Chapter 35: Promise

All eyes were looking at the tall and handsome fellow. He sported his usual white Fila cap, a simple white shirt that was a bit fitted on his torso that emphasized his well-toned abs and biceps, baggy jeans, and his favorite white sneakers that completed his boy next door look. Time seemed to slow down on Kagome and the other's point of view, and Justin Bieber' song suddenly played in their minds, as if they were watching a 2000's teen movie.

He was truly an eye candy that day, and everyone, including the older customers inside were in awe of Ryoma Echizen's young and athletic physique.

After all, according to Vogue, he is the most eligible bachelor in his generation.

"R-Ryoma-kun?" Sakuno was unable to believe that he, her boyfriend, was actually standing before her, holding one of her creations. He stood there, looking clueless. As if he wasn't aware of the uproar he was about to cause. But he looked adorable right now, Sakuno swooned in her mind.

"Hey–"

"Ryoma Echizen?!" Kagome gasped in shock. Beside her was Ken, who was just as shocked as everyone else. Then, as if on cue, every single soul in the conference room ran towards the prince, some grabbed a paper and pen and asked him oh so desperately to sign them an autograph, and some were content with being able to touch his shoulders, arms, and hands. Ryoma grew worried that they might touch him in other places.

"W-Wait–" he felt dizzy as they blocked his vision with their things that demanded to be signed. He almost suffocated, thankfully Sakuno popped up from behind and dragged him away.

"Hurry!" She exclaimed. Sakuno brought him inside her booth and she was relieved that they hadn't hurt his broken arm wrapped in bandages. They crouched down behind the table so that nobody could see them. Meanwhile, the wild crowd was chanting Ryoma's name and demanding for him to come out. Sakuno could also hear Kagome's voice.

That girl…

"Are you alright?" she turned to him.

Ryoma panted heavily, feeling nervous from the sudden stampede as if he didn't know what effect he had on people. But he could only blame himself for suddenly showing up in public. Even though he's been famous since childhood, being pulled and ripped to shreds by people was not something he dreamed of experiencing.

"I'm fine," he finally answered, wiping a trickle of sweat from his cheek. Sakuno heaved a sigh of relief.

"What are you doing here? You know it's dangerous to go out alone! Especially with your broken arm!" she hissed in annoyance, but Sakuno was more worried than angry at him. Of course, she was beyond ecstatic seeing him sooner than they had planned.

"It's almost healed, nothing to worry about," he mumbled, pouting. It was as if the girl wasn't fond of seeing him at her school. He tried to adjust the bandage that was loosened when those girls pulled him away. Sakuno sighed in defeat and held his hand to fix his bandage.

Ryoma eyed her, observing her furrowed brows and pursed lips as she focused on re-wrapping his hand. He noticed how she cut her hair shorter now that it only reached her shoulders, and though she still wasn't fond of makeup, Ryoma noticed that Sakuno had applied a bit of lip gloss to appear healthier.

She looks… beautiful.

Sakuno looked up at him, he immediately averted his gaze and suddenly he found the floor interesting to look at. Truly, not being able to see each other for a long time had him thinking that Sakuno was very different now and it brought back a lot of feelings when he first realized he liked her.

Sakuno stared at his face. His cheeks were a tad reddish, probably from the heat, his thick eyelashes moved as he blinked, and his good hand that he didn't even notice was still holding her hand. Sakuno laughed lightly at the scenario they were currently in. They had not seen each other for a long time, it was crazy to think that they reunited in this kind of situation.

Ryoma looked up at her and smiled back. They stared lovingly at each other under the table, ignoring the calls of the crowd for him, for they felt like they were the only people in the world at that moment.

"Hi," Sakuno smiled sheepishly as they sat closer to each other, their knees touching.

"Hi," Ryoma replied with a grin. His hand reached for her cheek, wanting to caress it but they were interrupted by the ongoing rally of the people.

"E-chi-zen! E-chi-zen!", they shouted.

The situation was getting out of hand, much to the two's dismay. Thankfully, the administrator showed up and was informed of the situation. He was not much of a fan of Ryoma but he was aware of his identity and how famous he is. So, without a word he ushered him away from the conference room and into his office. Sakuno let them go, she can catch up with him later, after all. Then the administrator nodded to her, and they disappeared into the hallway. Guards blocked the door before any of the crowd managed to slip in.

Sakuno smiled to herself, thinking about what a nice surprise that Ryoma came back. It almost feels like a dream.

"Okay, now that that's over…" The Professor, who also joined in on touching Ryoma a while ago (who felt ashamed now that he thought about it), has decided to cut the selling period short and conclude the event, "...let's begin the sale counting and judging! Everyone please take a seat," he cleared his throat and blushed in embarrassment. He has been a fan of Ryoma since the Brazil Open.

Soon, the people got to their seats and waited for the staff to tally the votes and compute the participants' scores.

Sakuno and Kagome waited with tension between them.

"If you think a sale from Ryoma Echizen is enough to take me down, you're gravely mistaken, Ryuzaki. After all, this is not based on popularity," Kagome said to her in a low voice.

"And if you think stealing my recipes was enough to take me down, you're gravely, utterly mistaken," Sakuno said. Kagome stares at the woman's strange and peculiar change. In just a few days, she had completely transformed into a brave one, and that irked her off.

"Sorry to say this but, while you were hiding with Echizen, a few more customers bought from me, so I guess that trophy's mine," Kagome watched as Sakuno's smile faded. For some reason, Kagome felt a little guilty seeing her face like that. So, she searched for that empathy she had in her heart and offered a few encouraging words to her, because even though she had done a terrible thing to her, Sakuno still is amazing in Kagome's eyes, "...but hey, I applaud you for being able to come up with a new recipe, that's something I can't do. I know you'll do well in the culinary world."

Sakuno didn't know how to interpret Kagome's sudden change of personality. But then, she never knew how to hold grudges so she accepted the compliment, however unfair her situation was. Sometimes, being a goodhearted person isn't always rewarding.

"I know. Whether I win or lose, I've got no regrets," She flashed her most sincere smile to her. Even though Sakuno was still furious for her recipes being stolen, at least she discovered in herself that she could whip up something new under pressure, and that was an evolution.

No matter the results, Sakuno will stand proud on that stage, because she knows that her grandmother is guiding her.

"The winner for this year's cookoff is…"

Sakuno closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. She reminded herself that this is her best.

"...Ryuzaki Sakuno!"

Her eyes shot open, and this time, it was Kagome's turn to have her smile fade. When she heard applause from the people, her ears were ringing and she could no longer keep that confident facade. Her jaw dropped and even though she had turned soft at the end of her conversation with Sakuno, tears still streamed down Kagome's face as she couldn't help but despair at her loss.

Sakuno saw Ken run to Kagome's side and embraced her,welcoming Kagome's cries in his arms. Being the softest, empathetic human being on Earth, Sakuno felt hurt seeing her like that. After all, no one enjoys watching someone cry, at least not her.

But she had to accept that there will always be two sides of a coin. If Kagome wasn't the one who'll cry, it would be her. So she didn't dare to console her. Instead, she held her head high as she climbed to the stage and accepted the trophy.

Turns out, even though Kagome's sales were a few numbers greater than Sakuno's, her dishes' scores were far from good. The professor explained to the both of them that it wasn't entirely focused on who sells more. Even if Sakuno had only one sale, she would still win with the quality of her work.

"It was logical if you think about it. Selling is easy; make it appealing and people will buy it. But if they tasted something that wasn't good, no one would come back. Imagine that in a restaurant. You haven't mastered the recipe, that's why it was off," the Professor said to the woman who sat in front of him, and then he turned to his other side and faced Sakuno, "...it was never about the sales. I only said that so people would be able to taste your abilities and hardwork."

The professor smiled at all of the participants, because he was sure that they learned something from this competition.

A recipe has no soul. You, as the cook, must bring soul to the recipe.

-Thomas Keller

Sakuno stared at the trophy shaped like a toque, marveling at its golden, shiny, sparkling crust. It looked absolutely expensive but it was lighter than she thought. Sakuno recalled the days after her grandmother passed. Her heart was set on moving away and abandoning her dream of becoming a chef. She had lost all hope and motivation ever since her number one supporter left, God, she missed her. Sakuno sniffed and wiped a few tears as memories of Sumire lingered in her mind.

She remembered when she was younger, they would get up early in the morning and bake and cook to their hearts' content. And when they realized they've made too much food, Sumire would send Sakuno off to deliver those goods to their friends' home, of course, much to the old woman's delight, that was the perfect excuse for Sakuno to see Ryoma on their rest days.

Sumire was her number one supporter not only for her dream, but also for her love life. The old woman had always known about her puppy love for the boy ever since they met at the train station up until her last days. So, albeit the foul attitude of the young lad, Sumire couldn't imagine anyone else for her precious granddaughter.

She closed her eyes and felt the cold wind that breezed from the opened window. Sakuno felt tremendous satisfaction and pride swelled in her heart.

While she was oblivious to her surroundings and was smiling to herself alone in the conference room after everyone had left, the door quietly opened, and Ryoma stepped in.

"Congratulations," he spoke in a low voice but she still heard it. Sakuno spun around and with the biggest smile on her face, her shoulder-length hair swayed behind her.

"Ryoma-kun," she beamed, "...I did it!"

The sunrays of the golden hour had glistened on her face, illuminating her cheekbones and nose, but most especially, her brown eyes. Ryoma couldn't help but gape at her beauty.

Ever since middle school, Sakuno wasn't one of the better looking girls in their class, or even the whole school. She was alright, plain, normal, Japanese. Say what you want about him, but Ryoma was a boy, after all. He would look at a girl and immediately classify her in his brain's catalog. When they were twelve, Sakuno belonged to the "C" group, which means she's not too beautiful, but she's not ugly, either. Obviously, no one ever came as "A" or "B" to him.

That was when Ryoma only saw her as a classmate who occasionally gave him chocolates, bento, and other things.

But now, whenever he looked at her, whether in person or just a photograph, Ryoma would tell himself that she's the most beautiful, most wonderful woman. Not just in physical aspects, but because she was able to go after her dreams and fulfill it. She truly is amazing.

She has enchanted Ryoma in every way possible and he couldn't imagine how he survived without her.

After a long pause, Ryoma finally took her hand and led her out of the room.

Sakuno and Ryoma stood outside the bus stop. He asked her out to dinner after the event to celebrate her victory, but she initially declined, thinking that he would be seen with her and could possibly create another scandal for him. And so, to compromise, Ryoma was quick to bring his usual technique to avoid the paparazzi.

While Sakuno settled on wearing her uniform that night looking like a normal college student, Ryoma had on a black face mask, and a black wig that was the same haircut as his hair, and black sunglasses. He was completely unrecognizable.

Sakuno blinked at him, stifling her laugh.

"What?" he glared at her.

"Nothing. I just can't get used to the fact that I'm dating a celebrity," she finally let out a chuckle. Beat her if he wants, but she's going to laugh in his face with that getup. He looked like a kidnapper right now.

"I'm glad you're having fun at my expense," he shook his head, feeling defeated. He merely accepted the fact that his girlfriend will only be poking fun at him everytime he disguises himself.

"Sorry, it's just…," she let out a relaxed sigh, "...I remembered when we would do the same whenever we went out."

Those times when Sakuno invited him to go to the beach disguised like that, and when they went to a live band at the beach in Brazil disguised like that as well. Ryoma smiled at the memory.

When the bus arrived, they stepped in and took a seat. It would take twenty minutes to get to the restaurant so they started to get comfortable and told each other stories.

"Then I slapped him in the face!" Sakuno motioned her hand as if she was slapping someone in the air. She was reenacting what she did to Ken upon finding out that he stole her recipes for Kagome. Ryoma watched her amusingly as he realized how strong she had become. No more crying Sakuno, no more quivering behind Tomoka. She grew to be braver and motivated. He felt his heart swell at this new discovery.

"If only you told me earlier, I would have beat the shit out of him–," Sakuno covered Ryoma's mouth with her hand while she looked around the other passengers. Ryoma spitting profanity is not something she was fond of. He looked at her face and said "sorry" although it was muffled by her hand.

"Right, if I had told you, your image would have been at risk. I don't want that. Besides, I still won," she leaned back to her seat and crossed her arms in a confident manner. Her pride grew more as she thought about how she beat Kagome even though they cheated.

"Right…" he suddenly thought about what he had done in America, with Kaoru. He wondered if news about that would get out. Also, he wondered if he should tell her.

"How about you? Any interesting events in America?" she looked at him with those round doe eyes, screaming curiosity. Ryoma knew that in order for them to grow closer again, he had to be more open to Sakuno. That was what his mother often told him whenever she remembered the girl. She was obsessed with Sakuno, especially when she became Ryoma's girlfriend.

Alright, I guess I'll share.

"I met up with an old friend, and she almost… molested me," he admitted in an innocent voice. He could see the smile from Sakuno's face drop.

"What?" she inquired. Blood was starting to boil inside Sakuno. She didn't realize how much of a jealous type she actually is. Well, if she thought about Honoka, then yes she is that type of girl. Sakuno just hoped that the next words out of Ryoma's mouth would at least be some kind of dumping or rejecting kind of thing. God, she could actually imagine herself slapping that girl's face off.

"Then I almost punched her in the face," he continued. "It was a good thing I missed the target." he leaned back on his seat, feeling the satisfaction of recalling Kaoru's frightened expression.

Her mouth flew open. Poor girl… She didn't need any slapping then.

The restaurant screamed elegance and class. The French establishment was obviously a five star restaurant, with well-dressed servers ready to attend to countless couples on their dinner dates. Sakuno has only ever set foot in such a place when she interned in Europe. Ryoma, on the other hand, had always attended meetings with sponsors in restaurants of that level, so he knew his way around. He approached the Maitre D and asked for his reservation.

But when he asked what name the reservation was under, Ryoma hesitated to answer. For one, he completely forgot to at least use a screen name for these things to avoid people recognizing him. Honestly, sometimes he wondered if he was only ever smart in tennis.

Noticing Sakuno shifting her weight from one foot to another meant that she was beginning to feel tired standing, so he swallowed a lump on his throat and decided to just go with it.

R-Ryoma Echizen…" he whispered in Maitre D's ear. The man could only cough in shock because he had heard of that name before. But why is he wearing a thick mask and black wig? Now that he looks at him, he does resemble Ryoma Echizen, that famous tennis player.

However, no matter how big of a fan he was, the Maitre D was professional. In his five years of service, he had met countless celebrities and in the event that they wanted to be discreet in their personal lives, he would protect them with his life.

So, he merely nodded to Ryoma and gestured for them to follow him. As he walked, the man's hands were shaking at the thought that Ryoma Echizen was actually following him from behind. And with a girl, no less. He really is full of surprises. He wondered if he could get him to sign his shirt?

"Ah, Mr. Echizen. Here is your table," he watched the athlete pull the woman's chair and let her sit. The Maitre D marveled at how much of a gentleman Ryoma is in person. But looking at his date, mama mia. She was nowhere near the beauty and charisma of Honoka. He wondered how these two knew each other. Maybe a cousin, or he's doing an interview?

"Um…" Sakuno blinked at the man who was unconsciously eyeing her.

"Oh, yes. Here is the menu, madam," he hurriedly handed her the thin velvety book and scurried away.

"That was weird," she muttered. Ryoma just sighed, he did it again, attracting attention when he didn't want to be noticed. He just hoped that this night would at least be quiet for him and Sakuno.

Tomoka was troubled. Heck, that was an understatement. She was going crazy with the development of her life.

First, she and Horio had a fight for God knows how many times now, and then, after being apart for months, he proposed to her out of nowhere while they took care of a drunk Sakuno. You would think that after engagement, they would be busy planning for their wedding now, right? That was the natural course. But this stick on the counter was the problem. Tomoka has been staring at it for like an hour already, it almost seemed like she was boring a hole in it. The stick showed two red lines, and everyone knew what it meant.

If she was going to be honest, Tomoka wasn't ready. Yes, she's going to graduate soon and has a nice job waiting for her through connections with old friends. Even without a full time job, she was still earning money for her part time job online, so in terms of financial issues, she was alright. Then, Horio's job is quite paying well since they could afford to live together in a grandeur apartment.

Also, they were of the right age, and had recently been engaged. So, what was the problem? Why was Tomoka feeling troubled?

She stared at her reflection in the mirror. She wasn't entirely sure how she's feeling with this new chapter in her life, in their lives…

She had to talk to someone, someone who can ease her mind and tell her that everything's going to be alright.

She needs her best friend.

Tomoka tapped on her phone and was about to dial Sakuno's number, but she noticed a notification on her social media. A recently uploaded photo of a celebrity that she knew too well even if he covers his appearance with that ridiculous wig, and the girl that she sought. Even though it was a stolen shot, the two were clearly seen enjoying the wine and food, and the most surprising thing about that photo was the rare smile on the prince's face, one that wasn't a smirk, but a genuine smile that he never showed to anyone else but Sakuno. Tomoka read the description of the post.

"Tennis superstar Ryoma Echizen spotted on a dinner date with a woman!"

Swiping on the next photo, she continued to read.

"Finally removing the troublesome wig, it really is Ryoma! He's currently out with his girlfriend, Sakuno Ryuzaki, culinary student."

Tomoka's mouth was shaped like a big "O" upon reading the latest news about the two. She didn't even know that he was back in Japan, let alone he brought Sakuno to a restaurant. She was about to throw up due to shock but she held it and swiped down on the next article. Surprisingly, it made Tomoka's night, for the tides of fate were officially on Sakuno's side.

"Honoka admitted in an interview that she and Ryoma never dated, and said that they had always been friends, nothing more. Finally clarifying the issue surrounding them, the prodigy from Sapporo and now the champion of the Seoul Tennis competition, said that Sakuno Ryuzaki has been the prince's first love, and she was there to witness it."

Upon opening the door, Sakuno automatically turned on the lights and hurried inside. She expected Ryoma to follow her in, but it was a surprise that he stayed out of the doorframe.

"Ryoma-kun? Aren't you going in?"

"No, I'm staying at my old house in Tokyo," he held the house key that he got from Nanako in America.

"Oh, I– I thought you were going to… stay here…" her voice sounded weak and condescending, Ryoma thought. She fiddled on her clothes, crumpling the edges and her head was down in a disappointed way.

It didn't cross his mind that she wanted him to sleep in her house. Of course, he had stayed over the last time he was in Japan, but… wait, how different was it this time? He recalled how he initially assumed that he would reclaim their Tokyo house and live there indefinitely. Ryoma never thought of cohabitating with Sakuno again, especially when she's already granted her dream of becoming an independent woman.

Of course, he didn't want to get in her way and he didn't want to intrude. He had that much decency, contrary to how the tabloid painted him to be.

But still, did Sakuno want him to live with him? She actually assumed that? Well, who was he to decline?

He hid the key in his pocket and finally took a step inside.

"I'm kidding," he closed the door and dropped his heavy bag on the floor.

Sakuno smiled sweetly at him and like a moth to a flame, Ryoma walked over and reached for her rosy cheek, something that he'd been dying to do earlier. He missed how she snuggled her face to his palm, comfortable with its callous surface. Sakuno closed her eyes and relished his gentle touch.

"Ryoma-kun… when are you leaving?" she asked in a soft tone, rubbing his hand with her thumb.

Her question sent daggers to his heart. Because they had always been apart in the past, Sakuno got used to him leaving after a few days. It made him feel guilty even though he never meant any of it to happen. If only she knew, Ryoma craved her presence everyday, he wanted to get on a plane and just go straight to her place. During those times, he didn't have any choice. He had a lot of priorities that pushed her aside.

But now, Ryoma knew he finally had an answer to her question, one that wouldn't make her disappointed anymore. He only wanted her to be happy and if being here was all it took to keep a smile on her face, he would do it. Forget about everything for once and let him follow his desire.

"I'll stay here forever, if you want," he watched her expression change. For a moment, she looked like she was about to cry, that she accepted that their relationship would always be this hard, that they would continue to love each other in distance.

But now, hearing those words gave her tremendous hope and joy.

"Really?" she waited for his answer, her eyes widening at every delay that the prince seemed to do on purpose. Then, finally, he smiled at her, nodding in approval.

"Yes, really,"

Sakuno wasted no second as she jumped in his arms, embracing him tightly.

"Promise?" she whispered in his ear, tears falling from her eyes.

"I promise."

To be continued.