The Prince and the Pauper
moontonic18
Ryoma x Sakuno
Disclaimer: I do not own prince of tennis
** Chapter 8. Now and Then **
Why? Why can't I ever be good when it comes to playing tennis? I sighed as I kept asking myself the same question over and over again. I decided to take a break from practice.
I scanned the tennis court, feeling nostalgic. How could I ever forget this place? This place which gave me an unnerving feeling… this tennis court… and the night he said goodbye. Why do I get the feeling that he'll leave us again? I glued my stare across the clear blue sky "Please, if you'll leave again… don't make it very painful…" I whispered, thinking he'd hear my plea.
"What's painful?" an oh-so familiarly cold and monotonous voice which came out of nowhere left my eyes hanging wide-open; if it's possible, my eyeballs could fall off the ground right now. The clouds started to form swirls… actually, the clouds seemed too 'swirly' that it's impossible for this to happen. My mind's playing tricks on me again.
"Hey…" Ryoma continued. My heart began throbbing, as if I could die of heart attack. I don't want to look at him, I don't even want to smell him or acknowledge his presence because I know I'd act totally weird again. What if he heard what I said? Or worse… what if he knows it's him I was referring to?!
My body became stiff and I could feel my knees trembling. Okay, here goes nothing!! I suddenly tried to inhale a large amount of air so that I could hold my breath "Ei… wasup?" was all that I managed to say without even looking at him. I kept staring at the sky.
"What's wrong?" his tone was obviously puzzled. The wind blew hard. DARN IT!! I practically squealed inside my head; even though I'm holding my breath… it's still no use!!
After a few seconds, I ran out of air, so I had no choice but to exhale. I slowly tilted my head to the right, yup… he really is there… standing beside me; looking calm yet puzzled. He was wearing a simple army green shirt and black shorts. He really does look good in everything he wears.
"H- hi!" I managed to greet him. My voice didn't come out right; it was too pitchy. GRRR!!
I studied his face for a moment, his enchanting eyes and… "WAIT!!!" I shouted at him. As soon as I realized I acted like a total idiot out there, I turned away from him "I'm sorry…" I managed to remain composed. This can't be happening!
My right shoulder suddenly felt warm as he gently placed his right hand on top of my right shoulder "It's okay, you're tired aren't you?" somehow, his tone changed a little, it was still monotonous but it had that caring thing attached to it. I hope I'm not hallucinating.
"Yes I am…" I turned to face him "Thank You!" I smiled at him, after all, that's all I could do for him as of the moment. He may look like he's a cold guy but in reality, when there's a friend in need, he always tries his best to comfort them (even though he's not good at expressing feelings). My love for him continues to grow every single second, minute, hour and day.
I wanted to stop time; I wanted this perfect moment to last forever, but I know it isn't happening so I shrugged my 'unrequited' moment. It's quite pointless of me to think this way.
"So, what brings you here?" I started. His usual expression was back as he held his tennis racquet higher. When I saw his racquet and the tennis court, I wanted to scold myself. DUH, Sakuno… nice question! Of course this is a tennis court!
"Actually…" Ryoma continued "I'm not really here to play tennis…" he then walked away from me and sat on a bench nearby. I instantly followed him; it's as if he commanded me to do so.
I sat beside him as he opened a bottle of water. I stared at him, thinking that there's something bothering him "Is everything okay?" I asked, testing my hypothesis.
He sealed his bottle of water and placed it in between us. He looked at me for a second, and then turned his attention to his racquet and held on to it for a while. I know he isn't good at explaining things; this must be tough for him. I felt like a total pain in the butt so I opted to say something I think he'd love to hear "If- if you're not comfortable talking about it, that's okay with me…" I tried to give him my best smile "If you want… I could also leave"
I don't know why but my hands suddenly found its way to his bottle of water. Somehow, I handed it to him; maybe at the back of my mind, I was thinking it would make him feel better "Here…" I took his hand and placed the bottle of water on his palm "whatever makes you feel comfortable, I'm fine with it…" I sighed as I stood up "I just want you to know that I'm always here if you need someone. You can count me as a trusted friend…" This is it, a wasted chance. Nice move Sakuno!! As I usually do, I kept mentally slapping myself.
"Don't go yet…" his monotonous voice echoed through my heart; it's like a medicine for a heart ache. I know it's corny but that's how I'd describe it.
"You said you're a trusted friend, right?" he grabbed hold of my right wrist. He's acting quite strange; it kind of bugs me yet for some strange reasons, it felt as if we're forming a meaningful friendship.
I got back to my seat, my heart started throbbing again "Th- thank you…" I managed to answer as I gently pulled my wrist away from him. I tried to study his expression but I couldn't see it because of his cap. I sighed as I realized that despite his cool and monotonous demeanor, Ryoma's still a kid… a twelve-year old just like me. What kind of nonsense was I thinking? We're still a child. Heck, we aren't even teenagers yet, and here I was… thinking too much about my admiration for him.
There was an utter moment of silence for an estimated time of five minutes. I didn't know what to do or what to say. Yes, admittedly, I was being useless. I don't know what's going on inside his mind. This time, my heart started to beat normally because this moment didn't feel very awkward. Sure, I'm being useless but I could feel that I'm doing him a favor through staying by his side and shutting my mouth. I guess I'm giving him time to reflect on whatever he needs to reflect on.
The wind suddenly blew hard. I looked up to see a slightly colorless sky; only five minutes have passed but we missed a lot on the weather. His perfect hair being blown by the wind and deep expression captivated me "Do you think I'd become a successful tennis player?" he asked, if I'm not mistaken, calmly.
"Of course you will be!" I answered without hesitation. He then took his cap off and faced me "even as an international tennis player?" I couldn't explain the expression written all over his face. He may be having mixed emotions.
I closed my eyes, taking in the comfortable wind. I think I know where this conversation is going so I prepared myself "I think you know my answer…" I slowly opened my eyes and forced a smile on my face "You'll have to travel again. Did I guess it correctly?"
He nodded "But…" he stood up "this means that I'll have to leave my friends behind again…" it felt like he wanted to say a lot of things.
"That doesn't mean you'll leave us behind…" True, I was saddened but this is his dream; I know he wanted it so badly, so I'll just support him and try to be happy for him "We… all of us…" I took his racquet and stood up in front of him "We'll support and wait for you; that's a promise. Okay?" I handed him the racquet "You can achieve a lot. Don't let us get in the way of that. You know we'll always be here." I half laughed "Just make sure you'll come back or visit us if you have the time" I could feel my tears bottling up inside my body that wants to come out. No, I shouldn't be sad. I should be happy for him. I don't have the right to deprive him from his dreams.
"I will… promise" he took the racquet and flashed me a very alluring smile. I wanted to hug him and tell him how much I admire him but I mustn't. I've never seen him smile like this before. I saw him smile during his tennis matches but those were taunting ones. This is a lot different, it was calm and friendly. Even though he isn't saying a lot, his smile says it all. His glinting eyes were smiling too, his eyebrows were relaxed; his face brightened up.
"When will you leave?" I kept the smile plastered on my face.
"Tomorrow Midnight…" he answered while walking away from me; he made his way through the pavement "Let's get you home. It's almost sundown" his usual monotonous voice was back again. Woah! That was fast! I guess that's what he and his father decided on so I'll respect that.
"All of us will go there…" I caught up with him "The others know about this too, right?" I ecstatically delivered the question.
He nodded as a form of assurance "and… thanks"
I don't care if he has to go again. All I know is I'm happy for him. He promised he's going to come back. I'll wait for that wonderful day to come.
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`Airport`
"Ochibi!!!!!" Senpai Eiji gave Ryoma a bear hug "We'll miss you! Take care, okay? And be sure to visit e-mail us or write on our wall in facebook, comment us on friendster... oh, don't forget multiply and myspace!" he wrapped his arms around Ryoma like a little kid bidding farewell to his daddy. It kind of looked cute.
"Senpai… I can't breathe" Ryoma choked out as we laughed hard. Everyone was there- Grandma, Tomoka and I, Keisuke, Mitsuki and Seigaku regulars
"Hahahahaha! Eiji, let him go" Senpai Oishi suggested. Senpai Eiji released Ryoma after a few seconds.
Ryoma ran his fingers through his hair to fix it "Senpai, I'm not going to die you know?" he mumbled while looking at all of us.
"Take good care of yourself there…" Senpai Fuji and Senpai Kawamura said in unison.
"Hey Ryoma. Don't you forget to contact us!!!" Senpai Momo messed up his hair again while Senpai Kaido hissed "You're too loud!"
"What did you say??!!" Senpai Momo shot back.
"Psshh! Annoying!" he then turned his attention to Ryoma "Good luck kid…"
Grandma laughed "Don't worry about Kaido and Momo. We'll put a leash on them. Hahahahaha!!" Grandma opened her bag "Here it is…" she showed us two dog leashes "If these two fights again like crazy monkeys, I'll definitely put this on them"
"Hmf!!" Senpai Kaido and Momo crossed their arms as a response "We're neither dogs nor monkeys, coach…" Senpai Momo added.
Senpai Inui suddenly handed Ryoma a big bottle of juice "You'll need this…" he arranged his glasses. The color out of Ryoma's face was sucked out when he set eyes on the bottle of juice "o-okay…" he faintly responded.
"Ryoma!!!" Tomoka squealed in excitement "we'll cheer for you so don't worry about us; Just do your best!"
Mitsuki smiled at him "same here" she gently waved good bye at Ryoma. He nodded at her in response. He then looked at Captain Tezuka "Captain, make sure you'll take care of your arm…" he grinned "I think I want another match when I get back…"
"I'll be waiting for that day…" as usual, Captain Tezuka was calm and encouraging. He stood beside Mitsuki onee-chan… they really look good together.
"Well… you should get going now…" Grandma reminded Ryoma. She looked at him with full determination; her face was glowing "make us proud, Ryoma Echizen"
"Come back for us. You promised, right?" I gathered up all my courage to properly say goodbye to him. I hate saying goodbye to him… I really do. I'll miss his monotonous yet prince-like voice, I'll miss his deep dark hazel eyes which complimented his black-green hair and his thin cherry blossom-colored lips, but what I'll really miss the most is his cool and comforting demeanor.
"It's a promise…" he slowly approached me. I could imagine him wearing a prince outfit; what a dream!
"I'll take care of them for you, so don't worry…" Keisuke brought me back to the real world. Keisuke stood beside me. When I looked at him, I immediately noticed his smile… his 'playfully teasing' smile to be exact.
Ryoma played along and flashed Keisuke his taunting smile "If you say so…" looking at Keisuke and Ryoma made me feel like I'm in another planet or a fairy tale book. They looked almost perfect.
"Secret's safe with me…" Keisuke whispered to himself… I guess Ryoma heard it because I saw him raise both eyebrows. I was standing close to them so I heard what they were saying. The others weren't paying attention so whatever it was, only the three of us heard it.
As usual, Senpai Fuji, Captain Tezuka, Senpai Oishi and Grandma were having a 'normal' talk while the rest were having a 'not-so-normal' talk. Hahaha. They started acting little rascals again while Senpai Kawamura timidly watched them.
I guess I can say it was an ideal farewell; everyone was here, and most of all, it wasn't painful for me anymore. He gave us his word and I believe that. I have faith in my Prince. I know our story wouldn't go anywhere… I accepted the fact that I'll forever be the pauper who admires him. Even though that's the case, I'm fine with because at least I can say that we're good friends, and that's what's more important.
"I guess I'll go then…" Ryoma called everyone's attention. He held his left arm up high and pointed at the passenger's waiting area using his thumb. That's our cue; our one last farewell. Who knows… maybe it'd take years for him to come back, but I know that day would come.
As he walked past us, everyone didn't seem sad or upset. Instead, all of us wore a smile on our faces. It wasn't sad. We believe it would be good for him.
As he was about to go, I noticed a little key chain got detached from his bag "STOP!!" I shouted at him. I tried to pick up the key chain lying on the floor as swiftly as I can and ran after him. My 'scream' moment caught everyone's attention; I could feel all eyes were settled on me.
"You dropped this…" the key chain was a very very small tennis racquet which looked exactly like his tennis racquet. It had an 'R' written on its cord. "Here…" I opened my right palm for him to take it.
Immediately, after I presented the key chain to him, he didn't hesitate to answer, "You can keep it…" he looked me straight in the eyes.
"Eh?" I blinked my eyes twice. It was bewildering.
"My trusted friend can keep it" he confidently delivered the sentence. I wanted to cry with joy "I'll go now…" he waved at us.
"Thank you. I'll take good care of it" my body felt warm and relaxed. I kept on day- dreaming about being by his side but this isn't part of my weird hallucinations… this is a lot better. A million times better "See you soon" I whispered as I watched his silhouette fade into an open space.
I'll definitely wait for my Prince.
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~ 4 years later ~
"Yes Grandma. Ok, I got it… I'll take care of everything here. You don't need to worry about a thing. Don't forget to mind your health and drink your medicine" I placed the receiver back on its base after my long phone conversation with Grandma.
I closed my eyes, trying to reflect on the stressful things that occurred this strenuous day. Being alone is quite relaxing but it lacks life. The house felt empty without my Grandma. She had to attend a quick business meeting in Hong Kong. Two years ago, she was fortunate enough to buy, at least, a small amount of share. She decided to do so because she isn't getting any younger. She still coaches the Seigaku tennis club; she told me that she wants to be attached to tennis until the day she passes away. I do hope that day will be a hundred years from now. I really love my Grandma. She's my 'everything.'
"At least she'll be back in 2 days…" I tried to comfort myself. I threw my body on my new Queen sized bed; Grandma said my old bed was about to 'die' so she bought me a new one.
I closed my eyes as I inhaled as much air as I could. I had a mountain of home work and projects to do but I'm in no condition to do that. High school is indeed strenuous. Time sure flies by so fast, but I could remember everything that happened to me when I was in junior high like it was yesterday. I opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling. Now, I'm in 11th grade… 16 huh? I sure don't feel like one. I still feel like I'm a 12 year-old kid who's stuck in the past.
"When will you come back?" it's been four years. Ryoma's been doing well; he's all over sports magazines and news papers. He was even offered endorsements but I heard he refused every single one of them. Maybe his schedule's too hectic, but, I still believe he'll keep his promise.
He contacts all of us whenever he's free through the use of group e-mails. He isn't much of an expressive person; it's pretty obvious through reading his e-mails. Not even once did I dare ask him when he's going to come back home; that might just distracted him and stuffs like that.
The mirror attached to my study table caught my attention. I still look the same Sakuno back from 4 years ago; the only noticeable change is my hair. They were right; it really is hard to maintain a very long hair so I decided to give it a cut a year ago. The cut was still straight- it reached up to the lowest part of my underarm and my side-swept bangs are still here. I like it the way it is so I opted not to tie it.
I had a picture of Keisuke, Tomoka and I taped on the upper side of the mirror. This was taken 2 months ago at our favourite hang-out, the coffee shop near our school. Tomoka still looks bubbly, but it can't be denied that she had grown into a very beautiful woman. As for Keisuke, he's gotten even more 'attractive'— if that's how you put it. And finally, me… ehhhh… I don't know. hahahaha. This picture never ceases to make me smile.
We're still close to each other, but, of course, being a guy, Keisuke still has his own set of acquaintances. Even though he has one, we still know that no matter what they say, the three of us are the best of friends. They couldn't deny that fact.
"Friends huh?" I whispered to myself "trusted friend…" I sighed then opened my drawer to get a mini treasure box. I gently opened it to see the key chain Ryoma gave me; the sign of our friendship and his promise to us.
I knew it from the start; this is our story... it will never be about love. Maybe he'll never like me more than just a friend. Nothing extraordinary happens; this is reality without the DRAMA. Perhaps this is just a story of an unrequited love that should soon be erased, but no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn' t... he'll forever be my prince and I'm just the delusional pauper who was lucky enough to become his friend.
True, our story is boring but this is how it goes, it's not like those stories wherein an accident, or some crucial events change our lives. This is reality... reality that bites!
I held the key chain high and aligned it to my eye level "I told you I'd take care of this, right?"
`Welcome to the Planet. Welcome to existence. Everyo-`
My phone started ringing; honestly… my momentum was cut short because of it. "Hello" I answered, putting to an end the ringing of my phone. I really liked that song, Dare You To Move by Switchfoot, so I made it my ring tone.
"Sakuno… I'm so sorry I won't be able to meet you and Tomoka tomorrow" Mitsuki onee-chan sounded disheartened "It's just that… well, college life has been busy lately. Ouch… hold on for a second please…" by just talking to her through the phone, I can imagine how busy she is "Anyway, I have a lot of projects to finish and my professor asked me to come tomorrow for our school's special event, I'm so sorry!!"
"It's okay. I completely understand you. I, myself, am having trouble finishing all my home works and projects. It's a very tough season for all of us" I reassured her.
"Okay then, we'll reschedule our appointment, and, this time, we'll make sure that school won't get in the way of it, See you soon!"
"Good bye and good luck onee-chan"
"You too. Take care Sakuno… oh, and please tell Tomoka about this. I can't reach through her phone. Thank you" that was her last request from our phone conversation. Mitsuki onee-chan, captain Tezuka, Senpai[s] Momo, Fuji, Oishi, Eiji, Kaido and Inui are all in college right now, and as for Senpai Kawamura, he is the one managing their family business. There are too many of them so I forgot the courses some of them are taking; that's how silly I still am.
The only ones I'm sure of are Captain Tezuka and Mitsuki onee-chan. Captain Tezuka's taking up medicine for he decided that he wants to become a doctor someday. As for Mitsuki onee-chan, she decided to take up psychology, as she repeatedly told me "I want a job which helps people by helping them get past their problems" she delivered those words with compassion. At first, her parents didn't really approve of it, they prefer that she'd take up a business course to manage their business; luckily, Keisuke decided to take over their business after graduating from college so everything was settled.
"No problem. Ja-ne!" out of my might, I tried to make my voice sound encouraging.
I heaved out a big sigh and stared at the key chain again "I'm still— I mean, WE are still waiting for your comeback, my prince"
`To Be Continued`
I'm really sorry it took so looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong for me to update!!! T-T i'm usually busy... if i'm not busy, i can't condition my mind to continue this, damn it!
anyway, sorry the flow od this chapter is too sudden, i just realized that i have to do something to make their story more 'applicable' of course I wouldn't want to end the story without them even growing up. I hope you liked it. Sorry if there are wrong grammars, spelling and other wrong stuffs... i kinda rushed so... huhu. just tell me what you think so that i can still edit some its content. ^_^ tnx!!!