Ryu Odagiri, a former student of Yankumi in Kurogin High, the leader of his group, and a former trainee teacher, has become a permanent teacher in Akadou High. He was just supposed to be a trainee in Akadou High few months ago to give him some time to decide what he really wants in life. To his surprise, Yankumi happened to be a teacher in Akadou. After everything that had happened during his training, he made up his mind and applied as a permanent teacher in that school partly because he found that it's not really a bad idea being a teacher but me must admit, Yankumi did a big part in it as well. Yankumi didn't actually do anything. She didn't force him to pursue this career but it had something to do with her passion in teaching and how she truly cared for her students. She didn't try changing her students into goody-good citizens but she made them into delinquents with pride and dignity and who protects their loved ones. But why choose Akadou High when he can apply to more prestigious schools? Yankumi. The answer would be Yankumi. It's all because of Yankumi. He didn't know why but he just wanted to be close with Yankumi. The incident a few months ago was another reason on why he wants to be beside her all the time. He wants to help and protect her. Maybe because she was the first adult who he trusted.

It was a good 10 meters away from Kuma's restaurant when Ryu let go of Yankumi's hand placing his own on top of her head like a kid with a short buddy. "Well played, Yankumi," he muttered.

Yankumi laughed softly and nudged him on his side, unconsciously strong enough on which Ryu pretended to be in great pain, stopping and holding his side. "Damn, Yankumi. You should always be aware about your own strength."

She stopped walking and looked at him. "Did I hurt you that much?" she asked in obviously worried voice as she came near him to look at where she had him.

"Baka." Ryu smiled at her as he put his finger on her forehead pushing her face away from him and he motioned her to keep walking.

"Ha! Did you see his shocked face?" she said proudly. "Too affected on how I acted towards him, I see. I even called him Sawada!"

"Oh yeah? You could have fooled me there in one second. I nearly believed that you weren't affected by his sudden appearance." He said as he once again placed his arm on top of her head while they continued walking. "But I don't think he was affected with what you did. He was actually irritated with my presence. He was glaring at me and I thought for a sec that he would punch me right there."

"Oh" realizing he's somewhat right. She swatted away Ryu's hand. "Serves him right though. Kumiko? Kumiko?" mimicking the way Shin said her name. "Kumiko? After not contacting me for years? Kumiko? After making me believe he loves me? After making me fall in… What did he expect me to do? Ha! Was he jealous on you?" she stopped and laughed so hard.

"Pft." Ryu stopped walking as well. "But you really wanted to hug him." Ryu teased. "Right? You cried for years, even in front of me and Yabuki."

**Flashback**

"Ohayou, Tetsu-san!" Yabuki greeted the yakuza hencheman as he and Ryu entered the Oedo clan house freely as if it was already their own home.

"Ojou's at the garden." Testu informed them nodding to the direction of the garden.

"Hai, arigatou." Yabuki and Ryu bowed at him respectfuly and proceeded to where Yankumi is.

As usual, Hayato dragged Ryu to come with him again in Yankumi's house. It has been like this every Saturday after finding out Yankumi's secret. Apparently, Hayato is enjoying coming to Yankumi's place to relax and talk to their weird teacher.

Not bad though, Ryu thought. He has nothing to do anyway. Ryu followed the happy Hayato behind.

As they approached the garden, Ryu grabbed Yabuki's arm who in turn looked at him and raised his brows asking what's wrong.

"I think something's up." He said, nodding towards Yankumi's direction. Hayato looked at Yankumi.

They can see Yankumi's back from where they are standing. She's sitting on the wooden floor outside facing the garden. Her body's shaking a bit obviously and silently crying. They decided to go near her and as they approach her, they can already hear soft sobs and see her shaking hands holding a phone.

"Yankumi? Is there something wrong?" Hayato said in a worried voice.

Yankumi immediately wiped her tears before turning to face them. "Ha-ha, nothing. I just a read a sad message. I got carried away by it. So you're here again, huh?" Yankumi said, visibly forcing a smile.

Ryu looked at her curiously while Hayato sat beside her.

"It's Saturday, Yankumi. We're always here on Saturdays." Hayato said matter-of- factly. "And you know, I saw your phone's screen. You were trying to call someone named Shin."

Yankumi looked at the garden infront of them again. "Hn."

Ryu, on the other hand, sat few inches away from Hayato and deicided to lie down, looking at the sky.

"You can tell us your problem, Yankumi. You know we can keep it," said Hayato. At this, Ryu snorted. Well, the last time I checked, you almost let out Yankumi's secret. Ryu thought. But Ryu said nothing and just closed his eyes listening to the two.

"C'mon, Yankumi."

Ryu heard Yankumi sighed.

"Shin," Yankumi started. "Is actually my former student. He's Shin Sawada, classmate of Kuma in Shirokin High and was the valedictorian at their time."

"Uhmm, okay. Then? Why are you calling him? Did something happen?" asked a confused Hayato.

"I was trying to call him. I've been trying to call him for months now. I didn't even know where he is now or what the hell he's doing."

Ryu can clearly hear sadness in Yankumi's voice.

"So," Hayato still in confused voice, "why are you crying? Wait, what's your relationship with him?"

Nice question Hayato, Ryu thought. Why cry? They obviously have a relationship here, more than a student-teacher relationship.

"Hn." Ryu heard Yankumi breathed in.

"I-I don't know how to call it."

"He became your boyfriend!" said Hayato as if having a guessing game.

"No. But. Well…"

By this, Ryu opened his eyes and glanced at Yankumi who was still staring at the garden.

He looked at the sky and joined their conversation. "He said he love you and well, you actually love him too." Ryu sensed that Yankumi and Hayato glanced at him. "But," he continued, "I'm guessing, he went somewhere then he suddenly cut contacts with you." He looked at Yankumi who was looking at him as well. Ryu sat as he looked at Yankumi again who was looking down by this time, kicking some imaginary stones at the ground.

She forced a laugh. "This is a bit awkward, you know, talking about this thing involving a former student of mine to another student. You might think I'm uh…"

"Yankumi," Ryu interrupted her and stood in front of her. He held her arms forcing her to stand. He placed his hand at the back of her head and buried her face to his chest. "Don't think of yourself that way. Anyway, isn't it that having no contacts with him means something already?" He glanced at Hayato who gaped at him and trying to contain his laugh. Hayato smirked at him and looked at him suspiciously. He's obviously laughing within himself. So Ryu glared at him, warning him to stop whatever he was trying to do. Hayato covered his mouth but soon changed his facial expression when Yankumi begun so softly cry.

"I-I know." Yankumi said in between her sobs. "I-I just don't know. I'm not sure. I don't know how to do it. I-I thought…He promised…" she continued talking in muffled voice.

Ryu held her tightly. "Shh. We're here. We'll help you, ne, Hayato?"

Hayato stood up and patted Yankumi's back. "Yeah. Hey Yankumi I didn't know you were really this serious. I mean, you're happy in school. You're good in hiding your feelings but not your family's secret." said Hayato, trying to lighten up the mood.

"And hey, Yankumi, stop this, I'm getting really jealous," Hayato grinned and looked at Ryu, "Ryu doesn't hug me when I'm sad."

**End of flashback**

Yankumi made a face at him and frowned. "Whatever, Ryu." She suddenly smiled as if she came up with something bright. "Ha! Ryu!" She held his arms.

"What?"

"We should continue being like that. You know, to make him jealous." she said excitingly.

He removed Yankumi's hand and rolled his eyes. "You're pathetic Yankumi. It's like having some revenge. I can clearly assume that you're still in love with him." he said as he raised his brows. "Plus, do you want me to get punched by your ex-flame?"

"Tss." She looked away as she continued walking. Ryu followed. "Anyway, do we really need to go to that get-together?" she asked referring to the Friday night out planned by their co-teacher. 'A drink with the adults' as Ryu would call it. He has no problem going but Yankumi obviously doesn't want to go. She gets irritated on Baba-sensei whenever he goes dramatic over Yankumi. Baba-sensei's okay but sometimes it would go overly dramatic.

Suddenly, Yankumi's phone rang causing them to halt. "Hello? Oh, Reita, what's up?"

Ryu can't hear their conversation but he immediately sensed that something happened as Yankumi's body slightly stiffened. She looked at Ryu and he nodded at her as they hurriedly run.

Yankumi told Ryu while they run that one of Reita's classmates is in trouble with some out of school thugs. They met up with Reita along the way and the three ran going to the warehouse where they dragged his classmate. As they arrived at the said warehouse, they saw his classmate lying nearly unconscious on the ground as the thugs continued to kick him. Ryu looked at Yankumi who was really furious on what she was seeing. So that's when both fought with the thugs while Yankumi's telling a heartfelt speech that clearly hit them.

This had been the usual scene of the two, both fighting and protecting their students.


Meanwhile in Kuma's restaurant…

"So Ren, how's your sister?" asked Minami sheepishly.

"Oh god! Don't go near my sister!" Ren joked at Minami.

"So Ren's sister, huh?" Uchi grinned.

"No. I just happened to see Ren with her that I thought Ren already found a girlfriend." Minami defended himself.

And so the conversation went on forgetting what just happened few minutes ago. Shin, on the other hand, watched them and even joined in some of their conversation. Getting out from that awkward moment was hard but he managed to act cool. He forced himself to listen to the conversation of the guys but failed as he was still thinking about Yankumi. Even calling me Sawada! That Kumiko! I will call her Yamaguchi! He suddenly kicked the table causing everyone to look at him.

"Oi, Shin-chan, is something wrong?" asked the concerned Kuma.

I already became this stupid. "Ha-haha." Shin forced a laugh. "I think I fell asleep and suddenly kicked the table. I'm a bit tired, I guess." He lied. Very lame, Shin. Way to go!

"Oh. Well, you just arrived anyway. You must be really tired." Noda nodded.

They fell for it. You're so clever, Shin.

"Anyway, Shin, we were talking about having a small reunion but the only problem here is the place." Minami stated.

"Oh." Shin managed to reply pretending to think about it as well. Seriously, I have a bigger problem here. I don't have any place to live in for the coming days. I can't stay in that hotel forever. He was supposed to look for a flat after visiting Kuma. Well, shit happened, I'm stuck with these guys. Not that I regret being with them. It is really great to be with them again. But it's already dark outside. He once again looked at his watch. He's so irritated on why Yankumi and that Ryu guy aren't back yet. It's already one hour and five minutes! He suddenly kicked the table again. Luckily, no one noticed it at all because everyone is engrossed with the planning of their reunion. Said they'll be back in an hour, they're five minutes late! He scratched his head obviously irritated with something.

"Oi, Shin, what's your problem?" Uchi asked in confused tone.

Damn it! Why am I like this? I'm becoming stupid.

And before he could come up with another excuse, Yankumi and Ryu entered Kuma's restaurant.

"We're back!" shouted Yankumi in full energy.

"Oi, Yamaguchi! You're seven minutes late! Be back an hour, huh?" Shin blurted out angrily causing everyone to look at him. Then he realized what he just did. Oh, what the hell Shin! He cursed himself. Why am I acting weird!

You're jealous, Shin heard from a voice inside his head. Fuck! He raised his hand making at peace sign, "Kididng. We're talking about having a reunion." he said as he looked at everyone.

"Oh yeah, Yankumi. You two are really late!"

"Come on, join us in planning."

"We still need a place where we can have a reunion."

"Any suggestions?"

They fell for it again. But someone wasn't convinced at all. Ryu smirked at him as he let go of Yankumi's hand. Shin glared at him. Their contact had only broken when Hayato pulled Ryu to sit.

This Ryu. Shin gritted his teeth.

"Oh, I know!" Tsuchi blurted out cutting Shin's thought. "We could go on a vacation at the beach. Besides, summer break starts on Saturday next week."

"That's a great idea, Tsuchi!" Uchi clapped. "We can file a leave of absence at work. I know y'all haven't filed one yet."

"And I'm assuming everyone's coming?" Takeda raised his brows, "Yankumi?"

"Of course, I'm coming!" said Yankumi who's obviously excited about it.

Hayato stood up and raised his fist on the air. "Yosh! Let's enjoy our outing!" Everyone followed Hayato, "Oh!"


So it's settled. The guys are going to the beach.

After a few minutes more, they are already outside Kuma's restaurant, ready to leave. Tsuchi, Hyuga and Takeda went first followed by Noda and Minami and so on until only Yankumi, Shin, Uchi, Ryu, Hayato and Ren's group were left. Ogata wanted to leave already but Ren wanted them to stay and observe Yankumi and Shin.

"Na, Shin," Uchi turned to face Shin, "are you going to stay in that hotel for days? "

Shin thought of it for few seconds. "Actually, no. I was supposed to look for an apartment after visiting Kuma but look, it's already dark. I might try to…"

"You can go to our place. Shin!" Yankumi blurted out absentmindedly causing Ryu to look at her. "You know, you're always welcome and grandfather and Kyo-san will be delighted to see you again."

At this, Shin looked at her, grinning. He held her hands and pulled her as he stared walking. Yankumi didn't have a choice but to follow. "C'mon then. Let's get my things in the hotel and go straight to you house."

"Matte," said the bewildered Yankumi. She looked at Ryu who came near her.

"Baka," he said softly. He bent lower so he can have the same level as Yankumi's. He slowly tucked the loose strands of her hair behind her ears and looked at Shin who was glaring at him. He smirked at him and looked at Yankumi. "Take care, okay?" Yankumi nodded at him. He turned and told Hayato that it's their turn to leave.

Shin gritted his teeth and tightened his grip on Yankumi. But he smiled when Yankumi looked at him, smiling. "Let's go, Sawada."

"Bye Shinkumi," said the grinning Uchi. Kuma went inside his restaurant to fix everything before closing it leaving the group of Ren outside.

"Hey, they're definitely hiding something here," said Ren. Apparently, the guys didn't explain everything to them and they still don't know what's between Yankumi and Shin Sawada.

"Yeah, definitely. Something's fishy." said Kenjo.

"Wanna investigate a bit?" Ren's on it again, planning once more about investigating something connected to Yankumi.

"What?"

"Let's go to her house tomorrow and find out what's between them." Ryu said obviously excited about it.

"Oh, I see!" They all said in chorus except for Ogata.

"Geez." Ogata got no choice but to join them again.