Saya woke up, slowly regaining consciousness. She was warm and comfortable, snuggled under the covers, but as her mind cleared, she realized the bed was empty beside her.

Touya was not there, though the imprint of his body remained on the sheets.

Memories of the night before swept over her and warmed her cheeks. She fell asleep in Touya's arms after going to his room to complain about... something. Her anger with him seemed trivial now, but his closeness still made her nervous about how vulnerable she had let herself look.

Sitting up and yawning, Saya looked around for her brother. Then a delicious smell hit her: coffee and something sweet like pancakes. Her stomach growled in interest as she slipped out of bed and headed for the kitchen.

There she found Touya, flipping pancakes on the griddle. He looked up with a smile as she entered.

"Good morning, are you hungry?"

"A little." She muttered, her cheeks still hot.

But she was grateful that Touya seemed willing to forget what had happened the night before and not tease her about what had happened. He could be surprisingly sensitive at times.

When she sat down, Touya brought her a coffee cup just as she liked it.

"The pancakes will be ready soon. I thought we could have a nice breakfast and then head to the Academy. Although this weather seems perfect for going to the beach; I'd like to visit it with you one of these days."

'I want to enjoy myself before the apocalypse hits... experience a cliche anime event.'

Saya nodded with her hands around the hot cup. Maybe a relaxing day would be suitable for both of them.

And she had to admit, it was nice to wake up, come downstairs, find Touya taking care of things she liked, and think of plans to spend time together. Her tsundere side may not have wanted to show it, but his thoughtfulness touched her.

After a leisurely breakfast, Touya and Saya were driven to the Academy in their mother's car. They woke up from Yuriko smiling and walked to the gate under the sunny sky.

The fresh air and relaxed conversation helped to dissipate the last tensions in Saya's heart. As they approached the school gates, Touya raised a hand in greeting.

"Yo, Saeko!"

Ahead walked Saeko, elegance in every step. Her serene face was unaffected by the bustle around her, and her thoughts turned inward.

She reflected on the strange young man with whom she had crossed swords. At first glance, she had assumed that Touya would never be able to keep up with her in training. However, she had been wrong.

Touya could match her movements with ease. Moreover, with every swing of his wooden sword, she sensed an overwhelming force within his body, which he never unleashed against her.

As a warrior, this had frustrated and annoyed her. She couldn't help but wonder what the full extent of his power would be... and how she might one day bring him out in actual combat. A strange smile formed on her bright pink lips, then she heard the familiar voice calling her name.

Saya's steps faltered as she saw the purple-haired beauty turn towards them. Touya's nonchalant greeting and the smile Saeko returned made her stomach feel a knot. They're just friends, she told herself, but she couldn't stop her furrowed eyebrows from rising.

Touya gave her a sidelong glance, one corner of his mouth curved smugly. Before she could protest, he slipped an arm around her shoulders.

"Ready to go in?"

Saeko nodded and stood on Saya's other side.

"Good morning, Saya. Is something bothering you today?" She noticed Saya's furrowed brows, different from her usual greeting.

"No, nothing." Saya said, pulling away from Touya's arm.

She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of knowing he'd gotten under her skin. Even if Saeko had noticed her anger, she wouldn't admit to the jealousy that still plagued her, as much as she wanted to dismiss it.

Touya chuckled and patted her head before releasing her. "You're too cute when you pout, little sis."

Saya rolled her eyes with a snort, quickening her pace to walk in front of the two.

...

Touya gave Saeko a sidelong glance as they walked towards the school, with Saya in front of them.

"So, I guess you've continued training this weekend, huh?"

She knew that if anyone was striving to improve their skills, it was Saeko. He couldn't wait to see the new moves she had perfected. However, this time he was wrong with his deduction.

"Homework has been a nightmare. I haven't had time for anything."

"I understand." Touya nodded, utterly oblivious to the tasks he never completed. "Solo practice has a limit. If you want, we could meet up this afternoon for some sparring. You know, just to hang out while we have the chance."

"Fufu~ You talk like a world catastrophe is going to happen or something." She covered her mouth to laugh at Touya's joke.

He looked at her silently. Saeko never laughed like that in front of anyone else. In fact, she acted so cold and distant from everyone. Even Touya was greeted by cold and cutting words during the first few days of the meeting.

His sword skills made their way to that heart hidden under a shield.

"Well, you never know what could happen." Touya shrugged.

"Whatever, I'd appreciate it." Saeko's tone warmed with gratitude. "While training alone has its advantages, fighting with a partner is the only way to truly improve."

"There's nothing like a training session with my Saeko-chan. After classes at the dojo club? I'll take you out for ramen to celebrate."

"Ara~, is that a date?" Saeko's lips turned up in a smile.

"Well, you can take it that way. So, do you agree?"

"I can't say I'm surprised by your enthusiasm. Don't go back on your words, okay?"

"Hey, what are you two talking about!" Saya could no longer hear the conversation between the two annoying people behind her.

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