It was just a merely beginning of June but the heat was unbelievable. Summer was officially going to begin in two weeks but people could already feel it – the weather was already summer-like. Sakura had already blossomed and beautifully pink cherry petals, which were trees' spring clothes, were replaced with green leaves. Students of most schools also replaced their winter clothes and instead of long-sleeved blazers and shirts they wore nice and refreshing thin summer shirts. But, not just the weather and school uniforms changed, the habits of students changed – the upcoming exams kept those busy young people indoors most of the time. Only about a month was left before the first term ends and that meant it was time for hard work.
"Ah…", a small sigh left young girl's mouth as she walked up the slope, on her way to school. Sakura trees that were beautifully pink in April were now making such a nice and relaxing shade that was just so hard to resist. But, high school girls and boys don't have time to rest as long and their school bell rings. Sana looked at that thick shade but just left another sigh and continued her way up the slope. She was somehow happy that it was Friday, the last day of the week, but weekend meant nothing to her. She would either study or listen to her parents' lecture how she needs to have nice grades and in that case apply for some extra lessons aka cram school. She didn't want to go to any cram school so studying by herself alone in her room was the only option. Sana's grades were always average but now, more than ever, her parents wanted her to be a nice high school student with high marks in her report card. It's not like Sana wasn't trying, but high school was just harder than middle school, especially the first year.
Sana finally arrived to her school, replaced her shoes with the ones students wear indoors of the school and slowly went to her classroom that was luckily on the first floor so she didn't have to climb up the stairs. Her legs were already killing her from walking up the slope on such hot day so all she wanted is to sit at her desk and rest.
"Ohayou, Sana-chan.", Sana heard a familiar voice behind her and turned to see the person. It was Sanji, always smiling and happy blonde guy from class 1-A, one class before Sana's.
"Ohayou gozaimasu, Sanji-san.", Sana smiled, greeting Sanji politely, not wanting to show her exhaustion from the heat and walking. Sanji put on his school shoes and went along with Sana.
"Wow, it's really hot today…", he said pulling the collar on his shirt to cool himself a bit.
"Yeah… I would rather rest with some cold drink than go to school.", Sana said putting hair behind her ear.
"Well, I'll surely make some ice-cream at home economics today after school so Sana-chan is welcome to stop by for some taste test.", Sanji smiled and blushed a little.
"If I have some free time after club practice, I'll surely come.", Sana smiled back.
"It doesn't matter, I'll wait for you.", Sanji didn't let down his smile but blushed slightly more, "Oh, this is where we part. Well, see you after school, Sana-chan.", he said when both of them arrived in front of Sana's classroom door. Sana waved at silly and happy Sanji as he ran to his classroom, meeting with some friends on the way there.
"Ho-hoo, what is that?", sudden voice made Sana flinch in her place. She immediately turned and met with Emi and Haruna, her friends and classmates.
"W-what is 'what'?", Sana started blushing but Emi's smile widen as she came closer to Sana's face.
"You're talking to 1-A boy, and we all know that class A is the most popular one yet… you seem so close, hmmm?", Emi came even closer to Sana's face, making the girl take a step back.
"W-we're just friends… h-honestly…", Sana blushed because she knew what Emi was applying to. She didn't need to lie to her friends - Sanji was just a friend to her. But, no matter that Emi still stared like she wanted to read Sana's soul from her eyes.
"Oh well… if you say so, then it must be it.", Emi finally backed off so that Sana could properly breathe and calm her racing heart.
The three girls went in the classroom and soon after the bell announced the start of another school day as the first class for the day began.
…
"Hahaha, I saw that soda commercial last night and I couldn't stop laughing.", Emi said, starting her lunch.
"Yeah, I know what you mean. That 'soap opera sensei' was hilarious.", Sana added.
"But, I wouldn't like to have that 'salesmen sensei' as our math teacher. He talks too fast, although it's funny.", Haruna said which made all three girls laugh.
"A-and then in the end, the principal!", Emi couldn't stop laughing.
"Haha, he was the football referee right? He said there will be no summer vacation…", Sana said and suddenly the atmosphere became very gloomy, "I wouldn't like to go to that school…"
"Mah, it's just a commercial, cheer up. Our summer vacation will come right after the exams.", a cheerful Emi brought more negativity to the group so the three continued to eat in silence.
"But, hey! Since the exams are coming, why don't we all study together? It'll be easier for all of us.", Emi made a comeback, suggesting a nice idea. After all, Sana's parents want her to score high so help from her friends would be great.
"I will ask my parents but I think it will be all right for me.", Haruna smiled.
"So, what about you, Sana?", Emi asked, really hyped because of her idea.
"I will also ask my parents. I would love to study with you guys.", she also smiled, feeling a little unsure. All Sana hoped for is that her parents allow her to study with friends.
"So, aside of studying, how is going with the music club?", Emi asked Sana again, putting a piece of rice omelet in her mouth.
"So far it's great! I'm having so much fun playing with them and, if I'm not mistaking, it's already been a week and a half since I've joined so everything is very nice there. Most of the members are older than me so I'm learning some stuff there too.", Sana smiled, feeling really happy she joined that club.
"Well, since the exams are coming, our choir club doesn't have much practice but you seem to be staying after school almost every day. Is it really okay there?", Emi asked Sana, obviously worried about her.
"It's fine, it's fine. I'm managing everything and all the senpai are helping me. No need to worry, let's eat.", Sana said, taking her little octopus-like wiener with some rice.
The three girls talked about that soda commercial again, laughing and leaving aside all the thoughts about exams and school clubs that were bothering them.
…
Sun was making its way to the west and the temperature slowly starting to drop. But, it was still pretty warm, temperature more than average for the beginning of June. A nice and orange dusk sky was slowly forming as the classes in high schools were carefully ending.
The last class came to an end with more reminders from the teacher about the exams. Sana and her two friends needed to part once again as she was heading to her music clubroom. As usual, she met Sanji on her way up the stairs. The two talked and laughed but once they reached the opened window on the stairs to the second floor, Sana had to peek outside. It's been a week and a half since she first heard that loud motorcycle engine and since then she haven't seen that "annoying green-headed idiot" as Sanji often called him. She really wanted to see him and tell him everything that was on her mind but Zoro just didn't appear in front of her as he used to. Sana often wondered what happened to him but soon as she noticed she's been thinking about him too much, she would shake her head and move on. Sanji, however, would always notice that action but would never ask or say anything to Sana. She also didn't say a thing about Zoro but she was surely obvious.
Sana backed from the window as, once again, she didn't see or hear Zoro. Thought about him possibly transferring schools bugged her and that feeling wasn't pleasant. She quickly shook of those thoughts and smiled to Sanji.
"Gomen, Sanji-san, we should hurry and go up.", she tried to hide her behavior and Sanji, the nice guy he always was, smiled back at her and hurried behind Sana, up the stairs.
"Sana-chan, don't forget,", Sanji said as they finally reached the third floor, "I'll be waiting for you with nice ice-cream, just like I promised this morning. When you finish with practice, just stop by my clubroom."
"Okay, I'll make sure to finish with practice quickly. I can't wait to try that delicious ice-cream.", Sana smiled and the two parted in the middle of the hallway of the high school's third floor. Suddenly, Sana stopped and took a step back. Sanji already left to his clubroom but something was calling for her to stop and look up the stairs that were leading to the roof. She looked up, her heart thumping rapidly but she couldn't make a step. She swore to herself and Zoro that she would never go back up; that wasn't place for her.
So, with that thought Sana sighed and continued her way to the music clubroom. In there, her upperclassmen were waiting, fixing their instruments and ready to play another of their songs.
…
"Otsukaresama deshita!", all the members of the music club said it together as Sana put her practice guitar in the locker and was about to leave.
"Otsukaresama. Well, see you in Monday.", Sana said slightly bowing to her music club friends before she left the clubroom, "Satte to… it's time for Sanji's delicious ice-cream.", Sana giggled to herself at the thought, happy she will eat some delicious and refreshing desert. But, once again, out of nowhere, she stopped before the stairs that lead to the school rooftop. She again stared up the stairs and at the roof door, feeling kind of anxious. She had mixed feeling trapped in her heart – she wanted to go there because it was a wonderful and peaceful place and she didn't because she promised she will never put her foot there. And, with that feeling of anxiety she went down the hallway, to Sanji's home economics clubroom.
"Shitsure shimasu…", Sana said while sliding the door of the room. She was afraid to go in by herself but once she saw that only Sanji was there, she felt relieved. He noticed her immediately.
"Oh, welcome, Sana-chan. I was just cleaning these dishes… It's my turn today.", as usual, Sanji put on his cheerful and happy smile on making Sana smile at him too, "I was lucky; today we had to make some deserts so I made a nice and delicious ice-cream cup just for you.", he said washing the last bowl, "Please sit, I'll be right there with you.", he added, trying to hurry up with the dish washing and join Sana.
"It's really nice in here. This clubroom is really big compared to ours; with all these tables, sinks, stoves and the rest…", Sana said, looking around the big classroom of home economics.
"Yeah, it's large but… there aren't so many interested people so it's really a waste of all this space. Anyways, one of my senpai made a super delicious parfait. Ah, I wish you were here to try it. But, I bet my ice-cream cup tastes better.", Sanji said wiping his hands and heading to the big fridge, "I don't know what flavor you like the most so I went guessing and…", he opened the freezer and pulled out a large ice-cream cup with many elements on it, "… and mixed up some of things that came to my mind. I won't tell you what it has, I'll let you enjoy.", Sanji said, putting the large ice-cream cup in front of Sana. She was amazed! It had so many things – strawberries, sprinkles, chocolate chips, nuts and many ice-cream balls.
"Sanji-san… this looks amazing. And I bet it tastes like that as well."
"I'll let you judge it.", Sanji smiled, handing Sana the spoon for her ice-cream.
And it was amazing! The taste was incredible – vanilla ice-cream never tasted like this. It was like a dream – so light, refreshing and wonderful. It just couldn't be described with words.
"Is this biscuit flavor? Before that one was vanilla, right?", Sana asked but Sanji only shrugged and smiled. The girl enjoyed her amazing refreshment and it was all she needed in the moment and after such a long and hot day, "Sanji-san, this is really amazing, just a thing to cool me down.", Sana added enjoying the wonderful desert in her hands. Sanji was more than happy about her. Her smile and words made him happy and showed him that he did an amazing job by pleasing the wonderful lady. But, there was one thought that bothered him so much that his happy smile disappeared. However, he didn't want to interrupt Sana in her meal so he put back on his smile and stayed until she finished eating.
…
"That was truly delicious and amazing. Thank you so much, Sanji-san.", Sana said putting the spoon in the empty cup, "It's too bad I had to eat all that by myself…"
"Hehe, I already said it – I ate while the others were here, this one was just for you.", he smiled washing the cup and the spoon.
"A-ah, the sun is setting… It reminds me how much time we spent in school… and by the time we get home, it's already time for dinner… what a waste…", Sana said, leaning to the opened window. The nice and warm breeze hit her face, calming her feelings.
"Ano ne… Sana-chan…", Sanji's tone was different than usual, making Sana look at his. He had worry written all over his face. That nice and calming smile was nowhere to be found, "That time when you found out about that green-head's name and when I asked you why did you ask for it… you told me that it was nothing and that you were just curious because he looks so stupid and all but… I know, It been a while but I just can't stop wondering…", he looked up, straight into Sana's eyes making her gulp and her heart to start racing, "Are you, maybe, in love with Zoro?", well, that came out of nowhere and shocked Sana like a lightning.
"Eh?", was all Sana could say at the moment but after few seconds she came back, "Ah, Sanji-san… why do you ask something like that? I… why would I fall in love with him? He's…"
"Well, every day we go to our clubrooms you look out of the window to see him. Ever since he boasted of with his bike like a biggest jerk… ever since then you've been looking outside of the window…", he slowly silenced and looked down again.
"Sanji-san…", Sana's soft voice made him look up at her again. She smiled, showing him that he doesn't need to worry, "It's the opposite, really.", she said and leaned to the window, looking at the empty schoolyard, "I haven't told you the whole thing back then, I'm sorry, but… all I said was true. Yes, I was interested in his name and not because I like him. In fact, I hate him.", she clenched her fists still looking outside, "He's probably not aware of it, but he hurt me… He suddenly came out of nowhere, disturbed my lunch and said mean things for my friends who he doesn't even know. He said they were liars and that they avoid me and that hurt me; I started doubting in the two girls who I loved very much. I learned the truth and he was wrong! Ever since then, I wanted to meet up with him and tell him everything I want. I may look shy and fragile but for friends, I'm ready to do anything and I don't go easy on anyone who insults them.", Sana frowned, remembering all Zoro said to her on the rooftop, "I don't care if he looks like a delinquent, with that big frown of his and scary eyes, I'll say what I want and finally give him the piece of my mind.", she turned to Sanji, who looked really surprised and smiled to him, "That's why I looked out of the window for him. But, ever since then, I haven't seen him around the school…"
Sanji didn't say a thing; he just sighed, obviously relieved of doubts, and leaned to the wall with hands in his pockets. Few moments after, a janitor opened the door and yelled at the two. Sanji and Sana quickly picked their things, deeply apologized and ran out of the school laughing.
"Hahaha, he really seemed pissed off.", Sanji said, running on the side walk.
"Yeah. But, I really lost the track of time. Hope he won't report us to the teachers.", Sana laughed, running next to the boy.
"Haha, yeah. We're now rebellions, staying in the school late after classes ended. Ah, crap!", Sanji suddenly stopped, making Sana stop too, "I forgot my bicycle in school. I'm sorry, I need to go back. Will you be alright?", he asked.
"Yeah, I'll go on by myself. My parents are probably worried so I'll run. You go on ahead.", Sana replied.
"Ah, no. I can't let you go home by yourself. It's already dark and you may run into some dangerous people on the way. Wait here, I'll be right back!", with that said, Sanji ran back to school and some minutes after came back riding his bicycle. The two took off into the dark and on the way to Sana's house with her leading the way. They didn't talk and for Sana… well, she felt really comfortable and safe by Sanji. She looked at his back – it was strong and wide and his blonde hair waved on the wind making the view unusual yet wonderful. Suddenly, Sana flinched out of her thoughts, noticing that her cheeks became warmer and her hands sweaty.
'Am I blushing for Sanji? Do I…'
"We're here.", Sanji stopped the cycling and looked at Sana. Her instructions led them perfectly to her house.
"A-ah, thank you so much, Sanji-san.", she jumped off the back seat, bowing to him.
"Aaah, that –san sounds so harsh and serious. 'Sanji' would be just fine.", Sanji said smiling.
"Well, goodnight, Sanji…-kun?", Sana said shyly.
"Hehe, we'll work on that. Goodnight, Sana-chan. See you on Monday.", he waved and took off down the street.
Back home, Sana had to defend herself for being late with excuses such as having some club activities and such. On the other hand, her parents agreed and let her study with Emi and Haruna, believing that would make her grades higher and her exams easier. Before sleep, her mind was filled with many things but mostly about the blonde boy from class 1-A.
'Is that a bad thing?', Sana thought and closed her eyes, blushing to the thoughts of the blonde boy before falling asleep.
…
Like said, the weekend wasn't relaxing for high school students. It was a perfect time for studying and because Sana's parents agreed to let her study with her friends, she phoned them and they agreed on studying at Haruna's place.
There, Sana stood amazed in front of the large gate of Haruna's house. Emi wasn't surprised but entertained at Sana's face. Emi led the way once the gates opened and in front of the house door a nice and polite butler awaited the two girls. He brought them to the study, a big room where Haruna awaited for them. It took quite some time for Sana to get used to the rich and large house but many reminders from Emi made her focus more on the books and solving math problems.
They studied until lunch, had a great and rich meal and went back to study more. Well, that "study" after lunch turned more into fun and jokes than actual learning stuff. It all lasted until the early night. When the sun set and street lights went on, it was time for Emi and Sana to go home and end their little fun for the day.
"Are you sure you don't need a ride home?", Haruna asked Sana on the doorstep.
"Yeah, I'll be fine, don't worry. I also need to stop by the convenience store for some stuff.", she smiled but Haruna still worried.
"If anything happens…"
"Nothing will happen, okay? I'll hurry home and call you that I safely arrived. So, don't worry.", Sana tried to encourage her friend more and make her believe in her words.
"Oh, okay… But, please call.", Haruna insisted and Sana nodded. They all parted there and each went their own way.
'Aaah, I really had so much fun today. Being with friends is so fun and makes me really happy. And wow, that was a large house! I almost got lost on my way to the bathroom.', Sana giggled to her thoughts on her way through the park.
There were still people around, enjoying the nice warm night and having a great time by the park fountain. Sana's mind was full of different formulas and combinations, foreign words and phrases. She only wanted to get back home and take a nice and relaxing bath. The warm night breeze seemed to relax her but she was still feeling the pressure of all those things she needed to memorize. Instead of thinking about school exams, Sana started humming her favorite song to put away those pressuring thoughts.
Humming happily calming melody, Sana didn't notice the danger that was approaching her. On the crossroad that was leading to her home a motorcycle came rushing her way at full speed!
"Watch out!", the driver yelled, making Sana jump in surprise and fear. The hard and pierce noise of the tires filled the whole road as the driver tried to avoid hitting the girl. However, the fast motorbike bumped into her, pushing her down. The hit wasn't hard for her as the driver steered quickly to the side and went falling hard and sliding heavily with the bike right into the trashcans and other rubbish on the side of the road. Sana watched the whole thing in fear but the heavy pain in her knee took her attention. It wasn't bleeding but the spot where the bike hit her really hurt. For a moment, Sana forgot all about that pain in the knee, stood up and rushed to the driver who was lying covered in the pile of rubbish with bags of trash scattered all over the place. She noticed he was wearing the helmet so she was somehow relieved.
"Sir, are you all right?", she yelled but no response came back. A dull grunt came when she started moving the trash bags off the guy. He shook his head and slowly took off his helmet.
"Are you hurt anywhere?", Sana asked another question but the guy stayed silent. Because of the dark, she couldn't see his face clearly. Moving the other bags away from the man's body, Sana noticed that his leg was bleeding fast.
'It must be from the sliding. His pants are all torn on that side.', she thought and quickly took her bag to search for something that will help the injured man. She took a piece of fabric from her bag and quickly wrapped around his big wound.
"Hey, what do you think you're doing?!", the guy growled, making Sana flinch at his familiar voice. She took a step back, making the street light behind her light on the biker's face. Her eyes widen in surprise – it was that same delinquent-looking, green-headed idiot she hated.
"Yappari, it's you…", he said frowning and looking at Sana's face. She took another step back, frowning herself.
"And then, it's you…", she said with the same tone he had. The sparkles of annoyance and hate could be felt between the two. After few moments of exchanging the mean looks, Sana went back and started wrapping the cloth around his leg again.
"H-hey, what are you doing?! Stop that!", he tried to push her away but Sana didn't want to give up.
"Wrapping this around your wound, as you can see. We need to stop the bleeding.", she said, fully focused on her job.
"W-what?"
"Are you stupid or something?! I'm helping you. If you want to bleed out and die, just say and I'll stop.", Sana was more arrogant than ever. She hated the guy but she would never back from the person in trouble, no matter if he's a friend or an enemy.
"That's… a scarf?", he asked, giving up on the arguing and struggling.
"Yeah… my grandma gave it to me and I always carry it with me as a good luck charm. Right now, it saved my life.", she said, not taking her eyes of the wounded leg.
"Yeah but I could swear that the bike hit you. And also, you'll dirty it with the blood.", he said.
"Yeah, don't worry about it; it's not a dangerous wound and also, it'll wash, it's cotton.", she said finishing the treatment and tapping the wrapped scarf. The guy flinched in pain and somehow stood up.
"Are you sure you're okay?", he asked, picking up his motorcycle.
"Yeah, it'll be fine. I'll maybe have just a bruise and that's it.", Sana smiled, ready to go home. But, soon as she made a couple of steps the pain in her leg came back, making her fall on her knees again.
"See. You're not fine.", he said with cold tone.
"I will be fine. I just stepped wrong. After some rest, I'll get up again.", she didn't want his pity.
"No, you're not fine. Look, you're bleeding.", and it was right – Sana's wound opened, her knee was bleeding.
"It's probably just a scratch from the fall. I'll clean it when I get home. You go now, I'll be fine.", she said and the pause came up. Nobody moved and the annoying guy still stood behind her, looking down on her.
"I'm taking you to my house, it's near. You will treat your wound there so that it won't get infected.", he said so bold and determined.
"What?! Are you insane?! I won't just go to your house because you say so! Go away!", Sana was seriously starting to get annoyed but the guy didn't want to change his mind.
"I'll treat your wound quickly.", he said with no change of tone in his voice.
"I said I'll be okay! Think about yourself! You're in worse state than me!", Sana was still facing him with her back. She didn't want to look at him, his face pissed her off.
"Okay, then, who's the one on their knees at the moment?", Sana finally looked at him, frowning big. He kept straight face and it annoyed Sana to hell! He came to her, took her around the waist with just one hand and placed her on his bike, "You'll contact your parents later. Right now, we need to treat that."
"H-hey! Who gave you the permission to do this? I want to get down!", she struggled but he didn't let her off the bike.
"My house is right there, we'll arrive quickly. Just sit tight.", he ignored Sana completely.
'What a stubborn and annoying guy! That's why I hate him, stupid liar!', Sana thought, boiling inside. She looked down and noticed that her scarf that was wrapped around the guy's leg was completely soaked with blood, like the pants' fabric below it.
"And what about you? You're really hurt more than me, you should—"
"I'll be fine. I'm not that weak to worry about a little scratch on the leg."
"Scratch?! The bleeding won't stop!"
"Don't worry about me, I'll be fine.", he turned to her and smiled. It was the smile Sana would never expect from a mean-looking guy such as himself. Sana felt a blush forming on her cheeks and she quickly turned her head away.
…
"I'm home!", he yelled sliding the door of a little house near that convenience store.
"Oujamashimasu...", Sana whispered, embarrassed for entering the unknown house. The annoying biker showed her way to follow him up the stairs.
"Sa, this is my room, make yourself comfortable while I go and find the first aid kit.", he said, opening the door to a nicely arranged and clean room. It was hard to believe it was a guy's room. Everything was on its place and well arranged. Sana sat on the bed, putting her bad beside her. She blushed – it was her first time in a guy's room and the feeling about it suffocated her. After few minutes the annoying green-head came back with the aid kit and kneeled before Sana.
"Okay, show me the wound.", he said but Sana frowned again and moved her leg away. He looked at her confused.
"Isn't it a bit rude?", she said but that only made him more confused, "Inviting the girl to your home before even knowing her name? Isn't that rude and really strange?"
"Well, you go to the same school as me so…", he said but Sana only frowned more, "Aah, wakata… The name's Zoro, class 1-D. And you are?", he was trying to be polite but it was totally wrong. She already knew his name but wanted it to hear from him directly.
"I'm Sana, from class 1-B.", she said, relaxing her face a bit but she remembered and got angry again, "I need to tell you something and I've been wanting to tell you for a very long time!", she almost yelled but made Zoro more interested in what she's about to say, "You were wrong! That time on the rooftop, you said that my friends are lying to me and are avoiding me, leaving me to eat lunch by myself, making excuses that they need to practice with the choir. Well, guess what?! I went to their practice and they actually do that! They are not lying and not avoiding me. How dare you state such thing?! You don't even know them and nothing gives you the right to talk about them like that!", Sana couldn't keep it calm; she yelled at Zoro, letting it all out. She was annoyed and pissed at him! Zoro only looked her with a surprised face and wide eyes, unable to say a thing. After few moments of shock, he sighed and sat straight.
"I'm sorry.", he said bowing.
"What?", now, it was Sana who was surprised.
"I said I'm sorry. I'm sorry I said those things that obviously weren't my business. I'm sorry I insulted you and your friends.", he bowed again but sat back up quickly.
"That's it?"
"Huh?! Oi, what do you want from me?! I apologized properly! It was stupid of me to say such stuff, okay? What? Do you want me to do a head stand or something?!", he yelled, obviously pissed off. Sana sighed and relaxed, "Hey,", he spoke up, making Sana look at him, "that time on the roof… You haven't told me your name…"
"I just did! 5 minutes ago! What are you? An ape?", she yelled again but her annoyance was interrupted by the knock on the door. A tall girl with shoulder-length black hair came in.
"Oh, sorry, I heard some yelling but I didn't know you had… 'company'", she smiled cheeky, looking at Sana.
"Get out of here, you annoying woman!", Zoro yelled, throwing a slipped at the girl.
"Well, introduce us.", the girl plead, not intending to leave the room. Zoro sighed and looked at Sana.
"This annoying brat is Kuina, my cousin; and this is…", he already forgot Sana's name which made her eye twitch.
"Sana!", she yelled at him.
"Yeah, Sana. So, that's it, you two know each other, bye!", he was constantly trying to get rid of his cousin but she didn't want to leave.
"So, for how long were you two been dating?", she asked still clinging on the door.
"We're not dating!", Zoro and Sana yelled at the same time, making Kuina smile even more.
"Ho-ho~ I'll leave you two to be all lovey-dovey now. Oh, and Zoro… don't call me a brat, I'm older than you. Bye bye, Sana-chan."
"Get lost!", Zoro threw another slipped which hit the door right when Kuina closed it. Sana could notice a little blush forming on his cheeks making Zoro look… cute, "Geez, she's so annoying.", Zoro said and without a warning pulled Sana's leg up to see the wound. He took some alcohol and gauze to clean the wound.
"So, you're living with your cousin?", Sana asked to break the silence.
"Yeah, I moved to this town for school. She's so annoying, a real pain in the ass but I have to bear with it.", he pushed the wound a bit harder, making Sana flinch, "Sorry…", he said and finished the treatment putting on the bandaid.
"Now it's your turn.", Sana said, looking at Zoro's leg which he was trying to hide.
"Nah, I'll be fine. You better go home, your parents are probably worried.", he said and Sana took her cell phone out of her bag and dialed.
"Hello? Mom? Yeah, I'll be home a little bit late. I still have to solve a couple of math problems Haruka-chan gave me. I'll be home in about 20 minutes… okay? Right…. Bye!", she hung up and looked at Zoro, "Just so you know, I'm not doing this for you. I don't want to get in trouble, okay? Now… show me your wound.", she had a demanding look in her eyes which made Zoro to give up and do as said. He sat on the floor, pulling out the leg that was injured.
"Oh god, look at this! It's all soaked in blood!", Sana gasped at the mere look at her lucky scarf.
"It was you who decided to put your good luck charm over around the leg.", Zoro said.
"I'm not talking about that, it'll wash but look at the wound… it won't stop bleeding.", she was afraid.
"Haha, it looks like I hit an artery.", Zoro laughed.
"It's not a laughing matter, you jerk! This is very bad!", Sana pushed him to lean on the wardrobe and unwrapped the bloody scarf. She took alcohol, cleaned the wound, found some balms and treated Zoro's wound.
"Your scarf is all ruined.", he said.
"Shut up! What's more important – some stupid scarf or a person's life?!", Sana yelled, making Zoro shut up for good. The wound was open and indeed, it hit a vein but it wasn't too bad, he wouldn't need any stitches. So, she just put on a treating balm to help the wound heal faster and wrapped the bandage over it. The whole time Zoro's leg was treated a suffocating silence was up; neither of them dared to speak, until Zoro finally broke the ice.
"You're different than I expected… you're loud and stubborn, you're easily annoyed and somehow arrogant. You're not what I imagined at all…", he said but Sana didn't look at him.
"Well, sorry I didn't meet up your expectations… However, I noticed… I'm loud and annoyed just around you. I'm not like that with anyone else.", she said and looked up at Zoro. Their eyes met and none of them looked away. Towards Zoro, Sana felt annoyance and hatred and Zoro… he didn't know how to feel. They continued to stare at each other but Sana sighed first and stood up.
"You're done. You don't need any stitching, just apply that balm every once in a while and you'll be good. Now, I need to go. See ya.", she said, leaving the room. Zoro immediately stood up and followed her to the door. On their way down they met Kuina again.
"You're already leaving, Sana-chan?", she asked.
"Yes, I was just here to help… Zoro-san, treat his wound. He'll explain it to you. Sorry for intruding. Good night.", Sana bowed and exited the house.
"Wound? Zoro what happened?", Kuina asked after the door closed.
"I ran into her with a bike and fell. She's okay and I was slightly cut, no big deal.", he said with no worry in his voice.
"You ran into a girl with a motorcycle?! Are you an idiot?!", she yelled but calmed down quickly, "More importantly… you look like you already miss her. Is it because you didn't gave her a good night kiss?", she was rubbing it in and Zoro got annoyed by the second.
"She's not my girlfriend, you idiot! We barely know each other!", he yelled, making Kuina jump to the side.
"But that way is more interesting. She seems very nice and polite. Treasure her… 'Zoro-san'.", she laughed, making Zoro really pissed off so that he started chasing his cousin.
"Why, you!"
"Kyaa~ big mean Zoro is going to hit me~ hahaha!", Kuina joked around and ran to the other room, Zoro coming right after her.
But, what were really Zoro's feelings? He was pissed and annoyed but, somehow, on the thought of Sana he would stop and think… What is going around his head… ?
~To be continued~