A/N:

Fun fact. This chapter was the initial idea that popped in my head, making me want to write a whole ass fanfic about our OTP. ;)

That time (2014), I was listening to Taylor Swift's song, Enchanted and I just want to make a RyoSaku scene that felt like that certain song. Hehe. I'm not sure if I did justice, but here it is, anyway. :)

Why am I so nervous?

Limousines and designer cars lined outside the Thompson family's mansion. People dressed in elegant clothes and jewelries go to the main entrance where a butler checks their invitations.

Ryuzaki Sakuno's nerves won't stop panicking. What do you even do in these kind of situations? She's currently sitting inside a limousine with Echizen Ryoma who is just napping on one side. Holding the invitations in her hands, she wondered how intimidating the inspectors were. This whole ordeal of flashy place and tight security screamed like a really high-end Hollywood event. Truth to be told, she expected that everything would be fancy the moment she was given their invitations but she never thought how familiar-looking the people who queued the entrance. She can recognize most faces from television, movies and commercials. Realizing that she would be inside the party too, made her dizzy.

"Sometimes I forget that Ryoma-kun is a celebrity himself, so he's not really anxious at all." she thought, observing his sleeping form.

The boy wore a black tuxedo with a blue tie. His hair was styled so that his bangs were coolly swept up, showing his forehead (courtesy of a certain Mr. Smith). He looked so dashing that when Sakuno saw him, she can't quite believe that he can be any more handsome than the usual.

A slight knock on the car window made her tense up. The windows were put down and a strict looking guard gestured for the guests to come out and proceed to the gates.

Immediately, Ryuzaki tapped on Ryoma's shoulder, where the boy is unexpectedly easy to wake up. He frowned at first, but seeing the uneasy eyes of the girl, he kind of just knew the situation. He sat up and with a yawn, he was the first to come out.

The girl was surprised when Ryoma reached out a hand to her, assisting her when she comes out of the limousine. Her hands were shaky, and she can't help but be nervous as she clutched unto the gift bag in her other hand.

"Don't be nervous." without looking at her, he spoke as he squeezed her hand a bit. Sakuno nodded, trying to not be nervous, as she feels a comfortable warmth in her heart.

Trying to tuck away her shyness, she took a deep breath. With a determined smile, she told him, "We should hurry up and greet Kate!"

Side by side, they walked upstairs to the gate where they handed the invitations and were welcomed by the butler-in-charge. Going inside the mansion, everything felt like the scenario outside is just a small deal.

Like those castles in fairy tales, there was a huge space as wide as a small gymnasium perhaps, designed with styled royal blue and golden items. There were large, ebony windows at the sides, where you can oversee the garden. The chandeliers literally look like the ones fit for a castle. There is a dance floor on the center, and at the sides, are all the guests on their tables, chatting. At the other side of the room are the food preparations, where chefs and waiters work.

Sakuno felt dizzy by standing upon such a huge place. She felt so little, and it was all overwhelming. She followed Ryoma and the butler who accompanied them in finding their table. "Are those actual celebrities?" she thought, seeing the other tables starting to get filled up.

A squeeze on her shoulders, is what made the shy girl startled. Having quite the shock, she looked over and saw the face pretty face of the birthday girl who immediately hugged her.

"I'm glad you came, Sakuno!" Kate Thompson's tight hug made the Ryuzaki gasp for air. When the girl let go, Sakuno flashed her a genuine smile as she handed the gift she had for her.

"Happy birthday, Kate-san." the Ryuzaki greeted.

"Thank you! I'm already sure that I'll love your gift." the birthday girl reciprocated her smile. Kate turned to the dark-haired boy behind Sakuno.

"Ryoma, what's this rumor I heard that you weren't supposed to come?" the girl pouted, "You're really mean, you know?"

Instead of answering, Ryoma just smiled awkwardly and replied, "I have no idea what you're talking about." he completely changed the topic, "Happy birthday, Kate Thompson."

"Thanks!" Kate replied cheery, "But I have to leave the both of you for the mean time, okay? I'm still really busy for the day." she glanced at the Ryuzaki who nodded in understanding. But just before she leaves them, she gave a nervous look at Ryoma.

"Ryoma, I need to talk to you about something." The boy only gave a nod as the girl waved, "I'll see you both later."

"Hey! It's Ryoma!" there was a random call from the crowd, which initiated the curious glances of other guests. It started as three guests approaching and greeting, but as every minute passed, it is proven yet again the celebrity status of the tennis prince.

Men and women flock the poor boy. Ryoma can only look uncomfortable, trying to squirm. Ryuzaki unconsciously grabbed on the hem of the boy's coat, trying to not get lost in the crowd. He must have felt her tight grip, that he found her arm and held it.

His hands felt warm against her. If it were a normal situation, poor Ryuzaki Sakuno may have combusted. But right now, all she felt is his assuring hand amidst the mixed emotions in her.

"Is she your girlfriend?" one of the guests in the crowd, asked. The man pointed his finger on their interlocked ones. The gazes are now filled with a new feel. Are they dating? Sakuno can almost hear even their minds talking.

He released her hand. There was a pang in the girl's chest. The situation was understandable yet the ache in her heart was still there. Looking at the onlookers, Sakuno spoke up, surprising Ryoma.

"We're not dating." her words unexpectedly sounded okay, in contrast to the squeak that she expected. With a smile, she continued, "If you'll excuse me?" which she directed to the boy.

"Okay." Ryoma can only reply as the girl walked away, without even looking at him.

Stupid Ryuzaki Sakuno.

After grabbing some of the food and drink offered by the rounding waiters and waitresses, she found herself hiding away in the garden.

The moon is full and bright, its silvery shine gives the stone fountain of angels sparkle. Ryuzaki Sakuno shivered a little when the wind blew but she didn't mind it. She continuously sat at the foot of the big sycamore tree, overlooking the balcony and one of the big ajar doors at the side of the venue. The luminous lights and upbeat sound can still be heard outside. Over her view, she saw guests dancing and laughing, having the moment of their lives.

And then there's her. Like a miserable loner, she's managed to isolate herself again from the crowd. It's not that she's a person with terrible anxiety, it just so happened that while she is shy, the atmosphere didn't really feel comfortable at all. Maybe because she doesn't know anyone, except her friends who were mingling just fine that Sakuno felt like she would burden anyone by tagging along.

After an hour inside of the party, she suddenly wanted to get some air and she found herself in the balcony with stairs that led to this garden. She just busied herself exploring, and looking at the stars in the clear skies. It fascinated her, those beautiful jewels in the sky, so pretty and looking friendly, yet so far away. Feeling a bit tired, she sat at the foot of the tree and just silently observed the party from the sidelines.

It must have been hours since she left to go outside. It gave her time to assess her feelings. Ryuzaki just managed to embarrass herself again. Just what is so hard about throwing her feelings for a certain tennis prince into the garbage bin? It has been years already. Her petty crush should've ended, the moment he left and didn't come back as promised. Middle school Ryuzaki Sakuno was really tenacious. And now, those cultvated feelings over the years prompted the university student Ryuzaki Sakuno to overthink everything.

He's just too far. Ryoma Echizen is a guy who walks fast and doesn't look back. Meanwhile, Sakuno Ryuzaki is clumsy, and therefore can only look at his confident back, admiring him from afar, never having the chance to stand even a little beside him.

Why must she assess her feelings everytime? Ryoma being friendly with her just stoked her fragile feelings more... and it's not even his fault that he's acting like a decent human being.

It frustrated Sakuno a lot, so she just hugged her knees, tucking the hem of her dress carefully and let her head rest on her kneecaps for minutes. She just soaked on the stillness, the faint sounds of the party was being drowned out by the sound of cicadas and the faint rustling of leaves against the wind.

It's just so tiring.

"Ryoma-kun..." she mumbled.

"What is it?" someone's voice replied.

She recognized the sound right away. It was almost like the Fates just wanted to make fun of her.

Sakuno looked lifted her head and look forward.

Looking like a dream, Ryoma Echizen stood a few feet in front of her. His posture seeming nonchalant, and the uninterested facial expression he had reminded her of his middle-school look. She didn't reply, but just looked at him. He approached her and settled down on the spot beside her. She flinched a little, when she realized their closeness.

A few seconds of silence since he sat, Ryoma sighed, "It's unfair that you just hid away without me. I can't stand most of the guests." He sounded whiny, the kind that he usually would show when around his Seigaku regular senpais.

Ryuzaki just quizically looked at him. Ryoma didn't look back, his eyes are still on the view of the balcony and the party inside. She continued staring, and when Ryoma finally looked at her in the eye, his question tugged something at her insides.

"Say, Ryuzaki... Are you having problems living with someone like me?"

Huh?

"Are you tired of putting up with me?"

He didn't sound sulky. Ryoma just straight up asked her. His eyes had an intensity, the way he usually observes his opponents in a match. He's looking for her answer. Waiting.

When she didn't answer right away, he turned his head to look at the party again. He added, "You're acting weird the past few days 'til now."

"I-It' not like that, Ryoma-kun." she replied, feeling guilty. "I don't have problems living with you." It was the truth. Her feelings shouldn't have such weight when it is clear that Ryoma looks at her like a friend, and she didn't do anything to let him know her harbored feelings.

He didn't look at her as she replied. "I-I think the reason I am acting weird is the fact that for years, I'm in--"

"AH! SAKUNO-CHAN! THERE YOU ARE~"

The adult who whisked Sakuno in the situation and gave her scholarship, transformed from her composed demeanor to that of a drunken middle-aged woman. It has been a while since Ryuzaki have seen Ms. Thompson, and it was unexpected that they meet again this way.

Ryoma and Sakuno just stood surprised, when the drunken lady approached them. The situation just shifted into something entirely new that even Sakuno didn't realize that seconds before Ada Thompson made her appearance known, she was about to confess her years worth of unrequited love.

"Why are you not inside and dance?" the Thompson who may have already forgotten her dignity because of alcohol, swayed her hips and danced to the tune of the faint music from inside.

Ryuzaki can only look at her in shock, as Ryoma is processing the thought that the usually serious university official can be influenced by alcoholic drinks that much. They didn't say anything as Ada Thompson continuously danced.

Thank goodness, it was not a scandalous dance. Ryuzaki sweat-dropped.

"Ah! You two are still not dancing!" Ada whined childishly, "You go and be partners."

"It's okay--" Sakuno was about to console the woman when Ada grabbed Ryoma's hand. He can only look at Sakuno, fearful of the next turn of events.

"Ms. Thomps--" disrupted yet again, it was Ryuzaki's turn to have her hand grabbed. Ada Thompson giggled as she put both of Sakuno and Ryoma's hand together.

"Now dance!" the drunken woman cheered as she danced again.

Both of the young adults had flushed cheeks. It was mostly embarrassment as they are forced to dance together. Ada is quite pushy, eyeing them with her tired eyes if they were really dancing.

It was a faint party music that is in no way even similar to a slow song where you can slow dance. Yet here they are, at the unfortunate turn of events, ears are red as the both of them swayed slowly. Sakuno's hand on Ryoma's shoulder as the other held one of his hands as he also put his other hand to her waist, but not touching.

Middle-grade Sakuno would have died of blushing disease if she'll ever know that at some point in her life she would get to slow dance with her crush. Even if it was a ridiculous set up, it felt like a dream.

Ryoma is a lot taller than her now, so when she looked up to him she was shocked to see him looking at her. He was whispering something that she can't quite understand. She had a confused look in her face. Realizing her circumstances, he made an effort.

He slowly leaned as he whispered, his breath touching her ear, "Ada Thompson..."

And then everything suddenly fell over.

Sakuno was quite aware of the woman's presence behind the tennis prince. Ada was after all, mumbling something she can't quite hear clearly. But it was a shock when she suddenly fell onto Ryoma, knocking him off of balance. As they were dancing, Sakuno was caught in the fall.

With a thud, her eyes were closed, feeling the ache of the fall. Feeling something soft against her lips, her eyes suddenly opened.

Eye to eye with the tennis prince himself. Just missing the center, Sakuno's lips were against him. He was just as shocked. His eyes were wide open.

And as he looked at those doe brown eyes, he felt something thundering against his chest. Echizen Ryoma was quite unsure whether it was his heart or if it was from the girl underneath him.

What is happening? he wondered.

A/N:

Hello everyone! It's been a while! I got caught up with many things in real life. I just graduated college and I am now preparing for board exams so I was really not sure whether I can do my plans of finishing this fic before July. But we'll see.

While finishing writing this, I am listening to Camila Cabello's new album, Romance. It was really good, I especially liked the tracks First Man and Dream of You. Lol. I think it inspired the way I wrote this chapter. Haha.

Anyway, I haven't properly proofread for typos, so bear with me if there are. I am using a bluetooth keyboard and sometimes there are errors with the input.

Putting that aside, I hope you liked this chapter! Reviews are greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much!