"What are you guys doing here?" Yumiko asked. It wasn't like her brother to skip practice.

"The ranking matches are in two days so Ryuzaki sensei decided to give us a break till then." Fuji replied to his sister.

"Is the packing done yet?" Fuji inquired.

"I just came to pick up a few boxes. I wanted to get the work done before I had to pick you up."

"You make me feel like a child Yumiko!" Fuji retaliated. "I'm old enough to travel alone."

"Yeah but as long as I'm here, you don't need to go through the inconvenience of travelling by train." She said whilst picking up a box from the table. "I'll be back in ten." She said as she walked out the front door.

Echizen was happy that Yumiko hadn't spoken to him. He was in no state to talk to anyone right now.

"That's her talent you know." Fuji stated.

"What is?" Echizen asked confused.

"She's good company. When anyone's upset, she can sense it. She can also tell if you want to be ignored or you want someone to talk to."

"It's the same thing you're good at senpai."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

It was very sweet of Yumiko to drop Echizen off. That saved him the solitary walk he would have to otherwise take that would mostly include him being miserable.

He took a bath and completed all his homework to keep his mind off her, but in vain. He even picked a fight with his father by hiding his magazines but even that was useless. On any other day, he would have enjoyed watching his father turn the house upside down to find his magazines but not today. He didn't even smile as he sat on the stairs watching it happen.

A FEW DAYS LATER

The phone rang and his very 'busy' father ignored it. So, he lazily answered it.

"Hello?" he was shocked. How dare she call back after what she had done to him?

"Ryuzaki. What is it?" he tried to stay composed.

"I had to tell you something."

"Aren't you supposed to be in Paris right now?"

"I am."

"Then why did you call?" he knew he was being rude but she broke his heart.

"I decided that it's now or never. Ryoma-kun, I love you." She said. "I always have. From the first time I met you, I didn't adore you as a fan but something more. I thought it was ridiculous but then I came to know from Tomoka that you do too. Tell me its true Ryoma-kun."

That was sudden he didn't know how to reply but he followed his instincts.

"It's true."

"I see." Was her reply.

"Why'd you run away? And who was that with you in the airport? Don't bother telling me that he's you're relative cause he looked nothing like you."

"How'd you know?"

"I came to the airport to talk to you but I saw him."

"Ok. First of all, he's my d-dad's friend's son. He agreed to drop me off and secondly, I'm not running away from you."

"Why couldn't your dad or mom just drop you off? And yes you are!"

"That's the reason Ryoma-kun. My parents met with a very bad accident when I was younger. My dad died in it and my mom was badly injured. My aunt has been nursing my mom in Paris ever since but I feel I'm old enough to do that on my own. She's my mother Ryoma-kun. And the doctors say that she only has a year or so left. "

He was left speechless. He hated himself for doubting her.

"How come you never mentioned it before?"

"I didn't want to burden anyone with it. Besides, it was like no one knew, I did tell Tomoka."

"Wow! For a person who has such a big mouth she sure does know how to keep a secret."

"Well, don't underestimate her so much. She maybe loud and unbearable on the outside but on the inside she's a really good person. You should get to know her."

"That's number two on my list. My first priority is getting to know you. I'm madly in love with you Sakuno. In spite of that I had no information on your family background at all. I don't mind waiting for you Sakuno, as long as I know that you'll be back."

"I will. But, I really hope that I will be back with my mom."

"Me too."

"I better go. It's time for my mom's medicines."

"Ok. Bye. I love you."

"Love you too Ryoma-kun"

"Just Ryoma will be fine." She chuckled and hung up.

That night, he dreamt about her.

Ryoma's POV

I was napping in my favorite spot with something warm and soft held my face. I opened my eyes to see Sakuno's beautiful brown eyes staring at me. Her hands held my face and her soft smile lit up the scene.

"Wake up sleepy head" she said as I rubbed my eyes.

We had a conversation whilst we ate and then the lunch bell rang. I didn't want her to leave but we knew that nothing else could be done.

"I'll come to see you later." She said and gave me a soft peck on my lips. That was the best feeling ever.

I opened my eyes only to find my cat-Karupin- licking my face.

"Eww. Karupin!" I said as I dumped him off the bed. My make out session with my cat was probably what triggered the kiss in my dream. But I was glad that it did.

Fuji was waiting for Echizen at the bus stop.

"Fuji-senpai? Don't you usually travel with your sister?" Echizen mocked.

"I see your mood has changed. I stayed at my sister's place yesterday. Since you were taking the bus she said I could travel with you."

"Aren't you supposed to be the one taking care of me?"

"Very funny. So what happened? You seem awfully cheerful."

"I spoke to her last night. Turns out she wasn't with another guy after all. She had to leave to Paris since her mother was unwell."

"I know that. I spoke to Ryuzaki-sensei last night. I kindda bumped into her at the supermarket."

"The supermarket?"

"Hey! There's nothing wrong with doing chores ok?"

"Sure whatever."