Chapter 17: Predicted Parting

Little Falcon: So sorry for the late update, I was busy and I still am but how can I not update when I hate making people wait. I'll write whenever I can so please be patient, okay? Just like always, read and review.

Standard Disclaimer: I only own the idea, that's all. If I did own the series I'll be the happiest person on Earth.

The morning came almost too quickly. His amber eyes together with his body felt like they didn't get the rest they deserved, especially when they were beaten up so bad just hours ago because of his long game. But why is it that the famous Seigaku player wasn't the least bit affected by his body's protests? Although he tried his best to hide the smile on his face, he still found himself gently biting his lower lip as he remembered the warmth of her lips.

There were so few words exchanged between the two of them before a maid innocently waltzed in, ending their moment too soon. That night, Ryoma lay on his bed wide awake. His heart beating like crazy in his rib cage. Everything felt so right… like he had achieved his greatest victory. What else could go wrong?

"Miss Sakuno went out early for her part-time job," one of the maids smiled upon seeing his dark unruly hair peeking through the kitchen. His cat-like eyes searching for her face instantly. In truth, he can't wait to see her again and probably talk to her about a lot of things.

"Is that so," Ryoma straightened up and immediately saw the prepared breakfast for the entire team. Honestly, how does she do it? A smirk made its way to his lips while his other teammates finally woke up.

It was their final day in the mansion before they set out to train in another place, most likely, two train rides away. What happened last night was perfect but is it selfish of him to ask for something greater?

"It's time to buy souvenirs!!!" his dunk smashing sempai rejoiced as the team finished breakfast and set out to enjoy their last day.

"Hmm, Momo's acting all energetic. He and Ann probably made out," the acrobatic tennis player elbowed his blushing teammate with a wide grin on his face. The others laughed seeing Momoshiro's face grew beet red.

Finally, Echizen can look at his upper classman without anger in his eyes after Momo explained what really happened that day. But even if he did, there's still that incident with the Rikkai Dai player, Kirihara Akaya, and there's also the Ryuugan Prince, Saiga Toushiro. A lot has happened to her and he can't wait to hear everything about it from her.

When was it that he became so aware of her presence? For a moment, he was just strolling around with the others then it was like someone told him she was around. Instantly, his amber eyes scanned the faces around. His gaze returned to the sports shop nearby. His heart almost skipped a beat upon seeing her unmistakable form from the large display window. What he saw next made his blood boil, enough to make him go into the store.

*****

Cold sweat trickled down her forehead as the pain on her ankle grew into an intolerable level. Her vision grew dark as her knees suddenly lost its strength.

"Sakuno!" a pair of arms caught her in time before she hit the floor. "What happened?" she felt herself being carried then gently placed on the couch.

"Nothing much," she managed to reply as her vision returned gradually. As she tried to stand, the pain made it impossible.

"What the hell is this? When did this happen?" Worry and irritation were mixed in his voice as he knelt in front of her and tenderly lifted her injured foot to his bent knee. "You should've told me that you weren't well. I shouldn't have forced you to come. Heck! You shouldn't have been working with your ankle in this state," he wove his fingers through his curly hair as his dark eyes watched the polite smile on her face.

"Wohoo! Akaya, you two sure are looking good together," the other Rikkai Dai players approached them with a mocking grin after looking at the store's wares. "Hey, are you alright Sakuno?" they asked as they saw her pale face. Everyone turned around upon hearing the store door open abruptly.

Her chestnut brown eyes widened in surprise. "Ryo…Ryoma-kun," she saw the other Seigaku players enter as well. "Minna-san (Everyone)," she tried to pull her foot away from Akaya's touch but he didn't let her. "Akaya, I think you better let me go," she whispered, feeling the tension in the air.

"I don't think so, Sakuno. You need to go home and rest," without warning, the Rikkai Dai player carried her like a princess in front of everyone.

"How long do you plan on holding on to her like that?" his eyes narrowed dangerously as he saw another man's hand on her. His fists were turning white as he clenched it so tightly while gritting his teeth.

"Ryoma-kun, it's not what-," even before she could explain. Akaya shielded her from everyone's gaze by turning his back rudely at him.

"Who the hell do you think you are, holding onto her like that?" Sakuno pressed her fingers against her temples as she saw her Ryuggan upper classman, Shigure Teito made its way to them.

"Look, look! Its Rikkai Dai, Seigaku and the Ryuugan Captain," one of the customers said to the other. The spectators drew in like moths to a flame.

"All right, enough!" Sakuno snapped, shutting everyone up. With just a glare, she made Akaya put her down.

"What the hell is with you guys, anyway? Is it so wrong to worry about my little sister?" he eyed the Ryuugan and Seigaku player threateningly.

"I…Imouto (little sister)?!" Momo and Eiji exclaimed, making everyone in the shop stop and look.

With a painful sigh "My mother is marrying Akaya's father so legally speaking is will be my brother," her eyes wandered to the old Seigaku coach that was standing in the back silently.

"EEEEHHH?!"

Sakuno shook her head helplessly as a wave of question and answers took form.

That afternoon, the Seigaku team waited for their bus, their luggage ready to go. The clock ticked repeatedly in his ear. His time to see her before he leaves shortens by every second.

"Our Mistress Sakuno apologized that she can't see the team off but she wishes you good luck in your upcoming games," the maid said with a smile, bowed then left.

"Call me when the bus arrives," Ryoma stood up and went to the courts. Am I that insignificant to you, Sakuno? His amber eyes widened in surprise to find her standing in the middle of the Tennis court with her back against him.

"Good luck on the championship," she turned around just at the same time the wind blew, making her long wavy hair play with the wind as her chest brown eyes reflected his form approaching.

His heart almost stopped. How can one be so beautiful without any effort at all? His breath got caught in his throat as he drew near, unable to even utter a syllable.

When they were finally eye to eye with only a few inches away from each other, Sakuno smiled so sweetly, like she did so long ago. "I'm sure you have a lot of questions but this is all we have right now,"

Instinctively, Ryoma reached for her hand and closed the distance between them. "I'll come back right after the umpire whistles the last match won," his voice was deep and rich, no traces of doubt or lie. Then, there it was again, that arrogant smirk she knew she would definitely miss.

Without a word, the two met each other's advances and sealed their lips. Their kiss was long and steady, enough to never be forgotten no matter how much time will pass. Their arms held each other so close to memorize their warmth. The loud bus horn put an end to the conversation between their lips.

With his forehead against hers, "Wait for me. I'll come back, I promise," he resisted the urge to kiss her again without a decent reply. Unable to speak, Sakuno nodded reluctantly. Another bus horn was heard, Ryoma pulled her in for another kiss before he walked away.

"Sayonara, Ryoma-kun. I'll be leaving to I don't know where. Please take care of yourself. I'm sorry I can't wait," her tears trickled down her chin as she lost sight of him. Just minutes after Seigaku's bus left, a cab parked in front of the mansion. The maids handed the driver her luggage as they cried.

"Why do you have to leave Miss Sakuno," one said as the others wept. Sakuno answered them with just a smile. With a formal bow, she said her thanks then left without a word to where she's going.

Little Falcon: Read and review please…