I cannot believe this story is on its 20th chapter. I am able to write this much because of you guys who followed/favorited this story and, especially, to those who gave their reviews. Thank you so much.

Disclaimer: I wish I own the characters of PoT

Tezuka could not believe what he just heard. Sae is asking him to go out with her. Is it a date? He cannot tell. But however you call it, his heart flutter at the idea of him being with that girl.

"Tezuka-senpai?"

"Sure."

"Is that a 'yes'?"

"Yes."

"Um, see you then. Good night."

"Good night."

Tezuka's mother smiled as she watched her son put down the receiver. She knew her son very well and she can tell that her son brightened up after that call.

"Kunimitsu, are you alright?"

Tezuka was startled at his mother's voice. He did not notice that he has been staring at the phone after his conversation with Sae.

"Yes, I'm alright Mother. I will go to my room now. Good night."

His mother can sense mixed feelings of happiness and excitement as her son walked upstairs.

"Inui-senpai, do you know what kind of girl would Captain Tezuka like?"

Sae asked as she watched the tennis court from a window of a vacant room. Only she and Inui were in there as they finish the team's next training schedule in preparation for their next match. Inui stopped scribbling in his notebook and looked at the girl.

"Why do you asked?"

"Nothing."

Sae placed her hands under her chin and her elbow on the window frame as her eyes remained glued outside the window.

Out of curiosity, Inui stood up and walked beside the girl. Outside, he saw Tezuka talking to a girl in ponytail. If his memory served him right, the girl is a second year and a member of the school newspaper club. When Inui's attention diverted to the girl beside him, she is wearing a not-so-cheerful expression on her face.

"Do you like him? I mean 'like' in a romantic sense… you get what I mean."

"How would you know if you like a person that way?" Sae asked like it was one of the most common questions you asked someone. She voiced her thoughts without taking her eyes off the stoic captain and the girl with him.

Inui was surprised at the girl's question. He was expecting Sae to frantically deny his question.

"Senpai, do you know the girl Captain Tezuka likes? He told me once that he does have someone in mind."

"He did?" Inui thought for a minute for the possible candidates. However, he stopped his thoughts when he realized something. "From how I know him, his priority is to get into the nationals. Not once did I see him get close with someone outside tennis. So you don't have to worry about it."

"Huh? I'm not worried. Why would I worry in something like that?" Sae turned to Inui surprised by his remarks.

"Based on your actions, there is 91% chance that you are. But if you want answers to your questions, why don't you ask him directly?"

"Well that's…" Sae trailed as she averted her gaze. In the girl's mind, Inui is right. She did ask Tezuka once about it before but why does she suddenly feel shy asking Tezuka about it now.

Inui caught Tezuka watching them. An idea came to his mind. Inui leaned closer to the girl.

"Don't turn your head but I think Tezuka is looking this way," Inui whispered as he continued to look at their captain.

"Eh!?" Sae's face became all red which amused Inui. She suddenly turned to Tezuka's direction and just like what Inui said, their captain is looking at them with his sharp eyes.

"I think he's jealous," Inui continued to whisper in Sae's ear.

"Senpai!"

Unknown to the girl, what Inui said was true. Tezuka was indeed watching Inui and Sae from afar and seeing how close they have become makes his stomach churn.

It was a Sunday morning and the park was busy with many people around. It was a weekend after all and mostly families, and couples, occupied the area.

Tezuka just arrived at the park where he and Sae agreed to meet. He strolled along the brick path as he looked for the girl. He halted when he saw her sitting on a bench not far from him. He just stood there and watched the girl as she clumsily tried to keep her hair in place after a gust of wind passed by. But then, her eyes turned to his direction. Sae smiled and waved at him.

"You're early."

"I want to at least beat you with whose going to be the first one to arrive. I'm the one who invited you after all."

"Did you wait long?"

"Not really. I'm only here for about fifteen minutes." Sae looked at the clock. "Let's go?" Sae asked as she stood up.

"Where are we going?"

"You'll see," Sae beamed a bright smile at him.

The two arrived in front of an elementary school after a few-minute ride in a bus.

The girl walked towards the gate of the school, Tezuka is following close behind her.

"I hope you don't hate kids," Sae said as she opened the gate.

Tezuka was surprised with her remarks but kept silent.

When they reached the tennis courts, several others were there with the groups of children. From the looks of it, they are teaching the kids how to play the sport.

"Sae-chan!" a black-haired girl ran towards them.

"Nanami!" Sae called out to the other girl.

"I'm so glad you that you can make it here!" Nanami hugged Sae but when she saw Tezuka she pulled away from Sae. "And you must be?"

"Ah, this is Kunimitsu Tezuka, the captain of our tennis club. Senpai, this is Nanami Kawada, a friend of mine and a former classmate."

"Kunimitsu Tezuka? You mean 'the Kunimitsu Tezuka' of Seigaku!?" Nanami's eyes widen. "Excuse us for a minute," Nanami said to the Seigaku captain before she suddenly grabbed Sae to a corner.

"What's the matter?"

"You didn't tell me you are going to bring him here!" Nanami said in a low voice so only Sae could hear.

"You did say I could bring anyone."

"But Tezuka!? How could you bring him here!?"

"Why? Is there any problem with him?"

"Well, I was just surprised that you managed to bring him of all people." Nanami's eyes became narrow, "tell me the truth, are you two going out or something?"

"Eh!? How could you think of that!?" Nanami gestured Sae to keep her voice down which the other girl followed, "we're not like that. I just thought he could use a little break. Things are being too tense now that the tournament has started."

Tezuka watched as the two girls whisper to each other far from him. He felt that they were talking about him for some reason he did not know. But then, he felt a tug on his shirt. When he looked down, a boy is looking up at him.

"Onii-san, do you play tennis?"

When Sae turned to Tezuka, he was already surrounded by several children. The kids are all ears as he taught them the basics of the game. A smile crept to her face.

"Looks like the kids have taken a liking of him already." Nanami whispered to Sae.

The busiest time came by the time the children were given each a racket to hold. They have to assist each and every child.

"Here," Sae gave Tezuka a bottle of water. It was already break time when the two got the time to talk to each other again.

"It seems you have your hands full," Tezuka said as he reached for the bottle.

"You're the one to talk. You were busily teaching the kids before I even know it."

"That is what we're here for, right?"

"I guess I owe you an explanation," Sae said as she continued to watch the children, "this has been an annual activity of the student council of my former school. This year, they decided to teach tennis so Nanami invited me to tag along. I planned to invite the whole team but things are busier these past days."

"Then why did you invite me?"

"Just for a change of pace. I know you've been going through a lot especially after the last match. I thought you could use a breather. Though it is still tennis but at least you could see it in a different perspective."

Tezuka became silent. She is worried for him that much after all.

"Nii-san," a little girl suddenly popped between them, "teach me how to hold the racket again."

"I guess duty calls?" Sae smiled at him.

Tezuka stood up and followed the little girl as she led him by the hand. Without Tezuka looking, the girl turned to Sae and make face at her. Sae was surprised at the girl's gestures but she found it funny.

"It looks like he's popular even to small girls," Sae said to herself.

After some time and with much help from Tezuka, the girl was able to hit the ball over the net.

"Did you see that!? I did it!" the little girl beamed with joy at her achievement.

"Did you see that!? I did it!" Tezuka looked at Sae. Those were the same words that girl from long ago said to him when she was finally able to make the ball go over the net. It pained him to see that the girl did not seem to remember as she continued to watch them without any change in expression.

Tezuka's expression stiffened when unexpected guests arrived. Sae saw that and turn to where he is looking at. The girl's eyes widen in surprise.

"Yukimura-senpai!" joy is written in the girl's face as she ran towards the Rikkai Dai captain.

"Sae? I didn't expect to see you here."

"Nanami invited me to join."

"Tezuka." Sanada called out as greeting.

Sae did not realize that Tezuka is already behind her.

"Good to see you're fine now Yukimura."

"I invited him to join too."

"Just the two of you?"

"Yes," Sae gleefully answered.

Yukimura and Sanada looked at each other. Sanada's slightly raised an eyebrow.

The girl's happy expression changed when she remembered something, "but senpai, you two are late. We're almost done here."

"Is that so?" Yukimura smiled, "sorry. We just came by to see how the things are."

"Busy with practice again?"

Yukimura ruffled Sae's hair.

"Thank you for taking care of her," Sanada said in his usual tone. Tezuka replied with a nod.

"We're going now," Yukimura stoop down to Sae's level.

"Already? But you just got here."

"You can always come and see me if you want to."

"Okay," Sae said in a saddened tone.

"We're going now. See you next time."

As the two walked away, Sae looked like she wanted to say something but stopped herself.

"We better get going too," Sae turned to Tezuka.

"You're right."

It's already noon when the two returned to the park where they agreed to meet that morning.

"I'm hungry. Let's go find something to eat."

Tezuka was surprised. He was expecting that they are going home already.

Sae noticed that and said, "I invited you so I should treat you to somewhere."

"There is no need for that."

"I guess you're right… but I wanted to do this," Tezuka almost blushed when Sae beamed him a smile.

As the girl led him in a restaurant nearby, Sae casually took Tezuka's hand in hers. He felt awkward at the gesture but he did not hate it. Unlike him, the girl did not seem to mind as she continued looking around. The Seigaku captain just let the girl guide him wherever until they stopped in front of an old-looking restaurant.

Sae realized what her hand was holding and immediately let go.

"Sorry," the girl said with a flushed face.

Inside the restaurant was cozy and since it's lunch time, the place is packed.

"Good thing we are able to get a seat. My mom used to take me here when she was still alive. This place kind of reminds me of her."

Tezuka remembered Sae's mom. He saw her several times before. She had the same cheerful demeanour as her daughter.

"Can we pay her a visit after this?"

Sae was surprised at Tezuka's request.

Sae just finished paying her respect to her mother's grave. She watched Tezuka as she waited for him to finish.

Sae kept staring at his face without her noticing. It was like her eyes were glued to him. She placed her hand to her chest as her heart started to beat faster like it was going to explode any time. She was captivated. When Tezuka opened his eyes, Sae came to her senses and averted her eyes. A tint of red appeared on her cheeks.

Tezuka broke the silence between them.

"I've decided to go to Germany," Tezuka said without removing his eyes from the grave in front of him.

Sae's eyes widen as she returned her eyes to look at him.

"I want you to be the first to know," Tezuka continued.

Sae could only stare at him dumbfounded.

Tezuka patiently waited for her respond.

"H-how long are you going to stay there?" Sae's voice tremble.

"I still don't know. It depends on how long the treatment will take."

"Is that so?"

Tezuka looked at her trying to figure out her reaction.

Sae smiled at him.

"I'll be right behind you supporting you so you better do your best to get well fast."

Tezuka was happy with what Sae said but somehow, he felt disappointed. He was expecting her more to be sad that he was going away.

"Will you promise me one thing?" Sae showed her pinky finger, "come back before the nationals."

Sae gestured a pinky promise but instead of doing the same, Tezuka pulled her towards him.

"S-senpai!?"

Tezuka wrapped his arms around the girl.

"Just for a little bit… let me stay like this."

Sae only nodded.

Tezuka's embraced tightened.

Sae can feel her heart beating really fast again. She just hoped that Tezuka cannot feel it.

Moments passed. When Tezuka pulled away, he did not look at the girl. Instead, he turned his back to her.

"S-senpai?" Sae was confused at his actions.

"We better head home now," Tezuka started walking away. He did not want Sae to see how his face looked like at that moment.

The girl followed behind him.

Awkward silence surrounded them until it's time for them to part ways.

"Um, thank you for today."

"I should be the one thanking you," Tezuka answered, "this is where we part ways."

"You're right. See you."

Tezuka nodded before he turned to walked away.

Sae felt different as she watched Tezuka's figure become smaller as he walked farther away from her. It was as if she was losing someone very important to her.

That night, Sae sat outside the garden watching the starry sky. She could not sleep. Tezuka's words kept ringing in her head: "I've decided to go to Germany"

"Germany huh? That's very far right?" Sae asked herself as she hugged her knees.

"Hey, you can catch a cold out here."

"R-ryoma."

Sae was surprised to see someone else awake at that hour of the night.

"Can't sleep?"

Sae nodded.

"You know you can tell me anything."

Sae forced a smile, "thank you but I'm fine. Really. It's just that someone important to me told me that he is going away for a while. Maybe I'm just sad because of that."

"Someone… important to you?"

"Ah, you don't need worry yourself over it," Sae smiled weakly. She suddenly stood up, "I'm going back to my room. Good night."

"Wait."

"Huh?"

When Sae turned, her hand was already being pulled by Ryoma.

"Come with me for a minute."

"Where are we going!?"

Ryoma did not answer. He just led her to the shrine where Nanjiro works as a keeper. When they arrived on the stairs, Ryoma let her arm go.

"Why are we here?"

"Follow me."

Before they turn to the corner leading behind the temple, Ryoma stopped.

"We're here."

"Eh?" Sae looked around but she cannot see anything special.

"Behind you."

Sae froze with what she saw. From where they stood, the city looked like a diorama. The lights sparkled as if she was looking at the stars on the ground. The view was breathtaking.

"Beautiful," Sae said without looking away. A smile crept to her face.

"It suits you better."

"Eh?"

"Your smile."

"Oh," Sae realized what Ryoma was doing. He was cheering her up. Her heart felt warm at the idea.

"Ryoma."

"Hn?"

"Thank you."

Ryoma became dumbfounded. He hid his red face under his cap.

It was lunch break. Sae was walking along the corridors when a hand pulled her hair. She struggled to free herself but the pain on her head only increased. She cannot see who the owner of the hand was but she had to follow where that it pulled her to lessen the pain. It led her inside an empty classroom but the hand did not let her go.

When she looked up, she saw familiar faces looking at her in disgust.

"It's you guys again." Sae said trying to sound calm. She remembered how these same girls made a move to push her down the stairs a day before their match with Hyotei. Good thing it only caused bruises on her arm.

"You never learn do you?" a girl in pigtails said.

"Echizen-sama, Fuji-sama, and now Inui-sama!? Just what are you trying to do? Seduce the whole tennis club!?"

"I did not do such thing."

"Don't make us laugh. You can't fool us."

The girl who's gripping her hair pulled it harder. Sae bit her lips to prevent herself from screaming. She knew how much those girls want to see her cry in pain. Sae glared at the girls surrounding her.

"Hn? I don't like that look of yours." The girl in pigtail raised her right hand.

Slap

Sae's left cheek turned red but she continued to glare at the girl. An annoyed look appeared on the girl as she gave Sae another slap followed one after the other.

"Playing silent treatment are we? Maybe this will make you talk," the freckled girl said as she showed a sharp blade reflecting the light from the window sill. Sae's eyes followed as the girl placed the blade next to Sae's cheek.

"What do you want?"

"Quit the tennis club."

"What if I don't want to?"

"We may have to use force against you," the girl holding the blade said as she slowly run the sharp metal through Sae's skin.

The door suddenly slid open.

"Quick, someone's coming."

The girl who was previously holding Sae's hair immediately let her go. The other girls move away from Sae and went out of the room one at a time.

"Tsk, you're really lucky," the last one said before she closed the door leaving Sae alone in the room. Sae heaved a sigh before she stood up.

"What is happening here?" a teacher's voice echoed across the room.

"Um, I was just looking for my pen. I thought I dropped it here somewhere."

"Are you alone?" the teacher asked and looked further inside the room.

"Yes."

"Is that so? I thought I heard voices. Must be my imagination," the teacher looked at Sae, "You. You better head to your class now. Lunch break already ended a minute ago."

"Yes ma'am."

The teacher eyed the girl suspiciously before she left Sae alone.

That evening, Tezuka was getting ready for his flight the next day. He just finished packing his things when his phone rang.

"Tezuka?"

"Yes."

"It's me, Inui."

"Is there any problem?"

"Something happened to Ichinomiya –."

"What do you mean something happened to her?" a cold feeling run down his spine.

"It seemed she has lost consciousness. Can you come get her?"

"Where is she?" Tezuka tried to sound as calm as he possibly can.

"In Taka's place. You–"

Inui did not continue what else he was about to say for the next sound he heard were beeping sound coming from the other line.

"So what did he say?" several pair of eyes looked at him.

"He's already on his way here."

"He must be really worried about Sae by now."

"We're back." Sae arrived with a box in hand. Ryoma following right behind her.

"Is that the cake, nyaa?"

Sae nodded. "I heard my name just now. What are you talking about?"

"Nothing."

The girl eyed her senpaitachi suspiciously.

"Well, it doesn't look like nothing to me."

After ten minutes

"He's here."

"Already?"

"That was fast."

Awful things ran through Tezuka's mind as he made his way to Kawamura's house. He ran as fast as he could, not noticing the looks from the people he passed by. In no time, he arrived in front of Kawamura's restaurant. He was still huffing when he opened the door.

Pop

"Surprise!"

Tezuka did not show it but he was really surprise to see the Seigaku regulars and several other members in front of him: each wearing smiles on their faces. Among them was the girl that almost caused him a heart attack.

A hand tapped his shoulders.

"Sorry to make you come all this way but we prepared a small surprise before you leave tomorrow. We hope you don't mind," Inui whispered.

Tezuka felt his blood boiling after hearing Inui's explanation.

"It's not a good joke Inui."

"It's the best I could come up with. If I told you the truth, it would spoil the surprise."

"Captain, this is for you," Sae was holding a brown box tied with a red ribbon.

Tezuka was too engrossed with his conversation with Inui that he did not notice the girl approaching his way. He felt relieved seeing Sae safe and was smiling. His was fighting the urge to hug her in front of the team.

"Thank you," was all what Tezuka replied.

"Ah, but don't open it just yet. Open it when you get there, okay?"

When everyone was busy having fun with the party, an arm grabbed Sae from behind. She cannot scream since the other hand was placed on her mouth. She was dragged outside the house.

"Sorry about that," the voice whispered near her ear, "don't scream okay?"

Sae nodded and afterwards, the arms let her go.

"What was that Tezuka-senpai?"

"Did I scare you?"

"Very. You– eh?"

Tezuka wrapped his arms around the girl.

"I'm so glad to see you're safe. I really thought something happened to you. If that was true, I don't know what I would do."

"You worry too much," Sae smiled at Tezuka, "why would you think of that?"

Sae was surprised when something soft brushed to her lips. She stood frozen on the spot as Tezuka claimed her lips. It was a sweet kiss but the girl felt an electricity ran through her body.

The girl came to her senses when Tezuka pulled away.

"I will not apologize for what I just did. You can get angry at me if you want but I want you to know how I feel before I leave," Tezuka held her hand and placed it near his lips. "I like you and I want you to go out with me. Please think about it." Tezuka planted a light kiss to her hand before he returned to the party.

Sae was left in dazed with what just happened. She cannot return inside the restaurant with her face all red.

"There you are. I've been looking all over for you. Huh?"

Sae acted like she did not hear someone calling out to her.

"Hey."

The girl felt a nudge on her arm.

"Ah, Ryoma, what are you doing here?"

"I should ask you that."

"I-I just feel getting some fresh air, that's all."

"Why is your face red?"

"Eh? You're imagining things. We better go back now."

That is all… for now

(=^.^=)