Unveiled Love In Winter 1 - Moments Like This

UNVEILED LOVE IN WINTER

Standard disclaimer applies. You are warned that the characters might not be in their usual selves (in other words, possible OOCness).

Author's Notes: The setting of this story is in first year high school. Momoshiro and Kaidoh aren't exactly present in this part of the story since they are still in middle school, only in their third year. Ryoma isn't present either as he was residing in America (at least he was in this story). The timeline and original anime plotline will somehow be changed in this fanfic, especially about Tezuka supposed to be going to Germany, Oishi supposedly not going to enroll in Seigaku's High School Division, and Kawamura supposedly going to quit tennis to pursue being a sushi chef. In any case, this is my story so I guess that's one of the changes that I had to do.

This is my first attempt to do a Kawamura/OC fanfic. I'm not sure how this story will turn out but I hope you enjoy reading this one. I know I haven't written anything in months—or maybe even a year (literally). I've been busy with so many stuffs and other writings, that's why. Anyway, thank you!Enjoy reading!

-x-x-

Chapter 1: Moments Like This

"Good work, everyone! Keep it up!" a voice beamed with encouragement to the members of Seigaku's High School Female Tennis Team as the first years did forehand swings as part of their trainings.

Well, that went to the first year non-regulars.

Practice matches were the second and third year non-regulars's training in order to make sure that they weren't slacking off. Even though they were non-regulars, it wasn't a reason for them not to be in good shape, especially now that the girls' tennis team would be heading to Nationals in two months' time.

As for the regulars, it was that voice that made them stop doing whatever it was they were doing. Most of them were self-practicing while the others were having practice matches. As a result of hearing that voice, they raised their heads and turned their attention to the one who said it.

It was none other than the vice-captain of the Female Tennis Team—Shiraoka Ginga. They soon saw that their captain Hirota Asami approaching and had eventually stopped beside her vice captain.

"Regulars, line up!" Asami ordered.

Of course, they followed and the other eight regulars soon crowded the tennis captain. Asami let out a sigh first before speaking. "I know that Nationals will still be in two months, but I want you to remember that our journey in facing the National champions once more will never be easy. No doubt that Rikkaidai and even Shitenhouji will be stronger than they even were a year ago. Though this will be the first time that the Five Columns will face those two schools, I still want you to do your best and don't let your guard down. So I want to give it your all when that time to face them comes. Facing Rikkaidai, Shitenhouji, and Hyoutei poses a huge threat to us in attaining our goals. But I don't want you to falter because of that. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Asami-buchou!" the regulars replied in unison.

"In two weeks, we'll be having our training camp. Nakayama-sensei arranged it in order for us to prepare. It will be a two-week training for us so I want you to get ready for that. Okay?" After hearing their replies, Asami continued to speak. "We'll still have our training during weekends and after classes. Right now, I want you to focus on that. And then we'll focus on the training camp. Be sure to be in good shape until then."

With that, the regulars were dismissed. A few minutes still went on and the others continued their own drills. But there was one person whom Asami noticed that wasn't actually giving it their all.

She couldn't help sighing. A month ago, one of the Five Columns of Seigaku—to be specific, the "Valkyrian Column" Miyuzaki Kana—was the one who was acting the same way. And now, another one appeared to have been bearing the same (or maybe almost the same) problem as Kana had before. Only this time, it was the Meister Column who was facing that kind of problem.

Maybe she had to talk to Aika later after practice.

xxxxxx

It wasn't actually unknown to Sarasugawa Aika—the "Meister Column" of Seigaku's Five Columns—that her captain already noticed her odd actions. But she didn't know why she couldn't hide it from Asami's observing sight.

Or maybe she could never hide it from Asami at all. One way or another, the tennis captain was bound to know the truth, anyway. But then she guessed that Asami could possibly have thought wrong about it. All she could tell, Captain Hirota Asami was probably thinking about Aika's love life (or lack thereof) that bothered her now.

Okay. Partly it was true. It did concern her love life—err… correction, her non-existent love life—but not in a way similar to that of Kana a month ago. Aika's problem right now had something to do with making sure that her friend—and her secret love—Kawamura Takashi was out of the possible danger that she could inevitably face later on. She couldn't tell but she knew it would come soon.

A heavy sigh came out of her mouth once more. Just how in the world was she going to do her job to protect her?

Though it was a question as to why she was only worried about Kawamura's safety, the answer was something that she mustn't involve her friends into. Kazumi, Miyako, Hanako, and Kana were living normally with the people they cared about and Aika didn't have it in her to ruin it at all cost, in any way possible.

Right after club practice, Aika decided to stay in order to do her self-training. This one involved tennis ball machines and even baseball ones wherein she had to try her best to overcome her lack of power, especially when she had to deal with heavy hitters on the court. This was one training that her captain and vice-captain didn't know about at all. In fact, not even the others knew this type of training that Aika was doing.

Well, okay… She might have to correct that one. There was actually one (and only one) person who knew she was doing this training.

It was none other than the boy she had to protect from the past that would haunt her after so many years—Kawamura Takashi. Only he was the person who knew her intense training and only he was the person she had to protect at all cost, most of all. She didn't have to worry about the other Columns' safety since she had Hanako to ensure that for her. After all, Yamazaki Hanako—who was the former captain of Seigaku Middle School's Karate Club—wasn't her rival in karate for nothing. Because of that, she knew her other friends would be safe from possible harm that they might encounter because of that.

Anyway, since it was her own time for another day of intense training, then she might as well get on with it to the fullest. Going all out even during trashing was probably the best way for her to achieve her goal of helping the team to become number one in the Nationals. This was what she had already chosen to do, after all.

"Do you have any idea that you're killing yourself for doing this kind of training all alone? What if Asami-senpai sees you? How are you suppose to explain this to her?" The voice, even though it was firm as if scolding her, had hints of worries and obvious concern in it.

It made Aika stop whatever it was that she was currently dealing with (which was the tennis ball machines and the baseball machines) before facing the person who said it. Of course, she wasn't surprised—but it still startled her—to find Kawamura eyeing at her with obvious worries that could possibly match to that of Oishi's. As expected, her heart began beating fast and she knew fully well that it had nothing to do with her training.

Aika just showed a lopsided smile and shrugged. "I just need to make see that I'm still in shape to deal with whoever's going to be my opponent in the Nationals. I don't want to fail the team, you know."

"But you will surely fail if you continue to keep this up, especially this kind of training."

"I'm only doing this once a week and you know that."

"Don't give me that kind of reasoning, Aika!" His voice was intense that it made her wince because of it.

Of all things she hated the most, one of them was Kawamura's scolding whenever she tried reasoning with him. Only in the end, she would lose because he was somewhat right. She had the tendency to overdo things most of the time, especially when she was this determined.

Maybe that was one reason why God made her meet him during her 5th grade. Even back then, she really did have the tendency to overdo things like this. She did things on her own way that even her parents couldn't control her anymore.

She sighed. She guessed she had to give in to his worries—just for this time. She couldn't afford to make him worry even more than how he was to her right now. It was the least she could do for him.

"Fine, fine… You win. I'll stop doing this kind of training," she said.

At that point, Kawamura could tell—and he knew—that Aika would do what she had just said. In a way, he knew that she would never go against her words, especially if she spoke of it with the same kind of intensity as her voice was showing right now. But he still needed to make sure.

"You have to promise me that you will never do this kind of harsh self-training again. I don't want you to get hurt even more that this and you know that."

Aika's cheeks was colored in faint pink as her mind digested those words of concern for her. Kawamura's voice still showed concern in it but the way he said it was somehow different. As for now, she couldn't put her finger on the reason as to why she concluded that it was different.

Along with that, she felt stinging in her eyes. She should've expected this, though. Ever since then, back when she first met him, she still hadn't forgotten used to Kawamura's concern for her. Every time he was showing it to her, she really couldn't help but to cry at all that.

It only proved how lucky she was for having Kawamura in her life more than ever.

"This will be the last time you'll know and see this training, Takashi. I promise. I won't do this again." It was the truth. And she would definitely do it.

It was the least she could do for him… for the person who saved her life a long time ago and the one she vowed to protect with her life.

Kawamura smiled with the answer he got from Aika. And he was glad she said that before he forced her to stop doing that hellish self-training of hers. "That's good."

Gentle smiles soon carved on their faces. Well, it looked like those smiles showed each other's relieved feelings for some reason.

"`Wanna go home together?" Kawamura offered sheepishly as he scratched the back of his head.

Now that she thought about it, he seemed to have been doing that more often this school year. She tried asking him about it before, but his only answer was 'I-guess-it-was-a-habit-I-developed' kind of excuse that she chose to let go. It appeared that he didn't want to talk about it to her—even though she was hurt by that fact—and she respected that. He still had his privacy that she must respect in so many ways and it must have been the reason why their friendship lasted despite the odd start they had before.

"Aren't you supposed to be going to your father's shop already? You should be helping him in the shop at this hour." Well, she wasn't making up an excuse for him to leave her already. And she would prove that, if she had to.

"I already told him I'd walk you home today before going to the shop. He was more than willing to allow me to do so, as long as I make sure I had taken you home safe and sound. It was a man's job, you know. Or at least that's what my father said to me over the phone." A short laugh later followed those words with a mixture of amusement, embarrassment, and disbelief at his father's words relayed him.

There it was again. Recently, Kawamura's father was somehow shoving his son out of the shop whenever it was about her going shopping or going home from school. She couldn't help feeling embarrassed because of that. But since it was a good opportunity, as she called it most of the time, she just allowed herself to go with the flow.

After all, it was a really great chance for her to be with him like that… even though she made a resolve not letting him get involved too much on her. He must not get involved with any issues related to her and her past. Although he knew that past which she was afraid of, she couldn't afford to endanger him in any way at all cost.

"Aika? Aika!"

Those words called her out of her reverie and made her look at the person who said them. Once again, Kawamura's worried looked greeted him her that made her heart skip a few beats.

"You're spacing out again. Are you sure you're okay?" he asked concerningly.

She winced at the question. Again? Did that mean he knew she had this 'spacing out' attacks once in a while? "What do you mean 'again'?"

His face was serious. His gaze on her felt like it was delving through her soul. "This is another reason why I want you to stop this training. I know you've been doing a lot of thinking lately, making you space out sometimes. But recently, you zone out much frequently. And it looked like you're using your self-training to drive whatever thoughts you have that bothered you out of your mind. You know you can tell me your problem, right?"

How I wish it's that easy to do, Takashi… she thought sadly and a bit frustratingly. But how in the world was she supposed to tell him what exactly bothered her if he was the reason why she spaced out more often these past days? Not only because it concerned her feelings for him and how scared she was for the truth that would greet her if she confessed, but also because it concerned her extreme worry for his safety from her haunting past.

"Let's just go home?"

She just hoped going home wouldn't be something bad like what she had always wary of from happening.

xxxxxx

But going home as Aika had originally planned didn't happen. Instead, both she and Kawamura ended up in a pastry shop downtown and just a few blocks away from the sushi shop. She didn't say anything that expressed her surprise to that. She couldn't. She just let him lead the way.

Even though she said she let him lead the way, she somehow had an idea as to why Kawamura decided to go to the pastry shop with her. He knew she liked sweets. In fact, one of her phrases goes like "Nothing beats sweets when you're tired." And right now, she was definitely tired not just in a physical sense but also mentally.

Okay, she could include emotionally if you would add her unrequited love to the issue. But sweets couldn't possibly help her in that department, right?

Right now, though, it was enough that she got to spend time with him like this. It had been weeks since they last spent time like this with just the two of them. Trainings and tournaments one after another somewhat lessened their quality time together, not to mention there were also issues about their friends' love lives that drove them crazy at one point. Yet their were glad that it all paid off.

"We haven't really got to go out like this ever since the tennis season started, right?" Kawamura started with the intention to break the silence that surrounded them. He could say that the silence started suffocating him since he wasn't used to his friend's silence.

He couldn't exactly tell if she was angry for dragging her there. But he was really worried about her. No one could tell (since she had no intention of letting the others know) that tha self-training she was doing in order to strengthen her and improve her tennis was surely enough to exhaust herself in an immense deal. If he wouldn't do anything to stop her, she would definitely end up not being able to play tennis or do karate anymore.

Of course, he didn't want that to happen. He knew how much she loved doing both sports and how she treasured them.

"Yeah. And I guess I kind of missed doing this…" Aika answered sheepishly but truthfully. "But it can't be helped, you know. We have so many activities to deal with since we're already in high school. Besides, it's not like we really don't have time to chit chat and have moments like this, right?"

All Kawamura could do was to look at Aika with concern as he nodded to himself, agreeing to what she had said. Their lives had started to become busier now that they were in high school. Extra-curricular activities and academics were just some of the many reasons for their busy lives to start.

"But that doesn't mean we have to neglect each other," he said before he could even stop himself from doing so.

Aika smiled as her faced somewhat flushed red. "Neglect each other? Since when did that happen, pray tell?"

"Two years ago… when you avoided me because of that incident…"

Both of them fell silent, especially Aika. So he still remembered…

"It was already in the past. Besides, I don't have a choice, you know. You could say I was in a big pinch since I had no way of settling the issue and protecting you at the same time. But you never gave up on me even though I kept on pushing you away. That's the biggest consolation I got for having you as a… friend."

Just great! Since when that "F" word has started to become choking and hard to pronounce?

"I made a resolve of becoming your friend a long time ago. So it's enough reason for me not to give up. I actually wanted to become close to you… and now we are. And I'm glad we are."

Aika surely wanted to cry because of so many emotions overflowing in her heart. Forget the fact that it was also beating like crazy that it wanted to burst out from her chest.

Come to think of it, he was right.

They were close. And they were close for so long that she felt like her life would never be complete if she wouldn't spend it with him in any way possible. Even though he was a shy and somewhat timid boy without his racket, he was still Kawamura Takashi for her.

He would always remain to be the boy who had saved her from the hell of her life years ago…

…the boy she chose to protect even if she had to risk her life for it.

…the boy who made her smile all the time.

…the boy who constantly worries for her almost as much as Oishi worry for his team.

…the boy who first showed her the value of friendship and teamwork despite the trials.

…and the boy that she eventually fell in love with, even though it was still a secret until now.

"Yeah… So do I…" If only I could say that I want us to be more than friends… But that would be just a wishful thinking on her part, right? Choosing to ignore the pang of sadness in her chest, she smiled at him and took her utensils. "Let's eat. I don't want to waste this delicious blueberry cheesecake and strawberry tart in front of me for one more minute, you know."

She earned a laugh from him after saying that. Right now, what mattered to her was that she would just enjoy this moment with Kawamura. She would forget her fear for now.

Besides, maybe one of these days, this moment… might never happen again.

xxxxxx

NP: "Take A Look Inside My Heart" by David Benoit

Well, there was a reason why Kawamura decided to be with Aika at that day. It was a really important reason that Aika's friends chose to celebrate through him.

After their laughter-filled moment in the cake shop, the pain decided to head out to the park's fountain. It was their favorite hang-out place ever since they met many years ago. The fallen autumn leaves from the trees scattered all over the area but the sight didn't bother them that much. It was a signal, after all.

A signal that a cold and harsh winter season was about to head to their lives.

"Seriously, when was the last time we went here? After graduation? During spring break? Geez, I couldn't even remember the exact date." And then she laughed softly. "I guess we're just too busy to notice that, huh?"

"Does it… matter to you?" Kawamura ventured.

That was when Aika faced him, her face filled with confusion at first before turning solemn. "Of course it matters to me. You might not know this fact but this place literally changed my life. I wouldn't be the Aika that you know now if it wasn't for this place."

"Then do you remember the date that this place changed your life?"

No one said anything for a minute. But the silence surrounding them both at the time was neither tensed nor serious. It was more of an anticipation for the answer that was about to come out from the maroon-haired Meister Column.

"It was on November 26th, four years ago," she replied. "And it was today… The day that I always treasured here in my heart…" Not to mention, this is the day that I won't ever forget—one that would always break my heart whenever I remember what happened on this same day two years ago. But she decided not to add that in her words but only in her thoughts.

Of course, it was obvious that her answer made Kawamura happy. But what Aika didn't know was her words had also made his heart palpitate somewhat. Only this girl could do such a thing to him. He must admit, he was shy around girls—especially strangers and even just acquiantances—but Aika was different. Too different, as a matter of fact, that made him decide to give her the second button of his button a year ago in secret. He was glad—too glad—that she accepted it even though she didn't actually ask for it.

It was that deed that somewhat made them ever close today.

But he could still feel something as if there were so many thoughts bothering her these past few days. It was as if those thoughts were enough to falter her strength and determination for a little bit.

It was just a little bit, but still had a greater effect than anything else. And he was worried for her because of that.

At least, he thought of treating her with her favorite sweets and letting them go to the fountain.

And there was another…

He brought out a neatly gift-wrapped box from his tennis bag, seizing the opportunity that Aika was busy—and blankly—staring at the water falling from the fountain. At the very least, he thought of making her day—this particularly special day not just to her but also to him—somewhat even more memorable to both of them.

"Aika…" he called out gently as he held his breath.

Somehow, the scene of Aika turning around to face him while the late autumn breeze softly blew her long maroon hair in an elegant manner… It was a really beautiful scene to look at over and over—or at least that was what he thought.

"Is there something wrong?" But then she already noticed the gift-wrapped box that Kawamura was holding. She frowned. "What was that for?"

A smile curved on his face as he handed it over to her. "My gift for you… since today is the anniversary of our first meeting."

(A/N: This song is titled "Take A Look Inside My Heart" by David Benoit)

It isn't easy to show you what you mean to me

I'm not that kind with all the moves

As he had expected, Aika was surprised to hear that. Does that mean Kawamura considered this day special to him, as well? Amazed and pleased at the same time, she took the gift from him. She didn't take notice of her heart beating fast at the moment. It always beat like that whenever Kawamura would do something like this, anyway.

It wasn't a new experience but it would always affect her in so many ways. Being the renowned Meister Column of the Five Columns of Seigaku couldn't do anything to make her feel strong from these feeling.

With a smile on her face, she opened the gift as careful as she could. Well, she chose to ignore the anticipation and anxiety she was feeling. Besides, she would soon know the answer to the mystery. After a few more seconds, the answer revealed itself.

She couldn't help letting out a gasp as she finally held out the mystery gift in front of her. It was a video camera. She tried containing her joy but she failed. She was too happy to do so. And she wanted him to know how happy she was because of what he had given her.

"I know how much you love recording video. To be honest, I initially thought of giving you a recorder instead. But I know the few things that could really make you happy and smile like this," Kawamura explained that caused her to look at him. He was smiling sheepishly as he kept scratching the back of his head. "I hope you like it."

The way I'm feeling goes beyond what you can see

I'm crazy about you, crazy about you

"Like it? I love it! Thank you!"

Consumed with so much happiness, she threw herself to his arms and embraced him tight. It was just a little thing to give to her but she really appreciated the gift. After all, only a few people knew her passion for video recording. Kawamura was one of them.

She just couldn't believe he would give her something she absolutely loved on that special day—the day their friendship started…

…and almost ended if it wasn't for his perseverance.

Though Kawamura was surprised at the sudden pouncing, he couldn't deny that he was absolutely glad at the turn out. At the very least, he was glad he made her happy today.

I haven't tried to impress you by the things I do

That isn't really who I am… hmmm…

For him, at least today, what he did wasn't that big. But simple gestures and gifts, as long as it was sincerely given and came from the heart, were enough for Aika. In fact, it was the most important trait that she possessed and he was happy to know that trait of hers. He would be ashamed of himself if he failed to know that.

"I'm glad you love it," he said sincerely.

"But you know…" she started as she released herself from him. "…you don't really have to give me such an expensive gift."

He laughed lightly. "It's not that expensive. And besides, a friend of my father gave me a discount when I bought that. But what are you worried about? I got it for you… and it's only meant for you. Okay?"

Well, it wasn't much of a surprise that Aika would blush at his statement, making her look down and focus her eyes on the video camera on her hands. If only she didn't turn away and remained facing him, then she would see that it wasn't just her who felt the same way.

Kawamura couldn't believe it. He really said something like that? But there was nothing wrong with that, right? He just told the truth.

It was just a question of whether or not Aika would acknowledge his words as something true and without pretenses.

I'd rather let my dreams be opened up to you

So you'll understand, you'll understand

"Well, then! Since I already have this video camera in my hands, why don't we start shooting?" Aika suggested that broke off the uneasy atmosphere between the two of them.

He was stopped out of his musings when he heard that. "What?"

"Let's record a video."

"But why?"

"Well, since you gave it to me, I decided that the first video we should record using this gift is about you… and me…" She faced him with a pleading look (though she tried not to make it too obvious). "Please? For me?"

Take a look inside my heart and you'll see

I have so much love to give

Believe in me

Take a look inside my heart, share my love

Take a look in my heart… yeah…

Seriously, with this kind of pleading, could he really decline her request? Could he reject it? No doubt he couldn't. He would never do that.

After all, this was Aika that was requesting to him.

And she did ask him to do it for her.

If it was for her… then he would willingly do it.

He nodded with a gentle smile. "Okay."

Her smile after that was priceless.

As priceless as my love for her… A love she wouldn't be able to know for now…