Chapter 6: the end of the beginning
"Eventually everything connects"
Sakuno was humming happily while going down on the stairs, she smiles upon remembering the last conversation she had with the tennis prince. Though she can't even admit it, the presence of him in her life makes her happily and up until now, their sudden closeness is far beyond her imagination, she can't believe for everything that is happening right now. It's like a dream. Sakuno felt like walking in a cloud nine and she was too afraid that it might not last. A sudden fear of losing these happy moments with him scared her; she can't deny it anymore, although she doesn't want to be greedy at certain point, but at this moment in her life she yearns and wanting him more.
Sakuno hurriedly shake her head, 'let's not be greedy Sakuno', just be contented for what both you have' Sakuno kept reminding herself about this whenever her thoughts haywire to something else. Although they were close and comfortable to each other right now, there is no guarantee for what they both felt for each other, at least from her part, she knows her heart for the young tennis prodigy. Her love for the tennis prince never changes AL throughout the years. But what about him? There is no certainty for his feelings and their relationship, apart from they 'were engage' the idea of their future together is too far away from their hold. 'let's just pray for the best'
Sakuno hurriedly went to their kitchen, peeking on every side and corner possible where her grandmother was, her brows crease when there is no sign of her grandmother.
"Obaa chan?
'Where did she go?' Sakuni keeps on walking looking for her grandmother, she knocks on her room but there is no response. Unease, Sakuno opens her door, she walks inside and knock on the toilet. Realizing she's not inside, she was about to go out and close the door when something caught her eyes.
"Huh? What are these?" Sakuno pick the piece of paper in the table, it seems a written prescription of a doctor, from the second page of the paper, there is a lot of written words that she can't and hard to understand she squinted her eyes trying so hard to understand the document when a harsh hand snatch what she was reading.
"Obaa chan?!" Sakuno jumps in surprise, perplexed for sudden snatching of her grandma, her eyes doubled its size.
"What are you doing here?" Her grandmother asks, she hid the paper inside her locker
"Obaa chan are you sick? What was that for?" She asks, ignoring her grandmother's question.
"Sakuno it's not right to pry on someone else belongings"
"I'm sorry, demo- obaa chan are you hiding something from me?" Sakuno earnestly asked.
Yes, Sakuno was not an intelligent child but she's not dumb, she knows there is exactly going on and Her grandmother is hiding something to her.
"I'm not hiding something, that's only a prescription for my constant headache, you don't have to worry about" Sumire smiled reassuring. "Do you know I'm suffering for headaches due to stress right?"
"That many?" Sakuno asks, not convinced enough on her grandmother's explanations.
"You don't have to worry; your grandma is perfectly okay." And that's a lie. Sumire didn't know how to drop the news to her only grandchild that she will not live long any longer. But how can she tell? Just imagining the pain that her precious grandchild might be suffer once she knows the truth was enough reason for her to just die than her knowing, the excruciating pain that she may inflicted to her was terrifying. Sakuno is the only family she left and the idea of leaving her in this world terrifies her most.
"Mou! How can I not be worried? Do you want me to accompany you to a doctor? You should see a doctor obaa chan!" She was in verge of tears. "I told you not to stress yourself! Mou!"
"Saa... I told you I am fine, let's go outside or you will be late on your school"
"Mou! But we should go see a doctor obaa chan! Let me accompany you, okay?"
"Okay... Okay..." Her grandmother laughed "in time like this you look like your father"
"Mou! I'm not kidding obaa chan!"
"Fine! Fine! We will set a date"
"That's a promise, right?" Sakuno sternly asks.
Sumire just nodded her head to confirm and assured her but she will never do that thing. Now, she has to do something.
Days past so quickly before Ryoma could notice the time. Earlier morning his manager confirmed his schedule flight, of course, Ryoma almost forgot about his matches in Hawaii;
"Neh, neh ochibi! When is your flight anyway?" Eiji senpai asks, he even hangs his arms on his shoulder, one of his habits whenever they saw each other.
"Monday" He answered shortly. But in truth, he asks his manager if it's possible to move his flight Tuesday morning in an excuse of something important he needs to do; and in addition, that he will make up since the first week in Hawaii was reserve for his practice and so. Technically speaking he will not miss any match from that week. At first, his manager seems surprise hearing him making a favor like this, it is rare for him to asks favor when it comes and connected on tennis. He was surprisingly obedient to his schedules and commitments and never missed ones. Of course, tennis always his top priority, one of things his manager admired about him and his undying passion to tennis to the point he forgets everything aside from the said sport. Kei Takashima, his manager sometimes felt sorry for him since he missed too many things that a teenager like him supposed to do or experience, sometimes he wishes that Ryoma would throw or act like a teenager of his age, but he wasn't. The only time he saw Ryoma act like a normal teenager is when he dated during middle school. But his relationship towards his girlfriend was quite peculiar. Kei wondered why. Though he might seem serious towards his ex- girlfriend since she's the only girl he ever got interested with, however something is weird about their relationship, or he was seeing things since Ryoma always priorities his tennis over anything.
Ryoma was excuse by then, since he no longer needed to attend class, he plans to go in Osaka on Monday, of course, to personally visit and make time to her. Until now, Ryoma felt guilty towards cancelling their supposedly plan this coming Sunday because of simply forgetting his promised made to his senpais that time. Although Sakuno insist it is okay, and he don't have to felt bad about it the tennis prodigy felt really bad, she seems looking forward for that day, and in order for him to have a piece of his peace of mind, since he felt like wanting to see her for God damn unknown reason why.
"Ne, ne! You going to bring us souvenirs right? Nya!" Eiji senpai's eye twinkled in anticipation.
"Eiji! Echizen will go to Hawaii to compete not to have fun you know" Oishi butt in, he gives the young tennis prince a warm smile "do your best Echizen"
"Yes" A smirk form on his lips. He never intended to lose a match anyway.
.
.
.
"So, what souvenir you want?" Ryoma asks once again; he smirk as if he was amused on Sakuno's musing that she didn't want anything aside for him to be safe and to do better for his matches. As if he was going to lost. Losing is never been in his dictionary.
[Mou! I told you already, I don't need anything! Ryoma-kun is such a teaser!]
"Heh, mada mada dane" the young prince smirk, every night, they usual calling spree lasted for an hour or two. They enjoy each other's company. Their out of the blue topics sometimes were full of silliness. Yep, Sakuno find Ryoma such a huge teaser, he enjoys teasing her out of nowhere. And most of the time, Ryoma volunteered to help her on her studies most especially in English.
"Ryoma, Momoshiro-san is on the line" Nanako knock on his door.
[Anou, Ryoma-kun, I think you should answer the call] Sakuno said upon hearing his cousin.
"He can wait, besides there is nothing to talk about, I already agreed with his fussing anyway" he said leaning his back on his bed.
[Mou! It's not good to make your senpai's wait, and besides it's getting late already. You need to sleep early since you have plans with your senpais right?]
"Che."
[Good night, Ryoma-kun, have fun and take care for tomorrow] Sakuno chuckled.
"Good night too Sakuno. Send my regards to your grandma"
Ryoma was silently waiting in the train station, with eyes close, both arms on his nape, body leaning in the hall as he patiently waiting for them to come.
"Ryoma?"
The young prodigy opens his eyes as he heard a familiar voice. Miyu who seems surprised by his presence. Ryoma blink twice, thrice before he finally realizes what is happening right now.
' Momo-senpai!' How on earth he didn't realize the true meaning behind his senpai's snickering last night.
"Nah! Echizen, you going to love my surprise for you"
"Miyu" he said.
"So, you are the one who will pick me up?" Miyu asks
"Sorts of" he answered shortly. They both stared to each other, Miyu gently fixes her hair that was flickering because of the wind. She felt happy upon realizing their senpais purpose. Of course, their senpais helping her without even asking for help. Now, Miyu is positive that eventually they will reunite to each other as what she wanted to happened.
"Do you know where should we go?" Ryoma asks, he fix the brim of his hat
"Well, Momo senpai told me to go at Tokyo tower, that's the meeting place" She answered her eyes fix on him watching his moves. "We can walk by now then, since it's near the area"
"Ja, let's go" Ryoma nodded his head, he started walkign when he realized that the luggage, she was carrying seems heavy to her to hold. Slowly, he steps back once again, getting the luggage on her hand "let me carry this" he said, he stared straight on her jet-black eyes.
Miyu nodded her head, she smiled at him genuinely. "Thank you, Ryoma,"
"Betsuni"
They both walk side by side, Miyu kept on glancing towards the young prince. Somehow, she fights the urges of holding his hand; Miyu now realized the huge difference when they still dating and now that they are friends. She misses the time when they were together, how freely she can hold his hand or encircled her arms to his. She misses the moments that she can freely display her affection to him.
"Nani?" Ryoma asks, he looks sideways to her, he even stops from walking.
"Nothing " Miyu said. "When is your flight by the way?" She asks.
"Monday" Ryoma answered. "I heard from Eiji-senpai that you will compete in U.S" he said in his monotonous tone.
"Yes" Miyu answered. "Well, that's my goal for now, to win the ballerina competition" Miyu beams happily.
"Heh, yarujan. I know you can do it though" he said smirking. For years of knowing Miyu, Ryoma knows how competitive she was.
"How about you? Any news? It's so hard to get news about you" she jokingly asks.
"There is nothing new about me" except that he knew about the existence of his fiancée. In which he can't reveal just yet.
"Are you still using the same number of yours?" She asks obviously wanting to hint her purpose of asking
"I'm still using my old number" he answered nonchalantly.
"Oh. I thought you change yours" she said. Glancing at his reaction.
"Why would I change my number? "
"Nothing. Is it okay to contact you once in a while? After all were friends, right? Is that okay?" She directly asks.
Ryoma stared at her lovely face, "it's fine" he answered, there is no harm on that anyway.
•
.
.
.
Upon arriving at their destination, all eyes were maliciously looking at them, they smiled with hidden content as if they were waiting for some great news. Ryoma sighed; he closes his eyes ignoring their teasing eyes. Momoshiro who seems satisfied by what he was seeing beams. He whispers something to his senpai, Eiji who beams teasingly to them.
"Ohayo Miyu-chan!" Eiji greeted he beams from ear to ear before diving towards to the tennis prodigy "ochibi! You did a great job!" He teases.
Momoshiro who seems can't resist to join forces together with Kikumaru for teasing him, the latter still brawling the poor tennis prodigy. They both asks unended questions and teases about them. Ryoma, on the other hand, felt his energy drained in an instant. 'what's with them anyway?' No matter what he says, that they are just friends, they still tease them as if they were all back again during when they still in middle school.
"Hanase! Eiji-senpai!" He grunted.
"Ohayo Miyu" Fuji greeted his childhood friend.
"Ohayo Syusuke" Miyu greeted back.
"Saa, now that we are all complete let'd go!"
.
.
.
"Arigatou Ootori-kun for giving us a free ride" Tachibana said smiling.
Ootori nodded his head in the front mirror.
"Na, it's alright, it's just happened he was free to accompany us today" Akane, Ootori's girlfriend answered.
Luckily enough they all fitted inside the van, all thanks to the trio whom give way and seat at the van's floor while at reh back where the luggage's were put, Shishido, Oishi and Kikumaru who seems enjoying the jampack at the back settled. Miraculously enough, although the rest were seated crowdedly, they seem can breathe somehow.
Ryoma settles to sit right next to the window, seating sideways, half of his body leaning on the window pane, he stared outside, ignoring the loud noises inside of the van. While Miyu rested beside the tennis prince due to urging of their senpais.
"But you save us from trouble y'know!" This time it was Momoshiro who laughs while scratching his back.
"So, how's your team doing?" Fuji asks smiling, he was seating in the second row of the passenger van next to Momoshiro.
"Well, we are preparing to defeat you, you know." Ootori said.
"Right! We going to win this championship y'know" Shishido said, he looks outside of the van sulking.
"Neh, what's wrong with Shishidochi? Nya!" Eiji asks, eh clings on the seat leaner where Ryoma, Miyu, Hikaru, Tomoka and Kaido seating
"Eiji!" Oishi hissed his tennis partner.
Ootori laughed, he glances at Shishido who still upset from Atobe's leaving without him.
"Apparently Atobe-san left without him! That's why he acts like a baby!" Hikaru rolled her eyes she glared at the back where Shishido is silently seating. They both look to each other, or more to say, they both glared at each other.
"I'm not sulking! It's just he forgot we have a match right now! Just to go and convince some random girl!" Shishido hissed angrily. He scoffed after his long litany.
"Nani? Atobe-san is looking for a girl?" Momoshiro seems surprise his eyes doubled its size as he looks at Ootori.
"Na, it's not like that, well, technically speaking he just wanted to recruit the girl in our school since she has a talent, nothing more nothing less" Ootori explain. "Atobe-san would never miss talented individuals like her"
"I see, so that's the reason why" Fuji said, he smiled creepily.
"But you say she rejected him flatly, right?" Akane butt in. "Was she really that talented? Atobe-san really came back fast to Osaka to personally asks her though"
"Osaka?" Eiji intervened.
"Yep, we came last Saturday there." Miyu answered. "We watch for their friendly match with Shitehonji team and it happens he saw her there." She added.
The tennis prince, who seems having his own worlds pique his interest upon hearing what she said. He looks at Miyu who still talking and telling what happen during that time.
"Honto? Sugoi! We once visit them during middle school! So, who wins?" Eiji excitedly screams.
"Well, 2 wins 2 lost and 1 draw, apparently the red guy in Shitenhonji team is quite good" Hikaru answered.
"Honto? Sugoi! We want to play with them too! Nya!" Eiji said, he beams at his tennis partner Oishi.
"That's right! It will be fun" Oishi agreed.
"Maybe we can ask Yamato sensei about it though, what do you think Tezuka?" The tennis tensai said, he looks at Tezuka who silently listening to their conversation.
"We can ask Yamato sensei if it's possible" Tezuka answered while fixing his eyeglasses.
"ii data" Inui mumbled he wrote something on his notebook while smirking.
"Heh, yarujan" the tennis prince said, he smirks upon thinking how great it would be. Now, come to think of it, Sakuno once said she was studying at Shitehonji High School. How great it would be if he surprises her by the sudden visit in their school. Just imagining her reaction, Ryoma can't help but smirk.
"I'm off obaa chan!" Sakuno runs as fast as she could outside their house. Wearing a simple knee leveled dress, she fixes her signature hairstyle braids.
It was Saturday, yet Sakuno is heading towards to their school, her sensei personally asks her to come without explaining why; being her, a typical can't say no to others type, she agreed without having second thoughts on her mind. After putting her shoes, she glance on her phone, a smile crept on her lips seeing the message of a certain tennis prince.
[Neh, don't get lost]
'mou! Ryoma-kun is teasing me again'
Sakuno pursed her lips; she can literally imagine his smirking face, her thoughts runway for her reply to him. She smiles once more before hopping on the bus that exactly stop on her spot.
Nothing new
Atobe Keigo is starting to get bored again; despite winning all over and over again and remains unbeatable captain in their team, Hyotei, being eyed by some tennis scouts, having everything in the tip of his fingers- Extravagance, power, talents and even looks. However, Atobe find his daily life becomes dull and ordinary. Though it was easy for him to do things, such arrangements like this- friendly matches from his fellow opponent teams which they become friends as years goes by. His thirst for something amusing was indelible not until this time.
Have you ever heard the wolf cry to the blue corn moon?
Or asked the grinning bobcat why he grinned
Atobe stops right in front of the door corner, finally reaching where the sounds of piano coming from.
Can you sing with all the voices of the mountain
Can you paint with all the colors of the wind
Can you paint with all the colors of the wind
Atobe seems surprise, it's not his first time to see someone singing while playing piano, in fact, he encountered multiple times, however, it was his first time seeing someone who did a magnificent job. Her sweet-sounding voice is likely slowly cradling you into one melodious music; seems like she told story with emotions thru song.
The rainstorm and the river are my brothers
The heron and the otter are my friends
And we are all connected to each other
Atobe knew better than anyone, she has a talent, not just a talent nurture and earned over the years of practice but an innate talent that was born with.
In a circle, in a hoop that never ends
How high does the sycamore grow?
If you cut it down, then you'll never know
Atobe closes his eyes as he kept listening to her angelic voice, every words she uttered, every single keys she made was captivating. She sang with her heart and passion, for the very first time in his life, he found something worth his interest for aside from tennis
And you'll never hear the wolf cry to the blue corn moon
For whether we are white or copper skinned
We need to sing with all the voices of the mountain
We need to paint with all the colors of the wind
"Atobe whatare you looking at?"
"Shhss"
"Sakunothere you are, it's almost your turn!"
Oshitari looks at him bewildered, he glances towards the door he was looking at, and found two girls, who seems student of this school. Bewildered, he stared at his captain only to see how amuse he looks was.
"The rest of the team were waiting for you" Oshitari muttered.
"I think I will be busy for a while, ahn" Atobe smirked upon walking through the hallway leaving Oshitari clueless and baffled of what he was mumbling to himself.
Sakuno blinks once, twice and thrice as she can't comprehend what is happening right now. Atobe Keigo, the captain and so-called king of the Hyotei Academy is looking arrogantly in her front. Gaping like a fish, she looks at her teacher.
"Uhm, Atobe-kun wants to talk to you in person, Gomene Ryuzaki-chan for surprising you like this" Her sensei smiled apologetically on her.
'For what reason?' Sakuno wanted to voice out her thoughts. She stared once more to the Hyotei captain, and the guy whom standing beside him wearing a specs, that she believes Oshitari-kun cousin who lives in Tokyo.
"So, you are Ryusaki Sakuno, ahn" Atobe said, he tilted his head, he looks at her astonished as if she was a different person unlike the other time, he saw her. Her auburn hair was tied in pigtails. Atobe vividly remembered how her hair was tightly tied in single ponytail, bangs dancing in the beat of wind, from the distance on that time she looks an average beauty for him, though plausible pretty, she can't compare towards supermodel girls whom he met, however, it's amazing how she can easily capture his attention like this, like a magnet that strongly pull him to drawn to her. It was amazing on no matter how long he stared towards this girl, she became more and more beautiful in his eyes.
"Ahem! I'm Oshitari Yushi" Oshitari briefly introduces himself to cut the staring that his captain is giving her.
"Ryuzaki Sakuno" though dumfounded, she introduced herself in politely manner, Afterall they were in higher grade level than her. Her brows furrowed seeing how her greetings turn into deaf war towards the Hyotei captain, he keeps staring and staring on her that makes her very, very uncomfortable.
"I know it is too sudden, but do you have a time to spare to? It will take too much to talk about" Oshitari explain.
The path on the cafe near their school is surprisingly far now, Sakuno keep on glancing towards the two guys who seem leisurely walking ahead of her. She sighed big time thinking of what possible conversation they will have. As far as she known, they didn't know each other's personally. Did she make some mistake? Mou! Sakuno pressed her lips, giving pressure to her lips so that the negative thoughts drowning her will vanish. She ck on her phone in her bag, wishing that Ryoma replied to her message so she can divert her attention once.
However, there are is no new message coming from the certain tennis prince. Another sighed escape her lips.
'Maybe he was busy, let's not be too clingy Sakuno! Yosh!' She cascades herself for having negative thoughts in mind.
Sitting uncomfortably on her seat, Sakuno fidgeted her fingers on the hem of her dress, her hands are shaking and sweating at the same time The intensity of his stare was too much for her to handle. Mou! Why am I in this kind of situation?'
Atobe Keigo, the one who's giving her a shivering stare since earlier was no intention of cutting his stare, as if he was staring at something interesting prey. He seats comfortably on his sit, sipping his coffee in elegance, shouting his King demeanor. While Oshitari Yushi sighed heavenly seeing how blatantly his captain looks at the poor girl.
"Well- I don't want to make this any longer. Ryuzaki Sakuno, I want you!" Atobe declared
Sakuno's eyes doubled its size upon hearing it. Her face blushed as she jerked on her sit, she looks surprise and uncomfortable on the same time. She heard him right, right? Loud and clear.
"Atobe!" Oshitari almost shouted, he slams the table as he looks at his surroundings only to find out that the other costumer was looking at them. He bowed his head, and hesitantly smiled. "That's not what he meant Miss Ryuzaki Sakuno" Oshitari quickly explained, he cleared his throat once more before proceeding " Coincidentally, we discover your talent in both singing and as well as playing piano. Your talent is far way beyond, and we believe, with that kind of talent you can able to surpassed any musician in our time. Our school, the Hyotei Acadamy with years of experience developing such incredible talents all over the time, we can give you the privilege and assurance that you will be to he one's of the most and greatest musician of all time. If you entrust us to nurture and develop your skills by studying in our school, we can give you the best mentors pioneered in this field That's why we're here to make an ideal deal with you. Both of us, you and our school will definitely benefit with this. If you allowed us, we can further explain the details to you." Oshitari litany said.
Not able to absorb everything at once Sakuno look at them dumbfoundedly, she tilted her head with eyes like a saucer plate; blinking. Sakuno literally feel her body become numb. Though she looks so stupid like now, clearly, Sakuno knew were this conversation heading too. Hyoutei Academy was known as one of prestigious school known for remolding talented individuals, that is why, as part of their objective is to discover young talented individuals. From sports down to music, politics or even in the field of medicine. A lot of known personalities came from this school and many students dreamt to study there.
But not for Sakuno. Though her love for music is intense it's not to the extent that she dream to be one. She never dreams nor imagine herself to be like her own mother. Her mother who serves as her mentor at the tender age of three, saw her talent and interest in music. For her, singing and playing instrument is part of her life, like air to breathe and food to eat. However, its end on that. Playing piano and singing, she only plan to do so in those she cared most.
"I feel honored for your kind generosity" Sakuno opens her mouth to speak "however I'm afraid to decline this offer of yours. I am deeply sorry" she continued
Not expecting this kind of rejection, Atobe laugh as if it sounds like a joke on his ears. He amusingly looks at her with face lifting in the air, his one hand gently brushes his hair as he lean himself towards the chair. "You're missing this great opportunity Ryuzaki-chan"
"I know and I am not interested" Sakuno interjected.
"Hah, hahahaha" another laughter burst on Atobe lips.
"Don' t you think you need time to reconsider? " Oshitari said upon recovering for his shocked.
Sakuno smiled, there is no trace of regret on her face. "Well, I'm sure my decision will be the same. "The n if you excuse me, I'll be heading now. Thank you so much" Sakuno stood on her seat, bowing politely towards them.
"Are you letting her go? Atobe" Oshitari asks, he watch as Sakuno walks away from them
"Interesting" Atobe chuckled, he stared at Sakuno's back.
"Atobe"
"Iet's go" Atobe stood up gracefully, a smile crept in his face. Atobe has this feeling, this is not the last time he will see her
.
.
.
Sakuno sighed heavily, her face flushed, realizing what just happened. 'Hooeee!' Sakuno pondered where the guts come from, she had earlier, if it was a normal circumstance, she might end up fidgeting and stutter a lot, but surprisingly, her confidence take control of her. Breathing deep and slow, Sakuno tried to calm her uproar feelings, when her phone rang into blast and unregistered number appeared; wondering, she hurriedly answers the call only to receive an unpleasant news.
"Sakuno... Your grandmother..."
Ryoma jerked up from his nap; he stared at his surroundings only to find himself inside the room, the same room he shared to his senpais; a sudden feeling of unease wrap around him, feeling stuffy, he took a deep breathe trying to get rid this kind of unpleasant feeling he felt and a certain pigtailed girl came on his mind.
'Why do I suddenly think of her?'
Alarm on uneasy feeling, Ryoma hurriedly took his phone out, calling the person whom responsible for his unpleasant feeling right now.
Pick up the phone Sakuno.
The constant ringing of phone on the other line is evident, Ryoma didn't lost hope and keep trying to reach her. Yet, upon the untempt time, the number cut the line and only the operator answered 'the subscriber cannot be reach, please try your call later'
"'what the hell?' feeling irritated, Ryoma tossed her phone on his bed, he hurriedly went outside trying to calm his senses
.
.
.
"Mou! Mante! Ryoma-kun! You already agreed on this right?" Kachirou pleading eyes made the tennis prince stops from momentarily moving.
"I told you just answer the question by yourself" Ryoma grunted, he sits again on his seat, with one hand supporting his chin. Boredom engulfs him and the idea of sleeping came up on his head. Of course, it would be nice if he can reach the certain pigtail hair phone right now for him to have a good sleep; yet unfortunately, the girl seems forgot to charge her phone or whatsoever. The idea of calling his mom cross his mind, but, imagining the grinning face of his idiot father makes him change his mind. 'Maybe later'
"Are you even listening Echizen?" Horio's loud voice awakens him from his slumber, the tennis prince raises his one leg ready to kick the poor guy under the table when their senpais made their entrance on their little banters.
"Nah, what's the matter here? Nya?" Eiji senpai asks, his one arm hangs on Oishi's shoulder, followed by the rest on their backs together with Miyu and her friends.
"Echizen is being silly again! Backing out after agreeing to do some interview for school newspaper!" Horio snorted.
"Hmm, I see, you will be featuring again this time?" Fuji, the tennis tensai smiled creepily.
"Echizen-kun popularity increase in doubled just so you know" Tachibana said
"Yep! And most of the time, girls in our school keep asking about Ryoma-sama!" Osakada added.
"That's right! That's right! They seem so curious about Echizen-kun" Katsuo said nodding his head in agreement.
"Sugooi Ochibi! Your too popular! nya!" Eiji said.
"That's why our school journalist club decided to feature him again. But we are having a hard time again. Ryoma-kun is not cooperating at all!" Kachirou is in verge of weeping.
"Mah. Mah. You should help your teammates in times like this, nah Mamushi?" Momo said, he even put his smallest finger inside his ear.
"Fsshhhh"
Ryoma grunted he glared at his senpais. Before looking at the poor trio. "Fine. 1 month of ponta" he bargains, a smirk crept in his lips.
"Not again! Two weeks?" Katsuo said, signing two using his fingers.
"Three"
"Mou! Just two! Don't you know how many ponta you can drink just for a day?" Katsuo grunted.
"Then let's take this off now" Ryoma was about to stand up when Miyu called him
"Ryoma! Just agreed with them, don't be like that!" Miyu said, she looks at him straight in his eyes.
The tennis prodigy seems surprised, he stared at Miyu only to see how serious she was, the same expression she always giving whenever she doesn't want to lost in any conversation to him.
"It is not difficult don't you think?" Miyu added. Beside she wanted to hear the interview anyway.
"Fine! But it will worth of two weeks of ponta. Got it?" He eyed Kachirou who is in verge of triumph smile
"Arigatou Ryoma-kun" the guy smiled. He looks at Miyu mouthing his thank you.
While his senpais snickered on his back.
The question-and-answer portion lasted about thirty minutes, however, there is still no signed of ending. Ryoma who seems deadly bored yawned for umpteenth time. He answered nonchalantly, though most of his answers were 'who knows', 'don't know' or 'whatever'. His vague answer giving them a hard time, most especially from Miyu who seems so curious.
"Your ideal girl?"
Ryoma paused for a while, 'the heck! Why he is always asked by that?'
"A girl who looks good in a ponytail" he answered in monotonous tone. As if it was the obvious answer in the world.
"Huh? Again?" Horio asks. "For years past your ideal girl never changed!" He complaint, he stood from his seat glaring at uninterested tennis prince.
"So? Is that a problem?" Ryoma refuted.
"Any additional characteristics? Like kind? Sweet? Thoughtful? pretty? Why is it only that?" Horio blurt out his thoughts. From his corners, their senpais nodded their heads agreeing to him.
"Is that necessarily?" The tennis prodigy asks bewildered, his brows furrowed on absurd remark of his teammate.
"Nah! We kind of curious on that part too!" Momo butt in. "Do you know that half of your fans always tied their hair in ponytail for you to be notice?" He added amused.
Ryoma looks at his senpai, his gazed emphasize that he didn't care at all.
"Nah Ochibi! Is there a special reason why your ideal girl is like that?" Kikumaru asks, his eyes sparkles anticipating for his answer.
"Who knows" He curtly replied. He closes his eyes, lean his cheeks on his hand as he keeps himself busy, not minding his stupid senpais questions of why's. They continue talking as if he was not there; 'why are they always nosy about his affairs?' Ryoma completely ignored their conversation.
"Right? Ochibi?"
Ryoma opens his eyes, he stared at his senpai who seems waiting for his response, not listening at all, he stared at him wondering what is all about.
"Probability of Echizen having a girlfriend aside from Kurosawa-chan 0%" Inui scribble on his notes.
"Hmp! Matakku! I highly doubt that Inui senpai! I saw him talking to Mori-chan last time! They seem having a serious talk- uhm" Horio's words been cut off by sudden grabbing of his Momo-chan senpai, hurriedly Momo and Kikumaru covers his mouth. "Hah! I almost died Momo-chan senpai!" Horio catches his breathe.
"Baka Horio! Miyu-chan is here!" Kikumaru hissed. They look awkwardly to Miyu who seems shocked from sudden information she had.
"Mori-chan?" Kachirou and Katsuo muttered in the same time, they look at each other as if it was the first time, they heard it.
"MORI AYAME?" Osakada shouted in disbelief "Why am I first time hearing this?" She shouted once again.
"Nah! Nah! It's just Mori-chan asks advice to Echizen, right?" Momoshiro said nervously. Seeing how Miyu seems shock at the same time. He even elbowed the tennis prince, asking for his explanations.
"Naniyo Momo senpai?" Ryoma grunted, he glared at his senpai for a while before looking at Miyu who seems waiting for him to talked. 'What for?' obviously, he already forgot that incident. It just happens one time when that girl waited for him outside the gate, asking, if possible, for him to coach her since Regional Tournament in girls' division is coming. However, the tennis prince bluntly refused. The young tennis prince sighed seeing how the rest of spectators waiting for him to speak. "She asks me if I can coach her for upcoming tournament." He said "I'm quite busy so I refuse" he added in monotonous tone.
'Mori Ayame' Of course, why she forgot about the girl? Ever since middle school, she has a crush towards Ryoma. Obviously, she uses this as an opportunity towards the tennis prince. She seems making her own move to be close towards him. Miyu squinted her eyes as thoughts started to clouded her mind. Why she didn't see this coming? She was so confident that she forgot that there are many flies waiting for his, it was lucky that Ryoma was not interested towards girls. But this is not enough, she needs to secure her place to the tennis prince.
"Ryoma?" Miyu knock for the third time. She waited for him to response before knocking once again. 'He might be sleeping' she thought, she took the spare key on her pocket, the same key given by her by Momo senpai asking to call their kouhai. Of course, she knew what their meant by that action. Miyu knew that his senpais are helping them together. Another knocks she made before she finally decided to unlock the door.
Empty beds welcome her, only his tennis bag lying freely on his supposedly bed, a light illuminating the toilet was seen on view. 'Maybe he was taking a bath' she was about to inform him when she notices his phone lying on the bed keeps vibrating.
Curiously, she looks at the caller id only to see an unregistered number. Her brows crease out of curiosity, the call ended followed by once again, the same unregistered number that seems not wanting to give up until finally answered. Although answering a call of someone's phone is not a good idea, her urge to response comes first to her. Without thinking twice, she finally took the phone on the bed and take the initiative to answer.
"Hello"
"Is this Echizen Ryoma's phone?"
An unfamiliar boy voice came from the other line, Miyu brows furrowed once again,
"This is Kyo, tell him to answer his phone right away" his voice is demanding.
"I'm sorry he was currently in the shower at this moment, may I know what do you need-"
"Miyu?" Ryoma looks surprise seeing Miyu inside the room, from what he remembered he locks the door before entering the toilet.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I answered your phone" Miyu apologetically said, still holding the phone.
"Who's that Miyu?"
"I don't know, someone named Kyo? Oh gosh! Can you wear something descent?" Miyu exclaimed, she realized that the tennis prince is wearing nothing than the towel covering his lower part.
"Give me my phone, hell-" Ryoma hurriedly snatch the phone on her hand, but before he could answer, the line ended with a loud toot. He hurriedly calls back but the number seems out of reach. Another try become one another but the result is still the same. Surely, he turns out his phone. 'What the hell? Sure, something happened'
"Are you mad? Sorry for answering without your permission" Miyu said, realizing the weird quietness of the tennis prince.
"What are you doing here?" Instead, Ryoma answered in cold tone. Though he doesn't want to sounds like that, but his mind keeps thinking of something else.
Miyu seems shocked, eyes doubled in size, shock from his sudden coldness, she felt a pang of pain on her chest. "Lunch is ready. Senpais ask to call you" she added. She was so upset. Never in their entire relationship in the past he acted like this! Who's that guy anyway? Why Ryoma seems bothered towards the phone call? Her thoughts runway for possible reasons but whatever reasons she tried to think about didn't give a justice on why he acted this way. Hurt and bothered by the same time, Miyu swallowed hard, trying her best not to be seen the tears that is verging to fall.
The awkward silence envelops them both; Ryoma who walks in silence until they reach the dining area, same as Miyu who followed at his back. Eating in silence, the eerie feeling of quietness was enough for the senpais to felt the strange silence for them both.
'What happen?' the exchange of curious glances towards his senpais were obvious, but Ryoma chooses to ignore their stares and continue to eat in silence after all he was thinking of possible excuse he can make to go home, although he felt sorry for his senpai for arranging this trip for them, a certain pigtail girl weighs on his mind. Ryoma was certain. Something really happened. And he really needs to be there to know, coz there is no way that Ryuzaki Sakuno will make him worry like this.
On the contrary, Miyu keeps glancing to him, she keeps stealing glances, waiting for a chance for their eyes to meet, she badly wanted to talk to him right now, yet his silence is frightening. Though he was like that, a quiet person, this time seems different.
"Momo senpai" The tennis prodigy call his senpai, he stared at him seriously, as he put down his own chopstick. "Gomen, but I am thinking of going back home right now" he said, making his friends and senpais shocked.
"Nani? Why ochibi?" Kikumaru senpai was the first one to recover, he jumps on his sit wondering for his sudden declaration.
"Are you sick somewhere Echizen?" Oishi, their mother hen lace with concern
"I'll be leaving after lunch. Ja. Thank you for the food" Ryoma stood up on his seat, leaving the rest with puzzled expression in their faces.
"Oi! Matte Echizen" Momoshiro called, but his call turn into deaf ears when the young prodigy proceeded to his trance not even looking at him. "What's wrong with him?"
"Miyu" Akane called Miyu who rashly followed Ryoma, her face seems bothered not even glancing for her friend's call she hurriedly went up.
"Ryoma" Miyu called his name, she saw him fixing his things ready to go. "Are you really going home?" Her voice lace with sadness. She looks straight in his eyes.
"Un" he curtly replied
"Are you mad? Is it because of earlier?" Miyu intervened.
"Miyu, can we talk about this some other time?" Ryoma said, " and I'm not mad at you or something" he added in urgency. He went back on zipping his tennis bag. It's quite impulsive, sure it will cause uproar towards his nosy senpai, he will make sure to explain things to his senpais later. But right now, his main concern is to know what the hell happened to the brunette girl whom occupied his mind, sure, something happened, coz there is no way that the orange guy will call him even it causes him to die.
Sure enough, Sakuno is clumsy to the point that even walking in straight way she still losing her own footing but it is not to the certain that she can cause accident, right? Yes, her navigational skill is definitely untrusted but it's not to the point that she will lose her way, right?
"Ryoma"
Ryoma flinched from Miyu's call, he completely forgot that the girl was still inside of his room, slowly he looks at her; the tennis prodigy eyes widen in surprise, completely flabbergasted, Ryoma seems stuck on his tract as Miyu pressed her lips to his. Her trembling lips touch his, with her shaking hands, Miyu desperately clungs to him, she capped both of his cheeks wanting him to response. Her eyes close in the process. Wanting him to response, Miyu deepened the kiss, she nipped his lip in the process, regaining his shock senses, Ryoma gently pushed her away not wanting to hurt her.
"Miy-" but his action puts him in most dangerous situation, taking advantage of the situation, Miyu successfully invaded his mouth, her tongue explored inside, she licked every corner of his mouth, making Ryoma gasps, slowly pushing her away from him for the second time, however Miyu clang to him more. He can literally feel her boobs pressing again his chest.
"Ryoma please" Miyu muttered under her breathe, she stared at him for a while before claiming his lips once again, demanding for him to return her heated kiss.
"Miyu, calm down" this time the tennis prince pushed her with little strength. Baffled from her sudden action, he stared at him before sighing.
Hurt lace on her eyes. She looks down feeling offended. He never returns her kisses let alone affected to it. The reality slowly slapping onto her, he was slowly slipping away to her.
"Gomen, I shouldn't-"
"Echizen! Are you still inside?"
"Can you come for a bit; your mom called"
'kaa san?' wondering, Ryoma quickly opens the door, his senpai were standing with worried expression in their faces.
"She's currently talking to Tezuka, it might be best if you there"
"Ryoma"
"What is it, Miyu?" Ryoma faces her, though his face shouting for urgency, he still looks at the young lady
"Can we talk? About us?" she said.
Ryoma nodded his head, unwillingly. He hurriedly went to his buchou.
"Hai, we already call Echizen, hai, He's here" Tezuka buchou looks at him, he hurriedly passes the phone on his hand.
"Kaa san?"
"Ryoma" her somber voice filled Ryoma's ear. Automatically, Ryoma brows furrowed upon hearing his mother's voice
"What is it?"
"Ryoma, Sakuno is missing"
"Is this right obaa chan?"
"Yes, stir it occasionally, don't overmix it"
"Obaa chan!"
Laughter echoed in the entire room, Sakuno pouted her lips, she stared at her grandmother whom seem enjoying her little teasing.
"Happy birthday Sakuno"
"Thank you obaa chan"
"Sakuno, from now on, it's the only of two of us" she hugs her granddaughter tightly in her arms.
"Mou! Obaa chan!"
"Gomen Sakuno, I thought you don't like this"
"Sakuno, I want you to be happy please be happy"
Toot...tooot..
"I'm sorry, time of death-"
Sakuno cover her ringing ears, series of memories she has towards her grandma runs vividly on her mind, as if broken movie that keeps replaying nonstop, tears fell freely in her chocolate eyes, she stops midway from walking; from the very first time she thanks heavens from the sudden rain. Seems heavens felt her sorrow and pain, the clouds cried together with her, and the thunder screams for her. Walking aimlessly, she never bothered where her feet brought her. The chilly midnight wind hugs her entire body, yet, ironically the numbness that her body felt was nothing compared from the coldness of her heart felt. The sinking feeling inside her slowly eating her sanity. The sinking hole that keeps digging and digging, slowly yet painfully pulling her down to abyss.
"I'm all alone, what should I do then? "should I follow you?"
"Ryoma calm down" Rinko said, looking at his son whom looking at her with his expressionless face yet knowing her own son, she was sure he was far away for being calm.
"I am calm" he answered sternly.
If it is not a serious situation, Nanjirou would definitely laugh by now, seeing how his idiotic son of his trying hard to conceal his agitation by wearing his usual stoic face failed miserably.
Sighed escaped from Rinko's lips, it's been three hours and yet there is no sign of Sakuno everywhere. She blames herself for what happen; if only she never let her out of her sight regardless how busy she was, this would never be happened.
Tohru's painful sob echoed the whole place, it was late for her to notice that her own best friend and childhood friend was missing.
"Kenya and Gin were still looking for the possible temple she might be, thy will contact us soon when there is a news" Shitehonji captain, Shiraishi said, he stared at the young tennis prince.
"Don't worry, we will help until we find her" Chitose said.
Until now, the news of their former coach sudden death surprised them, they still can't and hard to believe of what happened, for them Sumire sensei is not only their former coach but a family, a grandmother whom taught them tennis and life lessons. The sudden loss of a grandmother they considered left pain in their wounded hearts. However, seeing and witnessing how Sakuno was greatly affected by losing the only family she has broken their hearts more. She was not only the granddaughter of their coach but also a little sister to them, that is why, when Sakuno disappeared without a trace they were all worried for her and her safety.
However, what more surprised them, while in the middle of searching, the tennis prodigy itself, Echizen Ryoma came. His sudden appearance makes them wonder, confused on why the tennis prodigy itself was there or his possible relationship towards the young girl was mystery to them but much, more from their surprise and confusion was when Kyo punched him straight from his face demanding that none of this would happened if he was in her side.
"Ryoma where are you going?" Rinko asks her son, the weather outside was not helping at all, the sudden pours of heavy rain, thunder echoed from side to side and strong winds make their search hard as rock.
"Wasn't it obvious? I look for her"
"Alone? Do you realized how unsafe it was to walk alone?" Rinko sternly. Of course, she was worried to death to Sakuno who was missing, but she can't let his son to go alone knowing how unstable his state now. She can clearly tell; her son is in the verge of exploding any minute right now when there is still no news about her.
"That is why I need to find her right?" Ryoma grunted. "Don't think of stopping me kaa san, it will not work" he said, storming outside the door.
"Stupid" Kyo muttered, he glared at the door before he stood up and followed the tennis prince.
"Ahhh hah! Koshimae is being reckless again" Kintaro sighed. "Shiraishi! Let's go follow him"
.
.
.
"Are you plain stupid or what?" Kyo glared at Ryoma
"If you're just going to block my way you better stop whining" the tennis prodigy said, he stared at his front, for same reason, his guts telling him to continue moving inside the dark forest.
"The path towards inside of that forest is slippery and narrowed plus we never know if there are wild animals flaunting the area. This area was been close for years now. And we cannot advice you to go there alone, Echizen." Shiraishi said, he holds Ryoma on his shoulder, restraining him who seems ready to go.
"Move!" Ryoma grumbled, he glared at the Shitehonji captain.
"And there is no guaranteed that Sakuno was inside! How come you were sure that she was there! You use your head! Crazy guy!" Kyo shouted, he hissed at him levelling the intensity of his stares.
"And you really think I am sane now?" Ryoma refuted, he glared at Kyo, his whole body was trembling with unsaid reason, his mind is getting close to madness for God knows the reason why! For the first time in his entire life, Ryoma Echizen felt this kind of fear he never felt before, he never been petrified like this, not a kind of fear when he thinks of losing tennis match towards his half- brother, father or anyone, this kind of fear is way too different; and by just thinking of possible scenarios might happened to her, just thinking about of not seeing her forever, makes him felt like losing himself and his own reasoning. His mind is a mess right now and only Ryuzaki Sakuno is the only human being capable of doing so! 'Damn it!' once he got hold of her again, Echizen Ryoma swore and vowed that he will never let her go no matter what happen. 'I swear to heavens and hell that no matter what happen she will never out of my sight ever again!' whether he need to tied her up or put shackles on her, she will stay on him for the rest of her life.
"Move now! You're far getting my way up until now" Ryoma threatened the Shitehonji captain. Desperation on his eyes were completely evident on his eyes. Shiraishi back down, from years of knowing the tennis prince, from his cold facade, from official and non-official matches whenever he provokes his opponents or even in the camp, they been with together with him; his arrogance, overflowing cockiness and stoic expression he always seen to him. This is the first time they see his vulnerable side. Desperation and anxiety linger on his eyes.
"20 minutes. Just be there in 20 minutes." Shiraishi finally give in.
Like a wind, Ryoma didn't know how fast he run towards the forest, with narrowed path he takes, darkness and coldness engulf him; he runs aimlessly nowhere, his mind is haywire, what's making him sure that he was aiming the right path, he didn't know.
"There is. There is such place I always visiting ever since childhood! We... Uhm. I mean, it was accidentally discovered when I got lost while playing hide and seek"
"Typical you"
"Mou! What I'm saying is, since then I often play in that place. "
"And where it is?"
"The willow tree"
"Willow tree?"
"Uhn. It was a huge curly willow tree!" Amazement written on her face "So huge that I wonder how old it is! I always visit that place ever since, there is a beautiful lake in the side, surrounded by different flowers. The spectacular view during sunset or sunrise or star gazing in night! It so beautiful! And They say that willow trees are associated with deities, that's why legends said that people pray upon the tree whenever difficulties or sickness comes the way and sometimes lovers swore their eternal love in the evening from that tree."
"Don't you think your old enough to believe in such things?"
Ryoma continues running in speed, surprisingly, the path is familiar yet unfamiliar to him. As if he remember the path he take. Running fast as he could, Ryoma didn't care of how slippery or muddy the forest was. He no longer cared about his aching face due to bushes and branches of trees, he no longer cares how far he runs or the rains are pouring down hard. Bullets of sweats falls from his forehead same how drenched he has.
"SAKUNO!"
In the midst of grave sorrow and loneliness, he found her. Sitting in huge roots of the tree, scrunching down her body. For the first time in his life, Ryoma felt like he died, his heart seems ripped inside his chest, seeing her like this, slowly he took a single step to her.
"Sakuno...finally... I found you"
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. Her eyes lose her vitality. No life. Far away from usual bright eyes. Shocked was evident on her lovely yet paled face, for how long she stayed here no one knows.
"Sakuno..."
"Ryoma-kun" she said, her lips were trembling hard, rivers of tears flow down freely on her eyes like a never ending vain.
Ryoma reaches her, enveloping her on a tight hug. Hugging her all, her inner soul, her broken heart and torn self.
"Sakuno tightly squeeze him, she sobbed like a lost child, a never-ending tears welled up, and despite of the hollow space in her heart, despite the stabbing pain in her heart she found comfort in his arms.
"I'm all alone now, what should I do?"
"I'm here" Ryoma soothes her, hugging her securely on his arms. " You are not alone. You were never be alone. I'm here. From now on I will be your family"
Kyah! Finally! Though I promise to finish it last week, my outside world didn't let me! Sorry... Hoping you still continue to support this story of mine. I know, lots of typos and gramatically errors. I will try hard to fix it in the future . Thank you.
