Ryumi checks her gear. After acclimatizing for a week to the familiar scenery of her old hometown, the day has come to step onto the court to face the person that has been haunting her dreams quite often lately.

Her mind has been whirling around the different scenario's that could be played out in the near future. Although trying not to get herself worked up, she can't help but fear a little for what will happen on the court once she faces June. Will she really hate her still?

She reaches out; fingering the lucky charm Eiji gave her months earlier. What she wouldn't give for one of his pep-talks right now.

Ryumi sighs. Their goodbye was so difficult she remembers. Although she is sure to see him and everyone else again in due time, she never expected to take it so hard. They all had come to the airport to see her off. Their kindness made her cry. Those Seigaku boys, they're really something else…

Taking a final deep breath to calm her nerves, she gets to her feet, picking up her bag. She can't afford to get sentimental right now. She needs to play to her best capabilities and prove herself to June, her friends, family and also herself.

The door to the locker room opens to reveal her big brother. "It's time kiddo." he nods, his eyes peering at her with a sense of calm. He always manages to keep his head cool when hers feels like a tornado just went through it. Ryumi is grateful that he's here to keep her on track.

She walks up to him before pausing in front of him. "Pre-match hug Ryoga-nii?" she asks, holding out her arms, making him smirk.

"Always." he chuckles, pulling his little sister into his arms.

They squeeze each other tightly before letting go. Ryoga gives her a final pet on the head. "You'll do good." he encourages her, making her nod timidly. If only was so sure of herself as he was of her.

Together they step into the hallway leading towards the court. They can hear the bustle as the seats have filled up to the max. This match has gotten a lot of publicity and people are eager to see the former friends duke it out again. Some are, no doubt, hoping for a piece of drama.

Ryoga steps out first, making for the bench from here he'll coach her, leaving Ryumi to step up to the edge of the court.

She turns her focus on the girl on the other side of the net and she fights the urge to avert her eyes as June's eyes find hers. What is going through her head?

The crowd hushes as they watch the two teenage girls stare openly at each other, watching with bathed breath for a bomb to burst.

But…Ryumi can't feel it. There is no tension to be found as they both assess each other in curiosity and with worry. A realization comes to them at the same time; they have been worried about each other. They missed each other.

A small smile starts to play on June's lips, making Ryumi let out the breath she has been holding. They're okay.

Ryumi returns the smile, feeling her muscles relax as the last bit of stress slips from her body, making her feel light.

Yeah, she's ready to play.

….

They both breathe hard as the ball rolls out of the court, the final call being made by the umpire.

Ryumi drops her racket, having waited for the end of the match to do what she wanted to do two hours earlier when she first saw her friend's smile.

Seeming to read her mind, June drops her racket as well and they both run up to each other, meeting at the net where they swing their arms around each other.

"I've never been so happy at having lost." June laughs in Ryumi's ear, before pulling back slightly so as to face Ryumi. "You came back stronger than ever. I'm so happy to see you didn't lose your fighting spirit."

Ryumi smiles back wistfully. "It took some help from the right people." she admits, remembering the times when she was ready to give up.

June's smile turns sad and Ryumi can see tears pricking into her eyes. "I'm so sorry for everything." she says sincerely.

"I never blamed you or your brother for what happened. I'm sorry on behalf of those that did. They had no right to give you a hard time about it." Ryumi replies, pulling June back into a hug. "It was them that drove us apart."

June nods into Ryumi's shoulder. "Never again right?" she asks meekly.

"Never again." Ryumi agrees.

…..

Having made up their differences, Ryumi took the time to rekindle their friendship, enjoying her time with June for a while before the thought of home came back to her.

With a promise from June that she will come and visit soon, Ryumi said her goodbyes to her big brother and aunt at the airport.

After a long flight, Ryumi was excited to see everyone again. She didn't announce her arrival, wanting to surprise everyone.

Taking the train to the city, she stepped out a stop early. She should probably be going straight home, feeling like a mess and tired as heck, but she felt like she should stop somewhere first….

After a few minutes of walking, she saw the sea container up ahead on the hill, and much to her excitement there is a figure laying there basking in the light of the setting sun.

Stopping below it she smiles, "Hey, I reserved that seat!" she calls up.

For a moment it's silent and she's almost afraid he didn't hear, but her smile returns when he calls back, "That's too bad! Looks like you'll have to share."

Ryumi's smile widens when Eiji's head pops over the edge, eyes wide and a grin on his face. "Ryumi you're back!"

"Of course dummy! Now get down here!" she orders playfully, before watching him scramble to his feet before jumping down with a flip and landing just inches from her making her almost fall back startled if it wasn't for Eiji wrapping his arms around her and pulling her even closer.

Her eyes widen as his lips touch down on her own. She did not see that coming, but neither did Eiji as he quickly lets go with his face matching his hair in color.

"S-sorry, I didn't mean that-..I mean, I did, but-..you know how excited I can get, I meant no harm, s-…" Ryumi stops him from rambling by pulling her hand over his mouth.

"E-Eiji." she starts, clearing her throat to stop her voice from shaking. He takes note of her reddened face. "It's okay." she assures him, taking her hand back.

He nods slowly. "Okay." he breathes.

"Okay." she echoes.

"Okay enough to try again?" Eiji questions seriously as he looks down into her eyes, making Ryumi's heart really start pumping if it didn't before. Where did this Eiji come from?

She blinks shyly up at him, before nodding. "Yeah."

He reels in his smile, by pressing his lips together tightly before relaxing them and leaning down slowly, letting a shuddering breath escape to reveal how nervous he actually is.

This time Ryumi is ready and closes her eyes as she leans into Eiji, letting their lips meet again, but this time more slowly and with care. It makes her heart flutter.

When they finally pull away again, Ryumi jumps as Eiji cheers loudly putting his arms in the air. Whiping away the imaginary sweat from his forehead, he states with lightly, "I've been wanting to do that for a while."

Ryumi can't help but burst out laughing. There is the same old Eiji. "Me too Eiji, me too." she laughs, welcoming the hug that follows. She buries her head in his shoulder, feeling safe and cherished.

"You're gonna stay now right?" Eiji asks quietly, his nose in her hair.

Ryumi tightens the hug. "Of course. I'm not going anywhere." she assures him, making him hum in content.

"I'm glad." he sighs as he opens his eyes to stare at the sunset ahead, a happy smile growing on his lips. "Very glad."

This is the end. I'm happy that you all sticked to the story for so long and have been patient for as long as you have. Thank you for that and your support.

Please let me know what you thought of the story, I always like getting feedback. Love you!