Chapter 10: Attraction

Sakuno stared at her reflection, her cheek still red from Sakurako's slap earlier. She wondered if it would subside soon. Rinko had noticed her face but decided not to pry, seeing the girl's scruffy look. She thought that they would have a talk later when she looked okay, since she had stayed in her room for the remainder of the day. Being her temporary guardian, it was only natural for Rinko to worry about her because she's almost like a daughter to her. She was certain that something happened at school, with her friends making sure that she was safely home. Rinko would have to let Ryoma know about this to watch over her at school.

Anyway, the kids' behavior was too bizarre that night. After Tomoka and Horio returned from the grocery, they had not spoken to each other at all, Tomoka stayed with Sakuno in her room and Horio busied himself with the books by the study room, and after playing a few matches outside Nanjirou had surprisingly been silent. She wondered if one of the two boys had defeated him to be that rattled. And the two boys, how could Rinko explain it? They were… dead tired, sprawled on the living room.

"What is happening?" she thought.

Just then, the front door creaked, a faint announcement of arrival was heard.

"I'm home," Rinko heard the tired voice of her son, Ryoma. She ran to the door and was surprised at his appearance. Ryoma's hair was messy, his cap nowhere to be found, his clothes were dirty, and his eyes were droopy from sleepiness.

"Ryoma, are you okay?" she asked in a soft voice. She had expected that Ryoma would be another normal presence in the house since everyone was on edge, but to her surprise, he was the most different.

"I'm… fine, mom," his voice was weak and hoarse. That must have been gruesome training! Rinko helped Ryoma climb up the stairs as he dragged his tennis bag with him. He let his mother trouble herself into taking him to his room, he had no more energy to even move. The preparation for the Rio Open was no joke. His trainer had informed him of Jason Baker's own training program and said that they needed to do better than that. He agreed without any complaint, he thought he would just do what was expected in order to win.

But it was far from simple. He had been rallying with a machine of tennis balls without any break, he had run hundreds of laps around the sports stadium, and did push-ups. He never doubted the trainer's methods since he thought it was for the best. He was just rusty, he thought.

As he fell on his soft bed, Rinko removed his bag from his shoulder and placed it on the floor. Seeing that Ryoma could not open his eyes anymore, she turned off the light and let the boy sleep his exhaustion away.

When Rinko shut his door, she sighed.

She suddenly remembered Sakuno's words from their conversation from days ago. She asked if this was Ryoma's dream, and if he was pressured. Rinko started to doubt if her son actually wanted to follow his father's footsteps or has he outgrown that dream, and they were unaware that he's being forced to continue. She wondered if Ryoma ever thought about doing something else for himself, or does he feel that he's got no choice, in order not to disappoint them.

She leaned on his door, unable to think of a way to understand her son a little better.

Back in Sakuno's room, she and Tomoka talked about how Sakurako had confronted her, and how Sakuno blurted out her long overdue feelings.

"Sakuno, I think you should tell Ryoma-sama. He's bound to find out sooner or later. It's better if he hears it from you," Tomoka hugged the pink pillow by Sakuno's bed.

"Tomo-chan… to say that I only did that to shake Sakurako-san off would be a lie," she sighed. It was embarrassing enough to say it out loud, but for someone else to hear it was just too much for Sakuno's dignity. "I lost control…"

"Come on, Sakuno. We're almost graduating. You should do yourself a favor and find out what he thinks of you," she smiled at her. Sakuno turned red at the thought of confessing to Ryoma. All those times that they had spent together has been a treasure she's never going to forget. Frankly, that was enough for her.

"I don't know…"

"Do you seriously like him?"

"Y-Yes,"

"Then you just have to do it. You owe your twelve-year old self that,"

There was a brief silence in the room, until Sakuno stood up.

"No, I can't. I don't have to do it, and he doesn't have to know," she looked out the window and felt the cold night breeze. Tomoka's brows arched. What was holding her back from telling him?

"Why not?" she asked.

"Because I'm going away. I want to go with a smile on my face. I want to be able to say goodbye to him without a broken heart," she closed her eyes as she replayed their 'date' by the beach and cafe. It was truly a precious memory for Sakuno and she would remember it as a happy time. Confessing and being rejected would only turn those times into bitter ones, and Sakuno doesn't want that.

"Why are you so sure that he's going to reject you? Don't you have any confidence in yourself?" Tomoka was a bit annoyed now. Sakuno has always been a beautiful girl. She was sweet, soft-spoken, and caring. There was even a time when Tomoka was envious of her best friend, she was the complete opposite of Sakuno, after all. Tomoka was sure that the prince was aware of Sakuno's charms, just like any other men out there. The few guys who tried to flirt with Sakuno throughout their high school years have been brutally rejected right away. Why?

Because Tomoka knew that Ryoma had always held Sakuno's heart.

"Ryoma-kun is way out of my league, Tomo-chan. I supported him without any ulterior motives like that. Whatever I feel towards him doesn't matter, because I know that he's got a bright future ahead of him, and me… I've got my own life to live, too. Whatever I do, I won't be able to catch up to him," she told Tomoka what was in her mind as she stared into the pitch-black sky. She was aware that she's being unfair to herself, but that was better than getting her hopes up to someone like Ryoma.

Tomoka frowned. She didn't like how Sakuno was thinking. Rather than putting it all on the line and leaving no regrets, she just wanted to keep her feelings to herself and be ignorant to the possibility of Ryoma actually liking her back. It was an unacceptable plan!

"Sakuno!" She tried to persuade Sakuno once more, but she had made up her mind.

"Tomo-chan… nothing good will come of it. I would just be shot down and that would hurt. Besides, what we are now is more like being family than friends. That's even more fragile to ruin with a confession," she smiled. It's for the best, Sakuno thought.

As she couldn't think of anything more to say, Tomoka gave up on Sakuno. She's never realized how stubborn her best friend is regarding this issue.

Winter Break.

Since there won't be school during this time, the students had their own things to do.

Sakuno kept working as a part time worker in a restaurant owned by Mr. Arat. She is currently working with Atsushi, the boss' friend's son.

Ryoma did his best to wake up early and attend his training schedule at a sports complex outside the city.

Tomoka began her preparation to take the college exams. She was aware that she's not the brightest, that's why she wanted to prepare as early as now. Oh, and she's dating Atsushi.

Kachiro is busy helping out with his father's tennis training center. It has been his plan since middle school, to continue the family business. He eagerly studied the system to be able to assist around.

Katsuo enrolled in a vocational school to study Graphic Design and earn a certificate. He was pretty passionate about being in the arts industry.

And Horio… Well, right now he was standing inside a restaurant, seemingly dumbfounded by the scene in front of him.

He watched as Tomoka smiled and laughed beside a handsome man who looked like Fuji-senpai, and they were clearly… flirting. Another girl came into view and instantly recognized his gaping face.

"Horio-kun!" Sakuno was surprised to find Horio hanging around the area, since he doesn't really live around there. Tomoka and Atsushi turned around and faced him.

Horio snapped out of his trance and cleared his throat.

"H-Hey, Ryuzaki, Osakada," he greeted like it was a normal Friday afternoon.

"Why're you here?" Tomoka looked at him in annoyance. She didn't particularly hate him. It was just awkward, and she didn't know why. They always hang out in school. But for some reason, she felt conscious around him. This was the first time Horio had met Atsushi and it made Tomoka's heart pound loudly. Again, she didn't know why.

"Oh, I'm just looking for a good place to eat," It's true. Horio had no idea that Sakuno was working here, and he only came inside because he heard Tomoka's familiar laughter, a sound that he knew too well. To find out that she's being all clingy with an unknown man has him on edge and it ruined his appetite.

"W-Well, what would you like to eat?" Sakuno sensed the atmosphere. She didn't know why but Horio's been acting weird today. He was not the usual energetic guy. He was more… collected.

"Tempura meal, please," he turned his gaze away from Tomoka.

"Okay, please find a seat," Sakuno muttered as she observed Horio's stoic face. Something is definitely bothering him.

"Thanks, Ryuzaki,"

Horio settled on a vacant dining table beside Tomoka and Atsushi's table. He tried to ignore the sweet banter of the couple, as Tomoka ignores his existence as well. Horio leaned his elbow on the table and put his chin on his hand and watched the couple in his peripheral vision.

It was weird. Why does he feel annoyed? It's not like they're doing anything wrong. He's happy for her, now that she's finally over her obsession with Ryoma and got herself a boyfriend. Her smile is more genuine and… radiant. When he met Tomoka in middle school, she was the typical diehard fan whose mouth is too loud for her own good. She had brown, shiny hair, and the mole on her eye made her stand out from the rest.

"Atsushi-kun, you're so smart!" he heard Tomoka giggle, it tortured his ear.

"Ugh. Acting girly in front of a handsome guy…" he uttered under his breath. Horio's lips pouted as he tried to distract himself with a napkin. He thought of making an origami using the napkin and playing with it until his food came.

Ryuzaki sure is taking a long time, huh?

"Tomo-chan," he heard Atushi address the girl with such intimacy. "My break is over, so why don't you hang out with your friend, then I'll walk you home later, okay?" Atsushi pointed his finger to where Horio sat.

"Eh…" Tomoka and Horio said as they looked at each other. Why does everyone always lump them together?

While Atsushi went back to the kitchen with Ryuzaki, Tomoka reluctantly sat on the chair across Horio. She had a bored look on her face.

"Why are you even here? This is too far from where you live," she muttered.

"Well, what about you, then? Flirting here and there…" he hissed back.

"Ugh. I come here for Sakuno, you know,"

"W-Well, me too!"

Horio crossed his arms on his chest and closed his eyes. This conversation is stressing him out, and he just wanted to eat quickly and go home.

"Hey, if you must know. Sakuno is off limits, she belongs to Ryoma-sama so don't get any ideas!" Tomoka smirked, realizing that her friend might want to take his chances with her best friend. No way in hell would she let that happen! Sakuno doesn't suit Horio at all. For starters, he's the complete opposite of Ryoma. He's loud, scruffy, and not that handsome!

Well… he's not ugly, he's not handsome like Ryoma-sama, he's just on the cute side.

What? What am I even thinking about?

Tomoka slapped her cheeks because she felt her face getting redder at the thought of Horio being a cute one. The said boy flinched at her sudden action.

"W-What are you doing?"

"Nothing!"

Just then, Sakuno showed up with a tray of Horio's food. She was surprised when the two sat on the same table. She just hoped that they won't fight, or they'll scare the other customers, or lack thereof.

When their shift ended, Atsushi, Tomoka, Sakuno and Horio all exited the restaurant. It was still snowing, noting the winter season.

Atsushi looked around, trying to find something, or someone.

"Eh? Sakuno-chan, Ryoma-kun is not here," he commented. Sakuno gasped as she didn't think of informing Atsushi about Ryoma's training period. She hastily shook her head.

"R-Ryoma-kun is currently training outside the city!" she blurted out.

"Then who's going to walk you home tonight?" Atsushi asked. He felt worried for Sakuno, but he also needed to walk Tomoka home. He was torn between his friend and his girlfriend.

"What? Echizen has been walking you home? Wow, Ryuzaki. He must like you a lot," Horio was surprised to learn what Ryoma has been doing to take care of Sakuno. He was starting to think that the prince might harbor feelings for the girl, too.

"See? Ryoma-sama likes her, so back off, Horio," Tomoka commented while she held Atsushi's hand. It was freezing and she preferred the warmth of his hand more than her thick gloves.

Seeing this, Horio's mood just went down a couple of levels. He was pissed off at Tomoka saying all kinds of nonsense things and holding hands with probably the most perfect man in the world. He felt sick in his stomach.

"I'll walk you home, Ryuzaki," he suddenly announced. He found it absurd how Tomoka thinks he likes Ryuzaki. Yes, she's as beautiful as Tomoka, but she's just not his type. And Tomoka seemed to enjoy telling him that he's got no chance with Sakuno.

Well, for days, he wondered about his chances with Tomoka more than Sakuno, after all.

Wait… What am I thinking?!

"Eh… Horio-kun, I'll be fine on my own…" Sakuno broke his trance. Standing between Tomoka and Horio, she was beginning to envision a clash of their aura and it scared her.

Tomoka glared at him. Why is he forcing himself to Sakuno? Doesn't he get that she likes Ryoma and there's a chance that he likes her back? What is he doing? Is he trying to get on Ryoma's bad side?

"You little–"

"O-Okay! Break it up, people. Horio-kun, please walk Sakuno home. Thank you very much," Atsushi nervously chuckled as he gently pushed Sakuno towards the frowning boy.

"Let's go, Ryuzaki," he walked off, with Sakuno trailing behind him.

"G-Goodnight, Atsushi-kun, Tomo-chan!" she waved her hand.

This is really weird!

"Horio-kun, wait for me!" Sakuno tried her best to run through the thick snow on the ground and catch her breath. He was behaving strangely recently and Sakuno was being paranoid over the boy and why he's suddenly repulsed by Tomoka.

"Horio-kun, did something happen between you and Tomo-chan?" she said between panting. Horio stopped and turned his head.

"What? How could anything happen between us?!" he suspiciously answered. If Sakuno didn't know better, she'd say Horio was too disgusted by the thought of Tomoka being with him.

"Well, are you two fighting? Did she do something to you?" she asked. Sakuno was aware that Tomoka might be a handful and she's not easy to be friends with, but she can't think of anything that would deserve Horio's wrath.

"She did something, and I don't know what. Dang it. How come she got a boyfriend? Nobody told me," He muttered in frustration without any idea where it was coming from. Sakuno successfully caught up to him and saw that his cheeks were as red as a tomato.

Huh?

Call it a woman's intuition but Sakuno gets the feeling that Horio might… like Tomoka? Is that right? Sakuno lagged behind him, unsure if she should open the conversation, but she wanted Horio to talk to her about his woes.

"Horio-kun… do you like Tomo-chan?" Sakuno braced herself if Horio shouted angrily at her. But what greeted her was Horio's face, completely red at the mention of Tomoka's name. He raised his hand and covered his face, but Sakuno still saw his trembling eyes, like it was showing his true feelings. The boy remained silent, as if he didn't even want to deny it. His eyes seemed like it was pleading for her to know what to do with these newfound feelings.

Sakuno's eyes widened at his image. He looked nothing like the Horio at school. He has grown up to be a different kind of guy.

"You do…?" she whispered but he still heard it. Horio didn't know if he really does like her, but he knew that she made his heart pound, and even managed to break it when she was with Atsushi.

Sakuno covered her gaping mouth. It was all clear to her now even if he said nothing. It was incredible, witnessing the most immature kid that they have known to blush like this.

"Horio-kun…" Sakuno smiled at him, a genuine one. She felt grateful to him for letting her know. But at the same time, she felt his sorrow over watching the one he likes to be with someone else.

Sakuno's smile faded and for once, she thought she was not the only one hopelessly in love with someone unreachable.

Ryoma was in a dilemma. He didn't know if he should call her or not. He was still in the sports stadium with a few fellow athletes. The bus got delayed and it won't come until ten in the evening. It meant that he couldn't go to the restaurant and walk home with Sakuno.

"Something wrong, Ryoma-kun?" Honoka, one of the tennis players, showed up behind him.

"Hmm… running late," he mumbled as he tapped the call button. "Excuse me."

Honoka watched him as he walked over to the side and placed his phone against his ear. Her eyes observed how his lips pouted as his phone rang. He had his other hand shoved in his pocket and he stood there, looking cool. Honoka covered her red cheeks as her gaze was glued to the prince's dreamy image.

Ryoma looked somewhat troubled. Honoka wondered if he was calling his girlfriend or something.

"Hello?" Ryoma felt a sudden tug in his chest when he heard Sakuno's tiny voice.

"Ryuzaki, are you home?" he tried to sound nonchalant when in reality, he was eager to know how her day went. Ever since winter break began, they haven't been seeing each other often. Him busy with training, and Sakuno busy with her work.

"O-Oh, yes. We met with Horio-kun and he walked me home,"

Oh, that's a relief. The thought of her walking home alone on a snowy, dark street kind of scared Ryoma. But thankfully, his good friend/assistant Horio had the chivalry within him.

"Okay," he managed to say.

"W-Well, when are you going home?" she sounded hesitant, and worried. Ryoma felt his cheeks heated.

"I'll be home soon,"

"Be careful on your way, Ryoma-kun…"

"Thanks, bye,"

Then he ended the call. Ryoma smiled softly. There was a sudden wave of relief washed over him and it was a pleasant feeling. He was glad he called, now waiting for the bus wouldn't be as annoying.

Back at the Echizen household, Sakuno clutched her phone in her chest. That phone call with Ryoma definitely was the highlight of her day. Even though they hadn't seen each other often, hearing his voice was a delight and it felt like it was only yesterday when he was with her, her cheeks were hotter than August!

It sounded like we were a married couple…

Sakuno couldn't help but let her mouth fly open at the realization. All of this giddiness is only making her miss Ryoma even more.

To be continued.