The Bus Ride & an old lady's advice

Epilogue (two years in the future)

Ryoma and Sakuno were riding on the bus to the restaurant for their date. They'd been dating a year, the other year had been them trying to get gain the courage to confess their feelings to each other and trying to get away from their prying senpais, and their friends. Ryoma and Sakuno had confessed on February 2nd and it was their anniversary. Sakuno held onto Ryoma's hand as they ride the cool bus. It was sweltering outside. At the next stop the bus slowed, letting on a small group of ladies. Sakuno felt Ryoma stiffen, looking at him, and then following his gaze she noticed the group of ladies was in their late fifties and sixties. Ryoma nudged Sakuno and she looked at him.

"Can you let me out for a second?" Sakuno nodded confused. She stood up and let Ryoma out. Ryoma walked over to the ladies and tapped one of them on the shoulder. When she turned she smiled at him. "Hi, you might not remember me, but I'd like to thank you for the advice. You were right she's a perfect match for me. Arigato." Ryoma bowed, and then straightened. The lady was smiling.

"Is she here now?" Ryoma nodded.

"Sakuno, can you come here for a second?" Sakuno got up, the older lady couldn't see her, and it was likewise for Sakuno. When Sakuno came around Ryoma the lady came into view.

"Hello, obaa-chan." Sakuno said.

"Hello young lady. Sakuno was it?" Sakuno nodded. "You seem to have a pretty good man by your side." Sakuno blushed. She looked at Ryoma, whose face was once again poker like.

"Yes, I think so too. I'm sorry but how do you know each other?"

"I met your young man, and yourself a few years ago, we were on a bus like this in Jinjuku Region. You were sleeping on his lap. And I thought you were cute, so I gave him some advice."

"What advice?"

"That I should grab you and realize your potential before someone else stole you from me." Ryoma said from behind her. Sakuno looked behind and up to see his face, he was looking at her. The pokerfaced was gone and in its place was the loving look she'd come to dearly cherish. The first time she'd seen that look was right be his tennis match 2 years ago.

'After we rode on a bus.' Sakuno placed her hand on her mouth. 'And it was all thanks to this ladies magic.' Sakuno looked at the old lady and bowed to her. "Thank you so very much." Sakuno looked at Ryoma. "But I don't remember falling asleep on your lap; I thought it was just your shoulder."

"You were breathing on my neck, and I couldn't stand it, so I moved you. You're a very sound sleeper, by the way." Sakuno blushed again.

"You're right."

"Next call for Ameyami station!" Said the bus driver.

"That's our stop." Ryoma said he placed his hand on Sakuno's back, keeping her balanced as the bus slowed. Sakuno nodded and looked back at the older ladies. Bowing they turned to go, but Sakuno stopped and turned back to the old lady.

"What's your name?" Harusaki Daiya. (Last, then first)

"Thank you again, Daiya-san. I hope to see you again."

"Don't worry you will. After all I have to be at your wedding, Ryoma Echizen and Sakuno Ryuusaki." Sakuno blushed, Ryoma hadn't heard but he saw Sakuno blushing. He pulled slightly on her arm. Daiya gave Sakuno her card and then Sakuno followed Ryoma off the bus.

"Like I said I'm never wrong." Daiya looked smug.

…..

"Sakuno, I have something for you." Ryoma stopped her before she entered the restaurant.

"Hmm, what is it?" Ryoma gave her a small plastic egg shaped box. Sakuno opened it and tears gathered.

"It's not an engagement ring or anything; it's just an American thing. It's a promise ring, which means we're not getting married now, but I'd like to in the future." Sakuno opened her mouth to talk, but Ryoma continued. "I know we're still young, but I don't want you being with anyone but me." A small pause, Sakuno looked down at her feet. "Well, are you going to accept it or not?" Sakuno brought her head up and tears dropped from her eyes.

"Ryoma just be quiet for a minute." She smiled as tears continued falling. When she cleared her voice she looked again at Ryoma. She put her ring on, and then jumped into Ryoma's arms. Kissing his face and neck and saying 'yeah' the whole time. Ryoma started laughing, and held her real tight.

"Love you, Sakuno."

"Love you, Ryoma." Sakuno pulled Ryoma into another kiss. She was so happy; she couldn't really do anything else.

They had a really good dinner, and the date turned out even better. It's take another six years before they married, but when they did everyone was there. The whole group of tennis players their friends. Everyone.

Yes, even Daiya was there.

"Of course."

……………………………………………………………Thanks for Reading………………………………………………………………………

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BlackDove of Blessings