Waiting for that Promise

After few unintended detours and help from good samaritans, Ryuzaki finally found her way to the Echizen household. Needless to say, she’s been there for a couple of times, way back middle school and just the other day, when they just arrived from the airport.

She stood outside their semi-opened solid green gate. She’s yet to peek inside. With a final check, she opened her sling bag to get the pouch where she temporarily placed the watch. Sakuno secured the pouch in one hand, while she leaned to peek inside the gate, trying to see if anyone was out of the house.

But what she saw there was nothing that she expected. A painful twist in her heart surfaced. Kate tiptoed to match the tennis prince’s height. Her lips were on his. Granted, Ryuzaki couldn’t clearly see the youngest Echizen’s expression, aside from his cat-shaped eyes that looked at Kate, as she was facing their side profiles. But Kate had her eyes closed, as if tenderly relishing the kiss.   

There’s this thought that broke her: Ryoma probably liked Kate.

Because if not, then they shouldn’t have kissed.

And it meant that waiting for Echizen Ryoma’s answer to her confession is turning out to be nonsense. She knew now. She realized now. And Fates couldn’t be crueler enough to let her see that scene.

She turned to look away. But in process, the back of her arm bumped in the metal gate, earning a clank. Thankfully, the gate was still semi-open and she can’t possibly be seen from the inside anymore.

Ryuzaki Sakuno can feel tears slowly welling up in her eyes. She blinked, not wanting anyone to see her cry in the middle of the street. She just wants to go home.

A familiar blond head entered her peripheral vision. It turned out to be Kevin who was walking on the street, seemingly going to the Echizen residence too. At that point, she didn’t even wonder what he was doing in Japan.

Starting with soft, fast steps, she ran later on to meet him. She tried her absolute hardest to not look like she was about to cry. She swallowed back tears, and put on a fake smile.

“Ryuzaki! How’s your vacation?” Kevin greeted cheerfully, still unaware of her inner turmoil.

“A-Ano, Kevin-kun..” with a meek smile, she handed the pouch to him, “Can you give this to Ryoma-kun?”

“Huh?” Kevin looked at her quizically, “Didn’t you just came from their house?”

“Kevin-kun...please,” She heard her voice break and for a moment, she was afraid that she’s starting to cry again.

“O-Okay.” the blond looked confused, but he accepted the pouch anyway.

”Thank you.”

Bowing her head slightly in goodbye, she walked away... and then ran.

Eyes puffy with the crying session, Osakada Tomoka handed her a new box of tissue.

“So that’s what it’s about.” Tomoka massaged her temples, “I’m shocked that Ryoma-sama didn’t like you after all. I mean, it seemed like you really go along well.”

“Mou, Tomo-chan,” Sakuno grumbled, “Going along well can also mean really good friends though.”

“Well...” Osakada awkwardly muttered, “That’s right too. But to be really honest...”

“I’m not saying this as a fact, but I actually thought that Ryoma-sama,” she continued, “Ah, I shouldn’t add the honorific -sama now, right?” she quizzically said, her thumb caressing her chin.