A/N: Wow, this is a nice, lengthy chapter. I totally surprised myself with this! Gomen for the late update; I got writer's block halfway through, then I finally got done with it. Then I realized I had to type up six handwritten pages(not fun) and I developed carpel tunnel (just kidding). Call me weak, but I'm very happy that I'm finally getting a chance to post this up. Hope you like it! P.S. Please keep an open mind while reading; I am trying to steadily develop their characters as they learn more about each other. Plus, they're teenagers for crying out loud!

Chapter 13-Relish the Moment

At the moment, Sakuno was relaxing on a bench in the shade of a cherry blossom tree. She was a little ways from the tennis courts, though she could still hear the "Pok, pok" of tennis balls being hit by rackets. There was a slight breeze flowing, and Sakuno indulged in it. It was Saturday, and although the rest of the school had this particular day off, Sakuno was due for orchestra rehearsal. So for the past three hours, she'd been hard at work plucking and bowing with all her heart. She really did enjoy playing the violin and considered herself to be pretty decent at it. Although her small fingers had calluses on the tips, she took it all in stride and was quite proud of the marks that bore evidence of her hard work.

Sakuno threw her head back and closed her eyes. It only she could freeze time…Everything was so peaceful and serene around her, though a certain hazel-eyed boy wasn't near. No bother, she'd probably see him once he'd finished tennis practice…

"Ryuzaki-chan!" a voice called from a little ways away. Sakuno opened her eyes to meet the image of a boy running towards her. She recalled his name was Satoshi Takahashi, though she didn't remember ever speaking to him much. Maybe an occasional "Ohayou" or "Can you pick up my pencil, please?" He slowed to a jog and finally stood in front of her, hands on his knees, and breathing heavily.

"Takahashi-kun? Are you alright?" Sakuno inquired, wondering what had lit such a fire under this boy. She took in his mop of brown hair, brown eyes, and summer uniform. He was a nice boy, though they weren't really acquainted.

"Ryuzaki-chan!" he addressed her again, a determined look set upon his features. "I…I…I would like to go out with you!" Of course, Sakuno was pretty oblivious and absent-minded at times, but she really didn't remember interacting with his boy much.

"Gomen, but I don't think I understand," she politely replied. Why would this boy want to go out with her when he barely knew her?

While scratching the back of his neck, he continued, "Gomen, I probably wasn't very clear. Ryuzaki-chan, I've…I've liked you for a while now. You've always been so nice, sincere, and caring. I like you very much!" he finished, the look of utter steadfastness never leaving his face.

"Oh, Takahashi-kun," Sakuno sighed. She didn't like this boy, and she barely knew him. Problem was, how would she tell him as nicely as possible? "Takahashi-kun, I'm sorry, but I just don't feel the same way. I'm very sorry," she replied, a look of sympathy upon her face.

"I should've known," he muttered, eyes fixed on the ground. "You're pretty, smart, and you're even friends with one of the most popular guys in school." Sakuno knew he was speaking of Ryoma-kun. "I don't know why I even thought I had a chan-"

"That is where you are wrong, Takahashi-kun," Sakuno interrupted him and he lifted his head to hear what she had to say. "I'm absolutely positive you will find a wonderful girl who loves you someday. She's out there and she's the one for you. You'll find her okay?" she said, her words filled with wisdom and sincerity.

"That's why I started liking you. Even when you don't have to care for someone, you take the time to truly help them. Arigato Ryuzaki-chan. Arigato." This girl, this girl he was so blessed to know, was kind enough to be honest, but also kind enough to care.

"Arigato," he said one last time and then walked away. Sakuno watched him go, knowing she'd done the right thing. She didn't pity him, but she didn't feel anything towards him either. Sure, he was average looking, but she wasn't willing to try to go with him anyway. However, something deep inside told her she didn't risk it for another totally different and selfish reason. Nevertheless, while it was flattering to have someone who liked her, it was only right to be honest with him. She closed her eyes once more and sighed.

"You seem to be enjoying yourself," Sakuno heard a voice from behind her seat and opened her eyes. Inches away from her face was none other than the tennis prince himself. They stayed like that for a few seconds, his hazel eyes boring into her chocolate ones before she leaped up, a look of evident surprise etched on her features.

"Ryoma-kun! You scared me!" Sakuno voiced, finally going back over to the bench. Ryoma had already seated himself and patted the spot next to him.

Sakuno sat as he started, "So, I saw Takahashi walking away from you earlier. Care to share?"

Sakuno only blushed a bit pink as she said, "No, nothing happened. We were just talking is all."

"If all you were doing is talking, then why was he so nervous and why are you still blushing?" Ryoma asked, leaning close to Sakuno in the process. He wasn't sure if he liked Sakuno's reaction to his question but he intended to get a satisfactory answer.

"Mou…" she muttered, looking away. Gosh, why did he have to lean so close, never mind the fact that they were practically sitting thigh to thigh.

"Sakuno-chan," he whispered, albeit threateningly, into her ear. She decided she couldn't blush any redder, so she spilled the beans.

"You see, Takahashi-kun sort of…ano…confessed," Sakuno said, all the while continuing to redden. After hearing nothing from Ryoma for a few seconds, she finally looked over to see his response. His eyes held a unique fire in them as he said, "Hn."

"Eto…Ryoma-kun?" Sakuno started, looking up to him.

"Sakuno-chan. You wanna go out tomorrow?" Ryoma asked, pulling his cap low over his eyes.

"Eh?!" Sakuno responded.

"But why Ryoma-kun?" she inquired once she finally got a hold of her fluttering nerves.

"Do I really need a reason to spend time with my best friend?" he asked, getting close and personal to Sakuno again.

"Well, no, but…where would we go?" she asked, getting used to the idea of this outing.

"Anywhere. Be ready by noon," he added, getting off the bench and starting to walk away.

"Okay," she merely responded. Ryoma stopped in his steps and looked over at her. There she was, all calm and collected staring right back at him.

"You comin', Sakuno?" he asked, waiting for her to catch up.

"Oh!" and she got off the bench and ran to his side. Once they started walking, Ryoma muttered, "Made made dane." In response, Sakuno lightly shoved him in which Ryoma merely smiled and continued walking. He may not have said it aloud, but he really did enjoy her company.

"Mou! What do I wear?" Sakuno was currently browsing her closet and dresser, trying to find something to wear. In the end, she decided on a yellow baby doll top with a blue floral print, a jean miniskirt, and ballet flats. Casual enough and Sakuno enough. She put her cell phone and a few folded bills in one of her side pockets. Purses were nice, but pockets were more convenient, especially since she didn't have a clue as to what Ryoma had planned. After a bit of internal debating, she decided to brush out her hair. She liked it that way, free, flowing, and wavy. As she descended the stairs, Ryoma knocked at the door.

"Oba-san, I'll be back by curfew, okay?" (Which is ten on regular nights)

"Haiii! Behave yourself!" Coach Ryuzaki from somewhere in the back of the house before Sakuno joined Ryoma (who was wearing a black and blue button-up with black jeans) on the porch. Once they'd started down the sidewalk, Sakuno started a conversation.

"So, where are we going?"

"Just around," Ryoma casually replied. He threw a glance her way, smirked, and turned his eyes to the road again.

"I know that look Ryoma-kun," Sakuno replied to his silent observance of her.

"Hn," was the only response he gave, not even sparing her another glance so she could read his emotions. Sakuno was perceptive at times, especially around him, and sometimes things were better left said until later. However, today was not the case, and Ryoma decided now was a better time than ever.

"No braid today, huh?" His tone indicated that he considered this more of a statement than a question.

"Nope, I passed on it today. You like it?" she asked, and met his eyes with her own.

"What would you say if I didn't?" he countered with his own question.

"'Oh well, your loss' is what I would say. I think it looks nice," she replied, running a hand through her long hair. Ryoma only nodded and they continued walking. He felt okay to learn that Sakuno wasn't concerned with his approval, but he felt a little weird about it, too. As to why, he couldn't say.

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Their first stop turned out to be a local video game store. Here was where Ryoma discovered Sakuno enjoyed playing video games.

"Wow, I didn't know the new Kingdom Hearts came out already. I better save up and buy it. Ooo! Is that a new Brain Age?! I could be ready to take on the doctor himself," Sakuno muttered as she surveyed a rack of games. Ryoma, standing just a few steps away, was astonished. Sakuno liked video games? He never associated those two together before.

Just then, the guy behind the counter asked, "That your girlfriend there?"

"No," Ryoma answered, gritting his teeth for some reason.

"Can I-?"

"No," Ryoma cut him off.

"Ah, Ryoma-kun! You've got to check out this new racing game. I heard the car selections are awesome!" Poor Ryoma was caught off guard. His Sakuno knew quite a bit about video games and he didn't even know. However, this would mean he would get to spend more time with her, now that they shared another interest.

"Ne, Sakuno-chan. I've got the newest Final Fantasy at home. Ever played?"

Sakuno whipped her head around as fast as she could and said, "No! Ryoma-kun, you have to let me borrow it, play it, something. My cousin in…" Ryoma led Sakuno out of the store and after glaring at the guy behind the counter, the two resumed their discussion about their favorite games and series. Ryoma was epically surprised that his companion knew as much as she did. It was admirable for he'd never met a girl with such knowledge.

After more walking and more exclamations of the best game ever created, the two headed to an arcade. There they played everything from ski-ball and air hockey to Pac-Man and racing. Sakuno was a bit surprised; she didn't know she could have this much fun. Ryoma wasn't much of a talker, but he made for good conversation. They at hamburgers and fries at the arcade's grill, and continued their stroll.

"So who do you think won overall?" Sakuno ventured to ask for the two had been in the gaming center for two hours.

"I think we know the answer to that question," he replied, a smug look etched on his features.

"That's not fair Ryoma-kun. I rule at air hockey," Sakuno responded, a pout upon her pink lips.

"And I rule at everything else," he once again insisted, taking in Sakuno's defiance with a smirk.

"I hate you Ryoma-kun," she muttered, her arms now crossed.

"I like you, too," was his reply, which caused her to huff and him to chuckle.

"Come on, I know what'll cheer you up," he said, after a few seconds' silence.

"What?" Sakuno asked, slightly suspicious.

"I promised you cheesecake," he replied.

"Ooo! I've been looking forward to that," she responded, clasping her hands in happiness.

"Well, if we take a subway, we can go this place I know of that sells it," he informed her. And so the two embarked on a trip to the dessert café. Once they arrived, Ryoma stepped up and ordered chocolate turtle cheesecake for himself and cheesecake with strawberry syrup and strawberries in the middle for Sakuno. Upon paying, Sakuno took out her own money. Ryoma simply waved it away and paid for it himself. They seated themselves in a booth and took a look at their cheesecake.

However, Ryoma's first bite was interrupted by Sakuno's, "Ryoma-kun, you could've let me pay for my own, ya know."

"I know," was his automatic response.

"Can I pay you back?" she asked, thinking of the ample amount of money in her pocket.

"No."

"Why?"

"Sakuno, it's my treat to you. So eat up," he replied, motioning to her cake. His was almost half-gone. Sakuno took a bite and instantly fell in love with it.

"So you do like strawberries," Ryoma voiced.

"Yeah, I love them," she replied and took another bite. "Of course, I like the cheesecake itself, too," she added, smiling at the yummy dessert. Once they finished, Sakuno thanked Ryoma and the two headed back on the subway.

Before, Ryoma was never really open with anyone about his thoughts, or his life for that matter. He realized that although he never really paid attention to Sakuno in the past, she was always there: at his games, the tournaments, when he left for America. On the subway, he began sharing about life in the States and details about his childhood. He told her about his brother, Ryoga, and how he developed a love for tennis early on.

In return, he learned that Sakuno's parents died when she was young, and Ryoma sympathized with her. But even more admirable to him was the fact that Sakuno was a happy, cheerful girl, regardless of any hardships she encountered. That was more than he could say for himself, especially when he was younger.

Both of them enjoyed discovering more about each other, for it made for interesting conversation and allowed them to get to know the other even better. They agreed that magazines were nice to read, but disagreed on the matter of books and novels.

"Books are too long and troublesome to read," Ryoma gave his opinion in his bored tone.

Sakuno replied with, "Books aren't too long. They're like…guides that lead you on adventures of the imagination." She was quite pleased with her explanation but it was spoilt when Ryoma laughed outright.

"What's so funny?" she demanded.

"You just looked so serious," he said, his laughter diminished to a chuckle by now.

"Aw, screw you," and Sakuno quickened her pace. She wasn't really upset, but she didn't appreciate her male counterpart making fun of her thoughts on books.

"Sakuno? Sakuno, don't be that way," he called after her and jogged to catch up. "C'mon, I was only joking."

"You should respect my opinions."

"When you did you start saying 'screw you'? It's unlike you," he said this statement next to which Sakuno stopped and pointed a finger at his chest.

"Just now and I quite like the effect," she explained.

"Well, I don't think it suits you. I like 'I forgive you' better," he replied, lowering her finger.

"Fine. I forgive you. If you don't laugh at my opinions anymore," she said this in a serious manner.

"Sure."

"Good," and she broke out into a smile (one which Ryoma thoroughly enjoyed) and resumed walking at their previous pace. After more walking and talking, the two decided to rent a movie and head over to Ryoma's house.

Upon entering, they were immediately greeted by Rinko's, "Oh, Sakuno-chan! It's so nice to see you again!" Nanako also greeted them and both women hugged Sakuno. Nanjiroh soon came bustling in, perverted as always.

"Oi, Ryoma, bringing girls home already? How old are you? Six-"

He was quickly cut off by Ryoma's, "Shut up, you oyaji! Go read your perverted magazines or something!"

"No, he still has some chores to do," Rinko's voice was heard. "Nanjiroh! What did I tell you about leaving your drawers on the floor?" Sakuno, first feeling flustered towards Nanjiroh's statement, soon laughed and seated herself on the couch.

"Oh! Popcorn!" and she leaped up again to venture into the kitchen. Despite Nanako's offering to make it, Sakuno took it upon herself to make a nice, big, bowl of popcorn. By this time, it was evening, the sun had begun to set, and everyone else in the house had retreated from the living room.

Ryoma started the movie, and soon the two teens were sitting side-by-side, popcorn nestled between them, engrossed in the action onscreen. Ryoma expected Sakuno to be more scared (she only flinched a few times) but she took it pretty well. The movie was long, and the two soon found themselves to get more comfortable. Eventually they ended up leaning against each other. Ryoma's arm was strewn over the top of the couch, and Sakuno sat, legs folded and tucked in, and Ryoma's side. He in turn leaned on her, his long legs stretched in front of him. When the movie ended, Ryoma looked over to see a groggy Sakuno huddled beside him.

"Sakuno-chan," he addressed her, hoping she would come to.

"What?" she asked, trying to sit up but failing. Ryoma made such a good pillow…

"Come on, time to walk you home," he said, trying to get up. However, the weary Sakuno was leaning into him, making it hard to just stand. Not that he wanted to anyway. He would much rather continue to sit and enjoy Sakuno and her warmth.

"Okay, okay. I'm up," she muttered, and sat up yawning. "Thank goodness I only live 15 minutes from here," she said next, stretching her arms.

"Ready? I wanna get out of here before that perverted oyaji comes out again," Ryoma explained, standing by the front door. Sakuno nodded and the two were off again, walking side by side for the millionth time that day. She even dared to mention it once they reached her house.

"You know, Ryoma-kun, I enjoy walking beside you." She managed to say this without much embarrassment, although her cheeks flushed pink.

"Oh yeah?"

"Mm-hmm," she said, just a little sheepish.

"Well, I think I do, too," he responded, looking down into her eyes. She may not have known it, but her face lit up, and Ryoma basked in the happiness emanating off her.

"I guess."

"Sakuno," Ryoma cut her off and after taking in her questioning gaze, Ryoma continued, "I'm sorry."

"For what?" Sakuno asked, puzzled.

"I realized today that I took you for granted." These first words stunned Sakuno. She expected him to stop but he continued, "Back when we were in junior high, I didn't want to be bothered with anyone. Tennis was everything. Tennis still is everything, but I guess something's different now." He stopped, expecting to see a negative reaction. But Sakuno's eyes were wide and attentive, so he kept going.

"Last year when you started me, I think I recognized something. You were there all along, and although I didn't think much of it, I wanted you there. Once you withdrew, I started looking for you to show up, but you didn't. And now, it feels right to have you here besides me." Ryoma finished his little speech, feeling too sappy and regretting he said anything at all. But Sakuno chased those feelings away. He looked down to see her chocolate orbs shining bright.

"Ryoma-kun, I…I want to be beside you. I'm glad we're here now, and I'm glad we're such great friends, I'm just sorry-"

"Don't be, Sakuno. Don't be," and to this she only nodded and smiled. He allowed one as well and walked her to the porch.

"Thank you for today, Ryoma-kun," she said, meaning it from the bottom of her heart.

"My pleasure," Ryoma responded.

"Oh and Sakuno?" he stopped her before she put her key in the lock.

"Yes Ryoma-kun?' she asked, turning away from the door. In a speed Sakuno had seen only a few times before, Ryoma was in front of her, leaning over her in that way of his. She put her back to the door to put a bit of space between them, but he only moved closer.

His lips moved to her ear before he whispered, "I like your hair." He drew back slowly, but didn't back down the porch. Instead, he reached out and ran a hand through her tresses. They were incredibly soft and smelled of vanilla.

"Ryoma-kun?" Sakuno asked, too stiff to do anything. Ryoma found himself drawn to her all of a sudden: her hair, her eyes, her lashes, her lips…And soon he was leaning down, his feline-like eyes boring holes into her.

Sakuno didn't quite know what to do, but before she knew it, her senses went into overdrive; everything was Ryoma. He smelled of that scent she so enjoyed, a blend of boy and Ryoma; her hands came up to tangle in strands of his dark hair, and she took in the miniscule movement of his lips parting ever so slightly.

Ryoma, on the other hand, felt even more overwhelmed. She was beautiful and he wanted her all to himself. Now she was drawing him closer as well…At first, it was tentative, everything soft and slow. But Ryoma soon found himself addicted to her supple lips and continued to kiss her. She tasted good, although the last thing they'd eaten was popcorn. Yes, very, very good. By now, Sakuno's hands were loosely fisted in his hair and she found herself pressing closer to him. His hand came to rest on her hip, as the other was busy caressing her chocolaty auburn locks.

However, the two were stopped by a voice on the other side, "Whatever the hell you two are doing out there, you've got five seconds to wrap it up!" called Coach Ryuzaki. They broke apart, both breathing a little heavier than usual.

"Ryoma…" Sakuno trailed off as he leaned forward, kissed her quickly, and whispered huskily, "We'll continue this later." And with that, he was down the steps and walking along the sidewalk. Sakuno, knowing her Oba-san would kill her if she stood outside any longer, turned the key and opened the door. She wasn't sure what tomorrow or the next day would bring, but these new developments would keep her mind reeling for days to come.

Meh, after reading over this again, I'm not too sure if I did a decent job writing this chapter. *sigh* Well, I guess the only way I'll know is if you all leave a review. Oh, and there's about two more chapters left before the end of JoA! Sorry if that's a bombshell!