Author's Note: Here's the next chapter! This begins the part in the story where Ryoma and Sakuno actually become real friends and don't interact just for three bentos a week. *laughs for no reason* Personally, i cannot wait until the good semi-fluffy stuff starts happening. I should have the next chapter up next week; it's just the typing part that's left. Please enjoy!

Chapter 6- Reading Inspires

Sakuno was hunched over in the library, studying a stack of flash cards. Instead of sitting in the cafeteria with Tomo and her other friends, she was studying for her big English test after lunch. She had a C and wanted a B as a final mark, so she had to ace the test. But currently, she had her palms pressed against her eyes, frustrated and already exhausted of studying the verbs she had a test on.

"Hey," a voice addressed her. Sakuno opened her eyes to see none other than Ryoma, standing before her.

"Hey," she greeted back. "What're you doing here?"

"Returning a book," he replied. He lingered on the other side of the table and then came around to stand by her. "Got a test today?" he asked her, studying her flashcards.

"Hai, but I'm not making much progress," she answered and put her head in her hands. She didn't mean to make Ryoma pity her, she was just sick and tired of studying English.

"You need help?" he asked, seemingly offering his aid.

"No, I don't was to impo-," but Ryoma was already sitting across from her, taking up half of her stack of flashcards.

"First word: elaborate." Sakuno spelled it, then gave the definition of Ryoma's request. They did that with all 40 words (with a few minor setbacks) and by the time the last few minutes of lunch rolled around, Sakuno felt ready for her English test. She was also surprised to discover that Ryoma was pleasantly patient.

As they both stood and Sakuno gathered her things, she said, "Arigato, Ryoma-kun. You really helped me out a lot." She didn't want to pump his ego,, but she did want him to know that she appreciated his help.

"Don't mention it," was his uncharacteristic response. Sakuno gave him a grateful smile then turned to go.

"Ryuzaki," Sakuno turned around as Ryoma called her name.

"Bento, right?"

"Yeah," she replied. "Tomorrow." And with that, Ryoma nodded his head and left.

Sakuno crept up the stairs to the roof and as usual, found Ryoma there.

"Here you go," she said, sitting down next to him. Sometimes she sat with him for a few minutes, other times she stayed, and every once in a while jetted off to a prior engagement.

"Arigato," he said and she beamed at the appreciation.

"You pass the test?" he asked.

"Hai! I was in the top five for good marks, thanks to you, Ryoma-kun." And Ryoma merely nodded his head. There was a few seconds of silence and then Sakuno remembered.

"Oh! And here's something else, too," she said and handed him a smaller bento box. Inside was a small cake and a can of Ponta, which Ryoma promptly cracked open.

"I think you've outdone Ryuzaki," Ryoma said once he polished off his pop.

"I just wanted to show I was really grateful," she replied with a slight blush.

"Proven," was all he said. Sakuno moved to get up, but Ryoma's face clearly told her she was welcome to stay. So with a smile, she sat down next to him and spent yet another lunch period with Ryoma.

Review, review, please! Your opinion matters! :)