Nodoka stepped outside, the crisp morning air feeling refreshing against her face. The gentle sway of the wind rustled her hair as she walked along the path of the ryokan's garden, lost in thought. Hisa's words echoed in her mind, a blend of challenge and possibility.

As she walked, she noticed a figure sitting on a bench nearby. The feeling of being watched stirred a sense of awareness within her. She glanced up and saw Miyanaga Saki sitting under the shade of a cherry blossom tree.

'Is that really Miyanaga Saki?' Nodoka questioned herself. She can't believe that the reigning inter-middle champion now one of the most anticipated High School mah-jong player is right here at Nagano.

Nodoka clenched her fist and gathered her resolve. She hesitated for a moment, uncertain of how to approach the brown-haired girl. With a deep breath, Nodoka made her way over to the bench, her steps tentative.

Miyanaga Saki blinked a couple of times, not expecting to see a familiar face. She looked up as Nodoka approached.
"It's been a while, Miyanaga-san," Nodoka said, trying to sound casual despite her nerves. "I didn't expect to run into you in a place like this."

"Oh, hello, Haramura-san. It's been a while I didn't expect to see you here either," she said with a bashful but polite smile.

"It's been since the inter-middle." Nodoka muttered, remembering the loss she experienced from the very same individual she is talking into. She shook her head trying to shoo the thought away, "Are you alone?"

Saki patted the bench beside her, a gentle gesture that invited Nodoka to join her. "Would you like to sit down?" she offered.

Nodoka nodded gratefully and took a seat, her hands resting in her lap as she glanced around the serene garden. "I was just taking a walk to clear my mind," she said, her gaze returning to Saki. "How about you, Miyanaga-san? If you don't mind me asking… What brings you to Nagano?"

Saki averted her gaze which she choked up from being naturally shy, "I am here for a training camp, my onee-chan and I are out for a walk. She just went somewhere." She smiled contently and looked at the beautiful surrounding.
Nodoka still looking at Saki and was reminded about a separate incident.

"I'm looking forward to it," She smiled, albeit sad and it did not reach her eyes it is a beautiful smile. Nodoka remembered the brown-haired girl's facial expression right after the inter-middle finals from the year before.

"You have a beautiful smile, I'm glad it isn't sad now." Nodoka muttered without her meaning to.

Saki's eyes widened slightly, her breath catching as she realized Nodoka was talking about her. "Eh?!" Saki immediately reacted blushing a beautiful red and obviously shocked from the pink-haired girl's statement.

Nodoka's cheeks warmed slightly at the unintended compliment. She cleared her throat and tried to shift the focus of the conversation. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I just… noticed your smile is different from before. It's more genuine now, I think. N-not that it wasn't beautiful before…" And obviously failed.

Saki's face flushed a deeper shade of red, her eyes wide with surprise. "Th-Thank you, Haramura-san," she stammered, clearly taken aback by the compliment. She looked away, trying to compose herself but unable to hide her shy smile.

Nodoka tried to compose herself but saw that Saki is smiling still and her face turned flusher. She shook her head and clenched her fist trying to remove her attention from Saki's mutually flushed face. When she felt much calmer, she said determinedly, "I hope you remember that next time we played, I will not lose."

Saki, still blushing, looked up with a mix of surprise and awe. "I remember… and as I said before," she replied with a soft smile. "I'm looking forward to it, Haramura-san." Saki was glad to know that a player outside of Shiraitodai is not afraid of her.

"It's good that you remember, Miyanaga-san." Nodoka feeling a bit bolder due to Saki's earlier statement said, "After all, I am doing my best practicing and now I am even questioning my own playstyle."

Saki blinked at that, tilting her head, "Questioning your playstyle?" To which Nodoka nodded.

Nodoka pointedly looked at Saki, "Because some players win with baffling, illogical, or improbable methods."

Saki scratched her head, feeling slightly bashful; she knew that the 'players' Nodoka was referring to included herself. She hesitated, her thoughts drifting inward.

As Nodoka waited for Saki to respond, Saki glanced down at her hands, her fingers lightly brushing against the fabric of her skirt. A shadow of doubt flickered in her eyes, but she quickly pushed it away, replacing it with a gentle smile.

"It's… It's just something I've gotten used to," Saki said softly, her voice carrying a hint of melancholy. "Winning like that, I mean."

Saki looked up, her smile brightening as if she had forced herself back into a more comfortable persona.

"But I'm glad to see you so determined, Haramura-san," Saki continued, her tone lighter. "It's what makes the game exciting, right?"

Nodoka stopped herself from speaking, she noticed the fleeting change in Saki's expression, a brief glimpse of something deeper that she couldn't quite grasp. She decided not to press further on what seemed to be a personal matter and instead focused on her own concerns. It isn't my place to pry, Nodoka thought.

Curiosity bubbled up within Nodoka, and she couldn't hold back any longer. She leaned slightly closer; her voice soft but direct. "Miyanaga-san, can you clarify something for me? My buchou mentioned players who can feel the flow of the game."

Saki looked slightly surprised by the question but tried to respond. "Um, well, I think I see the tiles a bit better than some people."

Nodoka frowned, puzzled. "See the tiles better?"

Saki hesitated, struggling to find the right words. "It's like, um, I don't know… It's not just about what I see on the table. It's more like… I get a feeling? How I can win?"

Saki tried to expand her explanation when she saw that Nodoka is still confused, "Hmm… Haramura-san is used to digital mahjong right?... In net mah-jong all you see is your own hand and your opponents' discards, right? So, you have to predict which tile will come up. But in actual match, don't you think it is not the same?"

Saki embarrassed that she is not getting the point across, "I mean, when I played against you at the inter-middle, Haramura-san, I could see you clearly." Saki said, stumbling over her own words.

"Eh?!" Nodoka blushed over Saki's blunder.

Saki blushed immediately when she realized how her words could be interpreted. She abruptly stood up waving her hands saying, "No no no, that's not what I meant."

"Saki?" Teru called out, having returned from her little detour to the toilet, evidently, she got distracted on the way back as she is carrying a box of apple-filled pastries.

Saki turned to face the voice; her cheeks still flushed with embarrassment. She found Teru standing a few steps away, with a raised eyebrow, clearly puzzled by the scene unfolding before her.

"What is it that you don't mean, Saki?" Teru asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and concern. Her gaze shifted to Nodoka, assessing the situation.

Saki stammered, "N-no, it's nothing! I was just… trying to explain something and, uh, it didn't come out right."

Teru's eyes softened as she looked at Saki. She could tell her sister was struggling with more than just her words. Stepping closer, Teru placed a reassuring hand on Saki's shoulder. "It's alright, Saki. You're doing fine."

Nodoka watched the interaction with interest. Teru's protective demeanour was evident, and it was clear that she deeply cared for Saki.

Turning her attention to Nodoka with a polite but firm tone, Teru said, "I'm sure Saki didn't mean to cause any confusion. She can be a bit... awkward with her words sometimes."

Nodoka nodded, sensing the underlying tension. "I understand. I didn't mean to make things uncomfortable."

Teru although a bit stoic said, "Thank you for understanding. My sister's not always the best at explaining… things."

Saki glanced at Teru, grateful for her sister's support. She looked back at Nodoka, her expression a mix of relief and resignation. "I'm sorry if I was unclear, Haramura-san. It's not always easy to talk about mah-jong."

Nodoka offered a sympathetic smile. "No, thank you, Miyanaga-san, for trying to explain it to me." She blushed again, reminded of how Saki had tried to clarify things.

Realising she was being rude to the older Miyanaga, Nodoka stood up and gave a short but polite bow and introduced herself, "I'm Haramura Nodoka, it's nice to meet you."

Teru curtly nodded, "Miyanaga Teru. You were in a match with my sister before."

Teru not waiting for any reply from Nodoka, and casually faced Saki. "Saki, I saw these on the way back and texted you to see if you wanted any. I didn't get a reply, so I just bought them anyway."

As Teru was talking Saki pulled out her phone, glancing at the text Teru had sent. She mentally noted that she must have missed it while talking with Nodoka. At the same time saw through her sister, Of course, onee-chan would want these. She has such a sweet tooth.

Nodoka fidgeted with her phone, gathering her thoughts. She hesitated, the weight of her next words hanging in the air. "I didn't mean to interrupt your time together," she said, trying to sound casual, but her tone betrayed her uncertainty. "It's just… I was really enjoying our conversation, Miyanaga-san."

Saki tilted her head slightly, sensing the shift in Nodoka's demeanor. "Yes, Haramura-san?" she prompted gently; her curiosity piqued.

Nodoka took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. This was the moment. "I'll be at the Nationals," she began, her voice steadying with determination. "And we'll have a rematch. I want to make sure you know that." She paused, her confidence wavering for just a moment before she continued, her voice softer, more vulnerable. "Honestly, I'm terrible at making friends, and I was wondering… if you don't mind, of course… if we could exchange numbers?"

Saki blinked, caught off guard by the request. The formality of their interactions thus far had made this sudden shift in tone all the more surprising. She hesitated, her natural shyness surfacing, but she quickly pushed it aside. "Oh, um, sure! I'd like that. I haven't really done this before, but…"

There was a pause, a shared moment of uncertainty, as both girls realized the significance of what they were about to do. For a brief moment, the world around them seemed to still, the cherry blossoms swaying gently in the breeze as if encouraging the tentative bond forming between them.

Nodoka, feeling a mix of relief and anticipation, carefully took out her phone. Her fingers hovered over the screen, nerves making her movements slow and deliberate. She glanced at Saki, who was doing the same, the hesitation in her actions mirroring Nodoka's own.

"If it's okay with you, could you please add your phone number?" Nodoka and Saki spoke almost in unison, their voices overlapping. They both froze, eyes wide, before a soft, mutual laugh broke the tension.

Saki's hand trembled slightly as she handed her phone to Nodoka. Their fingers brushed lightly as they exchanged devices, a small, almost imperceptible touch that carried with it the weight of the moment. Nodoka quickly input her number, her movements becoming more confident now that the decision had been made. Saki, on the other hand, took her time, carefully entering each digit, as if she were committing the act to memory.

When they finally exchanged phones back, there was a moment of silence. Nodoka looked down at the newly saved contact, a small smile forming on her lips. "Thank you, Miyanaga-san," she said softly, the words carrying a sincerity that hadn't been present before.

Saki mirrored the smile, her own expression warm and genuine. "Thank you, Haramura-san," she replied, her voice equally soft.

Teru observed the exchange between Saki and Nodoka, her sharp eyes missing nothing. She remained quiet, letting the conversation flow, but a slight furrow formed between her brows. Saki's usually guarded demeanour seemed to soften in Nodoka's presence, a sight that both intrigued and concerned Teru.

Her gaze flicked to Nodoka, Haramura Nodoka, she thought, mentally assessing the pink-haired girl. She had seen the match against her sister, how her sister seemed to revert back to her plus minus zero playstyle for a few hands because she thought something was odd about the pink-haired girl's playstyle. And, here she was, flustered and almost shy in front of Saki. Teru's lips pressed into a thin line. Is she really just interested in a rematch, or is there more to this?

Teru's thoughts churned as she watched the two girls exchange phone numbers, the moment marked by a mix of awkwardness and sincerity. She could see Saki's hesitation, the way her fingers fumbled slightly with the phone, and the faint blush that coloured her cheeks. A protective instinct stirred within Teru. Saki had always been reserved, even with her, and seeing her interact so openly with someone else was… different. Not unwelcome, but different.

This is good for her, Teru tried to convince herself, forcing a small, almost imperceptible smile. She needs friends, people who aren't afraid of her because of her reputation. Yet, a shadow of doubt lingered. Saki had always relied on her, and the thought of someone else stepping into that role, even just a little, made her uneasy.

She quickly pushed the feeling aside. If Haramura is genuine, then maybe this is what Saki needs, she reasoned. But she couldn't shake the protectiveness that had always been there, the instinct to shield Saki from anything—or anyone—that could hurt her. Teru's gaze softened as she watched Saki and Nodoka, their bashful smiles a stark contrast to the facade, the devastated smile, her sister projects after her matches.

As the two girls finally exchanged phones and returned them with a mix of nervous laughter and smiles, Teru let out a small sigh, barely audible. I'll keep an eye on this, she decided, her expression smoothing into its usual calm. For now, I'll let Saki explore this new connection, but I won't let my guard down. With that resolve, she reached for an apple-filled pastry, her mind still partially on the conversation that had just unfolded.

Saki, oblivious to the full extent of her sister's thoughts, felt a mix of emotions as she finished the exchange with Nodoka. There was a sense of relief that their conversation had gone well, coupled with a curious anticipation for the future. She couldn't quite place it, but there was something about Nodoka's determination and sincerity that made her feel… safe, perhaps? It was a new feeling, one that was both comforting and a little unsettling at the same time.

Teru let out a soft breath she hadn't realized she was holding. The exchange, though simple, felt like a significant step for her sister—a small but meaningful connection formed in the midst of their lives.

Saki looked up at Teru, her expression a mix of gratitude and shyness. "Onee-chan, are you okay?" she asked, noticing the pensive look on Teru's face.

Teru snapped out of her thoughts and smiled down at Saki, her eyes warm. "I'm fine, Saki," she said softly, reaching out to gently pat her sister's head.

Saki's cheeks flushed a light pink, but she smiled back, slightly embarrassed that Teru's patting her head with Nodoka within the vicinity but nevertheless lets her older sister do it.

Nodoka, observing the exchange between the sisters, felt a sense of respect for their bond. She could see how much Teru cared for Saki and how protective she was, even if it wasn't overtly obvious.

Teru's thoughts lingered on Nodoka as they prepared to leave the garden. She would keep an eye on this pink-haired girl, not out of distrust, but because she wanted to ensure that Saki wouldn't get hurt. Teru had always been her sister's protector, and that role would not change easily. But for now, she would let Saki have this moment, this new…connection. After all, everyone needed a friend who could see beyond the game and understand the person behind it.

As Saki stood up to leave, Nodoka bowed slightly. "I won't keep you any longer. Thank you once again." Saki smiled, now fully reaching her eyes.

"Let's go, Saki," Teru said gently, holding out her hand.

Saki nodded, taking her sister's hand and giving Nodoka one last, sincere smile. "I'll see you again, Haramura-san. And next time… I won't hold back."

Nodoka returned the smile, her heart lightened by the encounter. "I wouldn't want it any other way, Miyanaga-san. I'll be ready."

With that, the two groups parted ways, Saki and Teru walked along the path back to their ryokan, the late afternoon sun casting a warm glow over the cherry blossoms that dotted the garden. The box of apple-filled pastries swung gently in Teru's hand, the sweet scent mixing with the fresh spring air.

Saki's mind was still lingering on the earlier encounter. Her cheeks still felt warm from the blush Nodoka had caused, and she kept glancing sideways at her sister.

Teru noticed Saki's distracted demeaner and raised an eyebrow. "You seemed quite... affected by your conversation with Haramura-san," she remarked, her tone neutral but her gaze perceptive.

Saki shrugged slightly, trying to hide her lingering embarrassment. "She was just... very kind. It's been a while since I've had someone speak to me like that."

Teru's eyes narrowed slightly as she assessed her sister. "You were so…flustered. It's not like you."

Saki looked down, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "I suppose it's not. But she seems sincere. It was... refreshing."

Teru nodded, her expression softening. "I saw that but be careful, Saki"

Saki looked up at her sister, her eyes thoughtful. "I know. I just... felt like she was genuine. It's been a while... It was nice."

Teru's gaze softened further, her protective instincts still present but tempered by her sister's happiness. "Just don't get hurt, Saki"

Saki nodded, appreciating her sister's concern. "Thank you, Onee-chan. I will be careful. I promise."

As they approached the ryokan, Saki turned to her sister with a determined look. "I'm going to give it my all in the tournament."

Teru's lips curled into a small smile. "Hm, I'm sure you will."

With that, they entered the ryokan, the door sliding shut behind them. The atmosphere within was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the outside chill. Saki and Teru settled in, their earlier conversation lingering in their thoughts as they prepared for the upcoming challenges.

While Nodoka walked in the opposite direction, her thoughts buzzing with the events of the morning.

The path ahead might be challenging, but for the first time in a while, she felt ready to face it—with determination, with courage, and with the newfound sense of connection that had sparked between her and Saki.

As the cherry blossoms continued to fall around her, Nodoka looked up at the sky, feeling a sense of peace and purpose settle within her. She would cherish this moment, this beginning of something new, and she would carry it with her as she continued her journey.

As she approached the ryokan where her team was staying, Nodoka smiled to herself, her resolve stronger than ever. With her head held high, she entered the ryokan, her thoughts focused on the upcoming Prefecturals. She was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that she had something more to fight for—a promise made, not just to Saki, but to herself.

"I'm here." Nodoka announced to her to teammates.

As Nodoka entered the ryokan, she was greeted by the familiar sight of her teammates, each engaged in their own activities. Hisa, seated at a table with a stack of mahjong tiles in front of her, was absorbed in some notes. Yuuki and Maho were discussing animatedly with Yuuki declaring that tacos are the most superior food in the world and Maho surprisingly agreeing with her. Mako on the other hand who was sitting in front of Hisa was looking amused with the first year's antics.

"Nodoka's back, djey!" Yuuki excitedly announced to the room. "I've been waiting for you, Maho and I just found this taco store and they add apples in it, djey!"

Apples?! Nodoka's thought slightly disturbed by the combination. Her face can't help but settle on a deadpan expression.

Maho was sagely nodding alongside Yuuki and said, "It was surprisingly good." Yuuki who heard Maho's comment abruptly turned to the said girl with protest seen on her face and loudly exclaimed, "SURPRISINGLY GOOD?! Nothing is surprising, it is Tacos, djey!"

Hisa, thankfully, noticed the ongoing onslaught stood up and lightly tap Yuuki's and Maho's forehead with the stack of paper she was reading. "Settle down you two," grinning clearly amused by the younger one's antics.

Mako still on the table clearly enjoying the show regarded Nodoka, "How was your walk, Nodoka?"

"It was good, Someya-senpai, thank you for asking." Nodoka replied primly as proper as ever.

Mako chuckled softly at Nodoka's polite response, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "You're always so proper, Nodoka."

Yuuki, who had momentarily been distracted by Maho, suddenly refocused on Nodoka. "You should've come with us, djey! We could've shown you the taco place. I bet you would've loved it!"

Nodoka's deadpan expression remained, but there was a subtle hint of affection in her tone. "Anything but tacos." Reminiscing the days when Yuuki dragged her all over the place to try every taco store she could find.

Hisa, still smiling from the previous exchange, shook her head and jokingly said with a wild grin on her face. "Who knows, maybe one day we'll get her to try something new."

Yuuki's eyes sparkled with determination, clearly taking Hisa's words as a challenge. "Just you wait, Nodoka! I'm going to find a way to make you love tacos, djey!"

Maho, still quietly nodding along, added, "What do you think of adding tako in tacos, Yuu-chan?"

Yuuki clearly excited on the idea, jumped and clench her fist to the air, "Double the taco power, djey!"

Nodoka, sensing the inevitable onslaught of taco-related persuasion, sighed lightly.

As the conversation lightened, Hisa took the opportunity to transition the group's focus. "Don't forget why we went all the way here… we will resume our training matches right after lunch." Hisa faced Yuuki and Maho, "You two should be finished answering those arithmetic books that I gave you before then."

"But we answered so many already!" The two whined but nevertheless complied on sitting down the table with the purpose of answering the math problems.

"I will need more tacos after this, djey." Yuuki said as she sulked and proceeded to open one of the books.

Now that her two hyper-active team mates seems distracted enough, Nodoka approached Hisa. Determination can be seen on her face, Hisa on the other hand noticed it and maintained her grin on her face.

"Buchou," Nodoka addressed Hisa.

"Hmm Nodoka, what is it?" Hisa feigning a face of innocence.

"I want to go to the Inter High. For that, I am willing to do what I can," Nodoka started, unaware that the grin on Hisa's face became slightly larger.

Could it be? Did we get through her? This is a miracle! Hisa excitedly thought and was stopping herself from reacting overtly just in case Nodoka would prove her suspicions off.

Nodoka took a deep breath, her usual calm demeanour slightly more intense as she prepared to voice her thoughts. She glanced briefly at the stack of mah-jong tiles on the table, memories of countless calculated moves flickering in her mind. "Buchou," she began, her voice steady, "I've always played mah-jong by focusing on the highest percentages, calculating probabilities, and spurning luck. It's how I've always approached the game."

Hisa's eyes narrowed slightly, her earlier excitement giving way to genuine interest.

"But," Nodoka continued, her voice steady but resolute, "I've realized that mah-jong isn't just about the tiles or the table. I need to understand not just the probabilities, if I want to take us to the Inter High, I need to see the whole picture, not just the numbers." She hesitated for a fraction of a second, Saki's voice echoing in her mind, I could clearly see you. "I need to see the players," she finished, her voice soft yet filled with determination.

"I'm willing to do whatever it takes to improve," Nodoka added, her voice steady with resolve, "even if it means stepping outside my comfort zone."

Hisa's grin widened, a mix of pride and disbelief washing over her. And we are off, Hisa thought to herself.

Note: I find the exchange phone number scene hard to write because they are both at a core shy characters. Tried to make it as awkward yet believable as I can. I think I achieved what I want for this chapter, a foundation on what's coming. The reason why I did the scene is because I believe Nodoka would still blush on Saki regardless of the circumstances.

Writing character's while trying not to make them to OOC is tough especially since Saki have tons of good characters.

Any comments are welcome if you've got any.