everything comes with a price

Chapter 22: Bonus chapter: Ryoma's plan

The next morning, Pakura went to breakfast, to see Ryoma and Atobe having breakfast. It's pretty weird, considering the fact that Ryoma always likes to sleep in. Also, today's Saturday, so they will only train for half a day Well, love seriously does strange things to people. She sat down and shoveled some French toast on her plate. She poured syrup over it and took a bite. She might as well be eating cardboard, because she had a question she wanted to ask Ryoma and Atobe, and because those two had been in a relationship, they would know about romance better than her, right? Ryoma caught her staring, and said, "If you got any questions, just spit it out, Princess." For some reason, him calling her princess ticked her off, enough to say what was on her mind. "Ryoma, how d-do ... you know if-if—er...Argh, the heck with it— how do you know if you're in love?" That was the last question Ryoma expected to hear from the vice-captain's mouth, and he choked on his orange juice. Ryoma looked at Atobe and Atobe nodded. "Allow Ore-sama to explain. First, you blush around them, even at the mention of them. Also, you can't stop thinking about them. You get jealous of people around them. Your heart rate gets faster around them. You want to be the person that stays with them forever."

While Atobe was talking, Pakura made a mental list, from what Atobe said.

And then tallied them with her own feelings.

Blush around them, even at the mention of them. (She did blush at the mention of him)

Can't stop thinking about them. (Yes...because just now, she had an image of him in her mind while Atobe was talking. Of him and his cool posture when he played tennis. Thank God the champions can't read her mind)

Jealous of people around them. (When she was in new Day Academy, she noticed a lot of girls around him, and she wanted nothing but to throw her knives at them. Is he single? She hoped he is.)

Want to be the person that stays with them forever. (When he hugged her before she was launched into the arena, she wished that moment would last forever. Also, she was so happy he was her mentor, because it meant she got to spend time with him)

Heart rate gets faster around them. (Er...that did happen during their dinner appointments...How she wished it was a date...and also, the time when he approached her on the roof and during lunch when he wanted to talk to his brother)

She put it all together.....

...and groaned as she realized she was in love with Echizen Ryoga, Ryoma's brother.

The question is, when? Pakura thought back on the times they spent together. Come to think of it, they did spend a lot of time together when they were young, before Ryoga left the house for unknown reasons. When she was not with Natsuhi, she was with him, learning new techniques, or discussing the latest matches with Ryoma. They spent time together like brother and sister, and he even mentored her in the ITM. She widened her eyes when she realized she did love him, like she did Natsuhi, but she chose Natsuhi when he was alive. Now he's dead, the feelings for him were more obvious. Ryoma didn't miss the look of surprised recognition on Pakura's face. "Who are you in love with, huh?" Ryoma asked cheerfully. Pakura blushed, and stuttered, "J-Just...asking, Ryoma, that's all." she laughed half-heartedly. Ryoma smirked. Just then, Atobe stood up. "Where are you going, Keigo?" said Ryoma. "Oh, Ore-sama needed to go get something. I'll see you at the usual place?" Ryoma nodded, and gave him a kiss on the lips, before Atobe went into the elevator. Once he was out of earshot, Pakura said, "It's not as if he'll have me anyway. I mean, I am good at weapons and combat, I hate girly stuff, and I drink white liquor. Who would want a girl like me?" she slumped on the couch, just as the other champions came out of their rooms to have breakfast. Pakura went back to her room, her head bowed, thinking that the boy she loved wouldn't have her anyway. Ryoma saw her expression, and frowned. She has helped him a lot even during her depression; it's his turn to put her out of her misery, if only he could think of a good plan. He thought about the champions convincing the other schools. He grinned (evilly).