Author's Note: Thank you everyone who left a review about this story. The update took long since I was thinking on how to approach the developments of the plot. In the last chapter, it featured what is going on Ryoma's side. This time, the installment will be focusing on how Sakuno feels about everything. I hope, I can still get a lot of responses via reviews and support through follows. It is an indication that many are satisfied with this work. Please enjoy!
"Chapter 4: Unexpected Future Plans"
Sakuno had no idea what time Ryoma left her house. Checking her phone, there was no message from the prince. But his Father, Nanjiro-san has one in her inbox. Her father, Sasuke, is already in Japan. He went straight to the hospital upon arrival. Her Dad will be staying there for the night. Her grandmother is yet to wake up and is still in stable condition. Sakuno felt relieved that her grandmother is doing fine. The news of her Dad arriving made her heart flutter with excitement. Her father is now back in Japan. It is a rare occasion. Even if the circumstance is unstable, she is glad he is around. She wondered, will it be rude to call Nanjiro-san's number to talk to her Dad. Her father has a phone, but it is a Swiss number. He is yet to renew his Japan phone number. As if on cue her phone rings. The Echizen patriarch's number is on display. "Moshi Moshi, Sakuno des" she timidly answers the call. There was a deep male voice on the opposite line. Unlike the loud and lively Nanjiro Echizen, the voice sounds like a more reserved man. Is who she is expecting to hear? Her eyes widen in glee upon hearing the caller speak. It is the gentle voice her ears have yearned for years. It is a sound that gives her comfort, hope, and assurance. A testimony that she is loved. A smile crept up her lips. Sakuno muttered the words with a sweet voice, "Father, welcome back home."
"Sakuno, I am sorry to burden you once again." The apologetic deep male voice said. Sasuke Ryuzaki knows the hardships and trouble his mother carried in raising his daughter. In her old age, Sakuno is taking care of her in return. Oh, how the tables have turned. It is something a son like him should do and not burden his child with. Taking a deep breath, he continued to speak with his child. "Your grandmother is awake now. But she needs to preserve her strength. And she does send her regards sweetie. You have nothing to worry about."
Sweetie. An endearment her Dad would affectionately address her. A nickname she cherishes so much. Sakuno recalls that her father calls that and her mother sweetheart. He always said they are worth more than all the sugar in the world that can pump endorphins. It is a nerdy way to say they are his happiness. A grin appears on her lips after recalling a beautiful memory. "Sweetie, are you still there?" Sakuno answered yes, and her father chuckled. "It has been a while since you heard that nickname right? Well, you will hear it more often. I will be staying until Mother gets better. We will live together again for a while."
An urgency rose into her heart. "Dad, I want to go there. Do you want me to bring you something to eat?" Sakuno knows her father misses Japanese food so much. "How about an onigiri with fresh tomatoes?" She could see the smirk of her father from the other line. Did she sound too excited? "Is that a yes? I will come over after freshening up and prepare the food." Her father chuckled and told her not to hurry. He reminded her to get more sleep and recover from the other day. Sakuno replied that she had enough sleep. It is he who needs to rest. The long travel might have taken a toll on him. "Dad, I know you are going to be stubborn about this. But, I miss you a lot. Whenever I have the chance, I love cooking for you. So please let me do this." Sakuno stated with conviction. It is not every day she gets to prepare meals for her father. Knowing that she will not back down, Sasuke agrees and reminds her to be careful on the way. "I no longer easily get lost, Dad." The teen answered proudly. "You will be surprised how much I grew up!"
Sakuno had her way and prepared the food. Once done, she tied her hair in a bun and hurriedly went to the hospital. It is good that the buses have late-night trips to the medical facility. It is cheaper than taking a cab. She had no trouble with the nurse station after stating the purpose of her visit. Since she is a relative and the patient requires extra care, Sakuno was allowed to come in. Her grandmother is no longer in the intensive care unit. But she is still in a room where her heart condition is kept an eye on. The intense monitoring will last a few days. It is a prerequisite for deciding what to do next. The dark ebony hair of her father is what she noticed first. He had always had thick and unruly hair. It is part of his charm. His ebony eyes looked at her with affection. He always says she is the mini version of her mother. Then she would tease him that he must have loved her mom a lot. They manage to make another replica of herself. Knowing this gave Sakuno confidence in the strength of love between her parents. It made her accept the priorities her Dad had chosen. He aims that no one will suffer the same way as her mom did. His daughter and future grandchildren, the treasures his late wife Sakura has given him.
"Are you doing well, sweetie?" Her father greeted her with a smile. "Sorry, this event ruined your long-awaited prom date with Nanjiro's son." The patriarch continued to explain while shrugging. He knows how his daughter likes this boy. And he is aware that the brat is indifferent about it. "Does he acknowledge your feelings now?" After hearing that they will go to the prom together, are things progressing? Her affection for Ryoma is no secret to anyone. She confessed to him after graduating from middle school. The Prince is not ready for commitments, but because of his invitation, did his feelings change? They are both young and dealing with passions. Did they act on their feelings now?
After confessing in middle school, Sakuno knows there is no chance in heaven. She decided to move on that day. But fate seems to be playing a sick joke on her. In high school first year, they were classmates again. Many expect Ryoma to go back to the United States. However, he appeared in Seigaku High School. She did not want to appear a sore loser, so she became civil with him. And for some reason, Ryoma continues to acknowledge her actions. He is acting as if nothing happened. She decided to let it be. Sakuno does not expect him to love her back anymore. Whatever they have, she will enjoy it until it last. She knows one day, they will separate. And who knows, maybe they will never cross paths again. Is it not better to create more memories rather than be miserable? So she embraced their no-labels relationship.
The question allowed many memories to flow inside her head. She tiredly sighed and answered. "Dad, you know that besides as an acquaintance, nothing is between us." It is surprising how her heart has numbed to his fact. It does not hurt as much as it used to. She has gone so far. The girl felt proud of herself.
The soft onyx orbs of her father looked at her tenderly. "Sakuno, sweetie, whatever happens, I am proud of you." He stood up from his seat and walk towards her, arms opened wide. Sakuno leapt into her father's arms. Now is not the time to think of Ryoma. This moment is all bout her reunion with her father. Her head reached his shoulders now. It a proof of how much she has grown. "Sorry, I had to bother you." The man said apologetically. "I even asked an awkward question immediately." She swayed her head with her forehead touching his chest. Her father has always been warm. She missed him every day. Sakuno always prayed for a chance to live a normal life with her Dad. He had many things on his plate, but it did not stop her from praying for a chance.
Sakuno pulled away. "Dad, you need to eat." She took the food out of her bag and laid it on the table inside the room. Her grandmother is sound asleep. The healthy color is noticeable on her skin. Sakuno is glad she is okay. Her father took a bite of the tomato onigiri she made and smiled. He chewed gently and swallowed the treat. He looked at the rice ball fondly. "Does it taste like Mom's cooking?" The auburn girl shyly inquired. She got interested in cooking because her mom is a great cook. The man nodded and grinned proudly. Aside from the skills in the kitchen. She was beginning to look like her mother more and more. Sasuke's heart ached. How long can she stay as his little girl? They have been away for so long. Will he not regret it when she decides to marry and settle down?
The incident with Sumire Ryuuzaki added fuel to the fire. Sasuke realized the need to spend time with his remaining family now. "Sakuno, before I left Switzerland, I was offered a job transfer to Kyoto." Sasuke Ryuzaki declared. "I am returning here and thinking of going back to Kyoto. Our original home." The black-haired man explained. "After you graduate, your grandmother retire too. It is best to live together from now on." Sakuno was surprised at the announcement. Her prayers are finally coming true. Her Dad is coming home, and they will live together. Her grandmother might have a few health issues, but the opportunity is hard to miss. It made her heart swell in joy.
"I think that is a great idea, Dad." The girl acknowledged automatically. It was an answered prayer.
"What about your friends and the tennis club?" The patriarch asked.
Sakuno was caught off guard by the question. Of course, that needs consideration. But, reuniting with her father is more valuable than anything else. "After we graduate, my friends and I are going to separate universities. We have talked about it already." It was the truth she did discuss things with Tomo-chan. "It is something unavoidable. As for the tennis club, the same goes for them. Maybe some would even go Pro. They will leave the country." The lady explained. "Honestly, Dad, Grandma is not getting any younger. Same with you. We make the best of our time together? And who knows? Maybe I will meet someone like you and marry early too." Sakuno jested with a smile. Her parents married after they graduated from the university. Both were successful in their careers until Sakura, her mother, got sick. Despite that, their home was a happy one. "Our home in Kyoto has a lot of beautiful memories, Dad. I would love to go back to it. And grandmother cannot work anymore. It is best to cut costs by giving up the apartment here in Tokyo." It was a practical and feasible solution.
"You are a bright woman like your mom. Getting into Kyoto University will not be hard for you." Sakuno blushed at her father's praise. "Are you fine with living separately from everyone?" He asked once again. "Won't you be lonely?"
Sakuno swayed her head and smiled at her father. "I managed to live separate from you. It was lonely, but since Grandma was around, it was enough. My friends can always contact me. Technology is advanced, and transportation is easy. Things will work out."
"Kyoto is not the ideal place for sports events like tennis." The male muttered out of the blue.
"Dad, choosing between family and a one-sided love is the better choice is obvious." The girl answered cheerily with a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Some people will take a while to move forward. But with how things are going, I am getting there. Loving someone since twelve years old, it is kind of hilarious."
"Hn" the patriarch uttered. He took another bite of the rice ball. He seems skeptical about the answer. Sakura confessed to Sasuke when they were twelve. He rejected her, not knowing deep inside how much he loved her. He is happy she never gave up on him. After rebelling and finding himself, she was the first person to welcome him back. It is the reason he feels something is off with the tennis prodigy. Based on his experience, is Ryoma in the same situation? But he will do what he can for his daughter. Since she agrees with the plan, he will support her in every way. Ryoma can regret or remain nonchalant. It is the least of his problems. Being with his family is the priority now. "Looks like I need to call our tenant there for advance notice that we are returning." The girl nodded and handed him a second onigiri. His stay in Tokyo will be blissful because of his daughter and mother. Once Sumire Ryuzaki is out of the hospital, they will discuss further plans too. "Tell your friends in advance. It is best to maximize your time with them too." Sasuke reminded and paused for a bit. "Even with that tennis brat, be sure to tell him."
"You used to hate him, Dad. Now you are worried about Ryoma?" Sakuno gently laughed. "I assure you, he would not care about what I do with my life. He probably will be happy that I am out of his hair."
"He asked you out and stayed with you yesterday, right?" Sasuke affirmed.
Sakuno nodded. "He asked me to become his date to push others away. For Ryoma, I am a safe space. And that is all I will ever be." The girl confessed. "Grandmother is important to him. It is the reason he came too. He may be frigid, but Ryoma is not heartless."
"How can you be sure he has no special feelings for you?" Her father inquired once again. "He will not let you stay by his side if you are nothing to him."
"Dad, if he really loves me, Ryoma should have confessed before asking me to be his prom date." Sakuno answered. "Don't you think it's cruel to ask a girl who loves you on an event intended for lovers and say it is for the heck of it?" There was a trembling in her voice. "But, I could not help being stupid and agreeing. Wanting him more to hurt me so I can have enough reasons to hate him." Sasuke pulled her closer to an embrace. "I transferred classes and tried to avoid him. But I end up making him bentos and walking home together. I am a hopeless case. He knows all of it, Dad. And still, he tries to take advantage of my feelings. I feel so stupid." Tears fell from her eyes. It has been a while since she cried over Ryoma. It is funny that many see them as close friends, but she is now crying because they are unbearably close.
Sasuke silently held her daughter. It is obvious she loves the boy a lot. But having your love unreciprocated is painful. Maybe its time for a breather. "Sakuno, if you wish have some space, go for it." The man assured. "If he does want you, he will be the one to approach you." He felt her shudder. It was a sign. She thinks the prince will not go after her. "If he does not acknowledge your worth. You have me here now, sweetie. Dad will protect you, always." Sakuno buried her head deeper on her father's chest. Her tears are staining his shirt. Despite the hurting image, she never felt so relieved. Finally, Sakuno feels everything will be alright.