A/N: Eek, I was able to finish this but not my others! Shame on me! Before anything, I'd like to admit one thing…this is my worst fic ever. I hate how I treat characters like Sakuno. I'm mean. Sad.
Yes, yes, I've noticed that Sakuno's not a little OOC, but really OOC. As later, I'll make an epilogue so I can redeem myself for such a failure!
Do enjoy if you can!
Disclaimer: I don't have the rights to Prince of Tennis.
Advantage Point
Part 2: Advantage-Ryoma
Ryoma was just about to practice in the same court as Sakuno until he saw her. He was fighting with himself whether or not he should talk to her or not. He was about to approach her and ask her until he remembered his other encounter with Sakuno.
"Too fond of selfish tennis players…ones like you…"
He froze in his place. What right did she have to call him selfish? That angered him. Just then Sakuno noticed Ryoma was looking at her. His eyes were blazing with unresolved anger.
She looked at him, and wondered why he appeared so angry. What right did he have to be angry with her? Now that annoyed her. Young Sakuno crossed her arms and looked away. Her cheeks started to redden with irritancy as she thought he was thinking that Sakuno had no right to practice.
He probably thinks I'm too clumsy to even catch a ball. The poor girl's mind was clouded with negativity as she forgot she was using the wall for practice until reality struck her.
Pok!
Sakuno squealed rubbing her face as the tennis ball rolled. Ryoma heard as the ball hit Sakuno and looked over to her. He blinked as he saw a red mark where the ball hit on her cheek. He saw tears form in her eyes but wasn't sure what to do about it. All of his anger seemed to have disappeared.
Her bottom lip quivered as the ball's strike stung her cheek.
I'm so embarrassed. She dared not to look over to Ryoma. She couldn't look and saved herself from more embarrassment. Why can't I ever look cool in front of him? I always have to ruin things with my klutzy ways! Sakuno's pride was hurting more than ever. She let tears fall as there was no way to hide them from Ryoma anyway.
Just then, a cooling sensation hit that stinging cheek and she jumped in response.
"Aie! Cold!" She squeaked looking at the culprit. It was ice wrapped in some sort of cloth. She blinked looking at the hands holding it to her cheek. R-Ryoma-kun…?
"…Mada mada dane." He looked deep in her chocolate eyes and frowned a bit. Still clumsy as ever? He smirked.
Sakuno's eyes were wobbly, as they were holding in her tears from both embarrassment and slight pain. Her shaky hand rose slowly to meet the cloth and held it to her cheek. She looked away towards the ground but couldn't stop the blush from appearing in her face.
Why does he do this to me? Her shoulders were shaking; she couldn't keep this front any longer. Tears streamed down her cheeks and she ran from Ryoma, who wasn't sure why he cared.
That night, Sakuno brought the covers way over her head while the red mark disappeared.
After that incident, she realized for certain, her feelings for the boy would never leave. Knowing that, she knew the tournament wasn't going to be easy. She still cared deeply for Ryoma.
All of the preparations were set, everyone was riled up. It was the day before the actual tournament. It was the day before Sakuno was going to show her new self to her classmates…and most importantly, to Ryoma.
All were aware that this tournament was to be short. Not a lot of people entered it, much less even heard about it. So the spots were filled easily.
The morning that would follow the tournament, Sakuno redid her hair and tightened her braids. She wore cloudy-white wristbands and a sweatband that went snug around her head. Her skirt flowed around her thighs and her socks covered her slender ankles. Her shoes had specks of dirt but that didn't matter.
Sakuno stopped her preparations and saw who it was in the mirror. She gently touched her cheek and trailed her jaw line with her pinky. She looked harder and longer concentrating on this girl who stared back at her. Her lips parted her eyes fiery; no doubt in her mind clouded her thoughts…Sakuno's eyes shivered with fear as she crouched down hugging her knees. Who are you? I don't know who you are.
Her grandmother looked at Sakuno in wonder. She sighed at her undiagnosed behavior.
She couldn't help but think it was something that Ryoma did that made her this way.
"Sakuno, it's time to go," she said softly. Sakuno looked up and gave a weak smile. The determination that Sakuno held so close to her was slowly dying down. She picked up her racket and walked with her grandma as they went outside, closing the door after them.
She and her grandmother went to Tomoka's house to pick her up. Tomoka was excited to see her best friend enter a big competition. Sakuno was happy Tomoka was going to watch her matches, but a sinking feeling submerged when she began to think she came only to see Ryoma play, and not her.
Ryoma-kun... His name brought on the winds of uncertainty. His name only made Sakuno weaker than she already was. Her breathing became ragged. Did she really have enough courage to play with the big-time Ryoma Echizen? She clutched her chest and sighed. When she looked up, Sakuno blinked not only to see she was left alone in a parking lot.
"E-Eh? Eto…?" she looked around, lost. Old habits die hard, especially when it comes to someone who is slowly losing the confidence she held so strongly. She pointed her finger wondering where Tomoka and her grandmother went.
"Sakuno-chan! What are you doing? Let's go! They're about to start! Hurry or else we'll miss Ryoma-sama's grand entrance!" Tomoka squealed while mentioning Ryoma. Sakuno gasped and nodded wobbly over to her friend.
"H-hai!" She followed. Sakuno nearly tripped over a rock and squeaked when she gained her balance, until Tomoka called her once again.
As they approached the tournament grounds, the seats were filled with parents, teenagers, of course, the Ryoma fans. Sakuno scanned the audience and giggled when she saw the famous Seigaku boys holding up banners that supported both she and Ryoma, of course since it was that group of boys, there were also poorly drawn pictures of Sakuno and Ryoma's heads next to their names. Yet, reading 'Ryoma' on their banner with her name on it, made a pout appear on her face. She sighed and didn't let it bother her much, even when it was the only thing on her mind.
She read on the board with all of the competitors, and discovered her turn was coming. Right then she gained the sweats. Am I really ready for this? The poor girl, she struggled with her confidence that took her weeks to gain.
The first game was between a high school sophomore boy and a young junior high girl. Sakuno watched this match eagerly, anxiously awaiting her turn and saw a fire burn in the girl's eyes. She didn't care that this boy was an upperclassman; she wanted to win.
The girl's courage and determination deserved applause, but unfortunately, she lost.
"That was a good game, wasn't it Sakuno-chan?" Tomoka smiled looking over to Sakuno who was so into the match. Sakuno returned a smile, and nodded.
"Yes, the young girl was good…" She said flatly. Her nerves were really getting to her. What if she made all this effort to show up Ryoma only to hit the ground of reality only to know that would never happen in the young girl's life? She saw as the older boy shook hands with the younger girl to show they were both good sports.
Sakuno was prepared but nervously carried her racket to her side of the court. Predictably, she tripped over the rack full of tennis balls and started apologizing absent-mindedly. Ryoma smirked at her inevitability.
Like Sakuno, he didn't forget what happened in their last encounter. He coughed dryly and lowered his hat to hide a blush. Nnh, why did I do that? He frowned and sighed. After adjusting his cap, he turned his attention to the match that was about to take place.
Sakuno frowned, feeling the wave of nervousness crash on her tiny being. All the while she was careful not to trip on anything when she was making her way to her side of the court. She looked onto the scoreboard and read she was to face a girl that attends high school that is far across the city.
"Oi, may the best girl win." The opposing girl excitedly hollered getting into a prepared stance. She smirked readying herself for Sakuno's serve as the ball was tossed to Sakuno.
Her opponent was armed with a Wilson brand racket. Her ensemble is a simple brand-less tennis skirt that is cut off just above her knee. Her wristbands are black going with her cobalt-colored racket. She definitely appears ready for a match, and experienced.
Sakuno nodded, "Mm!" catching the ball deep into her palm. Licking her lips, she smirks while slowly bouncing the ball and instantly, she senses people expect her to be a klutz. Her lips make a thin line and clumsily tossed the ball into the air. In a split second, the ball zips quickly passed the girl on the other side as she fails to return.
"15-love," A clear voice announces. The entire area is silent. They are completely bewildered by what they had just witnessed. Innocent, poor tennis player Sakuno just got an ace off of a girl who appeared highly experienced?
On the sidelines, Ryoma's eyes widened with surprise. His mind gone blank, he can't quite register the fact that Sakuno aced this seemingly experienced tennis player. Ryoma joins the others in complete bewilderment as he surely believed Sakuno would be aced on, not the other way around.
Tomoka and Coach Ryuzaki, however, did not appear surprised. They figured this was what made Sakuno act so different. This hidden power gave Sakuno a behavior that would make her abnormal. But then again, it was so early in the match…only time would tell.
Sakuno's opponent looked satisfied. Now this is what I call a tennis match. She wiped nervous sweat beads from her chin using her dry wristbands. Even she, someone who didn't even know Sakuno, thought Sakuno wouldn't have done something like that.
Sakuno nervously smiled at everyone's reaction. She herself didn't expect that to happen. Sure, she was hoping she would put up a good match, but never would she have thought that she would get an ace. As the ball was thrown to her, she sighed. Sakuno didn't want people thinking she turned into a pro overnight. That would be simply impossible!
Spinning her racket in her dry palm, she prepared to do a top spin serve that took her four days to actually get right. As it is hit straight across the net, she sees it slowly bounds towards her opponent. The ball is quickly returned with high enthusiasm, and Sakuno clumsily skips to it volleying the ball right over the net.
Unfortunately for the girl, she chooses to rush the net. Sakuno sees this and sloppily lobs the ball as the girl attempts to rush this game. Unable to reach a foot above her head, the ball bounces in and then out of the court, giving Sakuno the point.
"30-love," Sakuno hears her victory and smiles innocently. She nods regarding her opponents understanding nod. Apparently, the opponent isn't as experienced as she presents herself.
As the match progresses, there is no true skill any less a carefully calculated strategy in Sakuno's opponent as she continues to try to rush the net on Sakuno.
The game ends in an easy defeat. Sakuno rushes to the center of the court, tripping along the way and reaches her hand out to show good sportsmanship just like the previous game.
Her opponent smiles at Sakuno, appreciating Sakuno for not being a jerk about winning. They shake and both girls return to their sides.
Everyone in the audience continues to gawk at the meek girl who won so easily. Especially the Seigaku boys, they never would've believed Sakuno would even win any of her matches. Sure, they admired her courage, but never thought she'd win one so soon.
As Sakuno walked over to sit by her friend and grandmother, she looked over to Ryoma's direction who was just staring at her. In his eyes, it border lined from a glare to a curious stare. He gawked at this fragile girl and an unfamiliar feeling began to build up inside of him. He looked down and tried to figure out what he was feeling at the moment.
Sakuno played successfully, -though in her typical Sakuno-clumsy way- in her match. He couldn't stop replaying her win. When he did replay it, every time, it would bring a small smile to his lips. He had also watched her plunge the ball back at her opponent and that made him a little attracted to her, in his own unusual way. The sweat that trickled down her cheek got his attention, too. He absent-mindedly started to admire her will to win, it matched his own.
His eyes tracked her down to see Ryuzaki-sensei about to hand Sakuno a water bottle. She's going to…he predicted as Sakuno was tossed the bottle, and struggled to hold onto it. When she did have it in her grasp, her cheeks flushed and she looked at it cautiously making sure it was still there. He slightly chuckled as he saw Sakuno's game had changed, but she hadn't lost her old mannerisms.
The following match was between two high school sophomores and one of them won. Sad to say, no one in the audience who attended Seigaku didn't care who they were, (as they filled up a large portion of the seats) but only paid attention when Sakuno or Ryoma's turn was up.
They used the time when someone they weren't familiar with played for an intermission to use the restroom or get some refreshments. Those who were playing at the time thought it to be rude but did nothing about it. Though they did not admit it, they too, wanted to watch the underestimated and well-known girl for being meek to play and the well-known prince to play their matches.
The following match was treated the same, only some stayed behind appearing interested in the match. The victor was a young junior from the same school as the girl who played Sakuno in the first round. Some of the people who stayed to watch the match believed that this boy would most likely be as inexperienced as his female school mate.
As he glanced at the scoreboard, he glared at it to see that his turn was next. He wanted to finish this round quick, so he could play someone who would last…or if she was lucky enough, play Sakuno.
He paid no attention to his opponent, but stayed careful not to think about Sakuno's attractive skill. He won his match flawlessly, and returned to watch the tournament progressing. This tournament was fairly short as it was only one set. He quenched his thirst while he awaited his predicted match. One that would place him against the girl he just recently found attractive: Sakuno Ryuzaki.
Her next match pinned her with the young sophomore boy who won in the second round. What others didn't know was that this girl was recommended by her school to join this tournament. Her guardian was her coach, who was indeed a skilled tennis player.
This time, Sakuno was to be the second one to serve. She could taste her upcoming win. A calm smile found itself claiming her expression. Her confidence rose.
Everyone in the audience noticed this and felt confused of her change. This was an unusual face to be on the innocent Sakuno's face. No one had the faintest idea where this sudden burst of confidence came from.
The sophomore's form was impressive, as he raised his arms and tossed the ball in to the air smashing the ball clear across the net. Sakuno hopped back returning the ball in full force, grunting in surprise of how powerful it was. The boy on the receiving end smiled thinking, 'that return was clumsily done.' Back-handing Sakuno's hit, it flew straight towards Sakuno. Luckily for Sakuno, she saw this and pounded the ball back over the net.
Following through, the sophomore grunted putting strong force in his return, stomping his left foot in the process. This needs to end…now! He thought fiercely.
Sakuno lost the first point to this boy. Ashamed, she walked with her head down back to her side of the court. Most likely, this game will end with me losing…Sakuno thought, sighing as she let her eyes wander around the area. Her eyes were suddenly locked with Ryoma's.
She stopped breathing the moment she realized he was looking directly at her. All of her old feelings quickly erupted and a tear formed in her eyes. The match was still young, yet, she believed she was going to lose. Her confidence nearly dropped rock-bottom as she looked away from the tormentor of her heart. His eyes burned holes on her body.
Sakuno began trembling, feeling back to her old self again. You're just going to lose this match. Quit right now. She shook her head, her new self refused to give in. She shot a quick glance over to Ryoma. A strange color of pink appeared below his eyes. Was he hot or something?
An amused smile appeared at her pun placed her in a better mood. She giggled and got into the game. Determined eyes replaced her uneasy ones as the serve nearly passed her. Returning it successfully, the sophomore boy stupidly tried to lob it over Sakuno. Unintentionally, Sakuno smashed the ball returning it hard passed the boy whose eyes were wide with shock.
…No…way…The boy cracked his knuckles to prepare for the next part of the match.
"15-all…" The score was even in the first part. It continued on in this same fashion so until finally…
"…Deuce." By that time, both players were exhausted.
The sophomore boy rubbed his weary eyes and sighed. He didn't want to give up on account of exhaustion. He was going to follow this match through. And he believed he was to win it, too.
Sakuno already surprised her school from her courage and amazing hidden ability of tennis, she wasn't going to end it losing in this round. Most importantly…she wanted Ryoma of all people to know she could win this. With that as her main motivation, Sakuno planted her right foot far in front of her left, letting her arm extend and pop the ball smoothly over the net in the opposite side of her opponent. Sakuno gawked at the smooth hit of the ball. The sophomore boy rushed to where it was headed and smacked it back reversing its direction.
Sakuno groaned as she didn't want to run anymore. She was saving her energy for her match with Ryoma. I guess…I guess I'll have to 'drop' this shot…Sakuno slowly paced her way to the net lightly tapping the ball. Both watched as the ball bounced slowly…slowly and rolled out. The sophomore boy's eyes widen with anger and fierce regret for not catching Sakuno's hidden idea.
"Adv. Out" was announced and everyone cheered when they heard Sakuno was ahead.
This was it. The final blow, as the ball was served both players charged up and readied for the ball's approach. When it was Sakuno's turn to return, she struck the ball using her weak backhand, hoping the same result as the last time she attempted to drop the ball to happen again. Unfortunately, the sophomore boy saw this effort, and shot it back with a stronger might, grunting loudly. The ball was hurled and Sakuno didn't notice.
People watching her saw her attention was shot, and gasped. Even Ryoma started to sweat hoping Sakuno would pay attention.
Sakuno! You inattentive baka! He stood up clenching his fist. His throat went dry watching as Sakuno's eyes finally spotting the ball.
Her eyes widened when she saw the ball's short distance from her face. In a pathetic attempt to save the ball, she spun around in a full one-eighty, and swung her racket, feeling the open breeze on her skin. She was holding back tears that were threatening to fall.
Failure, she cried in her hopeless mind. That's all I am.
…Pok.
In the silence of her mind, the quiet was shattered when she heard the small sound of the tennis ball bounce. …What? It sounds so distant…but why?
When Sakuno looked over to her opponent, she saw that he was looking at the tennis ball. Sakuno became lost as she noticed the ball wasn't on her side. Her chocolate eyes grew…Sakuno won the match.
After the confusion, Sakuno allowed herself to hear the cheers from the crowds. A smile spread widely across her face. She hugged her racket tightly. She laughed lightly in a relief that she wasn't a failure. Her eyes were welling with tears. Sakuno wasn't a failure, but a success.
She skipped happily to her friend and grandma. She hugged them both as they returned her embrace. They too were worried she was about to lose. They were unsure how they would treat her, after she held such determination to prove herself to be a worthy tennis player. She released the warm and comforting embrace and sighed in relief. Her attention was called to the announcement.
Ryoma's turn was up. He noted this and stood up from his seat. Ryoma brushed passed Coach Ryuzaki and Tomoka, but as he passed Sakuno he paused and looked at her. She looked up at him curiously. Her hate for him was beginning to die down. She cocked her head to the side as her lips parted slightly in question.
"…Ah…Ryuzaki-san, wish me good luck." He pulled his hat down to cover his obvious blush. The young girl was surprised at his statement. Her eyes nearly bulging out, they both knew he didn't need good luck. He already won his match.
The match was exactly as everyone thought. This seemed too simple. Ryoma kinda hoped he was paired with Sakuno's previous opponent. It seemed like that sophomore had more initiative than the boy he faced. The boy he faced was all talk and no play. The sophomore boy was too, but he didn't exactly try to get the audience on his side to cheer for him.
When the boy left his side, he eyed Sakuno. She stood still thinking about his last statement.
It was her turn. Ryoma didn't move from his spot. Sakuno slowly raised her hands, bringing them up to her lips. She began to tremble. Where did all that confidence run off to? Was she going to let the final showdown end with her cowering in fear of facing the great Ryoma Echizen?
…No. Sakuno Ryuzaki knew better than that. She took a swig of water from her water bottle and treaded careful not to trip and make a fool out of herself towards the side opposite to Ryoma. As if it were a movie, both were looking down but as the audience became restless with cheers, their heads rose slowly.
At the same time, their eyes aligned and they could sense each other's will to win. Not one of them chose to back down. Sakuno couldn't move for a second. She was being watched by the boy she loved so much, that it nearly drove her insane.
Ryoma coughed dryly at this odd pause. He wanted to see if Sakuno really improved or if the previous players were horrible and they just made her seem decent. Though, if that wasn't true, how did she win?
"A-Ano…" Sakuno stuttered, that oh-so-famous blush-stutter combo returned during the moment Sakuno wished it hadn't. "…g-good…l-luck…" Her expected response from the great Ryoma was silence, and that she got.
Lucky for her, she was the first to serve. She didn't have to prepare herself for that damn twist serve. She swallowed hard seeing Ryoma prepare for her serve. Sakuno spun the racket in the palm of her hand as she lightly tossed it in the air and watched as it slowly turned in the air feeling as though time had stopped.
While raising her racket to meet the ball, her mind struck her with her old purity. It was bad timing, but she would have to go along with this flash back while the ball was still ridiculously spinning in the air.
Her mind went blank. She started to remember the reasons why she entered this competition in the first place. Ryoma didn't even know how much she cared for him. The times she tried so hard to get him to notice her it always ended up with her being clumsy. She wanted him to respect her. She wanted respect from him as the only type of person he'd ever notice: a tennis player.
The ball was slammed hard against the racket strings and she sent it over the net with a deep grunt. Sakuno's mouth hung down open as she saw Ryoma casually striding to it. He acted as if this was some simple badminton game! Her mind barked. He used a power hit to send it back to her. Her response, she bent her knees and lowered herself to return the hit sending it far, her goal.
Ryoma saw her action and was a step ahead of her. He sped straight for it and by accident, he lobbed it. Sakuno absent-mindedly rushed to the net to smash it. Her heart stopped, almost believing she was about to gain a point, but was stricken with reality when she saw Ryoma smiling.
He smiled as he returned it to her with ease: an inch passed her.
"15-love," the crowds went wild. That was an intense first bout. Sakuno was calming herself to catch her breath. Amazing…How does Ryoma-kun do it?
She looked over to the satisfied Ryoma. He blinked as she stared at him, then he smirked at her. She bit her lip when she returned to her side.
To calm the crowds, the announcer sternly said, "Quiet please."
Sakuno breathed in deeply as she caught the next ball in her palm before she tossed it in the air and struck it weakly. Top spin…
Ryoma knew she was doing a top spin, and in order to propel the ball to make its speed increase, he powerfully struck it returning Sakuno the ball in a soft grunt.
He saw as Sakuno took this by surprise, and nearly chuckled at her pout. She hopped backwards to catch the ball popping it in the air by accident. Her eyes widened and a sweat traveled down her forehead. Oops…
Ryoma saw her reaction to the popped ball and wanted to laugh right then and there. She looked innocent as she stared afraid the ball might come back down and out. Her she bit her lip bringing her hand up to her mouth and began trembling.
Even the spectators' heads were cast upwards in the ball's direction. They all forgot how to breathe; wondering what would happen if the ball bounced in. Would they cheer or be disappointed?
Their questions were about to be answered as the ball was seen dropping. Sakuno readied herself this time and prepared to smack it back at the smug Ryoma.
He was standing in between the white lines in the center of his side. With an amused expression on his face, he crossed his arms waiting to hear his score:
Pok.
"15-all," All were silent. What had just happened?
Ryoma's eyes were wide with shock. He quickly turned left-to-right to see where the ball was. He looked to Sakuno who also, seemed surprised of what just happened. His brows furrowed thinking the announcer made a mistake.
Momo hopped out of his seat and rushed to the center of the court. He brought out a dry erase marker and a whiteboard.
"Ochibi! You must be wondering what had happened!" He cleared his throat after seeing a very annoyed Ryoma. "As the ball was coming down," he drew a long arrow pointing downwards on the board with the marker as he continued his explanation, "and neared the court, it bounced happily on your side and continued to softly bounce as it went out of the court." He drew a smiley face on a cute bouncing tennis ball on the board. He pointed to it, getting a surprised Ryoma.
Impossible…he looked to Sakuno who blinked in surprise and she scratched her head nervously. It seems the innocent Sakuno was coming back.
…Eh..? I just scored a point off of Ryoma-kun! Th-that's not possible! She gripped her racket before walking wobbly back to her side. As she slowly turned to face Ryoma, she saw anger in his eyes. She jumped, a little startled of his reaction she made a mix between uneasiness and determination on her face as she swallowed hard getting psyched up for the ball to come her way.
I think Ryoma-kun is mad…Sakuno thought simply. None of her thoughts from her new self showed…Meek Sakuno Ryuzaki was returning…G-gomen!
The ball was in air now, she pounded it back down into the pavement and rushed backwards never taking her eyes off of the ball. Ryoma's reflexes never failed him as he raised his arm, and then extended it behind him aiming for the approaching target. He grunted quite loudly before sending it swiftly across the net.
Sakuno practiced with the wall, so her rallies were decent. She charged racket first returning Ryoma's low grunt with her own feminine one. Wait…why was he taking so long? Sakuno's eyes widened…He was playing with her. The ball flew just lightly bounding off of the net. When it did, Sakuno was holding her breath. When it was successfully on Ryoma's side, she let herself exhale.
Ryoma placed his free hand on the top of his racket, volleying the ball back to Sakuno. She blinked taken aback by his action but didn't fail to react. Backhanding, she grunted sending the ball far down his court. Ryoma hurled himself to it, but kept his balance so he wouldn't fall. Grunting, he sent the ball gently over the net catching Sakuno by surprise…and earning him a point.
"15-30," was announced and Sakuno sighed loudly. She held the rest of her breath since she didn't want to give Ryoma the pleasure he was tiring her. Arrogant! She pouted as she returned to her side, not noticing the crowd cheering for the both of them.
When she looked over to the audience, she saw them go wild. Is this what Ryoma sees when Tomoka and I cheer for him? Hear nothing, but see all? It was not true, nothing can stop the shrill sounds of Tomoka's cheering voice…but as for Sakuno, to him, hers was unusually tolerable.
Sakuno stood by the white line, catching the ball and smiled nervously to Ryoma who caught this odd smile. He was caught off-guard by her action and a blush made its way across his cheeks. …Her smile….it's…pretty…especially when she's losing.
His cocky remark made him smile as he pulled his hat down hiding his blush.
Sakuno looked at him curious as to why he tugged on his hat so much today. She shrugged it off as she was about to serve.She smiled to herself. Ryoma-kun's actually enjoying this game, the one against me!
Ka-Pok!
A loud slam went against the ball. And the ball's journey sped passed Ryoma…bouncing, bouncing until finally:
"30 all," the famous shocked expression graced his face once more.
The crowd lost their ability to speak. All eyes were on the girl who gained an ace on the great prince of tennis, Ryoma. Sakuno nervously laughed as she realized she didn't mean to ace Ryoma. She anxiously turned to her opponent. Angered-eye Ryoma Echizen appeared gritting his teeth glaring at the innocent Sakuno. Sweat dripped down her pale cheeks. She had never seen him this angry before.
Sakuno watched as Ryoma slowly brought his racket up, pointing to her with it, sternly staring deep into her eyes.
"…Oi, Ryuzaki-san. You do know that this now means no more fun and games." He smirked at her as she appeared frightened of what would come to her. She swallowed hard and breathed slowly. Her heart was beating hard against her chest and she tried so many times to calm it. Slender Sakuno nodded to him, not quite agreeing to him as it made her more nervous. Her lip was beginning to quiver and her legs quaked.
The shock of acing the great Ryoma Echizen brought the old meek Sakuno Ryuzaki out completely. Ryoma continues to admire her newfound skill, but won't allow the humiliation of being aced on by a novice. If she wanted to come into the ring with the big boys, she could've just said something and not bring him out here in front of everyone, to ace him.
Ryoma started glaring at her every time she was about to toss the ball. He was definitely not going act the part of the newbie tennis player now. He had enough of the fun when he got aced.
Right at the moment she served the ball, Ryoma dashed for it striking it with great timing. Sakuno struggled to keep up with the pace and sadly…
"40-30," the game was already sensing its end. Sakuno was becoming less confident than she was before. She swallowed hard and walked wobbly to her side.
Oh, no…I'm gonna lose at this rate. She looked tensely at Ryoma who kept his face. Boring those angered, yet not hateful, eyes at the girl -who gained a point that normally you'd have to be a pro in order to get an ace off of Ryoma- he stood straight not once leaving his steady gaze on her.
She sighed shakily. I wouldn't be surprised if that's the same face he makes when someone takes his last Ponta. With that thought she lightly giggled, for that one second she forgets that Ryoma is still watching.
Sakuno looked over to Ryoma once again and read his eyes. 'Sakuno serve the damn ball.' She sweated a bit more before grasping the green ball and tossing it into the air.
Ryoma just couldn't let that one ace go. It was already nearing the end of the match.
This tennis match wasn't ordinary. Unlike the traditional tennis matches, you'd have to score a full six points in order to win this tournament. Ryoma was on his way to win this quicker because she aced him. She shouldn't have done that. He thought wickedly.
He swiftly rushes up to the net and pounds it back on her. She squeals in surprise at this strong action.
He smirked quickly before walking back to his spot before hearing,
"Ad in," and he felt satisfied.
Ryoma readjusted his hat. He smiled a bit devilishly before patting a wrinkle out of his polo. Sakuno clenched her eyes shut. Her losing not only decreases her confidence, but slowly transforms her into the old Sakuno.
"A-ano…" she gripped her racket. She glanced over to the scoreboard and saw she was headed for a loss. Her face soured and a blush appeared out of nowhere. She quickly looked down.
Tomoka was the first to notice her change in behavior. Maybe the pressure is on her? She frowned, unsure now whether or not if she should cheer for her nervous friend or the school eye candy, Ryoma. Ehh…a girl shouldn't have to choose between a school cutie, and her best friend! The world is against me! Tomoka thought dramatically. She looked over to the rest of the audience who had no trouble choosing since half of the audience cheered for Sakuno and the rest, Ryoma.
Sakuno sighed frowning; well it was fun while it lasted. She flipped her braids behind her. She stood preparing to serve once more. After tossing it in the air she sighed once before tapping the ball.
"Fault," went the announcer. Sakuno's eyes widen and she frantically saw her mistake. It didn't make it over the net. She began shivering and hoped she wouldn't make the same mistake twice.
Heh, you're only stalling the inevitable, Sakuno. Ryoma thought. A smirk yet again graced his lips and tugged on his hat before getting into position.
Sakuno swallowed loudly. "G-gomen!" She sputtered. Her habits showed again. Sakuno squeezed her eyes tight after groaning for her clumsiness.
They tossed her another ball and she nearly dropped it. Everyone was looking at Sakuno as if she grew another head. It was just a few moments ago when this same girl smashed on her opponents before her. Now, she couldn't even catch a ball. At that moment, she thought back to her encounter with Ryoma at the tennis courts. The moment after she mindlessly allowed the ball to hit her in the face…when he showed he cared.
…He…cared? Sakuno's chocolate eyes glazed with amazement and shock. Her face flushed and her embarrassment was beginning to show…in front of everyone who was watching the match.
"What happened! Is she sick! Why is her face so red?" People in the audience shouted to the two competitors. They were waiting for her to serve, and when she was thinking about it, her thoughts also embarrassed her getting her side-tracked.
All the while, Ryoma frowned. He cocked his head to the side looking questionable at Sakuno. She was just standing there, frozen. He jumped slightly when he saw her blink, assuming she snapped out her daydream. He guessed that she finally realized she was in the middle of an intense tennis game that would judge whether or not Sakuno really is a good tennis player or if those other two matches were flukes.
…Oh, it was so amazing at how well he knew Sakuno. He also guessed what was about to come, too.
"G-gomenasai minna-san!" She yelped, hopelessly. She began bowing to the audience who all let out a big exaggerated sigh. Her face was already beet-red once, and now it got darker. She returned facing Ryoma who didn't look annoyed at all, but amused.
Why does Ryoma look pleased? She looked to him curiously and shook her head of all possibilities before preparing to serve again. She swallowed hard and tossed the ball into the air. She hoped this next part, would last longer than just a few seconds.
After releasing a low grunt the ball was sent clear over the net and into Ryoma's side. He stood his ground before returning it with ease, and softly enough so that Sakuno could get to it.
Wait…why did I do that? He thought quickly scratching his head. Ryoma even told her that fun and games was over and it was hardball now. But that didn't look like hardball!
Sakuno smiled sweetly before strongly tapping the ball hitting it back to him. He caught her smile and blinked thinking about how much he liked her smile.
Baka! Don't get distracted! He shook his heads of those damn teenage boy thoughts before back-handing the ball, pushing it farther down Sakuno's side. Geh, I could've just smashed it…why didn't I smash on her!
Sakuno pleasantly giggled and wondered why he was suddenly going easy on her when he promised he wouldn't do that. It's a good thing she wasn't aware of his internal problems, it would give her an advantage over Ryoma. She hit it back trying to put all her power into it.
Gah! I want to end it now! His mind screamed, but his body refused to listen. His body continued to return Sakuno with gentle hits so she could return it back to her. Wait…I can return it to her without her having to stop in the middle of the rally to retrieve the ball! He thought long and hard about his late realization. He noticed her groundstroke was smoother than his previous rallies with her, and her form wasn't so sloppy.
His admiration of her improvement was affecting his thinking. Though he couldn't fathom this strange increase of respect and pride that would bubble up inside him for her, he couldn't exactly forget them. Without noticing, he found himself in a serene rally between him and Sakuno. Does Sakuno know what they're doing?
Why is Ryoma going easy on me? Sakuno was being lead to think that he was going to use this as another way to tease her. She could imagine it now:
'Sakuno, you're rallies are awful. It was just like the time at the tournament, remember?' she imagined him smirking, enjoying her agony.
She sighed tiredly at the thought and wanted to get some answers.
"Ryoma-kun, what are you doing?" She breathed, but it was said loud enough so he could hear her.
"…I-I don't know!" When he said that, she felt lost. Surely, the great prince himself would be well aware of when he was going easy on a 'novice' tennis player like Sakuno. Why would he have trouble understanding the reason he needed to tease her?
Ryoma too was struggling with his own answers. He had the perfect moment to completely mercilessly defeat her. He was stalling her defeat, not the other way around.
His arm was still swinging but it was as if it was possessed to deny the power his mind was demanding. He wanted to end it, but as he looked at Sakuno, his will to beat her in a split second dropped…
Ryoma remembered her other wins. He recalled how happy she was, her air was cheery, and her eyes shined with the gleam of sheer pleasure. She prettily smiled and clapped her hands together as if to almost look…cute.
It was then when his jaw dropped. His mind admitted she was cute. Sure, he noted she was an attractive girl, but never actually took the time to really look at her. During this match, he couldn't do anything but look at her. In the back of his mind, he was to always keep an eye on his opponent. That he did, but any good that did him. Ryoma Echizen couldn't deny the fact that this meek, clumsy, innocent Sakuno Ryuzaki was cute.
And it was then…he didn't notice the ball bounced through her legs…and rolled…rolled and…
"Game, winner Ryoma Echizen," was announced, and Sakuno had lost.
The restless crowds cheered, the girls standing by squealed.
"Ryoma-sama!" The girls cheered, Tomoka couldn't let those girls stand her up so she brought her arms up and started chanting in her shrillest voice, "Ryoma-sama, no one can possibly stop you! Woo!" She cheered her loudest. Even the Seigaku regulars were forced to cover their ears.
Sakuno winced at the shrilly, but recognizable voice and sighed.
Well, there we have it. That's what it all came down to and I failed, as usual… Sakuno sighed and her bottom lip quivered. Her eyes began welling up with tears and she rubbed her eyes just before anymore could leak. Sniffling, she slowly looked up expecting Ryoma to soak up the audience's cheers and smirk in his win. But to her surprise, she was staring into the eyes of a speechless Ryoma, still looking at her.
Sakuno couldn't prevent a faint blush from creeping to her cheeks. Why's he staring at me? Is there something on my face? While still sniffling, she searched her face for any foreign object that could possibly give Ryoma a reason for gawking.
Sakuno merely shrugged the rest of her beliefs and made her way over to Tomoka and Ryuzaki-sensei.
"Ehh, Sakunoo-chann! Why didn't you tell me you turned tennis pro overnight?" Tomoka squealed while hugging Sakuno. "You were so amazing!" She chirped.
"A-Ano…I...I wasn't that good…"she smiled weakly. Tomoka smiled to herself, feeling Sakuno was back to her normal self. Maybe it was just the tournament...
Sakuno refused to look back at Ryoma for fear he was to look at her oddly. They weren't permitted to leave since Sakuno was in second place in the tournament. Mou, that means...I-I'll have to be near Ryoma-kun…when he's scaring me with his constant stares…
As Ryoma stood nonchalantly by the announcer, he glanced over a stumbling Sakuno. Her face blushing prettily and he watched as she fiddled with her fingers uneasily. His trademark smirk claimed his features while continuing to watch this innocent girl take her rightful place by his side.
Yes, rightfully by my side, he jumped at his present thought and his eyes widen, w-wait, what! Ryoma instantly shook his head refusing to believe he had a possessive issue with Sakuno. Though the thought slightly left his mind, it couldn't stop the obvious blush from creeping into his cheeks.
Sakuno stood by Ryoma, looking uncomfortable, but relaxed as she heard the audience cheer for her and Ryoma, especially Tomoka. All of her hard work, all of her hidden training…everything lead her to this moment…this moment of her standing beside Ryoma soaking up the feel of victory; she should feel victorious, she earned it. Before she knew it she was looking at a stoic Ryoma with her bright smile blushing from the excitement.
"Good game, Ryoma-kun?" She studied his face and saw a small smile spread across his face. Taken by surprise and accepting his reaction as an answer, she turned away from him hiding her embarrassment. Eh… Ryoma-kun s-smiled! I-It was c-cute! She looked down and sighed dreamily. Sweat was threatening to appear as she struggled lightly patting her face down, telling her emotions to calm down.
Ryoma blinked at her and softly snorted. He didn't understand what she was doing, but he couldn't deny the fact that it was adorable. He adjusted his hat as he was presented with a nicely polished trophy with his name etched and a small check. He frowned, but then it turned into a smug face. Hey, I could buy a lot of Ponta with this much…it could last me a few weeks.
"Give it up one last time for Ryoma Echizen and his strong opponent, Sakuno Ryuzaki!" The announcer enthusiastically pronounced. All of the crowd screeched and hollered the names of the two tennis players who stood in the center of the tennis court.
The entire area was cleared. It was empty but still had the memories of the cheers and excitement that was emitted during the matches. The seats were cursed with trash and the bleachers cried sorrowfully wanting to be cleaned as people got up from their seats to leave.
(A/N: That was weird.)
Everyone who'd seen this match were stunned and awaited the next day to speak to Sakuno Ryuzaki and compliment her close win. As for Sakuno, she felt her change disappear as she realized her heart was no longer present when she was in 'pro tennis player mode.' When she gained that defeat from Ryoma, she realized what made her human. She realized what made her heart ache was what made her see she had a soul.
It was on that court, it was that small hidden smile, which made her see that she really does need to love Ryoma Echizen.
A/N: Like, yeah, I'd ever end a fic like that! Read the epilogue before you choose to kill, me. If you thought this was bad, than wait till you read my poor excuse for an epilogue!