The Devil Plays Tennis
Episode Two Summary- Sakuno is forced to miss Ryoma's game due to an emergency with Kawamura's family, Ryoma is getting doubts from Horio and Tomoka about his relationship with Sakuno, and Kintarou is just choosing to meddle with other people's buisness again.
TWO.
Gotta get'cha,
Get'cha head in the game.
- High School Musical
Ryoma dove into the lockeroom- a very strange sight for any new freshman to see. This was the boy horror stories about. Legends about fifty laps per practice and the dreadedpenaltea that haunted the school's vending machines were very well known even to the junior high children. So when the cold badass of Seigaku slammed the door with eyes nervously darting side to side, the freshman just knew something bad was going to happen.
Instantly, Ryoma caught eyes with the freshman and he roughly grabbed him by the collar. The boy girlishly screamed as Ryoma quickly said, "Hide me."
"W-what?" The freshman asked. Good Lord he was this close to soiling himself.
Ryoma tugged the freshman closer until their nose touched, "Hide me. Now."
But it was too late and soon, the windows shook, followed by the benches. Within seconds the sky was sucked of its color and instead bled to a red, red sky. The air seemed a bit wild now and by this time Ryoma had long let go of the freshman. Instead, he looked out the window, golden eyes slightly widening in horror.
The freshman scrambled to his locker. He opened it when suddenly cards flew out of the openings, filling the room like a hurricane. The cards sliced through the air, cutting the freshman's throat immediately.
Ryoma, trembling, picked up a card and flipped to the front side.
Joker.
And then the monster roared, opening the lockeroom with its' giant claws.
"KOSHIMAAAEEEEEE!!!"
XXXXXXX
Instantly Ryoma jumped out of his bed in cold sweat. He covered his chest with his hand, his heart beating so fast he was afraid of it breaking down. At least the Sun was whining softly now. The sight calmed Ryoma a bit. Karupin, who was flown off, poked its head from the foot of the bed. Ryoma sighed and ruflfled his cat's hair in an apologetic manner.
"Where's the fire?!" Nanjiroh yelled as he burst through the door, a tennis racket dutifully in his hand. His eyes rested on Ryoma with his bed hair, "Oh, just you."
Ryoma muttered incoherently and slugged off the bed, "Get out Oyaji."
"Now, now I was ready to risk my life to save you," Nanjiroh said as a matter of factly.
However Ryoma was still zoning out to his nightmare. The far off look didn't escape Nanjiroh and the ex tennis player slowly made his way across the room, absent mindedly fingering things along the way. He stopped at a orange frame. It stood out from the rest of Ryoma's normally blue and white items, with swirls of flowers at the corners and bright glitter in the plastic. From the photo was Sakuno blushing as Ryoma was scowling at a camera.
The candid shot from their first date.
"It's been a while since you had a nightmare," Nanjiroh said. Although he tried to look nonchalant his eyes reflect humor, "So what's got you so shaken up?"
Kintarou's loud face flashed through Ryoma's head.
Ryoma inwardly shuddered, "Nothing."
Nanjiroh watched his son lazily ruffle his hair, "So how was the visit to the Seigaku regulars yesterday?"
"That was a week ago Oyaji," Ryoma deadpanned.
"...No it wasn't," Nanjiroh replied after a long silence.
Ryoma stared, his gold eyes never wavering, "I was there."
Nanjiroh burst out laughing, "Times goes by doesn't it? So did you learn anything?"
FLASHACK-
"Nya! Everyone! This is Tooyama Kintarou- he's Ochibi's rival for love!!!"
"No way!!!"
"Hisss... that kid won't stop trying to touch my bandana."
"Ohmygosh this is so cool are you really Tezuka??? I'm getting pumped up just watching you- LET'S PLAY TENNIS!"
"...Nyaaa he's justeating..."
"Interesting opponent, Echizen."
"Whatever Fuji senpai."
"A-Ano..."
FLASHBACK END.
"Well?" Nanjiroh asked, breaking Ryoma from his trance.
Scoffing, Ryoma threw his covers off, "Nothing important..."
"Nya! Everyone! This is Tooyama Kintarou- he's Ochibi's rival for love!!!"
"...Just things I already know." Ryoma omniously finished.
Nanjiroh regarded his son closely before shrugging any thoughts off. Whatever was bothering Ryoma, he would come to his father if he felt necessary. He walked over to the window and looked out. Then, from the corner of the eye he caught something and grinned foxily.
"Hey Shonen," Nanjiroh called his son over, "There's something here you should see."
Ryoma looked up with quirked eyebrows and strided towards his window. He opened the latch and leaned out. The Sun was disappearing now. Ryoma looked out the window. He noticed the blue skies seemed to be sucked away. Seeing nothing important, Ryoma was about to shut the window when a tennis ball collided near the rooftop. Following the path of the ball, Ryoma noticed a now frantic Sakuno who was staring at him with wide eyes. Besides her, the person responsible for the tennis ball, a screaming banshee-
"Comeon Koshimae!!! Rise and shine so we can hit the tennis courts!!!"
Shutting the window, Ryoma started to rub his temples as his father grinned with obvious amusement.
GodDamn it.
XXXXXXX
"Look at those two go," Tomoka said in astonishment, "Have they been rallying every morning?"
Sakuno nodded, still trying to shake off traces of sleep. She leaned on her knees and looked at the two boys playing. One, in his obvious wild state, and the other desperately trying not to get annoyed (failing miserable of course).
"The weather is really weird," Tomoka noted. Her and Sakuno looked up in the increasingly dark skies, "Weather like this makes me want to go straight home to my bed you know?"
"Yes," Sakuno replied, "I have a club meeting today though so I can't even think about that."
It was then Tomoka noticed the dark rings around her friend's eyes, "Woah there, are you okay?"
Nodding again, Sakuno buried her head in her arms, "I am. I just remembered that Kawamura senpai asked me if I could watch over his shop."
"Oh that's right! You visited the regulars last week didn't you?" Tomoka gasped but then she looked away, embarrassed by her question.
Eyeing her friend, Sakuno smiled and said, "Kaidoh senpai was drunk."
"Really?!"Tomoka screamed. A blush rushed to her face as memories of what exactly Kaidoh did when he was drunk flew through her head.
Sakuno smiled innocently at Tomoka. Her eyes full of good humor. A braid was being played with in her hands. Apparently hanging out with Tomoka for years made Sakuno a big more teasing to her other friends.
But never with Ryoma, Tomoka thought, with Ryoma Sakuno would never tease with good humor or softly argue back with reasonable answers. Ryoma did that to her, brought out more of the shyness in Sakuno. Amazing that the Prince subconsciously still had so much power over Sakuno.
The opposite girl turned her head in a huff, "You shouldn't tease your friend about those things Sakuno! Why think of all the things I've done for you..."
"I'm sorry Tomoka," Sakuno said with sincerity.
Tomoka waved Sakuno nonchalantly, apparently forgetting about the matter, "So when are you going to help out at Kawamura senpai's shop?"
"After school."
Tomoka looked solmenly, "Oh... you're going to miss one of the Prince's games then?"
"Wh-what?" Sakuno asked nervously, "It's fine Tomoka chan. He-... He leaves right afterwards before I can catch up to him anyways. I mean- he does wait for me after he changes but... it's not like... I make a difference."
The last part was whispered to lightly Tomoka nearly didn't catch it.
It was strange seeing a fun, hyper girl like Tomoka stare down at her friend with such seriousness in her eyes. Sakuno was always looking after everyone's good health. Although she was too shy to actually go up and talk to people, she would always be there to help pick up papers and do all the dirty work for you.
Sighing, Tomoka long saw it was Sakuno's niceness that everyone took for granted.
A tennis popped in the distance and Tomoka's eyes slowly glared.Especialy, a certain Prince she knew.
Tomoka lifted off the bench and stretched her limbs. She looked upwards by chance and depressingly noticed the weater wasn't getting much better- The clouds were rumbling now.
XXXXXXX
Kintarou jumped out of the way from another murderous serve. The boy laughed and returned the ball with equal energy, taking a small bit of joy with him as the sweet spot was hit. Ryoma ran up to the net and lobbed the ball back, preparing to kill the shot Kintarou would give him next.
It was annoying, but exhilarating. Constantly, Ryoma has had to fix his stance or actually think ahead in order to keep the ball in and to try to score a point. The boy wasn't predictable like many of the students Ryoma faced. Many regulars nowadays couldn't even keep up with him. Often the Prince found himself actually scouting for his father or waiting a few months for Momoshiro or Fuji for even a warmup that made him sweat. But thisone, he didn't mouth off like Horio or showed off. He simply played with confidence he didn't need to speak of.
The ball Ryoma lobbed was returned, just how Ryom predicted it would. He took a step back and was ready to take his shot when the ball slapped on the floor and swerved out of the racket's way.
"That one had a spin to it Koshimae!!!" Kintarou yelled. He leaned over the net and winked at Ryoma, who was still staring at the ball in disbelief, "We still have a tie you know, Every other day I win, then you win... If we don't play a serious game soon I'm worried my captain will hurt me!"
"And why are you so eager to play against me?" Ryoma snapped. He was sure that ball was going to be his, Ryoma clenched his racket in humilation.
Kintarou looked over Ryoma and completely avoided at the question, "That ball had a twist on it. You shouldn't have taken it for granted that I would return it."
The bell rang and Kintarou jumped off the net immediately. Turning away toward the lockeroom, Ryoma already knew where the wild boy was headed.
As Kintarou grabbed Sakuno's hand and pulled her into the hallway (making sure to stick his tongue out at Ryoma on the way), Ryoma could only think a bit acidly to himself,
"But somethings are just so predictable."
XXXXXXX
"Hey," Kintarou said happily as him and Sakuno walked to her classroom, "Are you doing anything after school today?"
He watched Sakuno with complete adoration. Even Kintarou wasn't stupid, he knew how shallow his crush on the pig tailed girl was. But he couldn't help but enjoy her blush fits to the way he touched her braids, or how she would surprisingly tease him back by pretending she was in love with him too. It was nice getting to know the shy girl had different layers to her, but still remaining so conservative.
"I have to help about Kawamura senpai in his shop," Sakuno softly replied. She looked out the hallway windows.
Kintarou cocked his head and thought. A picture of a tall man with sideburns and an innocent face popped in his head, "Oh that guy!!! Yeah, he made some good sushi!"
"Yes he did," Sakuno said, "He actually helped me alot in cooking so I want to do this one favor for him."
"But won't you be missing Koshimae's game?" Kintarou bluntly asked.
Sakuno looked back at him with a smile and continued down the hallway.
A few moments passed before Kintarou decided to turn and head down his own class. He wanted to help, he really did, but he was there for one purpose only- to beat Koshimae. It was what his captain wanted to right? He had to follow his captain's orders (Or so help him he'll get stung by evilness). Koshimae's game was today, and even though Kintarou wasn't on the boy's tennis team (Yet), he still wanted to go see the game in action.
A shallow crush, Kintarou decided and he entered his classroom. Sakuno chan was nothing more than a shallow crush- an infatuation as Kintarou was known to have many of those in his pass. He once loved ice cream, bunnies, mangas, Naruto, and... well...
This was the first time Kintarou had an infatuation with a human.
By the time Kintarou reached his class was when he realized Sakuno's smile had been sad.
XXXXXXX
Ryoma noticed Kintarou's down state as soon as the red headed boy missed his chair sitting down. Not that it was the first time, but usually Kintarou would jump up in recovery with an obnoxious laugh. Instead, Kintarou just slugged into his seat and looked down. Ryoma scoffed and looked ahead, like he was worried about the banshee anywyas.
But now he was worried, Ryoma looked from the corner of his eye. Kintarou was still looking with a blank face. His eyes were darkened though, troubled as if he was met with a choice that could very well decide his life.
XXXXXXX
Sakuno chan, as far as Kintarou knew, would never think of missing Koshimae's game. So why did it bother Kintarou so much that she wouldn't be there? This was Koshimae's first game of the season wasn't it? However it irked Kintarou to think Sakuno would prefer to help out at Kawamura's shop than to see Koshimae's game.
Maybe she didn't like Koshimae as much as Kintarou thought. For some reason the idea seemed ridiculous since the girl showed a complete different side to Ryoma than she did to Kintarou. She was like a Sun, Kintarou imagined.
Sakuno was the Sun. But then there was another Sakuno that were the clouds.
Koshimae would always be blinded by clouds, and not seeing the Sakuno that was the Sun. Even Kintarou had to pat himself for the awesome analogy.
The Sakuno Kintarou would talk to was always bright, teasing, and shy, but not in a scared way. But rather, she was just shy in nature. She was intellegent too, and this showed on how calmly and jokingly she would softly reply to his comings. Sakuno was unique that she chose her words very carefullly.
The different Sakuno- the cloudy one, was of course, sincere since the Sun still was transparent. However she seemed to become a scared little girl, worried as if she wasn't swinging the racket right. This made her look as if she was ditz.
But... it was weird.
The way Sakuno looked at Koshimae had such sunshine in her eyes. She would always fondly simile, not like a love sick puppy, but as if she was content with being there.
She loved Koshimae.
The thought hit Kintarou like a twist serve. Sakuno. Loved. Koshimae. In no way would she prefer to miss Koshimae's game for Kawamura. But maybe she didn't have the confidence she wouldn't make a difference being there. That made sense since Sakuno's feelings toward Koshimae were the most sensitive. And also, Koshimae always seemed to brush off Sakuno's presence anyways.
Sakuno's sad smile flashed in Kintarou's face.
And Kintarou started to bang his head on the desk for he knew exactly what to do.
XXXXXXX
What the hell was wrong with this kid?
Ryoma twitched his eye as Kintarou began to silently bang his head on his desk. He was about to hiss for Kintarou to shut up when the red head suddenly flew his head toward the sky, a grin plastered on his face.
Kintarou turned toward Ryoma, still insanely grinning. "Ooh, you are so going to thank me for what I'm about to do Koshimae."
XXXXXXX
When talking about Seigaku High, it was natural to add "tennis" somewhere along the same sentence. Going to the first game, it wasn't hard to see why.
Streamers were hung from rods which the Tennis Cheer Club swung around energetically. Tomoka, with a megaphone, was shouting orders to her fellow supporters and giving out sheets of cheers to the crowd. People from Seigaku gathered eagerly along the tennis courts, peering through the chain fence that separated them. Since the first games were held at home, the crowd was still growing at an increasing rate.
Ryoma sipped his Ponta almost dramatically. The weather didn't seem to be getting better, along with his mood. The regulars, along with Horio stood supportingly behind him. A bunch of follow ups, Ryoma thought bluntly, people that played with little or no originality at all. Of course they were quite good, if not Ryoma wouldn't have picked them to become his teammates, but compared to that freshman year- when Fuji, Tezuka, Momoshiro, and everyone played- it felt like the sport was dying at Seigaku High.
"That's strange," Horio muttered from behind Ryoma.
Looking up, Ryoma saw the boy scan the outside fence with concern on his face.
"Tomokas' over there," Ryoma deadpanned. He continued to sip his soda.
"I wasn't looking for her!" Horio snapped, but he quickly glanced toward Tomoka's general direction anyways, "I meant that Ryuuzaki isn't here."
Ryoma shurgged, "She'll come and cheer," He almost seemed bored, "Don't worry about it."
Horio absent mindedly glared at Ryoma with a bit of disapproval, "You know sometimes I wonder if you even care about Ryuuzaki."
Still looking at the weather, which seemed cloudier, Ryoma replied, "The wind is picking up- watch your shots."
XXXXXXX
"Okay!" Kawamura said. He smiled warmly at Sakuno. The store's apron was a bit big for her (Since the employees were mostly male). Sakuno changed out of her school's uniform earlier and underneath the navy apron was a matching shirt and pants. Sakuno adjusted her headband, which kept the long braids flow in the back of her head.
"Just tell me what to do," Sakuno smiled.
Kawamura nodded and handed Sakuno a tray, "I don't need any help cooking- My Dad is going to do that tonight. But since tonight-" Kawamura looked solemn for a second, "Since tonight is my Dad's last shift before retiring we're going to get a lot of customers- old friends and supporters you know?"
A tear slid down Kawamura's face and Sakuno patted his shoulder supportingly, "I'm sure you'll take good care of the store Kawamura senpai."
They both smiled softly at each other. Kawamura straightened his back and patted Sakuno's head, "Well we have no time to lose. It's nearly three so we should be opening shop now."
Sakuno nodded and walked to unlock the door. A part of her regretted not going to Ryoma's game. But it seemed Kawamura was so thankful of her presence, like he needed someone there. And of course, Sakuno confirmed, his dad was retiring from the business. His back won't let him work anymore. Of course he would still watch over the restaurant, but he wouldn't be in the same efficient speed that he once was. So he left the job to his son, knowing his restaurant would be in good hands. The event was an emotional press for Kawamura and since Sakuno was the only person he knew would understand his culinary side, it was expected she would be there to help him out.
Deciding she made the right choice, Sakuno open the doors.
Only to have a banshee glomp her from up front.
Whispered words of encouragement and a warm smile greeted Sakuno, filling her with support and warmness. She saw a tennis bag laying across the street, symbolizing that Kintarou had been waiting a while for her to open the doors to the resturant. He hugged her close, burying his head in the crook of her neck.
"There's my girl," Kintarou greeted and he pulled apart, grinning with that familiar wild smile of his.
XXXXXXX
"She's missing," Horio chanted.
Ryoma gave his friend a dark look and contiued to watch the match. Seigaku High was winning easily against Meiou. Though that shouldn't come to a surprise to anyone on Seigaku's side. Still, the girls and boys cheered wildly for each shot won. Tomoka also made sure to smile brightly at the opponents, telling them they still put up a good match. However, Tomoka, along with many other fans, couldn't but notice the dissapearnce of a certain pig tailed girl. Not that missing one girl from the cheer squad made a difference, but come on, this was Ryuuzaki Sakuno.
"She'll be here," Ryoma muttered, "She always comes."
"And if she doesn't?" Horio asked, "You know, love... is like a flower. From my two years experience-"
"You had more than two years experience with tennis Horio," Ryoma said. He rubbed his temple.
Horio gave Ryoma a cold look, saying, "I meant my two year relationship with Tomoka."
Ryoma looked at the ground with bored interest, "You mean before she dumped you for Kaidoh senpai?"
"You're missing the point!" Horio objected and coughed in his hand, "Imean that you don't seem to care for Ryuuzaki at all. And if you do well... if you don't learn to appreciate it she's going to leave you know."
"Besides telling me how I should handle my relationship," Ryoma snapped, "You should be concentrating on the game- you're next."
The rest of the day should've went normally. The rest of the day should've ended with Ryoma winning the final match and getting ready to go home. He should've found Sakuno and yes, he probably would've held her hand walking home. But as Horio was warming up for his match, it was when Ryoma noticed it was quiet.
Too quiet.
Then, glancing immediately to the sidelines, Ryoma grimly realized that Kintarou, that idiot, was missing as well.
"Kind of annoying isn't it?" Tomoka said, bringing Ryoma out of his thoughts.
She was talking to him through the chained fence. Her megaphone was propped on the floor besides her feet. Tomoka looked at Ryoma with a sort of amused face. Although she still had an infatuation with the Prince, it dimmed down over the years and turned more into an amazement at Ryoma's skills- his attitude of course, left little for Tomoka to care about.
"What," Ryoma asked.
Tomoka shrugged, "Just when you think something for sure is going to happen... and it doesn't."
"Ryuuzaki will come," Ryoma said.
"Like you notice," Tomoka glared, "Why can't you just admit that you-"
"She can do whatever she wants," Ryoma cut in, surprising Tomoka, "Her life doesn't revolve around me."
Tomoka glared, "You know what? If I didn't know better I'd say you were annoyed at Sakuno."
"Youdon'tknow any better," Ryoma replied. He brushed Tomoka and continued to watch Horio's match, "Go cheer for your boyfriend."
"He's not my boyfriend!" Tomoka snapped. She picked up her megaphone and hurried off.
"You really don't know anything at all," Ryoma muttered.
XXXXXXX
"What do you think you're doing?"
Kintarou looked down at Fuji with a smile and placed a drink on the table. Fuji, sitting down with that polite smile, asked again, "What do you think you're doing Kintarou kun?"
"I'm helping my girl," Kintarou said and crossed his arms behind his head. He was wearing the same apron as Sakuno and his tennis clothes underneath. His wild hair was also partly covered by a white handkerchief, "You know a guy would do anything for his girl."
Fuji smiled, as if playing along with Kintarou's game, "I see."
The Seigaku regulars were bound to show up, much to Kintarou's happy surprise. They all sat in the back, supporting Kawamura and his father as food was served out. Kintarou was banned from serving anything up until now because he was so nervous that the tea was spilled in Kaidoh's face- which ended up happening.
Kaidoh gave Kintarou a fierce glare as he walked by. Kintarou instead smiled ignorantly and hopped away to find Sakuno.
Sakuno was also serving another table. She placed the boxed sushi with a smile towards the elderly couple.
"Sakuno chaaan!!!" Kintarou hugged Sakuno from behind, "You look so cute in that apron!!!"
The couple in front of them laughed in good humor. Sakuno blushed furiously and tried to get Kintarou to let go but he wouldn't budge. Instead, taking time to smell her scent.
"That brat is going to get into trouble," Kaidoh hissed. His shirt was still damp from the tea.
Fuji ate another wasabi roll and glanced curiously over his shoulder, "He does seem to be playing a rather risky game isn't he?"
Across the able Eiji clicked his chop sticks together and said, with his nose in the air, "Maybe it's good for Ochibi, you know?"
"I agree!" Momoshiro eagerly added, "Echizen needs to learn to love- to need! I wonder if he's even kissed Sakuno chan all these years?"
"Senpai!!!" Sakuno gasped as she placed down their orders, "You shouldn't talk so much about that..."
"Oh, look whose here," Eiji foxily grinned. He tugged on Sakuno's braids, bringing her head down to his level, "So who far have you two gone anyways? Come on you can tell your senpais nyaaa."
"Th-that is," Sakuno blushed, "That is highly inappropriate senpai..."
"Now, now stop teasing her," Oishi lectured, "Sakuno whatever you two do is your buisness alone."
"We've hugged!" Kintarou piped. He poked his head over Sakuno's shoulder and placed his head on hers', "Senpais you should hear the story. You see it was the first day of school and Sakuno chan-"
"Kintarou kun!!!" Sakuno blushed, "We-we need to continue serving our tables!!!"
"Sixty-Two percent of both of you spilling the next two orders," Inui commented from the background. He was seated in the back with Tezuka and efficiently wrote down every detail of the conversation with amazing sped. Kintarou looked at him at awe.
"But I want to hear how Kintarou kun and Sakuno chan met!!!" Eiji whined. He leaned across the table with his eyes as wide as saucers.
"Oh, but I think the story how Echizen and Sakuno met is far more romantic," Fuji smiled. He nibbled on his chopsticks, "How did it go again?"
"He saved her from a wild bunch, didn't he?" Momoshiro added, "Can't beat a hero."
"Koshimae saved her from thugs?!" Kintarou gasped as he hugged Sakuno closer. His eyes shown with amazement, "Is there anything Koshimae can't do?!"
"I know something," Momoshiro deadpanned he eyed Sakuno.
Oishi tsked Momoshiro by slapping him on the shoulder. The glance didn't escape Sakuno however, and hurt, she quickly moved from Kintarou's hugs and rushed to the kitchen. He felt a bit empty and Kintarou stared longly at the kitchen before plastering a face for the Seigaku regulars.
"Well I guess that's my cue!!!" He said happily.
"For what?" Momoshiro asked.
Kintarou widened his smile.
"I'm going to be Sakuno chan's new hero- just you wait."
When he left, Inui looked up from his notebook with dead seriousness, "Hundred percent of him doing just that."
XXXXXXX
She was hugging her knees when Kintarou found her. In the back of the store on one of the crates she sat in solitude. The grey skies held a sort of hollow feeling. It was also getting cold, Kintarou shivered, although it could've been because he was in shorts.
Kintarou sauntered in front with his hands on his hips. He looked down at Sakuno with his back straight.
"You know you're almost as clumsy as me?" He asked with cocked eyebrows.
She glanced up with a curious face, clearly caught off guard by the remark. Kintarou grinned and sat next to Sakuno on the small crate, since both their bodies were relatively small (albeit Kintarou clearly being the taller one).
"Yup!" Kintarou chirped, "And that's pretty bad since my coach tells me a lot I probably had two left feet. Hey, did you know I actually ran here all the way from my hometown?"
Sakuno sighed and shook her head. This seemed to be enough of a reaction because Kintarou continued with his story, "So I always compare everything to that long run and you know Seigaku High really isn't that far from a run from here? You know I'm pretty sure even you being as clumsy as me, can rush to Seigaku and come back in no time."
There was a small connection that passed between Sakuno and Kintarou then. She looked at him with wideful eyes, surprised he would even suggest leaving Kawamura and his father on what was the most emotional day in the chef's career. But a part of her, a giant part of her, felt very relieved. Almost as if she was given persmission to do something.
"Go," Kintarou nudged, "And bring Koshimae back here! We're giving Kawamura senpai and his dad a last party no one can miss!!!"
He pushed Sakuno off the crates and pushed her towards the road.
"B-But I'm bad at directions!!!" Sakuno said as Kintarou continued to shove her.
"So am I!!!" Kintarou laughed. He gave a final push that shoved Sakuno out into the sidewalks from the alleyway, "But we clumsy folk have something Sakuno."
Sakuno looked at Kintarou, "What do we have?"
Kintarou grinned, "We have dumb luck!!!"
XXXXXXX
"Good match today Prince!!!" A girl screamed as Ryoma got out of the lockeroom.
Ryoma simply nodded and walked down to the benches. He set down his tennis bag and reached for his can of Ponta. The match was easily won of course, leaving Ryoma as bored as ever. For once, the Prince couldn't wait until morning when the banshee would play against him again. Ryoma scoffed the thoughts of actually being eager to meet Kintarou. It was strange, Ryoma was positive Kintarou would be watching his game- the red head even reminded him about the match during class two days ago.
Kintarou was missing, and Ryoma looked around the courts, Sakuno was missing too.
"That ball had a twist on it. You shouldn't have taken it for granted that I would return it."
Sakuno would come, Ryoma decided. She always came, even for a short while. Ever since middle school when Ryoma saved her from the thugs on the train she was always with him. Even through the times he shoved her away she stayed. For those time that weren't even that important, she was there.
Even if she didn't see it- Ryoma was grateful.
People didn't understand, Ryoma thought as Horio and Tomoka's faces flashed through his mind, Sakuno and him had an understanding.
But the thought was beginning to wane on Ryoma now as it was now an hour after the matches. His girlfriend has yet to show up.
"Just when you think something for sure is going to happen... and it doesn't."
Ryoma rubbed his temple.
Sakuno will come.
She will come.
Damn right, Ryoma thought. He opened his ponta and drank. He was going to need the energy for the night was getting colder. Soon, the street lights would flicker on as the sky grew dark.
He was, as Ryoma decided, going to sit there until Sakuno came.
...Or so help him he was going to murder someone.
XXXXXXX
Well, Sakuno decided. It was true.
Her luck was really dumb.
Night time made the clouds more violent it seemed. The streets Sakuno currently was lost in were starting to eerily look the same as the others. Tired, cold, and miserable, Sakuno adjusted the large apron and continued down the street. She asked a couple of people of directions, but everyone seemed to have a different point of view and this got her more lost than before. Surely by this time the game was long over and Sakuno missed Ryoma's match for sure. She knew the ending of course, her Prince never lost a match.
Aah her Prince, Sakuno smiled warmly as she walked along the sidewalk. She hugged the apron closer.
Since the day they met Ryoma surely seemed majestic enough. Even in the middle school he walked with a sense of authority and natural being that demanded respect. Underneath that of course, was where his senpais always seemed to probe and nudge until there was simply a boy who loved tennis. He was cocky, blunt, and as always one tracked. It was a miracle Sakuno found herself in Ryoma's embrace one day, more so he even had interests other than tennis.
Yes Sakuno from that they forward was called a miracle, symbol to prove Ryoma didn't always think about tennis.
It didn't really change much, Sakuno thought. Their relationship never really moved forward from her giving him lunch and him walking her home. Rather, it stayed constant. He never ignored her to the point of completely brushing her off, but he never even held her hand home until Kintarou started to do so.
The thought made Sakuno smile.
Ryoma was completely hopeless in the ways of love.
A lot of people like Momoshiro said, thought Ryoma was always taking advantage of Sakuno.
But Sakuno knew.
She knew that when it all came down to- Ryoma would save her. Just like that Prince who saved her from those thugs all those years ago, he would catch her if anything would lead up to it.
Which is exactly what Ryoma did that moment, as Sakuno felt herself enveloped by two arms.
"You're late," Ryoma muttered in her neck. He didn't hold her as dramatically as Sakuno would envision. On the contrary, he slung his arms around her shoulders as if he too, was tired. But he wasn't, in fact, although Sakuno didn't realize, he was alert. Since the games ended he waited patiently for Sakuno, scanning the school gates for any sign of movement. Then finally, he saw a pig tailed figure move lazily through the gates. He caught himself nearly running, almost eagerly towards Sakuno.
"H-How did you do at the games?" Sakuno weakly asked.
"We won," Ryoma answered. The way he said it seemed like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Sakuno took a moment before embracing him back, her head also buried in his neck.
"I knew you would."
He didn't say it out loud, knowing full well it would break his "cool" facade. But it seemed to be spoken anyways.
Just like I knew you would come.
XXXXXXX
"Don't," Kaidoh growled, promising as much threat as he could into his tone, "Don't you ever leave him with us alone. Again."
He held Kintarou by the collar. So high that his feet wasn't touching the ground. Kintarou grinned innocently at Ryoma, who simply brushed pass him with a blank look.
"I don't want him," Was Ryoma's quick but clear reply.
He tugged Sakuno along with him, their linked hands going noticed by nearly every Seigaku regular in the room. Momoshiro and Eiji wiggled their eyebrows at each other and finally opening slapping hands as Ryoma sat down with Sakuno. Fuji gave a bemused smile as everyone seemed to hold an inside joke with each other. Ryoma, clearly understand what the joke was about, glared at everyone around the table.
"Where did all the customers go?" Sakuno asked. She looked around as the restaurant now seemed empty besides the Seigaku regulars sitting around a giant table.
"They all left," Kawamura explained. He walked out of the kitchen, cleaning his hands with a towel, "Kintarou kun here was making a mess with every order."
"Was not!!!" Kintarou whined. Kaidoh smacked Kintarou's head, telling him quickly to shut up.
From the counter Kawamura's father gave a hearty laugh, turning everyone's attention towards him.
"It was a good shift," Kawamura's father said. His eyes were still twinkling, "Although a few dishes were broke I don't think I ever seen the restaurant in such good humor as this before. And look," He gestured towards them, "I got my favorite customers right before me."
"Hell yeah!!!" Momoshiro exclaimed. He held up his tea cup and motioned everyone to do the same, "Let's give a toast- to Mr. Kawamura! Thanks for feeding us good food and memories!!!"
Kintarou cheered, still behind held from his collar. Everyone clinked their glasses together, some spilling the tea in the process. They talked among each other after that. Everyone was giving Kawamura a few slaps on the back.
Sakuno scooted toward Kintarou who was now released from Kaidoh's death grip. The snake man long forgot about Kintarou as Ryoma carelessly made a comment on how Horio bothered him about Tomoka on their matches.
"So how did you do?" Sakuno asked Kintarou.
"Fine," Kintarou replied, "Handling both yours and my work wasn't as tiring as I thought it would be. And I broke enough glasses for the both of us."
"Seventeen glasses broke," Inui stated.
The last part earned Kintarou a smack on the head from Kawamura but they both grinned at each other.
"Thank you," Sakuno said and she covered Kintarou hand. She grinned that same wild smile he did, "You saved me."
"I know I did," Kintarou cockily replied. He looked directly at Fuji, "See? I told you I was her hero."
"Don't get too cocky kid!" Momoshiro shook his finger at Kintarou and motioned towards Ryoma, "You still gotta get through thisPrince here."
"Uh duh," Kintarou said, "I'm the underdog remember? We always get the girls in the end."
"Over my dead body," Ryoma stated.
Sakuno flushed as Eiji and Momoshiro hooted for Ryoma. She looked up only to catch eyes with Ryoma. He passively looked at her. Then, as small and quick as it was, smiled and squeezed her hand.
The skies were clearing up, but it was difficult to tell since it was nighttime. Tezuka noticed Eiji and Momoshiro trying to squint to the sky and told them they would have to wait until morning when the sun was out.
"The Sun will always be there anyways," Fuji said, "It's just covered with clouds that's all."
"Sun or no Sun," Tezuka said with authority, "We will still have practice tomorrow."
"And life goes on," Eiji muttered. He waved his hand.
The night continued on, everyone fell asleep sooner or later until they had to drag themselves home. But during those few hours everyone told stories of their high school days with Kintarou's eyes brimming like a childs'. A few people got up and helped clean up the kitchen. The hours of work and running caught up to Sakuno and she ended up falling asleep first. Her head was resting on Ryoma's lap, who absent mindedly played with Sakuno's braids.
It wasn't long before Ryoma too fell asleep, and he leaned his head on he wall. Kintarou peeked his head from the nook of his arms and looked at the couple with tired eyes.
And soon, Kintarou fell asleep as well, his last thoughts being how jealous he was at the Ryoma Echizen.
XXXXXXX
"Hello! Kintarou here!!!"
"Aah, Kintarou how are you doing?"
"Captain!!! Cool, I'm doing fine!"
"Good good. I'm just checking up on you. Are you making friends?"
"Yeah! I met a cute girl and oh, Koshimae too! Koshimae is really cool and super skilled at tennis just like you said! But he's a but anti social. Nothing I can't fix."
Laughter."I'm glad to hear you're doing fine."
"Uhmm, Captain if you don't mind me asking... how... How is your-"
"Don't worry about it. Just go on okay? I'll visit soon."
"Okay."
"Take care Kintarou."
"Yeah! Of course I will. Leave everything to me!"
"Goodbye."
"...Bye."
XXXXXXX
"So!" Kintarou greeted, "The Sun is shining today!"
Ryoma nodded and proceeded to walk. He was having a massive hangover, not that Kintarou could tell since he wasn't the one who received the spiked drink.
Sun spilled down through the trees, lighting up the grey sidewalks as the duo walked towards Sakuno's house.
"You know how I said you would be thanking me?" Kintarou suddenly asked.
Kintarou turned towards Ryoma, still insanely grinning. "Ooh, you are so going to thank me for what I'm about to do Koshimae."
Ryoma shurgged, enough to show confirmation.
"Well!" Kintarou grinned and he shoved a lunch box into Ryoma's stomach, "There! Sakuno taught me how to make lunches during our shift!!!"
They both stood there, Ryoma looking a bit shell shocked as he held the lunch box.
"...You made me lunch."
"Yup!!!"
Ryoma shook his head, "Ryuuzaki makes me lunch already-"
"No she didn't."
Looking up at Kintarou, Ryoma said slowly, "What?"
Kintarou grinned and held his hips, "I told her I would be making you lunch so now my girl will be making me lunch from now on!!!"
He stuck his tongue out at Ryoma before darting off.
The lunch Kintarou made, Ryoma soon found out, were two rice balls looking like they were slapped together by a messy child.
Ohhellno was Ryoma having this for lunch.
The thought of Kintarou eating Sakuno's glorious lunch was the last straw and soon, Ryoma was chasing Kintarou down the street, with the Sun shining beautifully from the sky.
They both ran toward Sakuno's house.
EPISODE TWO- END.
Sunday, December 2, 2007 (1:16 AM)
I always thought that parts of Tomoka's humor would rub on Sakuno as they went through middle school AND high school together. But if everything is too ooc for you I'm sorry. :)
Congradulations to SoreNoMiko who understood the plot of my story perfectly 3
And I was a bit... awed? By the support I got. Thank you very much everyone. It inspired me to get the second chapter up for everyone to read.
NOTE: Kintarou is not my character. :) He does appear in episode 14 of the national championships and... I forgot which chapter in the manga.
Thank you for your support! I hope this episode wasn't too long.