It was a sunny morning at Seigaku High, but Sakuno's heart was heavy when she didn't see Ryoma anywhere. Ryoma was absent from school that day. Usually Ryoma went to school first before her, so she never check his room in the morning. She had tried to contact him several times through chat, but he didn't respond. As the final bell rang, the homeroom teacher called Sakuno to the office.

"Ryuzaki-chan, Echizen is out sick today, can you give him today's handouts?" the teacher said, looking concerned. "He called me this morning and he sounded very sick and awful."

Without hesitation, Sakuno nodded and quickly left the teacher's office. She went straight to the pharmacy and bought some fever and cold medicine for Ryoma. She then rushed to the market to buy ingredients to make chicken porridge.

When Sakuno arrived at home, she knocked on Ryoma's room and called out for Ryoma. After felt like an eternity, the door finally creaked open, revealing a delirious Ryoma who promptly fainted onto Sakuno's shoulder

"Ryoma-kun." She felt shocked.

Sakuno could feel the heat radiating off of Ryoma's body as she struggled to carry his weight.

"You're burning. Is it because of rain yesterday?"

Sakuno try to lift up him and laid him down on the bed. With a sense of urgency, she dampened a towel and placed it on his forehead to help reduce his fever.

As Ryoma's fever began to subside, Sakuno went into the kitchen to prepare the chicken porridge. After she finished, she helped him with feeding him the porridge since he can't get up at all and making sure he took his medicine as well.

Hours passed, and Ryoma's fever finally broke. He opened his eyes to see Sakuno fast asleep on the floor with her head on his bed. A wave of gratitude washed over him as he gently tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. He stopped his hand. 'This feelings come again.' He thought.

With a newfound strength, he lifted her up in his arms and placed her on his bed, covering her body with a blanket.

Ryoma quietly washed the dishes, went upstairs and sat down on the floor, watching over Sakuno as she slept peacefully.

'Ryuzaki, I think I...' he looked away again. He sighed. He knows this feeling, he's already 18, he knows what this feelings he had for her, he's not that dumb boy anymore.

As Sakuno woke up. She was surprised to see Ryoma watching over her.

"I'm sorry for falling asleep. Do you feel fine now, Ryoma-kun?" She sit up straight on the bed.

"Yeah, i feel a lot better now. Thanks, Ryuzaki. You can continue sleep if you feel tired."

Sakuno looked at Ryoma. She kinda felt Ryoma's gaze a bit different. "I-it's okay. I feel refreshed now."

"Hn." Said Ryoma, looking away.

"Oh, this is for you. Ms. Sasaki asked me to." Sakuno took out some papers and gave to him.

Ryoma took the papers and said "Thanks."

"E-eto, I think I should go now."

Ryoma looked at her and nodded.

She quickly went down from the bed but because too nervous causing her to jump up from the bed in a panic. In her haste, she accidentally bumped into the desk, sending her off balance. Just as she was about to hit the ground, Ryoma with his lightning-fast reflexes and caught her before she could fall.

Their faces were only inches apart, and Sakuno could feel her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

"S-sorry", she stammered, trying to regain her composure. But her nerves got the best of her once again, and she bumped her head on the desk, causing Ryoma to wince in pain.

"You're still as clumsy as ever, Ryuzaki." Ryoma chuckled, rubbing his head where she had accidentally bumped into him. Sakuno couldn't help but blush even more at his teasing, but she quickly retaliated by lightly hitting him on the arm.

Despite the mishap, Ryoma's laughter was contagious, and soon Sakuno found herself joining in. The atmosphere was now feeling light.

Ryoma sent Sakuno off at the door. "Just knock my door if you need anything or if your fever comes again."

"Ryuzaki, you sound like my mom."

"I'm just worried." Tiny blush can be seen on her cheek.

"I will eat the medicine according the time and finished the porridge. You can come check me again later."

"Okay." Sakuno said but still hesitated to go.

"Go now. I'm fine now."

Sakuno nodded.

"Sorry we can't practice today. The tournament is in few days."

Sakuno smiled. "It's okay, taking care of your body is the most important. I go to my room now." Sakuno open the door.

Ryoma smiled.

When Sakuno finally closed the door, Ryoma squatting and hide his face inside his hand. Blushed can be seen on his both ears.

'Damn it Ryuzaki, why you have to be so cute.' He thought.