Reply for Guest: I don't think I can let Sae dead in the end. Um, you see— *Tezuka, Fuji & Echizen sending deadly glares at IdleZeth* —you get what I mean? Hahaha! I want this fic to have a happy ending but... I can't guarantee anything though. (=^.^=)

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of PoT

"Hey."

"Mmm." The girl is feeling the wind blowing on her face. She is lying on the green grass facing the sky with closed eyes.

"Hey, Sae."

"What?" She rolled to her side and looked straight at the boy beside her. Her chin rested on her palms.

"Um, well um…" the boy scratched his bright red cheek.

"Are you sick?" the girl examine his features closely. He looked feverish alright. She placed her little hand on his forehead and the other on hers. She saw her mom do the same once when she said she was not feeling well.

"I-I'm not!" He turned his head sharply away from the girl leaving her hand hanging in the air. The girl twitched slightly.

"O-okay."

"I… you."

"Hn? What did you say?"

"I-I like you!" The boy shouted at the girl. He was surprise how he manage to say it aloud. If you watched it from a distance, it was like he's angry at her.

The girl blinked several times. A bright smile crept to her lips.

"I like you too."

"R-really!?" Sparks of joy gleamed in his eyes.

"Of course." The girl's smile grew wider, "we're friends right? You should know that already."

End of flashback

The leaves fluttered along the cool breeze that blew across the garden. The moonlight barely illuminated the place. If not for the cricket sound, a deafening silence would take place between the two figures facing each other.

Green orbs stared back at Tezuka as he walked closer to the girl in front of him. This time… this time, I will make sure my feelings will reach you.

Sae's heartbeat increased with his every stride. Her lips slightly apart, trying to make out the words she wanted to say but failed miserably. Her head tilted upward as she came face to face with Tezuka, standing merely a foot away from her. She felt an electricity ran through her skin as his fingers brushed her cheek.

"Y-you don't mean to say—" Sae's words tremble but were cut short.

"I love you."

Those three little words that came out from Tezuka's lips were the sweetest words she ever heard from him. She could swear that this is just one of those silly dreams of hers that she might forget when she wakes up.

Sae found her head resting on Tezuka's chest. He enveloped her in his arms closing the remaining distance between their bodies. She can smell the scent of lavender as she inhaled close to him. His warmth gives her a comfortable feeling against that chilly atmosphere surrounding them.

She was not sure if it was hers or its Tezuka's heartbeat she was hearing at that moment but it was beating very fast.

"I love you ever since the day I met you," Tezuka spoke softly in her ear.

Since the day they met? It dawned to Sae's realization. Then that means… since they were kids he already…

There is a swelling feeling inside of her that she can't quite describe. She found it hard to breath. There is a warm feeling in her chest she could not contain. Her eyes became blurry as she fought back the tears that are threatening to fall any minute.

Tezuka's arms loosen. He leans his forehead to hers, noses almost touching. His hands cupped her face.

"I'm sorry if you have to hear this from me now," Tezuka in apologetic tone.

Sae shook her head lightly.

"You are so lame Kunimitsu Tezuka," Sae's eyes were somewhat happy and sad as she gently placed her hands over Tezuka's hands, "saying those things to me after your return from Germany."

Tezuka was quite surprise by her response. He cannot figure out if she is angry or happy or sad.

"But it made me very happy." Sae smiled wholeheartedly at him. "However…" her curved lips turned into a thin line as she removed Tezuka's hands from her face and held those between her hands, "… Syuusuke and I are together now." She let go of Tezuka's hands. "I'm sorry."

She took a step back to the building.

"You said 'you're happy'," Sae paused and turned to Tezuka, "you feel the same way right?" There was an accusing tone in his voice.

"I-I don't mean—"

"Why don't you admit it?"

Sae stepped back with each step Tezuka made towards her.

"Stop this foolishness Tezuka-senpai! I-I don't want to hurt Syuusuke!"

Tezuka froze at her words.

"If I had asked you first…" Tezuka's voice sounded hurt, "had things gone differently?"

Sae did not answer and ran her way back to the building.

When she turned to a corner, her knees gave in. She leaned on the wall to support herself. Her hand flew to her mouth hoping it will silence her cry.

Tezuka was left alone in the garden.

What did he just do? She already belongs to Fuji yet he….

No matter how much he hates to admit it, he knew at the back of his mind that this would happen. But still, he took the risk of telling his feelings for her despite the possible sacrifices that goes along with it.

What did he hope to achieve? That she would accept his feelings and leave Fuji?

"I'm very happy that you said those things to me."

She's happy yet she looked sadder than before. How pathetic!

He can sense his migraine is on it again. He pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Cheating on Aniki already?"

Sae can feel a frigid chill coming from the voice behind her. She just stepped inside the lobby and was on her way to her room upstairs.

"Y-yuuta-kun?" He was standing near the door, waiting for her. Sae peered into his face. His eyebrows were deeply furrowed, almost touching each other, while his eyes were looking straight at her. There was a vicious air around him that makes her feel uneasy. "W-what are you talking about?"

"I saw you." Yuuta stepped closer to Sae. He pointed his finger nearly touching her chin. "You're with Tezuka."

Her eyes almost popped out of her face. She did not quite expect to hear it from Yuuta. A disturbing feeling came bubbling from her chest. "W-we were just discussing something."

Yuuta huffed a little. "While hugging each other? Really now?" There was a sarcastic tone in his voice. He crossed his arms, his eyes narrowed. "You can't fool me that easily."

Yuuta grabbed her wrist.

"Yuuta-kun, i-it's not what you think!" Sae struggled to free her hand from Yuuta's hold but his grip was too strong.

"Then tell me what I saw!" His fingernails were digging to her arm.

Sae winced in pain but not a word came out from her mouth. She cannot possibly say that Tezuka just confessed to her.

"I don't know what my brother sees in you but if you ever mess with him," a murderous look was on his eyes, "I will not let you off that easily."

"Yuuta!" A voice thundered across the room.

Yuuta and Sae need not turned to guess whom that angry voice belonged to. In a flash, Syuusuke was already standing between them. He snatched Sae's arm from Yuuta's grasp and stood with his back facing her.

"What are you doing to her!?" Syuusuke's cerulean eyes are glaring at Yuuta.

Yuuta gazed at his brother but did not say a word.

"Sy-syuusuke." Sae held Syuusuke's arm to prevent him from doing anything reckless.

"Why don't you answer me!?"

Even though Sae cannot see his face, she can sense real anger emanating from Syuusuke.

"I'm going back to my room," Yuuta said before he turned and walked away.

Syuusuke stretched out his arm to grab Yuuta but Sae stood in front of him blocking Yuuta from his view.

"Please, don't be angry at Yuuta-kun. I-it's my fault." Sae cannot look Syuusuke in the eyes.

"What's going on?"

Sae bit her lips. She hid the arm Yuuta was grabbing earlier behind her back. She was startled when Syuusuke's fingers ran gently to her cheeks.

"You were crying weren't you?"

"I-it's nothing," Sae stepped back.

"Did he hurt you?" worried was evident on his face.

Sae shook her head. "It's not like that."

"Let me see your arm."

Sae twitched. She did not move. Her eyes remained fixed on the floor.

Fuji let out a sigh. Sae did not protest when Syuusuke reached for her arm and examined it.

"We should have this treated."

"No. It's fine. You don't have to worry about it." Sae pulled her arm from Fuji's hands.

"I'm sorry for what Yuuta did."

Sae shook her head. She held her arm, "this is just a scratch. No need to trouble yourself. Also…" she smiled sadly at him, "…Yuuta-kun is just protecting you."

Fuji raised an eyebrow.

Sae heaved a sigh. "He saw me talking to Captain Tezuka."

"I see." Fuji laced his fingers into hers, "you better take a rest. Training starts early tomorrow."

Sae did not say a word when Fuji walked beside her. She was thankful that Fuji did not bother to ask anything.

"You better get some sleep." Fuji planted a kiss on her forehead as they stood in front of her room. "Good night."

"Syuusuke."

Fuji stopped on his track.

'Captain Tezuka confessed to me a while ago' is what she wanted to say but instead she beamed him a smile. "Good night."

Unknown to her, Sae did not have to tell Fuji what happened between her and Tezuka. He already knew. He was there. He heard everything.

Sae dived to her pillow. Good thing she got the room all to herself. She did not want to see anyone.

Too much had happened that night. She cannot explain what she is feeling at the moment. Sae hugged her pillow and buried her face in it.

"…I love you ever since the day I met you…"

Tezuka's words replayed in her mind. She was really happy when he confessed to her. She was not this happy when Fuji confessed to her. She suddenly remembered what Ryoma told her before: "You like someone else." Could he be referring to Captain Tezuka? I like him yet I am not aware of it!?

Sae sat up. Then all this time… all this time I've been lying to Syuusuke? Sae sighed. But it does not feel that way. She likes him… or maybe she is learning to like him now? He's always been there for her. He's been very kind and caring for her.

"…if you ever mess with him… I will not let you off that easily..."

Sae lied down and stared at the ceiling. Yuuta-kun, even I, I don't want to hurt Syuusuke. He doesn't deserve that.

"…If I had asked you first… had things gone differently? ..."

Will things be different? She did not know anymore. In the end, whatever she does, whoever she chooses, someone will surely get hurt.

Yawn

Sae walked towards to the dining area, arms stretched in the air while the other covering her wide opened mouth.

"Didn't sleep well last night?" Momoshiro greeted her as she sat beside him.

Sae nodded drowsily. As soon as she had taken a seat, she rested her forehead on her arm atop the table.

"Hn? What happened to your arm?" Kirihara asked when he saw her left arm with a plaster on it.

She lifted her face to see Kirihara. It was her chin that is now resting on her arm. "Nothing. Just a little scratch." She spoke drowsily and moved her head again to face the table.

"Ah, Tezuka-buchou, good morning!" It was Momoshiro.

Sae stiffened upon hearing the name. How could she forgot!? Tezuka is their substitute coach starting today!? Her drowsiness faded in an instance. She fixed her position and gazed at his feature.

He was wearing the same expression as before like he was not affected of what happened last night... or maybe, she's the only one letting herself be affected of what happened? A deep sigh escaped her lips. He's really good at hiding his feelings.

"Ichinomiya."

"Y-yes!?" Her heart skipped a beat upon hearing his voice calling her name.

"What happened to your arm?"

"J-just a scratch. N-nothing to worry about."

Unknown to her, Yuuta was seated right behind her, overhearing the conversation taking place on their group's table. He had a hunch what was hidden underneath that plaster on her arm and it's giving him a guilty feeling inside.

Knock knock

Sae was startled by the knock on the door. She was just getting ready before she proceeds to the court for their scheduled practice.

"Who's there?"

"It's Tezuka."

Captain Tezuka!? Her heart started pounding.

Sae opened the door slightly and found Tezuka standing there.

"Um, y-yes?" She is still feeling awkward towards him.

"I came to give you this." In Tezuka's hand was a brown parcel, "I was planning to give this to you yesterday but…" Tezuka did not continue as he remembered the happenings from last night. An uncomfortable silence arose between them for several seconds. Sae knew what Tezuka was thinking. They both remember but both of them refrain from mentioning any of it. It's as if it suddenly became a topic that they should not talk about, or better yet, forgotten, that is if they want their so-called 'friendship' to continue.

"Th-thank you Captain," it was Sae who broke the silence. She reached for the box but Tezuka suddenly grabbed her hand.

"What happened to this?" Tezuka was referring to the covered wound in her arm.

"T-this is nothing." Sae immediately pulled her hand from Tezuka and was about to shut the door.

"It's not 'nothing'. Let me see that." Tezuka opened the door wide enough for him to pass through.

Sae stepped back as Tezuka entered the room. He reached for her hand.

"U-um, M-michi-kun?"

Tezuka removed the cover she placed and examined her arm. The wound was obviously caused by finger nails buried in the skin.

"Who did this to you?"

"I-it's not important. He didn't mean it."

"Fuji did this!?"

Sae cannot answer. She was shocked on how angry Tezuka's voice became. Is he referring to Syuusuke?

"I-it's not like that. There was just a misunderstanding. He was just…"

Sae stopped. Tezuka is staring at her arm with enraged eyes. He is not listening to her and he must be thinking that it's Syuusuke's fault! She can sense trouble, a big one.

Tezuka turned to leave but a hand cling to his sleeve.

"Don't... don't hurt Syuusuke," Sae sounded pleading to him. Her head was leaning on his back while her eyes were glued to the floor as she waited for Tezuka's response. "Please."

Tezuka turned to face Sae.

"Why are you still defending him?"

"You have to believe me. It's not his fault." Sae's clutched her hands on his shirt tightened.

"Do you love him that much?" there was a change in Tezuka's tone. He sounded hurt. When she looked at him, he has a dejected look on his face.

"But Michi-kun, Syuusuke is—"

"I don't want to hear his name coming from your lips!"

Sae remained silent.

Tezuka wanted to take back what he just said. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry." He turned and disappeared to the bathroom door. When he returned, he has in his hand a cotton and disinfectant.

"Be seated."

Sae obediently followed him. Tezuka kneeled before her.

"Hold still."

"You don't have to do that. It's dry now."

Tezuka did not listened. Sae sighed. He's being stubborn. She watched as Tezuka cleaned and covered her wound.

"Why do I feel like I'm a dog following your orders around here?"

Tezuka cleared his throat to suppress his laughter.

"Did you just laugh?"

"No."

"Really?" Sae peered at his face.

"Stop it Sae." Tezuka stood up and turned to leave. He has to or he might blush at their close proximity.

"Michi-kun, wait." Sae immediately followed.

Blood drained from Sae's face when she saw someone else standing on the door.

"Fuji."

Fuji came into view when Tezuka opened the door.

"Tezuka? What are you doing here?"

Tezuka was restraining himself from hitting Fuji as Sae's words played in his head: "… don't hurt Syuusuke..."

"I just dropped by to give her something." There was a hint of coldness in Tezuka's voice. He did not wait for a reply and left Fuji and Sae. Sae breathed a sigh of relief.

"Um, what brings you here?"

"I just wanted to see you."

"Eh?"

Sae felt two arms wrapped around her waist as Fuji pulled her close to him.

"What was Tezuka doing here?" Fuji rested his on Sae's shoulder as he spoke.

"He just handed me a gift."

"And?"

"'And' what?"

"He didn't do anything to you?"

"Well, he checked my arm."

"Nothing else?"

"Syuusuke, what could he possibly do to me?" Sae blinked several times.

Fuji sighed. "I just couldn't leave you alone when you're like that." He let her go and sat on the bed. "You have the room all by yourself right?" he asked in his usual tone.

"Yes."

A mischievous smile appeared on his lips. "Then, can I sleep here tonight?"

Sae paused. He's not thinking about 'that', is he? She felt her face getting hot.

Smack

"Ow!" Sae rub her head.

"What are you thinking?" Fuji moved his face closer to Sae, "I was just kidding."

Sae blushed.

"Stop talking nonsense and get out of here!" Sae threw pillows in Fuji's direction but the latter dodge all of it. Before Sae knew, he already pulled her in a tight embrace.

"Syuusuke, you're being clingy so early in the morning. Is there any problem?"

"Shhh. Just let me stay like this for a moment." Sae can feel Fuji's hug tighten. He can smell the scent of shampoo from her slightly damped hair. "Sae?"

"Hn?"

"Stop being so nice to me."

"What are you saying?" Sae tilted her head.

"Nothing." Fuji chuckled. "See you later."

"Oi Sae, you're awfully quiet today."

"Hn? It's just your imagination Kirihara-senpai. Have you warmed-up already? We're next."

"Of course I have!"

A doubles match was scheduled between Sae and Ryoma pair against Kirihara and Kamio pair.

"Pairing Kamio with Kirihara? What is Tezuka thinking?" Sengoku asked no one in particular. But his group mates knew where he was getting at. It's not a secret that those two were not in good terms after what Kirihara did to Fudomine Captain Tachibana. Although, Kirihara said he was sorry, they were not sure if Kamio already forgave him.

"The two freshmen versus Kamio-Kirihara pair? This will be an interesting match."

"Ryoma, what formation are we going to use?" Sae asked as she and Ryoma were taking their position.

"We'll see when the game starts."

"I can already see how this match will turn out," Sae sighed.

Much to everyone's surprise, Kamio and Kirihara had a good teamwork.

"5 – 2, Kamio-Kirihara pair leads."

"I didn't expect this turn of events. Who would have thought that those two can make a good combination?"

"Kamio must have already forgiven Kirihara for them to agree with each other," Ootori said.

"That, or maybe both really wanted to be chosen for the invitational match and set aside their differences," Shishido added.

At the court

Ryoma had an irritated look on his face.

"It's fine. We can still catch up to them."

"You're not talking about —" Ryoma did not finish his sentence when he saw the playful smile on her face. He groaned.

For some reason, Ryoma and Sae were able to win the succeeding games and the score tied up to 5 – 5.

"Those two, they suddenly played differently," Kajimoto said.

"Sae must be commanding him around again," Momoshiro commented. He remembered the time he saw them play a doubles game in a street tennis.

"Eh? Really? But it doesn't seem that way to me." Oishi commented.

"I'm not sure how but it's like that."

"Game, set and match, Echizen-Ichinomiya pair. 7 – 5."

"That was a good game," Sae handed Ryoma a water bottle.

"I hate it when I have to listen to you."

"An ice cream treat from you would be nice."

"Who says that I will treat you?"

"Yay! Thanks Ryoma!" Sae acted like she did not hear Ryoma and instinctively grabbed Ryoma's arm. Seeing that happy look on her face, Ryoma did not argue anymore and just continued sipping the water as he hide his flushed face under his visor.

Tezuka can see how close Sae and Ryoma have gotten together. He cannot remove his attention to her even if the next match was taking place in front of him.

Growl

Sae held her stomach, "I knew I shouldn't have given my breakfast to Momo-senpai." She checked the clock. There is still two hours before lunch. She cannot go to the cafeteria and asked for food. She recalled Momoshiro did that but was only kicked out by personnel in-charge there.

A break was called in their group so she decided to wander around the area for a bit.

"Orange? At this time of the year?" she stumbled across an orange tree with ripe fruits hanging on it, "well, it's better than nothing."

Fortunately, she was able to reach the lowest branch by jumping as high as she possibly can. She climbed all the way up until she reached the part where the fruits are plentiful. "Dad's going to kill me if he sees me right now," she said to herself as she sits on a branch and eat the fruit on her hand.

From her position, she can see the other group doing their own training in the courts. "The view here sure is nice." Sae feels the wind blowing against her face.

"Fuji, why did you call me out here?"

That voice! Sae jerked from her seat. She saw two familiar figures under the tree she is sitting on.

Syuusuke… and Michi-kun? Hn? Now that I look at them closely, they look good together. Sae smiled to herself. What am I thinking?

"It's about her."

'Her'? Who is he referring to?

"You already told her right?"

Tezuka remained silent.

"No use denying it. I heard everything."

Eh? Could he be referring to what happened last night?

"It doesn't matter. She still chose you."

"She is only keeping a promise."

"A promise?"

"When she agreed to go out with me, it's not a question of whether she likes me or not. We had a bet that she will go out with me if I win my match in the Kanto Regional finals. Even if she realizes her heart, she's just too kind to break an insignificant promise for the sake of not hurting someone."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because I want you to take care of her once we break up. You know how she. She would probably keep it to herself."

Syuusuke, what are you saying!?

"You're breaking up with her?"

Fuji smirked.

"It's not like I like her from the start."

Sae's hands unconsciously covered her mouth.

"You—!" Tezuka grabbed Fuji's collar. He clenched his fist trying his best to restrain himself from punching Fuji in the face.

"I was only helping you." Fuji said in his usual tone. "I have to make you realize that she can be taken away from you anytime unless you start being honest with yourself."

"You did that without considering how she will feel afterwards!?"

"There is not need for her to know that it was all for show."

All of it? All of it was just an act? Sae found it hard to breath. Tears streamed down her eyes. She cannot believe it. It doesn't feel that way at all.

When did it start?

Fuji's plan was to disturb their oh so ever stoic captain and make him talk. Tezuka may be good in tennis and academics, but conveying his feelings to the girl he has his eyes on is a different matter. It was amusing to watch Tezuka hide his feelings behind his serious facade while it was very obvious that he's interested in her. Or perhaps, it was only obvious to him thanks to his perceptive sense towards other people. Tezuka was always watching her from the corner of his eyes and he would often throw glances at her when he thought no one was looking. He worries for her more than he thought he is.

Fuji proved his hunch when he caught him kissing the sleeping girl during their training camp with Rikkai Dai. He thought Tezuka will perhaps take courage to tell it to her soon. He waited for several days but their relationship remained platonic, no progress at all. He took it upon himself to make Tezuka tell her how he really feels about her. It will be an interesting challenge.

But Fuji should have known better than to play a rival to Tezuka and pretend that he likes her, or so he thought. He started observing her. He was more curious to know what Tezuka saw in her than to the person herself. Saeri is, in general, cute as his schoolmates say, though she doesn't seem to consider herself as one. She is the type that does not need a lot of effort to look pretty. No wonder his teammates, including the arrogant Echizen, took notice of her. She is the type that always gets in trouble without meaning to. She's clumsy at times. She easily cries. She easily flusters. She easily laughs.

But what made her special?

She's transparent. No matter how, it's easy to tell what she's thinking because her face let it show. Her smile, that genuine smile of hers, is contagious, like a disease, which brings a warm feeling to the people around her. She worries too much for other people but doesn't want them to worry for her. She's the type who would choose to finish the job on her own than ask help from other people just because she doesn't want to cause any trouble for anyone.

What he doesn't like about her? When she easily believed him when he told her he likes her. When she sends him messages asking if he already ate or just to greet him a 'good morning' or a 'good night'. How she considers it her job to make lunchboxes for him. How she makes him laugh without her even trying. How she pouts when she pretends she's angry. How her presence makes him comfortable when they sit quietly beside each other. How her skin glows when the sun radiates at her features every time she waits for him at the school gate after practice. How her voice sounds when she calls his name. How she acts childish at times and acts maturely most of the times. And most of all, how she made him fall… deep in his own game without him noticing.

He thought he can let her go once Tezuka comes out of his shell and gather enough courage to tell her his feelings. But now, when the game had already served its sole purpose, he realized, he doesn't want to let her go after all… but he has to.

Sae is leaning her head on the trunk of the tree as she sits on the branch. She stayed there even after Tezuka and Fuji left. She cannot think of anything. She did not want to think of anything at all. She just stared blankly at the horizon like it's the only thing that she can see.

So this is how a break up feels like.

It's not like Syuusuke actually broke up with her— not yet— but after hearing those words from him, it feels worse. It was like she was just a puppet whose actions and emotions were easily controlled by him—all for the sake of pushiing his friend to confess. And what's in it for her? She felt like an idiot being led by him all this time. Are those moments she had with him were all part of his plans? How can she not notice anything at all?

"Sae~!"

Sae was pulled from her reverie when heard her name being called from afar. It must be lunch break already. There is a rule that any group could not eat any meal unless all their members are present in the cafeteria.

"Oi, come down from that tree already."

Sae was surprised when she saw Ryoma looking up at her.

"How did you know I'm here?"

"I don't know. Just a hunch I guess." Ryoma pulled his cap lower to hide his eyes.

Sae laughed softly. Somehow, it feels weird that Ryoma was able to find me here while Michi-kun and Syuusuke didn't.

"Hey, Ryoma," Sae stood on the branch, "if I fall, catch me okay?"

"Eh? You're heavy so you better be caref— what are you doing!?" Ryoma's eyes widen when all of a sudden Sae jumped from the tree.

Thud

Sae's body crashed into him making him fall to the ground. The next thing Ryoma saw was Sae lying on top of him. It doesn't seem like he's hurt anywhere though.

"Are you crazy!? Suddenly doing something like that!"

Sae didn't respond. She didn't move. Her face remained buried in Ryoma's chest.

"Hey, are you alright," there is a hint of worry in his voice.

No response.

"Are you hurt somewhere?" Ryoma sat up and checked on the girl.

Sae shook her head. She looked up and smiled at him. "I'm fine. Sorry for what I did. We better go back now. Everyone's waiting."

Ryoma's hands prevented her from standing up.

"R-Ryoma?" she saw his hand holding her arm.

"Your eyes are red."

"Something must have gotten to my eyes."

"Let me see." Ryoma moved closer to Sae.

Thump thump

Sae can feel her heartbeat racing as Ryoma's golden orbs looked straight into her green ones. By instinct, she pushed him hard making him sat back to the ground.

"S-sorry." Sae averted her eyes. "Are you alright?"

"Mmm." Ryoma dusted the dirt that got on his jersey. He knew she was crying but chose not to ask about it. It will not any difference if he ask anyway. Sae will most likely not tell him anything. Although he has an idea what… or who… it is about.

"Hey, I can always catch you if you're thinking of jumping from a tree again."

"Eh?" Sae looked at him with amused expression. She stifled her laughter. She failed to stop and her laughter turned into a hearty laugh until tears formed in the corner of her eyes.

That's all… for now.

IdleZeth: Oh boy, Sae, you're such a home-wrecker.

Sae: Eh? I am not. There was just a misunderstanding.

IdleZeth: Okay, if you say so. *narrows eyes*

Sae: W-why are you looking at me like that?

IdleZeth: I'm just thinking, maybe Yuuta-kun likes you too and is just acting like a protective brother but, is in fact, jealous of his own brother. Or maybe, he is jealous of you because you're stealing his brother's attention away from him.

Sae: I would go for the latter but let me make it clear: I'm not stealing anything, or anyone, from anyone. Eh? Yuuta-kun? What are you doing here?

Yuuta: I am not jealous! And who told you to include me in your conversation!? *glares*

IdleZeth: Ah, sorry about that Yuuta-kun.

(=^.^=)