Chapter 1: Solace
"Sakuno, dear, I told you. You don't need to trouble yourself with breakfast. I got it," Nanako said worriedly as she tried to snatch the tongs from the girl. She had woken up that day to the smell of bacon wafting throughout the house, it made her wonder who was cooking since that's her chore at home.
"It's okay, Nanako-neechan. I'm used to doing this every day. Besides, you need to go to work anytime soon. I'll take it from here," Sakuno, clad in pink apron, flashed a smile at Nanako, a smile without any hint of sorrow.
Nanako's eyes softened. She realized that Ryoma's classmate is indeed a strong girl even after what happened. She recounted the events after the funeral. Nanjirou let Sakuno stay at their house from now on and assigned the guest room for the young girl. Since then, they had never seen Sakuno cry again, she would always show up every morning with a warm smile on her face. Nanako was beginning to worry if she's alright.
As the two women came to a compromise and prepared the table together, they heard the familiar footsteps upstairs. Which means the prince is awake. Sakuno hurriedly placed the plate of fried fish and a bowl of rice on one of the vacant spots on the table. Then, as the footsteps descended the stairs and entered the dining room, she turned around swiftly and greeted him with enthusiasm.
"Good morning, Ryoma-kun," she smiled. Ryoma, dressed in his uniform, blinked at Sakuno, obviously startled at the girl's presence early in the morning, and her graceful greeting.
Nanako chuckled in amusement at the boy's reaction.
"Ryoma-kun, you still aren't used to Sakuno-chan living with us, aren't you?" she asked with a grin. The boy shrugged as he returned Sakuno's greeting with a low 'good morning'.
After Nanako has left for work, only the two high school students were dining peacefully. Sakuno dared not to speak as she had learned that Ryoma was not a morning person at all. She avoided his gaze to not make him feel awkward and ate her own breakfast.
As they both got out of the house, Ryoma walked slightly ahead of Sakuno, which is not new for her since they have been doing this for weeks already.
Her grandmother died, and since she is left without relatives, Nanjirou took her in. He promised in front of Sumire's casket that he will take care of the girl for as long as he can. He felt responsible for Sakuno ultimately because if it wasn't for Sumire, he will not be the most famous Japanese tennis player in his days. Rinko and Nanako absolutely agreed. Ryoma, on the other hand, had no comment. He had that 'whatever' attitude towards the whole idea.
As Sakuno stared at the prince's back, she felt thankful for him and his family. If not for them, she would be dropping out of high school and looking for work at a young age. She would be saying goodbye to her dream of becoming a chef. At least she can finish high school and will be able to find work with a diploma.
She exhaled and maintained her distance from the boy's back.
As they approached the school, the two headed towards the tennis courts where a few first-years are picking up balls everywhere as second-years had practice matches. Ryoma gestured to Sakuno that he will go ahead to their changing room. She nodded and went straight to their classroom.
"Sakuno, how is it? Living with Ryoma-sama?" Tomoka inquired. She sat in front of Sakuno's desk with an inquiring look.
"I-It's alright," she timidly said, slightly leaning back to avoid her best friend's elbow. Tomoka leaned on the desk and looked at her knowingly.
"So, are you two getting any closer now that you're under one roof? I'm sure those other fangirls will die of jealousy when they find out that you and Ryoma-sama are living together!" she proudly said in a loud voice. Sakuno quickly covered her mouth and looked around if anyone heard.
"Tomo-chan! You must absolutely keep this a secret, okay?" she screeched. The last thing she wants is for the whole school to know this and disrupt Ryoma's life.
She made a promise to herself to stay out of Ryoma's way. She planned to move out of their house as soon as she graduates and find herself a home in the cities. With her grandmother and parents gone, she can only rely on herself. As much as she was thankful to Nanjirou for taking her in, she needed to be independent for her own good. That's why this secret must die with her. How Tomoka knew is beyond her.
"Okay, okay. But you must promise me. If they ever treat you badly, call me and I'll save you. Or if Ryoma-sama ever tries to do anything to you, you run. Although, if it was me, I would see where it goes before I go," she laughed menacingly as Sakuno watched her with a disgust look on her face. Yep, that's her best friend.
"Do what?" they heard a boy's voice behind them. The two girls turned around, nervous as to who might have heard their conversation.
"H-Horio-kun, it's nothing!" Sakuno waved her hands frantically, almost suspiciously.
"It's none of your business! Now go away, we're having a heart-to-heart talk!" Tomoka pushed Horio out of the way and pulled Sakuno by the arm, and out of the classroom.
As they got away safely, Tomoka heaved a sigh of relief.
"That was close!" she wiped a tear of sweat from her forehead.
"I hope he didn't hear anything..." Sakuno worried. With Horio being the nosy and loud friend, if he ever learned the truth of Sakuno's living conditions, he would surely blab and before you know it, the whole school will talk about them. Only the Echizen family, their homeroom teacher, Tezuka, and Tomoka (how did she even know?) knows of their secret. They had agreed not to disclose this information to anyone but them to protect both Sakuno and Ryoma. Being a high school tennis pro, the prince has been the subject of the tabloid, the beau of the paparazzi, and eye candy for the ladies. Tomoka estimated that in the school alone, Ryoma has about fifty different Fanclubs. Once at the festival, there was a booth especially dedicated to him. They sold random objects with a sticker of his face on it. He usually ignored those kinds of things but worshipping him is another story. To this day, he's trying not to remember the altar of his mini statue by the gym. Which he burned to ashes.
Anyway, being housemates with a famous athlete would give Sakuno great danger. She would be stalked by paparazzi and will be bullied by fellow classmates. Highschool experience would be hell for her. They only have to endure it for one more year before they graduate, and they will go to college and rent their own place, if they decide to.
The usual routine would be Sakuno waiting for Ryoma to finish practice, then they will stop by Sumire's house to get a couple of boxes until Sakuno's move will be complete. Ryoma never said a word about it. He just went along with it. He didn't mind sharing a bathroom with the girl. She's the most un-annoying classmate he's ever had. He obviously felt sorry for her, and he respects Sumire that he also wants to make sure that Sakuno can still live comfortably.
He admired his father for a moment when the old man decided to do it. He actually wanted to apply for Sakuno's legal adoption, but the girl refused. She would be eighteen soon and will be able to stand on her own feet. The family didn't need another person carrying their last name. Although, being Sakuno Echizen is not bad. But she didn't want it to be this way! Okay, that was a joke. Sakuno sighed.
She struggled to insert the key into the doorknob. She felt conscious with Ryoma standing behind her. It's already been a week that they're going back and forth to her house, and she felt that she's troubling Ryoma. But he just shrugged when Rinko asked him to go with her. After all, a girl alone in the house is dangerous. He has that much chivalry.
As she opened the door, it let out a loud creak. The darkness of the house that was once bright and comfortable saddened Sakuno. She never expected that her grandmother would be gone too soon. She was a lively gal who never skipped tennis practice, she produced many great players including Ryoma and his father.
Sakuno wiped a tear from her cheek and proceeded to grab some folded box. She still had some books in her room that needed to be transported to her new room in the Echizen house.
"Ryoma-kun, you can just wait here. I can put my things in the box by myself," she said, but the prince started following her upstairs. Sakuno, having no power against Ryoma, just let him do what he wants.
They ascended the stairs leading to an even darker second floor. Upon reaching the final step, they were greeted with an empty hallway, and the door of Sakuno's room was slightly open so Sakuno headed inside and gently dropped the boxes down. Ryoma crouched down and watched as the girl sat beside him carefully unfolding a box to its original shape and applying tape on its folds. Noticing the glum expression on her face, he couldn't help but break the silence and offer some meaningful words of empathy.
"You don't have to be too hard on yourself, Ryuzaki. You can cry if you want," he said as he dusted a few recipe books on the floor.
Hearing this, Sakuno looked at him, hands busy with the chore in front of them, his eyes focused ahead, not giving him a single glance. His words gave her a bit of ease, and it felt as if he was lifting up the burden in her heart.
As the boy handed her clean books, she proceeded to place them inside.
"T-Thank you, Ryoma-kun," she felt shy all of a sudden, having the prince accompany her for days and she never knew that there was a side of him that was soft, and caring. Had they always been the comfort for each other? When he's troubled, she's there. When she's down, he's there. Sakuno never allowed herself to think that maybe she's special in the boy's eyes that's why he always helps her whenever she needs somebody.
"When my cat died, I felt down, too," he muttered as he continued to stack books.
Sakuno froze. Was he seriously comparing losing a person over a cat? She felt a bit shocked at his view on death. But Sakuno always gives Ryoma the benefit of the doubt and assumes he doesn't come across these types of conversations often so he must not realize the dept of his words.
"You must be thinking why I am comparing coach to a cat,' he followed. Sakuno blinked.
Wow. Can he read my mind?
"I know it's not the same thing. But if you loved them like how you loved a person, then it's the same for me," his hands stopped as he looked at her with soft eyes. "Karupin, that is."
Upon hearing this, Sakuno felt warm, although learning of his cat's death made her feel sad. But what Ryoma said made sense to her. She never realized how profound the boy is about things like this. He never showed any interest in anything, but he was surprisingly empathetic.
"Sorry for your loss, Ryoma-kun..." she looked at him with concern. The boy did not return the look and continued on with his work.
"I'm okay now. I'm just saying, may it be animals, people, tennis," he paused as he looked at the boxes, "or cooking. When you lose one, it'll hurt just as much, if you poured time and... love for it," he said in a comforting voice. Sakuno felt a surge of emotions in her as she looked at his solemn eyes, and hearing his voice just made it even more unbearable. She missed her grandmother so much, and she was not prepared from the loneliness that came with it.
Sakuno could not help her tears as they continued to fall down. She began to sob, then became loud cries, like how she cried at the funeral.
Ryoma sighed. He never knew how to comfort Sakuno, or anyone for that matter. He just said what was on his mind. His hand reached for her head and gently touched it. Even though Sakuno flinched a bit at the sudden contact, she continued to cry her eyes out in the presence of Ryoma. She wondered why, when she's with him, she can be silly, and she can cry. Even though he doesn't do much, how come he would always find a way to save her?
It was a long cry.
When Sakuno calmed down, Ryoma fished a handkerchief from his pocket and gave it to Sakuno. She muttered her thanks. It was already dark outside, the silhouette of the trees loomed through the windows of Sakuno's bedroom. They had not turned on the lights since they both thought packing would be finished before dark, but they didn't anticipate the crying session at all.
"Let's go home," Ryoma carried the two boxes full of books, while Sakuno grabbed Ryoma's bag. She locked the door and prepared to leave, but not before she took another glance at the dark house.
"We're home," the boy announced. Soon, two women greeted them by the door. Sakuno bowed while Ryoma took off his shoes.
"Why, Sakuno! Why are your eyes so red?" Rinko asked worriedly. She gently pulled the girl inside while Nanako followed, leaving Ryoma alone. He sighed. They had been fussing over the girl ever since she arrived here, and totally ignoring him. He didn't mind it, though. At least the girl would feel at home here, and nobody would nag him, so all is well.
Ryoma carried the boxes upstairs into the guestroom where Sakuno is currently staying. It was the first time he came in since she occupied it. He found out that she has not unpacked anything yet, expect for her uniform and school things.
A faint voice can be heard downstairs. He stopped in his tracks and decided to listen.
"We can cover for the fees at a university of your choice. You don't have to worry about anything," he heard his mother said.
"I can't let you do that, auntie..." now it was Sakuno's voice. Ryoma realized they were talking about her tuition fee after high school.
Oh, that's right. Since she's all alone now.
"I promised your grandmother that I'll take care of you, Sakuno-chan," his father's bubbly voice said. Ryoma rolled his eyes when he heard his father add cute honorifics on Sakuno's name. It was cringy and uncomfortable for him and he assumed for Sakuno, too.
"I-If it's okay with you, can I think about it?" she said. Ryoma wondered why Sakuno was refusing. It's not like she has any source of income now that coach is gone.
"Okay, but please don't hesitate to come to us. You're not a stranger to this house, Sakuno. I actually dreamed of having a daughter someday but well... we've been blessed with a boy. But you're here! So, I got a chance to have a daughter," Rinko happily said.
But why do you sound disappointed when you said you had me?
Ryoma rolled his eyes one more time before he retreated to his room. He's had enough of eavesdropping.
He laid in his bed as he stared at the ceiling. It was the dead of night, and he couldn't sleep. Why? He's thinking about Sakuno, his new housemate. He doesn't know why there was an unsettling feeling when he saw her room. It had a sad atmosphere, and it was keeping him awake. He wondered what she's doing in there right now, alone. Is she crying again?
Ryoma kicked the duvet from his body but remained lying on his bed. What is he going to do anyway? She will just be freaked out when a boy suddenly comes into her room at this hour. Or worse, his father might see him and think suspiciously.
But what if she couldn't sleep because of what happened?
Wait. Why is he even thinking about her? When did he begin to think about what she feels? Then something flashed on his mind. It was when he saw Sakuno enter her and Sumire's house that day and he caught her suppressed her grief. He didn't know why but it bothered him. Sure, he saw her cry at the funeral, but it was before she started living with them. It was a different feeling seeing her that close with such pain in her being.
He expected that she would not be attending school for some time and grieve properly. But whenever he saw her in the house and at school, Sakuno would flash a smile. Is she even sad at all? He didn't understand why the girl is hiding her emotions.
Back at coach's house, he felt relieved when Sakuno cried. She expressed her true feelings briefly. But was it enough? How long would she be like that? He admitted to himself that he was worried.
Of course, he's not some stupid emotionless boy. Of course, he feels for his friends, too.
Finally, he decided to go out of his room to check on her. He can just stand by the stairs and try to hear if she's still awake. If someone catches him, he'll go straight into the kitchen and pretend to get a drink. Nothing major, just checking on a friend here.
He opened his door and stared at Sakuno's room. It was the one closest to the stairs so he will not have a hard time to hear.
As he slowly passes by her door, sure enough, he heard some sniffle inside before he could step down. Ryoma paused. Now, what should he do?
He drank a glass of water and returned silently to his room. Truth is, there was nothing he could do. After all, they were barely friends. More importantly, he doesn't have the slightest idea how a girl's mind works. So, maybe a boy is not the right choice for comfort. He will have to leave that part to her loud friend.
"Please fill out this application. You can write any university or college you want to go to, as well as the programs you want to take. Bring it to me when you're done," their homeroom teacher announced as he distributed papers to the students. He passed by a bored Ryoma resting his chin on his arm, ready to fall asleep. Mr. Matsumoto lightly tapped the lazy student's head with the paper and moved on with the next row. Ryoma grabbed the paper on his head in an irritated manner before reading it.
It was a college application form. After filling it out, they will each have a talk with the teacher regarding their chosen path.
Tennis... he wrote in confidence. Then he laid his head on his arms folded.
Sakuno stared at the paper. A few weeks ago, she had a solid plan about her future. It was laid out on her head clearly. But now that grandma is gone, she forgot her plans and had no idea what to do. Thinking that she can't afford to study culinary arts now, Sakuno contemplated over what else would she be interested in.
Scratch that. What else would she be good at? The answer is none.
Maybe she will apprentice in a sushi shop, or a burger joint, after high school. Her grandmother actually had enough money saved for her college, but Sakuno doesn't want to touch her money. She wanted to reserve it for more important things. As for her tuition fee, she had actually thought of a plan.
Sakuno left the paper blank. She was determined to make it on her own from now on. She doesn't want to depend on Ryoma's parents since they're not even real family, and they should be focusing on their own son, not her.
Later that day, as she put on her school shoes, Sakuno saw that it was beginning to rain. She whipped out her umbrella from her bag and started walking out. But she remembered that Ryoma might still be practicing. She turned to the corner leading to the tennis courts to check on him.
Upon arriving, she spotted a drenched guy rallying against the wall. As she entered the courts, she called out for him.
"Ryoma-kun! You'll get sick if you continue..." she trailed off. A few girls whom she recognized are from Ryoma's fanclub passed by. She hesitated to go near the prince. They might speculate on why she was approaching him. She needed to be extra careful. Living with him is enough danger. His life would be a catastrophe if everyone learned that he's living with her.
Sakuno sighed as she closed the gate. They hadn't spotted nor heard her, so she carefully placed an extra umbrella on top of Ryoma's towel. She might as well head home first. Ryoma must be stressed out since this is his final year competing in the Nationals. With the senpais in college, he was left with Horio and the other tennis members to bring victory to Seigaku. Although the team is not bad, he's still not confident winning this time. Sakuno could only root for them by the sidelines.
Sakuno stared at the clock. It was almost seven in the evening and there was no sign of Ryoma. She found it weird. Seeing him that afternoon while drenched in the rain, he was practicing too hard. Maybe he got tired and fell asleep on the tennis courts? She couldn't help but be worried.
She then looked at Rinko who was preparing their dinner. Nanako was having her bath, and Nanjirou in his usual spot in front of the television with a newspaper in hand. Sakuno wondered why none of them seems to be worried about him.
"Um, auntie. Ryoma sure is taking too long out. Maybe something happened?" she asked. Rinko smiled at her while she continued to peel vegetables.
"You don't know this but every once in a while, Ryoma would be out until dinner time. Especially when he has an important match. It's his way of getting in the zone," Rinko threw a knowing smile to Sakuno, who instantly blushed.
"O-Oh, is that so..." she whispered. Crap. They might think she's fussing all over Ryoma too much. She better not intrude on Ryoma, or it might make things weird for everyone.
"If you're that worried, you can go with Nanjirou to look for him, then. Won't you dear?" she glanced menacingly at the old man who was currently picking his nose. Nanjirou grimaced.
"Why bother? That brat is old enough. He's going to show up sooner or later," hearing this, Rinko was about to hit her husband with a ladle when Sakuno interfered.
"Oh, yes. I don't need to look for him. I-I'll take your word for it," she tried desperately to diffuse the growing anger on Rinko but to no avail. She was completely ignored, and the woman started to attack the lazy old man. As the couple bickered, Sakuno heard the front door open, and then close. A faint 'I'm home' was heard. She ran to the door and welcomed Ryoma.
Sakuno was surprised to see three boxes stacked in front of him. Ryoma kicked his shoes off and started to take off his jacket. Sakuno, still bewildered, helped him. She carefully pulled the sleeves, making Ryoma pause in wonder.
"Oh, thanks," he muttered.
As she folded the wet jacket neatly on her arm, Sakuno stared at the boxes.
"R-Ryoma-kun, how come you have these?" she inquired with worry on her voice. Taking off his jacket revealed Ryoma's wet clothes. He shrugged and started lifting the three boxes again.
"It's yours," he simply answered like it was normal. Sakuno hastily followed him to the stairs, trying to reach the box on top but Ryoma only lifted it out of her reach.
"O-Oh! Ryoma-kun, please let me help you!" she blushed in embarrassment. She felt that the prince was teasing her height. He was even more mischievous with her now that they're living together.
Ryoma smirked. Looking at the girl's distressed face was fun.
"But... but how did you get into the house? And you didn't even tell me we'd be packing again today!" she panicked as they reached the top floor. Ryoma walked straight in front of Sakuno's door, waiting for her to open it. The girl momentarily paused before realizing it. She quickly opened the door and the boy started placing the boxes inside.
"I had free time," he said. "And thanks for the umbrella, but I left it in your house," he confessed. Sakuno nodded, completely in shock. She stood behind Ryoma, who was crouched on the floor, arranging the boxes.
"The faster we get it done," he muttered. The girl stared at Ryoma's head with soft eyes. He has helped her again. Sakuno might be overthinking but maybe he knew how stressful moving after a funeral was for her, not to mention the college applications. She felt thankful for him again that her tears threatened to fall.
Ryoma stood up. He stretched his arms to relieve them of the tension of tennis practice and the wieght of the boxes. He nodded to Sakuno, indicating that he was done, and went straight into his bedroom.
"R-Ryoma-kun-" Sakuno tried to tell him, but he must be in a hurry to get out of those damp clothes. Ryoma had closed the door without another word.
"Thank you..." she whispered with a smile on her lips. She felt full of love from this family. She internally agreed to herself that she will cherish all of them while she's here. And that she will also help them in any way she can.
Meanwhile, the door on the farthest side of the hallway was slightly opened and Nanako smiled. She had never realized that his little cousin was this kind to others.
And by the stairs, two people were seen taking a peek upstairs. Nanjirou grinned in amusement, and Rinko pressed her hands on her chest, feeling touched.
"Our son grew up well, don't you think? Back at the entrance, they looked like newlyweds, don't you think?" she said with a chirpy voice. Nanjirou snickered. He was probably planning some kind of match making for the kid, but who knows what's in the old man's mind.
To be continued.