Hi minna!

I'd like to apologize for coming back so late :( I had some dilemma with how I wanted this chapter to flow. They kept on changing along the way. I really wanted to have the full flashback on one chapter but I didn't think it would turn out to be this long (more than 5,800 words). But as I have left you with a cliffhanger before, I didn't want to do the same for this chapter so here it is.

I hope you continue to support this story :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis, just the plot of this fanfic and the crappy names of the restaurants and additional characters xD

Without further ado, please enjoy! (or not, cause I sure hated the character I made DX)

Yukimura Residence

The warm sun hid behind the clouds as three figures enjoyed the gentle breeze amidst the beautiful garden of the Yukimura Manor. Tea was prepared on the table and four tiers of snacks occupied the center.

"Kei, are you eating Yorkshire pudding again?" Ryoma said as he took a sip from his cup. This made Atobe stop from taking a bite out of his aforementioned snack.

"You aren't really blind, are you?" The blue-haired boy joked after he's done chuckling at the diva's guilty expression.

Ryoma feigned exasperation as he tried placing his cup on the table. "After the tenth time, I could only guess that that is the only snack he eats. But then again, it wasn't I who declared to eat that only once a month." An imaginary vein popped on Atobe's head when Yukimura vocally agreed to that statement.

"- two weeks ago." The youngest added.

Atobe begrudgingly put the pudding back on his plate. "Urgh. Fine. It's not ore-sa- my fault that you brats are incapable of appreciating this delicacy."He eyed the other desserts critically, narrowing down within seconds which ones he could bear eating. His right hand neared the second tier.

"Could he be forcing himself to go and grab a different snack right now?"

"Tsk."

"Who is the brat now? We just commented two weeks ago about how you seem to like that and you went ahead and badly, and quite pointlessly, lied that you didn't. Then your declaration." It's rare for Yukimura to hit where it hurts since he likes the thrill of going around the bush. He may have disliked that he was referred to as a brat.

Before Atobe could retaliate, his cellphone #2 (which is for general use) rang. He glared at Yukimura before checking the caller. An elegant brow was raised and he clicked the answer button.

"Speak." His voice lost its playful tone so the blue-haired boy guessed that it's a call from his residence. Ryoma thought the same.

The diva's brows furrowed and his free hand moved to comb back his hair. A habit of his whenever something annoys him, if the brows weren't enough indication.

He ended the call without another word and returned the phone on the table. For a moment, he didn't look at his other companions knowing that they'd have curious-looking faces on. When he deemed himself ready, he grabbed his cup of tea.

"Nami was just at my home looking for me. She wouldn't stop making a ruckus so they had to tell her where I was. She's on her way here." His voice was filled with irritation as he reiterated the butler's report.

"Nami... Yamada Nami?" Yukimura asked in disbelief not because she went to Atobe's but that she made a ruckus. She was always portrayed by the media as a soft-spoken sweetheart. And he also has always had his doubts about her but he never met her to confirm his suspicions. It's not uncommon to have such a persona, though. After all, he himself has an image he upholds.

"Ahh." Was the only reply.

"Umm..." Ryomas started.

"Yes, Ryo?" Atobe asked.

"Are you referring to the Yamada Nami who is the heir to Queens Corp.?"

The diva was surprised that Ryoma knew of her. Yes, she is popular but he never saw the brat as someone who is interested in the business world.

"That's right, Ryoma. It's a good thing I bring you with me to my classes, you know a lot of people now." Yukimura said, very pleased at his much younger self for having thought of making the boy join him in those boring lessons.

"Wait a minute. You bring Ryo with you?" Shock was written all over the diva's face.

"Yes, is something wrong with that?" Yukimura said while raising an eyebrow.

"Besides the fact that you are older than him, your classes are as advanced as mine!" The baffled Atobe exclaimed.

"Ryoma is very much capable of that, Atobe." Yukimura retorted.

It's not like the diva doubts the green-haired boy's abilities. He just doesn't want him to be forced to know these things. Yukimura and himself have been taught since young about the importance of knowing how the business world works. Even then, he knew that it shouldn't have been the case. Children shouldn't be made to fulfill their parents' dreams. They should be able to choose what they wish to learn and pursue.

"His classes are very fun. I learn a lot." Ryoma said with a smile. Atobe sighed in defeat.

"As long as you like it."

"But, why is Yamada-san looking for Kei?" Ryoma is really confused on why she went to see Atobe. And to cause a scene? Sounds impossible. He always heard from the news that she's very kind and has a heart of gold. The report was probably exaggerated.

"She's Atobe's fiancé." Yukimura explained.

"Ooh." / "Not." Ryoma and Atobe respectively and simultaneously replied right after the boy's statement.

"Eh?" the youngest asked, confused.

"We met once upon the insistence of her parents. My parents just went along with it since she's also one of their candidates in mind. I was being polite with her the whole time and she interpreted that as a sign of nervousness. Me? Nervous? Ha!"

"Atobe." Yukimura said, trying to bring the said boy back on track.

"Ah. Yes, sorry. After that, she kept on telling her friends that I'm her fiancé. It's too much trouble to deny and it did keep other girls from throwing themselves at me, so I let her be. I didn't know that she would possess an obsessive side though." Atobe ended his explanation and was faced with two exasperated looking faces.

"Kei is actually a very hateful guy." Ryoma said, biting a madeleine right after.

"That is true." Yukimura agreed then proceeded on refilling his and Ryoma's cup.

"You know, whose side are you on?" Atobe couldn't believe these two, turning their backs on him so suddenly.

"It's one thing to be on your side and another to tell you what you did wrong, you heart breaker." Yukimura started with a straight face but that slowly broke down as he finished his sentence. The two boys ended up laughing revealing how they were making fun of the diva.

"Are you about done now?" Atobe said when they showed no sign of stopping after a while. This simmered down their hype and left them breathing hard.

"Sorry, sorry. But what's so urgent as to-" Yukimura started when he was able to regain a normal heartbeat but stopped when a thought entered his mind.

"Could this be about that?" He continued.

"I think so too." Atobe replied, understanding what he meant.

"We can't really blame her for her reaction. To be suddenly told that you're no longer performing on your fiancé's -"

"Not fiancé," Atobe interjected.

"-birthday party, it's understandable to be in shock." The blue-haired boy mused, completely ignoring the correction.

This caught Ryoma's attention. "Why was she removed?" The two older teens looked at each other, engaging in a silent battle of 'you tell him'. Yukimura eventually won when he pulled out the 'it's your problem' card.

"Well," Atobe started but not really sure how to continue.

Yukimura, who was seated facing the manor, spotted a female figure from a distance and easily knew who it was.

"Someone doesn't look too happy." He narrated, his gaze not leaving the approaching person.

Atobe's eyes widened in realization and he stopped himself from turning around just to confirm that Yukimura is not toying with him. But the glint in the latter's eyes removed any suspicions.

"Yukimura, you're enjoying this too much." Irritation evident in his voice.

"Is she here?" Ryoma excitedly asked, forgetting his unanswered question.

"Why do you sound so happy? She's here to complain and rant to me." Atobe said in disbelief. Ryoma giggled at that.

"That's exactly the bit I'm hoping to see. And she's almost here which is very fast. I guess she's really angry about it." Yukimura looked at Atobe's expression. He seems worried but the continuous glance to Ryoma tells that the worry is directed towards the boy rather than himself.

The rustling of the grass caused by the girl's footsteps came louder and soon it stopped right beside Atobe. A slight turn of his head revealed a girl with long wavy black hair which was put in a half updo. Her blue dress accentuated her similar-colored eyes and her porcelain-white skin.

"Good afternoon Yukimura-san, Keigo-sama and..." Nami looked at the unfamiliar boy, drawing out her words to question. Ryoma was about to introduce himself when the diva beat him to talking.

"What is so important as to warrant your disturbance of ore-sama's residence and your presence here on this peaceful afternoon?" Atobe asked despite having an idea of what it may be. The harsh wording made her flinch but she immediately regained her composure.

"Keigo-sama, I think there was some kind of a mistake. I was informed that I will not be performing on your birthday. How could that be? As your fiancé, I think it's only proper for me to have a part on your special day." The lady said with a smile but her words show that she'd rather have a different expression.

"Ore-sama have the right to choose who would perform on ore-sama's party, no?" The diva said, returning his attention to his tea.

Nami's smile slightly dropped, her teeth clenched together trying to calm her temper. This didn't go unnoticed to the ever observant Yukimura.

"But why so suddenly? I've practiced so much for that performance. I already told my peers about it, what do you think would they say when they don't see me on stage? It's not even changing the time but completely removing it off the roster!" Despite her earlier resolve to not lose her cool, here she is ranting and shouting at Atobe.

The self-proclaimed king wondered if he owes her that much explanation but decided against it.

"Ore-sama need not explain myself. And your actions and problems are none of ore-sama's business. But if you ever use your powers again to influence ore-sama's matters, may it be as small as putting your name in the roster, ore-sama shall take matters in ore-sama's own hands." Atobe said while finally looking at the girl fully. Yukimura didn't know that such a thing happened, his image of her is definitely crumbling. Ryoma was just as shocked at that revelation.

Nami's eyes widened and the smile completely disappeared off her face, how could he had found out? She was sure it would go unnoticed since her plan was to make it seem like an agreement between their parents.

"Your frown tells that you are unable to understand how ore-sama knew. It's because ore-sama is ore-sama." This made the other two boys almost choke on their teas. It's been a while since they heard that stupid reasoning. If Atobe noticed, he didn't comment on it.

"Ore-sama allows no one else to plan ore-sama's birthday celebration." The diva finished. Nami's hands are clenched into a fist and her expression is that of a child caught red-handed.

"T-then just tell me who this Echizen Ryoma is and how talented he is to replace me." She at least wanted to know if it's someone deserving of such a spotlight. If not, she'd still fight for the position no matter how embarrassing it may be. She is still the fiancé.

Yukimura and Atobe saw how Ryoma suddenly froze in place and could only guess what's running in his mind. He is a very considerate person and one of the things he dislike is not helping when he knows he could do something to help.

The diva's patience is running thin and he knows it's bound to break anytime soon if this girl doesn't leave immediately.

"How many times does ore-sama have to tell you that you do not deserve to ask ques-" Nami stepped back at the raised voice of Atobe but her attention was immediately diverted to the boy who cut him off.

"Kei, I don't have to perform on your birthday. It is nerve-wracking to have such a big audience." Ryoma said as he directed a smile towards the direction where Atobe is.

"You're Echizen Ryoma?" She asked in disbelief. How could this small and fragile looking boy take her place? Said boy nodded in agreement.

"Tell me your accomplishments. I will not accept someone below my caliber to replace me." Nami said as she walked towards the core of her anger. This immediately put the two older boys on guard.

Ryoma fidgeted in his seat, neither used to nor comfortable with the current scenario.

"Well, I-I don't really have such." He said with a small voice, suddenly embarrassed that he has no credentials.

"None? So why are you performing on Keigo-sama's birthday? Who do you think you are?!" Even before she replied, Yukimura already stood up from his seat. When she started getting agitated, he immediately came in between the two.

"Yamada-san," the venom in his voice made her raise her hands in front of her chest, as a form of defense, along withher eyes to his.

"Ryoma may have none of that but his talent surpasses yours any day. I should know because I've heard you perform and it's so dull and mediocre, it bored me to death." The soulless eyes of Yukimura promised nothing good. She was so taken aback by his words.

"How dare you?!" Her anger is now fully displayed for the world to see. Despite that, she still saw how unsure fingers reached for the cup of tea on the table. She tried to push the blue-haired boy to the side to look at the smaller boy's eyes. Her brows furrowed when they revealed just as unfocused eyes.

"Are you blind? Is that how you convinced Keigo-sama to make you perform? You dirt-" Before she could even finish her insult, she felt a pull on her right shoulder and was faced with a very pissed off Atobe.

"One more word of insult to Ryo from that filthy mouth and ore-sama will make sure that your company will never be heard of again. Ore-sama suggest that you take your leave."

"Keigo-sama no baka." Tears started to fall as she bolted away from the group.

"You made a girl cry, Atobe. What a bad child." Yukimura said as he returned to his seat.

"From how you acted? That's the pot calling the kettle black, no?" Atobe retorted. He's not about to take all the blame.

"That's true. But let's not forget about something important. Ore-sama?" Yukimura's smile widened when he heard the clattering of the cup and the saucer. The guilty expression on Atobe's face amused him so much he decided to forgive him this once.

"We'll let it slide this time. It would have been a bigger hassle if she thought that you don't use your ore-sama talk in her presence." Yukimura said, completely understanding why the diva decided to do that. A silent thank you soon followed.

"She's crying? Kei, I-" Ryoma started, guilt and worryplaying on his face. The fact that he replaced her and she cried made his heart clench.

"Don't worry about it. Like I said, I never planned on making her perform. She played her dirty tricks to have her way and I'd be a fool to allow that. What Yukimura said about her skills are true too, I'd be embarrassed to have her perform on my birthday. And besides, I really want to share the piece you recently perfected to my guests." Atobe's voice is void of arrogance as he tried to console the very kind boy.

When Ryoma showed no intent on continuing the conversation, the diva went ahead and grabbed his snack.

"Sei, did Kei just eat pudding?" A playful smile showed itself on Ryoma's face.

The sounds of coughing was Atobe's unsophisticated reply.

"I believe he just did." Yukimura said and the two began another laughing fiasco.

October 4

Atobe Residence

The Atobe Manor is nothing but busy since the first peek of the sunrise. Chefs from different parts of the world occupied their state of the art kitchen. Maids can be seen cleaning in every part of the place. Once outside, the sound of lawnmowers could be heard. The trees and plants are also being attended to, getting the perfect trims.

Two stages are being set up in the garden. The first one is placed right in front of the mansion and is big enough to occupy an orchestra (which, knowing the young master, he's bound to have). The second one is much smaller and round in shape. It is located in the middle of the dozens of tables already arranged. A piano is placed near it, awaiting to be moved.

Among these preparations, a set of maids is running around the estate trying to find the birthday boy in time for lunch. Soon, they'll realize that their efforts are for naught.

Yukimura Residence

If one were to step in the Yukimura manor right now, they'd be immediately graced with the sound of violin. In the receiving area of the mansion lies its sources surrounded by starstruck maids and butlers. He stood in the center and is facing two figures sitting on the sofa. One was swaying to the music while the other has a book on hand.

The clapping of the youngest boy indicated the end of the piece, successfully bringing the maids and butlers back to their senses and respective chores. The violin was haphazardly thrown to the other sofa followed by the bow and, lastly, the boy himself.

"That sounded amazing! Right, Sei? What more when you're with the orchestra later? I can't wait." Ryoma complimented, his excitement shows in his every word.

"Thank you, Ryo. But damn is it a long piece." The diva said as he rolled his head around, stretching his neck muscles. Yukimura saw this and closed his book, not forgetting to put the bookmark.

"Then why did you choose that one?"

"I didn't. My father did."

"Oh? I thought 'ore-sama allows no one else to plan ore-sama's birthday celebration'?" The blue-haired boy reiterated Atobe's words in Atobe's voice which made the latter scowl and cross his hands over his chest.

"First of all, I don't sound like that. Second, it couldn't be helped. When father learned that I planned on inviting the Cytgord Orchestra, he was so delighted he immediately contacted them. Since he was the one who was able to get their approval, he requested for that piece." Atobe was obviously displeased at his father's move. He knew that he is also capable of persuading them to play on his birthday, granted not as easily as his father did but still a 'yes' as the answer. But his father just had to be one step ahead.

"I think it's just your father's way of saying that he trust your abilities." Ryoma said with a smile. The diva really wants to believe that but he also knows that his father often throws him challenges to test him.

"But what I do not understand is why you are practicing here instead of your own music room." Yukimura stated as he stood up and walked towards a shelf, putting back the book he was reading a while ago.

If Yukimura wasn't looking at Atobe from the start, he wouldn't have noticed how his back stiffened at the question.

"They're too busy at home. It's difficult to concentrate with that much noise."

"I see. Then there must be a huge chaos at your home?" He vaguely asked. The diva raised a brow.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you said there was so much noise. I only wondered what kind of situation your household is in for you to hear it from your two-way soundproof music room." Yukimura looked straight into Atobe's eyes, daring him to say another lie. The latter unconsciously gulped and looked away in defeat, sighing. He should really think his lies through if he's going to use it to this guy.

"Fine. My parents invited the Yamadas over for lunch behind my back." The birthday boy said with a frown. Ryoma suddenly looked uncomfortable, remembering when Nami was shouting at him.

"And I'm also checking on Ryo. Jealous girls tend to be scary, or so they say. I don't know when she'll try and hurt him." Looking at Ryoma, he's content to see that he's fine.

"Rather than jealous, I'd say angry. But either way, she wouldn't have been so if not for you. I guess you caused your own worry?" Yukimura seems to be on a roll these days, shooting him down immediately. He has always been very protective of Ryoma so it is quite understandable that he treats Atobe this way for making Ryoma the target of his not fiancé.

"You don't have to worry about me, Kei. Nothing's happened and I also have Sei with me." The youngest tried to reassure the diva.

"But do you think they have no way of knowing where you are?" Asked Yukimura. Knowing Atobe's parents, they're bound to have ways of finding out the whereabouts of their sole heir.

"I didn't bring anything with me besides my violin. It would take time before they know where I am and the lunch would be long done by then." The diva said smugly, thinking how ingenious his plan is.

"You really don't like eating with them?" Ryoma asked, quite concerned about the lengths Atobe has gone through for his escape plan.

"It's not really about that. I know it'll just be pleasantries and them trying to get my parents' favor. I don't want to partake in something that will not benefit me." Atobe went towards the piano and lifted the cover.

"Ryo, want to practice your piece?"

When Ryoma replied in affirmative, Atobe helped him to the chair of the piano.

"I'd like to commend you for thinking so far ahead but-" Yukimura started, gaining both of their attention.

"-don't you think that the first place they'd try to find you is here?" Atobe's eyes widened in realization but before he could even move an inch, the sound he dreaded suddenly filled his ears.

"YOUNG MASTER!" There, running towards Atobe, is his personal butler. Upon stopping right in front of the diva, he immediately went down on his knees and bowed, his head touching the floor.

"Young master, please come back with me to the mansion! Master has ordered the dismissal of all of your servants if you don't turn up for the lunch with the Yamadas." Desperation very clear in his voice.

Atobe 'tsk'-ed in annoyance. It seems it is too early for him to go against his father.

"Goodluck, Kei. I'll practice hard." From the newly arrived person's explanation, Ryoma is sure that Atobe will have no choice but to go.

"Don't forget your violin." Yukimura received a glare in response.

Atobe Residence

The air in the dining room is nothing short of suffocating for the young master. The fact that he was seated beside the girl who lashed out at Ryoma made this whole scenario even more intolerable. At least she had the modesty to not strike a conversation with him, because he swears he'd be reprimanded by his father for how cold he would be towards her.

The head of the Atobe household is seated to one end of the table. On his right is his mistress who is seated next to the birthday boy. On his left is Nami's father, Satori, who is followed by her mother, Akira, and lastly her older brother, Yuuri. The only ones really having a conversation are the fathers while the wives occasionally join in when needed. They also engaged in small talks trying to include the children in it, much to Keigo's annoyance. Then, as if it wasn't enough, the incident was suddenly brought up.

"But we really want to apologize for our daughter's behavior last time she was here. When we heard about what happened, we wanted to contact you immediately but our schedules have not been kind." Satori was the one who opened the topic. Truthfully, the young master had not discussed this with his parents at all, so what they know about it is probably the ones circulating among the servants. And that is Keigo being a jerk by removing her fiancé off the list of those performing on his special day.

"We feel the same. It was immature of our son to suddenly decide that on his own." His mother looked at him as if expecting him to apologize. When Keigo made no indication to talk, Akira decided to interfere only to cause the Atobe couple to look at their only son.

"It's okay, the two must have had a misunderstanding. Every startling couple has their own problems they go through." The giggle which followed after showed how Akira found them adorable.

"Couple? Keigo." Said boy looked up to meet his father's questioning yet stern gaze. The young master has had enough. How much lie escaped this girl's mouth? All be damned, he'd rather be reprimanded for what he's about to do than see this lunch through.

"It seems that none of you has heard of what really happened, I'll leave that to Nami-san." Keigo started, looking straight to the young lady's scared eyes.

"If you are angry at me after her explanation, then it is more likely than not that she spoke of lies, like she's been doing these past few years. The only thing I'd like to clear up right now is that the relationship she proudly shares to everyone is merely one-sided. She is not and will never be my fiancé. If you'll excuse me." He placed the napkin on the table and stood up, bowed to his parents and left the room.

The last thing he heard was Satori's loud voice asking Nami to tell them what happened.

He allowed a smirk to appear on his lips.

Guests started arriving as early as five o'clock. Each one came dressed to impress for they know that only the most influential are invited. The set up was relatively simple but the use of black and gold made all the difference. It screamed elegance and sophistication, just like how the young master like it.

At seven o'clock, the performances started and various popular artists graced the stage. By then, Atobe also started mingling with his guests, welcoming them on autopilot. When he spotted the arrival of Yukimura's family, he excused himself from a much older girl who was obviously trying, and failing, to use her 'womanly charm' on him.

"Happy birthday Keigo." Yukimura's mother greeted the diva, gesturing her son to give their gifts to him. Ever since the addition of Ryoma to the Yukimura household, Ryoma took it upon himself to prepare his own gifts to them. It's more for showing his earnest feelings to those people he cares about.

"Thank you. How have you been?" Was Atobe's courteous reply as he received their gifts and handed it to his butler. They continued their conversation as he led them to their table.

Seichii joined Atobe when he excused himself to go inside the manor.

"Is she here?" The blue-haired boy inquired.

"I haven't seen her. I heard they left right after lunch." He replied, grabbing himself a non-alcoholic champagne. This caused his companion to look at him questioningly.

"You heard? You weren't there?"

Atobe then proceeded on telling him what happened and, by the end of it, Yukimura was pleasantly surprised.

"I never knew you had it in you." He joked. How he would have liked it to be present on that lunch meeting. It's not everyday you see Atobe standing up for himself in front of his parents, his father.

"Don't joke about that. Now that I've thought about it, I might have put Ryo in a more difficult position." The diva sighed, he should have really thought about it more before he decided to run his mouth.

Atobe gave his long empty glass to a waiter.

"Let's go, it's almost the start of Ryo's performance."

The host just finished thanking H2O, a singing duo who has been in the industry for years. When the clapping settled down, he was about to introduce the next performer when a waiter went to him and gave him a similar looking cue card.

Atobe saw this and his brows immediately scrunched together. He blocked the waiter's way the moment he stepped off the stage.

"What did you give him?" The waiter was filled with panic, not knowing what he did wrong to be in this situation.

"K-Keigo-sama. Someone told me that the cue card contains the changes you made in one of the performances." Along with the widening of his eyes is his head whipping back to the host.

"Our next performer is very special for our celebrant-" Atobe knew that that is nowhere near the script he made. It's too late to warn the host now. So he went up the stage, effectively stopping the host from continuing his words. He raised his right hand and snapped his fingers. In an instant, all the lights turned off then all the spotlights pointed at the diva. A microphone suddenly appeared on Atobe's hand.

"Good evening, everyone. Ore-sama hopes that you are all having a great time. Before we come to the finale that ore-sama prepared, there is one more performer that ore-sama wishes to grace you with. This person is very special to ore-sama." Atobe deliberately used the words of his hidden enemy. Said enemy is currently gritting her teeth in anger.

"He taught ore-sama that we are not defined by our experiences. We are what we make ourselves to be." The diva left the stage, the spotlight following him. He went to the Yukimura's table and grabbed Ryoma's hand, pulling him up to stand.

"Echizen Ryoma." He introduced as he brought Ryoma to the middle stage, hand in hand. When the boy was comfortably seated in front of the piano, Atobe let go of him only to feel the boy's hand again in his. He was faced with an angelic smile. "Thank you, Kei." And that was the first time the diva felt his heart skip a different beat. Atobe gave his hand a final squeeze and let go.

"Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata."

The guests are stunned shut at the beautiful interpretation of this boy of a Beethoven piece. It is no small feat to impress these people who are very much exposed to such music. A thunderous applause filled the garden the moment the last note faded.

A butler went up to Ryoma and was ready to bring him back to the Yukimura's table, upon the instructions of Atobe, when a black haired girl intercepted and mouthed the words 'let me do it' to said butler. Thinking nothing of it, he allowed the girl to lead the green-haired boy back not noticing their change of course.

Five minutes into Atobe's performance, Yukimura noticed that Ryoma is still not back. He immediately felt that something is wrong. He looked around and spotted the table where the Yamadas are. One. Two. Three. Three? Only three people? The moment he realized that Nami is not present in their table, he bolted into action. 'Please be safe, Ryoma.'

Three minutes ago, he noticed and questioned why they were moving away from the party grounds but received no reply. The butler said that Atobe sent him but if his senses are right, this was not the same person who fetched him on the stage. He's worried but not too much since he could still hear Atobe's violin, albeit too softly for his liking.

"Who are you? You're not the butler from a while ago." He spoke after they stopped moving.

"So you noticed. Being blind does have its perks." Ryoma frowned.

"Nami-san? Where are we? What do you want from me?" He wondered if this is what Atobe was worried about.

"You even have good ears? Don't worry, I just want to talk." Ryoma highly doubts that but didn't say anything.

"Not talking? You think you're so special just because Keigo-sama favors you?" The last thing he needs is another one of her episodes.

"I do not think that." But it seems like whatever he does, she'd find ways to get angry over it.

"Oh come on. You used your disability to gain their pity. But that is the only thing you got, pity. You think those people thought you played good?" A laugh immediately followed. "They noticed how Keigo-sama led you to the stage, they noticed that you're blind. What were they supposed to do? Of course they had to clap to be considerate of you."

"T-that's not true Kei and Sei told me-" Another laughter cut him off. A frozen cold hand touched Ryoma's face.

"What? Did they say that your talent is amazing? That your music touches people? Do you think that they're the type to be mean to someone with a disability? Stop misinterpreting their consideration of you as admiration. They'd never see you as up to par with them. You are nothing." She ended with a whisper to his ear.

"Ryoma! Ryoma! Where are you?!" The sound of Yukimura's voice reached Nami. From the way the boy remained still, she doubts that he heard him. She neared her lips to his ear once more.

"If you really care about Keigo-sama and Yukimura-san, you wouldn't tell them anything that would make them want to create a scene which could cause them their image." She made her way back to the garden, nodding her head towards Yukimura when he passed by her, an undecipherable smile on her lips. Yukimura frowned at that and quickened his steps.

He saw Ryoma standing under a tree, head bowed down.

"Ryoma! Are you okay? What happened?" Yukimura inspected Ryoma for injuries, sighing in relief when he found none.

"I-I'm fine. I just wanted to have some alone time and wandered." The older boy easily notice the forced smile.

"I passed by Nami-san while going here. Does she have anything to do with you being here?" Yukimura knows that that is the case but he wonders why Ryoma is not saying anything.

"Funny, Sei. Why would I go with her if I wanted to be alone? Let's just go back." A forced laugh appeared and Yukimura immediately knew that Ryoma would not say anything. 'What is he hiding?' He thought as he lead Ryoma back to the garden, knowing full well that he couldn't have just wandered to that secluded place. 'I'd have to talk with Atobe regarding this.'

And that is the end of the flashback. How will the trio deal with this revelation of Ryoma? If you have any suggestions, please share it with me. If none, please await the next chapter :)

I hope you enjoyed this quite lengthy one. (This is the longest chapter I've made woah!)

If you did enjoy reading this, do favorite, follow, and leave me a comment :)

Ja ne!