"Chapter 6: How Long Can Love Wait?"
Ryoma sighs with boredom as his stylist and agent make him turn again for the nth time. Finishing his studies in Todai, he went pro. He had to go to parties and other social functions besides playing the game. He is set to attend a US-sponsored athlete symposium. It is all about the young and successful players in their field. Ryoma is a Japanese man who grew up in America. The story is a media favorite. Despite his cold demeanor, people love his icy persona, confident playing aura, and extremely handsome looks. He can also speak both English and Japanese, and his multilingual ability is also a plus. His whole team is happy that Ryoma is a speaker at the event. They managed to force him to go to the podium. He promised he could go back to Japan ASAP after the event. Rob, his agent and assistant, assures him to free his schedule for the next two weeks. The idea of having time off has become foreign to Ryoma. Hearing about the offer, he quickly agrees to the deal. He only needs to keep the speech short and simple. After that, he can have an undisturbed two-week vacation in Japan.
"Ryoma, the kimono fabric bracelet matches your outfit." The stylist, named Anne, squealed. "It took some time to find a suit to fit it, but the trouble is worth it." She has been with Ryoma since day one and is in a relationship with his agent, Rob. "Honestly, that Japanese-themed accessory has been part of your signature look. It's a cool fashion and identity choice."
Ryoma hummed in agreement and looked at his agent. "Should we go?" Rob nodded and started talking on his transmitter informing security that Ryoma was leaving his penthouse New York apartment. Aside from being a "Golden Slam" winner, the player is also a product endorser. He rakes in a lot of cash from shoes, clothing, soft drinks, watches, airlines, and other sporting apparel. At the age of twenty-five, he is all set to live a comfortable life and a long playing career ahead.
The lights and noise whenever he passes by have become a norm for him. It happens all the time when he is going somewhere. The good thing about him being a public figure is the paparazzi are not that interested in his daily life. Ryoma barely parties never behaves rudely, or has a social media account. Since nothing spicy can be exhausted from him, the paparazzi do not bother him.
Arriving at the venue, reporters began shouting questions. Some were the usual things like, how feeling today and what is are his plans off-season. One journalist asked what his speech was about and he answered it was a surprise. They began asking him who made his suit and what can he say about his last opponent. He answers the questions with professionalism and politely excuses himself to go inside the venue.
After hours of sitting and giving a five-minute speech with the audience clapping for a few seconds, Ryoma exited the room to get some fresh air. He looks up at the sky and breathes deeply. It was a tiring day and dozing under the trees was tempting. He contemplates that maybe he should take a nap and let the remaining time of the event pass by. He does not have the energy to further socialize with strangers or acquaintances. As he tries to search for a spot, a dark figure leaning on a trunk caught his eye. It seems he is not the only guy escaping the crowd. He approaches the form, who seems to be a tall and muscular man. Up close, the moon shone its light on the mysterious person.
There was no mistaking it, the black hair, sharp facial features, and stern expression. This guy is Kaede Rukawa. A fellow Japanese athlete, who plays basketball. He made it big in the NBA and is currently the undisputed Most Valuable Player for five consecutive years. Ryoma recalls that this guy is older than him, probably in his thirties. However, Rukawa plays like he is still twenty-five years old. His breathing must have disrupted the basketball jockey in slumber. The sleeping man shrugs and his eyes flutter open. He stares back at Ryoma intently, weighing who the heck he is. "Got a problem with me, kid?" He said in perfect English. Rukawa gives off a vibe of a troublemaker in his youth. Or is this a defense mechanism he developed through the years?
"None." The tennis prodigy answered flatly. "I wanted to take a nap, but the spot is taken." The younger athlete elaborated. "Sorry, for disturbing you." Ryoma slightly bowed to show respect. He does not want any stolen shot appearing anywhere that he has been rude to a senior Japanese personality. If it was him he would not bother. But, a certain someone will flip if any bad rumors circulate to him.
Rukawa straightens his back while remaining seated on the grounds. "Did you study in Kyodai?" The question caught Ryoma off guard. "That kimono fabric bracelet, only Kyodai students can buy that. They say it brings good luck."
The tennis prodigy thought that maybe Rukawa went to Kyodai and thought he was his junior from the university. But he is not, and there is nothing wrong with correcting him. "No, I went to Todai." The basketball athlete smirked at the reply. "A friend gave it to me."
"Someone you know from high school?" Rukawa blurted out. "It's a limited edition welcome gift to freshmen." He explained with finality. Ryoma is puzzled as to why the other guy is curious about his accessory.
"A classmate since middle school." The younger answers. He has no idea why he is replying. But there is no harm in telling details like these. Rukawa will forget it eventually. He stands up and at full height, the man is taller than Ryoma by five inches. He had an air of superiority, However, Ryoma Echizen is not the type to back down when it comes to battling with wits. "My friend is a medical student who will graduate this year."
"You like her don't you?" The basketball jockey asks. The question threw Ryoma off. What is with this guy prying on his personal life because of a good luck bracelet? Rukawa fixed his clothes and looked back at the tennis player. "Kid, don't keep her waiting for too long. Because even if someone loves you sincerely, it is not a guarantee their feelings will not change." The unwanted advice surprised Ryoma.
Feeling offended Ryoma retorted. "That is none of your business Rukawa-san." He wanted to strike a nerve on his senior. So the prince of tennis boldly made another statement. "Are you speaking from experience Rukawa-san?" the tennis prodigy teased.
The taller man ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "That is none of your business kid." The basketball player walked away leaving Ryoma deep in thought. As Kaede Rukawa faded from his view, he looked at his bracelet again. It's a good luck bracelet, so his relationship with the giver will not turn sour. So far, they are doing well. And he is in this event so they can spend time together. Why did that guy manage to throw him off? He will take the earliest flight to Japan tomorrow to ease the tension inside of him.
Sakuno fixes her hair and gets ready to organize the patient information in her part-time job. She allocates an hour in a local orthopedic clinic after medical study hours. The local doctor is a kind and sweet woman with twin sons. She took the job since working with a doctor can help her in the future. After she finishes organizing the patient files, she sets appointment dates and sends emails. Sakuno also organizes the calendar of the doctor, when she can open her clinic. Doctor Akira, still does hospital rounds three times a week in the local hospital. Two days she opens the clinic for patients who have particular complaints or require therapy.
Sakuno took pharmacy as a major. However, due to her innate caring personality and good grades, her professors encouraged her to become a doctor. A scholarship offer came in. Her father, Sasuke, agrees for her to take the chance. Fortunately, her grandmother has fully recovered. She has been babysitting Doctor Akira's kids since they turned three years old. The beautiful lady offered her a job as a part-time assistant. Trying out the job, she realizes it suits her perfectly. Somehow, it gives her a deeper look at her medical profession.
The twins are mature for their age. They like to play but are not mischievous. It is the reason why her grandmother can look after them. Sadly, the kids lost their father last year due to a traffic accident. He was a high school basketball coach and physical education teacher. They have become family to her. That is why she did not quit the job even if things at the university duties were getting harder. "Sakuno-chan, can the kids come to your house and sleep for a few days?" The lady doctor asks. "I need to do night rounds for this week since we are short on staff in the hospital."
Sakuno nods with a smile. "I am sure grandmother will not mind and Dad likes them too." The medical student proceeded to the stack of folders waiting to be organized. "You are an amazing woman, madam, to balance work and family." Sakuno met the doctor's husband, he was a good-looking and charming man. He has a good sense of humor and is deeply in love with his wife. They seem like a perfect family. However, Sakuno cannot help but notice that the kids do not resemble their parents. But, after seeing Doctor Akira's elder brother, she thought that looking at different runs in their family. There is nothing peculiar about it.
"Thanks for the assistance Sakuno-chan." The medical professional acknowledged this. "I get by and manage because of you and your family's help." The elder lady sighed. "The kids feel happy in your home since all of you are warm people. Sakuno smiled at the compliment. She is indeed fortunate to have a supportive family. "It is that time of the year is it not? The off-season for tennis?" The inquiry made Sakuno blush. The doctor is aware of her special schedule during this time. "By chance does he like kids?" The younger lass was surprised with the questions. Her perplexed face shows that she has no answer to the question. "Top athletes are often busy with training, media appearances, and other engagements. It is rare to find someone like your childhood friend." The university student squirmed at the explanation. "My, my, why are you shy? If I were you, I would be proud that he makes time for me. Even if it's only limited." The senior lady said cheerily. "Honestly, you are so fortunate Sakuno-chan. When is he coming over? I will give you time off during that period."
"He will be arriving tomorrow." The auburn girl replied. "He took the earliest flight and told me to leave all my evening schedules free." The apprentice explained further. "I told him that I have to continue keeping the clinic in order. So he said, if you do not mind, he will come over and help me out." The student continues. "He will be doing it for free."
The doctor smirks at the proposal. "He wants to spend every minute with you as much as possible." Sakuno fidgets at the comment. "It is fine if he comes over. I am sure having him around will inspire you." The younger girl nodded. "Will you be picking him up from the airport?" the apprentice sways her head. "So I should leave early tomorrow to give you some privacy." The medical school student continued to blush but never denied anything. The doctor looks at her tenderly with a knowing smile. It is easy to know that the medical professional is sincerely happy for her junior.
Ryoma immediately headed out of the airport and left his assistant to deal with his baggage. Unfortunately, the car he will be taking had a flat tire. He hated the fact that he would be arriving late. His assistant proposed. It seems Kaede Rukawa will be going to the same area as him. If he is in a hurry he can ask the NBA star player to give him a lift. The prince of tennis debated within himself if he should. He can get another car, but since office hours are done, it will take a while. He did have a conversation with Rukawa recently, but will he permit him? His reliable assistant took the trouble to ask Rukawa's aid if it was possible. Then out of the blue, their agents thought of a way to turn the situation into viral news. Two Japanese superstars are going to have a vacation in Kyoto. The two slammed the idea. They wanted to spend the time incognito. Rukawa offered that he would share the car if the two agents could make a way for the media to keep their mouths shut.
The assistants had no choice but to comply and the duo shared the vehicle. "Kid, you are going to see your girl?" Ryoma hummed in response. There were no further questions after that. The thirty-minute drive was enough time for the two superstars to fall asleep.
When the vehicle halted, Ryoma noticed the familiar clinic and unclasped his seat belt. The clicking sound was heard twice. The tennis star looked at the senior athlete beside him. Is he also going off this stop? "Thanks for the ride Rukawa-san. I will be getting off here."
"Your girl works here?" The taller player replied. "Are you into older women?" He asked in an accusing voice.
"I told you, she is someone I know from middle school," Ryoma answers defensively. "We are the same age." He notices that Rukawa seems to be getting ready to get off too. "Why are you coming here anyway? The clinic is closed." The man did not comment. "Fine, do whatever you like." The prince went out of the vehicle while the basketball jock observes him. As soon as Ryoma is near the front door, it opens and reveals a lovely lady. She has brown hair and kind eyes with shoulder-length hair.
"You are Sakuno's friend. The Tennis prodigy Ryoma Echizen." The elder beamed. "She is inside sorting some papers. Feel free to go inside."
Ryoma took a step back and bowed. "I am Echizen Ryoma, thank you for taking care of Sakuno." The elder lady's eyes sparkled. She seems to be happy to know the prodigy calls her apprentice on a first-name basis. Up close the tennis star notices that the doctor is quite pretty. It is a sad thing that she became a widow last year. But with the way Sakuno praises her, it will not be hard for her to find someone. That is if she wants to be in a new relationship.
"You are such a polite young man." The medical professional praised me. "And I forgot to introduce myself. I am Akira…"
"Haruko.." The voice of a man interrupted the woman from her spiel. Rukawa was standing behind Ryoma, his eyes intensely looking at the lady.
The lady sighed after Rukawa cut her off. "Yes, I am Akira Haruko. It is a pleasure to meet you Echizen-san." Something about the basketball player shifted the mood. The friendly lady sort of got into a sour mood. "You may go inside now Echizen-san. I have to leave for my hospital shift." She smiles and walks straight, to ignore the other visitor.
"Haruko, please we need to talk," Rukawa said in an apologetic tone. Ryoma could sense the tension coming from the two. However, he prefers not to get involved. The two are already adults, they can settle it themselves. He walks in the door not minding the conversation occurring behind his back.
He shuts the door and sees Sakuno going through stacks of papers. "You are busy, have you eaten anything yet?" The girl swayed her head. "Figures, I will ask my assistant to get us some sushi." The lady nodded. "Hey, are you not going to speak to me? I rushed all the way here."
Sakuno lifted her head. "Sorry Ryoma-kun. I wanted to finish fast and go wherever you want."
Ryoma stepped closer to the medical student. "You know, I don't care about the place right now as long as you are here." The woman blushed at the statement. "And I told you to call me Ryoma when we are alone." The prince is in front of her desk now. His eyes were smoldering "Is that clear Sakuno?" The doctor in training's breathing hitched. The prodigy found his way to her back and leaned in as she remained frozen in her seat. He flirtingly whispers in her ear. "I did not reserve a hotel. My assistant is taking my things to your apartment."
Sakuno's eyes widened and retorted. "Ryoma-kun, my father and grandmother will be unhappy.." The prince grabs her chin and kisses her demandingly hard. After a minute he releases her and she continues to rebut. "Ryoma-kun, you can't do…" He presses his lips on her again. This time his tongue strokes her seeking entrance. She did not want to give in. But he gently bites her lower lip and the woman gasps, allowing the prodigy to dive. The doctor in training began to feel dizzy. He is being so intense and she has no idea why. He reaches for the papers in her hand and places it on the table. The male turns the swivel chair so her body is facing him. She tries to pull away but one hand is holding her head and the other made its way to her waist. Using his strength he manages to pull her up. Sakuno has no idea how she ended up on the table, pinned between Ryoma's legs and panting. Her mind is jumbled and she is feeling breathless. "Ryoma.." she speaks softly while panting and trying to regain her composure.
The prince smiles with mirth in his eyes. "Now that is more like it." He begins to shower her face with light pecks and transfers his attention to her neck. "I was joking about your apartment." She could feel him grinning. "But I will be happy to come over if you want." Sakuno lets out a yelp when the prodigy sucked her collarbone near the valley of her breast. Did he manage to undo the buttons of her shirt?
The scandalous thought brought her back to reality. "Ryoma, we can't do this here." They were in her workplace, a public place. What is he thinking? "You promised…me …we will wait…." Her voice was stuttering and her body was shivering. Of course, the prince remembers, but there is always something about her that makes him lose control.
He kisses her gently on the forehead. "Sorry, Sakuno. I just missed you." He pulls back and helps her up. "What do we need to do?" He looks at the maiden fixing her clothes. "I caused you some they, right? Let me make it up to you."
"I need to arrange the files based on their appointment date." The girl explains. "Then each needs to be logged in to the computer. After that, every client must receive their confirmation email." The prince asked how many does she need to encode. "The doctor has fifty patients this month. Since I will be taking a two-week off, I have to finish everything." The two-week off statement made Ryoma display a Cheshire cat grin he has exclusively for Sakuno. "She told me to spend some time with you and make the best of it."
"I like your boss," Ryoma comments happily. "Tell me the things you arranged. I will start logging it in the calendar so we can begin with the emails." Sakuno gives him the first stack of files. "Does the coach know you are staying out late?" The lady nods. "How about your dad? Is he going to pick you up?"
"He said to give him a ring if I need to," Sakuno answers. "Do I need to Ryoma?" she asks flirtatiously.
Ryoma sighs. "Sakuno, stop tempting me. Us being close like this is hard enough already."
Sakuno approaches Ryoma. He has grown more handsome over time. Last year after finishing pre-med studies, he asked her to marry him. She declined and reasoned they could after the internship was cleared. However, after making the decision, Doctor Akira's husband passed away. Sakuno realizes the vulnerability of life. Even her parents have a short-lived marriage due to her mother's passing. Is it right to put off the good things in life? The medical student gathered her guts and hugged Ryoma from behind. There is something in his natural scent that makes her go crazy too. "Ryoma.." She speaks softly, and the prince stiffens. "Remember your question last year that I declined?" He muttered a soft "Yeah" and kept his position. "I have been thinking how rash I was." The lady holds her tighter. "I, um, I mean.." She was having trouble saying the words.
"Ryuuzaki Sakuno, will you marry me?" He turns and asks immediately since the woman is fumbling with her words. Ryoma's large and comforting hands are securely on her shoulders.
"Yes, Echizen Ryoma. I will marry you." Sakuno answers with her swelling in joy. Ryoma leans in and kisses her once again. It was an intense make-out session that left both of them breathless. As they were catching their breath, the medical student noticed the name of the client on the top. He works in the municipal office for marriage registrations. "Ryoma, Mr. Uzamaki works for the marriage registrations in city hall. I can give him a call to help us out."
Ryoma smirks devilishly at the suggestion. "So I guess tomorrow, I will ask my stuff to be moved into your house." The girl nodded. "Hmm.. but we are technically on a honeymoon so staying in a hotel is not going to be bad." Sakuno giggles as he hugs her tightly. "Is the coach and uhm. Dad okay with this?"
"We can tell them tonight, they know we have this coming." The girl smiles. "What about your parents?"
"They love you. So there is nothing to worry about." Ryoma assures and kisses Sakuno on the lips again. After parting, Ryoma mentally kicks himself. It will take them the next day if they don't stop. "Let's get the work done so we can leave." Sakuno nods in agreement. "I love you Sakuno, you're the best blessing in my life." And the lady replies. "I love you Ryoma. You are my most precious person."
The couple hurriedly finished the tasks at hand for the night. It was followed by a celebration in the Ryuuzaki residence and a joyful phone call with the Echizens. The relationship with no labels has come to an end. Hopefully, like the joy they are experiencing, it shall continue to extend for the rest of their lives. The two love birds deserve all the happiness in the world.
Author's note:
Thank you for reading No Labels. I don't know if I will write new stuff afterward. For those who have been with me on this writing journey. Again thanks a lot!
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