Only You

Sakuno lay still in the hospital bed, her face pale against the stark white sheets. The rhythmic beeping of machines formed a haunting melody, underscoring the weight of her exhaustion.

Dr. Saito entered, a furrowed brow etched on his face. He approached Ryoma, who sat in the corner, anxiously tapping his fingers against the armrest of the chair. “Her body is too exhausted,” Dr. Saito stated bluntly, glancing back at Sakuno, whose eyes remained closed. “Ryuzaki-san, you have been doing so much for Shun.”

“Shun?” Ryoma echoed, confusion clouding his sharp features.

“Oh, Shun is one of her students,” Dr. Saito explained, crossing his arms. “He has stage 2 brain tumor, and Ryuzaki-san has been tirelessly organizing donations for his treatment. I worry this situation is taking a heavy toll on her.”

Ryoma listened, his heart constricting with every word. Once the doctor left them alone, he shifted his gaze back to Sakuno, who looked fragile yet peaceful. “You never change,” he whispered, squeezing her hand gently. “Always acting recklessly for everyone else.”

Ryoma rose and walked purposefully to the nurse’s counter. “Excuse me,” he asked, his tone firm yet gentle. “Can you tell me where the paediatric ward is?”

The nurse smiled kindly and pointed down the corridor. “Just follow this hallway, and it’ll be on your left.”

“Thanks,” he replied, rushing off, his heart pounding not just with urgency, but also with a growing sense of purpose.

Upon arriving at the paediatric ward, Ryoma approached the counter, where a sympathetic nurse greeted him. “May I know which room is Shun’s?” he inquired.

“Oh my!” the nurse exclaimed, her eyes widening. “Who are you? Usually, only his grandmother and Ryuzaki-san visit him.”

He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. “I’m his uncle.”

“Oh, I see! His room is right over there.” She gestured down the hall.

“Thanks,” Ryoma said, feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension as he approached the door.

Grateful, Ryoma made his way to Shun's room and knocked softly before pushing the door open. The sight within the room stole his breath. A young boy, sat cross-legged on the bed, transfixed by the game footage playing on his phone. Ryoma’s eyes widened as he recognized the match—the ATP tournament, his latest victory.

Shun turned at the sound of footsteps, his mouth falling open in awe. “Y-you, aren’t you..” He looked back at his phone, and turned to see Ryoma again. “R-Ryoma Echizen?!” he stammered, eyes sparkling with disbelief.

Ryoma moved further into the room, a small smile forming on his lips. “You must be Shun.”

“Y-yeah! H-how did you know my name?” Shun asked, cheeks flushing crimson.

“I’m friends with your sensei,” Ryoma explained, trying to keep the conversation casual despite the gravity weighing on his heart.

“Ryuzaki-sensei?” Shun asked, his awe evident.

“Yeah,” came Ryoma’s reply.

“D-did she send you here?”

“No,” Ryoma admitted, an honest smile breaking through. “I just heard about you somewhere. I just wanted to come by and see you.”

Shun stared in wonder, clearly flabbergasted that a legendary player like Ryoma even knew of his existence. “Can I shake your hand?” he asked, barely able to contain his excitement.