Sakuno stood in front of her mirror, her fingers deftly tying back her long hair into a neat ponytail. At 21, she felt a mix of nostalgia and pride as she glanced at her reflection—a face that had matured from the shy high school girl to a confident university student. The couple bracelet on her wrist reminded her of Ryoma, her boyfriend, who was now thousands of miles away, competing as one of the top tennis players in the world.
"Hey, do you have morning class today?" Tomoka called from the kitchen, her voice slicing through Sakuno's thoughts.
"Yeah, I forgot the lecturer mentioned it yesterday," she replied, rushing to slip on her shoes.
"Be careful, Sakuno," Tomoka warned, as Sakuno grabbed her tote bag and dashed out the door, with Ai, their third roommate, absorbed in her law textbooks.
Three of them already in the last semester of the university.
As she made her way across the campus of the University of Tokyo, memories flooded back. She recalled her first semester, how she had met Yuna Sato and Hiro Agawa in her very first lecture. They had bonded over shared laughter and late-night study sessions, forming an inseparable trio.
"Almost late again." Hiro teased as he settled down beside her during the lecture. His black hair framed a charming smile.
"I forgot we had class." Sakuno chuckled, grateful for Yuna's timely reminder earlier that morning.
Yuna, with her strawberry blonde hair and infectious energy, leaned closer. "I'm glad I called you this morning, Sakuno-chan!"
Sakuno smiled sheepishly and said, "I'm sorry."
Later, after they finished their morning class. they escaped to their favorite café, buzzing with energy. As they sat around a table, sipping matcha lattes, a live sports segment flickered on the screen—an interview featuring Ryoma and other top tennis players. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight of him, looking every bit the champion, stoic and composed, yet wearing the same couple bracelet she cherished.
"Look, I heard one of them is from Japan and he is the youngest tennis player who got into the top 50 in the world." Yuna said, excitement lacing her voice.
"Yeah…" Sakuno's cheeks flushed as she gazed at the screen, a rush of pride mixed with fondness washing over her. Ryoma was not only her boyfriend; he was a symbol of dreams and ambitions, a beacon shining brightly across the ocean.
Hiro joined in, his eyes glued to the screen. After a moment, he turned to Sakuno. "You're part of the tennis club too, right?"
"Y-yeah," Sakuno stammered, quickly redirecting her gaze to her almost-empty cup.
After finishing her drink, Sakuno glanced at the time. "I have English class next." She turned to Hiro and Yuna, "See you two later."
As she hurried to her class, Hiro and Yuna looked at her from afar.
Yuna asked, "When will you confess to her?"
Hiro blushed and rolled his eyes, "I don't know. I just have the feeling that she only sees me as a friend."
Yuna patted his shoulder. "Why not try asking her?" Yuna then sighed. She put down her hand and said, "I'm actually not sure too, Sakuno-chan looks like has someone she likes, but I never saw her going out with any guy, and she usually refuse too when I invite her for mixers."
Hiro sighed too, his eyes still looking at Sakuno who already far from them.
During English class, the teacher asked students to pair up for a conversation exercise. Sakuno went to the front confidently as she started to converse with her partner. Their discussion flowed effortlessly, and when the teacher praised her fluency in English, Sakuno felt a swell of confidence.
After class, she spotted Hiro near the park, walking around. Hiro saw him and waved his hand. "Hey, you just finished the english class?" he asked, his voice light with amusement.
She smiled. "Yeah! What are you doing here?"
"Just enjoying the fresh air. Mind if we chat for a minute?"
They found a bench in the nearby park, its wooden slats warm from the sun. As they sat, Sakuno felt the gentle breeze ruffle her hair and soothe her nerves.
"So, which school are you thinking of for your teaching practical?" Hiro inquired, easily slipping into conversation.
Sakuno hesitated but then replied, "I'll probably apply to Seigaku Junior High, where I used to study. How about you?"
"Not sure yet," he laughed, scratching the back of his head. "But I hope to find something soon."
Then Hiro's expression changed, becoming more serious. "Can I ask you something personal?"
"Of course."
Taking a deep breath, Hiro leaned in a fraction closer. "Well... do you perhaps have someone special in your life? I mean a guy you like?"
The question hung in the air, and for a fleeting moment, Sakuno froze. Should she tell him about Ryoma? With a soft sigh, she finally spoke. "Actually, I do… I have a boyfriend since high school."
Hiro's brow furrowed in surprise. "Oh, I see. That's really shocking."
Sakuno looked down on her shoes. "I'm sorry for not telling you and Yuna-chan. I thought I want to introduce him when he came back to Japan."
Hiro's mouth gapped a bit, still surprise, "So, he lives far away? Not in Japan?"
"Yeah, he studies in US," she replied, a hint of pride coloring her voice. "He's pursuing his dreams. It's a bit far, but we make it work. I'm always cheering for him."
Hiro's expression softened, though a hint of disappointment flickered in his eyes. "So, you're pretty committed then?"
"Yes, I actually went to see him sometimes. Not usually, maybe one or two times in a year?" she assured him, showing off her bracelet. "See? We even have matching ones."
The realization struck Hiro suddenly. "Wait, the 'R' and 'S'... I thought it stands for your name, Ryuzaki Sakuno."
Sakuno chuckled nervously. "It symbolizes both of our names."
Hiro smiled, his gaze became warmth as he saw Sakuno's smiled when she talked about her boyfriend. "You must really like him."
"Very much," she admitted, feeling the blush rise again.
They lingered in comfortable silence, the atmosphere charged with unsaid feelings. In that moment, Sakuno realized how much she missed Ryoma.
The sun dipped low over the sprawling courts of Los Angeles, casting long shadows as the final rays illuminated the vibrant greens and browns of well-worn tennis courts. There, Ryoma hit the tennis ball against the wall.
Ryoma had changed over the years; At 21, he was leaner, stronger, and undeniably more handsome, embodying a confidence that came from hard work and competitions won. His dark-greenish hair fell in artful disarray above sharp, focused eyes. He exuded a quiet intensity, one that both intimidated and attracted the budding players who watched him.
Approaching him with wide eyes and an eager smile was Arthur, a rising tennis player and full of ambition. "Mr. Echizen," he called, a mixture of reverence and excitement in his tone. "Can I play one game with you before you leave for Japan?"
Ryoma studied Arthur's face, reading the thrill and respect written across it, and felt a familiar stir of camaraderie. "Sure," he replied with a hint of a smile, recognizing this chance to pass on a bit of his skill before embarking on his journey back to Tokyo.
As they took their places on the court, Ryoma could feel the anticipation in the air. With a twist serve, he launched the game into motion, every stroke echoing the many hours spent practicing and refining his craft. The ball danced and spun under his command, a testament to the countless matches fought, and with each point, Ryoma grew more connected to the moment, losing himself in the rhythm of the game.
When the final score flashed—6-1 in favor of Ryoma—He smirked and said "mada mada dane." It wasn't a surprising outcome, but as Arthur lay down on the cool, green surface, gasping for breath, he laughed, full of admiration. "You're really good," he managed, looking up at his opponent who stood effortlessly, a picture of grace even after an intense match.
"Thanks," Ryoma replied, holding out his hand, a gesture that felt natural, almost spoken in a shared language of sportsmanship. Arthur clasped his hand, pulling himself up with a beaming smile.
"Are you sure you're going back to Japan? You can join many tournaments here." Arthur asked, curiosity lighting up his eyes.
"Yeah," Ryoma replied thoughtfully, packing his racket into the bag. "I miss someone in Japan."
Arthur chuckled, catching onto the nuance. "Your girlfriend?" he teased, a playful lilt in his voice.
Ryoma nodded, a soft smile crossing his face, the kind that spoke volumes without words—a fondness that radiated warmth. "Yep," he said, throwing his tennis bag over his shoulder. "See you again, Arthur."
"Good luck in Japan!" Arthur called, watching as Ryoma walked away, a spring in his step, the promise of new beginnings wrapped around him like a cloak.
The bustling terminal of LaGuardia Airport greeted Ryoma with a rush of travelers and vibrant energy. As he maneuvered through throngs of people, his mind raced with thoughts of Sakuno. Should he text her? Tell her about his impending arrival? The flicker of doubt made him pause, his fingers hovering over the screen of his phone. No, he thought, smirking mischievously to himself. 'I'll surprise her.'
With determination, he tucked his phone away, his heart thrumming with excitement. Every interaction, every moment spent on the plane would lead him closer to Sakuno. The flight attendants moved through the aisle as passengers settled into their seats, and the hum of thoughts began to swirl inside Ryoma.
As the plane soared above the clouds, Ryoma traced his fingers over the couple bracelet around his wrist, feeling an ache of longing mixed with anticipation. Sakuno was the gravity that pulled him back to Japan—a familiarity he wished more than anything to bask in once more. His thoughts drifted back to her shy smiles and bright laughter harmonizing with the moments of silence between them, filled only by comfortable companionship.
He could already imagine her reaction—the sparkle in her eyes when he'd reveal his surprise. Would she gasp in delight? Would she throw her arms around him, squeezing tight, overwhelmed with joy? The thought alone sent warmth flooding through him.
The descent toward Narita Airport jolted Ryoma, the cabin's rhythmic hum punctuating his thoughts like a heartbeat. As the plane landed smoothly on the tarmac, he felt the rush of excitement surge within him, racing faster than the aircraft had just moments ago. Something filled his heart with fervor wasn't just the thrill of homecoming; it was the anticipation of seeing her again.
Emerging from the airport, Ryoma navigated through customs and baggage claim with all the urgency of a man on a mission. He shook off the fatigue from the long flight.
"Oi, Echizen!" A voice broke through his reverie, vibrant and familiar. He turned to find Momoshiro, his closest senpai, waving enthusiastically from a distance. Ryoma smirked, warmth spreading through him like sunlight breaking through clouds.
Momoshiro had changed over the years; his hair, long and flowing now, framed his face rather than spiking defiantly into the air. "Oh look at you, becoming much cooler, huh?" he laughed, his expression one of genuine affection as he scanned Ryoma's stylish ensemble.
Ryoma shrugged, adjusting the strap of his bag on his shoulder. "You're not too bad yourself," he replied, allowing a hint of his trademark grin to surface. They exchanged pleasantries, the bond of brotherhood palpable between them.
After loading Ryoma's luggage into Momoshiro's Honda car—its interior plush and inviting—they made their way through the bustling streets of Tokyo. "I already bought an apartment for you, just like you wanted. Not too big, not too small," Momoshiro said casually, glancing over with a grin.
"Thanks, Momo-senpai," Ryoma replied, his gratitude sincere. The prospect of having a place of his own was comforting.
They soon arrived at the apartment, a modest yet charming space that felt like a fresh start. "Here's your key," Momoshiro announced, presenting it like a trophy. "I picked this one because it's near the university Ryuzaki goes to."
"I see. Thanks," Ryoma murmured, curiosity piqued. "Do you know where her apartment is?"
Momoshiro scratched the back of his head, thinking. "I'm not sure. All I know is she lives with Osakada and… another girl. I forgot her name."
Ryoma nodded, Sakuno did tell him that she rent an apartment together with Tomoka and Ai. They stepped inside. The apartment was quaint but full of potential, and he felt an unfamiliar sense of belonging wash over him. As Momoshiro prepared to leave, he slung his bag over his shoulder, ready to embrace the evening.
"Let's have a drink later with the others. You must be tired. Get some rest." Momoshiro then handed him a packaged meal. "Oh, and this. I bought you food in case you got hungry."
"Thanks, Momo-senpai," Ryoma said warmly, feeling a flutter of appreciation for his friend's thoughtfulness. As Momoshiro left, Ryoma relished the solitude of his new apartment.
Alone, Ryoma allowed the day's events to settle. He pushed his luggage into the bedroom and flicked on the light. The room was simple yet serene, with a queen-sized bed beckoning him like a siren's call. He fell onto the bed, the exhaustion from travel crashing over him like a wave. As he drifted toward sleep, he dreamt of the day he would finally see Sakuno.