A/N: Hey y'all. Here comes the final chapter in this series. It's been slightly more than a year since I uploaded the first chapter and the story ended up going in a direction that I hadn't predicted. The whole breaking up and going overseas thing? Definitely not in my initial plan. haha. So I hope you'll enjoy this chapter!

Disclaimer: PoT = not mine.

"Ryo-Ryoma-kun," squeaked Sakuno again when they separated.

"Why is it that you call me Ryoma-kun, right from the beginning, and I call you Ryuzaki? Maybe I should start calling you Sakuno-chan," Ryoma said witha rarely heard teasing tone.

"Ryo-Ryo-Ryoma-kun?"

"You are beginning to sound like a parrot Sakuno-chan…"

"Demo… Ryoma-kun. What is wrong-" Sakuno was cut short when Ryoma reached out to close her mouth with his hand.

"Sakuno," he said all, teasing gone from his voice. "I know this is really selfish of me but since we are out here, like this, do you think you can give me a chance? Be together for whatever time we have left? "

"Would you really not consider staying in Japan Ryoma-kun?" Sakuno asked in return.

"No, Sakuno. Even if I'm entering competitions as a Japanese player, I am more comfortable starting out in the US. That's where all my favourite tennis centres are and that's where my usual coach is too. My dad's not my real coach you know," Ryoma answered determinedly.

"And I'm… I'm not willing to leave Japan. My family and my friends are all here. The university I'm interested in is here too. I have no reason to leave Japan."

"I know. And as much as I might want to persuade you to, I won't. Because I don't think I have the right too. That's why I'm asking you now, Sakuno. How about just for now. Being together with no pressure, until the day when we have to face the future. There are still 2 ½ more months of school and I'll only be leaving for America 3 months after graduation."

"So… For 5 months?" Sakuno asked softly.

"Yes… For 5 months. If you are willing to…" He answered bringing his head closer to hers until their foreheads were touching.

"Yes. I am." The silence enveloped them as their lips met again in a lingering sweet kiss.

Momo couldn't help but smile as he spied his two kouhai entering the gym together, holding hands. The smile just grew wider and wider as he noticed how they never once left each other's side even as the night grew deeper and deeper.

Rumours flew thick and wild but the two main characters themselves never confirmed anything. When asked, one blushed red and stuttered so much nobody understood her while the other just glared or hid under his ever-present baseball cap. However, it was impossible not to notice the changes in the dynamics of their relationship. They go home together all the time, instead of just sometimes; and most importantly, they are almost always touching each other. Holding hands, adjusting the ribbon of her uniform or playing with his cap.

The couple's closest friends seemed to share in the joy that they are finally together. The couple themselves grabbed every possible moment together that they could. Because, while they are the happiest at the turn their relationship have taken they are also the ones who knew best the nature of their relationship. They knew that it was one with a very specific time-limit and before very long, the idyllic times before Ryoma's departure came to an end.

They were at one of the regular post-pick-up matches dinner with the sempai-tachi, Horio, Tomoka, Kachiro and Katsuo when Ryoma told them the news.

"I'll be flying off to LA tomorrow. I have been accepted at a school there and that really is the best place to go to properly launch my pro career. My parents are going too since we still have our house there."

Ryoma's announcement was met with gasps of shock and frantic whispers before everyone eventually fell silent. Most eyes rested on Sakuno who was standing beside her boyfriend, her hand clasped tight in his.

"How long have you known about this Sakuno?" Tomoka asked her best friend.

"Me? I've known from the very beginning. That's why if you realised, neither of us really confirmed our relationship. Why bother when we had already planned to… br-break-up anyway," Sakuno replied, her voice composed. The only time she broke was the small stutter at the work break-up and even then, it was hardly audible.

Her comment ignited another round of whisperings until Momo raised his voice to be heard above the buzz. "But… why break-up then? You can always-" Momo's words was suddenly interrupted by Ryoma.

"It's what I want. I already made her wait long enough before. I'm not gonna make her wait for me again. There are too many things and too many changes going on right now. Maybe she'll be able to find someone else in university," Ryoma explained. However, while he was saying all that, their hands never parted. In fact, he seemed to be pulling her closer and closer to him.

"So yes. That's all I wanted to tell everyone. If anybody wants to send me off in an embarrassing manner again, I'll be at the airport at around 4pm tomorrow," Ryoma continued in a teasing tone reminding his friends of what happened the first time they sent him off to America.

Suddenly his expression changed. Letting go of Sakuno's hand, he bowed low to his friends and sempai. "Thank you so much for everything that you guys have done for me. I may not always show how appreciative I am but I do appreciate them. Being in Japan and getting to know all of you have changed me a lot and all the changes were for the better. So once again, thank you."

Straightening, he grabbed Sakuno's hand again. Taking all their things with his other hand, they both gave their final greetings before walking away.

" Sakuno, I owe you a thank you too. And, I'm sorry for all those years-" what Ryoma was about to say was stopped by Sakuno's hand covering his mouth.

"Iie, Ryoma-kun. Can we just not think about that and concentrate on right now. This last night?" Sakuno asked him. Not giving her boyfriend a chance to answer, she tugged on their joined hands and dragged him forward, just walking aimlessly to nowhere.

"Bye Echizen!"

"See you again Ryoma-kun!"

"RYOMA-SAMA!! Don't spend too much time in America and forget all of us here in Japan. Ne Ryoma-sama??"

"Ochibi! We'll be waiting for you to come back ok?"

"All the best Echizen. And you are not the only one going pro. So, who knows, we might all meet again on the international courts one of these days," Fuji said as he shook Ryoma's hand goodbye.

"Hai, sempai. I'll be looking forward to that," Ryoma answered. Done with his goodbyes, he walked towards the gates where his parents were waiting while talking to Ryuzaki-sensei.

"Ryoma, Ryoma, Ryoma. Go conquer the world then come back to Japan. Everybody will be waiting for you," Ryuzaki-sensei said. She then turn to address Nanjirou. "Hmmm… This just reminds me of the time when you were the one I was sending off Nanjirou. How many years ago was that? And now here I am, sending your son off to America."

"Thank you for all that you've done Ryuzaki-sensei," Ryoma said to his teacher.

"Iie. You've done so much on your own too. And I don't have to worry about you as much as I worry about your father because you, at least, were born and raised in America. But take care of yourself all the same. The pro world is not an easy world so remember your own limits too."

"Hai. We'll be going now." Turning around to face his friends, he raised his hands to give a huge wave. His golden eyes locked onto the brown eyes of the long-haired girl that has his heart and he gave her a sad smile, before finally walking away.

"Did you see Echizen on tv yesterday? His twist serve just seems to get better and better."

"I know! And his opponent just didn't stand a chance!"

"Momo-chan-sempai! Echizen just dropped me a text saying that he'll be in Japan for a whole month starting next week. He's participating in the Japan Open."

"Oooh. Fuji-sempai, Inui-sempai and baka mamushi is joining that too. Oh yes. What day exactly is he coming back? We'll have to call everybody up to schedule a gathering."

"Game, set and match. Echizen Ryoma, Japan."

"Mada mada dane, Fuji-sempai."

"Oh well. I suppose that's how it is. Don't forget that I did win the last time we played against each other. "

"But this is the match that matters sempai."

"I suppose you are right. Congratulations Echizen"

The pair shook hands and turned to wave at the crowd.

"Sakuno-chan! You play tennis don't you? Do you know anything about that hot, new Japanese player everybody's talking about? Echizen Ryoma is his name!"

"Eh? Echizen Ryoma ka… Yes he's a pretty good player. In fact he was just here last month for the Japan Open!"

"What?! Oh no. I should have gotten interested in tennis earlier!"

"Yumi-chan! Is that the only reason you are becoming interested in tennis?"

"Well… Name me some really good Japan-based players then!"

"Hmmm… We have Fuji Syuusuke, Kaidoh Kaoru, Kikumaru Eiji, Tezuka Kunitmitsu, Oshitari Yuushi, Tachibana Kippei, Atobe Keigo, Ka-"

"Atobe Keigo??? As in the heir to the Atobe group of companies? Hmm. He sounds interesting…"

"Yumi-chan…"

"Gomen Sakuno-chan." Linking arms with her roommate, Yumiko walked on, giggling all the while.

"So, Echizen, how does it feel to be on your way to a Grand Slam title? As I understand it, you've already won three consecutive tournament titles haven't you?"

"Well, it's all up to my performance in the US open now."

"If you do win your Grand Slam, what are you plans after that?"

"Hmmm. Winning the Grand Slam would properly establish me in the pro-tennis world. My family and I are contemplating going back to Japan and continuing my career from there."

"Your fans are curious about your love life! Any comments on that?"

"No comment"

"Sakuno! Did you really just break up with Ryu-kun? Why?"

"Tomo-chan, shh! We just don't click anymore, I suppose."

"Can I have him then?"

"Do you want me to tell Horio-kun you just said that?"

"Sheesh. Obviously I'm kidding…"

"Ne, sesshounen. It's unnatural to be 20 and not have a girlfriend you know. You are surrounded by all this hot, blonde, big-chested American girls. Go wild boy. Go wild!"

"Urusai Oyaji. I've got better things to concentrate on now"

"Cheh. Back in those days, I could have won the Grand Slam tournaments and still have time for 3-4 girls on the side. You are just weak boy…"

"Anata… How many girls did you have on the side while you were playing all those matches and tournaments?"

"Ahhh… Rinko-san. Of course I was kidding. You were the only special lady by my side throughout it all. I married you after winning the French Open and Wimbledon right? Rinko-san…"

"Hmph. Baka oyaji."

"Sakuno-chan! Have you been reading the news? Some dumb tabloid reporters are claiming that Echizen Ryoma-san is gay just because he hasn't been seen with any girl in the three years he's gone pro!"

"Ryoma-sama? There's no way Ryoma-sama is gay. In fact, Sakuno-"

"Tomo-chan. Shh. There, there Yumi-chan. I'm sure he's not gay. Maybe he's just concentrating too much on tennis to spare time for any girl. You know the tabloids like to exaggerate."

"Hmmm… You are right Sakuno-chan! But anyway, I heard that Yashiro-sempai wants to ask you out? Why don't we three go on a triple date? At least you can see whether you like him or not in a group setting."

"Ahh. Maybe I really should dump Horio. I miss the excitement of meeting new guys and getting into a new relationship. That loudmouth is being so unromantic recently."

"Huh? You say that all the time but you'll always realise that Horio-kun is the best person for you. You guys have always been the perfect couple, ever since high school."

"Not as perfect as you and- OUCH!" Tomoka's words were interrupted as she screamed in pain at the pinch her best friend gave her.

"Let's give a big round of applause to our newest Grand Slam title holder, Echizen Ryoma of Japan!"

"The last time we talked to you, you said that you and your family will be going back to Japan after your Grand Slam victory. Is that still in the cards?"

"Well yes. In fact my parents told me that they started packing the moment they heard the umpire announce me as the winner. And my coach is willing to follow me to Japan too so it's all working out fine."

"Yes, speaking of winning. What are your opinions on that final match?"

"Oh. My opponent played a good game and it was a pretty hard match for me. Thank you for such a good game."

"Oh look Sakuno! It's Ryoma-sama's Grand Slam win interview!"

"Yes, Yumi-chan. Yashiro-sempai and I just felt that we are not right for each other. One month is more than enough time to tell."

"Yah but… Sakuno-chan!"

"Sakuno! Yumiko! Ryoma-sama's Grand Slam interview!"

"So yes, we'll be moving back to Japan within the month. I'll probably go back earlier than the rest of the family though since I still need to settle school transfers and all that stuff."

"Wow. He finally did it didn't he? And I thought he was kidding about coming back to Japan."

"You knew about it Sakuno?"

"I heard one of the sempai said so…"

"Eh? What??" Just as Yumiko was about to grill the 2 girls further on their rather cryptic comment, something else that Ryoma said on TV caught their attention.

"Well… There is a girl back in Japan. I told her not to wait for me but I hope that she is free right now. Coz I'm going to do my very best to win her back. That's all I have to say about my love life. Thank you."

"What!! A girl back in Japan? How romantic! I wonder how that girl is like!!"

Sakuno and Tomoka turned to look at each other, surprise clear in both their eyes.

"Ah. Echizen-kun. You are here one day early. I was told you are only joining my class from tomorrow onwards?"

"Well, yes sir. I'm actually here to see one your students, if I may?"

"Yes, sure."

The buzz around the lecture theatre grew louder as he walked into the room instead of calling whoever it was out as they had initially expected. Sounds of camera clicks could be heard as fans of the famous athlete enthusiastically snapped pictures of their idol. An almost unnatural silent, as if everybody was holding their breath, settled over the room as they saw Ryoma stopped and kneel beside an auburn-haired girl sitting by the left aisle. A few gasps were heard as some of his female fans remembered his statement about winning back a girl he left behind in Japan.

"Ryuzaki Sakuno. I know this may sound weird, and very out of character for me, especially since we haven't really seen or really talked to each other in about 2 years now? But can we continue from where we left off that day three years ago? And I was hoping like maybe; well, not now, maybe after graduation or something, would you perhaps consider, erm, marrying me?"

Further gasps of shock and a few fangirl squeals could be heard at the end of his speech. However all those weren't important to Ryoma as he waited for Sakuno's answer.

"Ryoma-kun?"

"You can say no you know. If you already have a boyfriend or you think it's absurd that I come back 3 years later and –"

"Shh. I know you said not to wait for you and I tried. But in the end, that giddiness of being in love and the kinds of emotions in those 5 months we were together? Nobody else can give me the same thing. So yes Ryoma-kun. I'll be happy to be with you again. Let's talk marriage another time ok?"

"Sakuno…" The couple embraced and Ryoma leaned down to give her a quick, sweet kiss amidst the cheers and catcalls of the rest of the class. The professor has long since ceased trying to gain control of the class and could only watch with and amused smile on his lips. However, one voice managed to pierce through the couple's haze.

"See Sakuno! I told you Ryoma-sama would definitely come back for you one of these days!"

"Is that Oskada I hear?"

"Yes. You just happened to pick one of the classes that I shared with her."

"Ah. Well. Since Horio was the one I asked for help, I'm not surprised. Anyway, call me once class ends. I'll see you later." Rather reluctantly, Ryoma released her and turned to leave the room. With a final "arigatou sensei" he closed the door to the lecture hall and walked away a rarely seen smile gracing his lips.

The end.

Just a quick explanation of what's going on. The frequent scene changes after the sending off scene are basically snippets of the lives of Ryoma and Sakuno over the three years they were apart. Ryoma playing tennis and Sakuno's everyday school life. Throughout the three years though, everytime Ryoma comes back to Japan, the two of them will always meet up (alone and in groups) and they do keep sporadic contact with each other. SO yes, that's it. The end =)

Thank you sooooooooo very much to all the readers who have been following this story from the very beginning. All your reviews kept me going and it also kept reminding me that there are people whom I don't want to leave hanging by not completing my story. More than anything else the readers and reviewers are the heart and soul of any story and this story is no different.

Do continue to check out my other stories, including Our Secret, my one shot collection. I should be updating it with a "Her" story sometime soon! Other things I have in the works include a HorioXTomoka story and I've also been given the inspiration for two other multi-chaptered fic. One is a RyoSaku drama future fic (the two of them should be in their 20s) while the other one is an AU fic. I wanted to make it RyoSaku but somehow Ryoma just cannot fit the main role so I'll probably make it FujiSaku with a FujiSakuRyo triangle somewhere. I've written Fuji before (my first PoT one-shot entitled Sacrifice) and I think I did him pretty well for a one-shot so I'm looking forward to expanding and learning how to write his character in a multi-chaptered fic. So look out for both multi-chaptered fics. The first chapter should be out within the next few months!

Thanks once again dear readers for all your support! I look forward to seeing all of you again in my next stories!