Songs of the Heart

Ryoma X Sakuno

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything except the story. There.

Summary: This story will revolve around the time when both Echizen Ryoma and Ryuzaki Sakuno are in their nineteens. Ryoma being a famous pro tennis player and Sakuno, guess what, is one of the famous teen singers in Japan.

Recommendation: I would highly recommend that you listen to the song so you would know what mood this story is reflecting. :)

Song # 3: Houki Boshi

I stretched my arms up. It's twenty minutes past six, and this is our third day in Japan. Today is officially my boss's first working day and today is one hectic schedule. After thirty minutes, I'm ready.

I went to my boss's room next door. I am sure that the brat is yet to wake up. Of course, he's still a kid and he needs a lot of poking to wake up.

I was shocked upon opening the door. The arrogant prince is already awake and is currently facing his laptop. That's very, very, very rare.

I approached him. Better find out what's making this little devil show some miracle.

"Whatcha' doing?" I beamed. He immediately closed down his laptop. But not before I've seen what kept him busy. I laughed to myself.

"Nandemonai."

"You're searching for that singer's picture."

"Iie. Mail."

'Liar.' I said to myself. "You wouldn't find her picture in the internet no matter how you search. I believe Fuji-kun said that it's a limited edition."

He looked at me momentarily. "Che."

"You must get ready within thirty minutes." I informed him. I know this time the brat will listen to me. I have an ace up my sleeve. Victory will be mine!

"Yadda."

"You should be able to do your morning routines and eat a proper breakfast within that span of time. I'll be waiting at the car."

"Yadda."

"Ohoho." I laughed evilly. "I believe you would, young man. Ryuzaki Sakuno's limited edition photos are very beautiful. All of them."

I went out of his room. I didn't leave immediately, just to make sure that my subtle bribery worked. I heard rustling sounds. Ryoma's weakness, check!

"There's a lot of work you need to do today." I explained to him while driving. "You might ask why you're doing a lot of work when in fact you'll be staying here for three weeks, well young man, that is because I've cleared up most of your schedules for one week."

"Hn."

"I just had this hunch." I shrugged. "I just knew you'll be doing a lot of incognito stuffs while your here in Japan. Mostly, on the Ryuzaki-sama part."

"You talk too much."

I snickered. This is going to be one of my fun times. I pulled over the parking lot of Fujitsu TV. Ryoma will be guesting at ‘Good Morning, Japan’. Over the years of being on the entertainment industry, Ryoma had learned to speak long sentences. It’s just one of the very few progresses he made throughout the years.

“Ohayo!” the stage manager, Aikawa-san, greeted us. “We’re very happy that you came, Echizen-san. We’ll be starting within half an hour. Please prepare at your designated dressing room. Call us if you need anything.”

The studio was filled with busy crews setting up the whole set. The live audiences are also ready to go.

“Are you going to be okay with this?” I asked the kid.

“Hn.”

“You’re really making me nervous.” I told him. Honestly, I feel jittery every time this kid does guestings, photo shoots, or commercials. He might offend someone unnecessarily.

“Why?”

“You’re asking me?” I replied sarcastically. Then, a staff knocked on the door and told us that we are ready to go live.

“Remember,” I said to him. “Speak more than you usually do. Got it?”

“Che.”

I remained in front of the stage. The introduction part wasn’t that long.

“Ladies and gentlemen, one of the most talented athletes Japan is proud of. Echizen Ryoma!”

Claps.

“Konnichiwa, Echizen-san.”

“Konnichiwa.”

“Viewers, for your satisfaction, Echizen-san here just came back from America after staying there for seven years. When did you arrive back here in Japan?”

“Three days ago.”

“Is this for good?”

“It depends on the outcome of the things that I’m suppose to do here.”

“Oh.” The host chirped. “Mind if we ask what those ‘things’ are?”

“I’m not at the liberty to say it yet.”

The audience let out a loud moan.

“Our audiences are very interested.” The host smiled. “But we’ll not go any further than what we’ve been told. We already know how famous he is. Winning the Grand Slam, French Open, and US Cup. His endorsements are internationally well-known ---Ponta, Fila, Japan Air, and a lot more. But we’re not here to indulge in those details. We’re here to know the past of the ‘Prince’. You were twelve years old when you first came here in Japan, right?”

“Yes. My parents decided to come back here in Japan because they missed the place.”

“So we heard. You went to Seishun Gakuen back then, right? And you were the very first freshman to ever become a regular in that school.”

The crowd reacted with amazement.

“Hai.”

“Who were your teammates back then?”

“I’ve been with Kawamura Takashi, Momoshiro Takeshi, Kaidoh Kaoru, Kikumaru Eiji, Oishi Syuichiro, Fuji Syuusuke, Inui Sadaharu, and our buchou, Tezuka Kunimitsu.”

“Really?” the host exclaimed. “That’s a power-packed team! Considering the Golden Pair, who had won a lot of tennis doubles tournament. And not only that, the names you mentioned are all tennis icons.”

“I believe so, too. Everyone is good.”

“If my memory serves me right, you guys won the National Tournament that year. And for the following years, Seishun Gakuen was always on par with Rikkaidai.”

“Hai. Even though I only went there for a year, I am still one of the living proofs that Seigaku is an excellent training ground for tennis players.”

“Ooh. We’ll, Echizen-san, since this is your first TV appearance in Japan we’ve made a surprise for you. Ladies and gentleman, let’s watch this.”

Then a video documentary played on the screen. The people who were in the video are Ryoma’s acquaintances and friends. There’s his old teachers, Nanako-san, tennis team members, and even his friends. A group greeting was shown with Tezuka-kun and the rest. They were all giving messages.

“Anou~” Then a familiar voice took my attention spoke in the camera. I saw a hint of surprise in Ryoma's face. But that was for a brief moment. “Ohayou, Ryoma-kun. Omedetto gozaimashita. If you have forgotten me already, it’s Ryuzaki Sakuno desu. I am Coach Ryuzaki’s granddaughter. Eto, they actually found out that I am your previous classmate.”

She chuckled. She was nervous and blushing. Kawaii~

“Me and Tomo-chan are always supporting you. Congratulations on what you’ve accomplished and still do your best in the future.”

End of documentary.

“Wah, so you were classmates with the teen idol Ryuzaki-san? Were you close back?”

“I don’t know.”

The host chuckled in surprise. “What’s with that?”

“Really, I don’t know. Back then, I was busy with the tennis team and school and stuffs that my memories all got mixed up. Gomen~”

'Liar.' I said to myself.

“Don’t mind. Don’t mind.” The host dismissed the subject. The show would be almost over, they need to wrap up. “We’ll be expecting a lot from you while you’re here in Japan, Echizen-san. Ladies, feel very lucky that one of the most sought-after bachelors is here. You might not know, but you might get to see him in your area one of these days. Furthermore, gents, the legend is here!”

“So sad to say but we have to say goodbye. Echizen-san, you might want to plug or greet or say something?”

“Hai.” Ryoma spoke. “If you guys want to know my latest projects or next guesting, visit my website, .com. Thank you for having me live on your show. Arigatou.”

“The pleasure is ours.” The host replied. “Now, guys and gals out there, thanks for watching this show. Here’s Ryuzaki Sakuno, warming your morning with her song ‘Houki Boshi’. ‘Good morning, Japan’ signing off.”

Yozora wo miage hitori

Houki boshi ho mita no

Isshun de hajikete wa

Kiete shimatta kedo

It’s a wrap. The singer wasn't actually there, but a prerecorded video was playing. I really don’t know if it’s coincidence or serendipity that this Ryuzaki girl always crosses my boss’ path. Anyway, I’m ready to go to the next location. This brat hates staying at a place where there’s a lot of cameras.

Anata no koto omou to

Mune ga itaku naru no

Ima sugu aitai yo

Dakedo sora wa tobetai kara

Moshi atashi ga

Houki boshi ni nareta naraba

Sora kakenuke tonda iku

Donna

Atashi ta ga kite mo

Kono omoi wa tsuyoi

Dakara houki boshi zutto

Kowarenai yo

“Let’s go.”

“Let’s stay here a minute.” Ryoma said. “I’m hungry. Buy me some food.”

I glared at him. “That’s why I told you to eat your breakfast properly! Mattaku! Stay here. I’ll go buy some bread.”

Ama ga futte iyada to

Boyaiteita toki ni

Anata ga ee itta koto

Ima demo oboeteru

Ama no ato no yozora ha

Kirei ni hoshi ga deru

Sore wo kangaeru to

Ame mo suki ni nareru yone to

Moshi atashi ga

Houki boshi ni nareta naraba

Afureru hikari furasu yo itsumo

Kanashii toki

Yozora miru anata ga

Egao ni naru youni motto

Kagayakitai

‘This girl really has a nice voice.’ I thought while walking back to the set. I’ve bought him some bread and an onigiri for myself. “No wonder she’s been called a diva.”

Anata ha itsumo hitori

Nanika to tatakatteru

Soba ni iru koto shika

Atashi ni ha dekinai kedo

Moshi atashi ga

Houki boshi ni nareta naraba

Sora kakenuke tonde iku kitto

Kanarazu todoku

kono isshun no hikari de

Anata no ima terashi sora wo meguruo

Atashi ga

Houki boshi ni nareta naraba

Kitto soba ni ite ageru

Donna toki mo

The song ended.

“Here.” I gave him the bread. “I guess it’s okay to eat here. It won’t be until thirty minutes that we are needed at the next schedule.”

“Daijoubo.” He said, walking away. “I’ll eat it on the way.”

“What?! Demo--- Matte!” I ran after him, carrying his bags. “Mattaku, what’s with him?”

A/n: Let me recommend it to you to listen to the song “Houki Boshi”. It's a song by Younha. And please let me remind you to leave reviews. I’m a pitiful writer who criticisms because I suck. Joudan!

Anyway, please leave your reviews or what you think of this. Also, my other stories are waiting for your attention.

Expect more updates from me.

Ja~