Chapter 47: Smiles
"Sakuno-chan, when are you going to be here?" Rinko's voice was heard on the woman's phone. Sakuno chuckled softly as she found her mother-in-law adorable at video-calling her even though it's almost midnight in New York. The woman is seen in her nightgown and was wearing her glasses. Rinko looked older, it made Sakuno uneasy, but she felt glad that she seemed full of energy.
"We're leaving the house, mother," she replied gleefully. "We'll be at your doorstep before you know it."
"Okay, be careful on your way. Say hello to Ryoma for me,"
"Don't you want to talk to him?"
"Oh no, dear. I know he's tired and stressed lately. You should take care of each other, okay?"
"Okay, see you soon, mother,"
"Bye, Sakuno-chan," Rinko ended the call.
They are on their way to America to visit her in-laws because tomorrow is Nanjirou's birthday. She dragged her suitcase out of the big house that she and Ryoma bought when they got married. Speaking of the guy, the heavy sleeper managed to get up on time and is now locking the front door. He had his usual cap on, and his own suitcase stood beside his groggy figure.
Ryoma was never a morning person, Sakuno reminded herself. So, it's up to her to set his alarm clock and make sure that everything he needs is already packed before then.
The cab had just pulled over to their house and the two finally got in the vehicle and were on the way to the airport.
"We could have just sent him a card," he commented after a big yawn.
"Ryoma-kun, don't you miss your family? They're excited to see us," Sakuno frowned at her husband's foul mood. Ryoma usually talks about his family like this and she is used to it. But it doesn't mean that she's going to tolerate him. Being married to her means that he has to deal with being told off with his cocky attitude sometimes, and that he needs to treasure his parents more now that they're growing old.
"Well, I see them all the time. Did you forget?" Ryoma reminded her of all the times he flew in and out to manage his sports center. An unspoken rule by Rinko is that he needs to drop by the house whenever he's in America.
"T-That's true. But still, I'm sure you're going to have a good time," she flashed a reassuring smile at him and he only rolled his eyes before continuing his sleep.
As soon as they landed in New York, Sakuno suggested that they pick up a gift first before heading over to their house. So, they went to the nearest mall in town and roamed around until they found something that the samurai would appreciate.
"What would your father like?" She stopped in front of a men's jewelry store and eyed the sparkly watches.
"I don't know. He likes perverted magazines, liquor, tennis, women–"
"Okay, we can't buy those. A cake will do," Sakuno sighed in defeat at her father-in-law's weird tastes, and just went for the most obvious choice, a cake.
They went to a coffee shop that is well known for its delicious cakes and coffee.
"Ryoma-kun, why don't you sit over there and I'll get the cake?" She points on the vacant sofa by the end of the room and Ryoma gratefully nods. He was too tired to even walk at this point. He had his training coach to thank for it.
As Sakuno lines up for the cashier, she couldn't help but eavesdrop on the women's conversation behind her. Now, her English is not perfect but she could understand them very well. Especially when the subject of their gossip is none other than her husband, who's quietly sitting over there with obvious boredom on his face.
Sakuno couldn't count how many girls drool over Ryoma wherever they go and she gets it. For years, she, too, had 'drooled' over the prince and to this day she still can't believe she gets to marry him. There was a wave of confidence and assurance inside her, but of course, there was still annoyance and jealousy swirling around her head when she heard about what other women thought about him.
"He's so cute! I wonder if he has a girlfriend?"
"He seems alone. Should we buy him coffee and chat?"
"Yeah, we should. He's so dreamy! I want to take a photo of him," they giggled before one of the girls pulled out her phone and attempted to snap a stolen shot of Ryoma staring off into space.
W-What?! That's not a nice thing to do!
Sakuno internally panicked. As much as Ryoma presents himself as a sloppy guy today, of course he was still attractive! And, it doesn't sit well with her that other girls talk about him like that. If they weren't married, or they weren't dating, she wouldn't even attempt to do something about it. She contemplated if she should tell them off or she should let Ryoma be the one to snub them.
But the thought of them talking to him makes her blood boil.
Before the girl could press the button, a hand suddenly covered the lens and they all gasped in surprise.
Sakuno had experienced confronting Ryoma's admirers and all, but this is America. Who knows what the girls might do to her? However, she just couldn't take the fact that all his life, Ryoma had always made an effort to evade the paparazzi, and as his wife, Sakuno needed to take action, whoever and wherever she might be.
"Excuse me… You can't take a photo of someone without their permission," She kindly said as calmly as possible. The three girls scoffed at her and shook her hand away.
"Mind your own business, lady," one of them said. Sakuno retrieved her hand and felt the rising anger in her. Don't they recognize him? Surely, they would know of the wedding news, right? But then again, Ryoma hadn't shaved his face since he was too busy, so no one seemed to recognize him yet.
"Next!" the cashier announced before she could say another word. Sakuno flinched and hurriedly placed her order. The girls snickered at her clumsy actions and they resumed taking pictures of the prince. Sakuno had no way of stopping them again as she was choosing the cake for Nanjirou.
"Thank you!" The cashier returned her debit card and when Sakuno turned around, the girls towered in front of her. She almost dropped the box at how scary the American girls looked.
"Now get lost, little lady," one of them said. Sakuno stepped aside and threw a menacing glance at them. The other girls only laughed at her cute but failed way of threatening them.
"T-That was annoying!" she hissed before she walked towards Ryoma. When she placed the box on the table, poor Ryoma who was just dozing off jumped in surprise.
"Why are you frowning like that?" he placed a finger between her eyebrows and swirled it around. Soon, Sakuno's face relaxed, the pout and frown vanished.
"Nothing!" She stared at him before sighing heavily. The mere existence of Ryoma really does make her day brighter. She realized once again how hard it was to be married to someone like him. Well, to be fair, she always had a hard time ever since they met, so this was really not different from then.
"Are you done?" He stood up and carried the box for her.
But now, I can do something about it!
"Yes! Let's go!" She smiled and grabbed his hand. Before they exited the coffee shop, Sakuno glanced at the three girls who were visibly shocked to see them actually together. One girl was holding her iced coffee but her hand was now squeezing it tightly in shock, spilling her drink, the other one had her donut fall down on the floor, and the most annoying one accidentally captured them on her phone, her mouth agape. They noticed their hands were wearing matching rings.
Sakuno looked ahead and chuckled. Ryoma noticed this and arched his eyebrow. There was something weird about her today but he just can't put his finger on it.
"What's wrong with you?"
"Nothing!" she answered before giggling. It was evil, but she had to admit that it was fun, and it serves them right.
Ryoma studied her face and realized how happy she was to spend time with his family–their family. A small smile graced his face and decided that this day is going to be good. He held the cake and her hand as they made their way to the Echizen household.
"Sakuno-chan, Ryoma-kun!" Nanako greeted them and held the door as they entered the house.
"Hello, nanako-neechan. Long time no see!" Sakuno greeted her back.
"Yo," Ryoma silently removed his shoes beside Sakuno.
"Long time no see! Come on and let's start lunch. Everybody's in the kitchen waiting for you two," the older woman guided the couple into the house and soon, they saw a feast on the table.
"Welcome back, Sakuno-chan! Ryoma!" Rinko said with a wide smile on her face.
"Ah, my kind and beautiful daughter-in-law who married my good-for-nothing brat!" Nanjirou hugged Sakuno and the girl could only squeak at the sudden contact.
"H-Happy birthday, father!" Sakuno tried her best to greet him amidst the tight embrace.
Ryoma clicked his tongue and pulled Sakuno by her shirt's collar.
"Don't suffocate her," he told his father.
"Ah, Chibisuke is jealous! Come here and let your old brother hug you!" Ryoga wrapped his arm around the prince's neck and happily messed up his hair.
"N-No thanks! It hurts!" He could never really relax in this house! Ryoma groaned loudly until the two playful men got tired of messing with the two of them. Rinko announced that lunch is ready and that everyone should take their seats around the table.
Nanjirou's birthday lunch went by smoothly. Happiness engulfed Sakuno as the whole family sang happy birthday to him. It was a feeling that she had not felt since her grandmother passed away. A scene where the two of them would celebrate their birthdays together, they would bake their own cakes and would deliver some of it to their friends. She wiped away tears as she laughed at Nanjirou and Ryoga's jokes.
Some time later, Nanako's daughter, Mika, emerged from the stairs. She seemed to have woken up from her nap and is now ready to start her day. The five year old approached her mother quietly.
"Hi, sweetheart!" Nanako picked Mika up and cradled her lovingly in her arms. The girl noticed the newcomers in the house and immediately recognized them.
"Uncle Ryoma…" she extended her arms towards the prince and he automatically reached for Mika.
"Hi," Ryoma greeted with a smile. Sakuno watched the two as Mika hugged Ryoma. Then the girl looked at her and transferred to her arms.
"Oh, Mika-chan misses Sakuno-chan!" The only time Sakuno met Mika was on their wedding day. Sakuno recalled how cute Mika was as one of the flower girls in their wedding. However, as hard as she looked at the house, there was no sign of Ken, Nanako's husband. It would be rude to ask about it now, so Sakuno hoped she could find a chance later.
"Mika-chan likes to play tennis with his Granddad. Don't you, honey?" Rinko clapped her hands as a fun thought crossed her mind. "Wouldn't it be fun to play with Granddad, Uncle Ryoga, and Uncle Ryoma outside?"
Mika's eyes twinkled and she immediately jumped from Sakuno's lap and pulled the guys' arms.
"Let's go and play! It's sunny outside! Come on!" She chirped.
"Alright, alright, Mika-chan. No need to drag Granddaddy. Remember my hips?" Nanjirou laughed awkwardly as Mika ignored him and continued to pull him out of the house along with Ryoma, and a very enthusiastic Ryoga who didn't need to be dragged.
The three women were left in the kitchen to enjoy some quiet chat over some wine.
"So, Sakuno-chan. How is married life? It's only been a month, right?" Rinko sipped her beverage and was waiting for her story eagerly. Sakuno was more than happy to tell them about it.
"It's been wonderful, mother. Although Ryoma-kun is always busy somewhere, we do find time to be with each other once in a while," she smiled.
"Oh, I do hope to see my next grandchild before I'm gone," the oldest woman jokes. Nanako almost spit her wine and coughed a little. Sakuno panicked and handed some tissues to Nanako.
"Auntie, don't talk like that!" Nanako scolded.
"Oh my. I'm sorry! I just wanted to tell you that I hope you and Ryoma will have your first child soon. We're more than happy to support you," she corrected herself. Sakuno laughed awkwardly at the two. It wasn't a secret that they have been trying to be pregnant in the limited time that they were both home, given their busy lives. Sakuno couldn't admit that she and Ryoma had been too absent from their marriage. But they do give their best to start a family. It just wasn't that easy to prioritize it.
With a sorry smile, Sakuno silently drank her wine, hoping for Nanako to divert the conversation.
Oh! That reminds me.
"N-Nanako-neechan. I've been meaning to ask you but I don't see your husband," she asked. There was a visible surprise on Nanako's face as she thought of the best thing to say. It might discourage Sakuno, but she couldn't hide the truth from her family.
"Well Sakuno-chan, we are divorced now," she confessed with a sorrowful look on her face. Sakuno was too shocked to speak, so she stammered.
"W-How-Since when?" she couldn't help but pry more.
"Since before your wedding. I didn't tell Ryoma-kun so you won't get worried. But I'm okay. It will just take time for Mika-chan to understand our situation," Nanako forced a weak smile. It was evident that she's stressed about the whole thing, but there was an impression that she wanted to appear strong.
Rinko held her hand in the midst of her heartache, and let Nanako absorb the positive emotions she hoped to send her.
"I-I'm sorry for asking, Nanako-neechan…" Sakuno felt bad for opening that topic when she didn't know anything. It would definitely be painful to talk about it.
"No, it's okay. I was planning to tell you anyway. I don't want the atmosphere to be gloomy so we should just change the topic," Nanako smiled at them with genuine gladness on her face. It was amazing how the girl would find strength inside her. If it was Sakuno, she would have not survived being left alone. Although she had not experienced a divorce, and she doubted that she would ever experience it, Sakuno knew how painful it is to lose a loved one, and how a union can easily vanish in the blink of an eye.
"Nanako-neechan. I want to be a strong and happy woman like you someday," Sakuno felt her heart swell when Nanako's lips formed the prettiest smile. It was comforting to know that there are people who surround you with love and support especially when you come across something as draining as falling out of love.
"She's good," Ryoma commented. He and Ryoga watched Mika and Nanjirou play tennis under the sun. The girl would fail to hit the ball back to her grandfather, but was having too much fun to give up. It only made Nanjirou happier.
"Doesn't this remind you of that time when we were still kids? We used to play like this with dad," Ryoga asked with a smile on his face. Ryoma nods as he sips on his Ponta.
He remembered how he was clumsy and Ryoga was the prodigy between them. He was pissed off that time, but looking back at it now, it's one of the most treasured memories he had with them.
"Say, isn't dad looking older now?" Ryoma said. Ryoga's face turned serious as they both observed Nanjirou's stature. Indeed, he has grown older, his body has been weaker lately, and he has more fine lines on his face than before. Ryoma felt a pang on his chest, one that he didn't know that he felt about his father. He couldn't avoid that part of reality.
"You're right. But that's life, people grow old," Ryoga answered. He smiled as Mika ran towards them, a pink racket in hand.
"Uncle, let's play!" Ryoga chuckled at her cute voice, and how her missing tooth in front only added to her charm.
"Darling, maybe Uncle Ryoma can play with you?" Ryoga smiled sheepishly, hoping to pass the responsibility of entertaining their niece to his brother.
Mika turned to the prince and handed him the pink racket. Ryoma only smiled and stood up. He had such a soft spot for her, after all.
Ryoga scooted over and Nanjirou carefully sat down beside him.
"Ahh, your old man needed a break. I can't keep up with that bundle of energy!" The old man sighed and drank his tea.
The two watched Ryoma and Mika play together clumsily. In Nanjirou's eyes, Ryoma seemed like his younger self, learning tennis from his father. Now, he's teaching the next generation. He felt proud at how hard his two sons have been working for the sports center they built to give opportunities for other kids. The pride he felt for his sons made him tear up a bit.
"I wonder when they will have their own child…" Ryoga let himself think out loud. Surely, a smaller version of Ryoma or Sakuno would make the family happier.
"I'm wondering when you'll settle down," he heard Nanjirou say with a sour tone. The younger man stuck his tongue out and snickered. He was still enjoying his bachelor life to marry one of his girlfriends, though.
Before they went back to Japan, Ryoma said he needed to visit the stadium first. Since Sakuno wanted to come along, they both made their way to the place first thing in the morning.
Tons of kids have been happily playing their beloved sports inside, and Sakuno was beyond impressed at how wonderful Ryoma and Ryoga had done with the place.
"Ryoma-kun, this is just amazing," she felt really touched at the children's smiles. They looked radiant as they moved freely and confidently.
After a while of observing, Coach Rui, one of the workers in the stadium, approached the couple.
"Why, if it isn't Ryuzaki-san!" he greeted her.
"Oh, Coach Rui. Long time no see," she smiled softly as they shook hands.
"I'm sorry I couldn't come to your wedding. You see, there's a lot of work here and the kids need me," he said.
"Oh no, it's okay! I'm just happy to see the children having the time of their lives," she glanced at the kids below the court, playing basketball as they laughed.
"Well, this place couldn't be more busy! I'm just sorry that the kids have been hogging your husband's presence these days," The man chuckled.
"No, it's good that Ryoma-kun works hard for the future generation. Don't mind me," She shook her head and offered a sweet smile to the coach. It was always refreshing to meet Coach Rui, Sakuno thought. No wonder Ryoma had him to coach the kids. He was just brilliant and the kindest coach she knows. After watching the practice matches for about a few hours, the two decided to go.
"Well then, Coach. We have to go. Thank you for your help," Ryoma bowed in thanks, and Sakuno, too, bowed to the coach.
"Take care on your way back, Ryoma, Ryuzaki-san," Coach Rui smiled and walked away to assist the rest of the coaches inside the room.
Ryoma held two strawberry ice creams in each hand and he walked towards Sakuno who was sitting by the beach. They decided to watch the sunset before going to the airport. It's always relaxing to bathe in the richness of the orange sea with the one you love, and Sakuno would never let this opportunity pass by.
"One strawberry ice cream for your majesty," Ryoma popped up from behind and held out the cold dessert to Sakuno.
"Thank you, Ryoma-kun," she giggled at his quirky announcement.
"No problem," he sat beside her and they ate their ice cream in comfortable silence. The hot blow of air was clashing with the coldness of the ice cream in their bodies. It truly felt like summer.
"Ryoma-kun. I enjoyed watching the children play today, and Mika-chan is so adorable," She started, "...I felt so happy just seeing their smiles."
"Yeah, I do enjoy being with them," he agreed.
"And your family is so welcoming. I hope to spend time with them again soon," Sakuno was practically glistening with happiness, as Ryoma saw it. He felt this oozing genuine happiness from her and in a way, it was contagious. Suddenly, he felt like laughing, or jumping around, some way to express his happiness. But he can only admire the woman beside him.
"Thanks for forcing me to be here,"
"So, did you enjoy playing with your father and Ryoga-niisan?"
"Hmm… I played with Mika," he shrugged but at the corner of his mind, he had always enjoyed being with his family even if they don't hold a racket all day. Sakuno leaned her head on his shoulder and let their minds take in the evening atmosphere.
Sakuno Echizen stood in front of the mirror of their bathroom. There was visible stress in her eyes, the damp streaks of tears on her cheeks, and the dark bags under her eyes. As she composed herself before walking out of the bathroom, she stared blankly at the piece of object on the counter. Months ago, she felt enthusiastic over this, but as she looked at the single red line, it felt like her world was beginning to collapse.
She splashed cold water on her face to try to freshen up and erase any traces of distress. She couldn't let Ryoma worry about her, especially during tournament season. He has been too absorbed with preparations and training and absolutely cannot be distracted. Her work at the restaurant has also been hectic, as it always is. However, Sakuno tries her best for her family and future. But the thought of disappointing him and many others would mean the end of her sanity.
She stepped out of the bathroom with the usual smile on her face, and greeted Ryoma who was currently sitting on the dining chair, a book in his hand. Upon noticing her presence, Ryoma took off his glasses and watched Sakuno sit beside him.
"What's wrong?" he inquired. To his question, Sakuno was surprised.
"What? Nothing's wrong, Ryoma-kun," she poured hot tea on her cup and tried to focus on the comforting sound of the liquid filling up the cup.
Having known Sakuno for years now, Ryoma was sure that she had something on her mind.
"You look troubled. Did something happen at the restaurant? I could go and check it out,"
"Eh… No, I told you, you can't go there," she refused defiantly. Sakuno had always told him not to go to her workplace in fear that people would make a big deal of him, and her co-workers would pester her to meet Ryoma. It was one of the trying times of being married to a famous athlete.
"Okay… Well, your phone's been ringing for quite a while now," Ryoma handed her phone and sure enough, Sakuno saw multiple missed calls and messages from her best friend, Tomoka. She brushed off the lingering worry in her mind and opened her message.
"You should get some rest," he stood up and left her to her phone. Ryoma had an early day tomorrow, so he would have to close this interesting book he's trying to read. After brushing his teeth, he saw Sakuno slumped on the chair, clutching her phone tightly.
"Sakuno, what's wrong?" He walked to her and saw streaks of tears on her cheeks. She was crying silently. She made no effort to hide it anymore and the prince knelt down, observing her sullen face.
"I'm sorry, Ryoma-kun. I didn't mean to cry," she wiped her tears away but more tears just kept rolling down her face. Ryoma put a hand on her back and gently stroked it. He was confused as to why his wife was suddenly crying, and he figured it had something to do with Tomoka's messages.
"Why? What did she say?"
Sakuno handed him the phone and he read it. The message was that Tomoka told her that another baby is on the way!
"Horio sure is working hard," He smirked in amusement. That was all Ryoma could comment on their friends' recent update.
But surely, news like this would definitely be worth celebrating, right? Ryoma wanted to ask why Sakuno doesn't seem to be happy. But she spoke again.
"I wish we could be, too," she sobbed silently, trying to convey her feelings into words. The conflicting feeling that she was having of being happy for her best friend, and being disappointed for not being pregnant, has been wrecking Sakuno's well-being. It's been six months! Doesn't she deserve a miracle like Tomoka's?
Sakuno questioned her ability and her worth in those few minutes.
"It's okay. Don't be sad," Ryoma had only those words to offer. As much as he understood the pain Sakuno was going through, he struggled to think about his own feelings of having a child of their own.
"It's not okay. How could I face my best friend?" Sakuno was crying like a lost child. More than the disappointment she was feeling, she felt guilty for being envious of her friend, and it's not a good thing. She couldn't write a congratulatory message with those feelings inside.
"Don't cry anymore. I know how you feel, it's normal. You don't have to reply to her right now. Just take your time and when you feel better, you can smile at your best friend again, without any negative feelings," Ryoma smiled. Sakuno looked at him and it sent a gentle wave of emotion to her. Ryoma was right. Soon, she'll get over it, and as much as she wanted to be genuinely happy for Tomoka, she can't face her with a fake smile. She decided to give herself time to deal with her own feelings, and hopefully, someday, she could have what Tomoka has, and when that day comes, Sakuno would surely feel complete.
Ryoma frowned as he watched Sakuno stare off into space. He tapped her shoulder, waiting for her response.
"Oi… anybody there?"
"Let's go for ice cream!" She sniffed, then flashed a more natural smile. Ryoma arched his eyebrow as Sakuno wore her jacket and bag, preparing to go out.
"Are you sure you're not pregnant? It's always ice cream…" he groaned and stood up. Although he's had too much of the dessert these days thanks to Sakuno, he could never refuse her, especially since she's this easy to cheer up.
To be continued.
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A/N: It's ending soon… a few more chapters left. Oh no, I feel emotional when I see the upcoming scenes. It's going to be intense... and sad. I also feel bad that the parents are getting older and Nanako's story just got me... But rest assured I will find her happiness :( Btw this one is titled "Smiles" maybe because I'm going to miss their smiles after this chapter lol. I will read reviews and comments to cheer me up tonight, hehe :)