The next day, Sayomi had recieved a letter from Leah and Tiffany.

"Dear Sayomi,

It's great to hear from you! We're so glad you like Japan! Not too much has happened since you left. No one has been able to take your spot as the best junior female player in North America. We're glad to hear that you met some crazy new people, but we haven't met anyone new.

So how's the tennis school? Have you entered any tournaments in Japan yet? Wouldn't it be great if you could eventually become the best junior female player in the world? We've got faith in you, and we know you can do it. We look forward to your gift, and we hope you can come and visit sometime!"

It was more of a note than a letter but it still meant a lot to her. As she slipped it into her pocket, Kome ran up to her.

"Come on, let's go get ready!"

"For what?"
"The dance is tonight!"
"But it isn't until six!"

"So? Let's go get our hair and nails done!"

"How about we just not?"
"Fine, we'll go hang out at your house and do our own hair and nails!"

The two walked happily to Sayomi's house, Kome mindlessly chattering about the dance.

"Quit talking so fast, I can't understand you!"
"Oh, I'm sorry."
"But what are you so excited about, anyway? You're going to be on a date with Horio."

"Yeah, Horio isn't exactly a hottie, but he'll do."

"...'He'll do'?"

"Well we'll be one of the few who have a date." Kome said proudly.

"Yeah, yeah."

At Sayomi's house, Kome searched through her bathroom and bedroom for nailpolish or makeup.

"Are you kidding me?! No nailpolish, no makeup, not even any?!"

"Well I don't really wear makeup that often."
"But not even any?!"

"Well actaully, I do have a little bit..."

"Show me where!"

Sayomi walked over to her vanity table and pulled an elaborately decorated box out of one of the drawers.

"Ooh, pretty!"
"I know, isn't it?"
"So show me what little makeup you have."

Sayomi opened the box, revealing a bit of eyeshadow, mascara, and lip gloss.

"...That's it?"
"That's it."

"Oh well. We won't need too much makeup anyway. We're already gorgeous."

By the time the two had finished doing each other's hair and makeup, there was just enough time for them to get changed. As they put on their outfits and smoothed out the wrinkles, there was a knock at the door.

"That must be them!"
"Probably."
"This is going to be so cool!"

"Well I was kinda dragged into this without being asked, but I guess it'll be fun."

Kome's outfit was more flamboyant, and she had used most of the makeup, leaving Sayomi with light makeup, looking casual, but refined. They opened the door, not knowing what to expect of the boys. Horio smiled and presented Kome with a flower, nudging Ryoma to do the same.

"Hello, ladies."

"Hi, how are you?"

"Wonderful."

"So shall we head off to the dance?"
"Let's go."

Ryoma and Sayomi merely shrugged and followed them out. Since Sayomi lived close to the school, the four walked.