36 Drabbles

6: Taking A Walk

Ryuzaki Sakuno didn't know how she ended up in this situation. You know, the type of situation where you had three boys surrounding you on the street of a crowded festival, all of them leering at you with their dark, perverted eyes. No one was really paying attention to the small, kimono-clad girl trembling underneath three pairs of predatory eyes. Well… almost no one.

"I-if you could just let me pass..." Sakuno stuttered, trying to get through two of the boys. She stepped back when those boys closed the space she tried to get through, the third coming up behind her and trying to grab her hands. He was stopped by a voice speaking up behind him.

"Ryuzaki." Echizen Ryoma said, scaring the three boys and making the third one turn to look at him. The expression on Ryoma's face was, as always, emotionless. He held a can of grape ponta in one hand.

"Ryoma-kun!" Sakuno gasped, pushing past the third boy to stand close to him. Ryoma didn't take his eyes off the three boys until Sakuno stood beside him, her little pouch of money dangling from her fingers.

"Did you get lost?" He asked, his head turning to look at her and ignoring the three boys in front of him. Sakuno answered with an embarrassed "y-yes" when one of the boys tried to say something. A side-glare from Ryoma shut his mouth, and convinced all three of them to leave. Now.

Sakuno tugged the bottom of Ryoma's shirt. "A-ano…" she started, a blush spreading across the apples of her cheeks. She wanted to ask him to tell her where the centre of the festival was, so she could meet up with Tomoka before her best friend chewed her out for being late. Ryoma stared at her as she struggled to find the right words, still as apathetic as usual.

Without a word, the captain of the tennis team reached out with his free hand (the one not holding the grape ponta) and grabbed one of Sakuno's hands. She looked up, startled as Ryoma turned away, his back the only thing she could see, making his way into the opposite direction Sakuno was heading to. And though she could not see his face, the young Ryuzaki saw the tips of his ears turn red; his hand sweaty over hers.

Sakuno blushed, looking away from the sight of his back to her. Her gaze flickered as she saw a girl with brown hair run into the woodsy area to the right of them, gasping. "Tomo-chan!" Sakuno cried, her hand still gripping Ryoma's as she rushed after her friend. "Tomo-chan!"

Ryoma yelped, his arm suddenly being yanked on and his body dragged sharply to the right. Stumbling somewhat, Ryoma regained his footing and jogged behind Sakuno, who couldn't run faster because of the sandals she wore (as opposed to the running shoes Ryoma was wearing). Sakuno began to climb up a grassy hill, Ryoma having a much easier time than her, and helping her along.

When they reached the top, Sakuno ran to touch the girl on the shoulder, smiling. "Tomo-chan!" Sakuno's happiness faded when she saw a different face from the one she pictured. This person was openly scowling at her, irritated at being interrupted when she was trying to find her boyfriend. "Oh, sorry. I thought you were someone else." With a quick flick of her hair, the girl stalked off and Sakuno stood there dejectedly.

"Ne, Ryuzaki." Ryoma said, touching her on the shoulder. Sakuno looked up at him, a little confused. He pointed to the front of them both. "Look." She obliged, and her face lit up as she saw the fireworks dancing across the sky. Her hands clasped together in front of her, her mouth agape in astonishment. She was a little saddened that she couldn't see the fireworks with Tomoka, but figured having Ryoma there to watch it with her was a good trade. Speaking of Ryoma, Sakuno never noticed him watching her the entire time she "ooh"ed and "ahh"ed at the fireworks.

When the fireworks were over, Ryoma and Sakuno began the strenuous journey down the hill. Ryoma helped Sakuno even more this time because her kimono restricted her movement. Often, she would miss a step or stumble, pitching forward only to be caught by Ryoma's strong hands, her cheek pressed against his chest. This would ensue generous blushing on Sakuno's part, and jerky movements on Ryoma's part for the next few seconds.

After reaching the bottom of the hill, Sakuno was pleased (but embarrassed) to see her hand still intimately intertwined with Ryoma's. Even more than that, he was refusing to let go no matter how much her fingers wiggled. "Ryoma-kun?" Sakuno spoke up meekly, blushing. He refused to look at her, and she could see the tips of his ears turn red again, partially hidden by his black hair and Fila cap.

"Want to take a walk?" Sakuno heard Ryoma say, his hand tightening lightly on her fingers. A brilliant cherry red blush spread over Sakuno's cheeks, and she smiled giddily as she reached out with her left hand, placing it on top of his left hand curled around her right hand.

"Okay."

A/N I know, I know! This drabble is really short, but I couldn't think of any other ideas! Not to mention these are supposed to be drabbles. (Just saying!)

My inspiration for this chapter mainly came from a friend of mine. He gave me the basis of the plot (festival, walking around), but the fireworks and the three guys were just my little extras. I know it isn't very "Take a Walk" like, but I did what I could!

Review for a slice of yummy apple pie!

Snowflake Flower