Author's notes: Thanks to all who reviewed!

This is a General/Romance fic. The front chapters will mostly be on Sakuno's feelings as well as friendship. So do not expect some romance until after a few chapters (if you do not count one-sided feelings, that is)!

Please enjoy chapter 2 and continue to read and review!

Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis

Chapter 2: Time Limit

Sakuno went to school the next day amidst fans and students all following behind her. She had an escort to escort her safely to her class.

"Sakuno! You're here!" Tomoka greeted Sakuno cheerfully.

"Ohayou Tomo-chan." Sakuno replied.

"You have no jobs today?" Tomoka asked.

"No. Tomo-chan, I would like to speak to you later during lunch, is that ok?"

Tomoka merely nodded her head. She was impatient to know what Sakuno wanted to talk to her about but knew it would have to wait until lunch break.

Sakuno and Tomoka took their lunch to the rooftop discreetly. It was a place where Sakuno would not be bothered by her growing number of fans in school.

"So Sakuno, what is it you would like to talk to me about?" Tomoka asked curiously.

"Tomo-chan…" Sakuno looked down at her food.

"What is it Sakuno? Spit it out!" Curiosity was killing Tomoka.

"I…I have to transfer out of this school…" Sakuno answered hesitantly.

"WHAT?" Tomoka exclaimed in disbelief.

"I'm sorry Tomoka it's true…" Sakuno's eyes started to water.

"Oh Sakuno!" Tomoka hugged her friend tightly. "I will miss you! But it's for your future isn't it? Don't cry Sakuno! We will meet again right?"

Sakuno rubbed her eyes. "Yes Tomoka. I will still be studying in Tokyo."

"Which school will you be going to? When will you be going?" Tomoka asked.

"Hyotei Gakuen. I will be leaving in two days time…"

"Sakuno!" Tomoka hugged Sakuno again. "That's so fast!"

"I know Tomo-chan…" Tears were once again building up in her eyes.

"But Sakuno, what about Ryoma-sama? Are you going to tell him before you go?" Tomoka looked at Sakuno.

Sakuno avoided her gaze. "I…I don't know Tomo-chan. I don't know if I should tell him or I should just keep it in my heart. I'm leaving anyway…"

"SAKUNO!" Tomoka stood up and said in a loud voice. "You MUST tell Ryoma-sama your feelings! You don't want to have any regrets do you? If you don't, I will tell him for you!" With that, Tomoka started off for the door.

"Tomo-chan! No!" Sakuno pulled her friend back. "I…I will tell him personally. So…so please don't tell him Tomo-chan!"

Tomoka smiled. "Finally you have the courage to stand up for your true feelings! Good for you Sakuno!"

"Mou! Tomo-chan!"

The last lesson of the day had finally ended. Tomoka went over to Sakuno.

"Ne Sakuno," Tomoka nudged Sakuno. "Ryoma-sama is just there! Go tell him now!"

"To…Tomo-chan! Not…not now!" Sakuno blushed.

"Go on Sakuno!" Tomoka pushed Sakuno in front of Ryoma.

"A…ano, Ryoma-kun…" Sakuno stuttered. Ryoma just stared at her. Sakuno blushed even further.

"Ryoma-kun, I…"

"If you have nothing to say to me Ryuuzaki, I have got to go now." With that, Ryoma took his belongings and left.

"Ryoma-sama! Wait up!" Tomoka called after Ryoma, while Sakuno was left standing there, disappointed.

Sakuno had two days left before she was to leave Seigaku, and also to confess her love to Ryoma. However she was not able to turn up in school in the morning due to job commitments.

Although it was late, she had asked her manager to drop her off at school. She knew that the tennis team had practice until late that day and there would be practically no students left in school except them. She would therefore be safe from fans.

She stood outside the gates of Seigaku like she did before and waited for Ryoma. She was thinking how she should put her feelings into words. She was so engrossed in her thoughts she did not notice Eiji and Momoshiro coming out from the gate.

"Isn't that Ryuuzaki-san?" Momoshiro said, startling Sakuno.

"Really? It is! Sakuno-chan! I can't believe I am able to see you! I love the show you are acting in!" Eiji was jumping up and down excitedly.

"Eiji-senpai! You're scaring her!" Momoshiro then turned to Sakuno and said: "Sorry about that Ryuuzaki-san."

"Never mind Momo-senpai! I'm used to it already." Sakuno shook her head. "An…anyway, is…is Ryoma-kun out yet?"

"Echizen ka! He should be out soon! You looking for him? Ah, so young!" Momoshiro laughed.

"Eiji! Momo! Let's go!" It was Oishi. "Don't disturb Sakuno-chan! She is really busy you know." He scolded.

"But I want Sakuno-chan's autograph! Sakuno-chan………………………" Eiji and Momo were dragged away by Oishi, leaving a furiously blushing Sakuno behind.

At that moment, Ryoma exited from the gate.

"Ryo…Ryoma-kun!" Sakuno called out.

"Ah. Ryuuzaki."

"Ryoma-kun… Can I… can I… walk home with you today?" Sakuno suddenly found her shoes very interesting.

Ryoma walked away. Sakuno looked at his back disappointed.

"What are you doing?" Ryoma turned back and looked at Sakuno. "Come on, I'll walk you home."

"But, but!"

"You'll get lost if I don't do that. Are you coming or not?" Ryoma looked at Sakuno with the corner of his eye.

"Hai…hai!" Sakuno said and ran after him.

The couple did not speak a word on the way to Sakuno's house. Sakuno was feeling very uncomfortable with the silence but did not have the courage to break it. Sakuno felt that time had passed too quickly as they were soon at her doorstep.

"We're here." Ryoma said to Sakuno.

"A…arigatou, Ryoma-kun…" Sakuno blushed.

"If there's nothing else, I'm going." Ryoma turned to leave.

"Wait…wait! Ryoma-kun!" Sakuno called out. Ryoma turned around and eyed he expectantly.

"Ano…ano, Ryoma-kun…" Sakuno started.

"I just want to say… I just want to say…"

"Say what?" Ryoma was getting impatient.

Sakuno felt as if she was going to die of nervousness. Her heart was pounding so hard she swore it was going to break out of her rib cage. She shut her eyes tightly and clenched her small fists. Her face was flushed.

"Ryoma-kun! Arigatou! Sayonara!" With that, Sakuno rushed into her house and closed the door behind her. Ryoma stood outside her residence, astounded.

"Why didn't you say it! Why didn't you say it! Mou! Sakuno no baka!" Sakuno mentally chided herself.

One more day left for Sakuno in Seishun Gakuen.

1. arigato – thank you

2. Sakuno no baka – stupid Sakuno