RTS chapter 2: Car's Outside
"But the, the car's outside but I don't wanna go tonight
I'm not gettin' in the Addison Lee
Unless you pack your bags
You're comin' with me
I'm tired of lovin' from afar
And never being where you are
Close the windows, lock the doors
Don't wanna leave you anymore"
"Damn! It's so hot" Ryoma frowned from untempt time feeling the disrupting heat all over his body. Fanning his shirt, he looks inside the Narita Airport. Nothing seems change, except the excruciating heat of summer. He flips his favorite white cap before finally putting it back on his head, weighing his duffle bag on his shoulder. For almost 7 years, finally... He was finally back on the land of the rising sun. An arrogant smirked crept on his face; just the mere thought of his senpais whom he never lost contact with despite the distance, he realized how interesting it was seeing their surprised look. Satisfied from that thought, the tennis prince walks outside the airport.
'What should I do now?' Ryoma muttered silently. His eyes fix outside the window of the taxi, admiring the view, for years have been passed, nothing seems change or so he thought. Truth to be told, he doesn't have any recollection of how this place looks like over the years of his absence. Right after his short stay here in Japan when he was 12 years old, he migrated back in U.S. alone. Away from his family. Of course, from time to time he visited this country if he has time, however his free time was only counted in one hand only. Studying and playing tennis both professionally and in their school puts a lot of his time. He barely has a time on his own. Not to mention as time goes by, many opportunities flocks on him; left and right endorsements, advertisements, commercial and so forth. And all of this eats his time at all. He wasn't complaining though. Though he hates being subjected to photoshoots and all, none of these make him feel better when he reaches his goals. At his young age of 18 years old he was considered as one of top players, playing in three of the four major tennis tournaments in the world, Echizen Ryoma solidified his name in the top of the tennis world. Just one championship, he will finally complete the four grand slams title.
Everything is going according for what he wanted; or that's how he thought it is. Not until his mother strongly refusion in proper education become a subject matter of life and death situation to his.
For Echizen Rinko, to be a degree holder is a must. A total must! She was a cool mom indeed; she supports him and his older brother in their great passion towards tennis and became one of their greatest support. However, it's a different story when it comes to Education. For their mom, being a tennis player is not a lifetime thing to do. They still need to study hard and have at least a career to fall back when they can no longer swing a racket. Well, it makes sense. However, Ryoma wanted to snorted back. Come on! It doesn't make sense at all, y'know. Well, technically speaking, he had a lot of back up plans. Even if he retired as early as he think (which is he highly doubt) he will never have a shortage of money. He knows practically well on how to manage his finances. For a very young age, he has a keen eye on investing his hard earn money. Not to mention how their beloved mother taught them very well to handle their finances wisely. Yep, despite of his fame, he didn't live a life lavishly. For him, a simple way of living was a luxury. Thanks to that, he considered himself well off at his age. Plus, they have a lot of businesses under their nose; that's not a brag, although their father seems the laziest man in the world, he was very proficient in business even way before he plays tennis in the past.
So, what's making his mom so worried about? Ryoma clicked his tongue. He couldn't realize his mother worries sometimes.
'che' he huffed. Ryoma closed his eyes as he pretended to sleep.
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"Uncle!" Shin, Ryoma's five-year-old nephew dashes on his front; with eyes similar like his, blonde hair he got from his mother overall he looks like a mix of his older brother and sister-in-law.
Until now, Ryoma hardly believe that his brother already got married. Marrying at age of 17, Echizen Ryoga truly shocked the tennis world.
"Don't run! Your mom will freak out when she saw you running like this" he ruffled the young boy's hair. The boy giggled, a glimpse of proud smile lace in the boy's face.
"Uncle, grandma said that you are staying here for good, is that true?"
"Yes... Yes... Your uncle Ryoma needs to study here in order not to be ban in playing tennis for the rest of his life" Ryoga butt in, he smirked seeing the disgruntled face of his younger brother.
"Honto? Sugoii uncle! Are we going to school together?! Perhaps we are classmates?! Demo... You are too tall to be my classmate, right?!" Shin innocently tilted his head. Confusion was written all over in his cute chubby face.
Ryoma couldn't help but to chuckled. He carried his nephew in one hand before seating on the sofa.
"Oh! Welcome back Ryoma-san" Shana, the wife of his brother smiled to him.
"Uncle! Can we go outside?! Let's play outside please!"
"Shin, your uncle just got back from his flight. Let him rest, okay?!" Shana scolded her son.
"Hmp!" Shin pouted cutely.
Ryoma chortled, he pinched his chin softly before poking his sides making the young boy laughed and giggled. "Where did you want to go hmmm?" He asks still attacking him with light poking on his side belly that makes him laughed more.
"Tehehehehe! Uncle! Hehehehe"
"It's fine neechan." He answered while poking his sensitive parts. "We will go back before the dinner starts."
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"Uncle! Uncle! Come on! Here! Here!" Shin runs fast as he could.
Ryoma didn't realized how energetic his little nephew was. From nonstop playing in different playground equipment from slides, see saw, merry go around, monkey bars, and spinners not to mention how they ended up playing around the kids at his age, hide and seek and running nonstop, there is no doubt that the Echizen blood was running on his veins.
Ryoma chuckled seeing how he still full of energy. He watches his nephew runs towards the bushes.
"Shin, be careful, okay?" He reminded. He chortled hearing his quick reply to him. Seconds later, his nephew came back with slight pout on his face. His brows automatically raised seeing his sad expression on his face.
"What's the matter?" He asks leveling his nephew's height.
"Uncle... I saw a fairy crying there" he sniffs pointing somewhere right behind bushes, big droplets of tears pooled automatically on his round golden eyes.
Confused, Ryoma looks on the direction he points out. Slowly he walks directly towards that direction, hand holding his crying nephew. The tennis prince saw a young lady wearing a peach-colored dress, seating in the bench, she looks out of place on the way she dressed with face drenched with tears, bangs flutters on the wind and paled complexion, her skin is white as snow. However, despite her unsightly look, she still looks dashing and beautiful in her messy bun hair. Droplets of tears pouring down on her dough shape eyes. Ryoma blinks for the couple of times Asif he was off guarded. He kneeled on his nephew once again, after breaking his gazed on hers.
"Neh Shin, when you saw a pretty lady crying what should you do?" He asks.
"Hugs her" he pouted his small lips.
"That's right. Now go to her and give this" Ryoma handed his handkerchief to his nephew. "Once you give this, I treat you an ice cream so come back quick okay" The young Shin nodded his head and runs towards the young lady.
"Neh, pretty neechan!" Shin called out.
Sakuno who's been crying looks at the young boy. His beautiful round golden eyes shine brightly like stars in the night. Sakuno can't help but to admire his set of eyes. It looks vibrant.
"Here... Don't cry please." The young boy wipes her tears on her cheeks using a handkerchief he was holding; his soft and small hand carefully touches her cheeks.
"Oh!" Sakuno mumbled slowly. Surprised in the sudden presence of the young guy in her front.
The boy beams boyishly. He stared at her for quite some as if thinking carefully, before tilting his head, he tiptoed his feet and gestured Sakuno to come closer to him "Neh, pretty neechan," He whispered slowly "my uncle over there said you are so beautiful. If you done crying, can you date him instead? so that you won't cry again?" he innocently whispered. "Ah! Don't say I told you about this huh?! My papa said my uncle never dated anyone, that's why I need to help my uncle to find a girlfriend so that he wouldn't end up marrying his racket!" He added cutely. "don't worry!" he waves his both cute little hands in the air. "My uncle is twice…" he gestured his little fingers into two figures. "Nope. Thrice ahhh! No! no! no! he is hundred times handsome than my papa!" he beams proudly. "You are not in the losing place with my handsome uncle" he cutely bargains.
"What?!" Sakuno looks confused and amazed at the same time, she chortled at his bubbliness.
"Yabai!" Shin covered his little mouth with his chubby hands. Remembering the forgotten promised ice cream of his uncle he runs away leaving Sakuno alone.
"What a cute little guy" Sakuno giggled. She stared at the handkerchief in her hand. For some reason, she felt relieve and okay.
*Slap*
"How dare you? How dare you disobey me like that?!" Miura's fury eyes darted to Sakuno. "I told you clearly, haven't I?! You should study Business Economics! How many times should I told you?! Are you gone mad? Fine Arts?! Fine Arts?!" She yelled; veins visible on her thin white neck from shouting.
Sakuno cheeks stings from the slap she received from her mother, however she didn't stop there, she raised her hand once again ready to slap her once more. Sakuno close her eyes waiting for another impact.
"Miura!" Hiru shouted angrily. He hurriedly shielded himself in front of Sakuno. "What do you think you were doing?" His gentle voice lace nothing but cold tone.
Miura who seems startled for a seconds lost composure on her husband sudden coldness.
"Seiichi, bring your sister in her room. Your mommy and I we'll talk" Hiru spoke in controlled voice.
"Haaa!" Finally, Miura laughed without humor after regaining her composure. She stared at her husband leveling his coldness. "So, it's you?! You put nonsense towards that child? I told you many times before, do not meddle on how I handle that child Hiru. You choose to bring her here. Remember. It's you who put that child in this situation" she attacked where it hits most.
"Haaaa!" Hiru let out a long sighed. "Hahahaha" then laughed humorously. "That's right. I asked her here. Miura. But you always forget one thing. One thing Miura." Hiru looks menacingly dangerously at his wife he loves dearly to life. "She is a Yukimura. She is Yukimura Sakuno, Miura, my daughter." He said each words slowly. "Do you know what that's means?" He leveled his eyes on hers cornering her in the corner. "That no matter what, she will stay a Yukimura, my beloved daughter. Unlike you... Bear this in your mind, Miura, I can live a life without you. You already did that. But those children stay under me. No matter what. "
"You threatening me?!" Miura refute back. "Me?! Hahaha... Don't make me laughed my dear husband" Miura smirked. "You can't get rid of me. Whatever I do. Even I hurt that child you love dearly. . .me" she smirked dangerously. "You know why? You love me. you love me . enough to swallow everything I up too" she spits each word. "And that's stupid child is the living proof, right?" She taps his broad shoulder before walking away ready to leave.
"Miura, I am serious leave Sakuno alone" he said once more.
Miura whom face hardens as she looks at him looks softer when she looks away. There is an emotion flashed on her face that he failed to see. An emotion that no matter what, Miura will never let anyone see.
"Damn! Are you ready for the first class Sakuno?!" Tomoka excitedly muttered in the other line.
Sakuno whom busy preparing for the first day of school, holds her mobile phone in one hand. She took a mental note of things she badly needed to buy after their first class.
"And Kirihara keeps bugging me if you were okay... Perhaps you still not talking to him?" Tomoka asks.
Sakuno paused from arranging her things.
It's been two weeks after her Aunt Akiyo's birthday. During those two weeks, a lot of things happened; she successfully enrolled in Seigaku University in the course she really wanted, Fine Arts. Of course, her brother and father supported her all the way, they even let her have her own apartment to live for her own. For the weeks past, she never heard of anything news related to Akaya, though news come on her sense of hearing, she brushed it off. She didn't want to hear anything about him. She wasn't ready to talk to him. The last encounter they had was too painful for her.
Okay, Sakuno wasn't mad at him at all. She had no right to be mad, right? Akaya was right. He shouldn't sacrifice his own happiness just to mind hers.
And there is no way Sakuno wanted him so lonely at her side. She wasn't so selfish like that.
"I just living my life I supposed to live remember?!" She mumbled slowly.
'A life away to Akaya' it is sound so impossible but she was trying so hard to achieve. Akaya was right though, they need to live separately from now on. 'Coz the two of them together' would never be happened. That's why, she needs to accept the bitter reality that Akaya wouldn't be end up to her. A throbbing pain inside her chest occurred.
"That's right Sakuno, you need to move on. Even you both didn't broke up or so." Tomoka chortled.
"Mou! Your so mean Tomo-chan" Sakuno pouted her lips.
"Anyways see you tomorrow, okay? Love you best friend. Don't worry! We will find another love life for you" Tomoka laughed.
"Mou! Tomo-chan!"
"A great morning to start" Sakuno mumbled positively as she stretched her body upon waking up. Feeling refresh from a sleep Sakuno hurriedly went inside her bathroom.
Hoping that today is a ray of hope from something anew.
Or not.
Sakuno wanted to frowned badly seeing the guy she least expected to see for the past two weeks.
Kirihara Akaya seating comfortably while exchange meaningful laughter's to her mother in their dining table.
"Oh dear... Akaya went all his way here to bring you in your new school" her mother's voice echoed. "Isn't it amazing?"
"Mom, Sakuno will come to me" Seiichi voice intervened. He looks sternly to his kouhai before finally settle his gazed towards his younger sister and smiled
"But son, it will be a different way than Rikkaii Daii isn't it? "
"It's fine. It's no big deal." Seiichi answered with finality. He looks at his kouhai one last time before speaking "go back. I am the one who will bring my sister in her new school" he said sternly.
"Seiichi is right. Akaya, thank you for your offer but I am more relief if my son will be the one to bring my daughter in her new school" Hiru Yukimura seconded giving no more room from Miura's pushing.
"Isn't it you sound so rude darling? Akaya drive all his way here just to give his helping hand and besides friends should be helping each other's right, what do you think? Sakuno" a chilly warning voice comes out on her mother's mouth.
Sakuno can't help but feel shivers run down her spine. A sense of fear she always feels whenever her mother used that kind of authorative voice. The same voice that traumatized her since childhood. Sakuno held her breathe, she felt sudden feeling of tightness inside her chest. Trying to calm herself down, she automatically reaches for the glass of water and drink it straight without stopping.
"Uhm. It's okay dad, oniichan. I'll be going with Akaya-kun" she tried to smile reassuring.
"That's great! I'm sure both of you had a lot to talks about"
Upon finishing a quick breakfast. Miura harshly pulled her daughter's hand out of sight. She looks sternly at her, giving her enough warning.
"I don't know what's bad air that bring that brat voluntarily here but anyways... This is your good chance" she icily whispered. "Do whatever you can just to make sure you two both ended as what I wanted. Do you understand Sakuno?" Her voice become chillier each seconds passed. "On how his girlfriend looks like, I am certain that they doing more than just a kissing. I bet she warm his bed and give him a good fuck. Do the same. Listen Sakuno men are all the same. I don't care if you need to pull down your panty just to give Akaya an easy access on the thing between your legs. Make yourself worthy. I want him to be my son-in-law. Our businesses should merge. Do you get it Sakuno?!"
Sakuno gasps the words her mother spoke just right now was something she didn't expect her to say. She wanted to cry. She wanted to run away from her mother.
"Oh dear. Don't be so sentimental. It is just a piece of hymen by the way." She softly whispered. "And don't act as if you don't like the idea either. You loved him, right? Better do as what I say. Spread your legs on him and better get pregnant. You got the man, and I got the biggest business merging I always wanted" Her mother's voice was full of mockery.
Sakuno who couldn't take it all, pulled her hand on her hold. A soft mockery laughed escape once more towards her own mother before giving her a glare and turn her back on her leaving her heart wounded as always.
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"What's take you so long?" Akaya asks the moment she reach his car. "Did your mom done something again?" He asks, for a second, his voice lace with concern. A sudden happiness engulfs Sakuno's heart.
"Oh. It's nothing." She said hiding her true feelings in between her smiles.
Akaya opens his mouth to said something, his eyes somehow run an emotion Sakuno couldn't point out.
Sakuno who couldn't no longer hold the way he stared at her looks down, dispair, pity and worry those were some emotions she saw on him. A glimpse of hope flutters inside her heart. 'Atleast ... Just even a tiny bit he still cares'
Sakuno surprisingly become in a good mood, she hurriedly walks towards the passenger door only to be slap by the reality. Sakuno paused for a moment seeing a shoulder bag lying comfortably in next to the driver seat.
"Uhm. Sakuno, can you seat at the back. I brought Honoka. Well, actually, she was with me and it's her idea to pick you up and have a good chat since you keep avoiding me. She said that we should apologize with you from the last time."
Of course, why she always forgets about this. 'You are so pathetic Sakuno. Just because he was nice to you for a second it doesn't mean he wouldn't hurt you twice as he treated you nicely'
Sakuno whom spirit shattered once again smiled again. Masking all the pain.
'it's okay... It's okay Sakuno.'
He is Akaya right? He is Akaya we are talking about here. Of course, he has a long waiting lists on how to hurt you effortlessly. With all her might, Sakuno smiled once again. She looks at him reassuringly.
Akaya face brighten ups. "Right. Honoka choose a great cafe. I know you will like it. Thank you Sakuno"
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"We will be there in five minutes babe" Akaya chuckled through the phone.
Looking at his smiles, Sakuno couldn't have a hard time guessing who he is talking too. Though it's unsafe to drive while talking to the phone, Sakuno couldn't bring herself to warns him. Akaya was smiling from ear to ear.
Since when is the last time, she saw him like this? Did he make an expression like this too when they were together?
For years of knowing Akaya, Sakuno never seen him happy like this before. Sakuno looks away. She couldn't take the pain silently eating her up again.
[Mou! Be quick! What's taking you both so long?! I want to see you soon, okay? Love you honey]
"I love you more babe"
Sakuno close her eyes; she secretly wipes her tears away not wanting him to see how badly hurt she was. But who was she kidding right?!
Akaya didn't care if she was hurt. For him she was a piece of extra luggage he badly wanted to unload on his life. Sakuno smiled bitterly on that thought. She stared blankly on the window trying to erase those unwanted thoughts inside her head.
However, as it seems the fate has its own cruel joke to her, the moment they step their feet outside the car. Sakuno slaps by the painful reality she always has. Sakuno who just stood there like a complete and pathetic idiot watched them kiss each other with wide open eyes. Lips interlocked to each other, Sakuno saw how Akaya hugs Honoka like he was afraid to lost her. She watches them on how they both leisurely walks together hand in hand leaving her all alone. As if they completely forget her existence after all.
She doesn't have any right, but it's really painful to see. Was her love for him worth for this misery?
'What is she doing?' how come her feet seem glued on the spot? She supposed to be running at this rate, right? Her heart throbbing in unbearable pain. However, no matter how painful it was, here she is watching them like a pathetic human being. No, she really is. She really is a pathetic being. Laughing bitterly, Sakuno found herself so pitiful.
'Come on Sakuno. Pull yourself together! this is just nothing. You heard and experience much painful things in the hands of your mother. And you never cry! How come with this?! You were crying so pathetically?!'
Sakuno wanted to laughed on her own misery. Her eyes meet hers. Akaya looks bewildered and shocked at the same time. She saw how he steps her feet again, seems like to chase her. She smiled bitterly on him. A painful sob escape once again before she finally turns her head away, running away from what causes of her own misery.
'That's right. Let's stop with this now. Wake up on your delusions Sakuno. You need to wake up!'
With trembling body and heavy steps, she runs not minding how she looks pathetic right now.
"Uh?! Oi..."
Sakuno gasps, she was certain that Akaya followed her, she didn't want to see her like this. Without hesitation and shamed, she clutched on the first person her blurry eyes seen.
"Please..." Gasping for an air, breathing becomes too much for her to bear. Choking so hard, Sakuno continuously gasping for air. "Hide... Huuuh... Me..."
""Oi... Breathe... Okay..." His cold voice was vivid on her sense of hearing. His arms automatically pat her back comforting her. How ironically that she found his cold voice soothing at her. How ironically that a total stranger helping her. "Right... That's right breathe" he said slowly. Helping her. He gently taps her back trying to stabilized her own breathing.
"Need a hand? You seem running away from that guy" he asks. His eyes focus on her back.
"Oi... Sakuno" from the distance Akaya's voice echoed. From the urgency of his voice, it seems like she wasn't found yet.
Sakuno didn't need to look back to find the owner of the voice. She nodded her head to the strangers offer, tears keep falling down on her cheeks, she slowly lifted her head and meet his pair of golden eyes.
"T-thank you" her voice broke.
"Get in" The guy with golden eyes opens the door of his car. Without any hesitation, Sakuno went inside of his car.
-end of chapter 2-