Disclaimer: I do not own PoT. = P I love giving this chapter to you. Short and easy, I hope!

Chapter 28: The answer

Sakuno remembered arms around her, and that was only been a month and more when she first tripped while holding the egg which gave her Kennichi. An arm reached out to save her and helped save Kennichi... Tezuka.

Tezuka's arms around her when he pulled her away from the oncoming drunk driver was warm and safe. The way her heart beats rapidly from being so close to him was rushing into her head.

Ryoma's hands were firm and strong but they weren't the ones which made her feel safe and happy. Ryoma was offering her a chance to save herself and everyone else, with this she will no longer make Tomoka worry and nor will the rest need to follow her around and she wouldn't make them worry. Especially... Tezuka.

Ryoma will give her the fastest and quickest way out of this mess and the only person smart enough to offer her this so that it will help reduce hostility. By accepting Ryoma she would be living her once childish dreams. But this dreams aren't as colourful as it used to be.

What use to be dreams of sitting under this tree together faded and all she wanted and dreamed of was sitting in that library while Tezuka reads a book and Kennichi trying to get as much sun as he could.

She had to look at reality, Tezuka may think of her as a sibling and with her feelings which may cause him to be uncomfortable... being with Ryoma would assure Tezuka that she wasn't in love with Tezuka and perhaps solve all their problems. Tezuka won't feel uncomfortable and everything would return to normal right?

No... it would never be the same. She would be lying to Ryoma and Tezuka, Ryoma was a very nice guy. He was trying to help her out of this situation and she knew that taking advantage of him will make her feel unworthy. He deserved someone who loves him rather than loving someone else while holding his hand.

If she said yes now, she wouldn't be giving her heart to him. She would be lying to him while staring at Tezuka from a far. That wouldn't be fair...

"It wouldn't... be fair..."

Ryoma could hear her soft whispers in his ear, the words may not seem pleasant but her voice was very pleasant. He had a last shot at this, and he didn't want her to refuse whether it was for his feelings and the fear this will make things worse.

"...Sakuno... you do know that..."

Sakuno shut her eyes as she breathed in. No one was meant to go through anything for her. Her whole life, her parents saved her from getting killed with them, her grandmother cared for her all the time and no to mention the Seigaku regulars would do anything to keep her safe. Tomoka did everything she could to help her if she was in trouble... No one should go through the things they go through.

She didn't want anyone to regret nor did she want anyone to suffer for her sake so Ryoma was no exception. She wrapped her arms around him as she said in the softest and the most beautiful tone Ryoma had ever heard.

"... Ryoma-kun. How could I accept, when I am in love with someone else? I don't think it is right to deny you your happiness that you won't find with me."

Ryoma shut his eyes as he released her, as she too opened her eyes and saw a tinge of sadness he allowed his eyes to spare her. She shook her head for every person hiding. Ryoma walked down towards the tennis courts first.

Tomoka appeared instantly as she took her hands

"Sakuno... You... promised! Why did you reject him? It could solve everything."

Sakuno merely smiled, but her smile looked very pained as she replied.

"I can't keep letting people defend me... I want you all to be safe and not self sacrifice..."

Tomoka wrapped an arm around her as they walked down towards the tennis courts, her best friend had to head home straight after, with one last sad look Tomoka walked away leaving her in the safest place she could think of.

To be Cont.

Hear this, as I was going through some information I found this...

Tezuka Kunimitsu

Tezuka Kunimitsu auctions ending now
Buy Tezuka Kunimitsu on eBay now!

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And you know what? I was so tempted to buy! . Then he'd be cannon! = P Ah wells! ON with the chapters.