sir,' Kaede agreed 'As you know, the dating game of the past few days moved rapidly right after my meeting with him'
'Hm...Progression!' the man rubbed his fleshy chin as commented 'So, would you like to tell me your next plan?' he continued with a query.
Shooking her head, Kaede lowered her head and began to speak 'I would love to, but...' she hesitated 'I'm afraid that things would not turn out right at the end...'
'I'm aware of that' the man smiled 'So...what are you waiting for? Go on, do what needs to be done. You have my support'
'Thank you, Sir' Kaede looked into the face of the man and then turned his head toward the window. Then an elf appeared and stood behind Kaede 'Takeyamano-dono,' the elf saidkindly 'It's time to go. Where do you want to be placed?'
'Ryuzaki's residence...' Kaede said softly. Just with one snap of the elf's fingers, Kaede disappeared before them.
When Kaede reached the Ryuzaki's household, she realized that Sakuno was still in her sleeping form. At this time the girl was suppose to be out of the bed. Shooking her head, Kaede let out a faint and inaudible smirk before proceeding to wake Sakuno up.
'Ohaiyo, Sakuno-chan...' Kaede smiled 'Time to wake up, Sakuno-chan...wake up...'
'Ohaiyo, Kaede-san!' Just as instance, Sakuno rubbed her lazy eyes as she greeted back with a smile on her face.
'How are you feeling?' the phantom asked softly.
'Hm...good...' Sakuno replied 'Really good...' stretching experimentally and near purred with contentment, she made her way to the bathroom 'By the way, I couldn't sense your presence for the whole night...Where have you been?'
'That's...HI MI TSU...' Kaede softly enuciated the words before pushing Sakuno to resume her routine to the bathroom 'Come on, let's just skip this topic...you'll be late...' (himitsu - secret)
'Mou...Kaede-san, kecchi...' Sakuno complained and threw Kaede a that-is-so-unfair look before proceeding to the bathroom. (kechii -stingy)
After adjusting her life of having Kaede inside her, Sakuno had get used to telepathy communications whenever she felt like talking to Kaede, a phantom which had temporarily inhabited her body. However, sometimes when she's doing so, it would misleaded others to believe that the poor girl's soul is wandering off again. Her recently so-called weird behaviour had also lead the others (the Seigaku Cast) to believe, that their always-seems-to-be adorable 'Sakuno-chan' is still suffering from serious emotional breakdown, no thanks to the first year tennis genius who had chosen his favorite drink over her.
A moment after Sakuno stepped out from the bathroom; in her simple yet elegant light pink worsted dress, Sakuno sat herself infront of the dressing table. While Sakuno was brushing her hair prior to going downstairs, that there was a few knockings on her bedroom door and she turned from the mirror frowning curiously, the hairbrush still poised in one hand. There was a hint of curiousity in the knocking and she held her breath for a moment wondering if something that her granny would want from her.
'Someone's knocking at your door...' Kaede informed casually.
'Must be obaa-chan again...I'll answer the door right now...' Sakuno assumed inwardly. Eversince Sakuno was discharged from the hospital, her granny, Sumirei has been paying more attention towards her.
She walked over and opened the door, and her frown of anxiety changed to surprise when she saw Fuji standing there, a usual smiling face.
He look fresh and he was fully dressed except for his jacket. A white turtle-neck shirt added depth to the color of his fair features and fitted smoothly across his chest, while hip-hugging light blue thick trousers with flared legs gave him a slightly nautical look which was further suggested by his stance.
(A/N: Sorry, I didn't mean to make him look like that! Gomen ne!)
"Good morning, Sakuno-chan" Fuji greeted as his smile widen.
"Ohaiyo..." Sakuno blinked at him uncertainly. It was debatable who was most surprised, Sakuno or Fuji, but little while she recovered enough to smile after a moment or two.
'Ah...Masayoshi-sama' Kaede cheered 'Hu wha...I'm so happy! You're here again!' letting out a typically exciting tone, she float over and turn a few rounds, surrounding Fuji. Sakuno, on the other hand had diverted her gaze at Kaede, her orbs following the phantom's movement. Fuji furrowed a brow when he noticed that Sakuno has once again started her so-called weird gestures.
"Sakuno-chan?" he whispered as he began to move a few steps closer to Sakuno to get her attention back "What's the matter?"
"Nothing...' Sakuno replied and immediately held her breathe when she realized that Fuji had came forward and stood nearer to her. He's just only a step or two away from where she stood. Two lithe hands pressed against each side of the door frame, pushing his body forward, his poker face's just a few inches away from her.
"Fuji-senpai?" she blushed, feeling uncomfortable with their closeness, Sakuno took a few steps backward. Momentarily at a loss of words as well as nervously active, she frantically shooked her head "I'm alright..."
'Ah...Masayoshi-sama!' Kaede was terrified 'What are you trying to do to Sakuno-chan?' protectively she stood herself in between the two of them, facing at Fuji. Sakuno sweatdropped when she saw Fuji's face through Kaede.
His good-looking face showed frankness of enjoying teasing the shy girl "Sumirei-chan is still preparing breakfast for us and will be ready shortly!" his smile widen "She asked me to check if you're ready to join us for breakfast..." he hushed, a smirked of contentment could be shown from his facade.
"Sumirei-chan?" blinking again as she sought reasons for his presence at that hour in the morning "You mean, obaa-chan?" Sakuno asked hasitly "Obaa-chan will definitely be mad if you call her by names...Fuji-senpai" she stuttered and her face is now as red as fresh tomatoes.
Upon hearing that, Fuji let out a soft giggle "Yes, Sakuno-chan, I knew she'll be..." he declared "but...I think she really have a very nice name, and added with a 'chan' behind, makes it more adorable!"
'Mou, Masayoshi-sama! That's so impolite!' Kaede said with more vehemence ' Masayoshi-sama...where are all of your respect towards your seniors!' Kaede complained
'Kaede-san...' sensing that Kaede's losing her tranquility, Sakuno sighed inwardly and told Kaede to calm herself down "Kaede-san, mou...juubun desu' (mou juubun desu - that enough). Not long after that, Fuji interjected Sakuno's telephathy to Kaede.
"Sakuno-chan," Fuji began "I was just wondering if you wouldn't mind if I asked you to permit me to enter your room..."
"Huh?" Sakuno eyes widen, blood boiling "My...My room..." she stuttered.
"Yes, your room! Just to kill my curiousity, please..." Fuji begged politely.
'Sakuno-chan' Kaede interrupted 'don't let him come in...'
'Eh, Kaede-san...but how to turn him down?' Sakuno sighed inwardly
"You won't turn me down, won't you?" Fuji continued with another trademark smile.
"Well, of course not...Come...come in..." Sakuno give in and stepped backward and invite Fuji into her room.
'Sakuno-chan?' Kaede couldn't believe of what she had heard, especially those words came from Sakuno's mouth.
'It alright, Kaede-san, Fuji-senpai is not a bad guy afterall! He's only curious' Sakuno assured with a smile.
Right after Fuji entered Sakuno's room, a smirk plastered on his face. 'Mission one, on set!'
"Snake calling Big Stone...over!" Kaidoh took out a tiny communication device as he was on a certain mission "Target, DragonHorse is heading towards our direction. He's only a few miles away from the Ryuzaki's residence!" While keeping an eye of the target, Kaidoh frantically waited for the next instruction.
"Big Stone replying Snake, over! Please come in now before DragonHorse spotted you..." Oishi instructed. Momoshiro, Kikumaru and Inui was staring at Oishi's suspended face.
Upon seeing Ryoma getting closer, Kaidoh quickly make his way back to living room to join the others.
"Senpai, target is now getting closer...we'll be able to see him soon" Kaidoh informed
"Yosh! Great! Just like what Inui had predicted! He's coming here for her...way to go, Ochibi! Yeah, yeah!" Eiji cheered.
"That was nothing! Base on my data, the possibilities that Echizen would turn up is 98.9 percent!" adjusting his specs, Inui remarked proudly
Shortly after Inui ended his words, Oishi received a short message from Fuji on his mobile. He opened the message and read it. After reading the message, a wide grin could be seen on his face.
"Good news, minna! Fuji is already in Ryuzaki-san's room!" Oishi informed
"Wow, Bravo, Fuji-senpai!" Momo praised "He's really good!"
"Nyah...that's for sure...he's a tensai, and the smartest student in our class!" Eiji rubbed his nose as he praised Fuji. "Too bad, Tezuka and Taka-san would only be joining us later! They certainly have missed such fun! Oishi, hayakku, let the fun begin!" (hayakku - faster)
"Alright, since we had everything set up, let us now begin our mission!" Oishi declared
"Minna, our mission today?" Oishi asked as they began to gather themselves around the coffee table.
Inui took out his data book, adjusting his specs before flipping the book to the desired page. "Our mission, we've decided a theme for it!" Inui declared sternly.
Showing all of them what he had scribbled on his book, all six of them whispered in unison "SAVING PRIVATE SAKUNO!" they enuciated their theme followed with a determined nod.
"Saving what?" a familiar woman's voice interrupted their meetings.
"Ryuzaki-sensei!" the regulars exclaimed shockingly.
"Hm? What's happened? Looks like you've seen a ghost or something?" Sumirei raised one eyebrow.
"Sensei, just now...our conversation..." Oishi hesitated "You've heard everything?"
"Hm...you can say that..." Sumirei replied slyly "Well, can say I do, but can say I don't" she threw them another mischievous smirk.
Upon hearing that, everyone eyes widen, jaws went ajar. 'It's a threat!' all five of them had the same expression in their minds.
"I was just wondering if-IF all the decorations can be done by today..." Sumirei quoted nonchalantly but the sly grin never disappeared from her face.
'Confirmed! A threat!' they thought again.
"Sensei, you'll promise us that you won't say a word about our plan..." Oishi said with a slight inclination of his head "if you agree so, then, yes, we'll ensure you that this place will be ready before dawn..."
The declaration, made with such bland frankness, had the surprising effect of making Sumirei want to laugh, yet she had decided to tease them further, but heaven forbidded when the jangling sound of the doorbell shattered the tautness of the big living room. All of them turned and looked up at the door.
"Hm? Saved by the bell?" Sumirei was about to leave her students to answer the door "I wonder who could that be?"
Momoshiro quickly went infront of Sumirei to stop her from taking another step "Sensei..." he began "you've not answer us yet..." seeing Momo's forlorn expression, Sumirei laughed.
Sumirei's laughter startled her students as much as the sound of the bell had done initially and they stared at their coach uncomprehendingly.
"Wa...waratte...!" they bellowed in unison. (Waratte - laugh)
"Ma, ma, cool down! Like I said before, I do and I don't!" Sumirei shrugged, trying to steady her breathe "Don't be silly...I don't have such time to mingle with your plans!" she added "just make sure that you guys won't mess up my place..."
"Meaning?" A short moment after Sumirei left, Momo asked blankly.
"Meaning, she'll not interrupt our plans, you idiot..." Kaidoh replied coldly.
"Hey! What did you said, Mamushi!" Momo instantly heated up "You're asking for a fight, aren't you!"
"I'm not! You are!" Kaidoh retaliated as both of their face were almost stick together.
"Oi...oi, stop it, both of you!" Eiji quickly stood in between the two sophomores, stopping their fight "we still have a mission to carry on!"
"A mission?" a familiar cool voice intejected the scene, giving almost everyone a heart attack.
"E...Echizen/Ochibi!" all of them bellowed in unison as their stares instantly diverted to Ryoma.
"Hm? What is it?" Ryoma blinked over the seniors action.
"Oh, don't mind, Ryoma! They are disscussing on how to complete their assignment, latest by today" Sumirei said before making her way back to the kitchen "and guys, don't take too long to settle this among yourself! Breakfast will be ready soon!"
"De, that's mean I just came in the right time?" Ryoma commented with a trademark smirk plastered on his diamond-shaped face.
"Of course you are!" Inui sly grin widen as he walk towards Ryoma.
"Inui-senpai? You look so eerie today..." Ryoma remarked coldly despite of feeling a little uncomfortable.
"Oh...I do?" Inui adjusted his lens "I think you're just being sensitive!"
"Hm...I don't think so," Ryoma fumed "but, it's okay! I'm not interested to know!" while talking to Inui, Ryoma took his time to scan the surrounding, hoping that he'll be able to meet a certain hazel haired girl whom he had dearly missed. Feeling a little upset when there's no sign of the said girl, Ryoma let out an inaudible frown. On the other hand, Ryoma was quite relieve as he assumed that Fuji was not here.
"Momoshiro, lets go and called Fuji and Sakuno to come down, since Sensei said that breakfast will be ready in no time..." Oishi suggested and Momo nodded.
"Huh?" Ryoma's world suddenly darken, his hearts sinks when Oishi had mentioned both their names. Moreover, he was indirectly hinted by his senpai that the two were staying upstairs! 'Two, together, upstairs!' he thought sourly. He was drowned in his own world when suddenly Momo called his name.
"Echizen!" Momo bellowed at the same time giving him a big whack on his back head. The whack had bring Ryoma's soul back to time. Holding his head in pain, Echizen growled "I...Itai...Momo-senpai? What's this for? Are you trying to kill me?" he continued his protest.
"You ask me! Huh!" he fumed "Way to go, Echizen! I've called you more than three times, yet you still ignore me and just stood still like a frozen death corpse!" Momo retaliated while others nodded their head with consentment.
"What is it?" Echizen muttered, this time turning away to hide his embarrassment.
"I'm asking you to go up with me to call Fuji-senpai and Sakuno-chan to join us for breakfast!" Momo said and without giving Ryoma any chance to say a word, the sophomore pulled his junior and leave the others.
"Momo" Eiji said "take your time, just don't make them feel like both of you are interrupting them..." a big grin plastered on his face. Those words had directly send another strike into Ryoma's now very fragile heart. His world is now as gray as dark clouds. Just as soon as the two left, Oishi quickly send another message to Fuji and tell him the situation.
"Mission one, step two - clear!" Inui scribbled on his data book, a big grin plastered on his face, while others cheered taciturnly.
"Momo-senpai, let go..." Ryoma protested "let go of me!"
"Urusai, Echizen!" Momo ignored Ryoma's protest as he continued to pull him all the way up to the second level of the house "like I said, I need your company!"
"Of all, why me?" he asked furiously, yet softly.
"Isn't it obvious? I know that you wanted to see her too..." Momo confessed with a wink "A strong man will always admit his weakness! At last, you had made your first step to come over here...as your senior, I'm so proud of you, Echizen!"
"Senpai..." At that very moment, Ryoma was touched by Momoshiro's words "Momo-senpai, thank you..."
Sakuno sat, nervous but controlled, on the very edge of her bed and had involuntairily glanced over and met the interested gaze of the tennis prodigy, Fuji. The tensai who was sitting just opposite of Sakuno, was reading short message from Oishi. Just as soon as he finished, he stood up from his seat, a smirk plastered on his handsome face.
"Sakuno-chan..." he said softly "I was just wondering..." closing their distance, Fuji approached Sakuno. At a proximal distance, he began to mimick a few words to Sakuno.
'Masayoshi-sama?' Kaede was petrified by Fuji's action.
When both Momoshiro and Ryoma was infront of Sakuno's room and was about to knock at the door, they heard voices coming out of her room. Ryoma's heartbeat fasten, tension raised. Changing their mind, Momo and Ryoma eavesdropped the conversation between Fuji and Sakuno.
"No please...senpai...stop..." Sakuno pleaded weakly. They could heard that her voice was full of passions.
"Come on, Sakuno-chan, just once! Don't be shy..." Fuji insisted huskily. Momo instantly blushed, while Ryoma was in burning heat.
"Ah..." she wailed "senpai, onegai, yamenasai..." (onegai - please, yamenasai - stop)
"Don't worry, Sakuno-chan, I'll be gentle! I promise, it won't hurt...moreover, I'm already half way through..."
"Please...no..."
"What...what...the..." Ryoma gritted his teeth with anger. Unable to tolerate any longer, without knocking the door, he forcefully pushed open the door.
"Stop it right there, you per..." Ryoma eyes widen with disbelieve "vert?" that last word never leave his mouth.
When Momo and Ryoma were inside Sakuno's room, Sakuno was sitting infront of her dressing table, her two piggy tails were smoothly loosen. Fuji was standing behind her with a comb and was half way combing her hair.
Sakuno too was petrified upon seeing a furious Ryoma forcing the door open "Ryo...Ryoma-kun, Momo-senpai?"
"Echizen? It so unusual to see you here today! But what I didn't expect is, your expression! Looks like someone had killed your whole family..." Fuji teased as he continued scrubbing Sakuno's hair.
"By the way, what do you guys think of Sakuno-chan's new hairstyle?" Fuji asked as his hands continued tending Sakuno's hair.
"Look, it's done! Told you that I'll be gentle! adjusting Sakuno's hairpin to suits her latest hairstyle, he smiled with satisfaction.
"Hairstyle!" Both Momoshiro and Ryoma bellowed in unison! Their face were still as red as tomatoes, due to the bad thoughts they had projected in their minds.
"Ano...I've tried to stop Fuji-senpai..." Sakuno stuttered as she covered her blushing face with two hands.
'Yes, she did! I was all the while monitoring them!' Kaede flew over and stood infront of Momo and Ryoma as she interjected.
"Why? I don't see any harm of me to help you to do some image reconstruction! Moreover, I'm quite a sophisticated guy, you know" Fuji teased.
"Sou...sou...ka? That's exactly what we had in mind" Momo could only faked a laughter.
"We?" Ryoma muttered inquisively; only earning an elbow attack from Momoshiro. Unexpectedly Ryoma caught a glance of Sakuno. With her new hairstyle, she definitely looks more attractive. His heartbeat fasten when Sakuno's eyes met his. Their stares lasted for a short moments. Just when Ryoma and Sakuno were exchanging eyes contact, Momo signalled Fuji to began their plan!
'MISSION 1 - RUBBING ON JEALOUSY no SAKUSEN!' they nodded as a signal of comprehending each other's thought. Not wasting more time, Fuji interjected their moments (A/N: Ryoma and Sakuno, atarimai daro XD) and asked their reasons of being here. (sakusen - plot)
"We're here to inform both of you that breakfast's ready..." feeling a little upset, Ryoma informed coldly and was throwing killing glares at Fuji.
"Thank you" Fuji could sense Ryoma's rage, yet he provoked him with another friendly smile.
"Hora, Sakuno-chan" Fuji continued "Let's go down together" with that he swiftly pulled Sakuno up and carried her in bridal style. Upon seeing this, Momo and Ryoma jaw dropped, Sakuno was more than overwhelm. 'He had touched her hair, now he's touching her body...urusanai...' Ryoma is now fully charged with rage. (urusanai - unforgivable)
"Fu...Fuji-senpai?" she stuttered "I don't need you to carry me! I can walk on my own!" embarrassingly, Sakuno protested and struggled to free herself from him.
"Hora, you don't have to be shy, since we are now so close to each other! It's not that we are doing that thing infront of others! That thing you know? A...re...wa..." Fuji declared playfully with a mischievous smile
"A re?" suddenly the room silented down for a moment. Cold wind blew into into the room (A re? - That?)
"Oboette kai? A re wa...?" Fuji prompted as his grin widen. (Oboette? - remember, A re wa - That one)
"What!" Momoshiro, Ryoma and Sakuno bellowed in unison!
'Kaede-san!' Sakuno bellowed inwardly. If not for the nature of her shyness, Sakuno would have really screamed her lungs out. She wait for a short while, however, there's no trace of the phantom to be seen.
'Kaede-san!' Sakuno telepathied again 'What have you done while I was unconscious? Don't hide, I know you can hear me! Answer me now!' her mental conversation was soon disrupted by Fuji.
"Ma, ika...it seems like you really have forgotten! Kinishi naide, we still have lots of time together! I'll make you remember!" Fuji remark as he left the room, leaving Ryoma and Momo behind. (Ma ika - let it, kinishi naide - don't bother)
Seeing Fuji and Sakuno left the room, Momo had planned to encourage Ryoma to go for Sakuno. Just when he was about to open his mouth, he could heard the first year continuing muttering the same phrase. "Are wa nani, are wa nani, are wa nani? Kotaette, kotaette, kotaette...gibberish, gibberish, gibberish, kotaette" Ryoma is now like a piece of damaged CD players, repeating the same phrase for quite sometimes (A re wa nani? - what is that, kotaette - answer me). (A/N: Please imagine Shinji's behaviour)
"Oi, Echizen, boutto wa yame ne na, yame ne yo! Echizen!" Momo shooked Ryoma as hard as he could "At least you have to do something, Echizen! Hora!" (boutto - being stupefied/dreamily, yame - stop/don't, ne na ne yo - Momo's accent)
"A re...?" Ryoma muttered one last time before Momoshiro gave him another deadly smack at the back of his head. While growling in pains, Ryoma glared at his senpai "Momo-senpai! Told you not to smack me on my head!"
"Echizen! Don't just stand here like a piece of block! Go and get her! Don't give Fuji-senpai anymore chance! Isn't it your purpose to be here!"
"Momo-senpai" Echizen widen his eyes with disbelieve. How could Momoshiro read his mind? Could it be, he's too simple, with his expression, the whole world could tell that he's here for the girl? (A/N: Yes he's simple, but not in front of Sakuno-chan!)
"What? Don't just stare at me? She won't come back to you even if I nod my head and say yes!" Momo fumed "Go for her! Where are all your confidence, determinations and your reflexes? Don't tell me you only knows how to use all of these on tennis! If that's so, I suggest that you can go home and marry to tennis instead of wasting your time here!" he provoked.
"I...I..." Echizen dropped his head (A/N: I mean he's staring at the floor! XP)"I can't..." he said sadly "Perhaps you're right! Maybe I should just go home..." ending his words with another frown, Ryoma lifelessly walk out of Sakuno's room, leaving Momo dumbfounded for a moment. Before Momo could clearly registered Ryoma's words, Ryoma was already making his way to downstair.
"Ma...matte...Echizen, wait, wait for me!" by the time when Momo had dashed out of Sakuno's room Echizen was already downstair, making his way to the main door. (Matte - Wait)
"Ha...hayai!" Momo shrugged.
"Echizen..." Momo called from behind, lowering his voice not to alert others "Come on! I know I was a little too hush with my words...you know, I'm just those idiots who simply say anything without using my brain" he continued solemnly
"Momo-senpai, sore..murida..." Echizen retalitated, holding back his tears, he tried to control his voice "please, leave me alone..." Just before exiting, without turning around to face Momoshiro, Ryoma bidded goodbye before closing the door behind him.(sore - that's, murida - useless)
"Echi..." Momo paused 'Echizen, you moron! All the while, all the while, I thought you're a man...naze ka, ima kara...chikusho...' while clutching his fist, Momo made his way back to join the others. (naze ka - why, ima kara - till now, chikusho - dn)
Just when Momo entered the dinning hall, everyone stopped what they were doing. Realizing that Echizen was no longer with him, Sumirei furrowed her brow and asked for Ryoma's whereabouts!
"Is he in the washroom?" Oishi quickly interjected. Momo shooked his head "He left..."
"Oh, I see..." Oishi said nonchalantly at first, then all of a sudden, together with Oishi, Eiji and Inui spranked up from their seat and exclaimed in unison "What? He left!Why?"
"I...I did stop him from leaving, but he's too stubborn; I can't make him change his mind!" Momo muttered regrettably.
"Ano..." Then Sakuno too stood up from her sit and began shyly "Obaa-chan...watashi, watashi, Ryoma-kun wo sagasu..." (wo sagasu - to seek/search)
"Sakuno?" Sumirei could not believe of what she had heard, especially those words came out from her granddaughter's mouth. It reminds her of an incident whereby Sakuno had been looking all over the school for the first year tensai. At that time the timid girl wanted Ryoma to see her form in tennis. Without having her granny's concern, Sakuno rushed out of the dinning hall. Just then when she was about to exit the main door, Fuji stopped her.
"Fuji...senpai..." Sakuno was petrified for a second. Was he going to stop her from chasing Ryoma; then, seeing Fuji was holding his own winter jacket with him, Sakuno assumed he too wanted to go with her.
"Are you sure you're going out like this?" Fuji indicated softly. Miscomprehened of what Fuji said, Sakuno blinked a few times to show her ignorance "Semete..." Fuji explained and smiled upon seeing Sakuno's confusing expression "you should wear something thicker to keep yourself warm while going out" with that he pulled over a thick brown colored jacket and cover it onto Sakuno's petite body. A red crimson hue appeared across Sakuno's face, having shyness as her weakest point, she couldn't even thank Fuji properly "Ano, Ar...ar...arigatou..." she said softly, so soft that it seems like the wind had carried her words away. (Semete - At least)
"It's okay! No need for such formalities...better get going. Echizen is well-known for his speed. Who knows by now he's already at home, lying down on his warm futon..." Fuji assumed teasingly. Sakuno agreed with Fuji and after bidding goodbye, she ran out of her house and chase after Ryoma.When Sakuno left, the rest of them came out and stood behind Fuji.
"Phew, Fuji, you really had given me coldsweats! All of us here thought that you're going to stop her..." Eiji declared
"Hm? Why should I? We're on a mission, aren't we?" Fuji said with a smirk.
"Eiji has the right to worry! According to my record, Fuji, you had once dated a girl of that age" Inui grinned devilishly "Ryuzaki-san, although indirectly, she's your second date! Moreover, we noticed thatt, there's a big step of progression between both of you..."
"Oh yes, I can see...the way you've treated her..." Eiji exclaimed with his trademark smirk "Fuji, fyu, fyu!"
"Yo...Fuji-senpai, seishounen!" Momo teased "Ah, being young is so wonderful!"
"Oi, Momo, Fuji is still older than you!" Oishi interjected "Moreover, we're only a year or two elder than you! As a senior, caring for someone who's younger than you is also part of our responsibilities!" Oishi continued his lecture.
"Eh? Kimitachi, how could you all say such words?" Fuji furrowed his brow "At least someone needs to remember the facts that all the plotting was done and agreed by all of us here..." Fuji defended calmly. (kimitachi - you all)
"Tashikani, Fuji has a point! Guys we shouldn't have mistrust Fuji even a bit! He had already done a great job!" Oishi reasoned.
"Oishi's right! And moreover, if you guys still don't finish up your breakfast now, I'm not going to prepare anymore lunch for you all!" Sumirei interjected from behind.
"Yikes!" all of them except Oishi, Fuji and Inui, bellowed in unison "Oh, no!"
"Sensei..." Momo pleaded "please don't! No food means its the end of the world!" (A/N: Momo-chan senpai...Are you sure?)
"Fushyuu...Sensei..." Kaidoh shrugged "my breakfast...fushyuu..."
Not long after hearing Sumirei's warning, all of them quickly head back to continue eating their breakfast. Noticing that Fuji was not following them, Eiji called out "Fuji?" he blinked "you're not going to finish up your breakfast?"
"Don't worry about me" he said with a smile "I need to go to the washroom first..."
"Alright then, but don't take too long, otherwise I'll show no mercy to your foods!" Eiji winked before going back.
Just as soon as Fuji is alone, Kaede appeared from Fuji's back 'Masayoshi-sama, are you sure this would work?'
'Kaede, there's nothing to be worry about! Just let it go with a flow!' Fuji replied inwardly with another grin!
Flashback
"I really enjoy our outing together...Fuji-sama..." Sakuno(Kaede) said shyly. Just when Sakuno (Kaede) was about go back into the house, Fuji stopped her.
"Matte...Can I have a few words with you?" Fuji asked, his words sounds more like an order to her. (Matte - wait)
His stern expression had raised Sakuno's (Kaede) anxiety 'What happened?' Somehow she agreed with a solemn nod "Yes?" Sakuno (Kaede) patiently waited for him to speak out.
"I don't think this place is good enough. Please, come with me...we'll go to a big open field somewhere around here" Fuji suggested. Without saying any words Sakuno(Kaede) followed Fuji.
It was a slient walk. Niether anyone of them had said a word. Just as soon as they reaced the said place, Fuji turned around and shot a stern expression at Sakuno (Kaede). Those piercing blue eyes has made Sakuno's body shiver.
"I don't know what makes you stay here in this human world, but this place doesn't belongs to you" Fuji's word has directly given Kaede another shock.
"Fuji-sama...you can see...me?" Kaede's reaction was more than overwhelmed.
"No...but I can feel your presence, eversince that day, you were with Sakuno in the hospital! I don't know, but maybe because I'm inherited to some sort of pychics or whatever..." Fuji said, his eyes fixing on a translucent shadow that was behind Sakuno. (A/N: Fuji's sister is a pychics!)
'And said that I don't believe in things like that! Right now, there's one standing right in front of me! This world is full of chaos and nonsense!' Fuji thought pathetically.
"You know, if you continue doing so, you could have harm her..." letting out another miserable frown, he warned.
"How can this be?" Sakuno (Kaede) covered her mouth as tears flow rolled down from her pinkish cheeks. "Theres no way that I would hurt her"
Fuji blue orbs stared into hers. His expression telling her that he was anixous about Sakuno's health.
"I'll tell you everything...but it has to be quick, before Sakuno-chan regained her consciousness!"
It didn't take long for Fuji to comprehend the whole story. He had a shock of his life when Kaede told him about his past life, his life as Rekishita Masayoshi!
"Masayoshi-sama! Really, I've no bad intentions! Whatever I had told you, about your past life, it's all true!"
"I'm Masayoshi? And your past love!" Fuji regarded her for a moment.
"I know such stories would be too absurd to make anyone to believe" Kaede lowered her head "but, it's okay..." Kaede quickly assured him when she noticed Fuji's confusing expression. "To be able to meet you again, it's more than what I've wanted...I'm contented!"
"Is there anything I can do for you?" Fuji asked concernly. For that very moment, Fuji had felt a little sorry for Kaede.
"Yes, I know that you people had been trying to set up Sakuno-chan with that boy, Ryoma!" she lowered her head to her her laughter when Fuji's stares at her like an atomic bomb had fell and hit his head "Don't worry, Sakuno-chan was not aware of the whole plotting! She's too innocent to think of such possibilities!"
"I also understands that Sakuno-chan has been deeply in love with Ryoma-kun! Eversince the day she promised me to help me out, to spend the rest of her time for me to be with you, she had never look as lively as before! In order to let me possess her body, she drank those disgusting juice to drown herself! This time, it's time for me to repay her for her good deeds! I know that during these time, Sakuno-chan had been avoiding him! I know that right now she must have been suffering! Love and yet unable to confess!"
"That Echizen would never understands what a girl want!" Fuji smiled and soon both of them broke into laughter.
"At least before I leave, I would like to see good people end up with good fate!" She said softly as she turn around and face Fuji "don't let them succeed the regrettable past lifes we had!"
"I will, no, I should say, by all means, I promise you, you'll be able to see what you want to see"
"Arigatou, and thanks for everything and as always, I'll never forget our good times together!"
"Kochirakoso!" (Kochirakoso - it is I who should say so)
(A/N: Minna-san, I know this is quite troublesome, but, here goes another recommendable song! It's Eternal Snow, a song from anime series, Full Moon wo sagashite! This one of my favourite song! If anyone who has this song, please listen to it while reading! Owari! As usual, I'm using de translated lyrics to bring out the feelings)
I'm falling in love with you, and which will come to pass?
Will the feeling do nothing but swell, or
Will you notice it
Even though I've never said anything?
Like snow, but quietly
It continues to pile up
Sakuno scolded herself inwardly 'Sakuno no baka!' She doesn't know what had went into her mind, volunteering herself to look for Ryoma. Despite of the streets being coated with thick snow; Sakuno has been keeping a steady pace. She's was not sure if Ryoma would be at home by now. Perhaps he might be going to somewhere else, but she decided to stop by at his house first.
While walking along the quiet street, Sakuno could see alot of people are still decorating their places. Some anixous kids even had their presents taken in advance and were running about in the house. These atmosphere had reminded Sakuno of tomorrow's event! Tomorrow will be X'mas Eve, it's also Ryoma's birthday! Everyone has setup a surprise party for him. 'Will he be attending tommorrow's party? I'm so worried! I don't know if I can behave normally if I sees him?' her hands clencing tightly onto the oversized jacket, all sorts of unfavourable thoughts projected into her mind. 'Present? Will Ryoma-kun accept my present? Mou, doushiyou? Kaede-san, how I wish you're here with me right now! At least you'll ease my tension! Mou, Ryuzaki Sakuno! No point of worrying! You've got to do something to overcome your own problem' she thought determinedly. Continuing her pace, she decided to recall back some of the happy incidents she had had with Ryoma to help her to overcome her recently gained phobia, the Ryoma-phobia (fear of Ryoma).
Flashback...
"Kuru no osoi sugi..." (Come so late)
"Dandori warui sugi..." (Bad in management)
"Kaminoke nagai sugi..." (Hair's too long)
"Mada mada dane" (You still have lots more to work on)
"Sakuno, where's my ponta!"
'Huh!' Sakuno felt like she had fell into the bottomless pit. Instantly Sakuno was brought back to reality. Cold sweat form on her forehead. 'Sakuno no baka! I'm only making things worst!' She frantically shook her head, hoping that all those bad thoughts would vanished from her memories.
Unknowingly of how far she had walked, Sakuno instantly stood fridgeted when she realized that she's now standing infront of Ryoma's house. Her heart is lurching wildly but somehow she couldn't just stood there forever! She has to do something! Perhaps she can just press on the doorbell? Then again, she paused, her hand was hanging halfway before contacting the device. 'Doushiyou? What should I tell Ryoma-kun when I sees him? How are you? Too lame! Hey man, you're walkin outta of my house without sayin a word?' she quickly shook her head 'That's not me! Ano...Ryoma-kun? Why are you leaving so soon? Am I being to straight forward?'
Hold me tight if I think like this
I didn't want to know
What it was like to fall in love with someone
I love you; my tears won't stop
Therefore, I should be free of you
How long will I keep thinking of you?
My sigh makes the window glass fog up
Now, a burning candle
Can't melt my shaking heart anymore?
"What are you doing here, infront of my house?" a cold, familiar voice called out from behind her. Turning around, Sakuno finally found him.
"Ryoma-kun..." Sakuno whispered shakily.
"Are you here to tell me something?" Ryoma enquired coldly. His coldness was quite an evident to Sakuno that something was wrong with him.
"I'm... here to ask you to go back with me" she said softly, delaying the moment as long as possible, one dark brow questioned her phrase. "Everyone's waiting for you to join us for breakfast, but you left without saying a word..."
She waited for him to look taken aback, perhaps a little guilty, but the feline eyes were studying her for a moment and they were evasive. 'That oversized jacket! I recognized! It's Fuji's!' jealousy was once again taking him and he said nothing for a moment. Eventually he shook his head when Sakuno looked at him with an expression that was almost as contrite as it was anxious.
"So...are you coming back with me?" she asked quietly "everyone's worried about you"
"Are they?" Ryoma's questions were bitterly sarcarstic "They are just being busybody, annoying and loved to make fun of me!"
"Nothing of all sort!" Sakuno denied swiftly and impatiently "Ryoma-kun, how could you say such words, when you don't really understand your senior well? I don't see our seniors as the kind of people who indulges in petty spite!" she continued cautiously."Ryoma-kun, you're too...too sensitive about them."
'I'm being sensitive! I'm hurt! Sakuno!' he cursed inwardly yet he couldn't let the girl know that he's upset.
"Oh am I?" maintaining his composure, Ryoma retaliated "And I suppose you'd know them so much better than I do"
Sakuno drew a deep breath ready to defend both her seniors and herself against a tirade of unfair abuse, but something made her bite back the angry words before they were formed, and she let out a great sigh instead, shaking her head at him in a last attempt to make him see sense. "I didn't come here to quarrel with you, Ryoma-kun" she told him calmly as she was able for the churning sensation in her stomach caused by a chaos of emotions she was incapable of controlling. "If you don't like to come with me, I'll understand, but I hate to think of us fighting over this and perhaps spoiling what has been, to me anyway, something pleasant and rewarding..." Sakuno quickly covered her mouth with both hands when she realized that her words might be too harsh on Ryoma.
'Now you even accused me for starting up all this craps! Ryuzaki, you'll never understand how your words is like, like, eating my own twist serve, hitting directly onto my face!'
"Ryuzaki" he said coldly "I don't want to quarrel with you and this is the last thing I want! Why don't you just go home instead of pestering me!"
'This is...is not what I've wanted? Why, why did it ended up this way?' Ryoma thought, regretted that he had let those words escaped from his own mouth.
Hold me tight, strong enough to break me
If we meet in a biting cold blizzard
I won't feel cold, and
I miss you everytime I think of you
This scarf that I knit for you
I'm holding it alone tonight
If there were an eternally falling snow
This feeling I have for you, could I hide it?
Hold me tight if I think like this
I didn't want to know
What it was like to fall in love with someone
I love you; my chest fills up
I want to cry out to the winter sky
I want to see you now
"You better..." Ryoma paused and his eyes widen when he sees Sakuno's eyes were red and watery. A few trickles of tears rolled down her cheeks.
'She's crying!' Ryoma thought fearfully 'I made her cry?'
"I'm...I'm sorry..." Sakuno sobbed, her heart shrank into a pool of incredible bitterness. Pressing back her tears from flowing out of her eyes, Sakuno continued "I didn't know that my annoyance would be the cause of your perturbation!" Taking another deep breathe Sakuno politely bidded goodbye and headed back home.
At that moment, Ryoma had wished he would have stop her from leaving. At that time how he wished he had not said these harsh words to her! No thanks to his pride that mixed up with a little bit of jealousy, otherwise, he would have simply give in and follow her back "Naze?" Ryoma furrowed his brow with anxiousness! "Why is this happening again?" Ryoma shooked his head and cursed himself for being so stiff-necked. He took out from the pocket of his jacket, a beautifully wrapped present. 'Now, I guess there's no way I can pass this to her!'
Flashback...
"Ryoma-sama!" Tomoka was shocked to see Ryoma standing infront of her house.
"Osakada, is that thing still with you?" Ryoma tried to sound as normal as possible despite of his blushing face.
"What thing?" Tomoka asked curiously at first but later she instantly comprehended on what Ryoma wanted "Oh, that thing! Sure it's still with me! You want to have it now?" she shot him a teasing glare.
"Why don't you just stop wasting my time and go in and get me back my stuff!" Ryoma fumed "It's cold out here!"
"Ah? Ryoma-sama's cold? Would you like to come in and have a sit! We have the heater switched on! Otherwise, if you still feel cold, I can even offer you myself! My love for you will definitely melt you!" Tomoka declared cheerfully.
"Don't want!" Ryoma instantly turn Tomoka down "I just want my stuff back, the end..." he insisted coldly.
"Hai, hai..." Tomoka said in defeat "Mou...Ryoma-sama, aikawarazu ne, tsumetai!" (aikawarazu - as usual, tsumetai - coldhearted)
As soon as Sakuno reached home, not wanting to alert her seniors and let them see he now puffy eyes, Sakuno slowly sneak back to her room. 'Stop pestering me!' Ryoma's cold words keeps on playing inside her head. "Ryoma-kun no baka, baka, baka, baka..." throwing herself onto the soft bed, Sakuno began to sob. Her body becomes weak, her heart was shattered into pieces. Her sobbing lasted for quite sometimes until tireness took over her.
Kaede who had been following Sakuno from the very beginning and had witnessed the whole heartbreaking scene. She sat herself at the edge of the bed and watched Sakuno for a moment. Gently stroking the poor girl's head, the phantom 'Sakuno-chan? You poor child'
'Ryoma-kun...'Sakuno was mumbling in her sleep, a trickle of tear rolled down her cheek.
'Gomen ne...because of me, you had chosen to let go of your own happiness! This time, at least let me do something for you...' as soon as Kaede finished her words, a ball of light formed on her palm. She began to cast a spell 'This would be my blessing for you, a blessing of infinite happiness!' The ball slowly risen up into the air and within a short moment, it splitted up. Half of it made its way, penentrating into Sakuno's head whlist the other half was like a shooting star, aiming its way towards Ryoma.
'This will strengthened the love thread of you and your love ones' a contented smirk plastered on her face 'Now sleep well, dear, till tomorrow...!'
As soon as Kaede left Sakuno's room, instantly she spranked up from her bed 'Kaede-san?' her eyes widen. Something strange began to revolve inside her head. It seemed like she is going to relinquish part of her memories. With a few fluttering of her eyes, Sakuno fell back into her bed.
"Sakuno!" suddenly yelled, causing his family to look at him with a moment of entanglement. Ryoma's face flushed, heartbeat rises. He doesn't know what was wrong with him, but he could feel that there's some sort of inexplicable force that suddenly penetrated into his innerself, crushing the wall which had been illiterately built inside him. Suddenly he felt his heart free from doubt and perplexity. The moment he called her name, he understands, those are the reasons why he's so depress. Sakuno's more than an important person to her. She's the girl who always cheered for him on his every single matches. A girl whom had given her so much inspirations on human emotions; jealousy, love, hurt, anixous, curious, contentment and happiness! The girl whom he really love and dream about almost every night. Besides from tennis, Sakuno's the only girl whom he had saved a part of his heart to.
"Ryoma?" Seeing Ryoma sat there without saying a word, both Ryoma's mother and Nanako was worried about him "Daijobu?"
"Ryoma?" Nanjiroh too couldn't believe in his own ear. It is also his first time to hear his son calling a girl's name instead of tennis or his pet, Karupin!
Nanjiro's voice brought Ryoma back to reality. Seeing that he had instigated an embarrasing moment, Ryoma quicly shooked his head and tried to find some excuses to cover up from embarrassment!
"I..." he paused "suddenly think of Sakuno, she was here earlier!" Ryoma muttered and paused again when he realized that those were not the words he wanted to say 'Oh no, what am I saying? I'm telling them the truth?'
"Sakuno? You mean the cute girl. She's Ryuzaki-sensei's granddaughter, isn't she?" Rinko claspes both her hands as she agitatedly waited for Ryoma's reply.
"Ryoma-kun, have you asked her out? Is she your girlfriend already?" Nanako continued.
"Ryo..." Just when Nanjiro wanted to say a word, the two woman interjected him, not giving any chance for him to say a word.
"Ne...ne, Ryoma, did you invite her to come over to join us for dinner? Oh wait, tommorrow would be the best time, besides it's your birthday! Oh, okaasan is so happy! I just can't wait to see you and your adorable girlfriend sitting with us!"
"O...Okaasan! She's not yet my girlfriend" This time Ryoma stuttered 'but I'm going to ask her to be...' he thought confidently.
Ryoma had given his family members another surprise since they had never seen him out of words before. Sakuno has definitely proof to them, her effects on Ryoma.
"Not yet your girlfriend!" this time Nanjiroh managed to utter a word.
"Anata! You'll keep quite! I'm not done yet!" Rinko ordered "One more interruption, all your perverted mag will turn into trash!" (Anata - husband)
"Hee?" Nanjiro shrugged and soon protest could be heard from the retired tennis pro.
Shooking his head with a smirk, Ryoma muttered libertto "Oyaji, mada mada dane..."
While listening to his parents dissension, staring at the beautiful snow white garden, Ryoma began to thought inwardly 'I'm anticipating for tommorrow's arrival! Till then...'
TBC...
A/N: Minna-san, thank you very much for reading and loving my story! I know I've failed to update as soon as possible! I have a very good reason for delaying the progress! My computer had been attacked by trojans and spyware! My 80 GB harddisk had been sent to repair. I just got it back recently, but alas, all the files were gone, including my half done chappies! Secondly I would also like to apologize for the extension of this story since the plot was longer than I could imagine. It's my fault for being a novice in writing fics. moushi wake arimasen (I have no excuse for my bad bahavior, sorry)
I would also like to take this opportunity to thanks all reviewers for their wonderful supports. My sincere dedications to:
zazabeans-chan - Thank you! I know, coz I just can't put my hands off FujiSaku...but that part's only a rubbing in jealousy plots! Still RyoSaku is the original! Sorry to keep you waiting! I'm one of your supporter, you know?
SilverLastsForever - Thank you! Yes, I'll definitely continue every stories I had in hand, but only takes more time, since I'm not an experience writer! Sorry for the wait.
Mari-chan - I don't think so...I've been sleeping quite well lately! Hahaha...Yes, I'm a devil! Let's keep this a secret between me and you!
Atori-chan - Thank you! I like your fics too!
Kaoru4-chan - Thank you & sorry for the wait and I failed my promise to you! I'm sorry! Hope you'll like how the story turns out!
Jane-chan - Thank you! Sorry for keeping you waiting! I'm anxious to post my story too
Koori no Tenshi-chan - Thank you! Yes, I like this myself too! I think I'm slowly improving but still have lots of shortcomings! Please bear this with me!
Undine1-chan - Thank you for reviewing! Yes, I've made Ryoma a heartless guy! But don't worry, there's a twisted version here! Hope you'll like it!
Ginny-chan - Thank you! Yes, the plot is more complicated that I've thought! Luckily I was able to twist it a little...tee hee...
Kawaii Koneko92 - Thank you! Like I said OOC...hee hee...that's where the fun should be...
grace-chan - Thank you! Are you sure? A soul to inhabitate your body? Well to tell you the truth! My sis had came across such strange incident once, whereby she even tried to strangle my bro-in-law! Spooky!
Umi-chan - Thanks and sorry for keeping you waiting! You're right! Ryoma-kun's just being shy! How could he possibly reject such an adorable girl like Sakuno!
And once again my sincere apology to all of you here, those whom I'm kept them waiting and disappointing them! It's just inevitable...sorry! I'm now working on the ending, an applelogue (epilogue)
Owari
mi-chan