Chapter one: The ABCs
By: Imitation L
L's notes: I realized, I most enjoyed reading about Ryoma X Sakuno relationships. They are the most fun because; the two are suited for each other. Although not being noted in any animes or mangas, Sakuno and Ryoma should be together. But I do enjoy reading Shounen-ai! Ryoma and Tezuka are invincible! Please read and enjoy this story, because it's twist on a true story. You'll find tidbits of a story that happened to me. Haha, maybe that will turn you away. I sure hope not!
I know my stories are always short, but I hope they're at least short and sweet. This one will be much more detailed, because, this story means a lot to me. So please enjoy it!
(I don't own Prince of Tennis)
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Once in a while, I think of you.
Once in a while, I'd like to talk to you.
Someone asked me, ...do you like him? I simply said no.
I didn't know him well enough to like him, he's my friend, and he's my good friend.
He helps me in English class, before that we've never had a class together. I've never even noticed him.
But that's how it all started, our English class together.
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"Welcome to Beginner's English! Here is where you will learn the basics of the English language, as well as phrases and grammar to help you along the way." Yoshikawa sensei smiled brightly as she tilted her glasses. "I think I shall start with attendance."
The girl on the second row to the left was Ryuzaki Sakuno, her eyes lit up as her name was called. "Hai! Ryuzaki Sakuno present." Her voice was as clear as a bell, her long braids flung around as she adjusted herself in her seat. A brand New Year has started. She felt excited, yet nervous, a regular emotion of Ryuzaki Sakuno.
Two rows behind Sakuno, is the infamous Echizen Ryoma, his well-known tennis skills made him a star around SEIGAKU high school. Yet he didn't seem to care about any of that. No one really knew him except for the tennis regulars, or dared to approach him.
"Echizen Ryoma?" The sensei lowered her notebook to take a good look at the famous tennis player everyone is talking about.
"Hai." A tired arm rose up. Echizen grew up in the United States, already fluent in English; it seemed silly to take such an easy course.
The sensei continued to read down the list, remembering each student's face, and jotting down notes. Yoshikawa sensei was one of the nicest sensei in the school; she was beautiful, kind and caring. Her attitude was very appropriate to be a teacher. All of the students enjoyed and looked forward to her class.
Especially Ryuzaki Sakuno, she enjoyed watching movies from other western countries, and has always wanted to visit North America. As soon as I learn English, I'd love to visit! This was always one of her goals.
"Everyone needs a partner from now on, to complete listening and conversation exercises. I have pre-arranged the seating plan. So please listen careful for your name." The sensei said, directing the class.
"Natsukawa Yoshi and Daidouji Yukata"
"Tachibana Akane and Tomori Watanabe" The sensei called out.
Yoshikawa Sensei's voice trailed off in Echizen's head. I wonder whom I am going to get for a partner; I hope it's a cute girl. His lips curled into a small smile. Yeah right, like that ever happens. I'm hungry. What am I having for-
Echizen's thought was abruptly interrupted.
"Echizen Ryoma and Ryuzaki Sakuno. Ryuzaki, please bring your things and sit beside Echizen, please."
Sakuno shuddered, the ever-arrogant Echizen Ryoma, it was just her luck to get seated with someone like him. Just because he's good at tennis, doesn't make him a King. Ryuzaki thought to herself. She couldn't refuse to sit with him; tons of girls would kill to sit beside Echizen Ryoma in English class. But not Ryuzaki, she doesn't like flash or glamour, she enjoyed a quiet and simple life. And Echizen Ryoma didn't fit that profile.
Yoshikawa sensei noticed that Ryuzaki didn't move much; her expression was cold and distant. But a reassuring smile was all she needed to give.
"Daijoubu? Sakuno-chan." Yoshikawa Sensei smiled gently. A blushing Ryuzaki rushed towards Echizen's desk. Placed her things down, and straightened out her skirt. Carefully, she sat down; trying not to notice the one beside her, her eyes focused on the board, and sufficiently wrote notes down.
Although she tried, it was hard not to notice his cat like eyes, staring at her like that, making her nervous. He chuckled at her, as a pink hello kitty pencil scribbled down notes, misspelling a few words.
Echizen blinked, muttering to himself; words that couldn't be heard. But Ryuzaki noticed his chuckling. She ignored him and continued to listen to the sensei's lesson.
A pair of almost gold colored eyes burned into the girl, wearing a pink ribbon on her hair. I can get any girl, .... yet this one is ignoring me? ....I am Echizen Ryoma, and some how a girl is ignoring me? My wistful glances can't win her over? Sheesh, there must be something wrong with her. But she is KIND of cute.. The arrogant boy thought to himself, glancing out the window, noticing the Sakura blossoms in full bloom.
Class is now almost over. Echizen gazed over to look at her, her honey colored hair smells like fresh flowers on a sunny day. Her movements are small, but somewhat clumsy. Her neat notes were carefully placed in a pink Sakura covered binder. Her books neatly covered. Her school bag clean, her tennis racquet....
The prince of tennis rewind-ed his thought, Her Tennis racquet eh, there is no girl that can resist me. So, this one ignored me for a whole class. But not for long, she'll like me in no time, just like a bee liking honey. His sly grin appeared, just as the bell rang.
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DAIJOUBU? (Are you okay?)
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I hope everyone enjoyed the first chapter of "ONCE IN A WHILE" I don't know why I chose this title. Ack, Just ignore my random babblings. =P