Chapter 42: Euphoria

Sakuno laid in bed, her left hand extended towards the night lamp. The diamond glimmered so mystically on her ring finger. It was the most beautiful jewelry she had ever received from Ryoma, aside from the necklace he gave her years ago.

Who would have thought that the stoic and aloof Ryoma Echizen, who used to ignore the world in the name of his tennis obsession, who was the most romantically challenged lad out there, had something like this up his sleeve?

"Ryoma-kun, when did you buy this?"

The sleepy guy flinched at the mention of his name and forced his eyes open. He wondered why Sakuno was still awake at three in the morning. In a few hours, she would have to get up and go to work.

"Mmm… when you were in Europe," he replied automatically, having his answers ready like a loaded gun. He knew that Sakuno would have a lot of questions.

"Really? That was a long time ago…" she blushed at the thought that he had always planned to propose to her, that it was that early that he knew she was the one.

She shifted to his side of the bed and snuggled on his chest. Sakuno felt his heart beating steadily. She found it surreal to realize that just years ago, a young Sakuno would never have imagined to be Ryoma's wife. She didn't even imagine she would get to date him.

"Thinking ahead…" he closed his eyes and pulled her closer, kissing the top of her head.

Sakuno smiled and wrapped her arms around his torso. She wondered how she's going to sleep after this life changing development in their relationship.

"Hi, Aunt Sakuno!" Tomoka held out her phone so that she and Haru were seen on the screen. It was unusual for Sakuno to call them at night, so she was extra curious why she suddenly did. Sakuno waved her hand, and although it was dark where she was, Tomoka could clearly see the object shining on her hand. A shy smile from Sakuno seemed to connect the dots in Tomoka's mind.

"No way…" she gasped. Sakuno just nodded in confirmation. She was too excited to even say anything!

"He proposed?! Ryoma-sama proposed to you? What the f–"

"Tomo-chan!"

"Oh, sorry, Haru-chan! But oh my God, Sakuno! Tell me everything!"

"I can't tell you now because my break is almost over. But here it is! I wanted to tell you first," She flashed a smile at the camera. Tomoka wanted to cry, she was so happy for her best friend finally getting the things she deserves.

"I can't believe it, Sakuno! I'm so so happy for you,"

"I'm so happy, I couldn't sleep last night…" Her voice became more relaxed and sweeter. It was as if she's floating in the clouds around the soft, misty sky.

"I can tell," Tomoka grinned.

"Oh, shoot. I have to go, Tomo-chan. Let's chat soon, okay? Haru-chan, bye bye!" She blew a kiss on the screen before they ended the video call. Sakuno heard the back door open and saw Soichiro walking out, a stick of cigarette hanging onto his lips.

"Ryuzaki-san, you're getting married?" He asked. He felt guilty for accidentally eavesdropping, but he was happy for her. It was refreshing to see the happiness in her eyes as opposed to all the other times she sulked because of work.

"Oh, Soichiro-san! You heard that?"

"I'm sorry, but that's great!" He smiled at her. Sakuno didn't even care that he knew. She was just so happy to be engaged, and to Ryoma, no less!

"So, construction should be finished in less than six months," the contractor said. Ryoma nodded even though in his mind, he doesn't have any idea about all of those things. Ryoga was usually the one who talked to them in the first place. But today, he was the first one to arrive at the scene and Ryoga was unbelievably late.

"Okay, thanks," he replied. They returned to the trailer where the contractor's office was located. He offered a can of Ponta to Ryoma, and they settled on the sofa while waiting for his brother.

"So, Mr. Echizen," the contractor said.

"Just call me Ryoma," He sipped on his beverage.

"Oh. Okay, um… So, Ryoma, this is great! When I heard that you decided to open up a place where underprivileged kids can fulfill their dreams of becoming an athlete like you, I was excited to be part of the development team. Also, my son is a big fan of yours!" He smiled at him. The prince was a bit taken aback by the contractor's jolly attitude towards him.

"Oh, well–"

"I'm planning to sign him up, too."

"Really?"

"Yeah. He's uh… deaf,"

Ryoma looked at him, surprised at his revelation. It sends a weird feeling to him whenever he hears or sees something about children and having handicaps. He felt sadness for them. Being a privileged kid in his younger years, Ryoma understood that he was more than capable of doing more with his life, than any other kid. And now that he had the means to actually do something about it, he was motivated. He realized how important it is to help them achieve their dreams. It might only be a small change he's going for, but he knows in his heart that this is a steppingstone for them.

"I'm looking forward to hearing from him– shit. Sorry, I mean… sign him up," Ryoma awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck and hoped that the older man wouldn't get offended.

"So sorry…"

The contractor gave a hearty laugh.

"Oh my God, I didn't peg you as the funny brother. Yeah, I guess I will!"

Ryoma smiled softly at the man. The two enjoyed a nice time chatting before Ryoga arrived at the site. He looked tired, he must have hurried on the way there, Ryoma assumed.

"Sorry, I'm late. I had a busy morning," He threw an orange to Ryoma, and the younger man caught it swiftly. The contractor began to explain the floor plans and whatnot, then they wrapped up the meeting just before lunch time.

After that, Ryoga and Ryoma went to their parents' house.

"Ryoma, honey!" Rinko happily welcomed the two brothers, opening the front door wide. She flashed a sweet smile as she embraced the two.

"Where's dad?" Ryoga asked, pulling his younger brother's suitcase. Rinko and Ryoma followed.

"He's in the back, hitting some tennis balls. He's so bored, I thought maybe you two can join him,"

Ryoga and Ryoma looked at each other then smiled knowingly. They grabbed their own tennis rackets (of course, they always have their rackets with them, being tennis freaks), then they walked out of the back door.

"Hey, dad. Wanna play with us?" Ryoga smirked at the old man bouncing a neon tennis ball on his racket. Ryoma stood beside his brother, making the same cool expression. Nanjirou stared at them, momentarily surprised by the fact that his two sons are back together again, and then he smiled.

"Sure. Just don't go crying to mom when I beat both of you," he remarked.

Ryoga and Ryoma decided to team up against Nanjirou. Since it's lunch time, they agreed to do a one-point match because Rinko will get mad if they play for too long with empty stomachs.

"Awright! Chibisuke, you ready?" Ryoga looked behind him and saw a smiling Ryoma. He nodded to his question and the match started.

At four o'clock in the afternoon, Tomoka picks up Haru from daycare. The little one ran towards her, and she crouched down to his level.

"Oh, my baby! I missed you!" She welcomed him in an embrace and Haru comfortably wrapped his arms around Tomoka's neck.

"Mama!" he said.

"Let's go grocery shopping before we go home, okay?" She held Haru's small hand, and they headed to the supermarket near their home. Tomoka planned to make dinner tonight since Horio's going to be home late from work. These days, they are both busy with work, so they pick up Haru from the daycare in turn.

And when Horio came home that night, he was excited to be welcomed by Haru. However, the child didn't even bat an eye in his direction. Instead, he was focused on playing with his blocks.

"You're home," Tomoka said from the kitchen. Horio pouted when his son ignored him, but he instantly lit up, seeing Tomoka had just finished preparing their dinner. He was starving all day!

"Haru-chan! Let's eat together. Papa and Haru-chan eat together, right?" He scooped Haru up in his arms and they went to the kitchen. Haru is not that attached to his father, yet. Especially since he's mostly away from home, and these days Horio has been working overtime to make up for the times he had to stay home taking care of him.

"He still doesn't like you, huh?" Tomoka chuckled.

"I know, right? I've only been gone for a few nights, and he hates me now. But we go to Echizen's house once a month and he's all "dadada" to him!" The poor father sulked in defeat. He likes to pretend to be hurt so maybe Haru will console him. But so far, it wasn't working.

It's working for the missus, though.

Tomoka walked over to him and massaged his shoulders.

"Let it go. He'll warm up to you soon. Meanwhile, let's enjoy this yummy feast I worked hard on,"

Horio looked down and saw western food on the table. It practically glimmered in his eyes. Tomoka sure did a good job with her cooking. She has changed in the last couple of years.

In the past, she was this stubborn, loud, and pretentious girl, and even though Horio likes her, he was not amused at her blunt personality. But now, since they already have a family, she has been an amazing wife and mother, and he knows he's the luckiest man in the world.

"Sure, sure, thanks!" He kissed her on the cheek before settling Haru on his highchair.

In the middle of their dinner, Horio noticed that Tomoka was uneasy, her finger tapping on the table. It was obvious that she wanted to say something.

Typical and predictable Tomoka. Even though she's already twenty-five years old, with a husband and kid, her nosy nature was still in her personality.

"Spill it," He started.

"It took you so long! Okay, get this. Ryoma-sama proposed to Sakuno! Now, I don't know when it happened but I'm guessing very recently! I was so stoked when Sakuno called me and I was extra excited because you know, being the best friend, I will obviously be her matron of honor," Tomoka continued on with her stories and as her voice faded, Horio was ecstatic! He couldn't help but smile for two reasons.

One is because it was bringing a lovely color to Tomoka. It seems that her stress from taking care of Haru as well as working at fashion is disappearing. Second is because he appreciated Sakuno for always treating Tomoka as family. Ever since the coach died, she has been left alone in the world, but having her best friend Tomoka, it was as if they've always been family.

Echizen and Ryuzaki are getting married!

"Also, there's something else, baby," She smiled softly. Horio watched her pull something out of her pocket. Tomoka's face was glowing, and he knew that whatever it is, she sure is pleased.

"What?"

Tomoka handed the object to him. Horio's eyes widened, his lips formed the biggest smile he had that day, and his fingers gripped the object to his chest.

Rinko gave a cup of coffee to the young man sitting across from her. Empty plates and wine glasses cluttered the dining table. After their tennis game (whoever won is not worth mentioning, to save the two young men's pride), Nanjirou recently had an interest in Billiards, so he and Ryoga were currently in the living room, enjoying themselves with each other's company.

Ryoma never took interest in any other sports, even though he knew he would be good at it. So, he was left alone in the dining room with Rinko. It was a good idea, too, because he needed to talk about her with something.

Something that Sakuno urged him to do.

"Mom," he said.

Rinko sipped her black coffee before raising her head.

"I've been wondering. Why don't you take Sakuno-chan with you whenever you go here? I miss her, you know?"

"Well, she's busy with work, so…"

"Is that so? I hope she's not ruining her health. After all, health comes first, right?"

"Right…"

He awkwardly stretched the collar of his shirt, sweat forming on his neck as he tried to build up a natural conversation. He never did like talking to anyone about his personal life and all, and Sakuno didn't tell him how to say it.

"Honey? Is something wrong?" Rinko looked at him with worried eyes, uncertain if the coffee was too strong for her son's taste.

"Mom, what do you think about Sakuno?"

Her eyes blinked. It was unusual for Ryoma to ask for opinions about his peers, especially his girlfriend. Over time, his aloof attitude has been changed into a more mellow behavior, but she still needs more time to get used to this new version of Ryoma.

"She's a wonderful woman, and I can see that you're happy with her," she told the truth. Sakuno was well-behaved and had always cared for Ryoma since their middle school days.

"Do you like her?"

"Oh, Ryoma… I love her," Rinko smiled softly. She recalled the fond memories Sakuno stayed with them when her grandmother died. She was sweet, helpful, and obedient. It was only then that they noticed a sudden change in Ryoma. It was all the effect of having Sakuno in their lives, for which she will always be thankful.

Rinko silently prayed that they would end up together.

He couldn't believe it for a second. But then again, Rinko was always kind to other people. Of course, he had to ask her. His parents' opinion is important to him, after all.

"But why are you asking me that?" She chuckled.

He put down his cup of coffee before clearing his throat. He could feel his palms getting sweaty. How is it that simply telling the news to her seemed surprisingly hard? Is it because he wasn't sure about his decision? That can't be. Or maybe he was afraid that Sakuno wouldn't be accepted as much as he thought?

Well, there's only one way to find out.

"I gave her a ring," he blurted out. That was enough to send a shocked expression on his mother. It was just for a moment, then her face changed into a happier one. Rinko smiled and stood up to hug him. She wrapped her arms around his head, her heart full of warm feelings.

"You're going to marry her? I am so happy for you!" She exclaimed. Ryoma was a bit taken aback at his mother's reaction, and also, she said that a little too loud and now the two older men are now standing in front of them with Billiard balls on hand.

Ryoma groaned. He only even said a tiny bit and now they're rejoicing. This was why he wanted to say it over the phone, but Sakuno thought it was disrespectful!

"Damn it, Ryoma! I was supposed to get married first!" Ryoga sulked.

"You have too many girlfriends, Ryoga! I suggest you focus on one girl before you make wedding plans!" Their mother retorted.

"Ho ho ho! My idiot son is all grown up! Give us lots of grandchildren, okay? Let's celebrate by drinking! I'll go buy some!" His father skipped around the room until he reached for the car keys. Rinko soon let go of his head and dialed Nanako's number on the phone.

"Sakuno-chan's always been a part of the family," He heard Rinko talking in the living room. It made him smile that their reactions were pleasant, even though it was over the top. That was enough for him.

A week later, Ryoma goes home to their flat. After supervising his project in Manhattan, he was set to compete for a tournament in Argentina this year. So, he and Sakuno had an agreement to talk about their wedding whenever they had free time. Although he was not very enthusiastic about how troublesome it would be, he had no choice but to take part in it, or his mother would kill him.

He saw Sakuno plopped on the bed with hundreds of magazines cluttered around her. Her hair was in a bun, she was dressed in her usual thick pajamas, and her face was covered in… black goo.

"Wh-What is that?" He stepped back at how ridiculous she looked. Sakuno's facial muscles were stiff, and she did not dare to move it at all.

"You're home," Her lips barely moved but she did manage to say something. Ryoma's eyebrow arched and he pointed to her face. Sakuno got what he meant and held out a bottle of facial mask.

"Oh, okay. I thought you burned your face or whatever," He shrugged, then proceeded to the bathroom. He dropped his bag on the floor, feeling the weight on his shoulders lifted. He was too exhausted to do anything. He decided to freshen up and go to bed.

"Did you eat, Ryoma-kun?" She asked while her fingers scanned every page of the bridal magazine.

"Don't need it," he answered.

Sakuno glanced at the wall clock and saw that it's already midnight. It would not do him good to skip dinner even though he was visibly tired. Sakuno got off the bed, and peaked in the bathroom.

"Ryoma-kun, are you alright?" She said in a soft voice.

He was in the middle of flossing when he turned around and nodded to her. It was the craziest trip ever. He wasn't even sure if Sakuno would appreciate hearing it and he knew how his fiance is curious about everything about him. She would surely ask him about it.

And he knew how jealous she gets.

"How was your trip?"

"It was alright. Planes, peanuts, clouds…" he proceeded to brush his teeth to avoid her probing. But the woman just kept on pressing. Sakuno stood behind him and the black facial mask only made her aura more frightening. It was as if she already knew what happened. Of course, it was inevitable, he is Ryoma Echizen.

"Fans–"

"I knew it, Ryoma-kun! What did they do now?" She had the cutest pout that Ryoma had ever seen, it almost made him chuckle, but he knew better than to laugh at Sakuno's tantrums. And it's more fun to seek attention from her.

Ryoma turned around, toothbrush still in mouth, as he raised his arm to reveal a few scratch marks on it. Sakuno gasped and investigated the wounds. It wasn't deep but there were obvious nail marks.

"Aww, it looks painful," She immediately grabbed the first aid kit and started to treat Ryoma's wounds. The prince smiled in satisfaction.

"I swear, they're rabid," he felt her small hands rub the cotton on his scratches, and he felt good.

"I know… poor Ryoma-kun!"

He couldn't help but realize how hilarious they both looked like right now. He glanced at the mirror and laughed silently. Sakuno frowned.

"What's funny?"

"Look,"

Sakuno turned her head and saw her face smeared in black cream that started to dry up, and Ryoma still had toothpaste on his lips. She slowly started laughing, too.

"We look funny," She said in between chuckles. Sakuno hugged him, careful not to stain his shirt with her face mask. She could feel Ryoma's shaking chest as he was still laughing at them, his heart beating lively. She felt his strong arms wrap her body as they took their time admiring how they look together.

If she could just capture these moments, she would treasure every time they spent together even though it was nothing special to others.

Wait, of course she can! Sakuno took out her phone and took a mirror shot of them. She smiled at him before he stuck out his tongue for the photo.

To be continued.

Next: Wedding preparations the prince had never seen coming!