Chapter 22: Kisses

Sakuno told Ryoma where her room was, which is just a few floors from his own room. He decided to check out where she was staying to make sure that she was alright. But the girl just has to be clumsy even in Brazil. She regretfully confessed that she lost her luggage. He could only scratch his head as he grabbed the phone and contacted the airlines. Sakuno stood in the middle of the room, completely embarrassed by her mistake. If only she had kept an eye on her luggage, she would have changed into fresh clothes by now.

"They're going to contact you when they find your suitcase. In the meantime, we can get you some spare clothes," Ryoma noted that Sakuno hadn't had the time to buy everything she needed, she only grabbed toiletries before she got to the hotel.

He wondered if Honoka's clothes could fit in Sakuno, but the chest area would have been too loose for her so that's not an option. They would have to go to the nearest mall to get some new ones.

"Let's go," he said, walking towards the door. Sakuno grabbed his arm to stop him.

"Um… Ryoma-kun. Can we talk?"

Ryoma looked at her pleading eyes. He wondered why else she would be worried if they had already reconciled.

"About what?"

"Well… I want to talk to you about it. I want to know what you're thinking."

"I told you, it's okay."

"It's not. I don't want you to bottle up your feelings. I want to hear them," Sakuno let go of his arm and waited as he thought about what she said. He honestly doesn't understand what she wants him to do.

Well, at least she wanted to talk to him.

Ryoma sat down on the sofa and his eyes followed her as she sat beside him. She looked visibly nervous.

"Um, well…" Sakuno actually doesn't know how to start.

"Ryuzaki," he said, "Don't fret too much. You can tell me anything."

She inhaled deeply and prepared to pour her heart out. But uncertainty enveloped her whole body and mind that she was unable to relay her thoughts properly. Sakuno felt lost.

"I want to say… um…" as she fidgeted on her shirt, Ryoma sighed and decided to speak first.

"Okay, since you really want me to say something," he shifted from his seat and faced her. A faint blush showed up on his cheeks, since he's not used to voicing out his own thoughts.

Sakuno thanked God that Ryoma was helping her get through this conversation.

"I'm upset about that night. It was humiliating for me, and I guess I'm sorry for pushing myself to you. But it's okay now. I accept that kind of rejection. I am a man, after all," he shrugged and forced a smirk on his face. Sakuno knew that he was not okay with that but still, he made sure to make it easy for her which she appreciated.

But it doesn't feel right at all.

"Ryoma-kun, it's my fault for saying something I didn't mean… so, don't blame yourself because…" she hesitated but Ryoma was focused on her. Sakuno decided to tell him everything right here, right now even if it meant she's going to die of embarrassment. That was what she was here for.

She looked into his big, amber eyes, staring right back at her. The feelings she harbored for the boy ever since they were twelve, she's about to tell him. Sakuno's not sure of the outcome but she came to Brazil prepared for it. She would leave the country without regrets.

Because he is worth the pain.

Because he is the only one she was prepared to die for.

"I don't like you…"

Her eyes remained staring back at him, watching his perplexed expression. His eyes became even wider, and his lips parted slightly, unable to believe what she just said. He was confused about what to think. Is she trying to trick him again?

Ryoma checked her hotel room to make sure that she was safe and that she had everything she needed for her trip. He didn't expect anything in return because they were friends even before they parted ways. But to rub it in his face like that? Ryoma Echizen's mood is in chaos.

The feelings he had that night came back in his mind in an instant. It was all too overwhelming for him that he didn't know if he would laugh or just leave the room. But he decided to nod and accept that he's the only one who felt something, he could live with that. But still, he felt a little angry at her for repeating it to his face, like the first time doesn't hurt enough.

"I know," he said with a flat tone. He almost pouted but resisted, since he already came to terms with it. So, with a dejected face, Ryoma stood up and walked to the door. He was feeling uncomfortable and awkward about their conversation. He has always been a man of few words, an introvert. He disliked having to open up to someone, even if it's Sakuno.

He just wanted to run away.

Meanwhile, Sakuno realized what she just said. There was something else after that phrase but for some reason, she decided to stop and watch his face. But the next words cannot wait any longer. The more she stalled, the hungrier her heart became for Ryoma, and she just wanted to let him know as soon as possible.

So, with a nervous heart and sweaty palms, Sakuno ran to him and wrapped her arms behind his waist. She opened her mouth to say the phrase that she has been saving for Ryoma, and Ryoma only.

"I love you… so much," she closed her eyes as tears started to fall. The overwhelming affection she was keeping in her heart was finally known, and it felt incredible. Before Ryoma could say a word, Sakuno spoke again.

"I love you more than anyone. It's always been you, Ryoma-kun. I don't just like you, I've loved you ever since I saw you."

The boy slowly turned around, but Sakuno kept her arms locked around him.

Ryoma's expression turned from tense to softer. Her cheeks and ears turned red, and her slender fingers were shaking as she made her confession to him. The sky outside was starting to turn darker, and the atmosphere was only making her face even more irresistible.

He doesn't know when she became the most beautiful woman in his eyes.

As her words started to sink into his mind, Ryoma slowly pulled her hands onto his, feeling the soft skin and rough parts that was because of doing house chores and occasional tennis practice.

With every passing second and with every touch of her hands, Ryoma realized how much he missed the girl, and he couldn't believe how much he actually loved her. A couple of months ago, she was just a classmate, her coach's granddaughter. In Ryoma's world, she was a nobody. But as they spent time together, he was unaware of how she greatly affected his life, be it negative or positive.

And even if she hurts him over and over again, Ryoma knew that he would always welcome Sakuno into his arms even if she didn't say anything at all.

He couldn't take it anymore. He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers, and they shared a tender kiss, emphasizing their excitement and longing for each other.

As their kiss deepened and became more intense, they slowly moved to the bed, Ryoma gently laying on top of Sakuno. She welcomed his every movement; he caressed her hair as he relished the taste of her mouth. Her hands roamed around his back, and her legs trapped beneath his own. Both of them knew that any more of this heat would definitely lead to something more than just kissing, but neither of them pulled away. They were too drunk from each other's affection.

Sakuno's hands traveled inside his shirt, feeling his skin and his well-toned muscles. Ryoma was a bit surprised by her bold move, but he didn't dislike it either. Instead, he reciprocated by kissing her neck, and it earned a soft moan from the girl. He put more effort into feeling her skin with his lips because her moan was like music to his ears.

The electrifying sensation was making Sakuno feel hot and ticklish. Her skin was getting goosebumps every time she felt Ryoma's tongue against her skin, and she clutched onto his shirt and tugged on it. Ryoma understood what she wanted, and he swiftly took off his shirt and threw it on the floor, revealing his abs and bare skin. Sakuno stared at him, both of their faces were red and their chests panting. The room was getting darker and darker and only a single lamp managed to light the room dimly.

Ryoma leaned back down to her and started kissing her again. She closed her eyes and let him take charge. She felt his hand unbuttoning her shirt, his lips never breaking apart from her. Ryoma carefully opened up her blouse, showing her undergarment. Sakuno felt a little conscious about her body that her hands instinctively covered her chest. But Ryoma smiled and embraced her.

"You're perfect," he whispered in her ear. Sakuno felt that she was physically melting from his words. Every time Ryoma moves or speaks, he just manages to rock her world. She embraces him back, pressing him further on her own body.

"I love you, Ryoma-kun," she whispered back.

"I don't like you, too."

Sakuno's eyes shot open as she was surprised that the boy made the same statement she did earlier.

"And if you didn't get that reference, that means I love you, too."

She felt his body shake from laughing at her. Sakuno pinched his waist lightly and pouted. Ryoma pulled away from her and watched her embarrassed face in amusement. Even if it was dark, he could see how adorable she looked.

"Ryoma-kun!"

"Sorry, just kidding."

He dived back and started to kiss her collarbone. As he went lower and lower, Sakuno's mind was in a whirlpool. The sensation was new, and she couldn't wait to explore it more. His hand made its way to her back, searching for the clamp of her undergarment. Her back unconsciously arching, letting him find its way more easily. When he successfully removed it, Ryoma was prepared to undress Sakuno, but the doorbell suddenly rang.

Both of them froze.

Who in the world is coming to visit?

They looked at each other curiously. There was only one way to know, after all. Ryoma sat up, freeing Sakuno's body, and he approached the door. He took a peek at the lens and saw the room service staff. He sighed before he opened the door.

The guy was a bit surprised at the sight of the shirtless Ryoma, but he quickly composed himself and presented him with a yellow suitcase.

"Ms. Ryuzaki Sakuno's luggage is here," he said.

Ryoma nodded and took the suitcase in. He fished some cash from his pants and tipped the guy, then he closed the door.

Upon seeing her luggage, Sakuno fixed her clothes and hastily inspected if someone opened her luggage.

"Wow, how come it was so fast?" she asked the boy standing behind her.

"Maybe because I said my name," he shrugged. He had always used the fame card whenever he wanted something done the fast and easy way. And using it for Sakuno was worth it. He admired the happy expression on her face as she opened the luggage and rummaged through it, looking for her valuables.

"Thank you so much, Ryoma-kun!"

"No problem," he muttered. Now that their moment has been interrupted and the excitement died down, he decided to look through the mini fridge and grabbed snacks and drinks. There were only two things that mattered to him now: tennis and Sakuno. Now that the girl is busy with something else, he turned on the television and watched the sports channel.

Sakuno's room was a mess. There are clothes everywhere and she has only had undergarments on. Earlier, before Ryoma decided to go back to his room, he said that he wanted to take her out to dinner, which she immediately agreed on. She was thinking maybe Ryoma wanted to finally make things official between them. Sakuno couldn't help but smile at her own wishful thinking.

So, when she finally picked a dress to wear, it was time to go to the restaurant on the 32nd floor. Sakuno anxiously stared at her own dull reflection in the elevator. She never learned to put makeup on, and her hair was combed neatly and put into a ponytail, and her dress was as simple as it gets. If they were going to eat at a fancy restaurant, she should have dressed appropriately. If someone would look at her and guess where she was going, one would assume that she's out for grocery shopping.

I really am ugly…

She touched the necklace on her neck and remembered Ryoma's message for her. If she really is beautiful in his eyes, then she shouldn't worry about what others think of her, and what she thinks of herself.

When she arrived at the restaurant, the waiter guided her to the table where Ryoma sat idly. He wore a simple gray shirt and pants. He was even wearing sneakers. Sakuno admired his effortless look as he played with his fork. Suddenly, she didn't feel conscious with her looks anymore. They'll be a couple dressed in simple clothing in the middle of the restaurant, crowded with people in suits and dresses, and it was way better for Sakuno.

"Ryoma-kun," she sat down, and Ryoma nodded in greeting. He opened the menu and started ordering in English. Sakuno didn't understand a word, but she smiled softly at how he seemed to know and do everything.

As they ate dinner, Sakuno told him lots of stories about their friends back in Japan, and how his parents are doing. Ryoma was beginning to be talkative in front of Sakuno as he told her all about the things he did since coming to Brazil.

Sakuno was eagerly listening to his stories when suddenly a waiter came to their table and held out a birthday cake. He was singing the birthday song to her, and when she turned to Ryoma, he was only smiling as he rested his chin on his hand. She cannot believe how she completely forgot about her own birthday, but it was more surprising that Ryoma actually knows.

When the waiter finished the song, he placed the cake in front of her and asked her to cut it. Sakuno didn't know if it was tradition or anything, but she obliged. She cut the first piece and decided to give it to Ryoma. He gladly accepted it, but the waiter gasped.

"W-What?" he said.

"It is tradition in Brazil that whoever receives the first piece would be the person that the celebrant loves the most."

"Oh…" Ryoma could only blink at him. He didn't know if that was true, but it was quite amusing to know that Sakuno cared for him so much.

"E-Eh? I didn't know that! I swear!" She was panicking but the waiter was saying all sorts of supporting details about the tradition, and in no time, she was defeated. The waiter left and they were once again alone.

"You're denying it again," Ryoma said as he ate the cake.

"What? No, I–"

"Just admit it like you did in the room," he smirked at the thought. Sakuno recalled what happened earlier and her face immediately turned red.

"R-Ryoma-kun!"

Sakuno buried her face in her hands in embarrassment as she waited for Ryoma to stop snickering. As much as she was happy that the boy was beginning to show more emotions, Sakuno didn't feel comfortable that most of his humor was because of her.

"Here," she heard him say. When she removed her hands from her face, Sakuno saw a box wrapped in a white paper and a red ribbon.

"Happy birthday," he muttered. He drank his Ponta, his eyes avoiding hers. The part where he tries to be expressive of his feelings were still new to him and he wasn't sure he's doing it right. But this is a start.

"Thank you…" she smiled at him as she began opening up the box. It was a book about a famous chef that was passionate about cooking. He didn't let his dream die with his determination, he tried his best and followed his path. Ryoma knows that this is the push that Sakuno needs to make her realize that she needs to do this for her own good. This is her dream, her passion, and no one is going to take that away from her, not even coach's death, or the difficulties she faced. It's not going to bring her down because he will always support her, even if he's away.

That night, they enjoyed each other's company, and neither of them wanted that moment to end.

But it has to end.

Sakuno told him that her flight back to Japan is tomorrow. Ryoma knew that they were going to part ways sooner or later, he just didn't realize how soon it was going to be.

He walked her to her room and prepared himself to say goodbye. After all, who knows when they will see each other again.

"Good night, Ryoma-kun," Sakuno spoke with a sad expression. She was happy that they got to be with each other, albeit for a short time. But still, she was thankful.

Ryoma stood in front of her door, wondering what it would take for her to stay longer. If he asked her to, would she say yes? But what about her work in Japan? Sakuno has always made it clear that she wanted to focus on graduating and moving away. If he asked her to extend her stay, would that make everything complicated? But if she agrees, what about his career?

Wait. Why am I even thinking? The only question that I need to ask myself is…

Which is more important?

Before Sakuno could close the door, he put his hand on the door, making it stuck in the process. He didn't mind the pain, because he couldn't let this night end without a fight.

"Ryuzaki, stay with me."

To be continued.