Next day, after wearing her school uniform, Sakuno checked herself in the mirror, trying to see the injury on her head. 'I guess I can cover it with my hair. The wound is dry,' she thought while fixing her long hair. She took her bag and went out of her room, only to find Ryoma coming out of his room at the same time.
As Ryoma closed his door, Sakuno said, "Good morning, Ryoma-kun", but he didn't reply back. He just gazed at her for a bit before leaving for downstairs. Sakuno felt a pang of sadness.
At downstairs, Sumire asked Ryoma if he didn't want to have breakfast when he saw him went straight to the main door and put on his shoes. He declined, "I don't need breakfast today. Thanks anyway, sensei." He slung his tennis bag over his shoulder and left.
Sakuno went downstairs feeling glum, Sumire looked at Sakuno and made confused look.
Upon arriving at school, she was met by Ai. "Ryuzaki-chan, are you okay? I heard everything from Ookami. I'm sorry I didn't go with you yesterday", Ai said, holding her hands.
Sakuno smiled and reassured her that it was okay. Tomoka joined them, expressing concern over Sakuno's injury. "You got injured??"
Heisuke suddenly approached them and asked Sakuno if they could talk for a while. Tomoka, distrustful of Heisuke, glared at him, "you're the one who injured her, don't you?"
Heisuke looked away, feeling guilty for the injury he caused Sakuno the day before. He knew he made a terrible mistake and was desperate to make amends.
Sakuno calmed her down, "it's not like that, Tomo-chan. Let's go, Ookami-kun."
They walked together, and Sakuno couldn't help but glance back at the classroom, catching a glimpse of Ryoma reading his book. She felt a twinge of sadness as she thought about how he had been ignoring her.
Heisuke and Sakuno met on the rooftop of their high school. The wind was gentle, and they can see the view of the field that bustling with the students.
Heisuke cleared his throat, feeling the weight of guilt on his shoulders. "Ryuzaki, I'm really sorry for what happened yesterday. I never meant to hurt you."
Sakuno looked at him, her eyes softening. She could see the sincerity in his gaze. "It's okay, Ookami-kun. I know you didn't mean it."
Heisuke let out a sigh of relief, grateful for Sakuno's understanding. "Well, I promise to do my best in school from now on. Thanks for not giving up on me."
Sakuno smiled, her heart filled with warmth. "Of course I won't give up on you. You are one of my precious friend." Sakuno knew even though Heisuke was a bit hot-blooded, but he really kind and gentle inside. She remembered how he helped her before with some thugs. She also knew since his dad passed away, his life been upside down, so she was very glad to see this side of Heisuke.
Heisuke grinned and his face lit up with joy. "You know Ryuzaki, I have good news to share. My mom finally found a decent job. Things are starting to look up for us."
Sakuno's eyes widened in delight. "That's wonderful news, Ookami-kun! I'm so happy for you and your mom. Good luck, Ookami-kun", Sakuno said softly.
"Thank you, Ryuzaki." Heisuke replied, his voice full of sincerity, made Sakuno smile even more, made Heisuke blushed a bit and looked away. He scratched his head and said, "well, we should go now, the bell almost ringing."
"Yes, let's go."
With that, they bid farewell and descended the stairs, and walked to their respective class.
Back in the classroom, Sakuno sat silently beside Ryoma, the tension between them palpable. She still can felt that Ryoma had been distant and moody. As the bell rang for recess, Ryoma went to the cafeteria with the trio like usual, leaving Sakuno who was about to reached him.
Tomoka, saw that scene, approached her with a sympathetic smile.
"Hey Sakuno, are you feeling okay?" Tomoka asked, concern evident in her voice.
Sakuno nodded, but her eyes betrayed her true feelings. Tomoka knew her friend well enough to see that something was bothering her. At last, Sakuno explained what happened.
"You know, I was thinking... maybe Ryoma-sama is upset because he couldn't protect you. I mean, he was there. If I can't protect you when you had trouble in front my eyes too, I will be super sad.", Tomoka suggested gently.
Sakuno's eyes widened in realization. She hadn't considered that angle before. Maybe Ryoma was feeling guilty for not being able to keep her safe.
As the bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, Sakuno took a deep breath and decided it was now or never. She watched as Ryoma packed his things, his usual stoic expression on his face. Taking a deep breath, Sakuno tugged on his school jacket, making him stop what he was doing and look at her. Seeing the determined look on her face, Ryoma sat back down in his chair.
Tomoka, who had been observing the interaction from her desk, saw the opportunity to give the two some privacy. She quickly pushed the trio, who waiting for Ryoma, out of the classroom, leaving Sakuno and Ryoma alone.
After a moment of awkward silence, Sakuno finally found the courage to speak. "Ryoma-kun, are you mad at me?" she asked softly, looking down at her shoes.
Ryoma raised an eyebrow and replied, "Who wouldn't be mad after what you did?"
Sakuno felt a pang of guilt in her chest and murmured, "I'm sorry."
Ryoma sighed and gestured for her to turn around. "Face that way," he said, pointing towards the door. Sakuno confused by his request.
"Let me see your wound," Ryoma said, his tone softer than before, made Sakuno turned around.
Sakuno lifted her hair to reveal a small cut on her scalp. Ryoma inspected the wound, his fingers gentle as he ran them over the gash. Sakuno couldn't help but blush at the closeness between them, a warmth spreading through her chest.
"This will leave a scar," Ryoma commented, concern evident in his voice.
Sakuno dismissed his worries with a shrug. "It's nothing. My hair will cover it anyway."
Ryoma sighed. "You always think about others before yourself," he muttered.
Sakuno didn't know how to respond to that. It was simply in her nature to be selfless and considerate of others.
"Are you still mad at me?" Sakuno finally asked, breaking the tense atmosphere.
Ryoma answered. "What will you do if I am?"
In a playful tone, Sakuno replied, "I'll buy you Ponta every day."
Ryoma chuckled at her response. "Are you trying to bribe me with Ponta now?"
Sakuno laughed, feeling some of the tension melt away. "Maybe," she teased.
"Klutz," he said, teasingly.
"Meanie," Sakuno retorted, a playful glint in her eyes.
Sakuno chuckled and Ryoma smiled, the tension between them dissipating. Ryoma then suggested that they head to the tennis court before the coach got angry at them for lingering in the classroom. As they walked side by side, a sense of relief and happiness washed over Sakuno. The misunderstanding had been resolved.
After club activities finished, Sakuno and Ryoma were finally heading back home. As they approached the front door, they noticed two unfamiliar pairs of shoes placed neatly by the entrance. Sakuno exchanged a puzzled glance with Ryoma before cautiously stepping inside.
Upon entering, Sakuno scanned the living room and her eyes fell upon Sumire, and in front of her was Heisuke, and the other was his mother. They all stood up as Sakuno and Ryoma entered, stating that they were just about to leave.
Heisuke's mother bowed respectfully to Sumire, expressing gratitude for having them over. Sumire returned the smile and escorted them to the front door. However, as they were saying their goodbyes, Heisuke caught sight of Ryoma standing at the doorway. His jaw dropped in astonishment, "What are you doing here?"
Sumire intervened, explaining that Ryoma was now living with them. This revelation only served to deepen Heisuke's shock. He turned to Sumire with furrowed brows and asked, "Are you guys relatives?"
Sumire shook her head, clarifying that Ryoma was staying with them due to certain circumstances. Heisuke couldn't hide his disapproval of the arrangement, feeling uneasy about them living under the same roof. Ryoma, on the other hand, simply bowed politely at Heisuke's mother before making his way upstairs to his room.
Sakuno and Sumire observed as Heisuke and his mother bid their farewells and left the house. Sakuno couldn't help but inquire about their sudden visit. Sumire explained that Heisuke's mother had come to apologize properly for the incident. She also revealed that she had helped her find a job in the beauty industry through a friend.
Sakuno's face lit up with excitement at the news, "That sounds wonderful, obaa-chan."
Sumire nodded, pleased with the outcome. She added, Heisuke's mother is a beautiful woman with a kind heart. Her friend in the beauty field was gracious enough to offer her a job opportunity. "I'm glad everything worked out for her."
Sakuno smiled, "yeah."