Hye! I am back with the new chapter. I hope you are still there guys. I really need to hear your thoughts for this... Thank you very much. :)

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

Chapter 21: What eyes can't see is what the skin feels

Chapter Summary: She was determined about making her own decision and would follow it. All this time, she thought that she knew she did the right thing but until when would she know that.

Saturday 5:30 pm:

Her eyes were closed as she pictured the scene of the valley in her mind. The sapphire sky, the flock of birds flying there, the emerald field, the chocolate mountain and the fresh air and wind she could feel where she was sitting. Her hair that was braided into twin pigtails was slowly swayed by the wind. The paintbrush that was hanging in the midair with her hand was keeping still and readied to be moved anytime now.

Her mind was calm. Something was telling her that she should remember all the good things that happened to her in that area. Something that she could make herself continued to paint. Something that could make her finished her art. And that something would make her art to be finished today.

Then she opened her eyes. Her hand started to move as her feelings were light. She was in the mood, like her hand had a mind of its own. Every stroke of the brush to the canvass felt satisfied to her eyes. She was almost done. She let all of her feelings into the canvass.

Love.

Hurt.

Trust.

Denial.

Acceptance.

Betrayal.

She accepted everything, everything that happened to her. And she was only left with one thing.

Moving forward.

That was right. Sakuno accepted everything and all that was left to do was to move forward. She would face all the problems that were waiting for her and then she could continue with her life without thinking those things everyday.

Her memories. They were all in the canvass, where she finally understood. What was the missing piece for the canvass? Why couldn't she finish it for the past remaining days?

It was after all, her memories.

Letting herself gasp a little, she stared at her canvass for a few seconds before she slowly dropped the paintbrush near the table beside her. A satisfied smile was brought to her face as she stared at her piece.

The canvass was finally finished and was ready to be submitted any time now.

One hour later:

Walking on her way to the school, she had a last minute decision that she would pass the canvass today instead on Monday. She had the slight trauma of leaving her canvass alone and decided to pass it before it would be too late of doing it.

She reached the school not before long and went to the faculty room where the teacher who was waiting for her canvass was just packing her own things to leave. The art teacher was surprised seeing her there.

"Ryuzaki-san, you are still in the school?" The art teacher asked as she stopped from packing her things.

Sakuno bowed to her, "H-hai, I mean, I just came back to give you this," She extended her arms so that she could give her canvass to the teacher. The canvass was covered with paper to secure her art. Seeing that it was Saturday today, she knew that her teacher would be staying there until 6pm because of the upcoming event, just like the painting.

She wanted everything prepared for that so the art teacher was staying overtime in the school. Good thing that she was still there when she decided to come back.

The teacher stared at it for a few seconds before she smiled and accepted the canvass, "You finally finished it. Took you long enough, huh?"

She only closed her eyes and smiled. If the teacher only knew what really happened but she wouldn't say it to her, "I... I want to make sure that I would present a wonderful art."

The teacher smiled back at her, "Seeing that you pay attention to the art and passing it just now, I know that you have a higher chance of getting to London."

Hearing that from the teacher, her hope increased. She smiled as she bowed her head to her, "Arigatou gozaimasu, sensei. Please take good care of me."

The teacher laughed at her, "You have a natural talent," She walked closer to her and placed a hand to her shoulder keeping the other canvass with her other hand, "You should take care of it."

She blushed this time, "H-hai, arigatou."

"Well, I am going to place this somewhere safe and I'll let the others see it by Monday," The art teacher opened a cabinet and was surprised to see other canvasses there. Of course, she wasn't the only one who wanted to study abroad. She should have known, "You should go home. I'll update you or your grandmother about this... and enough with your thank you's for today." She said before she could thank the teacher once again.

She smiled and bowed once again, she was indeed smiling at the moment. The teacher told her to go home and she did.

At least she accomplished her task after several months of making the canvass. She solved one problem that day and with that realization, she released a breath that she didn't know she was holding for long.

Night:

She just braided her hair into one ponytail when her phone rang. Looking into the caller, she blushed a little when the tensai was calling her. She let it ring once more before she answered it.

"K-konbanwa."

'Konbanwa, Ryuzaki-chan,' Fuji said on the other line, 'Did I disturb you or something?'

"E!, I am just doning my hair and I am done with it," She answered, standing up and walked to her bed and sat there, "Why did you you call?"

'I just want to hear your voice, that's all.'

Her cheek blushed the moment she heard that from him. The tensai was making a move on her and she knew it. She just couldn't believe that Fuji felt for her and she couldn't help but blush on that.

"Anou... s-senpai," She started cursing herself for stuttering like that, "I just finished my canvass today."

'Honto?' The joy from his voice could be sensed when he spoke, 'You should pass it on Monday then.'

"I already passed it today, senpai." A smile was brought to her lips when she said that.

'Sou ka, can't wait for Monday to come. Huh?'

"I just... want to be sure." Silenced welcomed both lines after that. Fuji knew what she meant. She feared that the same thing would happen like her first canvass if she wouldn't pass it today.

'Saa, so you are free now.'

"Eh?" Her reverie was cut when Fuji started speaking.

'Let's meet tomorrow then.'

"T-tomorrow?"

'Let's have a date.'

"D-date!" Now she was blushing double folds.

Fuji chuckled as she reacted, "You don't have to repeat what I am saying, Ryuzaki-chan.'

"B-but senpai..." Her voice was getting lower that moment. She didn't want to wake her grandmother up, let alone if Fuji would really be asking her on a date. She said it out loud a while ago.

'I guess, I made it fast,' The tensai said reading her mind and reconsidering his words, 'What about a tennis practice with me then?'

"T-tennis practice?"

'You are repeating my words again.'

"G-gomen, It's because you always surprise me."

'So, tomorrow then.'

This time, she nodded even without him seeing that she did and smiled at the same time, "Hai, tomorrow then."

'I'll pick you up by morning. Good night, Ryuzaki-chan.'

She ended the call after that. The call was just brief but it did mean a lot to her... and to him. Sakuno told him everything about her planning to study abroad. There were only weeks before she could learn the jury's decision. She couldn't help but feel nervous and excited about it. There was also a tennis practice with the tensai tomorrow. Somehow, she found herself looking forward to it. She made a promise to him that she would have a tennis practice with him so tomorrow would be a great chance to do it.

Her day was satisfied with the so-filled emotion.

The Next day:

She was ready when Fuji came to pick her up. Sumire appeared from the balcony just when they were about to leave.

"Fuji just make sure you'll return my granddaughter in one piece!"

Sakuno pouted and she made face to her grandmother, "Mou, obaa-chan, I am not a kid anymore!" She stuck her tongue out making her grandmother laugh in the process.

"Hai, hai, I know." Sumire said still refraining herself from laughing.

Sensing Fuji was looking at her, she turned around from him and blushed at the same time, "Stop it already!"

"Ii yo," Fuji said patting her head. His smile was plastered to his face all the time, "She's just worried about you," Fuji then looked at her grandmother and bowed, "I'll bring her back as a whole, sensei."

"Not you too, senpai!" She almost pouted for the second time but she held it... instead she let out a smile.

"Ikou." Fuji said when they received Sumire's permission.

Sakuno nodded, "Hai."

They went to the tennis court center and started practicing there.

"Let's have a practice match then."

"Eh?" She dropped her duffel bag on the bench and looked at him.

Fuji was already pulling out his racket from his bag and then looked at her, "It's good if we practice that way, no?"

She stared at him for several times. At first she was just frowning but her countenance changed into something challenging, "Hai."

xxx

it had been fifteen minutes since they started playing. The game was 2-0 of course in favor of the tensai. She was having a hard time keeping up with him but she could catch up at least. It was the tensai's turn to serve so she focused on him.

"That look has the intent to kill someone."

"What?" From the ball that he was dribbling, her eyes shifted to his face.

...Which was her wrong move.

Fuji used that chance to make his serve. She just lost her focus for a second but she was able to regain it. Only it was out of balance when she hit it back.

Fuji shook his head, "You forgot Tezuka's first lesson," He said as he yanked another tennis ball to his pocket and started dribbling again, "Don't let your guard down."

"You are distracting enough senpai," She murmured as she positioned herself to the baseline, "Your presence is enough for distraction."

"Hmmm, is that so..." He tossed the ball in the air and hit it towards her direction.

Sakuno hit it back this time, "I won't give up this time."

Fuji's smile widened as she said that, "Let's see you play then."

And they started rallying once again. It was hard keeping up with the tensai, not that she stopped playing. She could practice playing with Kanata when she had the time. Speaking of Kanata, she wanted to thank him for comforting her the other day. The boy had done a great job for her and making something for him in return was much better. She reminded herself that it was what would do next and would visit him later in the court.

She focused on her way back to the tensai, only to misss the ball once again.

"You are getting there. Keep it up."

"Yeah, of losing from you." She murmured as she positioned on the baseline once again.

"Did you say something?"

"N-nandemonai!" Sakuno almost shout due to the tense she was feeling. It wasn't like she wasn't progressing but she just couldn't ignore the fact that she was facing a tensai when it comes to tennis. She was having a match with a prodigy. Don't let your guard down. Face the opponent's eyes. Concentrate on the ball. Don't stand on your legs and knees too much. Keep your elbows at equal angle. She placed her feet apart from each other. Keep a balance to your height. Her eyes widened as she realized something. Biting her lip, she shook her head and closed her eyes tight before she stared back at Fuji once again. Come on Sakuno, you can do this.

She blinked twice when she saw him hitting the ball towards her. Taking one step, she followed it and ready to hit it back to the tensai.

Later on:

As she had expected, she only got one game from him. It was such a nice game that only lasted for forty-five minutes. She really had a great time playing with him and received lots of tips from him. Her thoughts were only cut when the tensai placed a hand to her head to pat her.

"You did great," He praised smiling at her, "You earned one game from me."

Despite the lost, she was able to feel great at his praise, "I guess that's worthwhile earning a game from a tensai."

"Saa, I don't know about that."

"It's true," from sitting, she stood up from the bench and faced him. She bowed in front of the tensai, "Arigatou senpai for playing with me today. I am really glad I was able to play a match with you."

Silence welcomed them after a few seconds. She was still bowing at him so she didn't know his reaction. When she wasn't hearing anything from him, she slowly looked up to see his expression.

Only to be surprised.

His eyes were opened that time... and were seriously yet fondly looking at her. She blushed because of that expression he was giving her. Her blush intensified when Fuji pulled her forearm towards him and hugged her. She was rendered speechless when she was trapped in his arms.

"You know, I am hoping that one day," He whispered to her ear, "You would call me in a different way. Not just as your senpai."

"F-Fuji-senpai..."

"Saa, I guess that one day wasn't really today," He said tightening his embrace to her that made her heart race, "I really want you to see me."

Sakuno didn't know what to do. Fuji was sincere and she was really panicking. Was she really getting his hopes up? What if she mess this up again? What if she was hurt again, or she would hurt him? She was still doubtful about things and she couldn't make any decisions right now. But the problem was she didn't know how to say it to the tensai.

Fuji, who somehow sensed her uneasiness, let her go but not far from him, "Ryuzaki-chan, I am not going to hurt you. I'll take care of you. I really like you... a lot."

That really added to her insecurities. Fuji was really entering that stage when the both of them couldn't back out.

"A-anou... senpai... I-I"

"No, don't," Fuji interfered holding up a finger to her lips, "at least not today. I'll give you time. Time to think but not for long. Just think of what you really feel about me."

"..."

"You haven't said anything about your feelings for me. You must know that so you can move on. Learn to accept things and go forward," Fuji was able to smile at her, "Give yourself a chance and see what you really want."

Night:

Their conversation did bring impact to her. Why would the tensai gain interest to someone as simple as her? He should have seen how stupid she was being deceived like that easily. She didn't deserve him at all.

Why would Fuji like her?

Her face was awfully red and her heart was pounding really hard. She liked Fuji alright but she didn't know if that was the same thing. She needed to learn what kind of like that was. And she hoped that her initial thought would change and tried everything to be suitable for the tensai.

She hoped that she would make the right decision when that time came.

xxx

He was just lying on his bed staring at the ceiling of the four corners of his room. Karupin was just lying beside him and was awfully sleeping. There were times that he envied his cat that it could sleep peacefully like that and one of that times would turn out to be that night as well.

Sleep was depriving him off because of her. Before, he was only problematic about winning against his strong opponents and somehow, he could manage to do it. It wasn't a big match facing stronger opponents this time, he was dealing with his personal feelings, the thing that he didn't expect to think seriously until today.

Ryuzaki Sakuno was invading his mind. No matter how much he tried to block her inside his mind, he just couldn't do it. A lot of things happened since then. It was like five months? Six? He didn't bother remembering the time since their break up.

He really wanted to have her back but how was he going to do that if the girl herself didn't want to be with him anymore. Honoka didn't bother him but he could still see how painful she was whenever they met at school. The girl was silently forgiving and if he had another opportunity, he would apologize to her once again.

He really loved Sakuno and he was sure of that. That was why he was having a hard time accepting the fact of facing the reality. It wasn't like he was giving up or something. That wasn't in his vocabulary. Giving up was never invented in his own dictionary.

He despised that word that he didn't know the real meaning of it.

"Ryoma, are you there?"

A sudden knock from the door cut him from his reverie. Rinko was knocking from the other door. He considered of not answering her back and pretended to sleep but he decided not to. Rinko actually, opened the door without waiting for him to reply.

...So much for pretending to sleep in the first place.

He sat up when Rinko sat beside his bed, "I heard that you had a slight fever." His mother's hand touched his forehead. It was true that he got a slight fever because of what happened earlier but he didn't pay attention to it.

"It's nothing." He said gently shoving away his mother's hand.

"This can't be nothing?!" Rinko protested, "You should learn to take care of yourself."

"I am fine."

"Right," She sighed not really believing him, "You are bothered. I know you are."

Curious, he looked at his mother, "What do you mean?"

"You are having troubles with the girl you love."

He didn't reply to her words but he didn't deny that either. Instead he just looked away. He didn't know if his expression was betraying him to his mother or not but he couldn't careless.

"You are not acting like if it wasn't for tennis," Rinko started, "No. You never acted like that for tennis."

"..."

"Ryoma. Give her time. She's just confused. Let her feelings come again," She patted his back, "You simply cannot do what you want. Let her see through and wait."

This time he didn't hesitate to look at his mother and replied, "I've been waiting... patiently."

"Then wait more," Rinko smiled as she continued patting his back, "Good things will come to those who wait."

"..."

"Trust me on this," She said before standing up and placed a hand to his head, "You'll see." She removed her hand from his head and walked to the door.

"Kaa-san," He called just before she twisted the doorknob and looked at her, "Arigatou."

Rinko smiled for the last time before she opened the door and went out to his room. Somehow, he was starting to like his mother's words. Why not? He didn't mind trying for a bit more.

The Next Day:

The court was quiet as she entered the place. Kanata wasn't playing at that time. He was actually cleaning the court. She walked closer to him as the guy was not aware that she was there. He only looked at her when she was just a few inches away from his location.

"Konnichiwa Kanata-kun," She said smiling in the process and looked around at the same time, "You are cleaning the place, huh?"

The boy nodded before he started writing to his digital board which was just hanging on his neck. 'I want this place to be neat and clean.'

"You are doing fine, this is nice," She continued still looking around, "That's why I want to go here when I have the time."

Kanata touched her arm making her flinch. He was making the impression that he knew what she was feeling at that time. Staring at his eyes, blush was presented to her face. He could simply read her mind even without telling him.

"I made something for you today," She said fumbling from her bag, "It's for what you did to me the other day," Sakuno showed a box of cookies and cakes for him, "I want to thank you for spending time with me when I was down. You even left this place just to meet me."

Kanata didn't say anything as he was just staring at her and to the food. He was frowning as if he didn't understand what she was saying.

"A-anou... I never expected that you would visit me that night," Biting her lower lip, she tried to think of the proper words to say, "Y-you don't prefer to leave this place, right but you did it for me. I am totally pleased for that."

"..."

"Thank you very much, Kanata-kun." She bowed in front of him.

Not long before he accepted the box and smiled at her. He wrote a massage to the board and showed it to her. 'I am just right here whenever you need me.'

"And I really appreciate that." She saw Kanata continue writing on the board and showed it to her when he was done.

'You don't need to hide from your feelings. Face it.'

"Eh?" She blinked when he wrote that. He erased his message and replaced with another.

'It's okay to express it. You don't need to hide from them.' He smiled and nods, 'You of all people know your own feelings.'

His message was surprising for her. She only stared at his eyes and to his message as she finally understood what he was talking about. A smile was brought to her lips.

Kanata was right after all and that went without saying anything at all.

Done! How was this chapter? I don't want to say anything anymore. I don't want to spill the beans but I know what to write next this time... tee hee hee...

Guess, the reviews made me motivate to write more.

Reviews please! Share me your thoughts. To the readers who really read and understand the chapter. Thank you very much.

Next Chapter: What the skin feels is what the emotion denies