Disclaimer: I don't own Prince of tennis. Just my imagination. haha
"it's the connection that can't explain"
The fluttering feeling keeps lingering inside her chest, Sakuno can't help herself but to touched her forehead, bright red hue envelops in her face as she can still felt the burning sensation of his kiss on her forehead. Surprisingly, after the peck kiss he gave him to her, she can still look straight on him without blinking an eye, she felt her soul snaps out on her body as her body felt like a jelly, 'that was their first kiss!' Though it is only in forehead and she wasn't sure if it still counted as a kiss, a kiss comes from the man she loves for years and still counting gave so much difference. She slightly pinches her cheeks in the process on identifying whether it is a dream nor a reality right now.
"What are you doing?" Ryoma asks curiously, after that ride, this certain pigtailed hair remains quiet, now he was wondering why she fell off quiet right after. 'Was she's mad from what I did?' Though a part of him wanted to asks her for her sudden switch of mood, he felt like chickening out, 'What will he do if she's really mad? Was he become too fast?' Kissing her was not his plan, it just happened, his mind shut down on its own and it seems his body move on his own. Yet, he didn't felt regret for doing it so.
"Huh?" Sakuno blinks her eyes still in dazed.
"I'm asking you why are you pinching your cheeks like that?" He asked, curiosity piqued on its peak, he touches her redden cheeks "it's swollen already"
'I am just checking if it's real' Sakuno wanted to say it out loud, yet her cheeks burned as she realized how pathetic and embarrassing it was. Gaping like a fish, she bit her pinkish lips timidly hiding her self-embarrassment.
"Awww! Mou!"Sakuno touches her forehead as she felt a slightly tingling pain, she glared at the perpetrator who flickered her forehead. "Mou! That hurts Ryoma-kun!"
"Then stops doing that" he said nonchalantly, he looks away, pinning his hat down
'Doing what?'Sakuno wanted to refute yet she notices how his ears turn red for unknown reason, wondering she wanted to asks him yet her thoughts been cut off when he suddenly announces their arrival.
"Were here" the young tennis prince said, he helps her opening the door of the cab.
Slowly, Sakuno went out of the taxi, on the other hand, Ryoma said something on the driver as he went outside, the taxi stops in their front, still lights on. they both stared to each other for a while.
"Anou, thank you for today Ryoma-kun! I-I really enjoyed this day" she said smiling so shyly like a little girl. "And sorry for taking your time" she apologizes once again.
Ryoma looked at her in disbelief, he sighed as he closed his eyes, tucking his both hands on his pocket. "Can you please quit saying thank you and sorry? You've been saying that since earlier" he said deadpanned.
"Mou! There is nothing wrong for saying thank you when you are grateful!" Sakuno pointed out.
"Yeah right!" Ryoma huffed. He ignored her grumblings. He looks at their house, the lights were all off, it's past 10pm and he wasn't so sure if he broke any curfew hour, though Sakuno assured that is it alright with her grandma, he felt guilty knowing that her grandma is waiting to her to come home. He mentally notes to himself to give her a call once to personally apologized.
"It's getting late, you should go inside, and please tell my regards to your grandma" Ryoma said.
"Un. Please take care yourself and text me if you came home safe!" Sakuno reminded.
"Un!" He smirked. "Oh! I forgot!" He took something inside his pocket as he handed something to her carefully
Sakuno's eyes widened in surprised, she stared at her with disbelief, eye's bigger like a saucer plate. 'How did?' it was the same cute penguin keychain she saw earlier; it looks super cute on her eyes that she can't help but to steal glances whenever they walk past on it. Slowly, a smile crept on her face, her eyes glistened with undeniably happiness as she stared at him
"Arigatou Ryoma-kun!" With eyes closed, she smiled genuinely to him.
Ryoma smirked; he nodded his head as he motioned her to enter on their house. Without their knowing, Sumire was silently staring at them, she was silently observing them from the window.
'She looks happy when she's with him' Sumire mumbled, the sadness in her eyes were evident, drowning from her inner thoughts, she clenches her hand on her chest. 'You must be happy my grandchild. I know he can make you happy'
A single tear escape from her eyes 'Oh God! I know I am running out of time, but please- make sure she will be fine even without me'
"I heard you still not accepting the offer"
Miyu automatically rolled her eyes upon hearing his irritating voice, she feigns ignorance to the guy who seems in peak of his mood to annoy her.
"Hn, Is this because of that brat?"
Miyu continuously ignoring him, the self-proclaim and entitled king of their campus none other than Atobe Keigo. For some reason, Miyu can't stand his arrogance at all. His narcissist ego though it was well given justice by his fame, looks and wealth plus the fact that he is consider as one of the top high school tennis players due to his caliber and skills. Of course, a lot of school girls were willing to kneel on his front.
Atobe smirked, though he can't understand why she was annoyed to him to the point that she publicity displaying her annoyance towards him, he can't help but to feel so amused to it. Afterall, he was used to be surrounded by people who adores him and yet, this certain prima donna openly showing her hostility to him.
"What do you want Atobe-san?" Miyu huffed, she glared at him as her both hands cross towards her chest.
Atobes smirk, he tilted his head, eyebrow raising as he looks at her.
"If you have nothing to say I am going now" she said sneering. She rolled her eyes in the process. For some reason, Miyu can't stand Atobe, they furiously bickering towards each other when opportunity arises to them. As if they were cats and dogs ready to set a fight towards each other
"Ahn, too grumpy this morning, eh?" Atobe smirked triumphally, as if he get what reaction he was expecting him to her.
"Leave me alone" she glared
Atobe raised his eyebrows, amusement was evident in his handsome face. For the reason why this girl in his front was annoyed to him even he didn't do anything as if his breathing was a crime on her is unknown. Yet, he enjoys every moment when she bluntly shown her annoyance to him. It is not like he was interested to her though, he never considered that thought. Though, to tell the truth he can't deny the undeniably beauty of her, plus her one of the kind talents but the idea of having a romantically involvement to her was beneath his deepest mind, in other words, it's too impossible to happen. He was just too curiosity towards her hostility to him.
"Atobe, coach is looking at you" Oshitari Yushu taps his shoulder.
"Let's go Kabachi" Atobe announces leaving Miyu with frown in her lovely face.
"Are you hitting Echizen Ryoma's girlfriend?" Oshitari asks while fixing his fake eyeglasses.
"Ahn, do you think me like that? And besides she's his ex-girlfriend now" Atobe tilted his head as he fix his hair.
"So, you are hitting her now?"
"No, and I will doubt it if that happen"
Oshitari paused, confused on his words he looks at him with slightly frown, sometimes he really didn't get him at all. His obvious attention to that ballerina girl is too visible that even them their teammates notice it at all. But based on how he answered his question, now he wondered on what was really running on his head.
"That's all for today" Yamato sensei, smiled as he closes his notes to his team. He slightly fix his eyeglasses as a small chuckled escape on his lips as he continues observing his team. Indeed, they gotten strong. Their blooming potential is finally thriving.
"Nah, Echizen are you ready for today?" Momoshiro hangs his arms on Ryoma's shoulder making the latter frown and tried to get free from his hold.
"Hanase Momo senpai!" The young tennis prince grunted, it was a hectic practice to them, Yamato sensei surely know how and what to do to make them busy.
"OCHIBI! OCHIBI! Are you excited?" This time it is Eiji who clings to him.
"Excited on what?" Ryoma asks, his eyes close trying to hold his patience on his two senpais at once.
"Huh? Don't you remember it? It's An-chan and Momochi anniversary! Nya!" Eiji said, his eyes twinkles in so much anticipation.
Anniversary?" Ryoma said unintelligently, as if the word is so unfamiliar to him. He stared at his senpai baffled. "And what is supposed to do with me?" He asks trying to figure it out why they seem excited about it.
"Matakku Echizen! Momo-chan senpai told us that they will treat us today! Don't you remember it?" Horio, his loud-mouthed teammate next to Osakada said, bowling his eyeballs."Keh! We all already agreed to the plan! Why on earth you didn't know it Echizen?" Horio snorted.
"Well, Echizen-kun is obviously not listening to our conversation last time" this time, Kachirou, one of the freshmen trios said, sweat dropping in the process.
"Nah! Nah! Anniversaries supposed to be celebrated! Don't you know it?" Eiji said in disbelief on his kouhai's reaction. "And since we will be going to help Momochi on his surprise for An-chan, this would be the first step of the surprise!" He beams. "Remember! We have to play well; this is the first step of surprise that Momochi prepare!" He excitedly jumps.
"Eiji, you should learn to zip your mouth in the process" Fuji smile, his usual menacing smile.
"And you too! Horio-kun! We plan this well so learn to control your tongue and cooperate!" Osakada-san rolled her eyes to him.
"Why me?!" Horio pointed himself in disbelief. He glared at Osakada-san ready to bicker back.
"Saa... Let's all go now!" Oishi, their ever mother hen said.
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"Thank you minna!" Tachibana smiled genuinely. All the Seigaku team, including their captain Tezuka greeted both of them.
On the other hand, Ryoma was silently staring at them, with one hand on his chin, bored witnessing how his senpai and considered closest friend becomes romantic and cheesy like this.
'Does anniversaries supposed to be like this?' Ryoma can't help himself but to wonder, every year his senpai never failed to surprised his own girlfriend like this. Now, come to think of it, did he celebrate this kind of event too? He can't even clearly remember when he and Miyu become a couple back then.
"Echizen! Are you not going to greet us?" Momo senpai asks.
Ryoma on the other hand seems baffled, blinking as if caught to a serious offense, he sits straight to his seat as he speaks. "Happy anniversary Momo-senpai, Tachibana-san" he said in his bored, monotonously voice.
"Keh! What's with that greeting?" Horio snorted.
"Seriously, Echizen-kun was not fond of this kind of things!" Tachibana giggles.
"Right!" Osakada nodding her head in agreement.
"I bet! He doesn't even remember when is their anniversary with Kurosawa-chan! Right Echizen?" Horio, his ever-stupid teammate who doesn't know when to stop his mouth from opening asks.
'Why they love to open this topic?'
"Nah. Nah. I remember how Miyu-chan was always been the first who greet him even in the past! Don't you remember ochibi! How sweet she was asking our help to surprised you in your first-year anniversary! She always plans ahead of time every anniversary you had" Eiji who is in the middle of munching his burger said, his stares send accusing daggers to his kouhai.
"Keh! Echizen is simply romantically challenge! He really doesn't know how to be sweet to someone. I feel bad for Kurosawa-chan!" Horio sneered, he even crossed his arms.
"Che." Ryoma retorted. He closes his eyes as he pretended not hearing their banter.
Was it wrong? So, what if he doesn't have any once of sugar in his fiber? Is this his fault? He is not that kind of guy anyway. And what so good about celebrating anniversary at all? Is there any rule stating that you should celebrate it? Is it kind of sin to skip those events? He didn't even celebrate his own birthday anyways so why giving importance to some trivial events? So, what's the big deal of it?
But come to think of it, does it really special? Miyu never complaints about it either way, both of them were too busy, they both cool to everything anyway, so why these bunch of people complaints to him like this?
"Nah Echizen, you only knew someone's worth when it's too late for you to hold!" Momoshiro said looking straight to his best friend.
"And what do you mean by that senpai?" He tiredly asks.
"What we meant was, it's only once in our life to find someone worth it, so don't ever let it go!" Eiji senpai winks.
Ryoma just stared blankly at them, 'why does it sounds like their pertaining to someone right now?'
'And why his love life always been a national concern to them?'
"Sakuno-chan, are you ready?" Tohru ask her best friend with smile, with her cellphone focusing in her.
Sakuno on the other hand, pouted her lips, she immediately covers the lens with hand whom shaking anxiously. "Mou! Stops that Tohru-chan! I'm so nervous!" She exclaims, her cheeks were beat red.
"You can do it well, Sakuno!" Tohru giggled.
"Mou! If it's not for Kitagawa sensei, I won't do it, I'm so nervous and shy in the same time" her cheeks redden more like a tomato.
"Tch, what are you babbling for? It's your performance test and beside you will only perform in your class so there is nothing to be nervous now" Kyo huff, his piercing eyes sent daggers to poor Sakuno. "Unless you don't want to have a good grade from her subject?"
"Mou, your so mean Kyo-kun!" Sakuno pouted, "of course, I wanted a good grade but why I have to sing in front of everyone? I am so shy to do so" not to mention I need to sing in front of everyone at school gym! Sakuno babbled inside her head
Raising his eyebrow, Kyo looks at him in disbelief " Unless you want to cook in front of us? Of course, you should sing! That's your talent! We did the same thing you know!"
Tohru giggled, it was their performance week test, and today is Sakuno's turn, she glances at her boyfriend who seems ready to berate their best friend once more. Knowing Sakuno having a low self-esteem, this is the only way that Kyo knows to do to help her. Besides, there is no gentle words would come out in Kyo's dictionary anyway.
"Just remember how awful Kyo performed yesterday and you will be at eased" Tohru chuckled, she laughed a little covering her mouth in the process making Kyo looks embarrassed and redden his face.
"Tohru!" Kyo huffed.
Upon remembering how Kyo performed yesterday, the two girls laughed, of course that was one epic failed on his side. Kyo crossed his arms, huffing but seeing how Sakuno loosen a bit, he somehow felt relief.
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"Thank you for coming with us Miyu!" Akane, one of Miyu's closest friends said, she beams from ear to ear from her side, she walks hand in hand with her boyfriend and longtime crush Ootori.
"Sorry for dragging you way here, Kurosawa-san" Ootori scratches his head apologetically.
"It's fine, besides it is a good thing to have a short vacation once in a while" Miyu said.
"That's right! It's rare to us to travel here in Osaka!" Akira high pitch tone echoed; she seems excited for some reason.
"Your just excited because of Akutagawa-kun!" Hikari teases Akira making the others laughed.
"No, it's not!" Akira blushingly defended herself. Of course, her crush towards the sleeping beauty of Hyotei was known by everyone.
Miyu stared at her friend's blushing face, her gaze unconsciously ended towards Akane and Ootori who happily laughing in whatever they talking about, it still a mystery to her part why her friends ended liking them.
"Ahn, I was surprised to see you here"
Miyu's thought cut off when she heard that certain annoying voice, she automatically rolled her eyes to him. Of course! It was so surprising for her to be here in the first place. Tennis is a sport she didn't really get into no matter how much she pushes herself to. And the only reason why she's desperate to learn at least the technicalities of this sport is because of the certain prince to be called in this sport, no other than Ryoma Echizen. But regardless of how hardest she tried, her efforts are futile, she's not that sporty! Though she quite can play volleyball occasionally.
"But I am not sure if your here to give support to your team" Atobe said.
Miyu rolled her eyes once again ready to rebuke him
"Hisashiburi Atobe-san" Shiraishi greets them
Miyu turns her head from her side, her attempt to rebuke him postponed. She saw a man wearing a green jersey with friendly smile, one hand carrying a redhaired guy like a sack of rice whom frowning and waggling.
"It's been a while, Ahn." Atobe greeted back his side lips rose.
"I didn't expect that you would bring a lot of supporters" Oshitari Kenya, cousin of Oshitari Yushu of Hyotei speak tauntly.
"Don't speak as if were afraid of your team Kenya" Oshitari Yushu berate his cousin, fixing his fake glasses, he glared at his cousin "We are the best team amongst the East"
"Koshimae is not here, too boring" this time, Kintaro said in disdain, he was still carried by his captain, " Shiraishi! Let me watch origini-chan! Nah! Nah! Shiraishi! I want to watch Origini-chan!" He whined like a small child.
"Boring, ahn" Atobe felt offended, "for someone as little mouse as you, how come you can defeat me? A king?"
"Nah monkey king, are you ready to lose?" Kintaro said in confidence, he smirks looking serious this time
"An, cocky brat, does you pick that brat's attitude? Jungle boy" Atobe smirked.
Miyu was baffled, she was certain that Atobe was pertaining to Ryoma, but why on hell his name drags on this?
"Kintaro Toyoma considered himself as Echizen Ryoma's rival" Yushu whispered enough to Miyu to be heard.
Miyu just nodded herself, of course she didn't know that fact.
"Well technically this guy is considered as west rookie, while Echizen-san is the east rookie" Ootori briefly explained to her.
"I didn't know there is such thing" Miyu said, there is a trace of unknown emotion in her voice. To be honest, what's more she doesn't know about him regarding tennis? She was confident enough that she exactly knew him well, and yet this kind of simple things about him seems unfamiliar to her.
Miyu thoughts pulled out on her mind as she heard cheering, she doesn't even realized that the match started.
This is the thing she wouldn't understand, no matter how much she tried to reach him from the only thing he loves to do, why she can't catch up? What's wrong with her?
3 years of dating? Why it feels like nothing?
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"Did you have fun guys?" Ootori asks as they were heading somewhere, right after the friendly match towards Shintehonji, they all decided to parted ways since some of them have business to attend too, except from them, that is why they decided to sightseeing.
"I didn't know that Shintehonji would be a tough opponent though" Hikaru said
"Right! Have you seen how the redhaired guy moved? It somewhat peculiar" Akira was in dazed.
Shishido huffed "that cheeky brat who keeps whining about Echizen!"
Ootori laughed, his doubles partner really hates losing "oh! That reminds me, I heard Echizen-san will participate in upcoming Hawaii exhibition match"
"Yep" Miyu answered.
"Did you prepare a gift?" Akane asks, peeking towards Miyu.
"Is that necessarily? I thought they both broke up?" Shishido asks.
Miyu seems offended, of course, no one in their circle of friends and acquaintances not known that their already ended their relationship.
"Baka! They just broke up for now! It's only temporarily!" Hikari shouted, ahe glared at Shishido angrily.
"Huh?" Shishido looks confused "is there such thing about breaking up? No matter what, once you ended a relationship it's ended! Mattaku! What's wrong with you girls?" He hissed. "You deciding as if we don't have any right to decide! Do they mutually agree on it? How the hell we will know that it's for a short time or not? Stop deciding as if you own our lives!" He added scratching his head.
"Baka! Quit spouting nonsense!" Hikari smacks Shishido's shoulder. "Of course, Echizen-kun can wait! Regardless they talk about it or not! Miyu is the only girl he ever like, right? You shut up!"
"Shishido-san is right," Miyu said coolly, not wanting to be sound upset, there is nothing to be upset in the first place, since everything he said was true, she was the one who acted according to her own will, she broke up with him. And yet, here she is, acting so arrogant not thinking those things. What if he's right? They didn't talk about it anyway, they just ended it by that. She just asks him to be his friend. But what if? They didn't think the same way again?
Ever since they broke up, they never talked to each other again. She tried many times to call him yet she chickens out.
What if, Shishido is right? What if? he already let her go?
There is no way she would let that happened. Ryoma Echizen is hers! Miyu clenched her hands tightly.
"Miyu" Akane holds her hand, sensing her mood.
Miyu looks at her baffled, Kane simply smiled at her reassuring
"Maybe you should give him something related to tennis? And use that opportunity to talk to him" she winks.
"Akane is right! You should set things right!" Hikaru beams
"But I don't know what to give him" Miyu said, to be honest, she was so clueless about tennis stuff.
"How about grip tape?" Ootori suggested. "I heard he was using Yonex grip tape"
"That's right! We will accompany you to sports store right now!" Akira giggled. "and prepare for your comeback!"
"Thank you minna!" Miyu smiled brightly.
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Miyu hurriedly went to the grip tape section the moment they stepped feet to the store, her eyes scan towards the shelve having different kinds of grip tape. Her eyes automatically fix on the tape she was searching, her hand was about to reach the item when somebody touch it first, they both holding the tape, the only difference is, the girl's hand was under her.
Miyu turns her head; she saw the confused look on the girl's face. They both holding to only grip tape, surprise, they both release the item.
"Gomenesai!" The girl's face turns beat red. She bowed her head. Her messed-up hair was visibly on Miyu's eyes.
"Oh. Gomene," Miyu said scatching her arms.
The girl looks at her, her doe shape chocolate eyes look innocent, she smiled at her brightly
"I'm sorry, I didn't see that you are going to pick it up" she said sweetly. Her voice was angelic same goes to her face.
"Oh. No. It's okay Afterall you have it first." Miyu honestly said.
Sakuno stared at her, she was so beautiful. Her sharp eyes together with thick eyelashes and pointed nose. Her black jet long hair, her looks were so illegal. She looks like a goddess!
Blinking Sakuno compose herself, she looks down meeting her shoes. 'This is not a time to admire her beauty.'
"Uhm, you know you can have" Sakuno said, of course she needed it too. Yet, she doesn't have a heart to fight back towards a grip tape, although this is her last resort to find the same brand. Maybe, she needs to think of another gift to give to him.
Miyu seems surprise, for someone who got it first, she was indeed generous "Oh! No! You have it first! So, it's you to hold!" Miyu objectively said. "Besides, I can buy something like this again"
"Demo..." Sakuno mumbled.
"It's okay, once I came back in Tokyo I will find one" she reassured.
"Honto?"
"Yes besides I don't know if he will going to like this one" Miyu said, And I don't know if I can have a time to give this to him.
"Honto Arigatou!" Sakuno bowed happily. She smiled so brightly.
"Oi! Sakuno! What's taking you so long?"
From a distance, Kyo went nearer to them.
"Anou. Arigatou! I hope you can find a perfect give to that person" Sakuno smiled, she turn her head ready to leave when she face her again "I hope this will help you but, anything that comes from the heart will be appreciated" after saying it, she half run towards Kyo.
Miyu stared at her retreating back. "Anything that comes in the heart huh"
"Miyu did you find it?" Akane asks.
"Uhm. Nope. Maybe I should buy one in Tokyo when we return" she said, her gaze still remains on where Sakuno left.
"What's the matter?" Akira asks curiously.
"Nothing" Miyu mumbled.
For strange reason Miyu felt something odd.
'What is this feeling anyway?'
Never did they knowing that the fated encounter they have been about to be change somehow.
Sneak peek for the following chapters:
"Miyu..."
Her trembling lips touch his, with shaking hands desperately wanting to hold him, Miyu capped his cheeks, desperately wanting him to response. She closes her eyes in the process, waiting for him to return her heated kiss.
"I'm sorry, who's this? Ryoma is still in shower I will-"
"Who's that Miyu?"
"I don't know someone name Kyo? Gosh! Can you at least wear something descent!"
"Give me my phone, Hell-"
Toot…. toot...
"Why I felt complacent over that? Why I didn't realize it sooner? I become comfortable to the little kindness he given me. I'm so stupid for not knowing my place!"
"Ryoma... Sakuno is missing"
"Obaa chan I'm all alone. Should I come with you then?"
Like a wind, Ryoma didn't know how fast he run towards nowhere, his mind is haywire. He no longer cared for his aching face, he no longer cared if he runs miles or the rain is pouring down. Bullets of sweats were visible on his forehead, same how he was drenched in rain.
"SAKUNO!"
In the midst of grave sorrow and loneliness, he found her. For the first time in his life, Ryoma felt like he died. Seeing her like this, slowly he took a single step to her.
"Sakuno..."
Slowly he reached from her, their eyes met, his golden eyes met her chocolate eyes yet he can no longer recognized the depths of solitude of her gazed.
"Sakuno..."
Rivers of tears flows down freely on her eyes like a never ending vain. Ryoma reaches her, enveloping her with a tight hug. Hugging her all, her inner soul, her broken heart and torn self.
"You were never be alone. I'm here. From now on I will be your family"
Kyaahhh! I'm so sorry for too much delay! As much as I wanted to update my tight schedule is depriving me sooo... I'm very sorry. I hope you still waiting for this story. i know! A lot of typos and grammatically error but please be patient with me. I hope to fix this once I have an extra time to spare. Yes, I give you some sneak peek for the following chapters! Haha ..
