A/N: Hello readers!! Here's the next chapter. Ryoma and Sakuno go frolicking where...? Read on to find out!

P.S. Text messages are italicized!

Chapter 10- Ryoma Cuts Loose

After the incident between Ryoma and Sakuno on the rooftop, there was a weird period between the two. They'd parted on good terms after lunch, but the next day, things were a little awkward. Upon passing each other in the hallway, all Sakuno could do was give a little wave. Her cheeks were burning too much to even look him in the eye. She guessed it was because she realized how distrusting she'd been. After pondering over it for a while, she'd felt bad for mistreating him and not being a true friend on her end. And she supposed Ryoma regretted ever comforting her in the first place. But, there was nothing she could do about it. From now on, she could only try her hardest to be a good friend.

Sakuno was now in her room, having just finished practicing her violin for a while. Point was, she had time to kill this weekend and she currently had no plans whatsoever. Going over to her bag, she checked her cell phone for messages. She didn't use it much, but enjoyed the privilege of calling or texting Tomoka and any of her other friends whenever she wanted. Picking it up, she decided to text Ryoma on a whim.

Hey. What're you doing? Her phone went off a few minutes later with a message of Hey. Ten practice is over. You?

Bored. Very bored.

Guess we have the same problem now.

Yeah...

I'm coming over.

??

Just get ready.

If you say so.

Sakuno was a bit bewildered but complied. She was already wearing a light pink button-up with a skirt, so she was set as regards to clothes. She only took the time to re-braid her hair and double check that she had a substantial amount of money on her.

About 15 minutes later, a knock came at the door. Opening it revealed Ryoma, who wore a green polo, black cargo pants, and had his tennis bag slung over his shoulder.

"I didn't know you changed clothes after practice," Sakuno voiced as she joined Ryoma on the porch.

"I usually don't, except for on the weekends."

"Oh, I see," she replied and fell silent for a few seconds.

"So, where to?" Ryoma asked, looking over to Sakuno.

"Oh, I don't know. Surprise me," she responded and glanced back at him with a smile.

"You sure?"

"I'm sure."

And so Ryoma walked on, Sakuno beside him. She had no clue where they were going and neither did he for that matter. While walking, the two talked about their families, obnoxious teachers and stuff in general.

"You've never had cheesecake?" Ryoma questioned.

"No, is it good?" Sakuno replied with a question of her own.

"Yeah. I can take you for some eventually." She only smiled in response to his offer.

"Hey swings!" She ran towards the swing set in a little park they'd stumbled upon.

"You want me to push?" Ryoma asked, a small smile playing at his lips, as Sakuno faced him with an expectant look.

"That, or you swing, too," she replied, smiling childishly.

"Sure, I'll swing," he responded and climbed aboard the one next to her.

"Ready? Go!"

And Sakuno pushed off, pumping her legs to swing higher. After only a few seconds, Ryoma was already higher than her. Laughing out loud, he swung until he was level with the bar that held the swings. Once at the peak, he leaped off, landing gracefully with one knee and hand to the ground. Smirking, he turned to see Sakuno slowing with a pout on her lips.

"What, you jealous?" Ryoma voiced, standing just far enough not to get hit.

"Yes, actually I am," Sakuno replied as she leaped off, but at a much lower height.

"Plus, I have on a skirt!" she added, stalking over to Ryoma and poking a finger into his chest.

"Noted," he replied and he held up his hands in defense.

"Good, now, I want a rematch," she responded and walked back to the swings.

"Don't give up, do you?"

"No, 'specially not now," she replied, turning to face him. "Is the great Echizen Ryoma backing down from a challenge?" she asked in a mocking voice.

That got him moving and they both took their former positions. "Ready, go!"

"Hey, I wasn't ready!" Sakuno protested.

"You're cheating!" she yelled as he kept pumping.

"No dice!" Ryoma shouted back in response, which only got Sakuno's blood boiling more. And so the two swung.

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"I can't believe we spent two hours in the park," Ryoma said. He and Sakuno were leaving the little spot they'd found and were walking back to the latter's house.

"Neither can I. And my legs hurt," she spoke, stepping gingerly.

"Not me," Ryoma replied, bringing up his arms to rest behind his head. Sakuno only shoved him in reply, though she smiled to show her amusement. Of course, this elicited a smile out of Ryoma as well, as the two strolled.

"Been a while since I've done that," he spoke quietly after a few minutes of comfortable silence.

"Me too," Sakuno replied.

"You know?"

"I know what?" She turned her head to search Ryoma's eyes as he spoke.

"I don't think I could've done something like that with any other person," he informed her. He turned his head to face hers and their eyes met in a deadlock. Looking deep into Ryoma's eyes, an action that still unnerved her a little, Sakuno was satisfied and gave him a serene smile.

"I'm glad," she said quietly.

"I'm glad, too," he replied. And with that, the two continued into the setting sun, a picture of deep camaraderie.

Hope you enjoyed this chapter! Review if you enjoyed it or if you have any constructive criticism!