Valentine Story III: Choco Syrup

It was just another normal day.

While he was in the states this day of the month was just like any other day. Nothing extraordinary.

KRILLIN GGGG!

"Meowww!"

Ryoma opened his eyes, which seemed to be heavier than usual. Karupin snuggles him as if it's trying to wake him

He does his daily routine, a bit of exercise and stretching and prepares for school.

He is not late today.

Before he entered the school gate he saw a lot of female students carrying paper bags and stuff.

Then he heard one of his schoolmates say, "I hope he'll accept my feelings this Valentines! ``Then the two girls giggled and passed by him.

"Oh, that is why... It's Valentine's today. " he said. Then he proceeds to the tennis court for the morning practice. He's still a bit far but he saw a bunch of students but girls rather, who're having a commotion. The other group were the female members of the tennis club.

He just ignored them and proceeded to the men's locker room. There he found his senpai and other members.

Everyone was in high spirits and had a lot of expectations. There are also those who are not enthusiastic about this day.

Ryoma on the other hand, just does his normal routine, without paying attention to his senpais and other colleagues.

"Today will be a bit noisy I guess." Then he went out and set on to start his morning training.

On his way to the court he bumped into his cousin, Yuuki.

"Oh, Ryoma, good morning!"he nods as a greeting. He saw that unlike the other girls carrying paper bags of gifts she doesn't have any with her, only her racket.

"Are you done with training Onee-san?" he asked, seeing that there's still some traces of sweat from training.

"Yeah, I got up early to do some exercises. The other members are quite late today, some asked to be excused too. I think they are busy with something." she replied being indifferent.

"Maybe because it's Valentine's day, even senpais at the locker room are enthusiastic about it.'' He replayed the scenario in his head.

"Ah, I see. They celebrate it quite differently here. It's like there's a school fest." Then she laughs, finding it adorable how two countries differ.

"Then I'll see you later, cousin, maybe you'll get lots of gifts later." She waved goodbye, cheering for the younger boy.

Hours passed and he finished the morning training and got ready to attend his classes.

Upon opening his locker, a lot of gifts fell down, it seemed like a bunch of chocolate overflowed from his locker.

"Oh, Echizen is quite a popular one too." It was Fuji who suddenly appeared at his back. The other students, especially the freshmen, also looked surprised at how many gifts there were.

"Wow! As expected, being a regular in the tennis club increases popularity. Shall I join too?" another freshman said in admiration but also has a hint of jealousy and sarcasm about it

"What are you talking about, even before he joined he's already popular. You and Echizen are of different leagues." Said the other freshman, maybe he is acquainted with his classmates before.

Echizen didn't utter a word, in America, it is just like a normal day to him. Usually it was a day for couples to go out on a date, holding hands and many more to spend time with the person you are in a relationship with.

He never thinks of himself having a relationship with another.

It puzzles him.

How is it to be in a relationship?

All he thought is Tennis and Karupin.

As he was on his way out of the school grounds. Most of the students have gone and the sunset seems warmer than before.

"A-ano... E-Echizen!" it was so low and seemed like a whisper, that he didn't notice and was about to walk out.

Sakuno, who was contemplating the whole day whether to give Ryoma a chocolate, took all the courage and finally is going to succeed. She was on the second floor when she saw Echizen's silhouette and was about to leave the grounds.

With all her might, she ran down the hallway, doesn't even knowing how she was able to leap at the stairs all the way to the ground. She keeps on running to catch up to the person before her, she tries to call but her breath is escaping her.

"Ryoma-kun!" with all her strength as if trying to grip her lungs for air, the person she wants to see for today finally looks at her. She was happy, he finally turned to look on her way, however, her footing lost her balance and caused her to fall.

On the very first day she met him, it was all accidental. She never knew that this person will also be her classmate and more to it, he is also a member of the tennis club. It was tennis that brought them to know each other. To this person, she might not be a special person, or might just be a person he sees every day. She has all this feeling kept in the deepest corner of her heart. But finally, when she was about to confess, she still failed as her clumsiness took over her.

She dreams of being with the person who inspires her to work harder. Maybe, this is all for her now. This would be the last thing she will ever ask for something she might never achieve.

She closes her eyes, expecting the hard fall and being humiliated in front of the person she admires the most.

"Hey, are you okay?" it was a voice she could only hear from afar, and on the tennis court.

"Ry-ryoma-kun?"

"That was close." he said

Then she realized that Ryoma had caught her before the act of falling, this was the closest she has ever been with a person, rather than the person she likes.

Though he is still young, the arms that develop muscles from playing and exercise could be felt. The trained body seems to be bigger than her, and the warmth igniting from his makes Sakuno a bit dizzy.

"Ah, yes. I am fine, thank you." the mere thought of being close to him, makes her blush.

"You called me in a hurry, why is it?" he asked

"Ah... That is..." so he heard her last call. This is awkward, after falling, will she confess? What would Ryoma think of her?

"Ah, that. I think I was crumpled when I caught you." He pointed out

Not realizing that her supposed gift was already crumpled.

"Oh no!" It shocked her, this was a toll to her mentality and tears just started to fall.

"Hey! Why are you crying? I'm sorry, I was in a hurry to catch you. I didn't realize it was crumpled." It was the longest sentence ever said to her coming from Ryoma.

"No... ugh... It's not" She tried to stop her trembling voice.

"I am sorry...." then she burst into tears.

Ryoma had led her to the fountain side and had her seated at the bench. She is now calmer and as she takes a deep inhale she starts to apologize for the trouble she has done.

"Ryoma-kun, I am sorry to trouble you, I just... It seems my clumsiness always bothers you."

"Ah..." he just said as an acknowledgement.

"The thing is, I cried not because the gift crumpled. It's just that I feel so pathetic. I do want to try harder, but sometimes, things just don't go my way. It makes me so helpless."

It was her whole heart that was hurting. Maybe dreaming is all she can do.

"You are great. Not helpless." he suddenly said

"Eh?" she lifts her head and saw that he was looking to her

"Don't feel discouraged, and never give up."

It was just a simple word of encouragement, though Ryoma doesn't even know the whole thing, this made Sakuno happy and started to smile again.

"Thank you! It makes me feel lighter."

"Then, I will take that one." He said pointing out to the crumpled give she was holding.

"Ah, this... But it is ruined." She said she was actually planning not to give it anymore but Ryoma suddenly asked for it? What is she gonna do?

"It seems still edible I think, the day is over so I think you failed to give it to the person right?" She was surprised by what Ryoma was saying, he thought that she was planning to give it to someone else!

"The thing is... I'm supposed to ... give this to you Ryoma."

"To me?"

It was an awkward silence... and Sakuno once again decided to give it all her best.

"I ... I actually like you. And this I am giving this chocolates, please accept this!' And straightened her arm giving the crumple gift. She is waiting for him to accept the gift, he may take back his words and hesitate to accept it upon hearing the confession that she likes him.

Slowly, the weight on her hand is gone, "Thank you, I'll accept this."

She widened her eyes in surprise, "Really?"

"Yes."

"But I just confessed, that means..." she blurted out and immediately covered her mouth, it was careless of her what if he refuses this time?

"Ah, that... I ..." she was waiting eagerly. What would he say next? A rejection. Yes, it should be. She's feeling pathetic now.

"I ... Thank you for saying how you feel... Right now. I am not good with relationships." Ah, as expected.

"Then, if it's fine with you. I'll try to take it in consideration."

"I see..." Wait!

In consideration?

"Where still young, so maybe in the future, and haven't known you much"

"Wait! Ryoma-kun, that means?"

"Uhm yeah? I don't have any idea on dating or having feelings towards the other gender."

"I know, we are still young, yes you are right."

"It's not that I don't like you, you are a nice person."

"But having a relationship still puzzles me. I will think of this and acknowledge your confession would that be fine? "

Having her confession acknowledged gave her more happiness, she realized that it was not in vain.

"Ryoma-kun, thank you!"

It is still early but she knows that her love for him is deepest, there are still more days to come, who knows what will happen? A lot of uncertainty will occur, but right now, what she has and what he has to offer is something she will treasure and cherish as her love for him blossoms. Who knows that this might be fruitful in the future right?