Realization
This is my first Prince of Tennis fanfiction, so please go easy on me.
Disclaimer: I do not own The Prince of Tennis.
Chapter 1: Realization
Ryuzaki Sakuno. There are many things that people don't know about the girl. For example, the fact that she was doing poorly in school and barely passing her classes. Or the fact that she really wants to improve in tennis, but can't for some reason. But what everyone knew for sure, was that she was 100, absolutely, in love…with Echizen Ryoma.
Maybe the reason why she wasn't doing well in school, was because she was frequently daydreaming about the tennis star instead of studying. Perhaps the fact that she was not improving in tennis, was that she was frequently going to Ryoma's matches instead of practicing. And after all of the sacrifices she mad, the black haired boy never once showed any appreciation or returned her feelings.
She hung on, long after she realized what the boy was doing to her. She ignored her report card grades and her parent's disapproving looks. She ignored the coach's warnings about getting kicked off the tennis team if her grades didn't get better. She ignored her disappointment in practice when she wasn't able to return a single ball. She ignored the warning signs, until one day, realization finally struck.
It began as a normal day. Sakuno got up, dressed in her uniform, and went to school. After school ended, Tomoka told Sakuno that she was going to watch the practice matches that Seigaku was holding today. Sakuno agreed to accompany her, thinking of being able to see her crush play.
They arrived and went straight to Ryoma's match up against Kikumaru. When they got there, Ryoma was winning, 4-3. As usual, Tomoka cheered while Sakuno watched quietly. It's hard not to be jealous of Ryoma-kun's skill. If only my form was better, maybe Ryoma-kun would notice me more. She thought.
The match ended twenty minutes later. Ryoma won of course, and went to the water fountain to wash his face. Sakuno took it as an opportunity to follow him.
"C-congratulations of your match, Ryoma-kun."
"Hn, you were watching."
It wasn't a question, but rather a statement.
"Of course I was. I go to all your matches." Sakuno answered.
Ryoma turned towards her with an empty expression.
"Oi, Ryuuzaki, how's your form been coming along?"
"Umm, well, it hasn't really been improving, but I least I'm trying."
"…Piece of advice. Stop coming to my matches if you can't even play tennis yourself."
After that, he left.
Sakuno couldn't believe it. After all the time she's wasted on him, this was what she got. She felt tears in her eyes. No, she would not let them fall. She would not cry for someone who just broke her heart. Not knowing what to do after being humiliated like that, Sakuno ran home.
She went straight to her room and slammed her door. (Luckily her parents weren't home or they would've scolded her saying that slamming doors was not mature.) She threw herself at her pillow and cried until she was out of tears. After that, she laid there, thinking. Thinking about what she's been doing since Ryoma had transferred to Seigaku. Thinking of her grades, her form in tennis, and all the time she wasted going to his matches.
I'm pathetic, she thought, what have I been thinking these past months. My grades have been going downhill and my form hasn't improved at all. Wasn't my dream to become a regular in junior high? I'm nowhere near that level at this point. Why did I waste all that time going to his matches? He never asked me to, nor does he show any sign of appreciation.
Fine, I'll leave him alone. It's better for me that way anyways. I won't have to waste any more time on him. I'll finally be able to get good grades, and improve in tennis.
Her mind was set. There's no going back now. Watch out Ryoma, because realization has finally hit me.