Chapter 17: Date

His arms wrapped themselves around her petite waist tightly as he kissed her upper lip, and she responded by kissing his lower ones. Ryoma exhaled on his nose, he felt like his whole body was melting with her touch. Her hands let go of his collar and made its way to his neck, gently caressing it.

There was a great difference in their second kiss. It wasn't just a peck anymore. It was more intimate but there was still pure innocence between them. Ryoma unconsciously guided her head with his hands to a more comfortable angle, in which he carefully explored her mouth. Sakuno's hands moved from his neck to his cheeks. It felt warm, she thought. Suddenly she was aware that she was kissing Ryoma passionately. She had to repeat in her mind a dozen times because it felt like a dream to her.

And the fact that he wanted her, too, only made her even more hopeful.

When their lips finally parted from each other, they were both red in the face and they were panting lightly. Sakuno leaned her forehead onto his, and they shared a silent moment under the moonlight.

"Sorry," he muttered. Sakuno blushed, she felt awkward to be in close proximity with him again. But she was too intoxicated in his eyes.

"N-No, I'm sorry…" she whispered. It was indeed her who came in for a kiss and she should be the one apologizing. Sakuno closed her eyes in embarrassment. Since when did she become bolder?

Ryoma chuckled.

"I like you," he repeated the one phrase that he told her, seemingly reminding her that it was real, that he's in front of her, in the same world as her. Suddenly, she thought she could do anything.

Sakuno nodded. Honestly, she couldn't process the idea that he had confessed to her first before she even did. It didn't even cross her mind that they would end up together.

Wait. Are they together now?

"Let's go home, Ryuzaki," he pulled her hand and started to guide her to the bike.

"R-Ryoma-kun…" she gasped. What would become of them now? What are they? She was terrified to ask.

When they got home, Sakuno and Ryoma had retired to their own bedrooms for a good night's rest. It was alright, nothing changed between them, Sakuno thought. Without much talking, Ryoma closed his door. Sakuno was expecting a little more interaction about what they did that night, but she figured it was for the best. At least she won't be forced to delve into their unclear relationship status at the moment. It gave her time to really think about what she wants.

She wants to be with him so badly, but she fears that it would hinder his lifelong dream and Sakuno doesn't want that to happen. But then again, she wants to make him happy just how much he has made her happy. Sakuno wonders if she's the right girl for him, being a timid and talentless person.

She sits on her bed, staring at the magazine she had on hand. Honoka was indeed a beautiful young woman and standing beside Ryoma, they looked like a power couple. Sakuno read the rest of the article and she found out that their team has won the doubles practice match, which made her admire the prince even more. She knew that Ryoma would be amazing at anything, but it was written there that it was Honoka who mostly did everything.

She sighed. The way that Honoka looked in the photo was really attractive, and Sakuno wondered if Ryoma thinks so, too.

Suddenly, she felt insecure. She stood up and looked in the full-sized mirror.

She touched her long, brown hair, the ends were a bit dry from the weather. She touched her pale skin that felt rough, her chest that were too small to be classified as a woman's, and her height that only ever reached Ryoma's shoulders. She scrunched her face and watched her thick, disheveled eyebrows curl into an unattractive way. The only consolation she could see was her decent set of teeth, and her clear skin. She gave credit to Tomoka for inviting her for girl's pamper night often.

Sakuno felt ugly and undesirable now that she actually took the time to study herself. She wondered if Ryoma might have gone crazy or desperate that he would confess to a girl like her.

That reminds her that she needed to tell him what she felt, too, instead of responding with a kiss, right? But when is the perfect time to say it? That night in his bed where she unconsciously whispered that she loves him was accidental and it was never meant to be said and heard.

Still, Sakuno felt the need to properly convey her feelings to him, it only seemed fair.

She remembered the day when she planned a date with him to the cafe and the beach. It was spontaneous but she was glad that Ryoma cheered up after that. But where would she take him now? Sakuno took out her phone and was about to search the internet for good dating spots when she saw a text message from Ryoma. She opened it and read.

Good night, Sakuno.

Her cheeks burned as she stared at her given name on the screen. It was the first time she called her by her first name. Well, he texted it, but it was the same.

Sakuno typed a reply to his message.

Good night, Ryoma-kun.

She felt more determined than ever to confess her long overdue feelings to him. It doesn't matter where, she just had to let him know.

It was Sunday. That means that there's no class, and there's no training for Ryoma. He took his time to lay in his bed comfortably, letting the sun rays seep through the curtains. He glanced at the clock and the time was twelve in the afternoon. He knew he overslept, but it was a much-needed rest since he's been too busy with school and training. It was a good thing that Sakuno had a lot of days off from work since Finals is fast approaching and her boss granted her enough time to prepare. That means he didn't need to drop by the restaurant for her.

His eyes were drooping, and he knew that he would fall asleep again. He let out a small smile before letting his eyes close, welcoming the drowsiness that came with it.

Suddenly, a knock on the door was heard.

"Ryoma?"

It was his mother. Ryoma ignored her call and pretended to be asleep. He covered himself with his thick blanket. The door creaked open.

Rinko stepped into his room and observed his sleeping figure. It was lunchtime and the boy hadn't come down yet so she was worried. But seeing him rest for a long time made her feel relieved. At least he's got the whole day for himself. Rinko figured she would just bring some food for him later.

She went out of his room and carefully closed the door.

"Rest well, honey," she smiled.

Sakuno was busy washing the dishes when Nanjirou sat on one of the dining chairs and watched her work.

"Uncle, hello," she greeted.

"Hi, Sakuno-chan," he smiled. Nanjirou has been meaning to talk to Sakuno. He felt that the girl had been too busy with her work and school that she might not have enough time to unwind. He worried that Sakuno would be stressed out in her senior year.

"Did you need something, Uncle?"

"No, no… I just want to talk to you, that's all,"

Sakuno turned off the tap and faced the older man.

"Sure, uncle. About what?"

"Hm… how are you? Are you feeling okay?" He observed the girl's glow. She seemed well rested and… happy. Nanjirou didn't know her that well but even he knew that the girl was radiating positive energy around her. He could only guess that something good happened to her.

"I'm fine, uncle. Why do you ask?"

"Well, you seem happy. I was worried that you might be having a hard time with things. Has Ryoma been treating you well?" Nanjirou caught on to the blush on Sakuno's face at the mention of Ryoma.

Well, well, well. He smirked.

It seemed like something did happen with her and his son.

"Y-Yes, he's been very nice to me," she recalled all the time the boy helped her and took care of her.

"Are you two dating?" Nanjirou recalled all of the times where she and Ryoma would go out at night and would be gone for a couple of hours. He was actually feeling proud of his son for finally displaying interest to girls.

"E-Eh…" Sakuno felt awkward to answer his question. She hadn't really talked to Ryoma about it, so she didn't have an answer prepared. Nanjirou could feel the awkward atmosphere all of a sudden, so he quickly changed the topic.

"Say, Sakuno-chan. Have you thought about your future? Are you sure you want to move out and work instead of college?"

Sakuno stared at him. A few months ago, it was easy to answer that question. She would stick to her plan without reservations. But now, she suddenly found it hard to answer.

Why? It's not like she had anyone, right? Why is she suddenly hesitating?

Flashbacks of Ryoma's confession replayed in her mind.

"Sakuno-chan?" his voice pulled her out of her reverie, and she was forced to come up with an answer.

"I-I…" all of a sudden, she wasn't sure anymore, and it wasn't entirely a bad feeling.

She wanted to confess to Ryoma and hopefully stay with him forever.

When Ryoma woke up, it was already five in the afternoon. He stretched his back, which was aching from lying down for a long time. His stomach growled, signaling for him to go down and have something to eat. He made his way to the toilet and did his routine. After that, he stepped down the stairs and was immediately greeted by Sakuno, the one person he was happy to see.

"Good afternoon, Ryoma-kun," she smiled with a red face.

"Good afternoon," he propped himself on the chair and watched Sakuno lay out Japanese food in front of him. Wow, he thought. Even though it was already afternoon, the food was freshly made.

"Thanks,"

Sakuno placed a mug of tea for him, and she enjoyed her own cup as well. She had been meaning to invite him out for a walk, or anything.

"Um, Ryoma-kun. W-Would you like to go for a walk later?" she braced herself for his answer. He might not be up for it, which is okay. She just felt like she had to ask now since it was Sunday.

"Okay," he said. That answer made her feel happy.

So, after he ate, Ryoma went straight to the bathroom and took a bath. He eagerly wanted to spend time with the girl he liked. After all, what better way to spend your Sunday afternoon than going on a date with her?

He got dressed, wearing simple faded jeans, shirt, his cap, and a jacket. He waited for her downstairs. As he sat by the porch, he could hear his mother and father laughing in the living room, watching a Chinese comedy movie about vampires. He felt content with how they all are, like everything's going so well with everyone around him.

Ryoma felt a bit sentimental at that moment. He was beginning to think that it's better to stay here with everyone than to achieve his dream alone. He watched the trees swaying with every blow of the air in their yard. He wondered if everything will be alright once he leaves. Sometimes he thinks that maybe he doesn't want to leave anymore.

"Ryoma-kun, let's go," a girl behind her showed up. Sakuno was dressed in a simple pink dress that flowed to her knees, and she held a small bag. Ryoma soaked in the details of her image, he remembered how she would dress cutely when they were younger.

His phone suddenly beeped. He whipped it out and answered the call.

"Hello? Yes, okay. I'll drop by in a few minutes," Sakuno heard him. She was wondering what it was about, it sounded important.

"Ryuzaki. Do you mind if we go to Ginza first?"

"Oh, okay," she followed Ryoma out. She didn't mind going on a detour before they went to Ueno Park where she had planned the perfect date for him.

"There he is! Ryoma-kun!" Brian waved his hand to him, as he and the rest of the group stood in the middle of Ginza. They were surrounded by luxurious restaurants, and department stores. Sakuno was feeling dizzy with how spacious it was. Ryoma made his way towards them, with her following behind. Coach Rui had invited Ryoma out that Sunday. He figured that they could meet up and have dinner together. He treats them as his own family, after all. And also, he's single and had no one to spend his day off with.

"Ryoma-kun, who is she?" Honoka pointed at Sakuno's head behind Ryoma's shoulder. He moved to the side and revealed the girl's embarrassed face.

"Ryuzaki Sakuno," he simply said. Honoka eyed Sakuno from head to toe, obviously judging her. She wondered why she was hanging around with Ryoma. Sakuno tensed up by the intense stare of the group, but she still bowed politely.

"N-Nice to meet you," she greeted.

"Is she your girlfriend?" Brian spoke. He was oblivious to Honoka's jealous glare.

Ryoma was prepared to answer his question with honesty and plain truth.

"No," he said. Sakuno turned her head to him, unsure of what to feel about his answer. However, it was the truth. Even though Ryoma told her that he likes her, they never really got the time to sit down and talk about their status and make anything official.

"Oh, okay. We plan to have dinner right now. You're welcome to join us, or do you two have somewhere you need to be?" Coach Rui said, noticing the well-dressed couple in front of him. His invitation earned different reactions from the group.

Brian nervously glanced at Honoka, and you can almost see steam coming out of her head, but she masked her jealousy with a smile. Richie and Beth couldn't care less, they were admiring the pretty lights around the city.

Sakuno turned her head to Coach Rui, then to Ryoma, then back to Coach Rui.

"N-No, it's okay. Ryoma-kun, you can go with them," she felt a little disappointed that her plan is not going to push through, but she thought that this is a more important thing for the prince. She didn't want to appear selfish.

Ryoma stared at her. He wanted to spend time with her, but at the same time, he needed to cooperate with the team.

"Come with us," Honoka spoke. She smiled at Sakuno who was just about to step away from them. She watched as the timid girl tugged on Ryoma's jacket to catch his attention and whispered something to him. Honoka clenched her jaw as she saw the boy touch Sakuno on her shoulder as they had their mini meeting.

After a while, the two faced them.

"Let's go."

Sakuno awkwardly sat between Ryoma and Coach Rui in a five-star restaurant. If not for the group's enthusiastic invitation for her, Sakuno would have gotten on the next bus and had gone home, but Ryoma stopped her. He couldn't get out of their dinner, and he also didn't want her to go alone. So, she had no choice but to look down at the table and avoid Honoka's eyes.

The blonde girl sat across Sakuno. She has been ignoring Brian's stories and observed her. It was awkward and suffocating, Sakuno thought.

"Sorry about this, Ryuzaki," she heard Ryoma whisper beside her. It was fine, she could just postpone the date for another day. It's no big deal to her, at least she got to meet the amazing tennis players around him.

"It's okay," she whispered back before she flashed a reassuring smile to him.

"Ryuzaki Sakuno-san, are you a tennis player as well?" Coach Rui spoke from the other side.

"O-Oh, I'm not," she sheepishly admitted. When her grandma died, she just suddenly never had the time or thought to play tennis anymore. She was so focused on working for her future and her studies that she completely forgot how to even hold a racket.

"Is that so? I thought every person that Ryoma-kun knows is related to tennis," the coach chuckled. Ryoma scowled at him for making it sound like he didn't have friends outside the sport, which is painfully true.

"She did play tennis, and won third place in a tournament," Ryoma crossed his arms, while Sakuno blushed furiously. He didn't need to brag about that! It was a small achievement compared to them. But it also made her ecstatic that Ryoma could still remember that small information about her.

"Wow, Sakuno-chan. You must have been really good," Brian raved about the new information about her.

Honoka's ears perked up. Looking at her, she didn't appear that skillful in tennis, and she's not that pretty. Honoka thought that she's better looking and better at tennis than her. Because third place is not a big deal.

"So… are you his sister?" Brian took a guess, a ridiculous guess. It was still not clear to him what kind of relationship the two have.

It almost made Sakuno fall from her seat.

"God… why don't we start ordering? I'm hungry," Ryoma blocked all the incoming interrogations about their relationship and grabbed the menu. He doesn't even have an idea what they are, he obviously wouldn't know. He was embarrassed by his teammates' invading questions.

So, they had dismissed talking about Sakuno and Ryoma and enjoyed a luxurious meal. Sakuno didn't talk much, she would only nod and smile whenever one of them spoke to her. The same goes for Ryoma, although that was his usual behavior around them. However, he would talk to Brian about their recent training and whatnot. It reminded Sakuno of when he and Momo-sanpai always talked to each other. She even saw Ryoma smile and snicker at the guy's jokes. It's refreshing to see the prince mingle with people that are not from Seigaku.

After dessert, Sakuno felt the urge to visit the loo. She quietly nudged Ryoma's arm and he turned to look at her.

"Ryoma-kun, where is the washroom?" She whispered. The restaurant is pretty big and lots of diners were scattered around the tables that she wouldn't possibly find her own way around.

Honoka, who was observing them the whole time, heard this and she suddenly thought of an idea.

"Hmm… I'm not sure," the boy looked around.

"I'll go with you, Sakuno-chan," Honoka suddenly said. Ryoma blinked at her unusually friendly attitude towards Sakuno. But he felt grateful for her offer.

"T-Thank you, Honoka-san!" Sakuno blushed as she was accompanied by the blonde girl to the washroom.

"Say, Sakuno-chan. You played tennis, right?"

The two girls were washing their hands in the women's toilet. Honoka eyed the girl through the mirror, as Sakuno smiled at her question.

She was surprised to find out that Honoka was actually a nice person when she was more than glad to assist her in finding the restroom and was happy to talk to her, contrary to how she initially felt about her. She may have been a bit insecure, that's all. Every person has those toxic moments once in a while, right?

"Y-Yes. But I wasn't very good, though. Ryoma-kun would always tell me my hair's too long, or I didn't bend my knees enough," she almost rolled her eyes at the memory. But it was fun talking about it, and it felt more comfortable sharing small talk with a girl.

Honoka giggled at her response. She never knew Ryoma had a side like that, it's making her want him even more. The boy has always been stoic and silent around them, except for Brian. She grew determined to get close to him as much as Sakuno.

Come to think of it, who is she?

"Anyway, what is your relationship with Ryoma-kun?" she asked while reapplying lipstick. Sakuno wiped her hands on a napkin as she unconsciously watched how Honoka skillfully retouched her makeup and how her daring dress hugged her perfectly toned body. She couldn't help but look at her own, plain reflection in the mirror.

"Um… hmmm…" she honestly has no idea. They have yet to talk about it. Sakuno thought she should at least give a safe answer for now.

"Um, a friend," she muttered awkwardly. Honoka noticed this and almost immediately knew that this was another case of one-sided love. Honoka glanced at her reflection, noting her cute outfit, and naturally pretty face. She felt a little envious of her low maintenance appearance compared to her.

"Is that so? Oh, good. I thought you two were… you know. Well, does he have a girlfriend?"

Sakuno stared blankly at Honoka. Is she… interested in Ryoma-kun? Well, it's not that surprising anymore, given their magazine article and also since the boy is basically perfect. Sakuno spent six whole years and witnessed how Ryoma's fanbase grew and grew, consisting of all girls.

Anyway, how would she respond to that? She's not his girlfriend or anything, at least not yet. She hasn't confessed to him and until that happens, Sakuno wouldn't want to get ahead of herself and declare something that's not true. She eyed the girl's blushing cheeks. Honoka is indeed very beautiful up close, and the fact that Ryoma was always close to her sent daggers in her heart. In terms of physical attributes, Sakuno is way beneath her. Not to mention tennis skills. She felt like she was six feet under the sea in front of Honoka.

Sakuno's stomach began to turn upside down.

"No…" she managed to utter. She would never lie to anyone just to keep Ryoma for herself. But, this is hard, she thought. Knowing that a perfect girl likes Ryoma, and that she's spending more time with him, Sakuno knew she had no fighting chance.

"That's good to know! Because... I'm kind of into him," Honoka touched her red cheeks in embarrassment. "Since you're his friend, and now, we're friends, you could help me get together with him!" Honoka excitedly grasped both of Sakuno's hands.

She literally felt her heart drop. Sakuno didn't know what to say. On one hand, she's happy that Honoka was eager to be friends with her. However, the fact that she's had the motive to pursue Ryoma with her help was something Sakuno can't do.

Honoka noticed Sakuno's reaction and thought that her guess was right on target.

"Hey, Sakuno-chan. Let's play a friendly match next time you're free. Beth only hangs out with her boyfriend, so I have no one to play with," she checked her reflection in the mirror one last time, brushing her hair with her fingers.

"O-Okay…" Sakuno managed to answer before she thought about it. She's going to make a fool out of herself out there, isn't she?

Honoka smiled and nodded.

"Let's go back."

After dinner, Coach Rui and the group said their goodbyes. Honoka waved her hand to Sakuno, and she responded with a warm smile. She decided to set aside the conversation she had with Honoka in the washroom and focus on her own issues at the moment.

Her stomach growled. As much as she loved the taste of the full-course meal they had at the restaurant, there was little portion in everything, so she never felt full.

"Ryuzaki," Ryoma stood beside her as they watched the group's car drive away. "Do you want to get some burgers?"

Sakuno turned her head to him.

"Ryoma-kun, are you still hungry, too?" she shyly asked.

"Yeah, that's why I don't like eating at such places. You never get your money's worth," he sighed, looking around the street for open hamburger joints at that hour. It was almost eleven in the evening and most of the stalls were already closed.

"R-Ryoma-kun. If you don't mind…" she opened the zipper of her bag and pulled out a bento that she made for their supposed date in the park.

"You made one again?" he eyed the blue lunchbox.

"Yes… but if you're in the mood for burgers, that's okay, too."

He snatched the lunchbox from her and opened it. Rice laid on one of the compartments, and on the other one was chicken karaage, tamagoyaki, pickles, nori, daikon, and all sorts of fruits. It was obvious that she put a lot of work into this dish, and it made Ryoma's stomach grumble.

"I want to eat this," Sakuno blinked at how cute he said it, like a child pointing at something he wanted to his mother.

"Okay," she smiled warmly.

They ate her homemade bento as they sat on a bench facing the well-lit buildings of Ginza. They ate in silence, admiring the scenery before them. It occurred to Sakuno how relaxing and romantic the place actually is. Even though her plan got foiled, this kind of 'date' isn't bad at all. She still got to spend time with him and that's all that mattered to her.

But that only reminded her that she needed to confess to him.

She glanced at the boy who was now drinking his soda. He leisurely swayed his leg side to side as one of his mannerisms. Sakuno blushed at how cute he looked.

"What?" he suddenly spoke.

"N-Nothing," she returned her gaze to her food.

"Sorry for bringing you here. They must have been troublesome for you," Ryoma turned his head and stared at her. She recalled how it went with Honoka, and how Brian and the others asked her personal questions throughout dinner.

"N-No, it's fine. If anything, I'm glad I got to meet your friends, Ryoma-kun," she smiled. It was true, even though she had a nerve-wracking and awkward time with them.

Ryoma smiled back at her. He thought how she was very easy to get along with. He's sure that his teammates would say the same about her.

"Let's go home," they decided. Since it's late and they won't be able to catch the last bus, Ryoma hailed a cab to go home. They sat beside each other at the back, and he rested his chin on his hand while he looked out the window. It's going to take at least an hour before they reach home, he thought.

Sakuno watched in the corner of her eyes how the prince would blink his eyes lazily as he stared at the view outside.

He must have been tired. I feel so bad for inviting him out on his day off.

She felt her mood shift from being happy to being sad and disappointed. In the end, she never got the courage to tell him, even if it was a casual confession. She tried to tell him when they were eating, but to no avail. Sakuno had always known how much of a coward she is. She laid back on the car seat, releasing her tense shoulders and tried to relax her mind from all the overthinking.

She felt a hand above hers, holding it hesitantly, and she felt electricity pass through her body. Sakuno looked up at him and found that he was still looking away from her. Sakuno caught a glimpse of the faint blush on his cheeks.

How weird it was that his big hands fit perfectly to her small hands, and it just felt right. Her fingers unconsciously wrapped themselves around it, feeling the veins and rough texture due to years of tennis. She relished the sweetness of the moment. Even though neither of them dared to look at each other, the sensation that their hands brought was enough to send a message of love.

In the rearview mirror, the driver observed how silent his two passengers were since they got in the vehicle. He also noted how the two were awkwardly smiling to themselves.

He turned on the music player and played "When You Say Nothing At All" by Ronan Keating.

To be continued.