Youthful Days (Book 1)

64. Ryoma's Secret

After the awards ceremony, the Seigaku team abided by their traditions to celebrate their victory at Kawamura's family restaurant. There were exuberant talks about the team's prospects, questions about the national tournament timeline and even suggestions to travel to Germany and deliver the news to captain Tezuka in person. While the invitation was extended to Ayuna, she politely declined and packed up to leave. When Fuji noticed her departure, he disengaged from his peers and caught up to her outside the tennis park.

"Do you have to be somewhere?" he asked.

Ayuna shook her head.

"Then come to the party—everyone wants you to be there."

"It's a meaningful day for the team. I'm honored to be a witness to it all, and that alone is enough for me."

He scrutinized her. "If you're still worried about coach Ryuzaki..."

"That's not it," she reassured him with a smile. "I just think there are certain occasions that should be reserved for the team only. This is a memorable moment for Seigaku. Go without me, Fuji."

Though unwilling, he nodded. There was a delicate pallor to Ayuna when she faced him, almost like she was slowly receding from this world.

Sensing his worries, Ayuna reached for Fuji's hand and squeezed it. "This is also your moment, Fuji. There aren't enough words to describe how happy and proud I am. One day, I'm certain you'll rise to be a national champion, too."

"And you'll be there to witness it?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," promised Ayuna.

Fuji drew her in and held her close. For some unknown reason, even their physical proximity couldn't appease the abrupt unease that ate at him. The end of the regional tournaments should've been perfectly blissful. Yet to him, it seemed to signal the ending of a nameless chapter.

She stayed in his embrace for a little longer before pulling away. "Have fun with the team. I'll see you at school on Monday."

"See you," whispered Fuji. He watched Ayuna pivot, her green and white uniform melding with the glistening midsummer skies.

***

Fuji took time weaving through the poplar grove towards the main courts. He was about to cross the rest area before spotting Ryoma and Sakuno passing each other by the vending machines. Fuji paused. For some reason, he felt compelled to stop. He backtracked a few steps and stood behind a well-grown thicket.

In spite of a groundbreaking victory against Sanada, Ryoma appeared uncharacteristically flustered. When he sped past Sakuno, she called out to him, "Ryoma-kun, she already left."

Skidding to a stop, Ryoma stared at Sakuno blankly.

"You're looking for Hanamachi-san, right?"

"It's none of your business," he replied crossly.

"I... I just thought you should know before running around the entire park doing a pointless search. She's not coming to the party."

"Oh." Ryoma tried to suppress the mixture of disappointment and indignation. He thought Ayuna had seen him as a close friend. He thought she would stay, if not for anyone else, then only for him. It seemed he'd overestimated their friendship, and the pain of this realization was agonizing.

As if reading Ryoma's emotions, Sakuno turned towards him, her voice just above a whisper. "Ryoma-kun... You like Hanamachi-san, don't you?"

There was a minute of leaden silence as they stood facing each other.