The first half of the school day was tiring for Ryoma, but luckily the end of the school day came and Ryoma had to drag Sakuno out of the building so that they could get to the tennis courts on time. They made it just on time, but everyone there was saying, "HEY! IT'S THE LOVEY DOVEY COUPLE!"

Coach Ryuzaki and the other tennis regulars came out shortly and made everyone shut up.

"Coach Ryuzaki, I know why Sakuno is here, but why is he here as well?" asked Tezuka.

"Oh you mean I didn't tell you guys yet? Ryoma will be joining the tennis team as a regular as well!"

After hearing this, the non-regulars were whining and saying that he should be picking up balls like the other first years and shouldn't be a regular, but the Coach held her decision.

"If you guys want, I can have Echizen challenge the regular members, if you want."

Everyone agreed that would be fair, so Sakuno and Ryoma went to change into other clothes (of course they are not in the same room) and Ryoma got ready for his matches.

Ryoma and Sakuno came out of the changing rooms at the same time and were surprised to see each other, because the two of them looked really good in tennis clothes.

Soon the matches that Echizen had to participate in started. Up first was Inui. Kikumaru would be next, followed up by Kaidoh, and last would be Momoshiro.

The match between Inui and Echizen ended as a surprise to everyone.

"Game and match, Echizen! 6 games to 3!"

The matches with Kikumaru, Kaidoh, and Momoshiro also ended the same way.

"Game and match Echizen! 6 games to 2!"

After these four matches, everyone allowed Echizen to be a regular as well.

The day was coming to a close, so everyone was getting ready to head home. Ryoma and Sakuno were on their way home until they saw that they had to take different paths to get home.

"Oi Sakuno, I'll take you home."

"D-Demo Ryoma-kun has to go the other way…"

"It's alright. It's not like my old man is gonna notice I'm late."

Of course, little Sakuno lost the debate and Ryoma was walking her home. However, Ryoma forgot who also takes the same way to get home.

"Sakuno, why are you walking with the new member?"

Both of them turned around and saw Captain Tezuka, who was walking towards them at a rapid pace. Ryoma noticed that there was a hint of over-protectiveness for Sakuno, so he decided to have a little fun with the Captain.

"Oi Sakuno."

"W-What is it Ryoma-kun?"

"How would you feel if we went on a date? Just you and me."

Of course, Echizen was making sure that Tezuka, who was right behind them, could hear everything. While taking a quick glance to look at Tezuka's expression, Tezuka really had a murderous glare, but this just made Echizen chuckle.

"That would be great Ryoma! Then, I'll see you tomorrow at 10:30 a.m.?"

"Yea. I'll come by to pick you up."

"Eh?! B-but that would be such a long walk for you!"

"I'll walk to the ends of the earth for you."

Sakuno was blushing madly and Ryoma was trying really hard not to take her and kiss her right there, even though he knew that his Captain would be right there and see it. Too bad for Ryoma, because they arrived at Sakuno's house, and Tezuka marched right up to his house and went inside, but started watching the two from the window. Ryoma said his goodbye to Sakuno and started walking home, but with a huge grin on his face, and of course, this made the over-protective Tezuka a little worried. So, decided to get some…back up.

"Ring….ring….ring…Hello Tezuka do you need something?"

"Inui, call all of the regulars except Echizen for me. We are going to go on a stakeout."

"Why would we need to go on a stakeout exactly?"

"That Echizen is making me really worried. Who knows what he'll do to Sakuno!"

"Over-protective as always. Alright, but I get to take some pictures and do what I want with them. Deal?"

"Deal."

"Good. Then, we will all come to your house by 10:00 a.m. to get prepared."

"Fine. I'll see you then."

Meanwhile for Sakuno…

"Ring…ring…ring…Um…Tomoka-chan? I need to ask you for a favor…"

"What is it Sakuno?"

"W-well, I was hoping you'd help me with my date with Ryoma-kun tomorrow. You know, outfits and makeup…"

"KYAAA! SAKUNO'S FINALLY GOING ON A DATE! OF COURSE I'LL HELP YOU! I'LL COME OVER BY 10:00 a.m. okay?!"

"O-ok…thanks Tomoka-chan…"

"No problem!"

Finally, everybody got to bed, all anticipating the day that was to come.