"Tsukushi? Tsukushi? Wake up! We've reached!" A voice woke her from a dreamless sleep. She opened her eyes to see Rui smiling gently at her. Instantly, all traces of drowsiness were gone. She became nervous as she wondered how to tell Rui about her decision. She was not an expressive person, how was she going to put it into words? As they trailed behind Yuki and Soujirou, Tsukushi plucked up her courage and told him in the only way that she knows. Trembling slightly, she reached out and grasped Rui's hand.

Hanazawa Rui's head whipped around in surprise, as he looked down at the girl who had slipped her small hand into his. Catching a glimpse of her blushing face, he understood. Smiling, he squeezed her hand as they walked past the blooming flowers in the garden.

"So, what was that all about?" Yuki asked as soon as they had settled into the room that they are sharing. Tsukushi reddened, wondering how to tell Yuki. It all happened so fast. Reading her thoughts, Yuki commanded, "Start from the very beginning."

(Some time later)

"Wow.....that's great, Tsukushi!! I am so glad for you!! Cherish him, okie? It's very hard to find someone like Hanazawa-san."

"Yes, I will. What about you and Soujirou?"

"Us? Nothing. We can only be friends."

"Truly?"

"Truly. Come on! Let's go out! The guys'll be knocking down this door if we don't go out soon!"

"BANG! BANG! BANG!!" The sudden knocks startled the girls, making them jump.

Tsukushi opened the door to find Soujirou looking annoyed.

"Do you two have to take so long to unpack your bags? We almost fell asleep waiting for you!"

"Not almost. Someone really fell asleep," Akira jerked his thumb towards Rui, who was sprawled on the couch.

"Oi Rui! Wake up!! Let's get going!" called Akira, nudging his foot.

Not surprisingly, Hanazawa Rui didn't even stir.

Going over to the couch, Tsukushi sat by his side and gently shook him.

"Come on, Rui. Wake up. We should get going."

"Forget it, Tsukushi. Knowing Rui, he'll not wake up until he has enough sleep," Akira advised.

At this, Hanazawa Rui stirred, "You all are so loud. How can I sleep with all these noise?" He complained.

"Good, you're awake! Let's get going!!"

They had a game of tennis; Akira opted out as he didn't like this sport. Soujirou and Rui coached the girls to play. Though Akira didn't play, he was not bored at all, as he had a good time laughing at Tsukushi.

As she swung her racket, she accidentally hit Rui, who was beside her. The balls that she served, either flew very far off court or didn't go over the net. One of her wayward balls even hit Soujirou who was teaching Yuki at another court! And the racket which flew out of her grasp when she swung too hard almost hit Yuki! After that incident, Yuki and Soujirou moved several courts away from the other pair.

Under Rui's patient coaching, Tsukushi started to show some improvement. The four young people decided to play against each other. Rui and Tsukushi against Soujirou and Yuki, with Akira as the referee.

"The pair that loses will be treated to a facial, made of flour and eggs and something special – pepper," Akira announced wickedly.

"Arrghh!! I knew something was up when he volunteered not to play!" Tsukushi said.

"It's ok, we'll just have to make sure that we win," Rui smiled.

"I'm quite worried for you, Rui. If this is a singles, I wouldn't be. You'd better prepare yourself for the 'facial'!" Akira teased.

"What's that supposed to mean, Akira?! We'll prove you wrong!" Tsukushi fumed.

Tsukushi gripped her racket tightly and imaginary flames roared around her.

"LET'S START!!"