Even though the lights in the kitchen and bedroom were turned on, Ryoma's dorm was still dark. She slowly made her way into the living room which only had a television, coffee table, and sofa. On the coffee table laid countless papers, an empty coffee mug, and a pen. She looked at the sofa which has a blanket and pillow. She assumed that's where Ryoma has been sleeping lately since it looked like this when they arrived.
Sakuno sighed. The room screams loneliness. She feels sorry and worried for Ryoma especially when she suddenly came here unexpectedly. Sakuno mentally slaps herself for being too selfish that she just wants to get out of there right now, but her dorm is now closed so she doesn't have any choice but to take a bath and sleep right away and leave first thing in the morning.
Now, the main problem right now is how is she going to wash her clothes and underwear? Ryoma doesn't have a washing machine in his bathroom. Not taking a bath and heading straight into the bedroom would be disrespectful and unhygienic. Sakuno stood in front of the mirror, trying to think of a solution. She stared at the razor on the sink, a toothbrush and toothpaste resting together in the cup, and a facial wash. The soap and shampoo that Ryoma prepared for her is by the shower.
"Okay, let's just get through this step by step, then."
She began to undress, folded up all her clothes neatly on the counter and started to take a shower. A few moments later, she heard the door open and then closed. Sakuno figured that was Ryoma getting back from the convenience store. Her heart began to pound loudly. It actually felt like they were living together.
No, you better get out of his way! This is not looking good for you, Sakuno!
*Knock knock*
"I got some things I thought you might need. I'll leave it by the door." he said.
"T-Thank you, Ryoma-kun!" she said.
Ryoma placed his wallet and keys on the coffee table and went out of the veranda. It was windy outside, so he brought his blanket. Then he sat on the chair outside and waited for Sakuno to finish. He got himself a can of Ponta while he was at the convenience store so he opened the can and began sipping it while staring at the city lights.
After a while, Sakuno opened the door and found a bag on the floor, filled with a few things from the store. She grabbed it and took a quick look on both sides of the room before closing it quietly. Inside the bag was a toothbrush, a can of tea, bottle of water, an orange, and a small paper bag. Sakuno opened it and revealed a small white cloth. She blinked.
"U-Underwear?"
Sakuno wished she was dead. It was the most embarrassing thing ever! And it must've been a very embarrassing thing for Ryoma, too! She felt a tear roll down her cheeks. She just wants to drop dead right now!
Ryoma stood up and went to the bedroom really fast. He forgot to bring out a set of spare clothes for Sakuno. He rummaged through his wardrobe, scared that she might catch him in the bedroom. After finding clothes that he thinks would probably fit her, he quickly walked out and returned outside the veranda like nothing happened. He breathed out, finally feeling relaxed. He continued drinking his Ponta and he unlocked his phone. It revealed a Google search which said, 'what to buy when a girl sleeps over suddenly'. He felt his cheeks become hot, so he closed the browser. He never imagined he would be in a situation like this.
Sakuno walked out of the bathroom with the towel covering her body. There was no one around. Then, she proceeded to the bedroom, walking in tiptoe, careful not to make a sound. Ryoma was probably sleeping in the living room already and she didn't want to add more inconvenience to him that she already did.
She found a sweatpants and white shirt, and a pair of socks on the bed. Sakuno cannot count the times that Ryoma had tugged on her heartstrings this evening.
Nope, nope. Must not fall for him any deeper. He's a great friend, nothing more.
She went out of the room quietly, careful not to wake Ryoma up but she found no one in the living room. But she spotted a figure outside the veranda. It was him. Sakuno walked toward the glass door and stared at his back. She suddenly realized how rare this moment was. She opened the glass door and stepped out.
"Ryoma-kun."
"Oh, you're done." he looked over his shoulder and found her dressed in his clothes. He stood up and offered her his chair. She almost refused but he suddenly sat down on the floor beside his Ponta. He also handed his blanket for her.
"Thank you so much for everything, Ryoma-kun."
"No worries. Anyway, what do you want to talk about?"
"Oh, I almost forgot..." she did forget since returning with him in his dorm. "Hey, why didn't the guard notice me when we came in?"
"I already texted him that my cousin was coming."
"I'm the cousin?" she pointed at herself. Ryoma nodded.
"Yup."
She giggled. It was a funny excuse, really. Since his dorm doesn't close until twelve, tenants can bring people over, but never party inside. That's the rule.
"My dorm allow all kinds of people inside, but it closes at ten." she said. Ryoma nodded. "Ah, it's so strange that I forgot what I wanted to talk about when I'm this happy."
"Really, now?" he smirked. Did she actually say that out loud? Ryoma was intrigued. He was always aware of how women around him felt, Sakuno was no exception. But to hear it directly from her was a bit overwhelming, and nice. It's always good when someone is happy with you.
"O-Oh, I didn't mean it like that... sorry!" she mentally slaps herself for ruining the mood too much. Ryoma snickered. It was music to Sakuno's ears. For the first time, he actually looks relaxed.
"Are you doing fine with your studies and tennis club?" she asked.
"Hmm... well, I get by." he stretched his arms out. Sakuno knew that he's having a hard time, with all the mess in his home, the papers scattered around, the empty kitchen, and the untouched bed. She could tell that all he ever does is study and train, an unhealthy lifestyle.
"Would it be a weird request if I tell you that I want to help you around?" she looked into his eyes with determination. The boy looked back with suspecting eyes.
"Why would you want to do that? Don't trouble yourself. I can manage." it was weirding him out. When they met in America, she was different, without that annoying habit of being annoying like her friend Toma something. Now she switches back just because she's seen his room.
"This house tells me otherwise. It's not in order and I know you got your hands full. So-" his eyebrows raised. Ryoma tried hard to make time for cleaning but this girl just critiques him. She has no idea what's he's going through.
"Heh? You're insulting my house now?" he's losing his temper. Better run away.
"N-No, I didn't mean to offend you. I just want to help..."
"Forget it."
He stood up and returned inside the room, while Sakuno followed.
"Ryoma-kun. I won't turn a blind eye when you're having a hard time. I'm your friend and I want to support you. My grandmother told me to help you in any way I can." she closed the glass door behind her.
"Don't you ever get tired? That's all you've done ever since we were twelve." he turned on the television and tried to find an interesting show to shut the girl up. He was feeling annoyed. Just when he got rid of one stubborn girl, here comes another one. His bad mood is getting worse. Sakuno stood by the sofa. She was this close to crying. A fight with Ryoma was nerve-wracking.
"I want to help you." she resisted the urge to sniff, she can feel her tears ready to roll down, but she stopped it. She will not cry just because Ryoma got mad at her.
"Why?" his voice got a little higher. The both of them could feel the tension rise. But neither wants to back out. Sakuno clenched her fists. Might as well be annoying for the rest of the night.
"Because I love you! Okay? I won't just leave you alone! It's not up to you, you stubborn little man!"
"W-What did you just call me?" he stood up. Sakuno drops the blanket on the floor and walks dangerously close to him. She tiptoes to match Ryoma's height.
"You arrogant little man!"
"Wha..." he glared at her. It was the first time Ryoma has seen Sakuno so mad. She was usually a timid, and soft-spoken girl who follows him around. Now she's like his mother, doing what she likes and scolding him. He suddenly lost all energy to say another thing.
"Just go to bed." he said. Sakuno slowly walked inside the bedroom and closed the door. It was quiet again. Ryoma plopped on the sofa and dropped the remote beside him.
Wait, did she just say she loves me?
He suddenly felt all the hatred disappear. Ryoma knows that the girl is fond of him, but not to this extent. After leaving all of them for years, she still feels this way?
"Ryoma-kun, I'm sorry." he heard from the other side of the door. It was muffled but he understood every word. He sighed. After a year of dating a girl, he's still not used to dealing with her. Sakuno is the most difficult person in his life right now, Ryoma thought. The door slowly opened and revealed a crying Sakuno. He stared at her wide eyed.
"W-What?" he felt clueless and scared. Sakuno rubbed her eyes some more before walking towards him. He sat nervously on the sofa, unable to move. Crying girls always made him nervous.
"I love you." she repeated. A few more tears dropped from her eye into Ryoma's lap. He blinked.
"Y-You do?" he stuttered. Sakuno nodded as she sniffed.
"Of course, I do. That's why I don't want to leave you alone, you jerk."
Ryoma glared.
"Sorry for that. But I mean it." she said. Ryoma chuckled, then his chuckle turned to laughter. Sakuno felt stupid.
Is he laughing at me because I look stupid right now?
"Just when I thought you never changed, but you did." he said and then he laughed some more. The sound of Ryoma's laughter made Sakuno feel like she was floating with the clouds. As much as she hated herself for fighting with him, she was glad that it happened. She finally had the courage to tell him everything.
Ryoma stood up and faced her. He awkwardly wiped Sakuno's tears. The sudden touch made Sakuno shudder. His hands were cold, but her cheeks were hot. He took his time to caress her cheek, while his other hand touched her damp auburn hair. Sakuno slowly raised her hands and cupped Ryoma's face. She planted her palms onto his cheeks which made Ryoma close his eyes in comfort. It has been a long time since he felt something so tender. As the heat between them deepen, Sakuno lost control over her hands and it guided his face toward hers, inching closer and closer, and Ryoma let her. His hands slid from her cheeks down to her waist. He held onto it like she was going to disappear if he let go. Sakuno parted her lips slightly to welcome Ryoma's own. Her hands never left his cheeks as she gently planted a kiss on him. Ryoma, on the other hand, was surprised, but it was too good to stop, so he let himself melt from the warmth of Sakuno's kiss.
TBC