The faint aroma of grilled fish and miso soup wafted through the air, wrapping around Ryoma like a warm embrace, pulling him from the depths of slumber. He stirred on the couch, his dreams fading as reality seeped into his senses. The peaceful morning melded with an unexpected sweetness, a comforting sensation he couldn't quite place.

"Ryoma-kun," a soft voice broke the stillness. Opening his eyes, he saw Sakuno standing beside him, her face lit up with a gentle smile that could melt the frost of winter. "Good morning," she said, her cheeks colored a delicate pink.

"Morning," Ryoma mumbled, still groggy but feeling more awake by the second. "What's that smell?"

"I made breakfast, do you want to eat?" she replied, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

"Yeah." Without a second thought, he pulled Sakuno down beside him on the couch, wrapping his arms around her waist. Her back pressed against him, and warmth spread through both their bodies. Sakuno blushed furiously, a soft pink blooming across her cheeks—an effect Ryoma had always found adorable.

He buried his face in her hair. It smelled fresh and floral, and as he breathed it in, he couldn't help but murmur, "You smell good."

"I just took a shower," she replied shyly, glancing up at him from the corner of her eye.

"Can I move my hand?" he asked mischievously, his fingers sliding slowly from her stomach upwards.

Sakuno gasped, her heart racing. "W-where are you moving your hand?" She gently slapped his hand, cheeks aflame.

Ryoma chuckled softly, tightening his embrace. "Just stay like this for five minutes."

"Okay," she whispered, surrendering to the warmth of the moment, feeling the rhythmic beat of his heart against her back. Time seemed to stretch, a cocoon of tranquility enveloping them until gentle nudges of reality tugged them awake again.

After washing his face, Ryoma emerged to a table filled with Japanese delicacies. Upon seeing the array of Japanese dishes, he couldn't hide his smile; it had been far too long since he enjoyed a meal like this.

"Is it good?" Sakuno asked, her voice small, yet hopeful.

"Yeah," he reveled in the taste, savoring each bite. "It's been so long since I had Japanese food."

Sakuno smiled, her heart swelling with pride. "I'm glad you like it. Do you have anything planned today?"

Hesitantly, Ryoma mentioned, "Horio wants to meet me."

"Horio-kun?" Sakuno echoed, excitement dancing in her voice.

"He said there are a bunch of strong tennis players he wants me to meet," Ryoma replied, shrugging nonchalantly.

"That's amazing." she exclaimed. Then, suppressing a giggle, added, "That's why Tomo-chan has been grumpy; she wanted him to celebrate their anniversary instead of going to the tennis court."

"Anniversary? They're dating?" Ryoma raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised.

Sakuno laughed lightly, "Didn't I tell you? It's been two years since they started dating."

Suddenly, memories flooded back for Sakuno, recalling her own journey over those years. Back in her second semester, while Ryoma was still in US, she had settled into a friendship with Yuna and Hiro. Their study sessions were filled with laughter and camaraderie, and among them was Kenzo Ishida. A shadow from those days briefly darkened her thoughts.

Kenzo had always been cheerful, until one day he spotted a picture of Ryoma and Sakuno that had slipped out of her nnotebook. Sakuno didn't know that. All she knew, one time, his demeanor changed. He became quiet, not the cheerful Kenzo anymore.

"Ryuzaki-chan," Kenzo had urged one afternoon, "could you help me pick out a birthday present for my sister?" Trusting as she was, she agreed without hesitation. Little did she know, his intentions were darker.

As she walked with Kenzo, Horio saw them and decided to follow from afar. He made confused face when they both stood near to a dark alley.

As they ventured through city, she felt a gnawing anxiety when he led her toward a dark alley. "Ano.. Ishida-kun, I think there's no shop down there," she said, glancing back anxiously at the bustling street. "We can go to the shop there, there's many cute stuff in that shop." Sakuno pointed to the pink shop at the bustling street.

"Don't worry, I know a shop down there." he insisted, dragging her along. Her heart raced as she rummaged through her bag, desperately searching for her phone—but it was gone. She didn't know Kenzo already threw her phone in the trash at the university.

"What are you looking for, Ryuzaki-chan?" Kenzo asked, feigning innocence but with a sinister glint in his eyes.

"Oh, I'm looking for my phone," she admitted, but before she could think, Kenzo pulled her further down the alley.

Panic gripped her. "What are you doing? It hurts!" she exclaimed, trying to pull free.

"Tell me, what's your relationship with Echizen Ryoma?" he demanded, his voice laced with jealousy.

'He knew Ryoma-kun?' She thought. "What are you talking about?" she shot back defiantly, her heart racing not just with fear but fury.

His laughter chilled her. "You think he's the only one who can take something away? I was meant to be a pro, but he stole the spotlight! If he can take something from me, then I can take something from him as well." He moved closer, threats behind his gaze.

"No!" She screamed, summoning every ounce of strength. But before the situation escalated, Horio, having sensed something amiss, rushed into the alley. "Get away from her!" he yelled, launching a punch that caught Kenzo off guard.

"Horio-kun!" In that instant, Sakuno felt a rush of gratitude and relief.

Horio stood protectively in front of Sakuno, his heart pounding as Kenzo loomed before them, a cruel smile plastered across his face.

"Don't worry, I called the police," Horio reassured her, though doubt gnawed at him. Kenzo's spiked hair glinted menacingly in the fading light.

"Looks like we have a little pest here," Kenzo chuckled darkly, his tone dripping with malice.

"Aren't you the pest here?" Horio shot back defiantly, standing his ground. But before he could process his own bravado, Kenzo lunged forward, grabbing Horio and delivering a punch that sent him sprawling backwards.

"Horio-kun!" Sakuno gasped, her eyes wide with shock and fear.

As Horio struggled to regain his footing, he shouted over his shoulder, "Ryuzaki, go now!" Panic swelled in Sakuno's chest, tears glistening at the corners of her eyes.

"B-but…" she stammered, unable to leave him behind.

"If anything happens to you, I can't face Echizen," he urged, forcing himself to stand tall against the overwhelming threat.

Sakuno quickly got out from the dark alley and asked for help. "Please, help! My friend is getting injured there."

Another blow from Kenzo landed heavily, but Horio refused to falter. "You're so low!" he grunted, clenching his fists. "If you know you're weak, then you should just climb up to him! You know what Echizen taught me?! Never underestimate tennis!" With that rallying cry, he threw a determined punch, catching Kenzo off guard.

Just then, sirens echoed through the alley, and Kenzo took off in a panic, leaving a battered Horio behind. As the police arrived, Horio collapsed to the ground, pain radiating from his fractured arm and swollen face.

The clinical scent of antiseptic mingled with the quiet beeps of hospital machinery as Sakuno sat by Horio's bedside, her heart heavy with guilt.

"I'm sorry, Horio-kun. This is all my fault," she murmured, tears spilling down her cheeks.

Horio laughed, his voice tinged with exhaustion. "What are you talking about, Ryuzaki? Do you expect me not to help you? It's okay, really. Looking at you safe and sound makes me feel better."

"But…" Sakuno protested, her heart aching.

"Look at my broken arm, I can brag about this to Echizen, you know," he joked softly, trying to lighten the mood.

Just then, Tomoka burst through the door. "You guys! Sakuno, are you okay? Did anything happen to you?!" Her eyes flickered with concern.

Sakuno blinked away her tears. "I'm okay, but Horio-kun…"

Tomoka turned, her breath hitching when she saw Horio. "Horio-kun, your arm is broken?" She rushed to his side, worry etching lines into her brow.

Horio sighed, trying to play it cool. "It's just my left arm. The doctor said it will heal."

Tomoka's emotions boiled over as she hugged him tightly, causing a blush to creep onto Horio's cheeks. "You idiot! Why did you fight someone stronger than you? Where does it hurt?"

He winced as she instinctively touched his injured arm. "Ouch! It hurts! Why are you grabbing it so hard?!"

"How am I supposed to know it would hurt?!" she shot back, exasperated yet relieved.

Sakuno watched their banter unfold, a smile creeping onto her face despite the circumstances.

"Thank you, Horio-kun. Thank you for protecting Sakuno." Tomoka said, sincerity melting from her eyes.

Horio glanced away, pretending to be modest. "It was nothing."

Days turned into weeks, and as Horio recuperated at home, Tomoka became a constant presence, showering him with care. Each moment together nudged the boundaries of friendship toward something deeper—a blossoming connection between both of them.

End of flashback.

"So, what happened to the Ishida guy?" Ryoma asked casually while sitting with her. He already knew everything that happened that day from Horio. Ryoma slightly smiled when he reminded of how Horio had been bragging about his broken arm.

"He was expelled from the university, and we haven't heard from him since," she replied, a hint of relief washing over her.

Ryoma leaned closer, holding her hand gently. "I'm glad nothing happened to you." His warmth enveloped her like a protective shield.

Sakuno smiled, "Yes, it thanks to Horio-kun."

With a playful smile, he added, "Well, I guess he's not so bad, except for his loud mouth."

Sakuno giggled, Ryoma rose from his seat and prepare himself to go out. He looked at Sakuno, "I'll go now, to the person I'm indebted to."

She smiled, watching him walk away with his tennis bag slung over his shoulder. Her heart lifted at the thought of their budding bond.

Ryoma walked slowly down the bustling street. The sun was shining brightly, and the sounds of laughter and chatter filled the air. He admired the colorful shops, each with its own unique items displayed in the windows. Random thoughts raced through his mind until he saw Horio.

Horio was waving at him with great enthusiasm. Ryoma noticed how Horio's eyes sparkled with excitement. A smirk crept across Ryoma's face.

"Hey, Echizen!" Horio called out.

As they walked together, Horio launched into his routine chatter. "You won't believe what happened last week! I met Kachiro, he came home after a while! And then we played this game—"

Ryoma listened, nodding occasionally as they moved down the bustling street. At one time, Horio's non-stop talking would have annoyed him. But now, he found himself enjoying Horio's stories.

Suddenly, a figure stumbled toward them, interrupting his thoughts. He turned around and looked at the familiar guy.

"Oh, Ookami!" Horio's eyes widened as Heisuke, their friend from high school, appeared, wearing sunglasses and a mask. Without explanation, Heisuke swiftly covered Horio's mouth and dragged both him and Ryoma into a secluded corner.

"What's going on?" Ryoma asked, confusion etched on his typically cool features.

"Trust me, you don't want to be seen with me right now," Heisuke whispered urgently, looking around as if expecting danger.

Horio raised an eyebrow, curiosity piquing. "What do you mean?"