Sakuno awoke with a soft smile stretching across her face, the remnants of yesterday's sweet confession lingering in her heart. Ryoma had told her how he felt—his words wrapped around her like a warm blanket on a chilly night. 'Today will be a good day,' she thought as she pushed herself out of bed, excitement bubbling inside her.

As she made her way to the bathroom, Sakuno turned the corner and caught sight of Ryoma standing there, toothbrush in hand, frothy toothpaste mingling with the morning light. A rush of warmth flooded her cheeks. Were they officially boyfriend and girlfriend now? The realization made her heartbeat race.

Ryoma glanced over his shoulder, and their eyes met. He smiled—a simple, genuine grin—but it sent Sakuno's heart into a dance. "Good morning, Ryoma-kun," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Morning," he replied, his voice muffled by the toothbrush. The moment was sweet and serene. They brushed their teeth together, the mundane task becoming a shared ritual that felt oddly thrilling. Ryoma nudged her arm with his, a gentle push that sparked a wave of shyness within her. She couldn't help but smile back, nudging him playfully.

After finishing up, Ryoma went back to his room to change. Sakuno hurriedly cleaned herself up, slipping into her school uniform. As she gazed into the mirror, her fingers danced through her hair, contemplating a new hairstyle. But time was ticking away, so she opted for her usual waterfall braid, adding just a hint of makeup. She took a deep breath, gathered her bag, and left her room.

Outside, Ryoma stood in front of his door, seemingly waiting for her. She couldn't help but smile widely at him. They descended the stairs together, a familiarity settling comfortably between them. In the kitchen, she helped Sumire, prepare breakfast, Ryoma sitting beside her at the table.

As they ate, Ryoma playfully nudged his leg against hers, igniting an electric blush on Sakuno's cheeks. She nudged him back, a silent game of affection unfolding beneath their grandma's inquisitive gaze.

"What are you both smiling about?" Sumire asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Ryoma flinched slightly at the question while Sakuno's face turned as red as a ripe tomato.

"It's nothing, Grandma!" she exclaimed too quickly. "We should go now; we're gonna be late!"

After washing the dishes and gathering her bento lunch, they stepped outside together. Once again, Ryoma nudged her shoulder, and Sakuno giggled, trying to maintain her serious demeanor. "Stop it, Ryoma-kun," she said playfully, but he just smirked and refused to relent.

They walked to school side by side, laughter floating in the air around them. When they arrived, Tomoka, already seated at her desk, waved energetically.

They sat down, heartbeats racing, just as the bell rang. Ms. Sasaki took attendance, announcing that the final exam was approaching. Groans erupted from the students, dispelling some of the cheerful atmosphere, but excitement lingered when she mentioned summer vacation would follow.

During the lecture, Ryoma slid his pinky finger to intertwine with hers on the desk, sending a jolt through her. Sakuno's breath hitched as their fingers touched, warmth flooding through her. She looked at him, heart pounding, as he quietly held her hand, a sly smirk playing on his lips. 'This is bad for my heart,' she thought, trying to concentrate on the lesson.

At recess, Horio burst into their space with a cheeky grin. "You guys think I didn't see you holding hands?" he exclaimed, remembering the earlier incident when Ryoma had reached for Sakuno.

Tomoka, curious and wide-eyed, dropped her bento on Sakuno's desk. "Who's holding hands?" she asked, clearly intrigued.

Sakuno felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment.

"It's exactly what I think it is, isn't it?" Tomoka's excitement bubbled over as Katsuo and Kachiro joined in, beaming at their friends. Sakuno nodded shyly.

"Really? I'm so happy for you both!" Tomoka squealed, prompting another round of blushes as Ryoma shrugged nonchalantly, attempting to play it cool.

As Ryoma and the boys headed to the cafeteria, Tomoka leaned in closer to Sakuno, eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Start from the beginning! Who confessed first? And have you guys kissed yet?"

"Well…" Sakuno chuckled awkwardly, the word hanging in the air resonantly.

Their conversation flowed easily, and as they discussed summer plans, a reflective shadow crossed Sakuno's mind. "Usually my parents will be back and bring me somewhere," she shared softly.

Tomoka nodded sympathetically. "Your dad travels so much for work. You must be lonely."

"I'm okay. They call often, and Grandma keeps me company, though," Sakuno replied, the familiar comfort of her grandma's presence warming her heart. It felt nice to talk about it, especially now that they had Ryoma by her side.

Later, as Sakuno walked home with Ryoma, she hesitated. "What do you think you'll do during summer break?" she asked, curious about his plans.

"My dad mentioned something, but I'm not sure yet." he replied, looking thoughtful.

"Is it tennis training?" she asked gently. There was something in the way he looked at her as if he was discovering little facets of her life, and it made her heart flutter.

"I guess so. What about you?" he asked.

"I think my parents will come home and bring me somewhere. It usually like that." Said Sakuno with soft gaze.

"Is your parents always away?" Ryoma asked curiously. "I've never seen them."

"Yeah, my dad's job keeps him busy. He gets promoted, so he has to travel a lot, and my mom goes with him. It's been that way since junior high." There was a hint of pride in her voice, mingled with the strands of loneliness that had woven themselves through her childhood.

Ryoma turned to her, concern knitting his brow. "That must be tough, being away from them for so long." The sincerity in his voice made Sakuno's heart swell. It felt good to share that part of her life with him; it felt safe.

"Yeah," she replied, a hint of sadness creeping into her tone. "But my grandma is always there for me, so I'm okay." She tried to offer a reassuring smile, not wanting to dwell on the longing she sometimes felt.

"That's good, you're strong." he said, his voice steady. The compliment struck a chord, and her heart swelled at his kindness.

As Sakuno stepped through the door, she felt a familiar flutter of excitement—a mixture of comfort and anticipation. However, her heart skipped a beat when she noticed a pair of women's shoes at the entrance. A curious smile graced her face. "I wonder who's coming."

Suddenly, a voice echoed softly from the hallway, "Sakuno!"

Startled, her eyes widened as a figure emerged from the shadows. It was her mother. "Mom!" Sakuno rushed forward, enveloping Sayaka in a tight embrace.

"I missed you so much!" Sayaka exclaimed, her eyes shimmering with warmth. From a distance, Sumire, Sakuno's grandma, watched with a beaming smile, joy radiating from her gentle countenance.

"Me too, Mom! Did you just arrive? Where's Dad?" Sakuno's voice bubbled with curiosity.

"Yes, we just got here. Your dad stepped out for a bit; he'll be back later," Sayaka replied, her gaze drifting toward Ryoma, who stood awkwardly by the doorway, observing the reunion.

"Oh my, you must be Ryoma!" Sayaka said, breaking the moment.

Ryoma, feeling slightly bashful, bowed his head politely. "Yes, nice to meet you." He stole a glance at Sayaka's features and couldn't help but notice the striking resemblance between mother and daughter.

As they all stepped deeper into the house, the door swung open again, revealing Sakuno's dad, Shinji, with tousled brown hair and warm brown eyes. He carried a large bag, his face lighting up when he spotted Sakuno. "My sweet daughter!" he exclaimed, dropping the bag with a thud as he spread his arms wide.

Did you miss me, Sakuno?" he asked, adopting a playful expression.

Sakuno giggled, "Yes, a lot!"

Once the hug broke, Shinji's gaze shifted to Ryoma, brows furrowing in confusion. "W-who are you?"

Sayaka chimed in, "Oh dear, that's Ryoma."

Shinji's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and recognition washing over him. "Ryoma?!"

Sumire interjected, "Didn't I mention he's staying with us?"

Shinji looked bewildered. "You told me someone was staying here, I thought it was a girl!"

Exasperation flickered over Sumire's face. "I clearly told you it's Echizen Ryoma."

Shinji turned to Sayaka, bewildered, "You knew it was a boy too?"

Sayaka rolled her eyes, "Of course, I heard mother talked about it clearly. Don't you know Ryoma? Sakuno have been talking about him since junior high."

Sakuno's cheeks flamed a radiant red as her heart raced. "Mom!"

Ryoma stood frozen, sweat trickling down his brow, wondering how this had turned into a spotlight on him.

"Now, now," Sumire interrupted, trying to ease the tension, "let's go inside first. It's not a good place to talk here."

The two teens retreated to their rooms to change. When they settled in the living room, Shinji, Sayaka, and Sumire were already seated, deep in discussion.

Sayaka introduced her husband, "This is my husband, Ryuzaki Shinji."

Shinji looked up from his phone, startling just a bit. "I oppose to this."

"What are you talking about now?" Sumire questioned, puzzled.

Shinji pointed an accusatory finger at Ryoma. "Why does my daughter need to live with a boy her age? Wait, the name Echizen— isn't he Nanjiroh's son?"

Sakuno and Ryoma exchanged uncomfortable glances, the air thickening with unspoken tension.

"Let's not jump to conclusions," Sumire urged. "What if he really is Nanjiroh's son?"

Shinji's eyes glimmered with worry. "He's a pervert, you know."

Despite himself, Ryoma felt his stomach churn at being labeled alongside his father.

"Enough!" Sumire scolded lightly, smacking Shinji with a newspaper. "He's nothing like him."

Ryoma was about to speak when Sakuno jumped in, "Don't talk to him like that, Father. Ryoma-kun is a nice person."

Shinji's expression softened for a moment before he broke into an exaggerated cry, "Now even my daughter took your side!"

"Because Ryoma takes care of her more than you do!" Sumire shot back, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

Shinji slumped against the couch, defeated, while Sayaka turned to Ryoma, apologizing profusely. "I'm really sorry for this, Ryoma. I appreciate how you care for Sakuno."

"That's okay," Ryoma replied, maintaining his composure despite the probing gazes.

Shinji's anger simmered beneath the surface, but a hint of worry was evident in his voice as he pointed towards Ryoma. "Follow me."

"Where are you bringing him?" Sumire questioned, concern flickering across her face.

"If you want my approval, follow me," Shinji insisted.

Ryoma nodded at Sumire, reassuring, "It's okay, Sensei. I'll go talk to him."

They found themselves in a quiet convenience store, the neon lights flickering above as they slumped into a booth, bowls of steaming ramen before them.

Shinji stared at Ryoma, his expression softening slightly. "Do you have any ulterior motives towards my daughter?"

"If by ulterior, you mean bad ones, then no," Ryoma replied honestly.

Shinji sighed. "I can't believe someone else took my job to take care of my daughter."

"Your daughter gets into trouble often. I just usually happen to be there to help her."

Shinji chuckled, memories flooding back as he recalled Sakuno's younger days. "Yeah, she's always been like that."

A silence fell between them, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air. Shinji took his first bite of ramen, swallowing hard, gratitude peeking through his seriousness. "Thanks. I feel bad for prioritizing work when I heard she hurt her head."

"She won't blame you," Ryoma focusing on the warmth of the broth. "Deep down, I think she understands. she looked proud when she talked about you," Ryoma reassured, feeling the bond form between them.

"Really?"

"She's the purest person I had known. I think she saved me a lot of times too." Ryoma said with his soft eyes.

Shinji regarded Ryoma carefully, intrigued. "Are you..."

"I like your daughter," Ryoma said bluntly, and the words hung between them, electrifying the air.

Shinji dropped his chopsticks, his face flushing. 'What's with this bluntness? And he is handsome too.' Shinji thought.

Meanwhile, back at the Ryuzaki home, Sakuno anxiously peeked out the window, straining to see when her father and Ryoma would return. Sayaka, watching her daughter, chuckled softly. "Don't worry so much, Sakuno."

"I can't help it," Sakuno replied, her nerves visible. "What if dad did something to Ryoma-kun?"

"Don't fret. Your father can be a bit stubborn, but I'm sure he'll come around," Sayaka said, trying to ease her daughter's worries.

"Do you like him a lot?" Sayaka probed gently, her smile widening.

Sakuno's eyes softened, her heart swelling. "Yes…"

Sayaka and Sumire exchanged knowing smiles, the two women caught up in their own joyous secret.

"Mom… Grandma," Sakuno said suddenly, a boldness surging within her. "Actually, Ryoma-kun and I are dating."

The air hung in suspense; even the playful laughter nearby ceased. Sayaka and Sumire exchanged glances, surprise etched on their faces.

"What?" Shinji who already at the house entrance exclaimed, surprised.

Shinji turned to Ryoma, disbelief in his voice. "Not only do you like her, but you're already dating her?!" His hands clutched his heart dramatically, as though he might faint.

Concern washed over everyone as they rushed to his side.

"Are you okay, Dad?" Sakuno asked, eyes wide.

Shinji cried exaggeratedly, "This is too much! My daughter is going to leave me soon!"

Sayaka raised an eyebrow, smiling. "Dear, they're just dating, not getting married yet."

Sumire laughed, adding fuel to the fire. "Did Ryoma tell you he likes Sakuno?"

Sakuno blushed fiercely, her heart racing as the laughter continued around her.

"Ryoma," Shinji suddenly declared, his expression turning serious, "I changed my mind. I'm going to sleep in your room tonight, so you won't go to my daughter's room."

And just like that, chaos erupted in the Ryuzaki household. Laughter, teasing, and warmth wrapped around them, tying their lives together in a tapestry of love, misunderstandings, and unexpected alliances.