Ryoma glanced at the other regulars, a few talented players made their way into Seigaku after they won Nationals much to the whole team's relief now that they had a reputation to uphold. The granddaughter of their coach even made her way into the girl's team with a small push from his former upperclassman who was giving her a few lessons every month.

Her confidence was growing a lot more thanks to the team, he could faintly remember Sakura saying that was how she gained her confidence as well. He wouldn't admit it, but she was catching his eye a lot more often now. It felt weird for him because now he wasn't too sure of his feelings for her anymore.

Sakuno gasped as she missed another ball. She was beginning to feel discouraged again and that she was letting Sakura down.

"Come on Ryuzaki! Aren't you getting special lessons from Hikari-senpai?" a teammate teased

"H-hai!" Sakuno became flustered and started to miss more

"She must be super disappointed in you" she heard from the sidelines "You can't even hit the ball!"

Ryoma heard this as he wandered by the courts and it made him pause.

"I wonder what your grandmother thinks!"

"Oi!" he heard as he was about to speak up, he turned in surprise to spot the former regular visiting

"Hikari-senpai?"

"S-Sakura-senpai" Sakuno gasped "What are you doing here?"

"I was worried" Sakura glared at the group of female tennis players that were picking on Sakuno "I know a few signs of bullying when I see them"

"I-it's nothing!" Sakuno gave a fake smile making Sakura frown

"It's not nothing!" Sakura exclaimed as she made her way on the court "Bullying is never nothing, and depending on the person... Depending on the person, there's a different result when they finally snap" she sighed

"We weren't bullying her" a brave girl said boldly "We were just trying to get her to work harder. She's a weak link in the club"

Sakura turned and glared at the girl "She works harder than most of you. I've seen her practicing until her body can't take anymore. I've seen so much improvement in just a couple weeks. This is the first time since Nationals that I've seen someone become so passionate about tennis after looking up to someone" Walking up to the group of girls her voice became cold "And I refuse to let people like you to take that all away from her"

"And what are you going to do about it Hikari-senpai" the bold girl hissed

"I've reported the bullying to your coach" Sakura stated calmly "She's been standing there and watching everything with me"

"I am so disappointed in you girls" their coach frowned "Ryuzaki, you've been improving wonderfully since you joined. Don't let them get to you. Now as for your punishments-"

"We'll cover that sensei" the group turned to see the female regulars "We'll keep them in line until we are sure they have learned their lesson"

"Well, as much as I would love to stay and chat" Sakura gave a soft smile to Sakuno "I have some studying to do for an upcoming test. I'll see you in a few days for your lessons" patting the younger girl on the head as she left

"That was pretty cool of you, senpai" Ryoma told her as she walked by

"Sorry I stole your spotlight Ochibi" Sakura giggled "But go encourage her, she looks up to you" as she left she could faintly hear,

"She's right you know, you have improved" Ryoma told Sakuno as she left the courts "I-I can even help you if you want"

"T-that would be great R-Ryoma-kun" Sakuno stuttered while blushing