Chapter 51: Jealous

He watched the younger, more energetic players have a match in front of him. It was surreal how he was the one who was now a spectator in the matches of his fellow players. They used to be the ones who observed and admired him whenever he played. But now, looking down at his wrist, Ryoma knew that it would be impossible to see him on the courts for a while.

He suddenly felt insignificant. Why would he show up in training when he didn't even need to? At least for now. He felt out of place as he eyed the one player who resembled him in his younger years– agile, energetic, and full of determination. His eyes reflect that familiar hunger for success that Ryoma once had. But right now, he sat there like an invalid person.

If tennis was gone, who would he be? What would he do with his life? He was beginning to think that the end of his career is nearing.

He sighed, and lazily rested his chin on his hand. Way to be a pessimist.

"You look down, Ryoma-kun," his manager remarked. It was obvious how out of sorts the prince was ever since he walked in the training grounds.

"I'm fine," he only answered.

"I bet you'll want to hug me for this good news," he grinned at him, fully expecting an enthusiastic response, but Ryoma has always been nonchalant.

"I don't think so. But spill it," he smirked at him.

The manager presented a certain article on his tablet. He scrolled through it and watched Ryoma read the whole thing.

The Echizen Sports Center aims to support hopeful youth who are aspiring to reach their dreams but unable to take a step due to health conditions or impairments, as well as lack of opportunity. Since its launch last year, founder Ryoma Echizen, together with his brother, Ryoga, the acting manager of the center, had done a great job helping children discover their athletic talents and have been continuing to do so. In light of this achievement, the PTO Philanthropy Association has given the Echizen Sports Center a prestigious award for its charity and philanthropy towards the youth's future, and for contributing greatly to the sports world.

"Oh, this is great. Then, my brother can accept the award in my place. Can he?"

"Why? Don't you want to accept it yourself?"

Ryoma didn't want to leave Sakuno again by herself, so he was thinking of giving the opportunity to his brother instead. Given their rocky marriage, leaving for America isn't a good idea right now.

"I don't wanna. I have things to do," He shrugged.

"O-Okay then. I'll talk to him and see if he's not too busy," the manager retreated to his office, leaving the prince by himself at the bleachers. Ryoma had a lot of things in his mind, but he couldn't deny that this good news is a good way to approach Sakuno and start a conversation. He felt energized knowing that this piece of news will bring a nice color to his wife's face. Not to mention, it's about that time of the year where they celebrate a milestone.

Sakuno fidgeted on her hair as she walked the cold and empty streets of Tokyo. It was pitch black outside, but the street lights illuminated her way to their house. Her mind was too busy thinking about what to give Ryoma as a present for an occasion they failed to celebrate last year due to their own busy schedules.

She sighed to herself, realizing that as they grew older, finding time for each other was the toughest challenge they have been facing ever since they got together.

She figured she'd just pick up a cake or something before heading home. Turning around swiftly, Sakuno walked back to a pastry store somewhere along the city. That was the safest and quickest thing she could get to make up for the lost times they wasted.

"I'm– home," he greeted no one. The house was dark and gloomy. There were no shoes by the front door, which means she's not home yet– which is normal for him. But still, considering the date today, Ryoma was a bit disappointed. Just when he decided to be a better person and apologize for his wrong doings, it looks like he would fall asleep on the sofa again, and wake up to Sakuno already at work. He would not be seeing her tonight.

He set the bouquet of red roses on the dining table and went to their room to change. He admired the moonlight by the veranda. The wind blew the sheer curtain by the sliding door, and it felt cool. He suddenly wanted to sit outside and just stare into the black sky.

His can of Ponta rested on the small table outside the veranda, and he sat on the reclining chair. His back ached but it felt good to feel the pain as it adjusted to his posture.

After a while, Sakuno entered the house silently. She was careful not to make a noise seeing her husband's tennis shoes by the door. She set the box of cake by the dining table and before she could sneak into their bedroom, she noticed the biggest bouquet of red roses she had ever seen.

"What is this?" She gasped in excitement as her fingers caressed the deep red petals of the roses. It was beautiful, Sakuno thought. Her heart ached a little, and she felt impatient to seek Ryoma and apologize for her recent behavior. As her feet walked to the room, her heart was pounding, tears welled up in her eyes, as she looked around for him.

At last, Sakuno saw Ryoma resting by the veranda, a half empty Ponta on his hand. His dark green hair that seemed to be a bit damp from the shower swayed with the cold breeze of the night. He seemed to have fallen asleep. Sakuno then covered him with a blanket so he wouldn't catch a cold. She stood there and had the opportunity to stare at him after what felt like an eternity.

It felt like they haven't seen each other in forever, and that she longed to hear his voice again.

"Sakuno?" Ryoma had woken up and even though it was awkward, Sakuno couldn't avert her gaze from him. He looked as handsome as the day she first saw him. She almost wanted to cry, but that would make him feel awkward. Suddenly, she couldn't find words to say. The two phrases she looked forward to telling him, everything was blank. She wanted to say something, but her mouth seemed to have been glued shut.

"You're here," He simply said. Looking at her still dressed as she usually did at work, Ryoma realized she must have just arrived home and maybe she's too tired to talk.

"You must be tired. Wash up and get some rest," he didn't bother to ask if she wanted dinner. Ryoma has been accustomed to her responses that he knew Sakuno would eventually shut him out. So, he didn't do anything– to save him from that embarrassment. Instead, he stood up and closed the sliding door. They stood there looking at each other. Ryoma was the first to break the ice.

"Oh. Before I forget, happy anni–"

"Happy wedding anniversary, Ryoma-kun," she covered his mouth with her hand. She wanted to be the one to say it. Seeing that Ryoma clearly hasn't forgotten their anniversary and it seemed as if she did, at least in his eyes, Sakuno owed him this. She also wanted to apologize first.

"...and I'm sorry. Just– for being difficult," she awkwardly said. Ryoma removed her hand from his mouth and sighed. He wanted to be the first one to apologize, but Sakuno seemed to have planned the same thing.

"I'm sorry, too. For being annoying," he felt shy all of a sudden. It was strange how they went from being close with each other, to being strangers again. It didn't even feel like this when they started dating. But now, she felt like a stranger to him. His hand slid from hers, letting her go. Sakuno didn't seem to mind it.

"I-I brought cake," she abruptly said.

"Oh. You want to eat it?"

"I'm not hungry. But you can eat if you want. I'll give you a slice," she offered. There was the same awkward tension between them and it was getting harder to extend the interaction.

"It's late," he said.

Both of them were unable to escape from each other's gaze, and although the house was dark, Sakuno could still see his golden eyes and his unique features. All she wanted to do right now was to embrace him tightly and hope that their relationship would be okay again.

But not one of their muscles wanted to move at all. So, as the clock ticked, Ryoma scratched his head and let the conversation die. He dismissed the idea that they could talk about the good things recently, and decided to get a good night's rest. It would be good for both of them, after all.

"Well, good night," he said. Sakuno seemed disappointed, but having no power over her own body, she let him go to bed. Maybe he was tired, she thought. But even if Ryoma was being distant to her, she was still glad to be able to apologize and greet him that night.

"Good night," she whispered. Sakuno felt terrible but then it was enough for her to be able to apologize to him. She sighed and decided to wash up in the bathroom, but before she could open the door, she felt Ryoma's arms around her waist.

"Ryoma-kun?"

"I love you," he whispered in her ear. It was the warmest feeling, she thought. It sent electricity through her veins right to her heart. His strong arms stayed wrapped around her, as if she was going to disappear if he let go. Sakuno turned around and hugged his neck. They stood still while they both felt each other's heartbeats, their bodies' warmth, and the fragrance of his hair. Sakuno wanted to stop time and stay like that forever.

"I love you, too," she finally responded.

They spent the night admiring the stars outside their garden. It was a peaceful and cold night. As the night deepened, they eventually started talking to each other, even though there was still a hint of awkwardness between them.

"I miss seeing Haru-chan…" Sakuno whispered.

"Me, too," he replied.

"Maybe we should go visit them sometimes. We should visit your parents, too,"

"Hmm… If you want. But would you have time?"

"O-Of course. I will do my best to get out of work! I want to see them all,"

"Okay, then. Anytime you want,"

"Anytime? But won't you have to get ready for the tournament?"

"It's fine," Ryoma smiled at her.

"Thank you," she smiled back.

For the longest time since their marriage, Sakuno felt that they were gradually losing their connection with each other, and that Ryoma was becoming more distant the more that they fought. But during that moment, Sakuno was sure that the connection that was once lost had slowly been coming back. It was exciting, but at the same time, nerve-wracking. Neither of them knew when it would just disappear with just one wrong word.

"I miss you," She heard him whisper. There was a long pause as she breathed in, absorbing the weight of his words. It sent a tingling feeling in her veins.

"I miss you, too. It felt like we haven't talked to each other in a while," she replied with full honesty and transparency. She didn't end up holding back her emotions and decided to tell him just how much she sought his attention.

"Let's keep talking from now on,"

"Okay,"

"Can you just promise me one thing?" he asked.

"What is it?"

"Don't leave me," Ryoma said. His mind was full of thoughts about imaginary scenarios when Sakuno would fall out of love with him and start to see other people who are far better than him. His self-confidence was declining, and he knew that he wasn't perfect. He has tons of flaws, he wasn't the best as he thought he was.

Ryoma was terrified that Sakuno would realize that he's not all how she knew him.

"Of course, Ryoma-kun. I'll always stay with you," she reassured him with determination in her voice.

"Thanks,"

At the restaurant, Sakuno greeted Soichiro as usual. Since the awkward aura between them had finally vanished, they were back to being the closest duo among the staff. She had also apologized to everyone for causing trouble and accidentally hurting herself with hot oil. The head chef was kind enough to forgive her with only an earful of sermon, then she was back in her usual station.

"I promise not to surprise you again," Soichiro chuckled beside her.

"You better not," She replied with a smile.

"Oh, that reminds me. Do you still have my jacket, by any chance?"

Sakuno gasped as she remembered that when she washed the jacket, it had been in her closet, forgotten.

"Oh my, I'm so sorry! I meant to return it after washing it. But after the accident, I forgot all about it!"

"No worries. You just returned, no rush!" Soichiro smiled at her kindly. Sakuno bowed in apology. She felt lucky to have such a forgiving and patient friend even though she makes too many faults.

"I'll come and get it from the house after my shift. Can you wait for me then?" she suggested. Since it was a few minutes walk from the restaurant, she wasn't sure if Soichiro was willing to wait that long. But it was getting colder in the night, she thought he might be needing it.

"Hmmm… should I just go with you then? So you don't have to walk back here,"

"O-Oh, is that okay?"

"Yes, I don't mind,"

"Thank you! Then, let's go later,"

"But won't your husband mind?"

"No. Ryoma-kun is very kind. That reminds me, you two haven't met yet, right?"

"No, not yet. I only know him in magazines. I'm a fan of tennis, after all,"

"Really? Then you'll get along!"

"Hey, you two. Save your chitchats after work," The head chef suddenly popped up between them and frowned. The two friends jumped in surprise and got back to their own tasks.

"I can't go to America on that date! You know I have my obligations to my team," Ryoga's voice was heard over the phone. His younger brother had called him and asked if he could accept the award on his behalf. Ryoma didn't want to go at all.

He felt that he didn't deserve it.

"What if Dad goes?" He tried to sound like he was joking, but he was half-serious.

"Ryoma, why don't you want to go? It would be beneficial to your career. You'll have more fans–"

"I don't care at all,"

"Sakuno-chan will love you even more!"

"That's–" he paused for a moment. Of course he knew that his wife already loves him so much, but he wondered how this achievement would make their relationship better. It was just an award for doing something good. He just suddenly wanted to spend his money on something other people could use, he wasn't thinking about anything else at all.

"Anyway, while you think over there, I gotta go, Ryoma. You should go and let the people make you feel that you're actually a good person. That's one of the reasons why they wanted to see you personally. The kids will also be happy," the older Echizen said before hanging up. Ryoma knew that his brother would be of no help even before he made the call. His manager said that he would take care of everything but as it turned out, he also expected him to be going to the ceremony.

He seriously wanted to hit them.

Ryoma sighed in defeat and mentally prepared himself to tell Sakuno. He didn't really want to leave her again, but it looks like being a philanthropist is not as good as it sounds, at least to him.

So, he planned to wait for her near the restaurant and surprise her. He hurriedly undressed and changed clothes into a more casual one. He rummaged through his side of the closet and found a simple shirt., then a thick jacket since it was recently raining all day.

He was about to close the door when he saw an unfamiliar garment on Sakuno's closet. He pulled out and examined it.

"This isn't mine," his forehead crumpled as he wondered whose jacket it might be.

Sakuno, as she would put it, has been in a state of euphoria. Things with Ryoma have been improving lately, and that she was comfortable around Soichiro again. They even promised to walk together and pick up the jacket she forgot to return to him.

"So, maybe if he's not sleeping yet, I can invite you in for coffee," she excitedly walked out of the restaurant. Soichiro smiled at her as he happily followed her. The rain stopped a while ago, but the streets were still wet. Because it was too dark to notice the puddle in front of her, Sakuno accidentally slipped. She managed to hold onto Soichiro's shoulder and prevented another blunder, and his arms caught her swiftly, enveloping her in a warm embrace.

"O-Oh!"

Sakuno didn't want to make things awkward again so instead of being shy, she gratefully smiled at him. She was about to thank him for saving her when she noticed someone standing in front of them.

His cat eyes captured every piece of the scene she was in. As the two friends seemed to feel each other with a hug, Ryoma couldn't process what just happened. Sakuno saw him clutching an umbrella and the familiar jacket that she meant to return to Soichiro that night.

Sakuno felt the cold sweat trickling down her back. If looks could kill, she and Soichiro would have been six feet under.

Kami-sama… help me!

As the three of them seemed to have a staring competition, it began to rain again.

"You gonna let go of her or what?" he hissed. Upon hearing his vicious tone, Soichiro quickly assisted Sakuno to stand up and retrieved his hands to his side.

"O-Oh, um…" He eyed the prince and his intense gaze. He had that look he especially does to his opponents, and right now, he might consider Soichiro as one of them.

"R-Ryoma-kun! Why are you here?" Sakuno blurted out.

"Oh, you're Echizen Ryoma! Nice to meet you!" Soichiro extended his arm to shake his hand but Ryoma ignored them. He remained silent, waiting for an explanation. He wasn't the type to lash out to anyone. Instead, he expected them to clear things out before he lost his patience.

He looked at Sakuno who was visibly nervous.

"A-Ah! You brought Soichiro-kun's jacket…" She ran to Ryoma's side and took the jacket from Ryoma's hand. Meanwhile, Soichiro was surprised that the prince went out of his way to actually return his belongings. He truly is a lucky fan!

Sakuno handed him the jacket and Soichiro gratefully accepted it.

"Thank you for bringing it," he bowed to Ryoma, but the prince could only think to himself bitterly, that he did it for Sakuno. He didn't respond.

"Thank you for lending me your jacket, Soichiro-kun. You were a great help," Sakuno bowed to him on behalf of Ryoma.

"You're welcome. Don't hesitate to come to me for your worries. Then, I'll go ahead," he waved his hand to them before running in the opposite direction. He covered himself with the jacket as protection from the pouring rain.

Meanwhile, Ryoma opened the umbrella and gave it to Sakuno. The girl noticed that he didn't bother to cover himself with it. Thus, he was now soaking wet. It would have been the only reason that he was being strange tonight, but the fact that he hasn't said anything even after Soichiro left was baffling Sakuno.

"Ryoma-kun, you're getting wet," she said.

"I'm fine. This is nothing," without even a glance at her, Ryoma took her hand and wrapped it on the umbrella's handle. Sakuno unwillingly took it, then he walked away.

She stood there, confused. She thought last night was the beginning of their renewed marriage. She thought they were going to get along better with each other. But why did he suddenly revert back to his old self? Did she do something wrong?

Sakuno ran and followed him. Being an athlete, Ryoma had no problem walking fast until they reached home. Sakuno, on the other hand, was fighting for her breath. She huffed and puffed as they entered the living room.

Sakuno watched him walk to the bathroom. She hurriedly took a mop and dried it. Then, she followed Ryoma inside.

"Ryoma-kun, you've been silent all night. Is there a problem? Also, why did you go to the restaurant? It's a good thing it rained, or else people would flock over you all night,"

The prince was now wearing dry clothes, and was sitting by the edge of the bed. The light was off– only the moonlight beamed through their window.

"You used to smile like that with me," he started, "...you used to tell me your worries, too."

"Ryoma-kun, what are you talking about?" She took small, careful steps towards him, afraid of what might happen if she carelessly approached him. Since she knows Ryoma well, Sakuno could tell that he was upset about something.

"Why did you have his jacket?" he glanced at her, his face serious.

"I–" She didn't know what to say. Her heart began to beat fast, nervous of what kind of fight they would have now. However, a small part of her felt guilty. If only she had communicated more with him, Ryoma would understand her more.

"You're happier at work–with some waiter, than with me. Maybe that's the reason why you come home late," His tone changed to being accusing. Sakuno was taken aback at his words. Was he doubting her faithfulness for him?

"No, Ryoma-kun! He's my friend. He always helps me when I have some problems. Believe me, I would never do anything that would hurt you. I would never hurt you," She began to tear up. Her chest hurt from the mixed emotions that she was feeling. All she wanted to do was to pour it all out and convince him.

But Ryoma was too stubborn to listen. He was tired of listening to her. All he could think of was how painful his chest is right now. It was sucking the life out of him. He knew that Sakuno was probably telling the truth. But his pride wouldn't let him take the bait anymore.

Her words were no more than just nonsense to him right now. He shook his head and dismissed the conversation.

"Never mind. I'm going to bed," He turned around, but Sakuno couldn't stop her temper anymore. She was tired of explaining, always having to deal with a petty Ryoma, and always living under his shadows.

"If that's how you see me, then I'm not going to say another word. I'm getting tired of this, Ryoma-kun. We leave misunderstandings without ever solving it. I could only count the nights we slept with smiles on our faces with one hand,"

He ignored her explanation. His blood was boiling as the scene between Soichiro and her kept replaying in his head. Maybe the worst thing that could happen to him had already happened, and he can do nothing about it anymore? He's too jealous to even think straight.

"I thought last night changed something," she said before she left the room.

Ryoma laid on his side facing the bright moon outside the window. That night he just couldn't feel anything anymore. It was as if he was experiencing a heart break for the first time, it was paralyzing. Having to see someone else touch the woman of your dreams. It crushed his heart into tiny pieces. But watching Sakuno become happier with someone else was hurting him more than ever.

And the worst part is, Soichiro didn't even do anything wrong.

He pulled the drawer of his nightstand open and grabbed his pills. He didn't care how many pieces he needed to take that night. He just wanted to lose consciousness right away.

To be continued.