Hello! I am back with a special chapter. I bet you all know what I am talking about so I won't take long. I hope you like it. Domo.

Note: I changed the title of this chapter. This seemed to be fitted than the last one.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own the Prince of Tennis and never will.

Her Gift, His Response

Summary: He couldn't believe her actions and she was truly unbelievable. Making everything clear for her, he asked her on a date and would make her understand.

Three.

Two.

One.

I sighed slowly when I thought everything was clear but it was not. I tried looking around the rooftop hoping a certain brunette girl would be there. It had been a week after her birthday. It was totally ridiculous of her running away from me after that.

Yes. She was hiding... from me.

I couldn't blame her. She didn't know how to react in front of me. After her birthday, after I kissed her on the lips. I could tell that it was her first kiss. It was also mine. And I was glad that I was her first. Not really admiting it, following Fuji-senpai's words were really a nice one to do. But the thing is, I had the girl hide away from me.

It was really ridiculous of hiding from me like that. It was also ridiculous of me of doing something unexpected. I would tell her something unexpected... and did something unexpected. Shaking my head, I decided to leave the rooftop and went downstairs. But then, I thought of something different. I turned to a corner and leaned on the wall. I crossed my arms and bent one knee, placing my foot on the wall. I stayed like that until I saw a figure walked past me.

The girl was wearing twin pigtails and was on her way to the classroom. That was when I called out to her.

"Where do you think you're going?"

She almost jumped as I predicted when she heard my voice. She slowly turned around and saw me leaning on the wall. I knew that she was studying me from where she was standing. Her eyes were asking some questions... and sometimes accusations. I also had this thought that she would be thinking of checking the wall before walking on this way.

"B-back to the classroom." She answered me when she realized that I was still waiting for her answer.

"Already?" I replied not convinced on the answer she gave me. Of course, she would be giving me alibis... to get away from me.

"I-I want to study ahead. There's still things that I haven't understood yet." She looked away after she said that. I could see that her face was red. She was trying to think on what to say next. And I am glad to be of help for that.

"What subject?"

"E?"

"The subject you need to study."

It took a few seconds before she understood what I was trying to imply. She considerd of answering my question. I knew she would be saying English but she gave me a different answer.

"Mathematics," She answered instead., "It's complicated."

She was right after all. Math was complicated. No wonder she wanted to study ahead. My eyes were almost widened when I realized that she wasn't reading any novels.

Ryuzaki Sakuno wanted to study instead. A new urge filled inside me and before I could name what it was, I grabbed her hand and pulled her to our classroom.

"W-what are you doing?" She only found her voice when I pushed her to a chair. I didn't reply to her words instead, I walked in front of her. I pulled a chair and placed it in front of the desk that she was sitting in.

"Ryoma-kun?"

This time, I looked at her as I pulled out a notebook from my bag, "It's faster this way."

"E?" She only realized that the notebook on the desk was actually my Mathematics textbook. Her eyes widened much to my amusement, "D-don't tell me..."

I opened my textbook before I looked at her, "Let's study."

Why didn't I think of this before? Of course, I remembered doing this sort of thing with her before but I was not aware of my feelings for her... yet. I would offer us to study together and share the knowledge that we both had.

We were alone in the classroom for the meantime. Class was over that time, no wonder that there were few students inside the campus.

"Where's your notebook?" I asked when I realized that she wasn't moving. I tried hiding my smirk when she was just staring at me for quite a while now. Without another word, she pulled out her own notebook and started reading. I tried focusing on the problems for a few minutes until the atmosphere between us calmed down. And then, I blurted out my thoughts to her.

"Stop avoiding me."

That made her look up at me. I was staring at her to catch her reaction that time.

"I am not." She said but she looked away from me. I couldn't help but sigh this time.

"Why can't you look at me then?"

"Because you are staring at me."

"What's wrong with me staring at you?"

"Because it's..."

"...it is what?"

She didn't say anything for a few seconds. I noticed that her face was getting redder than before. Her eyes were shut tight as she decided to talk.

"Let's just study." She buried herself on her notebook and pretended to read.

I couldn't help but smirk at her reaction. No matter what I thought, she would always amuse me. I should let her know it.

"Wait for me later."

"E?"

I stood up and patted her crown, "After practice then." I started walking away from her but remembered something, "You can give me my notes back later."

And that I left her speechless.

xxx

Getting her closer to me took drastic measures. Who would have thought that it was hard to understand girls? I couldn't make her stay at one place... where I would be.

I thought we had some understandings. I still don't understand Ryuzaki.

"OI! Echizen! So this is where you are hiding!"

The peaceful locker was invaded by the nosy Horio entering. Seriously, how was I hiding in the room anyway?

"I am so broke. I couldn't even buy one bread in the cafeteria." Horio complained as he opened his own locker.

"You used your money from the bet and now you lost it!" Kachiro followed. I looked at Kachiro as I closed my locker.

"I thought I could win," Horio said, "Darn chocolates. I couldn't even get one either." He turned and grinned at me, "Na, Echizen, you wouldn't mind giving me some chocolates, would you?"

I frowned at his words and walked out, "Go buy one yourself."

"I am not talking about buying," He said as he walked past me, "I am talking about chocolates that you are going to receive."

I looked at him with curiosity. What was he talking about?

"Ryoma-kun," Kachiro approached us and answered my unheard question, "He's talking about Valentine chocolates."

"Yeah, Valentine's day is approaching," Katsuo joined the group, "It's almost time for that."

It made me remember the event just now. I was busy thinking about her on how to get the girl properly. Valentine's day might be the answer.

"Echizen is lucky to have Ryuzaki-san as his girlfriend."

"He'll receive such sweet chocolates from her." Katsuo agreed.

"It'll be better if we stop talking about it," Kachiro said, "It's not about the day even more."

"Are you jealous, Kachiro?" Horio looked at him, "Because you cannot receive any on Valentine's day?"

Kachiro blushed a little and retorted. But I didn't listen to their conversation after Horio mentioned about 'girlfriend'. Leaving completely the room, I thought the word would be really nice if I could do something about it.

xxx

Being me, I never really paid attention to the days. I only realized that it would be Valentine's day the day after tomorrow.

I never even knew about it. I just heard Ryuzaki's friend and Horio 'talking' about it. The thing was, I never had the chance the speak to Ryuzaki ever since then. Not in a proper way, if I could call it that.

She was always with her friends or with her best friend the most. But the worst was, she was always with her books.

She was always with him. That book she received was the last part of the series she was reading and she couldn't leave it nor be disturbed from reading.

'I am in the middle of something interesting.' was her always answer whenever I tried talking to her. I was the one who initiated the conversation but I was ignored.

Yeah, I was ignored by her because of him.

This day wasn't anything ordinary. I saw her sitting on a bench and was absorbed on what she was reading. I was already behind her but she didn't even notice my presence.

For five whole minutes. She was... unbelievable. Without her noticing, I took a glance at her. Her expression seemed like she was in another world. She was in his world. If it wouldn't because of that person, I would prefer her to be like that. She was... adorable.

Forget I said that. I'd better keep my remaining thoughts for myself. Sighing, I straightened to where I was before I feigned a cough.

But she didn't give any sign of movements.

I coughed a little louder.

Still no response from her.

This time, I coughed louder. I got her attention, finally.

Her eyes widened before she looked up and turned to my direction. I could see how shocked she was and it took a few seconds before she spoke;

"R-Ryoma-kun! What are you doing here? Are you sick? You should go to the clinic."

That wasn't the response I was expecting from her... at least not for the last two lines. I fixed my hat first before I walked around the bench and sat beside her.

"I am not sick." That was all I could say. "Why would you think that?"

"Because you were coughing."

I looked at her straight to her eyes, "So you noticed me." I couldn't help but smirk when she blushed as looked away.

"Y-you want to be noticed?"

Somehow, that caught me off guard. Was that the reason why I tried to get her attention? Closing my eyes, I positioned myself properly on the bench and replied to her, "You are in the world of Olympics once again. It's natural I want to get your attention."

"M-my attention?" Even if I didn't look at her, I knew how red her face was, "And it's Olympus, not Olympics!"

"Whatever."

"W-what are you doing here anyway?"

I only shrugged. I could sense that she wanted to go back reading and I didn't want that, "Vacant yourself on the 14th."

"E?"

"Let's meet here at 10 am on that day."

I totally got her attention. She faced me completely, "A-are you asking me... on a..."

"Date." I finished for her and it made her blush even more. "If you call it that way."

Ryuzaki remained quiet for a few minutes. It seemed that she had been thinking a lot. Before she could deny or reject me, I beat her to it, "Don't bring any book with you on that day."

"W-what?"

"Don't even talk about him."

"What are you talking-"

"Don't you dare run away from me or I'll pick you up from your home." With that, I stood up, leaving her flabbergasted. A smile was shown on my lips. I felt satisfied of what I did today. I was able to fulfill the first step of my plan. I didn't mind her reading her book until tomorrow.

Besides, I got her attention after that and it would a nice way to spend Valentine's day.

xxx

"Do you have a minute, Echizen?"

Taka-san's voice beamed inside the boy's locker room that morning. It felt weird to see the powerhouse player that early. I preferred to be early so that I could practice more. Seeing senpai might be a good change. I would like to have a partner for a change.

I nodded and grabbed my racket. I was on the way to the court when Taka-san stopped me.

"That's not what I meant, Echizen."

Not really understanding him, I looked at him with a frown on my face, "What is it then?"

Taka-san scratched the back of his head. To my amusement, he seemed to be blushing. "It's about tomorrow's Valentine's day."

Valentine's day. That was right, tomorrow would be Valentine's day. I looked at him, "What about it?"

He looked around first before he pulled me back inside the locker. The powerhouse player seemed to be worried about something. I would have talked now if he did not beat me to it.

"Well, the thing is..." He started as he looked past me. I even looked behind me but I didn't see anyone or anything. He only got my attention when he continued speaking, "I already received a chocolate."

"You did?" I looked at senpai, "Valentines' tomorrow."

"Yeah, I mean. I will have received one tomorrow," He blushed as he looked away, "She would give me one."

"Who?"

"She's my classmate. I just don't know how to react."

Now that I thought about it, Taka-san, who was my senpai, actually didn't know what to do. Was he seeking for my advice? What would I know about it?

"You have Ryuzaki-chan and she will give you one," He leaned closer to me, much to my surprise. He seemed to read my thoughts, "What are you going to do?"

"It has got nothing to do with you, has it?" I only said.

Taka-san seemed to be shocked at my words. He sighed as he smiled ruefully, "You are right. I shouldn't have troubled you with my problem. He sat on a chair and looked on the ground, "I've been focused between tennis and the restaurant all my life.I just don't know how to deal with girls."

As I looked at senpai, I was beggining to understand him. Just like him, tennis was also the center of my world and the other things were outside of that center. I had just began welcoming these other things.

"You are lucky, Echizen. You already have a girlfriend." He smiled at me and I was quite shocked at his words. He had been giving me those hints ever since Ryuzaki's name was mentioned, "You can at least have an idea of what to do."

It took me a few minutes before I realized what he was talking about. But the thing was, I was not really sure what I was to Ryuzaki. I needed to clarify that to her.

"Why not accept it, Taka-san? It's not going to be bad, I guess." That was all I could share with him.

"What if she misunderstood me?"

I only shrugged before some thoughts came into mind, "I think not all chocolates are like that. It's Valentine's day anyway."

We stayed like that for a while before the two of us started to snicker.

"What do you know? We are tennis players after all." Taka-san smiled at me and I nodded back.

"We are." I agreed. It felt really weird that even senpai was problematic about something like that. That was another change worth interesting.

xxx

"Happy Valentine's day, Echizen-kun!"

From my locker, I turned around and looked in front of me. Blinking, I saw a girl bowing in front of me, a box, a heart-shaped box was outstretched from her hands and into me. Shifting my vision from the box to her, I started saying; "It isn't Valentine's day yet."

"I know, i-it's just that-we don't have classes tomorrow so..." The girl's head shot up and looked at me. Her face was flushed. I didn't know what to reply so I only looked between her and the box. When I didn't say or do anything, she shoved the box to my chest, "J-just take it. It's only obligatory!" With that she ran away from me leaving me dazed from the spot.

I don't really understand girls. At all.

I looked at the box in my hands. The box was red with a ribbon at the center. The box was well heart-shaped. So typical for girls, I guessed.

"What's that, lover boy!" Momo-senpai surprised me with a headlock grip from behind. I was not able to reply to his words when he ruffled my already exposed hair, "It's not even Valentine's yet."

"Hands off senpai!" I almost dropped the chocolate because of him, "Can't breathe."

"How come you are so lucky and not me." He ruffled my hair for more before he completely let go of me.

"You can have this if you like." I said in an impulse. Senpai was getting annoying and I tried shoving the box to him.

"Don't be rude to the girl!" Momo-senpai scolded me. I only huffed as I fixed my hair, "At least show some appreciation."

"Che." I stuffed the box in my bag and began packing.

"What are you doing?"

"Packing." I said stating the obvious. As soon as I got everything ready, I walked to the door and looked behind, "Mata na, senpai."

I could hear senpai calling out to me but I ignored him. It was troublesome to meet other girls around me so I needed to find her.

I needed to tell everyone that my attention would only be to the only one now. But that girl happened to be another one's number one. How could I not know.

Ryuzaki was reading her book once again. It really irritate me so I walked closely to her and hit her lightly on the head.

"Ryoma-kun," She started as she rubbed her crown, "You don't need to hit me like that."

"Because you are always like that." I only said looking at her book, "I always see you read whenever I am around."

"It's my hobby." She replied closing the book and stood up, "Y-you told me to wait but I never expected that you would meet someone so I did wait here and read."

"I don't get what you mean."

"Y-you know what I mean," She pouted before she looked away and whispered, "and it's not even Valentine's day yet."

I blinked for a couple of times before it registered to me what she really meant. A smirk was formed from my lips, "Are you jealous?"

Hearing that from me, she turned around and defended herself, blushing in the process, "I-Iam not!"

"Yeah, right." I closed my eyes and turned around. I couldn't stop smirking as I walked away.

"You don't believe me, do you?" She followed me behind.

"I do."

We kept talking about not believing and so until I realized I was in front of their porch. Somehow, I was able to walk her home. Ryuzaki seemed to realize that as well. She blushed really hard and bowed at me.

"T-thank you for today, Ryoma-kun.

"Betsuni," I tugged the brim of my hat and was about to turn around when I remembered something, "Tomorrow morning. Don't forget." With that, I completely turned around and walked away. My smirk was replaced by a small smile when I heard her whisper 'yes' at my invitation for tomorrow.

I knew that it was going to be a great day.

xxx

I should have known. Why didn't I pick her up in their house instead of waiting in our meeting place. Ryuzaki was never punctual and I should have thought of that.

The girl was already 15 minutes late. I sighed before I looked around hoping to see her somewhere. She wouldn't ditch me, would she? She even said yes to this date. I needed to clear things up with her today. It seemed like she didn't understand our situation yet.

I was about to pick her up when I finally saw her, running towards me. As I stared at her, I had this feeling that everything turned slow. She was different yet natural. She was wearing a pink blouse and a white skirt. Her hair was kept the way it was. She was holding some paper bag. Everything about her looked cute. I mentally checked myself

At least I was wearing something decent to pair her clothings.

"G-gomen Ryoma-kun," She said as she was catching her breath, "D-did you wait long?"

"Not really." I lied. Well, I didn't wait long for her. I nodded at her before I started walking away, "Let's go."

"Where are we going?" Ryuzaki asked me.

I looked behind my shoulder and smirked, "You'll know soon enough."

We got on a train swiftly but not when it was getting crowded she wasn't able to seat so I had to protect her... if you guys knew what I mean. I gestured her to stand near the door while I blocked her vision in front of her. My hands were both stretched to her sides. I could smell her scent. She smelled... nice. As I looked at her below me, a memory from a few months ago came back to me.

What would it feel like to hug her... instead of a book. I was almost doing the same thing. She gasped when a few horde of people entered the train. I moved closer to her.

I needed to protect her and at the same time protect myself. Why? No need to explain that.

Stupid hormones.

xxx

We managed to get out of the train and went to the first stop I was planning to take her.

To an aquarium museum.

It was really a good idea to bring her in the museum. Her expression was telling me that she liked it. It was also a good idea of dividing her attention from her books. Yep, totally a good idea.

"Ryoma-kun?"

"Hn."

"Why are you smirking?"

I blinked twice. Because of my thoughts, I never realized that I was actually smirking. I closed my eyes and tried to tug my hat. But I forgot, I was not wearing one, "Nothing." I walked ahead of her, "Come on."

Ryuzaki giggled as I heard her following me. We spent a few hours in the aquarium before I told her that I was starving. We went out and looked for a stall to eat.

We ate silently and now I really had the chance to stare at her. She was blushing and she couldn't look at me in the eye.

"Why are you avoiding my eyes?" I asked as I couldn't help it.

"You are looking at me," I thought that she blushed even more, "T-that's why."

"Is it wrong for me to stare at you?"

"N-no... I guess not."

"Ryuzaki."

She looked at me this time. Her eyes were staring straight at me now. My eyes landed on her lips. Now I remembered the feeling of tasting them. It made me want to kiss her more. Before I could say another thing, she stood up and grabbed my arm.

"L-let's go to the park. There's something I want to see."

This time, I let her drag me to the place that she wanted to go. At least, she was not opening any information of her fantastic world.

xxx

We fed some pigeons near the lake. A photographer took a picture of us as a souvenir for the day of couples. Ryuzaki kept denying that we weren't like that and it pissed me to no end. I agree to have a photo and I got to take photos with me. The girl was blushing really hard. We boarded the boat which was on the lake. We surveyed the place and talked from time to time.

She enjoyed my company as I could see it and it never occured to me that it was already late in the afternoon. I brougt her to a place which was located at the center of the lake.

"This place is beautiful." The girl said as she explored the area. There was a large arc in front of us. The small building was supported with four towers like in an ancient Greek. There was no roof so we could see the sky turning into the horizon.

I watched her explore what was around us. That made me wonder. When did I start noticing her? If she didn't get addicted to his books, I wouldn't have making my move on my birthday. Then her birthday passed and...

I kissed her.

It was a nice feeling. We should have an understanding after that, right? But she avoided me after I kissed her. Didn't she like it?

Didn't she like me?

My eyes widened at that thought. I was still looking at her as those words registered in my mind. She then looked at me and something came up to her. She fumbled from the paper bag that she brought and I wondered why she was keeping that the whole time.

"R-Ryoma-kun..." She walked closer to me and presented something in front. I looked at what she was holding and my eyes widened once again.

It was a box. A silver box with a red ribbon rounded it.

"Happy Valentine's day." Ryuzaki told me as she was blushing really hard. It took me a second to finally understand what was happening.

Today was Valentine's day.

It was also the reason why I asked her out. I never expected that she would give me chocolates either. Why would she give me one if she didn't like me? Right? She looked at me when I was not doing anything so I asked her before I could stop myself.

"This is honmei, isn't it?"

"E?"

I took the box from her and stared at it for a while, "I'll open it." I never asked that at all. It was to tell her that I would be opening it in front of her. I opened it swiftly and saw the chocolates she made. Unlike to the chocolates I'd received from a girl yesterday, these weren't heart-shaped ones.

These were cat-no Karupin-shaped chocolates.

"I-I thought that you would like that shape," She fidgeted as she continued blushing, "They are not cookies but I hope you like them."

Who was she kidding? It was Karupin. She made lots of Karupin... for me. The problem was, if I had the guts to eat my Karupins, " Ne."

"H-hai."

I stared at the chocolates for a long time before I covered them once again and looked at her. As long a I did that, I took a step forward and run my right hand to her plait. I caught her eyes and shared my thoughts to her;

"I am going to kiss you now so don't move."

Her face became crimson red as I said. She even said incomprehensive words and I found her funny to look at. I leaned down and gently kissed her on the lips. She trembled when I kissed her, probably shock of what I just did. It took a few seconds before I leaned back and stared at her.

"What's the matter?" I asked her when I saw her expression. It was weird like she couldn't believe that I could do such a thing.

"I-I what exactly... are we?"

"What?" I frowned at her.

"A-are we..."

Ryuzaki wasn't able finish her words so I did it for her, "Boyfriend and Girlfriend. What else?" She looked at me and she was really red. I could look at her for a long as I like if she would give me that expression all the time.

"Y-you never said anything... l-like you-like me or anything."

That surprised me. After all the kisses I gave her, she still wouldn't understand it.

"I've been trying to tell you since my birthday but you were occupied by your stupid books."

Her flushed face became a very protective one as she retorted, "My books are not stupid! They are-"

I cut her by wrapping my arm to her waist and smirked, "Just so you know, you've been my valentine even before you realized it." With that, I claimed her lips once again. Ryuzaki gasped at first but recovered afterwards. She was still shocked about it but she was starting to respond to me.

Finally, I was able to make it clear to her and if she still couldn't understand that. I would be happy to show it to her.

Done! How was this chapter? It was the longest so far. Tell me your thoughts please. Thank you very much.

Guys, let me know your thoughts. I would never know unless you share it. One word from you is enough for me. Thank you once again.

One last chapter and this is done.

Last Chapter: His actions, Her feelings

Guys, I am sorry for not replying to your comments. My time is hindering me from doing so. But I will reply to them as possible as I can. Thank you very much. :)

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, MINNA-SAN

~ MitsukiJunko ~