HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY/HAPPY SINGLES AWARENESS DAY!

Arigatou! You guys helped me so much! I originally planned to have a massive update but due to the recent tech probs has been having, I want to put this up ASAP (well that and the fact I have been asorbed in drawing Pokemon for my friends lately-I can draw Pokemon but not animals, does that make sense to you?). You guys are so awesome for baring with me this whole time. Domo arigatou gozaimasu! Though I'm still mada mada^^ Anyway, it's short but...Onto The Chapter!

Warning: mild angst which results with OOCness

Owns only: Seiichi's dairy, Ren

Page 3 - Yakusoku

Dear Dairy,
Now is a good time to tell you the rest of the story. I'll keep it brief and short since I have a match I have to go to later today. To start off, I'll tell you that it's the most clear and vivid memory of all. It was late December and snow was falling ever so gently as though it was trying to warn someone of something. Sanada and I agreed to go out and search for a Christmas and birthday gift for Ryoma. We were wandering throughout town while discussing the possible presents we could give him. Sanada had a thoughtful look on his face as I suggested we find 'Karupin'–a stuffed one of course. He came to agree with my idea and we visited some stores until we found the perfect white Himalayan stuffed cat. The two of us headed to my house to get the gift wrapped and that's when Ren called...

"We haven't had snow it ages." Seiichi reached out a hand, letting the the white snowflakes land and melt shortly after. "I hope this doesn't build up too much." He gripped the shopping bag tighter as they continued down the street.

"I'm pretty sure your imotou will disagree with you."

Soft laughter slipped past the other's lips. "You're probably right about that."

~Ring~

The kendo student tossed his friend a sidewards glance at the sound of the familiar ringtone. "Are you going to answer that?"

Nodding, Seiichi pulled out the phone in a swift motion. A single eyebrow raised at the name flashing in the tiny screen. "It's Ren-san."

"I thought he had work today...?"

"Yeah, he does."

"Then why would he call?"

"Might as well ask..." Tentatively, the navy haired teen flipped open the object and brought it up to his ear. "Hai?"

"Ah, Yukimura-kun! Where are you?"

"Ren-san, daijoubu? What's wrong?"

"It's Echizen-kun! Echizen-kun-! He's-!"

Sanada looked confused as the gift bag slipped from his friend's hand onto the thin layer of snow. Blue eyes were wide as his mouth moved but no voice came out. Moments passed as the cell phone collided with a small patch of pavement. "Yukimura?"

"I..." Seiichi stood there as his shocked expression changed to an urgent one. He immediately scrambled toward the hospital, ignoring the worried calls of the other. No! No! Not now! That's too cruel!

It was that call that made me realize just how unfair this world is. Right after Ren's call, I rushed over to the hospital. I felt so many emotions coursing through every step of the way. Worry, fear, loneliness, anger, and so on. I felt as though my heart was going to burst, in fact it probably already shattered at that moment. I knew it was bound to happen but...as time went by, I found my myself hoping. Hoping that Ren would say randomly say: 'We found his cure! He'll be fine in just a few days!' The stronger my feelings for Ryoma...the more it hurt... Anyway, I reached the hospital and ran past counter (needless to say, I got in trouble afterward) to the stairs and up to Ryoma's floor. When I found his door, I roughly slammed it open and met the grim faces of Ren and a male who seemed like an older looking version of Ryoma. Turned out it was his brother, Ryoga. Once I knew that... I punched him.

SLAM!

"Ryoma!" Seiichi panted, silently thanking the fact that he was part of the tennis. His azure eyes took in the scene on front of him.

Ren was pale and his facial expression looked grave. He glanced at the boy in the doorway. The man gave the impression that he was saying 'I'm sorry' but with no words. None out loud anyway, but Seiichi understood the message clearly. But before waking the apparently sleeping boy...

A stranger?

Now, the one thing that made him uncertain was the new presence in the room. It was a man who was probably around Ren's age but looked like a much older version of his bedridden crush. If he was surprised by teen's sudden entrance, then he didn't notice. His eyes remained unfixed and dazed. A single hand rested on the side of the bed as though to balance himself.

Is this man just as devastated as I am? Who is he anyway? The young tennis player sent the doctor a questioning glance. "Who's this?"

That snapped the stranger out of his dream state. "Shouldn't I be the one asking that?"

Arrogant. Rude. Prideful, maybe? I don't like him.

Ren sweatdropped. He hoped to avoid any tension, but it seems as though that it's not possible. "Let's not be hostile. This isn't the time nor place for such things."

"In that case..." Seiichi outstretched his hand. "Yukimura Seiichi, a friend of Ryoma's."

"Heh, so chibisuke managed to make a friend," the man replied, giving the younger's hand a small shake. "Echizen Ryoga."

"Echizen? Then..." He turned to the black haired male who was watching the scene unfold.

"Sou, he's Echizen-kun 'onii-chan', Echizen Ryoga."

The navy haired didn't move for a few moments as he quietly registered the doctor's words. "Onii...chan...?"

"Sodaiyo."

BAM!

Ryoga was shocked as his felt the after sting of the smaller's shockingly strong punch which landed him on the floor, barely missing the hospital bed. He grunted while getting to his feet, sending Seiichi a hateful glare. "What was that for？!"

"'What was that for'？! What do you mean 'what was that for'？! That has got to be the stupidest question I've ever heard!"

Ren was utterly shocked. For as long as he'd known him, the teen has never shouted. Not at him and most defiantly not at Ryoma. This was an enteirly new side of him that he has never witnessed before.

"What do you mean by stupid？!"

Murderous aura flared around the angry male as his voice spoke with dreadful venom. "I'm talking about the fact that you barely ever visited him! How would feel if you knew that your life is fading away yet your own brother never bothered to visit you？! Huh!？ You know, I think you should be the one on his deathbed–not Ryoma!"

I remember thinking about hating the world and its obvious unfairness. 'How could they do this to someone so young？! Those so-called gods and their almighty power! Have they no shame？! If anyone should die, it be those who already lived their lives!' That's what began to flood my thoughts. I knew I shouldn't have thought like that but I guess that is what love can do to someone... Especially during the spur of the moment... If it wasn't for the promise we made, I might have gone insane... Love...is a dangerous emotion... Maybe more so than hate...

"What do you know about me!？ Nothing, that's what!"

"I know-!" He stopped in mid-sentence as he felt a cold hand grip his wrist. Azure eyes automatically turned to stare at the hand's owner. "Ryo...ma...?"

The said boy smiled softly. His skin, almost as white as the snow outside, made him look more frail and weak than the day they first met. Everything about him seemed to become faraway and distant. "Dame daiyo, Seiichi. Leave him be."

Sadness took over, his anger subsiding. Few seconds before as he sat down, Seiichi took Ryoma's hand into his own, holding like it the boy would die on the spot if he were to let go. "But, Ryoma-"

The blind male shook his head, warning his precious friend not to speak any farther. He didn't say a word for a while and enjoyed the brief peace, then his voice rang out. "Ren, I would like some time alone with Seiichi."

The doctor got the hint and escorted the boy's brother, who was too busy muttering 'first name basis', out of the room.

"Seiichi..." A hand made contact with the said male's face. His thumb carefully caressed the elder's cheek, feeling the wet trails of tears. "Why are you crying?"

"Baka! Why wouldn't I be？!" Was the strained reply as more tears threatened to fall. "You're leaving!"

"You have no need to cry. I'm not going anywhere... I'm always with you." Ryoma's voice and features were soft and gentle.

"Huh?"

The emerald haired boy removed his hand from the other and pointed at the end of the bed. "It's yours."

Confusion crossed over Seiichi's sad expression as he stood to take a look. What was there surprised him. "A tennis racket?"

"Sou, it was a gift from when I was little. Now I want you to have it."

With the sliver-white object still in hand, Seiichi sat down next to him again with a distressed look. "Ryoma, you know I can't-"

"I insist."

"This-"

"Sanada-san," Ryoma started, interrupting the other teen, "once told me that you said tennis is your life and that if it was taken away then there would be nothing left." Despite being blind, it felt like the boy could see right through him. "Did he lie, Seiichi?"

"...No..." Sanada, you! Saying such unnecessary things!

"I know that you have been considering taking up medical school, but I won't allow it. At least... Not until you complete a promise with me." A small smirk formed on Ryoma's pale face.

"What kind of promise?"

"Reach the top. I want you to promise me that you won't retire from tennis until you reach the top. Your dream... Promise me you'll fulfill it."

"Ryoma..."

"You shouldn't have to stop chasing your dream for me or anyone else. It's your dream and your dream is mine as well." There was some kind of longing or urgency etched into the gentle voice. "Don't forget that."

Tears rolled down the navy haired teen's cheeks. Almost inaudible sobs reached the ears of the other.

"Seiichi?"

Wiping away the salty water, Seiichi calmed down. "Wakarimashita. Yakusoku."

Once more, Ryoma's hand found its way to the wet skin of the elder's tear stained cheek. Lips formed a sad smile. "If anything...my only regret is not seeing your smile. Heh, and to think I once felt fine with being blind. Now more than ever, I want to see you."

Seiichi's azure eyes widened upon hearing his crush's weakened voice and placed his hand on top of the smaller's. "Ryoma?" he called out, tone worried and desperate.

The said boy had the impression of a sleeping child as he struggled between life and death. "Listen closely... Seiichi... There's something...I've been meaning to tell you..." His hand weakly brushed itself against the warmth of the other's cheek. "I love you."

Seiichi felt like one of those over emotional schoolgirls as he eyes watered at the delicate phrase that left Ryoma's mouth. Tears of complete and utter joy rolled down to meet with the frail hand. "Me...too..." He soon found himself speaking louder. "I love you! I have always loved you, Ryoma!"

"I'm...so glad..." The younger's voice was most defiantly becoming strained as he continued, "Can you do me one last favor?"

"Anything."

"Kiss me."

The boy's request startled him. His eyes softened into a loving gaze as he nodded, whispering a silent agreement. Seiichi leaned forward, pressing his lips to Ryoma's chilled ones in a sweet chaste kiss.

I couldn't help but feel overjoyed at Ryoma's confession, despite the situation. I knew I wasn't acting like myself but how could I? Devastation hung on me like a heavy coat when I heard his voice fading. And his lips... They were so cold. It was our first and last kiss, one that'll remain in my memory til the end of time. Maybe even longer. As our lips parted, I could've sworn he heard a breathy thank you, but no word more. I cried uncontrollably as Ryoma's hand slipped from my grip, falling onto the white sheets of the bed. I remember holding the tennis racket close to my chest while whispering: 'I will fulfill it–no–we will fulfill it together... Our promise...' That promise has yet to be completed, but I'm almost there. We're almost to the top, Ryoma! So let's enjoy today's match together!

Sayonara,
Yukimura Seiichi

P.S. Sanada handed me the stuffed cat the next day. I could tell he knew what happened. I bet Ren told him. Ren can be use like that. Anyway, lately I have finding myself glancing at Karupin. I guess writing this has really pulled that reminiscing feeling. That reminds me... I haven't seen Ryoga-san at all since then. I keep in touch with Ren though and...

X

"Ladies and gentlemen, it's finally the last match of the day! First, defending his title as the best, Shiraishi Kuranosuke! Now let's welcome his challenger, Yukimura Seiichi!"

Upon hearing his name, the navy haired teen shut the dairy and placed it on the seat next to his towel. He got to his feet and glanced at his racket shining silverish-white in the bright noon sunlight. "Shall we win this...Ryoma?"

The wind blew and the boy stepped onto the court...

I feel as though I could've done better but I think overall, it turned out pretty well. Felt depressed after finishing it though. It was still fun and I enjoyed writing it so I hope that you guys enjoyed reading it!^^ Well, until we meet again... Sayonara!

~"Time is precious. Once it's lost, you can never get it back."~