It was a typical Friday morning at Seigaku High. The soft murmur of students settling into their seats. As Ms. Sakaki entered the classroom, her presence brought an air of quiet respect; the students bowed in unison, their expressions a mixture of reverence and reluctance.

"Good morning, everyone," she began, her tone warm yet firm. She glanced at her class, her eyes sparkling with determination. "Today, I have an important announcement. There will be a second midterm exam in two weeks, just before the school festivals." The collective groan that rippled through the room echoed the burdens they shared.

Ms. Sakaki smiled softly, undeterred. "I know it's daunting, but next week, we won't have class as usual. Use that time wisely to study. In my hand is a form for you all to fill out. Think carefully about which university or college you wish to attend after graduation. We'll discuss this during the parent-teacher meeting."

Sakuno took a deep breath, her heart heavy with uncertainty. She reached forward, taking the paper handed to her by the student in front. After a moment's pause, she passed it to Ryoma.

As she held the slip of paper in her hands, Sakuno felt a swell of mixed emotions; the weight of expectations pressed down on her chest. Ryoma, noticing her growing unease, turned his attention away from his own thoughts. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice cutting through the chatter like a calm breeze.

Sakuno flinched at his question, quickly crafting a smile. "I'm okay," she replied softly, though the hesitation in her voice betrayed her. "I just... need to think." With that, she stood up, excusing herself to the restroom.

Once inside the familiar tiled space, she caught her reflection in the mirror. The sight of her weary eyes made her sigh heavily. Just then, Ume and Ai entered the bathroom, their laughter echoing off the walls.

"Ryuzaki-chan!" Ai exclaimed, her exuberant energy infusing the room. Sakuno turned and greeted them with a tentative smile.

"You look tired," Ume noted, concern lacing her voice. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, just thinking about which university I should apply to," Sakuno admitted, the truth slipping out before she could swallow it down.

Ai nodded knowingly. "You'll figure it out. We still have some time."

"What about you two?" Sakuno turned her gaze toward her friends, eager to see their paths.

"I will apply for a law course at the University of Tokyo," Ai declared proudly.

"Wow, Ai! That's amazing," Sakuno replied, genuinely impressed. She turned to Ume, her heart fluttering with anticipation. "What about you, Ume-chan?"

"I'm going to dance school," Ume announced with a bright smile. "I enjoy dancing."

"That's incredible too," Sakuno said, feeling her insecurities bubble beneath the surface. "You guys really know what you want to do."

"Cheer up, Ryuzaki," Ume reassured her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I'm sure everything will be okay for you."

Sakuno gave them both an appreciative nod, thankful for their support. "Thanks, Ume-chan. I'll try."


Later that Sunday, after tidying her room, Sakuno wandered aimlessly through the corridors of her home, feeling a tinge of melancholy. She found herself standing outside Ryoma's door. It was slightly ajar, and her heart raced with curiosity. Pushing it open, she discovered the room empty. Ryoma already told her that he's going to play tennis with the former regulars.

While inspecting the room, something caught her eye on his desk. A catalogue lay open, its bold lettering spelling out opportunities at universities across the United States, specifically for aspiring tennis players. Though her English was shaky, the dream woven within those pages was apparent. She traced the spine of the catalogue with her fingers, feeling the weight of what it meant. Of course Ryoma would pursue tennis abroad; the world was his stage.

Her heart sank. She knew it was inevitable, but the realization deepened her sadness. He was destined for greatness. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to put the catalogue down. It was time to find solace elsewhere, so she decided to visit Tomoka.


In Tomoka's room, books lay strewn about like fallen leaves, reminders of the impending midterm exams that loomed heavily over their heads.

"Are you tired of studying yet?" Tomoka asked, leaning back on her bed frame, pushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

Sakuno, surrounded by her textbooks and notes, looked up with a determined smile. "I can't help it, Tomo-chan. The midterm exam is coming soon."

Tomoka sighed, a hint of sympathy in her eyes. "Yeah, I know."

"Let's study together, okay?" Sakuno suggested, ever eager to turn their obligations into shared memories.

Tomoka smiled, the warmth of friendship brightening the mood. "What about the parents-teacher meeting? Are your parents going?"

Sakuno's expression faltered for a moment, as if the weight of unspoken truths hung in the air. She had just remembered the meeting their homeroom teacher mentioned earlier. "I'll probably ask Grandma to go. My parents are in China now."

"I see," Tomoka replied softly, her heart aching for her friend. "Sakuno, do you know which university you want to go to after graduation?"

Sakuno fell silent. Indeed, she had thought about it countless times but felt trapped in uncertainty. "Tomo-chan, do you know what you're going to do?"

"Well," Tomoka took a breath, "I want to pursue journalism."

Sakuno's eyes widened, admiration filling her gaze. "That sounds amazing! You really have it figured out."

Tomoka chuckled lightly, "Are you going to the US with Ryoma-sama?"

"Eh, me?" Sakuno stammered, heat rising to her cheeks. "I think not... I'm not ready to study abroad."

"It's kind of sad when everyone will go to different places after graduation," Tomoka said contemplatively.

"Yeah, you're right, and i'm kind of… worried. Everyone seems to have such clear paths. Ume's going to dance school, Ai is headed for law. But me? I don't even know what I want."

Tomoka leaned closer, her eyes shimmering with understanding. "Sakuno, life isn't a straight path. Sometimes it winds and turns unexpectedly. And that's okay! What matters is finding what you love."

"But what if I'm not good enough?" Sakuno's voice broke slightly, revealing the depth of her insecurities.

"Hey," Tomoka said softly, she tapped her back. "You are more than enough. You have a talent for nurturing friendships and bringing people together. Focus on what makes you happy, and the rest will follow."

Her words hit home. Sakuno realized she had been chasing expectations rather than her desires. The conversation ignited a spark of hope, prompting her to think differently about her future.

As she walked home, memories flickered through her mind—every laugh, every shared secret—and the impending separation felt like a looming shadow. Her heart pounded as thoughts of Ryoma filled her mind; he would be going back to the US after graduation, and the reality was daunting.

On her way, she spotted Heisuke waiting by the corner, a gentle smile gracing his features. "Oh, Ryuzaki," he called out as she approached.

"Ookami-kun, what are you doing here?" Sakuno asked, curious.

"Horio asked me to meet. His brother needs a part-time singer at his café," Heisuke replied nonchalantly.

Sakuno's curiosity piqued. "I see."

Moments later, Horio appeared, waving enthusiastically. "Oh, Ryuzaki, you're here too!"

"I was just with Tomo-chan," she said, trying to brush off her earlier melancholy.

Horio grinned, mischief dancing in his eyes. "Did you go out with Echizen?"

Sakuno blushed. "No. Ryoma-kun went out with the senpai today."

"Then why not join us at my brother's café? It's just around the corner!" Horio proposed.

"Sure!" Sakuno agreed, her spirits lifted slightly as they made their way to the café.

Once inside, the cozy atmosphere enveloped them. "Wow, this is your brother's café?" Sakuno exclaimed, taking in the charming decor.

"Yeah, it's small but nice," Horio replied. As they approached the counter, Horio's brother greeted them warmly, "Oh, it's you guys! Thanks for coming."

After introductions, Horio's brother turned to Heisuke, gratitude evident in his voice. "Thank you, Ookami-kun, for agreeing to help us."

Heisuke nodded, a soft look on his face. "It's no problem; it'll be a great experience for me too."

As Horio's brother led Heisuke to the small stage, the anticipation was palpable. "So, Ookami-kun will sing here?" Sakuno asked Horio.

"Yeah! Do you know he wants to be a singer?" Horio replied, pride lacing his words.

Sakuno felt a surge of excitement. "Really? That's wonderful!"

Heisuke, now tuning his guitar, lit up with joy, and Sakuno couldn't help but smile at his passion. Just then, Horio added, "He's planning to attend music school in Kobe after graduation."

Sakuno admired Heisuke from afar, seeing how alive he was on stage. "What about you, Horio-kun? Do you know what you'll do after graduation?"

"I probably will apply to the University of Tokyo for marketing," Horio said confidently, though his eyes lost their shimmer for a moment. "Kachiro will go to Osaka, and Katsuo to Okinawa. Looks like we'll all be separating."

Sakuno felt a pang of sorrow at the thought of everyone going their separate ways. "Yeah… it's hard to say goodbye."

Horio's gaze softened as he mused, "But we'll carry our memories with us."

"What about you, Ryuzaki?" he asked gently.

Sakuno looked down, the burden of uncertainty heavy on her shoulders. "I'm not sure yet…"

"It's okay," Horio reassured, his voice warm and inviting. "You'll find your path; just give it time."

Her heart swelled at his kindness, and she managed a hopeful smile. As Heisuke began to play his guitar and his voice filled the café, she wondered if she will get the same passion too like her friends.

Sakuno strolled through the familiar streets of her childhood, each step echoing memories from her junior high days at Seigaku. The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow on everything it touched, and as she breathed in the fresh air, a smile crept across her face. It felt good to be back, even if just for a fleeting moment.

As she wandered around the school grounds, nostalgic images flitted through her mind—study sessions and laughter with friends, and also when she first joined the tennis club. But her reverie was disrupted when she noticed a girl sitting by the tennis court, tears streaming down her cheeks. She looked like a junior high student.

"Hello, are you okay?" Sakuno ventured as she approached cautiously.

The girl looked up, wiping her eyes with the sleeve of her sweatshirt. "I'm okay…," she replied, her voice shaky yet defiant.

Sakuno glanced at the tennis racket clutched in the girl's hand. "You play tennis too?"

The girl nodded, still sniffling. "Yeah, but my friend said I suck at it."

A soft chuckle escaped Sakuno's lips. "I used to suck at it too during junior high, but you know, I won some tournaments afterward." She smiled, hoping to inject a little light into the girl's sadness.

The girl blinked, surprise washing away her distress. "Really? You played tennis? Can you teach me?"

"I'm not sure if I can teach anyone, but I can try," Sakuno replied, her heart warming to the little girl's enthusiasm.

The girl's eyes lit up with joy, a smile breaking across her face despite the remnants of her earlier tears. "Yay!"

They made their way to the tennis court, the place where Sakuno had spent countless hours honing her skills. Standing at the baseline, she turned to the girl. "Don't worry too much; I'm just checking your form."

The girl nodded eagerly, bouncing on her toes. Sakuno tossed the ball up and served, watching closely. The ball arced beautifully through the air, and the girl swung her racket, making contact with a resounding thwack. The ball flew back, barely hitting the net, but she squealed with delight.

"You did great!" Sakuno cheered, her heart swelling with pride. "If you bend your knees more like this..." She demonstrated, adjusting her stance. "Let's try again."

With renewed determination, the girl served again. This time, the racket connected perfectly, sending the ball sailing over the net. Sakuno cheered, "Wow, you done great!"

The girl's face lit up with joy, her sobs a distant memory now. "Thank you! If you're my teacher, I'll do really great!"

Sakuno's heart fluttered at the sight of the girl's exuberance. In that moment, she realized something profound: making someone smile brought her a happiness she hadn't felt in a long time. After a few more serves and playful exchanges, the girl thanked her and ran home, leaving Sakuno standing on the court, her heart bright.

As she strolled back home, her mood buoyant, a familiar voice called out from behind her, "Sakuno."

Turning, she beamed at Ryoma, who stood nearby with his tennis bag slung over his shoulder. Unable to contain her excitement, she ran to him and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug.

Ryoma was momentarily taken aback, his eyes wide with shock. "What's wrong?"

"I'm just happy because I think I found something I want to do!" she exclaimed, her heart racing.

He returned her smile, a gentle warmth in his gaze. "That's good then. You're smiling now."

Sakuno blinked, tilting her head. "Eh?"

"You looked sour since we got the form," he pointed out, a teasing lilt to his voice.

She blushed, realizing she had been so absorbed in her own feelings that she hadn't noticed how they might have shown. "You noticed…"

"Of course," he said, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. "By the way, Sakuno…"

"Yes?" she prompted.

"People are looking," he said, nodding subtly towards their neighbors who watched the scene unfold.

Her eyes widened, taking in the curious faces. Mortified, she quickly released him. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

He chuckled, shaking his head, "How was I supposed to know you wanted to hug me?"

Embarrassment flooded her cheeks, and she bowed slightly to the neighbors before they walked home together, Ryoma's casual presence soothing her unease.

Back in her room, Sakuno turned off her desk light after a long day filled with unexpected joy and realization. As she sat in the dark, she glanced at the form lying open on her desk. Her fingers traced over the words "University of Tokyo-education department," where she dreamed of furthering her education.

Closing her eyes, Sakuno smiled, she wanted to feel again the satisfaction of guiding others toward their dreams.