Hye guys. I kept thinking about this. After a while, I make decisions to make special chapter for this story. So, here it is. Enjoy. R&R n_n

Special Chapter: Little by little

It's already morning in Tokyo. It was a quiet morning in Echizen's household. Echizen Ryoma, 17 years old, wore his school uniform and carried his usual big tennis bag. Then he left his room and went downstairs to the kitchen to take breakfast. Ryoma sat on one of the dining chair at the kitchen. He puts down his tennis bag on the floor beside his feet. On the table, he saw western food already prepared; Eggs and bacon.

Ryoma sighed looked at his breakfast. "Okaa-san." Ryoma called his mother.

But, there's no one replied him, made him sighed even more. 'Must be another meeting.'

Rinko and Nanjiro, Ryoma's parent have recently came back home from America. Nanako was already move out from the house after his parent have come back. She and her husband, Yamato made decision to stay with Ryoma until his parent came back. Ryoma didn't mind to stay alone since he thought that he can took care of himself. But, Nanako insisted because she was worry about her cousin since she was the one who always cooked, do the laundry, and cleaning the house for Ryoma.

Ryoma finished his breakfast and put the dirty plate into the sink. He washed it. Ryoma has been learning to help doing the chores when he knew that his cousin already pregnant. So, he get used to wash his own plate, do the laundry and he even can cook a little bit.

"Morning, seishounen. Early again today, huh?" Greet Nanjiro. He then sat on the dining chair and took out his 'newspaper'.

"Hn." Ryoma took his tennis bag, sling it on his left shoulder and left his father at the kitchen. "Ittekimasu."

Nanjiro glanced at his son and smirked. "So, he already at this stage, huh? I wonder who wants that cocky idiot son." Said Nanjiro and continued reading his 'newspaper'.

Ryoma usually was always being late. But know, somehow he had changed. Changed for a certain girl. He woke up early to pick up his girlfriend, Ryuzaki Sakuno at her house. They already going out since the incident when they were 15. The incident of 'little Sakuno'.

-Flashback-

It was the next day after Sakuno confessed her feelings to Ryoma. Ryoma came to school like usual. After school, he went to the tennis court to practice. The other regulars also make their practice like usual. When they were given time to rest, Ryoma's eyes looking for a certain girl. He became uneasy when he didn't see the auburn haired girl anywhere.

'Didn't I told her yesterday to give me an answer today? Is she actually want to say no?' Ryoma thought.

"Echizen/Ochibi!" Momo and Eiji went to Ryoma and hug Ryoma's shoulder with one of their arm.

Ryoma glared at them. "Senpais, let go of me. What do you want?"

"We heard yesterday. So, you already going out with Ryuzaki-chan?" Asked Eiji.

"Mind your own business." Replied Ryoma.

"Don't be like that, Echizen. We all know. Oh, so young. By the way, where's Ryuzaki-san? I don't see her anywhere. Do you guys fight on the first day?" Said Momo.

Ryoma get away from the hug and left them both who looked curiously. He get out from the tennis court and went to wash his face. Then, he went back to the tennis court to continue with the practice. After his practice over, he quickly changed his clothes and say his goodbye to other regulars. The regulars felt weird with his action, but they decided to keep quiet because they already bother him and Sakuno yesterday.

Ryoma walked and walked. But, somehow he was not using the road to his house. Then, here he is. At the front of Ryuzaki's residence. He was only stared at the doorbell. His index finger started to try to press the door bell, but he didn't have the courage. He dropped his hand. He sighed. He start to walk away, but he was stopped by a voice.

"Ryoma?"

Ryoma turned his face at the voice's direction and saw Sumire at the house's courtyard.

"What are you doing here?" Sumire asked.

"Nothing. Just walking." Replied Ryoma.

"Don't lie. I saw you want to press the doorbell. You have anything to say to me?" Asked Sumire again.

"No." Said Ryoma and he started to walk away from the Ryuzaki's residence.

"Well. Okay, then." Said Sumire suspiciously.

Ryoma suddenly stopped his step. He sighed. 'It's now or never.' He thought and turned his face back to Sumire. "Sensei."

Sumire make a weird face. 'What's wrong with him?' She thought. "What?"

Ryoma quiet for a while. "Is… Ryuzaki at home?" Ryoma asked.

"Ryuzaki? You mean… Sakuno?" Asked Sumire.

"Yeah."

"Oh, yes. She is inside her room. Why? You want to see her? I'll go and tell her." Sumire said.

"Sensei! Wait, don't tell her I'm here." Said Ryoma.

Sumire become more suspicious. 'What's wrong with these two? Sakuno looked gloomy when she came back home. And now, Ryoma is… kind of weird. Well, since it is Ryoma, he must has his reason.' Thought Sumire. "Come in. I won't tell her you are here." Said Sumire while opened the gate.

Both of them walked into the house.

"Sakuno's room is at upstairs." Sumire said.

"You let me entered your granddaughter's room? I'm a guy." Said Ryoma. He couldn't believe Sumire, the ultra-fierce coach let a guy went into her granddaughter's room. Did she let in every of guy friend of Sakuno to Sakuno's room?

"Well… since it's you, I wouldn't mind. I know there's something going on between you two. She looked trouble when she came home earlier. So, go and settle things quickly." Said Sumire. "Come on, I'll bring you."

Ryoma followed Sumire to upstairs.

*knock* *knock*

Sakuno, who was lying on her bed, sat up and looked at her room's door.

"Sakuno? Your friend is here." Said Sumire from the outside of her room.

'Friend?' Thought Sakuno. "I'm coming." She said and walked to the door. She opened the door. Her eyes widened.

Caramel orbs meet hazel orbs. They silent for a while. They stopped staring when Sumire suddenly pushed Ryoma into Sakuno's room. Ryoma and Sakuno was shocked. They were almost hugged.

"Well, take your time talking." Sumire said and shut the door.

Both of them sat on the carpet in that room. They were not looking at each other. Ryoma sighed. He hate this kind of situation.

"Ryoma-kun…" Sakuno broke the silent. She suddenly blushed madly when she realize what she was wearing right now. She only wearing a white long t-shirt with a cat printed on it and a polka dot legging. She grasped her lower part of t-shirt with her both hand, try to cover her t-shirt.

Ryoma looked at Sakuno. "Nice outfit." Said Ryoma, made Sakuno blushed even more. "Why?" Asked Ryoma.

Sakuno snapped and looked at Ryoma. She already forget about her outfit when she's looked at Ryoma's eyes.

"Why don't you come and meet me?" Asked Ryoma.

Sakuno blushed again. She looked down. "Mou, Ryoma-kun… it's embarrassing."

"What?" Ryoma asked.

"I… I remember everything." Said Sakuno.

"So?"

"Well, it's embarrassing. Why you didn't tell me?" Asked Sakuno.

"Tell you what?" Asked Ryoma. He made a confused look,

"That I… your house… you and me…" Sakuno felt embarrassed to tell Ryoma.

"Hn?" Ryoma become more confused.

Sakuno couldn't believe that Ryoma didn't understand what she trying to say. Sakuno looked down. "We… bath…"

Heard that 'bath' words make Ryoma suddenly realized. "You worry about that?"

Sakuno's eyes widened. "Of course I'm worried. Ryoma-kun no baka." She felt like want to cry, but here, Ryoma just relax like nothing happened.

Ryoma shocked looking at Sakuno like that. "You are the one that want to take a bath with me." Said Ryoma.

"You should rejected me." Said Sakuno.

Ryoma sighed. Woman sure give him headache. They always worry about simple things. Just like his mother and Nanako. "I didn't see anything. So, you don't have to worry." Ryoma said, looked away from Sakuno. Ryoma's words make Sakuno looked at him.

"Really?"

"And… I couldn't rejected you at that time because Nanako wasn't at home. She's going to kill me if I let a kid take a bath alone." Said Ryoma, still looking away, embarrassed with what he's said.

"I-I'm sorry." Sakuno felt very guilty. She always troubled Ryoma. Ryoma even has to come to her house to make things clear. It always Ryoma who make her felt relieved.

"It's okay." Replied Ryoma.

"A-ano, Ryoma-kun." Sakuno lowered her head.

Ryoma looked at Sakuno.

"About the answer…" Said Sakuno with blushed. She felt really embarrassed.

Ryoma just waited for her finished her sentences.

"Can you also wait for me?" Asked Sakuno, still blushing.

"What?" Asked Ryoma.

"I… I want to be a proper girlfriend for Ryoma-kun." Said Sakuno. "I… I have too much weaknesses. I feel like you and I are from the different world." Said Sakuno. She started to feel sad.

Ryoma looked at her with serious face. He lift his right hand to Sakuno's head. He knocked her head gently. "You are fine the way you are."

Sakuno looked at him. Her eyes started watery. She was touched with Ryoma's words. Ryoma always give her courage about anything.

"Just don't overdo it. Because Ryuzaki is still Ryuzaki." Said Ryoma with serious face.

Sakuno couldn't hold her tears. She hugged Ryoma and cried in his arm. Ryoma was shocked at first, but then he lift both of his hand and hugged Sakuno back. They just remained silent. Only Sakuno's tears was heard in the room.

-End of flashback-

"Sakuno! Ryoma's here." Said Sumire.

Sakuno, who recently finished prepared her bento, quickly packed it and put two bentos in her school bag. She always make bento for her and Ryoma. They always eat together on recess time. She put on her shoes. "I'm going, obaa-chan." She went out from the house and went to Ryoma. Ryoma was standing outside of the gate.

"Ohayo." Said Ryoma.

Sakuno smiled at Ryoma. "Ohayo, Ryoma-kun."

They both started to walk side by side to the school. Two years have passed. Ryoma has become a lot taller than before. He kept the same hair style, and his face has become more matured. Same with Sakuno, still kept her braided hairstyle and it still long.

"Ryuzaki, do you have practice today?" Asked Ryoma. It has become a habit to called Sakuno with last name. Sakuno seemed didn't mind about it.

"Yes. Why, Ryoma-kun?" Asked Sakuno.

"Just asking." Replied Ryoma.

They arrived at the school on time. Ryoma sent Sakuno to her class. They got into different classes on the third year. They only get the same classes on the second year.

"See you on recess time, Ryoma-kun." Said Sakuno with smile. Then she walked in to her class.

Ryoma watched his girlfriend walked in to her class. He saw her best friend, Tomoka greeted her energetically. Then, he walked to his class. He sat on his seat. Suddenly, Horio approached him and sat in front of him.

"Echizen. Are you coming to the practice today?" Horio asked.

"Of course. Why?" Said Ryoma.

"Momo-chan senpai and Kikumaru-senpai said that they want to come here to watch us practice." Said Horio.

"Don't they have anything better to do?" Asked Ryoma.

Horio just laughing awkwardly. Horio really understands about Ryoma. They have become friends for few years. Now, Ryoma has become the captain of the Seigaku High school. The vice-captain is Horio. Horio has become quite skilful tennis player, and he even has his own tennis style. The many experience of tennis might have been useful for him after all. Kachirou and Katsuo also have become regulars.

Horio suddenly looked at Ryoma seriously. "Hey, Echizen. Recently, I heard some rumors about Ryuzaki-san."

Hearing word 'Ryuzaki' made him interest to hear. He looked at Horio. "What rumours?"

"I heard from Osakada that a guy from her class was trying to flirt with her."

Ryoma just silent.

"And… he is the captain of basketball team. He is super popular with the girls. But, you don't have to worry because Ryuzaki-san keeps rejecting him."

'Of course she will rejected him.'

"One more thing, I would like to ask you." Horio said.

"What?"

Horio keep his voice down and whispered to Ryoma. "Do you really… with Ryuzaki-san… haven't kiss yet?"

Ryoma raised his eyebrows. "What?"

"I heard this rumour from some girls." Said Horio, still in whispering. "So, really?"

Ryoma kept silent.

Horio raised his eyebrows and make suspicious looked to Ryoma.

Ryoma still silent.

Horio was shocked. "Whhhhaaaaattttt?!" His voice suddenly in a very high volume. The whole class looked at them.

Luckily, Ryoma managed to close his ears with both of his hands.

Horio slowed down his voice back. "Echizen, are you crazy? You already become her boyfriend for 1 years and a half. And, you didn't kiss her yet? What planet was you come from? Ah… I've give up on you. You are the super weirdest guy I've ever met." Horio sighed.

"She never mention about it. I won't do something improper to her." Ryoma said with his usual blank face.

Horio couldn't believe his friend's words. "Echizen… you are unbelievable. Listen here, with my whole life experience becoming friends with girls, 100% of them would like to share their kisses with someone they really like, especially the first kiss. Are you an idiot to wait for her asked you to kiss her? It is the most embarrassing thing to asked, especially for the girl like Ryuzaki-san."

Ryoma just kept silent, listening to Horio. Horio want to talk to Ryoma again, but he was stopped when he saw their homeroom teacher was about to come in to the class.

"Remember what I said, Echizen." Said Horio while pointing his index finger to Ryoma. Then he walked away to sit on his seat.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

The bell ringing, showed the recess time has come. When the teacher has dismissed the class, Ryoma stand up and went out from the classroom. He was about to go to Sakuno's class when he was stopped by some voice. The voices are talking about him and Sakuno. He quickly try to peek to see the owner of the voices.

At the corner of the stairs, he saw three girls were talking and laughing. He somehow recognized them. They were his classmates. Ryoma can recognized them because they were the loudest girls in his class.

"You know that Ryuzaki girl from class 3-1?" Girl 1 said.

"Oh, Ryoma-sama's girlfriend?" Girl 2 asked.

"Yeah, but actually she isn't his girlfriend anymore." Girl 1 said.

"Really, that's mean we still have the chance to be with Ryoma-sama." Girl 3 said.

"Yeah, Ryoma-sama must hate her a lot. That's why they were never kissed." Girl 1 said.

"Awww… what a poor girl. Ryoma-sama will never kiss her." Girl 2 said.

They started to laugh loudly. They stopped laughing when they saw a figure come to them.

"R-Ryoma-sama." Girl 1 said with shocked face.

Ryoma glaring at them. "Shut your mouth, stupid girls." He said and left the girls with speechless and stunned look.

Ryoma arrive at Sakuno's class. He peek inside and saw Sakuno was in the class. Then, suddenly he become annoyed when he saw a guy was trying to flirt with her. Tomoka wasn't there. The guy kept blocking her from her seat. Ryoma couldn't stand anymore when he saw the guy want to lay his hand on her. He quickly let himself in the class.

Ryoma grabbed the guy's hand. Sakuno and the guy looked at him. Ryoma just give the deathly glared to the guy, make the guy uneasy.

"Ryoma-kun." Sakuno felt happy when at last, she could go through the guy that kept blocked her way.

Ryoma took Sakuno's hand. "Let's go." He dragged Sakuno outside of the classroom. But he suddenly stopped when someone called him from behind. It was the guy who trying to flirt with Sakuno.

"Echizen Ryoma, huh?" The guy said.

"Who are you?" Asked Ryoma, still holding Sakuno's hand. Sakuno was blushing looking at their intertwined hands. They maybe have hold hands many times before, but this time they were watched by everyone at the school.

The students nearby started to gather and murmured. They thought the two guys were going to have a fight. It interesting to be watched when it was between the captain of two clubs, which are the tennis club and basketball club.

"You don't know me? I'm the captain of basketball team, Saito Kenichi." That guy introduced himself.

Ryoma sighed when he saw students started to gather and look at him. He really hate that kind of situation. "Sorry, don't know you." He dragged Sakuno and try to walk away from that situation.

"Try to run away?" Kenichi said.

Ryoma stopped and looked at him. "What do you want?"

"Let me make myself clear. I like Sakuno-chan. I saw that you haven't treat her properly. It is me who should at your place right now. I will treat her better." Kenichi smirked.

Ryoma just glared at him.

Sakuno was shocked with Kenichi's words. She didn't like anyone talked to Ryoma like that. Ryoma was really nice to her. She's frowned and tightened her and Ryoma's intertwined hand. "You are wrong! Ryoma-kun is really nice to me. The one that I like is Ryoma-kun."

Kenichi and Ryoma were shocked with Sakuno's action. Sakuno, who recently realized that everyone were looking at her, blushed. 'Mou… it's embarrassing.' Sakuno lowered her head.

Ryoma stared at her. He suddenly pulled her hand, make Sakuno's face his chest. His other hand touched Sakuno's cheek. He lift Sakuno's head. Sakuno looked at him confusedly. The students around them were blushed and jaw dropped, including Kenichi.

Ryoma close his face to Sakuno's. Ryoma close his eyes. Sakuno's eyes widened when she can felt Ryoma's lips on her lips. She couldn't believe it. Ryoma was kissing her. Her first kiss. Sakuno slowly close her eyes. Ryoma can felt Sakuno's lips. It was soft and warm.

After few second, Ryoma broke the kiss and glared Kenichi with 'she's mine' looked. Sakuno, who still stunned with Ryoma's action, blushed a lot. Her head felt like spinning. Ryoma dragged her from the crowd, left them with still jaw dropped.

Ryoma bring Sakuno to the school's rooftop. They sat there. Sakuno, who was still blushed, opened up their bentos. She felt embarrassed to look at Ryoma's eyes.

Ryoma looked at her. "Gomen."

Sakuno didn't understand why Ryoma say sorry, she looked at him. "For what?" Then, she blushed again when she remembered the kiss. She lowered her head.

"For doing that in front of many people." Ryoma said, took his chopstick from Sakuno's hand. "Are you mad?" Ryoma afraid that Sakuno will hate him for doing an improper thing.

Sakuno looked Ryoma. "N-no! I'm happy."

Ryoma was shocked. "Happy?"

Sakuno blushed again and looked down. "It's my first kiss."

Ryoma looked at her silently.

Sakuno looked back at Ryoma. "I'm happy because it's with Ryoma-kun." Sakuno smiled.

Ryoma's lips create smiled a bit. They started to eat silently.

"Ryuzaki." Said Ryoma.

Sakuno looked at him.

"I'm going to America." Ryoma continued.

Sakuno's eyes widened. She lower her hand that hold the chopsticks. "When?"

"Next week." Replied Ryoma.

Silent.

"I may not come back for a while." He said again. He felt guilty when Sakuno made a sad face.

"H-how long?" Asked Sakuno.

"…about five years." Said Ryoma,

Silent. 'Mou, I can't be like this. Ryoma-kun is going to chase his dream. I can't make this face. Sakuno, be strong.' Sakuno thought. Suddenly, Sakuno's crying.

Ryoma quickly put his bento on the floor. "You're crying?" Ryoma lift his both hand and put on her both cheek. He wipe her tears with his both thumb. He made a worried look.

"G-gomen. I'm okay. But, suddenly I think of my life without Ryoma-kun. It must be lonely. And… *sniff* I will miss you a lot." Sakuno said, tried her best to smile.

Ryoma pulled Sakuno and hugged her. Sakuno hugged him back tightly and bury her face into Ryoma's chest.

Sakuno pulled herself from the hug. She looked at Ryoma's eyes. "Ryoma-kun. Go there and be the number one. I know you can. I will always cheer for you. I will waiting for you here, chasing my own dream."

Ryoma smirked. "Yeah."

They stared into each other with smiled. They believe in each other and they believe that even they were apart now, someday they will meet again. Ryoma must have been dense with this kind of relationship. But as long as Sakuno was there and always understand him, they will make their love blossom little by little.

-The real 'the end'-