The sun peered through the drapes of the small dining room, casting a warm glow over the breakfast table. Ryoma and Sakuno sat side by side, struggling to lift their chopsticks to their mouths, the heaviness in the air making each bite feel like a chore. It had been a week since Sakuno's parents returned from their trip, and tensions were running high, courtesy of her father, Shinji.

Shinji, an imposing figure who had a penchant for protective parenting, glared at Ryoma from across the table, his eyes narrowed as though sizing up a rival in a competition. Sakuno's mother, Sayaka, busied herself with the dishes, trying to diffuse the palpable tension. "That's enough, dear," she said gently, her voice a comforting balm amidst the awkwardness. "Don't you think you're being a bit too strict on them?"

Shinji's gaze remained fixed on Ryoma. "They're dating and living in the same house!" he exclaimed, exasperation seeping into his voice. "I have to do something before something else happens!"

From her seat, Sakuno's grandmother, Sumire, set her teacup down with a clink. "You're exaggerating, Shinji," she said, shaking her head. "Nothing happened when you were gone." The weight of her words seemed to hang in the air, igniting a flicker of defiance in Sakuno's chest.

Sayaka chimed in, "Yes! Aren't you making it difficult for Ryoma to sleep in his own room?"

Ryoma, feeling the intensity of Shinji's glare, managed a sheepish grin. "That's okay," he said, though a bead of sweat trickled down his brow. He could feel the storm brewing beneath the surface of the breakfast table, and it wasn't just about the food.

The silence stretched on until Sakuno finally spoke, a hint of frustration lacing her voice. "We're going to have our final exams next week," she reminded them, hoping to steer the conversation away from the suffocating scrutiny of her father.

Her father, however, was not so easily deterred. "If you want to study together, do it in the living room. Never in your room," he ordered, his brows knitting together in a stern expression. Everyone around the table exchanged incredulous looks.

Sumire thought Shinji was being downright childish. "Seriously, Shinji, they're practically grown up," she remarked, taking a sip of her tea.

"What grown up? They're still in high school." Said Shinji.

Standing up, she declared, "We're going to school now, my friends will come today to study!" Ryoma followed suit, slightly relieved to leave the uncomfortable situation.

As they made their way out, Shinji called after them, "No holding hands on the way to school!"

"Yes, yes!" Sakuno replied with an exasperated roll of her eyes, and they stepped out into the bright morning light, leaving the tension inside.

Once the door closed behind them, Sakuno turned to Ryoma. "I'm sorry, Ryoma-kun. You must be uncomfortable with my dad sleeping in your room."

He smiled, his dark-greenish hair catching the sunlight, casting an ethereal glow around him. "Don't worry," he said softly. "I'm okay with that. Plus he's not so bad, he let me sleep on the bed."

At school, as they entered their classroom, Tomoka waved energetically from across the room, which instantly lifted the mood. They took their seats, and Tomoka bounded over, her excitement palpable. "Are we studying together at Sakuno's house today?" she asked, her grin infectious.

"Yes!" Sakuno replied, her spirits lifting once more.

As the school day went on, the bell rang like music in their ears, signaling the end of lessons. After gathering their things, they walked home, joined by Ai and Heisuke from the other class. When they reached the house, Sakuno announced their arrival.

"Welcome home!" Sayaka greeted them, ushering the group inside.

Horio, ever curious, piped up, "Oh, your parents are back, Ryuzaki?"

"They are," she confirmed with a smile, settling into the living room with her friends.

They sprawled across the living room floor, pulling out their study materials. Typically, they began with a quiz to identify their weak spots. To everyone's surprise, Heisuke, who had been known for his low scores, now presented a paper filled with neat handwriting and impressive answers.

"Ookami, are you a genius?" Horio exclaimed, eyes wide in astonishment.

Heisuke flushed, his usual modesty falling away. "I study every day, okay?!"

Ryoma smirked, glancing over Heisuke's paper. "That's good. You can even do high school English now," he commented, feigning nonchalance.

"I don't need compliments from you!" Heisuke shot back, face burning bright red under the scrutiny of his friends.

Ryoma shrugged, a bored smile tugging at his lips. "Who says I'm complimenting you?"

Meanwhile, the others exchanged amused glances, recognizing the banter as a normal occurrence between the two boys.

Sayaka entered with a bright smile. "Here you go, everyone! Refreshments to keep you going," she announced cheerfully, placing drinks on the table.

"Thank you for the trouble, Ryuzaki-san!" Kachiro exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with appreciation.

"That's okay, thank you for taking care of Sakuno at school!" Sayaka replied, glancing at her daughter, who was absorbed in her studies yet beaming at the compliment.

Kachiro leaned back in his chair and couldn't help but add, "You sure have a good mom, Ryuzaki." Sakuno blushed and smiled shyly, grateful for their friendship.

As they settled down to study, Horio turned to Kachiro, looking curious. "Hey, how's your guitar lesson with Ookami going?" he asked, eager to know.

"Oh, it's going great! Ookami is really good at teaching," Kachiro replied, a hint of admiration in his voice.

Tomoka perked up, looking at Heisuke. "Eh, you can play guitar too?"

"Yeah," Heisuke shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Kachiro isn't so bad; he learns easily."

Kachiro chuckled. "Well, it's just the Happy Birthday song after all."

Sakuno clapped her hands once, her eyes wide with excitement. "Wow, Kachiro-kun! Are you going to sing the Happy Birthday song to your girlfriend? That's so sweet!"

Tomoka nodded vigorously. "I know, right?"

Across the table, Ryoma, scribbling notes, glanced at Sakuno, a soft gaze enveloping his features as he said, "I can learn it too if you want." His smile was genuine, illuminating the room, making Sakuno's cheeks flush scarlet. The air thickened with palpable tension, and the others felt the spark between them.

Sayaka, who had been tidying up in the kitchen, paused and exclaimed, "Oh my!" upon overhearing their exchange.

"Respect the singles, can't you?" Horio protested comically, earning a few laughs from the group.

Tomoka smirked, glancing slyly at Horio. "Let them be; don't be jealous."

Just then, the front door swung open, and Shinji stepped inside, shaking off the remnants of the outside world. "I'm home," he declared, spotting the lively study session. "Oh, you guys are studying?"

They all bowed their heads slightly, welcoming him. Sayaka greeted her husband and took his bag and jacket before he settled into a chair and asked, "So, how is Ryoma doing at school?"

At the mention of his name, both Ryoma and Sakuno flinched, exchanging nervous glances. Sayaka noted their reaction with an amused expression, mentally preparing for what was coming next.

"Oh, Echizen?" Horio scratched his head. "He's not really sociable…"

A swift kick from Tomoka under the table jarred him, and he looked at her, bewildered.

Tomoka beamed at Shinji. "Oh, Ryoma-sama is really a good guy! He's top of our school, excels in tennis, and he always helps his friends. Uncle, don't worry, he'll make a good son-in-law one day!" Her playful wink at Sakuno made her blush deeper, while Ryoma seemed to choke slightly on his own composure.

Shinji pondered Tomoka's words, looking thoughtful. "Huh, looks like he has no weaknesses, huh?"

"Of course!" Tomoka gleamed, clearly proud. "Just think of how you could brag about him to your friends."

Ryoma remained stoic, though a faint flush crept onto his cheeks at the thought. Sakuno could hardly breathe, her heart racing at the implications.

When the study session eventually drew to a close, they exchanged goodbyes, reluctance hanging in the air. Kachiro turned to the group with a bright smile. "Thanks for today, everyone!"

Katsuo waved, "See you all tomorrow!"

Tomoka looked at Ai, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "Ai, where is your house? Need me to accompany you?"

Ai playfully put her hands on Heisuke's shoulder, causing him to go pale with embarrassment. "Oh, Ookami will send me home," she replied, a cheeky smile gracing her lips.

Tomoka raised an eyebrow, pressing further. "Are you guys dating?"

"Me? Dating her? It's not going to happen," Heisuke sputtered, his face reddening.

Ai shot him an exaggerated evil glare before breaking into a teasing smile. "What? What don't you see in me?"

Heisuke let out an unintentional shriek, but Ai quickly transformed her expression into a sweet smile. "Just kidding! Our houses are in the same direction."

"That's not something to joke about, you know!" Heisuke stammered, his face still flushed and they all erupted into laughter while Tomoka giggled at his expense, reveling in the light-hearted atmosphere.

That night, as Ryoma and Sakuno were in their separate rooms studying. Sumire opened something on the television. The match highlights of Ryoma's recent tennis game flickered on the screen, capturing Sayaka and Shinji's attention. They watched in awe at Ryoma's skillful maneuvers on the court.

"Did you know this boy has high dreams?" Said Sumire. Sayaka glancing at her husband, who sat transfixed by Ryoma's performance.

Later that evening, Shinji made his way to Ryoma's room, finding him still buried in his books. "Do you want to sleep now? I'll turn off the lights," Ryoma offered, glancing up at him.

"No, that's fine, I'm going to sleep in my own room from today," Shinji replied warmly, pausing. "Well, I want to say—I approve of you. Take care of my daughter." A knowing smile crossed his face before he closed the door behind him. Ryoma smirked.

In the stillness of the night, Ryoma settled back into his studying, his heart a blend of excitement and resolve. A new melody was beginning to take shape in his life—a song of love, laughter, and an unmistakable connection with Sakuno, someone who made every moment feel like a celebration.