Chapter 3
An invitation
Ryuzaki Sakuno is having the best day of her Life. She just got accepted in the Theatre guild and she's being considered to be a part of the summer play. But she has one BIG problem, the Christmas Nightball.. It was a stupid gathering If you ask her. It was just a time to show-off gowns and pretty faces.. It was exclusive for sophomores and juniors.. It is also funded and arranged by Seniors.. It was okay for her to go and just eat, chat with friends but the invitation said:
bring a PARTNER..
"I'm not going." she said sternly,
"No way! Don't worry I'll find you a partner.." Tomo assured her.
"Yeah, it will be fun!" Sakura added and smiled brightly, encouraging her to come.
"I'll think about it.."
She left the room and glanced at the other room , the door was open. It was Ryoma's classroom. He was looking outside the window. as usual.
"Hey!" Kevin, ryoma's friend from America tapped his shoulders.
"Hn." Ryoma glared at him. Having Kevin transfer to SEigaku as a transfer student was a bad idea after all.
"You've got a date for the dance yet?'
"ZERO." He said quietly.
"WHA-WHAT? girls- I mean, dozens of girls sent you invitations to take them as your date! Man! they are pleading...'Ryoma-Kun! Please be my date..'"
Ryoma didn't find the conversation interesting so he walked out the door and decided to buy ponta.
"You can't ignore the subject forever, the dance is in three days!!!" Kevin was persistent and Ryoma hated it.
"I just don't have anyone in mind."
"Oh yes you do!"
"What are you talking about?"
"Natsumi- I know you still want her.."
"Shut it."
He avoided Kevin and went to the nearest vending machine, good thing he didn't follow. He was right, Natsumi was the only girl he wanted to spend that night with. He hated himself for even wishing that they could dance together that night.
Kevin had a point, He was part of the Student council..although he wasn't that active but people voted for him. He was obliged to go. but with whom?
The prettiest girl?
yeah- you'll be spending all night complimenting her make-up, shoes and outfit. Maybe she'll go to the bathroom every minute to retouch!!
The smartest girl?
Oh ..Ryoma-Kun do you know the sum of 25+8 squared divided by the sum of twice the number 2 divided from the quotient of 16? HELL NO!
The most athletic girl?
that would suit him, after all.. he was the Youth ambassador for sports! But..NO..
The most popular girl?
NO,, She'll probably spend the night ignoring me and chatting along with friends..
He sipped his drink and was feeling hopeless..
Natsumi was still the top choice..
"Just great!!"
She heard a girl mumble and turn to see Ryuzaki Sakuno. She no longer had the usual long hair, it was still long- but not that length when they were 12. He could still remember how awkwardly close they became before, she was always there on his tournaments.. But now, she was like some distant star.
and the thought hit him..
"Hey."
he called out to sakuno, she turned and looked a bit surprised.
"Ryoma.." He greeted him and looked at the can he was holding. She smiled, he really loves ponta..
He was a bit puzzled so he reached out to the vending machine. He didn't notice that he pushed sakuno the machine.. He placed the coins and punched the button for a ponta. It was only when he felt other people's gaze did he realize how awkward his position was. It looked like he pushed sakuno to the vending machine and make out with her.
The thought made him shiver.. But he kept his cool and handed her the drink.
Sakuno breathed hard because of the contact but just smiled at him.
"Just like old times huh?" she said and opened the can.
"Yeah."
"Remember the first time we met?" He sat down and so did he.
"Sure, you lead me to the wrong direction and-"
"You got disqualified.." she cut in.
"I'm really sorry for that.." she laughed and turned to look at him.
He was so magnetizing that he felt herself being attracted to him. She wanted to sit there with him forever.
"Are you going to the December dance?" He asked casually.
"I'm thinking about it.."
"Why?"
"I don't have a partner yet, oh well. the idea of going is pretty stupid if you ask me,." she rambled and didn't look at him. He will surely go with Natsumi and announce that they got back together.
SHE DIDN'T HAVE A PARTNER
The statement resounded in his ear, it was the solution to everything. He knew Ryuzaki for a long time and people won't be asking too much questions. He'll just tell them that she's an old friend.
He breathed hard.
"You wanna go with me?"
She almost spit her drink out but she kept calm.
"Are you asking me to go with you to the dance?"
"Ah- yeah. as my date."
There. he said it.
Sakuno wanted to punch herself so she'll wake up from this dream. But everything was so real... Tears badly wanted to get out but she stopped it and smiled,
"sure.."
"uh- great. i'll pick you up at 7. is that okay?"
"perfect.."
They just sat and drank for another few minutes. Sakuno couldn't believe what happened and she can't wait to rush to Tomo and Sakura and tell them about it, what will she wear?? She kept her mind calm and acted cool.
Ryoma on the other hand felt relieved and a bit happy but he didn't know the reason..atlast.. Kevin would shut up.
"uh- i have to go.. i've got math coming up."
Sakuno said and waved goodbye..
FOR THE FIRST TIME..
Ryoma smiled at her.. a genuine smile...
She was in heaven.
Ryoma turned and looked for Kevin, he wanted him to have a date? well- he already has..
"Ryoma"
Someone called and he turned around, it was a familiar voice. way too familiar.. it was Natsumi..
"Hey." she said meekly, coming closer.
"Hi." he said.
"Uh- so.. are you going to the dance?"
"Yeah- I have too.."
He turned his gaze away from her.
"Look, this is the first and last time that I'll do this.. but could you go with me to the dance?"
She smiled and bowed her head..
He didn't know what to think. Here it is, his pride was retained. this is what he wanted right? Natsumi- bowing her head and pleading and everything will be back to normal. why did she have to ask now? She's with Ryuzaki..!
"I already have a date." He said coolly..
"Oh- sorry. I didn't realize that you were going out with someone.."
"We're not going out or anything like that, she's an old friend."
"Oh- well.. see you there!"
Natsumi waved and quickly ran across the fields.. he heaved a sigh of relief and shaked his head...
He just had to make her suffer a bit more...
But how?
Ryoma Echizen + Ryuzaki Sakuno + Dating Contract who knows what? A mix of love, pride and hate the ryosaku way. Read to find out.. reviews are appreciated!