Chapter 32: Moonlight

Sakuno sat on her sofa that night. She was back in Japan and unfortunately, Ryoma was still in America, attending his physical therapy in the daytime, and talking with Miss Mao at nighttime. His doctor wouldn't let him go back to Japan yet since his immune system weakened after his game due to his long break from extreme physical activity. He was exhausted and he even managed to break his own arm unconsciously.

Of course, Sakuno understood his situation. At first, she was under the impression that they would finally see each other after six months, after her internship and after his match. But health comes first, that is her mantra.

"How is your arm?" She held her phone to her ear, listening to Ryoma's raspy voice.

"Still broken," he replied.

"Oh…" she had nothing to say. Sakno felt a bit sad that they couldn't be together especially when Valentine's Day is coming, but she knew that it was impossible the moment she learned of Ryoma's injury. Still, she was thankful that they were able to call each other. They were both content with just hearing each other's voices.

That was how they spent the years they were apart. When Ryoma's birthday came, they actually video called each other, then Christmas came, they still did that. Then New years… until Sakuno's birthday, all they did was call each other. But no matter the distance, they maintained their communication just as well.

"How are things in College?" Ryoma inquired while he read a book about Sports science.

"I'm doing good. There's actually a cookoff coming and I've been thinking of joining. You know, just for fun," she happily relayed the news.

"Wow, just for fun? You really think like a master, Miss Sakuno," he chuckled. It's just like Sakuno to do things that she's good at.

"Ah, I-I'm not being conceited. I just really think it would be fun,"

"I know, I'm kidding. Just do it, I know you'll be great,"

"Thanks, Ryoma-kun…"

"I'll call you again tomorrow. Take a rest," he said.

"Okay, goodnight," Sakuno smiled warmly as they ended their call. It was always refreshing to talk to Ryoma, and she couldn't wait to see him again.

It was Monday, time for school again. Sakuno attends her first class very early, as usual. There is only a week before the cookoff at the school festival and everyone is encouraged to join.

Of course, Ryuzaki Sakuno, the enthusiastic aspiring chef has signed up for it. The said cookoff will be attended by famous chefs who are on the lookout for the most promising chef that day.

Sakuno was determined to give it her all and land a job at one of the most famous restaurants in Japan. That is her goal right now.

As Sakuno read the book that Ryoma gifted her, she heard voices in the other room.

"I've heard of the name Ryuzaki Sakuno! She was that famous tennis player's lover!"

If Sakuno was eating, she would have choked on it.

"Ah, yes! So, she's our opponent in the cookoff," another voice said.

"Ugh, I don't think she's any good, considering her dirty past,"

She heard laughter, laughters that seemed to mock her. Sakuno was no stranger to bullying. In fact, she clearly remembers how Sakurako almost destroyed her relationship with Ryoma back in high school. But what past are they talking about? They don't even know her.

"What past?"

"You didn't know? Ryoma Echizen cheated on Honoka with that girl,"

Sakuno almost dropped her book. She found it alerting how the past issues still seemed to stick with her everywhere she goes. Sakuno felt the familiar horror that she felt that time the issue broke out, and she remembered how Ryoma himself reacted to that and it sent him to therapy.

"Really? Well, I wouldn't blame her. Have you seen Ryoma Echizen? I would throw myself at him, too."

She rolled her eyes. Obviously, Sakuno was never like that. It was ridiculous to hear that these girls would pounce on a handsome man in a heartbeat even though he was 'supposedly' cheating.

Finally, the girls ended their conversation when the professor came in. In Sakuno's room came their instructor, too. She shook her head, trying to think that those rumors are no longer a big deal for her, and Ryoma and she wouldn't let it ruin what they have anymore.

"How could you not tell me you're back?" Tomoka yelled over the phone. She put her hand on her waist, trying to stop herself from yelling at her best friend any further. That morning, Sakuno called and told her that she was back in Japan for like a week now and she had just remembered to call her best friend.

"S-Sorry, Tomo-chan! I was too busy with school," she said in a sad tone.

"Well, you better make it up to me and meet me tonight at the Moonlight Bar!"

"What? Why there?"

"I just broke up with my dumb boyfriend and I need to party! You're coming with me!"

Sakuno gasped. If she remembered correctly, Tomoka has been dating Horio for about three years. What could have made them break up? Well, she could think about a thousand reasons why, but she figured she'd just ask Tomoka later.

"I'll pick you up at your apartment at seven," then she ended the call. Sakuno laid on her bed and continued to enjoy her day off from school. The cookoff was only a day away and all the recipes that she planned to cook are all in order. The only thing she needed to do now is to comfort her best friend who sounded distressed by her breakup.

A few hours later, Sakuno heard a knock on her door. She knew that it was Tomoka, that's why she quickly dressed up in a simple conservative pink dress and wore her favorite white heels. She then opened the door.

Tomoka stood outside, dressed in a rose-colored dress that revealed her cleavage, and the length revealed her well-toned legs. She was absolutely stunning, except for the way her face twisted.

"That's what you're wearing?" Tomoka looked at Sakuno from head to toe. Her pink dress was so long for a girls' night out that she wouldn't even allow Sakuno to stand beside her if she's going to look like that.

"W-What's the matter?" Sakuno looked down on her dress and was clueless why Tomoka seemed to be disgusted at her appearance.

"Sakuno, how you got Ryoma-sama to fall in love with you is beyond me. Maybe he likes women that dress like old women," Tomoka shook her head as she closed the door behind her.

"What's wrong with my dress?" Sakuno felt a little offended but she knew Tomoka meant well.

"I'm taking you shopping, okay?" Tomoka proceeded to walk inside her apartment and made herself at home. Meanwhile, Sakuno stood at the doorway, completely clueless. She thought of her other dresses that would pass as something to wear at a club but seeing Tomoka's reaction, Sakuno knew that her floral cute dresses wouldn't be qualified now. It dawned on her that they were truly adults now that instead of stressing over exams and such, they are now having problems over parties and boyfriends.

Still, Sakuno had to come with Tomoka to spend time with her even if she had to do everything with her for forgetting to bond with her since coming home.

So, with a heavy heart, they set off to find the perfect dress for her that Tomoka would approve of.

Tomoka shoved something to Sakuno's arms. They have been roaming around the mall, trying on every sexy dress that Tomoka saw.

"Tomo-chan, this is too revealing, don't you think?" She stepped into the dressing room and stared at the mirror.

"No, it's perfect for you. Try it on and let's see if that's the dress," Tomoka crossed her legs and watched Sakuno unbutton her blouse. She slid on the black dress and sure enough, it hugged her small waist, accentuating her breasts and the slit revealed a part of her pale legs.

Tomoka was surprised. She had never seen Sakuno dress like that, ever. And sure enough, she looked divine! Now that's something Ryoma would surely like.

"Sakuno, look here," she took a photo of her and immediately sent it to Ryoma's number.

"Ah, Tomo-chan! Don't send that to him!" Sakuno tried to snatch her phone away but Tomoka dodged.

"Too late. He's going to lose his mind and before you know it, he's knocking on your door," she smiled.

Sakuno turned red at the thought that Ryoma would finally come home. Come to think of it, she doesn't look bad in that dress. She looked… mature. Sakuno had never looked at herself and thought that she looked stunning. She always hated her appearance especially when bullies criticized her about it. But looking at her now, the dress boosted her confidence.

"You're wearing that tonight. Let's go,"

Tomoka dragged a dazed Sakuno out of the mall and back to her car. They made their way to the Moonlight Club.

Ryoma stared at his phone. In a photo that Tomoka sent him, Sakuno was in front of the mirror, wearing a small, tight dress. Her face looked nervous and red, indicating that she was probably forced into it by the loud woman.

He thought that Sakuno looked beautiful, of course. Does he think that it was a bit too revealing? Yes. However, Ryoma doesn't want to stop her, her confidence is very important for him and if that's Tomoka's way of supporting her, by going to a girls' night out, then by all means. Sakuno deserves a night of fun and relaxing. After all, Ryoma knew that the two girls were responsible enough for their own good.

He saved the image to his gallery and went on with his day. He had a lot to do today, with his therapy session and the check up on his arm. But before he left, he replied to Tomoka's message.

Have fun.

-Ryoma

Tomoka parked in the basement of the club. She checked her makeup at the rearview mirror and retouched her red lipstick. Sakuno, on the other hand, nervously tugged on her dress, trying to conceal her legs. She almost didn't want to get out of the car.

"Sakuno, we're here to have fun, okay? Don't be nervous. I'm right here with you," Tomoka comforted her as she stepped out of her car. Sakuno did the same and grabbed her purse. She didn't need to retouch her makeup since she only applied powder and a strawberry lip balm.

"Let's go!" They walked towards the parking entrance with their high heels, and soon they were able to enter the club. Sakuno almost fainted when she saw just how many people were dancing inside. They swayed with each other while they drank liquor, and Tomoka slipped through the crowd like it wasn't her first time.

Because it wasn't. She frequented the place whenever she and Horio had a fight, and now that they broke up, it was only natural for Tomoka to move on and drink her problems away.

They sat by the bar and started ordering. It was actually Sakuno's first time drinking so she had to take it slow and enjoy the night peacefully. It was a good thing that Tomoka didn't like dancing that night so they just settled on talking to each other as they drank.

"I'm going to reply to Ryoma-sama. Hold on," Tomoka tapped on her phone and composed a message for the prince. Sakuno glanced at the screen and observed it.

I'm taking her to the Moonlight Bar to have fun.

-Tomoka

"Sent! Now, let's get started on drinking," she grinned at a nervous Sakuno.

"So, why did you and Horio-kun break up?" Sakuno asked as she sipped on her martini.

"I think he's cheating on me, Sakuno. He's become a different person," Her best friend's voice sounded sad, Sakuno could only sigh.

"What made you think that?"

"Because he's not coming home. He stays in his office and doesn't even call me anymore,"

"Wait, you two are living together?"

"Yes, and he doesn't love me anymore,"

Tomoka swirled her martini, carefully watching the liquid move in circles. She thought about Horio, and how about a year ago he graduated from his vocational studies and landed a job in the city. As the days went on, he started to be busy and seldom came home to their shared apartment. Tomoka was beginning to suspect that he might have fallen out of love with her. She knows because his co-worker was a beauty. She met her one time during their office Christmas party.

"Tomo-chan. I'm sure he's not cheating on you. He likes you," Sakuno tried to console her friend even though she doesn't really know much about Horio except for the time he confessed to her that he likes Tomoka.

"How can you be sure?" Tomoka asked in a strong tone.

"Well, how can you be sure that he's cheating?" Sakuno shot back. She didn't like how Tomoka was jumping to conclusions, and it would be best that they talk about it first before calling it quits.

"Sakuno, you're supposed to take my side. I mean, you, of all people, should be worried. Ryoma-sama is much more handsome than Horio, and you're in a long distance relationship. If Horio can cheat, how much more for Ryoma-sama?" She chugged on her martini and ordered another one from the bartender.

"Tomo-chan… you shouldn't stereotype your friends. Have you tried confronting Horio?"

"I didn't have to. I have my female instinct, okay? He's not touching me anymore…" She admitted. Sakuno knew that Tomoka meant sex and it made her blush.

"T-Tomo-chan…" She knew that sex is not only the indication for someone's affection, but it is a great deal for a couple like them. They have been together for a long time and to suddenly stop being close to her, Horio might really have something that he's hiding and Sakuno became eager to find out. She didn't want to see her best friend suffer like this. Tomoka looked so beautiful to just cry in the middle of a club in a sexy dress.

But even though Tomoka's mascara was a bit smudged from her tears, a few guys came to her and started to flirt.

"Hi. Would you like to dance with me?" The guy was obviously staring at her cleavage while he talked to her but Tomoka was a little tipsy now that she missed the guy's body signals.

"Sure," Before Tomoka could stand up, Sakuno grabbed her hand.

"T-Tomo-chan! Don't go…" she was scared to be left alone at the bar, but she was even more scared for Tomoka. Who knows what the guy would do to her if she went with him.

Thankfully, Tomoka took the hint and immediately shook her arm from the guy's grasp.

"I'm sorry, but I can't leave my friend here,"

"Oh, that's alright. Bring her, I have a friend, too. They can dance with each other,"

"A-Ah, sorry, we have boyfriends," Tomoka waved her hand frantically until the guy gave up and walked off.

It took them a while before they could release their breaths they didn't realize they were holding. The two girls gradually started to laugh, thinking that it was a funny encounter with the guys that tried to get Tomoka. All the tension and nervousness was now fading as they continued to drink, and ten tequila shots later, Tomoka and Sakuno were now in the middle of the dance floor and were dancing awkward choreography.

"Tomo-chan, you still remember our middle school dance!" Sakuno laughed at her best friend who was jumping wildly to the music.

"Sakuno, dance the night away!" Tomoka drank another shot of tequila and threw the shot glass away before she grabbed Sakuno's hand.

"Let's dance the night away!" Sakuno cheered and they both danced awkwardly, ignoring the glances of the people around them. A few guys tried to hit on them and they figured dancing wildly fended them off so they continued their strategy.

It was already midnight when Horio glanced at his watch. He just finished all his work and was thinking of going home to Tomoka for once. He rubbed his temple and reviewed his numbers one more time before closing his bank book.

"Almost there…" he mumbled before grabbing his bag and headed to the ground floor.

Horio stood by the bus stop. While he waited for the next bus, he checked his phone and found one message from the one person he least expected to text him.

"Echizen?" He opened the message and read it.

They're at the Moonlight Bar, your girlfriend told me. Keep an eye on them.

-Ryoma

Horio instantly knew who Ryoma was talking about. Of course, the girlfriend would be Tomoka and the one she's with is his girlfriend, Sakuno.

That information made Horio's heart jump. He knew Tomoka would be rebellious whenever they fought, and lately, their relationship was problematic. So, she would often go out and drink.

"That damn woman, dragging Sakuno along with her, which dragged Echizen into it!" Horio stomped off and went towards the taxi bay. A few minutes later, Horio reached the Moonlight Club and immediately found the only woman dancing around. The rest of the crowd were too wasted to care about her.

Horio grabbed Tomoka's arm.

"That's enough, let's go," he whispered in her ear. Tomoka stopped moving and looked at him. The moment Horio's face registered in her brain, Tomoka smiled and embraced him.

"Baby, you're here!"

"Ugh, you smell like alcohol! Let's go home," he wrapped his arm around her waist and carried her to their table. Horio scanned the crowd and looked for Sakuno, but she wasn't there. A trickle of cold sweat ran down Horio's back.

"Oi, Tomoka! Where's Ryuzaki?" He shook Tomoka's shoulder and as soon as the girl heard him, Tomoka was instantly sober. She became nervous when Sakuno was nowhere in sight.

"I-I don't know… Oh no…" Tomoka's hands were shaking, no matter where she looked, Sakuno wasn't there. She looked down on their chair and found Sakuno's purse, which meant that she didn't leave the club sober. She would never leave her things behind.

Something inside Sakuno's purse rang, and Horio and Tomoka assumed that it was her phone. They didn't have the time to check who was calling, they needed to find her right now.

"Tomoka, listen to me. We have to find her or Echizen will kill us both," Horio swallowed his saliva and the two searched inside the restroom, hoping to see the girl throwing up on one of the stalls.

Tomoka feared that Sakuno might have been picked up by some guy and took her somewhere, and wearing that dress only made things worse. She returned to the bartender and since he was the only one that interacted with them all night (since they've been ordering too much alcohol) Tomoka grabbed the bartender by his collar.

"Sir, please help me. Have you seen the girl who was with me? Please, help me find her!" Her voice was shaking and even though she really needed to go to the bathroom, Tomoka's body seemed to know what to prioritize.

"I-I think I saw her go up the second floor with some guy," The bartender replied nervously. Tomoka slowly let go of his shirt and suddenly, her knees felt weak, she fell on the ground. Horio caught her just in time.

"What's on the second floor?" Horio asked the two of them. Tomoka could not answer him, but the bartender replied.

"A hotel."

Horio could almost hear a thousand tennis balls coming his way, and a red racket beating him to death. He was too scared to imagine what Ryoma would do to them, but he was more terrified of what the guy might do to their friend upstairs.

Tomoka stood up and grabbed Horio. They looked at each other and had the same thought. Horio pulled out his phone and was ready to call the police before they both headed to the second floor.

As they stepped out of the elevator, Horio's phone beeped and he froze as he read the message.

Is Sakuno home? She's not answering.

-Ryoma

Tomoka looked in horror as she read Ryoma's message. Tears streamed down her face as she fumbled in the hallway.

"Sakuno!" she called out, hoping that her friend was safe somewhere because one way or another, Ryoma Echizen might just kill someone.

To be continued.