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Chapter5- Ryuzaki

Although Sakuno was shy and pretty much laid low, that didn't mean she was that way in all areas. In fact, in the ninth grade, Sakuno had been brave enough to join another after-school activity other than tennis. She became a member of COE (Clean Our Earth). She believed in environmental friendliness and picked this particular club out of a few others she was interested in. Last year, she was just a member. This year, she was the chairman. A moment of courageous volunteering landed her the leadership spot and she'd be lying if she said she didn't enjoy it.

So, this particular Wednesday, Sakuno and her 14 other COE advocates gathered in their usual once-weekly classroom.

Just as Sakuno called the meeting to order, a boy wandered past. He instantly recognized her voice and stood just inside the classroom, where no one could see him.

He didn't know his Sa… correction Sakuno conducted and ran a club. He'd always figured she was too shy and a push-over.

But there she was, standing before her fellow members and brainstorming what public park they wanted to clean next. And when a first-year girl got too excited and started demonstrating just how loud and ear-splitting her voice was, Sakuno actually told her to calm down and repeat herself.

This boy had never seen her take charge like this before and it brought an unusual feeling to his stomach. He stayed in his position for a while, contemplating whether or not he should make his presence known. He decided to and stepping from behind they wall, made his way to a table in the back of the classroom.

Sakuno, whose attention was on a girl who stopped half-way through her sentence to turn her head, didn't notice Ryoma until he was near the table.

Needless to say, the 10 girls in the club were speechless once they witnessed the Echizen Ryoma plop down during a meeting of the COE.

"Um… can I help you Ryoma-kun?" Sakuno asked.

"Just listening in; go on," he replied.

So Sakuno shakily motioned for the girl to continue with her statement. Sakuno had no earthly idea why Ryoma was there and she wasn't sure she liked him being there at all.

After their 45-minute meeting was up, the next park determined, along with fundraising ideas, Ryoma made his way to the front of the classroom.

Sakuno, packing up her bag, saw him approach out the corner of her eye.

"Didn't know you chaired Ryuzaki," he remarked, smirking a bit, hands in pockets.

"Well…yeah. Anyway, may I ask why you came?' Sakuno asked.

She was beyond stumped. She was definitely sure Ryoma didn't come just because he cared about the earth. No, it had to be something else. Maybe a senpai set him up, or his father made him go.

Sakuno was so caught up in her musings that she didn't notice him picking up her two text books she had to lug home.

"Made made dane, Ryuzaki," Ryoma quipped, before turning to the door. Only then did Sakuno notice the state of her books.

After a few steps down the hallway, Sakuno bravely spoke, "I'm sure you came for a reason Ryoma-kun."

"I told you earlier."

"But…"

"I just didn't know you chaired, Ryuzaki," and he gave her a brief glance with a gleam in his eye.

Only then did Sakuno get it. Maybe she'd put her leadership skills to action in everyday things more often.

And so Ryoma and Sakuno parted ways at her grandmother's office to meet one coach who was wondering why on Earth Sakuno wasn't stuttering when she said goodbye to Ryoma. And was even more flabbergasted why the boy actually said see ya (none the less in his usual tone) back.

Shaking her head, Coach Ryuzaki was left to wonder if the world was coming to an end.