Next day, Tomoka couldn't resist teasing Sakuno after she found out about Sakuno being mixed doubles partners with Ryoma. Sakuno was so flustered and the thought of them running together on the weekend made her blush furiously. Tomoka couldn't help but giggle at her friend's embarrassment, but deep down, she was also excited to see how things would play out between the two of them .

Sakuno felt guilty to Tomoka for not telling about Ryoma living with her family.

After class, Ryoma and Sakuno started their practice for the mixed doubles tournament on that day. It was tough at first, as they were both used to playing as single players. They kept colliding with each other on the court or missing the ball altogether. Horio and Kachiro, their friends and fellow tennis club members, tried to help them out by giving some pointers and practicing with them as well.

Tomoka also made sure to come by the tennis court every now and then to cheer them on and offer words of encouragement. She could see that Ryoma and Sakuno were determined to make their partnership work, despite the initial struggles they faced.

After a few days of practicing together, Ryoma and Sakuno finally started to find their rhythm. They learned how to anticipate each other's moves and communicate effectively on the court.

Sakuno and Ryoma sit on the bench with tired face.

"You both okay? I kinda feel guilty pushing you both to join the tournament in order to help us." Kachiro said with a trouble faced. He felt like a lame captain.

"Don't worry about it, Kachiro-kun. I also feel like want to help in any way when I heard boys' tennis club is going to be close due to lack of members. We have to do everything we can to save it." Said Sakuno with smiled.

"It's not like you force us to join. We agreed to help out." Ryoma said while sipping his grape Ponta.

"I know, but still... I feel guilty about it. I wish there was something I could do to make it up to you both." Kachiro said while looking to his shoes.

"Don't worry about it, Kachiro-kun. We're all in this together." Sakuno said, trying to subdue his guilty feeling.

"Actually, I do have one idea. How about you give me one month of free Pontas to make up for it?" Ryoma said, makes Sakuno sweat-dropped.

"One month of free Pontas? That's a bit steep, don't you think?" Said Horio when he heard the conversation.

"Come on. You feel guilty, right? This way, you can lessen that guilt by giving me something in return. It's a win-win situation." Ryoma said, while smirked.

Sakuno can't believe what she heard. She accidentally hit Ryoma's thigh, which made Ryoma almost choked on his Ponta. "Ryoma-kun, don't be like that."

'Did she just hit me?' Ryoma looked at Sakuno with disbelieve looked. Sakuno, with innocent face still didn't notice what she has done to him.

Ryoma sighed. "Fine, one week." He didn't know why he always have to give up when it comes to this girl.

Kachiro's face brightened. "Alright, deal. One weeks of free Pontas it is.

"See, Kachiro-kun? Problem solved." Sakuno said while smiled, made Kachiro smiled as well.

"I'm going home." Said Ryoma while zipping up his tennis bag and slide them on his shoulder.

"Okay, Ryoma-kun." Sakuno felt somehow getting used with Ryoma. They communicate a lot as deskmate and mixed-double partners.

All of the students didn't have any problems with those two being close with each other, including Ryoma's fans. They both became kinda popular within their peers after practicing doubles. The even got the pair nickname RyoSaku, but they never seemed to notice the nicknames.

At Sakuno's home.

As Sakuno finished her homework, she decided to take a break and stretch her tired muscles. The night was still young. Just then, her cellphone made a ping sound, indicating a new message. She checked the unknown email address and see that it was from Ryoma.

Her heart skipped a beat as she read his message, although it just simple words. "We will go out at 6am." She chuckled, 'That was so Ryoma-kun. He could just knocked my door and tell me at my face.'

She quickly saved Ryoma's email address. With a flutter of excitement, she quickly replied with a simple ok and added a cute emoji to lighten the mood. Sakuno went down to see her grandma to tell her that she will be out early tomorrow with Ryoma.

Meanwhile, Ryoma couldn't help but chuckle at Sakuno's reply. He had never expected her to use an emoji in her message, and he found it endearing. He put down his cellphone and continue study.