Two days after Sakuno rested at home for a fever, she finally returned to school. Tomoka greeted her in the class with a big smile and expressed how much she had missed her. "Sakuno, I missed you so much."

Sakuno smiled. "I missed you too, Tomo-chan."

She then went to her seat. As she settled in, she noticed Ryoma already seated beside her. Their eyes met, causing Sakuno to blush slightly as she remembered how he had cared for her when she was sick.

"G-good morning, Ryoma-kun." She said.

"Morning." He answered.

She then brought out a bento box and handed it to him.

Ryoma looked surprised and asked "what it is for?"

"W-well, it's for thanks for taking care of me and for giving me the lecture notes." Sakuno said.

Ryoma smiled and simply said thanks and placed the bento under his desk.

"I can't wait for the last practice today, let's do out best." Sakuno smiled.

"Yeah." He smirked in agreement as the bell rang, signaling the start of the school lessons.

During recess, Ryoma took the bento to the cafeteria. Horio noticed the bento, "Oh, you bring your own bento today."

Ryoma remained silent as Katsuo pointed out, "I saw Ryuzaki-san gave it to him earlier."

Horio teased Ryoma, "are you both dating or something?"

Ryoma try brushed off the comment. "It's just for the handout I gave her."

The trio watched as Ryoma continued on to the cafeteria, with Kachiro noting that he seemed unusually happy.

As they sat down to eat, the trio looked at Ryoma's bento when he opened it. They looked amazed. "Ryuzaki-san must be good at cooking." Katsuo said.

"Can I have one of that?" Horio said while pointing at the rice balls but Ryoma glared at him, made Horio sweat-dropped "N-never mind."

Kachiro said to Horio not to bother Ryoma, reminding him of the upcoming practice. The group discussed their nerves before the final practice, with Katsuo and Kachiro agreeing that they felt anxious.

Meanwhile, Sakuno sat with Tomoka, who expressed relief that she was back at school. Tomoka shared some of her bento with Sakuno, encouraging her to eat and not get sick again. Feeling guilty for keeping Ryoma living with her a secret, Sakuno decided to confide in Tomoka.

"Tomo-chan, I have something to tell you...actually Ryoma-kun lives with our family."

Tomoka shocked and shouted, "Whaaatt??!"

The other classmates who were having lunch in the classroom, looked at them. Sakuno and Tomoka smiled wryly to their classmates and said sorry for being loud.

"I'm sorry for telling you late, Tomo-chan. Are you mad?" Said Sakuno.

"I'm not mad. I just shocked. You know, both of you, it's really like a fate." Tomoka said while grinning.

Sakuno blushed. "Mou.. Tomo-chan. I told you Ryoma-kun doesn't see me that way."

"Then make him see you that way. Seduce him while you guys living together." Said Tomoka, her eyes glinted.

Sakuno blushed at Tomoka's boldness, can't believe that word came out from her best friend. "You're unbelievable, Tomo-chan."

Tomoka laughed when she looked Sakuno blushed. She really likes to tease her. Sakuno sighed and change topic, she expressed her nervousness about the final practice.

Tomoka reassured her friend that she would be cheering for both of them, and Sakuno thanked her with a smile.

The sun was shining brightly on the tennis court as Ryoma and Sakuno stood side by side, ready to practice their mixed-doubles game with Mr. Jun and Kachiro. The students were buzzing with excitement to see them play.

As they started rallying, Mr. Jun kept hitting the ball to their weak spots, testing their skills. But Ryoma and Sakuno had practiced tirelessly and had no trouble hitting the ball back. Mr. Jun praised their improvement, encouraging them to keep up the good work. The girls from girls tennis club also came to show their support including Tomoka.

Just then, the golden pair arrived at the court, drawing gasps of amazement from the students. "Look, here comes the golden pair." Sound from the crowd was heard.

The pair, who were once the star players at the school, garnered cheers and support from the crowd. The former regulars also came by to show their support, adding to the excitement of the day.

Ryoma smiled as he looked at the senpais he hadn't seen in a long time. The golden pair got ready to play a match against Ryoma and Sakuno, who were determined to give it their all.

Ryoma smirked, he felt excited to have challenging match. "It'll be a tough match."

"Give your all, Echizen, Ryuzaki." Said Oishi.

Ryoma served with his signature twist serve, showing that he meant business. Eiji, with his gymnastic style, easily caught the twist serve, keeping the ball in play.

The intensity of the match kept the students on their toes, as the ball flew back and forth between the two teams. The score was neck and neck, tied at 5-5. Both sides were breathing heavily, giving it their all.

Inui, always the strategist, noticed an opportunity to exploit Sakuno's weaknesses. He gave sign to Oishi, Oishi nodded, understood what Inui tried to say. "I'm sorry Ryuzaki-san, but you have to overcome this. Protect Echizen." He said at Sakuno while directed a powerful smash towards Sakuno.

Ryoma was shocked at the sudden attack, but Sakuno didn't falter. The ball reflected in her determined eyes as she unleashed a new technique taught to her by her grandmother - the Sakura Drive.

The Sakura Drive was a technique that gave Sakuno strength in her arm, allowing her to hit the ball with precision and control. The ball floated like delicate sakura petals, catching everyone by surprise, including Ryoma. The ball sailed past Eiji and Oishi's reach, scoring a point for Ryoma and Sakuno.

Inui couldn't contain his curiosity about the mysterious technique, then Sumire made her appearance with a smile, revealing herself as the one who had taught Sakuno the Sakura Drive. The former regulars were shocked to see their former coach. "Sumire-baachan." They said in unison.

Sumire smiled at them and said, "long time no see."

"Game and match, Echizen and Ryuzaki!" Said Horio as the referee.

The match ended in favor of Ryoma and Sakuno, much to the delight of the crowd. The spectators erupted in applause and cheers. Sakuno looked at Ryoma with a smile, and he smirked back, he somehow proud of her.

The golden pair praised Ryoma and Sakuno. "You two were amazing. Good luck with the tournament."

The day ended on a high note, filled with excitement, surprises, and a newfound sense of camaraderie among the players.

At night, Sakuno's heart raced as she carefully arranged her school sport shirt for the upcoming tennis tournament. She knew tomorrow would be a big day, and she wanted to make sure she was fully prepared. As she opened her tennis bag, a rush of memories flooded her mind as she let out the red racket that Ryoma had given her before in middle school. She ran her fingers gently over the smooth surface, grateful for the gift and the memories it held.

Just as she was about to put the racket back in her bag, someone knocked her door room. She put her red racket and hurried to look.

"Ryoma-kun."

"I want to take you to the tennis court for while if you free. Bring your racket too." Said Ryoma.

"Yes, sure. I will go let my grandma knows."

Ryoma just nodded.

Sakuno's grandmother gave her permission to go, and she followed Ryoma, clutching the racket tightly.

When they arrived at the public tennis court, Ryoma looked at her. "I bring you here to combine our technique. We will use it tomorrow." Ryoma smirked.

Sakuno beamed, "The technique must be great. I'm ready for it."

Ryoma explained how they both can combined their techniques. He showed the moves and Sakuno looked intently.

Ryoma bring his own racket and took position. "Let's do it."

Sakuno took her position too, ready for the tennis ball came out from the machine. "Yes!"

The machine throws a powerful ball towards them. With determination look, they both ready to take it.