Chapter Three – School Days

The next morning, Ryuuji woke up early like nothing has changed even though he was now living in Japan instead of America. He got dressed in his morning jog outfit and left the house. After working up a sweat he returned, took a shower and made breakfast. This was his usual routine in America since his father was too busy to take care of him and he lived on his own, annoyed by the concept of having servants at his beck and call.

He noticed that that there was a note on the kitchen counter listing the foods that Kotonoha and Kokoro liked to eat for him to keep in mind. Hmm…I should make extra breakfast for them and then make bento boxes for lunch. No sense in buying cafeteria food again since I can make my own lunch. He put on an apron and started to cook.

Once Ryuuji finished making everything and then packing it after he ate his breakfast, he turned on his laptop and checked the financial records of Juda Corporations that Kei sent to him last night. As chief executive officer, he had to make sure that inventories were accounted for, costs were minimized and profits were being made and as well as checking the records for any discrepancies. He typed up his findings and sent it to Kei to make sure that his orders were processed and forwarded to others.

Kotonoha woke up to the smell of breakfast. I thought mother left on a trip with father. Who made breakfast? She got dressed and walked downstairs to the kitchen. She saw Ryuuji at his laptop and breakfast set on the table. He made this?

"G-Good morning, Ryuuji-kun. Did you make breakfast?" Even though they were living together, she still couldn't get used to him. Because he's a guy. She mentally noted.

"Good morning, Kotonoha. I guess you're still not used to me yet. But yes, I made breakfast and lunch is packed up for you at the countertop. I hope you like it." I guess this Makoto guy will be the only guy Ko-chan can trust afterall. What did I hope for? I should be satisfied that I'm living with her even though it's only temporary.

"Looks delicious. Thank you very much, R-Ryuuji-kun." Kotonoha sat down and started to eat. She still wasn't used to calling him by his first name. It's been awhile since I had an actual breakfast since I usually don't wake up early enough to make breakfast for myself and Kokoro. She started with a sip of miso soup. Mmm… delicious. For a guy, he's actually good at cooking, maybe as good as me. At least he can cook even if I can't tolerate him being here.

Ryuuji glanced over his laptop to take a quick look at Kotonoha. Looks like she likes it. At least I know she likes my cooking even if she's afraid of being around me. He went back to typing his work on his laptop. His eyes never leaving his laptop, Ryuuji casually spoke to Kotonoha as she was eating her breakfast.

"Oh right, before I forget. Kotonoha, I'm going to head out before you do so that no one will know I live with you. That way, rumors won't start and Itou-kun won't misunderstand." Not that I care about the rumors but I don't want to stir trouble for Ko-chan.

"Eh? Ah right, thank you. Ryuuji-kun. I'll lock the door after Kokoro and I leave." Kotonoha didn't even think that people might misunderstand their relationship if they walked to school together. She thought that no one at school would notice her anyway, but lately, there has been rumors circulating about the foreign exchange student since he stood out. If she was seen with him, rumors might spread about her too.

Ryuuji checked the time and he decided he should leave for school. He turned off his laptop, put it away, grabbed his school bag and headed towards the door putting on his shoes.

"I'll leave first then. See you later Kotonoha."

"H-Have a safe trip."

Afterwards, Kotonoha left the house as well with Kokoro when they both finished breakfast. They said their goodbyes and went their separate ways; Kotonoha made sure Kokoro walked away with her classmates.

When Ryuuji arrived at school, nearby students couldn't help gossip stories about him since he accidently made himself infamous by opposing Otome's gang yesterday.

Hmph. Gossip all you want. As long as I can protect Ko-chan from that girl I can cope with anything. He walked past them and noticed someone up ahead. He looked up as he heard his name.

"Yo, Hyouma-kun. Looks like you made yourself infamous by saving me from Otome yesterday." Taisuke couldn't help grinning at him.

"Saving you from who? I don't remember saving anyone like you. As I recall, I didn't have to save you." He ignored him and walked towards the shoe lockers.

"Man, you're harsh in the mornings too. Are you always like this? That girl who hit me yesterday was Otome Katou. She's a star player on the girls' basketball team and holds a crush on Makoto Itou, my best friend." Taisuke followed him to the lockers.

So that girl's called Katou-san. This guy seems like he's full of information. "So? I didn't want to oppose her but she got in my way yesterday. But anyways, you seemed to know a lot. Do you gather info on girls or something? Ryuuji turned to look at him.

"So you noticed. Listen and be amazed! I'm in charge of the famous school beauties club." He announced with pride.

"Is that another weird title for your odd hobbies?" Ryuuji was not amused. School beauties club? It seems like a cover to spy on the girls in school. Is that how he got pictures of Ko-chan? I let him off easily last time but if I see those pictures again, I'm going to punch the daylights out of him.

"That's mean, man. If you're interested in finding out more information about any girl, I'm the guy to ask. I'm sure a cool-looking guy like you would want more than one girl." Taisuke smiled suggestively and placed his arm around Ryuuji's shoulder. Hah, I got you now! No guy can resist this offer. Every guy in school would beg me for this favor!

"Not interested. I got other things to do." Ryuuji removed Taisuke's arm from his shoulder abruptly.

"Seriously? I still owe you a favor man. I don't like owing people." Taisuke was dumbfounded. He actually refused? No one has ever refused this offer before.

"If I need a favor, I'll bring it up. Until then, later." Ryuuji left for class. Taisuke scratched his head in disbelief. You're way too cool man.

Kotonoha arrived at school on time like usual. She saw that Makoto and Sekai walked to school together and couldn't help feeling jealous. I know they live in the same direction but why are they always so close together? I wish I could switch places with Saionji-san. She put on her usual smile and shyly greeted the two of them.

Like another usual routine, she waved a brief goodbye as they left for their respective classes. With a sigh, she walked to her classroom and took her seat in the front.

Ryuuji noticed immediately when Kotonoha entered the room. Ko-chan looks like something is worrying her. I wonder what's up? Did something happen on her way to school? Maybe I should leave after her tomorrow to find out what's wrong. He kept his emotions hidden and acted like nothing wrong when class started.

When the teacher dismissed the class for lunch, Otome and her gang entered the classroom. Here they come again… Are they here for Ko-chan again? Ryuuji just observed as Otome surprisingly, ignored Kotonoha and walked past her desk towards Ryuuji.

Heeeh. So they're here for me this time. Ryuuji relaxed in his chair and grinned as they approached.

Otome slammed her palms on his desk. "So we meet again transfer student. I still owe you for the humiliation yesterday. I can't beat you in a fight so I propose a new way to settle things. I challenge you to a basketball game, one-on-one." Otome grinned. She was a star player and there was no way he could beat her at her own game.

"Changing the terms to suit your advantages huh? Fine, I accept. Do you want to hold the match now?" Ryuuji's eyes gleamed, he loved to take on challenges especially when was a disadvantage for him. Looks like school will be amusing after all.

"Right now. At the basketball courts. I don't have time after school and you're not currently busy so let's get it over with. Follow me." Otome led the way and her gang followed. Ryuuji got up from his desk and followed with his hands in pockets.

Kotonoha overheard the conversation. Oh no, Ryuuji-kun is in trouble now for defending me. What should I do? I'll go ask Makoto and Saionji-san for help. She got up quickly and left the classroom to find them.

Makoto and Sekai were at their usual spot on the rooftop, eating lunch together. Makoto was being fed by Sekai when Kotonoha abrupted came in.

"Oh hey, Kotonoha. Sekai was just fooling around with me. Don't misunderstand." Makoto was worried that Kotonoha would misunderstand again his relationship with Sekai.

"Makoto-kun, d-don't worry I trust you. But I'm not here for that. Could I ask you two to come with me? There's some trouble and I need help." Kotonoha led the two of them towards the basketball courts where Ryuuji and Katou were having their match.

By the time Kotonoha, Makoto and Sekai got there, the match had already started and Otome's friends from the basketball team were keeping track of the points. Surprisingly, Otome was not the one leading the points.

Ryuuji was.

"Oh wow, someone is actually beating Katou-san. Who is he? Do you know him, Katsura-san? I never saw him around before." Sekai tiptoed on her feet, trying to get a better glimpse of the opponent.

"U-um…he's a transfer student in my class. This match was my fault." Kotonoha clenched the bow on her school uniform.

"Your fault? How did that happen? Lemme guess, this guy saved you from trouble right?" Sekai couldn't help grin mischievously. Kotonoha timidly nodded.

"No way! I was right?" Sekai nudged Makoto in the elbow.

"Heeeh, Makoto, you got some competition now. If you're not careful, someone will snatch Katsura-san away from you."

"S-stop fooling around, Sekai. I'm sure he just wanted to help. Besides, I trust Kotonoha."

"Is this faith on your relationship?" Sekai wanted to goad him some more.

"I—" Makoto blushed. More like I know that Kotonoha is uncomfortable around other guys. He was interrupted when the people around him cheered; another point was scored during the match.

Ryuuji was working up an appetite. He was leading the match by ten points and Otome didn't seem like she was ready to give up yet. She had the ball and charged into the court, dribbling quickly and setting up a shot. Ryuuji saw and rushed forward trying to block it with his arms. She feinted and went under his block, almost catching him by surprise. Almost got me there, girl. But I'm not giving up yet. Ryuuji turned around and stole the ball from behind and went to his side of the court, scoring another easy shot.

The game was over.

"Huff…puff… I underestimated you, transfer student. I didn't think there would be anyone else that I could lose to." Otome was having difficulty breathing.

"You're not so bad yourself… Katou-san. Since I won, I guess we're even now?" Ryuuji wiped off some sweat onto his sleeve.

"Che… I guess so. A deal's a deal, we're even now." Otome scowled, this was the second time he beat her and he made it look so effortless. Damn, I thought I could win. Is this guy good at everything? I'll come up with another plan of revenge. Don't let your guard down, transfer student!

Ryuuji smirked and walked off the courts, holding his uniform blazer over his shoulder. He got a glimpse of Kotonoha in the crowd that had formed during the match but he maintained his distance to avoid suspicion. Did she come to watch? Or to interfere? The he saw a male next to her with a hyperactive girl. So that's Makoto? He doesn't seem like much. She really likes him?

He felt some eyes behind him. "Who are you looking at, Hyouma-kun?" He sighed internally. It's him again.

"What do you want, pervert?" He scowled. He didn't like associating with him if he didn't need to.

"Hey that hurts. You never quit with the cold demeanor huh? I saw your match with Katou-san. You're so awesome! How did you learn to play like that? Are you planning to join the boys' basketball team?" Taisuke started rambling.

"What's it to you? I'm off to the cafeteria, don't follow me." He walked briskly to the cafeteria.

"OH MY GOD, did you see that? Katou-san lost! To someone who just transferred here! Who is he? Now, I'm curious…" Sekai's eyes gleamed like she found someone interesting to investigate.

"Oh no…it's that habit of hers again. She won't stop until she satisfies her curiosity." Makoto groaned with a hand to his forehead.

"W-what habit? He's just a transfer student from America who has already obtained a master's degree in business. What's so special about him?" Kotonoha grimaced. If she looks into Ryuuji-kun, she might found out that we're living together! I can't let that happen!

"Hoooh, so he's not just your normal, everyday transfer student. He also looks foreign too…" Sekai had her fingers on her chin and burrowed her eyebrows in thought.

…..

"Nah, just kidding. I'm too busy with my personal mission!"

Makoto and Kotonoha sighed in relief. Both paused for a moment. What mission?

"What mission, Sekai?" He was curious.

"To make sure that you and Katsura-san are all lovey-dovey!" She smirked.

Makoto and Kotonoha lowered their heads trying to hide their heating, red faces.

Kotonoha tried to change the subject. "L-let's go eat lunch now. I was planning to stop the match but I was too late… nevermind. Thanks for coming with me. But let's go eat!" She smiled cheerfully and led the way back to the rooftop.

School ended for the day and Ryuuji sighed in relief. During lunch, Taisuke kept on following him around, asking all sorts of questions. He tried to ignore him but he was relentless and hounded him everywhere he went. Fortunately, they had different classes so they went their separate ways but it looked like Taisuke wouldn't give up, he wanted to be Ryuuji's friend. That guy was so annoying today. Thanks to him, I didn't get to see Ko-chan during lunch since I was trying to avoid him. He thinks he's on to something but I won't let him get the best of me!

Ryuuji left the school building and waited at the school gate. He knew Kotonoha had another school council meeting since she left right after class ended for the day. He checked the time on his cell phone.

Half an hour passed.

Just when he was about to give up waiting and leave the school premises, he saw Kotonoha come out of the school building.

"Hey, Kotonoha did you finish your council meeting?" He greeted her.

"R-Ryuuji-kun? Why are you still here? Were you perhaps waiting for me?" Kotonoha's eyes were wide in surprise.

"Um… yeah… but it's not what you think! I just wanted to ask what groceries I could get in preparation for dinner!" Ryuuji quickly made an excuse; he didn't want to cause any misunderstandings since Kotonoha already had a boyfriend.

She approached him. "Just for groceries? Is that all?"

He was feeling uncomfortable under her scrutinizing gaze. "Yeah, just for groceries." He looked away to the side. This hurts Ko-chan.

"Anyways let's get the groceries and head home. I'm sure Kokoro-chan is waiting for us." He turned around and started walking towards the train station.

As they were walking, Ryuuji started a conversation. "Hey, Kotonoha, did you watch my basketball match?" He casually asked.

Kotonoha blushed; she still wasn't used to being addressed by her first name by him. "Yes….I'm sorry that you have been targeted by Katou-san and her friends." She stopped briefly.

Ryuuji turned around, getting the feeling that she felt so far from him. "Don't worry about it. Thanks to her, school has gotten more interesting."

More interesting? Kotonoha looked up and saw him grinning. "Is school boring for you, R-Ryuuji-kun?"

"Ah…well...not really."

"Is it because of Katou-san?" Kotonoha was curious.

"It's a secret." He couldn't look her in the eyes and turned away. "We better hurry."

His response to her question sparked her curiosity unconsciously. She didn't know why but she wanted to hear the answer to that question. Who could it be if not Katou-san? There's no one else that would dare to challenge Ryuuji-kun since he looks scary. She left it at that note.

They got to the train station on time before the train left. When they got off, they walked towards the nearest grocery store and bought some groceries for tonight's dinner. Then, they headed home with groceries in hand silently, no longer conversing.

When they arrived at Kotonoha's house and opened the door. A familiar little girl with pigtails jumped out.

"WELCOME HOME ONEE-CHAN! RYUUJI-NIICHAN!" Kokoro greeted enthusiastically.

As usual, she like to hug Kotonoha and bury her head in her breasts as part of the greeting. "Hmm…onee-chan…"

"K-kokoro…must you do this every time?" Kotonoha blushed, aware of their audience.

Ryuuji just stood there with groceries in his hand with a grin on his face. He was trying hard not to laugh.

"Alright, Kokoro-chan. I need to put the groceries away so could you please let your sister go?"

Kokoro nodded as she let go of a blushing Kotonoha.

He entered the house and left the groceries on the counter. He then went quickly upstairs to his room and put his school bag away and went back downstairs to the kitchen. He sorted out the groceries and one by one he placed them in the refrigerator. While he was doing this, Kotonoha approached him from behind and asked if he needed any help. Ryuuji kindly refused.

"No thanks, Kotonoha. I was asked by your father to care of both you and Kokoro-chan so I can handle this."

Kotonoha was amazed by his commitment to her father's request. She didn't have much experience around boys but she could tell that he was different from those she knew aside from Makoto. He may seem arrogant and rough but he was actually gentle and caring to those he knew, especially around Kokoro. He treated her like his little sister and showered her with attention. Her parents were usually working and so she was always worried that Kokoro would be lonely with just the two of them but it seemed like Kokoro was happier with Ryuuji around. Kotonoha didn't want to admit it but she was slowly getting used to having Ryuuji in the house. Even though his presence was influencing how she felt about men in general, she still loved Makoto the best.

Kotonoha left Ryuuji in the kitchen and headed upstairs to her room. It contained her bed and her desk with the addition of a few stuffed animals. She adored stuffed animals and collected a few. She heard her ring tone on her cell phone ring. She picked her cell phone up and answered.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Kotonoha." It was Makoto who answered.

"M-Makoto-kun? Did you need something?"

"Ah…well…K-Kotonoha….are you free this weekend?" Makoto stammered.

Kotonoha blushed as she answered. Is he asking me out for a date? "Yes, I'm free…Why do you ask?"

"….I-I was wondering if you wanted to watch a movie this weekend?"

"A movie? Yes, I would be glad to!" She answered cheerfully.

"Really! How about this Sunday at 11am?" Makoto was pumping his fist in the air on the other side in joy.

"Sure. Let's meet this Sunday!"

Click.

I'm going out on another date with Makoto-kun! What should I wear! Wait, it's too soon to decide I still have a few more days to decide. Yet, she couldn't hide her happiness. Makoto and Kotonoha just started going out and they have been on one other date besides this upcoming one.

Nearby, Kokoro overheard her sister's conversation with her boyfriend and walked into her room.

"Ne…onee-chan? Are you going on a date with your boyfriend?" She asked innocently.

Kotonoha blushed. "K-kokoro! Y-yes with Makoto-kun. I've told you about him remember?"

"I'm happy for you onee-chan! I hope it goes well! I'm going to help Ryuuji-niichan with dinner!" She left the room as quickly as she entered.

Downstairs, Ryuuji was busy preparing dinner and had an apron on.

"Ryuuji-niichan! Do you need help?" Kokoro walked in the kitchen.

"Kokoro-chan? No, I'm fine. Thank you." He went back to cutting potatoes.

"Hey, Hey guess what? Onee-chan is going on a date with her boyfriend!" Kokoro piped.

He tried to sound uninterested. "Oh, really? I hope she has fun." He was now cutting carrots.

"Yep, yep. Onee-chan looked so happy. I'm sure Makoto-niichan is a nice guy!"

"I hope so, Kokoro-chan. I'm sure she'll have a nice time." Well if he makes her unhappy I'm going to confront him. He prepared a pot full of water and set it on the stove on medium high heat.

"Hey, Ryuuji-niichan?" Kokoro paused for a moment.

"Yes?" Ryuuji got the feeling that she was about to ask something personal.

"Do you have a girlfriend?" He stopped slicing chicken. "Why do you ask, Kokoro-chan?"

"Um…I want to see both Onee-chan and Ryuuji-niichan happy! Is that wrong?"

Ryuuji washed his hands clean and turned around to see Kokoro with her head down; sorry that she asked such a personal question. "I'm happy even if I don't have a girlfriend, Kokoro-chan." He knelt down and gently ruffled the top of her head.

She looked up and saw that he was smiling at her. "Why?"

"Because your family treats me so kindly." He touched her cheek fondly for a brief moment before getting back up to his cutting board. He washed his hands again and proceeded to cut the chicken meat.

Kokoro was so touched. No one else besides her parents and her sister showered her with this much attention. She really was glad that Ryuuji came to live with them. She also secretly hoped that her sister's boyfriend was as kind as Ryuuji.

Ryuuji finished preparing dinner which was chicken katsu curry on rice. Kokoro helped him set up the dining table and he called Kotonoha down from upstairs. They all sat down at the table to eat the dinner he prepared. The night ended quickly.