Hidden Plays

17: And I needed to repay him for that

Satomi visited the hospital again in Kawasaki. She had just gotten notice that her deal was approved, and she would be leaving in about two weeks or so, and training with Amelia Mauresmo, former french tennis player, who saw Satomi's potential to grow even stronger, and took up Mizuno's offer (and money) (jkjk) to coach her.

She entered Yukimura's room to see him reading. She placed a bouquet of flowers in the vase and sat down next to him.

"Hey." She said with a smile. Yukimura looked up and gave her a smile.

"I...I did it. I got a deal. I'm going to France, one of Hyotei's sister school is right outside of Paris. I'm...I'm going to be training with former pro, Amelia Mauresmo. The man who ranked third in year 1986. I...Thank you..." She said as she was a stuttering mess.

"That's great! When are you going to leave?" Yukimura asked.

"T-This Sunday...They want me to get back into the action as soon as possible. I know I promised to stay by your side, and I will continue to do so as long as I am here in Japan." She said with a smile.

"Don't worry about me. I want you to follow your dreams." Seiichi said.

"Yukimura-kun..." She mumbled, tears pricking her eyes.

"Call me Seiichi." He said.

"Then call me Satomi." She said closing her eyes for a moment before she started sobbing quietly and turned away.

"Why are you crying?" He asked.

"T-Thank you...You have done so much for me! I feel horrible not being able to do anything for you. You are the last person I have. My mother needs me, and I can't afford to be weak. My brother and I don't talk all that much. My father and I kept our bond professional, and we were never that close. Nori...I left her for my selfish desires. I have no one...No one but you. I'm sorry for being a burden." Satomi said sobbing softly. Yukimura grabbed her hand making her look at him. He wiped his tears.

"I should be thanking you. You stayed by my side. You encouraged me during the hardships. There is a low chance of success for the operation. I choose this because I need tennis. It's all I have." Yukimura said.

"Sei-kun." She mumbled clasping his hand.

Yukimura's POV:

Her hands were warm and soft, like silk. My whole body was put at ease. She looked so beautiful despite the tears flowing from her eyes. I wiped her tears gingerly. They were warm, it's ironic how she had the name 'Ice Queen', but once you break through all her walls, she's just a normal girl trying to keep up with the places life takes her.

I mentally smiled. Satomi...It was a beautiful name, beautiful, but she had her walls like a rose had their thorns. Her walls were exactly like thorns, to protect her, from the cruelty of the picked on.

She made me feel like myself, just Yukimura Seiichi, not the captain of Rikkaidai, not a patient who lost hope, but just me. She talked so freely, and she's so conscious of me. I noticed how she avoided the topic of my surgery.

I couldn't necessarily understand the feeling that kept on putting weight on my heart, but it was different, I've never felt it before.

Third POV:

"Sei-kun..." She mumbled again.

"Yes?" Seiichi asked.

"Keep fighting, no matter what. Rikkaidai will pull through, they care for you. It will be all fine. I'm also here. I believe you. You must keep on fighting." Satomi said.

"I don't how I'll ever be able to repay you, so once you have a request in mind. I'll do anything you'd like, as long as it is within my ability." Satomi said. Yukimura smiled.

"Anything? I'll think about it." Yukimura said with a smile. Satomi gave his hand a small squeeze before saying goodbye.

When she walked out of the hospital room into the hallway her smile turned into a frown. She walked down the hallways.