Of Remembering, Letting go and Waiting
DISCLAIMER:
PRINCE OF TENNIS. Not mine. Nope.
(='.'=) Sequel to DEPARTURE'S MORNING. It might help if you'll read that first before reading this one.
Chapter Four: Amity
Now 23 years old, Ryuuzaki Sakuno watched in amusement as her former crush's eyes widened in shock when he saw her, his eyes as big as saucers. She smiled slightly when he slowly composed himself, taking his image in hungrily. He's grown taller, almost as tall as Momoshiro. His body looks much, much better now compared to the still boyish physique she last saw 5 years ago. His face is much more defined now, the childish roundness no longer there. But his eyes remained the same. His Topaz cat-like eyes. The same eyes she missed so much.
She took a hesitant step forward, aware that every eye in the room is focused on the two of them. Ryoma watched her approach him in slow, graceful strides. She's changed so much. Gone was the girl who sported twin braids on her back, who had legs she had so much trouble walking in, whose clumsiness caused her more than her fair share of misfortune. Gone was that young girl who used to be his cheerleader, admirer, friend and finally, lover. In place of that girl is this young, sophisticated and mature woman, whose hair is straight with her one sided bangs falling on her face. The legs that used to be the cause of her troubles now carried her tall, confident frame. She's a brand new person. It was quite obvious that England did her good.
They are now in front of each other, with her staring up at him. She barely reached his shoulder, she thought idly to herself. Finally for what seemed like a few lifetimes, her eyes met his. And for a second, she felt like she forgot how to breathe.
How she missed him.
Ryoma watched as Sakuno stared at him before a smile graced her beautiful features. That shy smile. The smile he fell in love with. The smile that assured him of the one thing he needed to know.
She still loves me.
Sakuno watched as Ryoma returned her smile, that rare smile she knew he reserved for her. She felt tears gather in her eyes. After all these years, he never forgot her. He didn't let go.
He still loves me.
Ryoma reached up and tugged on the scarf tied to his neck, his eyes never leaving hers for even a second. He loosened the cloth slightly, revealing a single ring attached to his necklace. He took off his necklace and pulled the ring loose. Everyone held their breath as they watched Ryoma take Sakuno's left hand and place the ring on her ring finger.
"Stay with me." Ryoma said, repeating the very same words he last uttered to her 5 years ago. The very night he asked her not to leave him.
A single nod, a watery smile. "I'll stay."
Everyone bursted in to cheers, the men hooting their congratulations while the women wiped tears of happiness from their eyes. All of them watched at Ryoma pulled Sakuno into his arms, both savoring the feeling of being in each others arms again. 5 years is a long time. But they managed.
The clock struck 12. It's Christmas.
OWARI
(='.'=) Finally finished the sequel! Took me YEARS. Tsk.