A/N: This chapter was inspired by FRIENDS.

This is the last. Thank you very much.

Final Chapter: My Constant

The clanking of a fork against a wineglass echoed around the reception hall, gaining all the guests' attention. When everyone was finally quiet, Nanjirou stood up and cleared his throat.

"Uh… hi. I was told to offer some kind of encouragement or something to this couple. Hmm…. I actually don't have anything I can think of," he awkwardly looked at Rinko, who was glaring at him. She was the one who told him to say something in front of the crowd. Sensing the incoming fight they were going to have later, Nanjirou wracks his brain for anything, anything to come out of his mouth.

"U-Uh… Well," he scratches his head, "Well, the only thing I know is... marriage isn't always a beautiful garden. It's going to be a burning house sometimes, and you get to choose if you're going to save the flowers or you're going to leave them to die. Marriage means everything is a choice now. You choose who you want to be with, choose which side of the bed to sleep on, and choose if you're willing to choose that person over and over and over again. I mean it. It's going to be a rough ride, but I just hope both of you can choose the right one," he finished his speech without much conclusion and proceeded to take his seat. The guests clapped weakly, realizing how disheartening his speech was.

Rinko frowns at him, and he just chuckles in response.

Ryoma smiles at the memory. He opened his tired eyes and saw that the cab had arrived at the airport. The driver opened the door and helped him take out his suitcase. He walks into the airport quietly. As he saw the familiar sight of the stewardesses walking in front of him with poise, and the other passengers waiting for their own flights, Ryoma thought about how it would feel different to be away from Sakuno forever, and to not see her for the last time. He wondered if he did the right thing–giving up for the last time. To him, it was his last chance to make things right, to tear off those rotten divorce papers, and to beg for her hand.

Sakuno holds Ryoma's hand as Nanjirou finishes his speech. He looked at her, curious of the sudden touch. Her lips formed the sweetest smile he had ever seen–pink and shiny ones, too.

As she looked up to him, she whispered, "I'm always going to save it."

Ryoma's feet halted to a stop. He sees Tezuka and manager Kawazu in the distance, both looking at the screen with the flight schedules. They seemed to be checking the exact time they (including him) were supposed to leave the country.

He realizes it's really going to be over the moment he boards the plane.

Sakuno stood in front of the gate after a night of aimless running and failure to find Ryoma. She notices that someone had locked it securely. Without thinking much, she proceeded to unlock it and went inside, completely forgetting to lock it again. Upon walking into the living room, she realizes someone had actually come and cleaned the cluttered house. Ever since she was left alone, Sakuno never cared if the place was untidy anymore.

She wondered if Ryoma dropped by while she was actually running around looking for him. Her mind panicked. What if he did go to look for her but she was busy revisiting significant places for her own indulgence? What if there was a chance they could have met today but she unknowingly let it pass by? The thought of never seeing Ryoma again clouded her thoughts.

It was Rinko's turn for a toast. She willingly stood up and ignored her husband's rants.

"Sakuno, Ryoma. The moment you say I do, you offer everything to each other. It doesn't matter if you're imperfect, it's simple, when you decide to walk away but you feel conflicted, turn back and fix it until you can't anymore. Always trust that part of your heart."

It was Ryoma's turn to squeeze her hand. Sakuno looked at him, tears threatening to fall from her eyes. She saw his golden eyes intense gaze, as if she was the most wonderful view in the universe. Ryoma mouths words that only she can decode.

"I want to be with you forever and ever, wobbly hips."

Sakuno smiles at the memory. Even though he still called her that, Ryoma was able to convey his feelings romantically. Sakuno sighs, fighting back the cries at the back of her throat. She can still run, she can still call for him, she can still catch him, right?

Sakuno grabs her phone from her bag and proceeds to dial Ryoma's number. But alas, it was off. He probably didn't charge it again like in the past with his Chinese friends. Sakuno groans and finds Nanako's number. This time, it was connected. Good thing Nanako answers fast.

"Sakuno-chan?" she said.

"N-Nanako-neechan! I need Captain Tezuka's phone number, please! Right now, it's an emergency!" She didn't waste time to explain what was happening and the older woman knew that it was urgent, and she had a good guess of what it's about, so Nanako quickly gave Sakuno the number.

"Thank you! I'll explain everything later!" Sakuno hangs up and calls Tezuka's number. It took a long time to ring, but finally he answered.

"Who is this?"

"C-Captain! Don't go!" She stops him frantically.

"What? Where did you get this number? Who are you?" came the captain's confused voice.

"This is Sakuno! Don't let Ryoma-kun go! I'll head over there now, so please…" she was close to crying but was determined to stop the group from leaving for Germany. As she talks to him, Sakuno gets ready to gather her things again in hopes to get a cab that night.

"U-Uh, Ryuzaki. We're on the plane now. I'm sorry but the signal is weak, I can't understand," he replied. Hearing that made Sakuno's resolve crumble. She had tried to stop Ryoma, but it was too late–again.

"Ryoma left?! No! You have to get off the plane! I still have something to tell him! I have to see him!" She lets her tears drop as she convinces Tezuka to abort their flight. But it was impossible on his part since the plane was now taking off. She could hear the line was cutting off until he was gone.

Sakuno stares at her phone and realizes that it is indeed over.

"No! You have to get off the plane!" she yelled at her phone as she cried her heart out. It was loud and ugly, but she didn't care anymore. She kneels on the floor, feeling completely defeated.

"I still want to be with you…" she whispered between sobs. It was painful, she thought. Why must she always be the one trying? Sakuno felt a bit resentful at Ryoma. It was as if he was always out of reach, even though they were married. She regretted being such a pain in the ass, she regretted staying out late instead of giving him time, and she regretted keeping her dream instead of being with him.

It's over. What should I do with my life now? Would I enjoy being a head chef? Would all this be worth it? What was that sacrifice for if I don't have him with me?

What do I do without Ryoma?

"I still want to be with you, Ryoma-kun," she couldn't help but cry and let hot tears roll down her face. She felt alone and broken than ever.

"I got off the plane," a voice said behind her, almost a whisper. Sakuno's cries stopped, and she turned her head to where the voice came from.

Ryoma pants as if he was running out of breath. Sakuno took notice of his disheveled hair, his sweaty shirt, and the absence of his jacket.

One more time, he spoke.

"I got off… the plane," he swallowed a lump of saliva, appearing to be dehydrated. But he didn't care. He chose to come back, abandoning his captain and manager at the last minute, along with his own suitcase in the middle of the airport.

"B-But how..." she stuttered.

"I... came back. I didn't want to leave without seeing you," he replied as his breathing finally returned to a normal phase.

She stared at his desperate state. There was no time to think about what the consequences are if she chooses to accept him. She just really wanted to feel him again, to know that he still wanted her after all this time.

He still yearned for her love.

Sakuno stood up and dropped her phone. She finally ran to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. She buried her tear-stricken face on his chest and continued to cry. Ryoma responds by hugging her back, melting from her warmth and familiar touch. As they both relished each other's embrace, they both kneeled on the floor, never breaking off from each other. Ryoma didn't care if Sakuno was dirty, and she ignored the fact that he was sweaty from head to toe.

They came back and fought for each other.

Sakuno kept crying, and Ryoma stroked her head in comfort. They stayed like that all night. It has been too long since they were together without ill thoughts or arguments. It felt like forever.

"I'm back," he whispered as he kissed her forehead.

"I thought you left," she answered back, still sobbing.

"They left without me… 'cause I ran away," his cheeks reddened in embarrassment. He turned off his phone so the two couldn't call him. Sakuno giggled in relief.

"Thanks for coming back,"

"I figured we can still give each other another chance,"

She looked up upon hearing him, and was met by his warm smile. Sakuno couldn't resist the urge to kiss him on the lips, so she did. Ryoma closed his eyes and felt her soft lips on his. Sakuno smiles sincerely after that.

"You're worth a million chances," she answered.

They broke off from each other's arms and for the first time in a while, they both felt a sense of relief that everything was alright now. Staring into each other's eyes, both have decided to be together again, and no amount of fights or misunderstanding could get in their way again.

Because while it may tear us apart, our love and ability to forgive will always bring us back together.

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Three years later…

A lady with dark blue straight hair is seen sipping coffee in a cafe in Germany. She was accompanied by an elementary child coloring a book. Then, the bell on the door rang, indicating that someone entered the cafe. It was a tall Japanese man wearing specs and a serious face. He walked straight to the said woman and child at the corner table. He was greeted by the child.

"You're here! Come on, sit here and help me color this book," Mika pulled Tezuka's pinky finger and led him to the vacant seat beside hers. Nanako smiles as she giggles at the sight of her daughter and her husband.

Tezuka seemed awkward but nonetheless, he was more than glad to entertain the girl.

"It's hard to be a stepfather," he mumbled. This made Nanako laugh a little louder.

"You're doing great, Kunimitsu," she smiled fondly at him.

Nanjirou lounges at the comfort of his sofa as he turns the page of what seemed to be Ryoma and Ryoga's childhood album. He snickered as he looked at one photo, then turned the page again. After a while, Rinko walks in, carrying a tray of cookies and tea for them to enjoy. She sits in front of her husband.

"I want to look, too," she said. This made Nanjirou flinch. He really didn't want her to join him, after all. So, he moves away from her suspiciously.

"Erm… you can look at it after me!" he chuckled awkwardly. Rinko's eyebrow arched and she quickly snatched the album from his grip and revealed another book–magazine underneath it. Nanjirou laughed meekly as Rinko crushed the cookie in her hand.

"H-Honey…" he backs away at the pissed off Rinko preparing to beat him up.

Even after their children had moved out from their home, and out of their lives, the Echizen house has never been boring with Nanjirou's mischievousness and Rinko's knuckles.

Horio scans his ID on the biometrics system of their office and walks out of the building, ready to pick up Haru from school. Upon arriving there, he quickly saw a very enthusiastic kid running to him.

"Hi! How was school?" he asked.

"I did good! Are we going to our favorite place today?" he asked, and Horio happily nodded.

"Of course! Today's special is cookies! We're going to eat lots of it!"

"Alright! Let's go!" Haru grabs his father's hand and they make their way to the familiar streets of Tokyo.

A small cafe came into view. The two entered and saw a woman cradling a baby in her arms as she sipped tea.

"Tomo!" Horio called. She turned her head and flashed an excited smile. It has been a long day taking care of an infant and all she wanted to do was pass the baby onto Horio to take a much needed break. Her arms were sore!

"Horio, Haru! Good to see you! Come on, the tournament is about to start!" She exclaimed excitedly. Horio almost rolled his eyes on Tomoka who was a bit over excited at their friend's match even though it was only the replay. The tournament was yesterday, and of course, with Ryoma's return from rehabilitation, he had easily won. Horio sighed, feeling relieved that everything was going well in their lives from now on.

As the tournament began, a man stood outside the cafe's front door, admiring the green pastel bike leaning on the wall. He smirked at the memory of it, and his hand immediately reached for the door knob. The moment he stepped inside, the match on the television had started. He saw himself playing with his all. With every swing of the racket, he receives the neon ball flying at him, and hits it back to the opponent with a new playstyle nobody had seen before.

Horio's jaw dropped when Ryoma demonstrated his new technique that ensured his victory in the first match. Everyone inside the cafe was silent as only the cheers from the audience in the video was heard. They were in awe of this Japanese player who came back in perfect condition after disappearing three years ago to complete his therapy and rehabilitation in Germany. With Captain Tezuka's help, he had regained his old self, but this time, a better version of him.

Ryoma sighed and walked towards Tomoka's family's table.

"Hey," he greeted, stroking Haru's head.

"Uncle Ryoma!" the boy stood up and jumped into his arms excitedly.

"Echizen!" Horio was surprised.

"Ryoma-sama, you're here!" Tomoka smiled at him.

"Yeah, I got an earlier flight," he replied. Looking around, he admired the cozy vibe of the cafe. He felt proud of how Sakuno had managed to open a small establishment by herself. That was three years ago, immediately after he left. He would come back occasionally to check on her and how she's doing, and so far, she was great.

But a year ago, they suddenly needed to find someone to help her manage the cafe.

Why, you wonder?

Ryoma heard the kitchen door open and she walked out carrying a tray of freshly-baked cookies. Her apron could no longer fit her big stomach since she was due to give birth to their firstborn this month.

He put Haru down and ran to Sakuno's side and snatched the tray from her.

"I told you not to do anything around here anymore!" He scolded her. Sakuno, now with shorter hair, smiled sheepishly at him and touched her belly.

"Ryoma-kun, you came home a day early!"

"What owner works around the cafe everyday? You need to rely on your manager. Otherwise, why did you even hire him?" Ryoma arranged the cookies neatly in front of the counter. He was pissed off at Sakuno for being a workaholic. She's going to give birth any day now!

Atsushi's head pops out from the kitchen and scowls at Ryoma. Noticing this, the prince frowns at him. Atsushi has been the manager for Sakuno's coffee shop since she opened it. She called him and personally recruited him to come back to Japan and work together. Of course, he thought it was fun.

"Welcome back, prince. I knew that annoying voice came from you!" he chuckles and goes back inside, ignoring Ryoma's mumbles.

"Yo, Atsushi. Great help," he said sarcastically.

"I wanted to move around before that… I won't be able to do all this for a while when our baby comes out," she said as she rubbed her itchy belly. Ryoma put the tray down and removed the apron from Sakuno and wore it himself. He figured he could do all the work while he's there.

"I got it, okay? Why don't you sit over there with your friends," he gestured for her to go to Tomoka's table and relax as they watched his tournament. Sakuno happily obliged.

As their eyes were glued on the television, Sakuno watched their smiling faces, she looked behind her and saw her husband clumsily taking the order of a guest, with Atsushi supervising him. Then, she admired the picture frame on the wall beside the front door where their family photo is. The Echizen family is complete, Nanjirou and Rinko smiling at each other, and Ryoga, who don't plan to settle down anytime soon, was smiling.

Then, she looked on the other side of the cafe. On the wall was the wedding picture of her and Ryoma. She looked radiant with her white wedding gown and flowers. Ryoma looked dashing with his suit, and a small smile graced his face.

But a smaller photo was inside the frame. It was their very first photo with him wearing an eyepatch. Sakuno felt nostalgic. It only felt like yesterday when they were still twelve year old kids who were too enthusiastic about tennis. Then, being high schoolers who learned about love, and life. Ever since then, Sakuno had experienced happiness and pain, but one thing didn't change. She still loves Ryoma, and he still adores her in his own way. They still fight, but what changed was they tried their best not to walk away from each other, and to always choose love.

Sakuno stood up and walked over to the last photo she had hung up. She smiled as she admired the woman in the picture.

I don't know if I'm lucky but I'm thankful for having come this far with my life. I've got everything I want close to me.

Her left hand cradled her belly, and her right hand reached for the photo and wiped off dust. She smiled as her eyes lingered on Sumire's face.

See, grandma? I'm so happy right now. I hope you're watching over me and my family from up there.

-END-