Hey There,

Welcome back! It's now 2025! Can you believe it! Sorry this update took a little while but I am a chronic migraine sufferer and the last couple of months were unrelentingly painful! But new year, and new horizons… So of course, we need a new chapter about this bunch. One of the warmest and coziest bunches of characters I've ever known or wrote for. So we gotta spread the love! But no matter when you're reading this, I hope no matter where you are, or what's going on in your life, or the world. That it warms your heart and makes you feel good. Not to mention, Valentine's Day just happened yesterday, gotta celebrate that too, don't we? Let's get started!

Standard Disclaimers Apply - I don't own Kimi ni Todoke, or Netflix or any of the other trademarked things mentioned beyond this point. I am merely borrowing everything and will return it when I'm through.

Special thanks to the few of you who have favorited this story or placed it on your story alert. Also thanks to the few who have added me as an author to their author's alert. That's high praise I hope I'm still earning! I can't thank you enough!

Special thanks my FIRST reviewer for this story: TwinTelepathy101 (Thank you so much for writing in I'm so thrilled you enjoyed the peek into Ryu's perspective. It's been a blast so far. I hope you're still reading, still enjoying, and having the BEST day. This just made my whole month! Bless you! Take Care and Much Love!)

Dedicated to my friend who is hopefully enjoyed this latest NFL football season as much as me! The drama, the stress, the Super Bowl win for the Eagles after watching them lose two years ago! And we love it all! This one's for you, my friend!

"A Champion's Heart"

Chapter 4 - First Day of Summer!

((Pin's Perspective))

When I first woke up this morning, I had been sleeping so well, I completely forgot where I was.

Sure, it's not the first time that's happened…

But then it didn't matter where I was because I was with my girlfriend. I would have known it was her no matter what, but she hugged me closer and tighter as she slept on. Killing any doubts or brain fog that could have made me wonder.

I didn't care so much about where I was, or how this was possible. I was just too happy to be with Ayane again.

It isn't easy keeping up a long-distance relationship with anyone. But when you love someone this much, this STRONGLY! And it just keeps getting deeper all the time… You do whatever it takes to get to that next moment you do get to be with them again. Which for me, is this moment we're in, right here. And as I cradled her closer, I knew… this is where I want to spend the rest of my life.

Next to her.

I've never felt that way about anyone before. But since 'little Yano' became 'my Ayane.' That is exactly how I feel when I'm with her. And that feeling seems to only grow stronger by the second. Just knowing she loves me too…

When she woke up today, I was the first thing she saw… and she'd smiled so big.

But even as happy as I know she was, she'd teased, "Oh? You again?"

And I'd teased right back, "Yeah, second day in a row, we gotta quit meeting like this?"

And she'd stretched out like a cat on top of me as she asked. "Which part do you wanna quit? The waking up too close? You hogging too much of the covers? Or the naked part?"

I couldn't help it, I could feel the smile on my face stretching it out. "No - no, I'm fine with all of those facts-"

"Ya sure?" She'd asked dreamily looking into my eyes. Her irises still all cloudy from sleep and just waking up.

I'd pulled her even closer so I could kiss her and told her, "Yeah… I'm okay with all that."

We kissed a few times and I felt like my chest was gonna burst with happiness. She always makes me feel this light and happy somehow. And she always smells like a woman should smell too… Don't ask me how, it's just her effect on me and she's always perfect.

Even since she came back into my life last Christmas… This has more and more become the norm, for us. We don't even have to be doing anything at all. And we're still happy, just being together like this.

She just makes everything a little better, just being here.

And as she stretched and started reminding me of all of the things we needed to do. Before we leave this place, and take a train heading back home… I just didn't even hear anything she was saying. I was just watching her climb outta bed and tie her hair back… And I did wonder at how I'd gotten this lucky. That this gets to be my girlfriend, and she wants to keep me around too.

But then she seemed to notice I wasn't listening to her, and I had been staring at her body as it moved. So she jumped back on top of me, pinning me in place, before asking like the sassiest kind of woman. "Why aren't you listening to me? Where's your mind off to?"

"Hmm, I don't know." I'd shrugged before I decided to take this golden opportunity to trap her. And convince her into another round, before we pack up. "I'm sure no one else is up yet. It's still VERY early." So I trapped her and trailed kisses every place I could reach. While she pretended to complain.

"No - no! We've gotta get going! There's too much to do!" She'd insisted, smiling TOO hugely to buy! She totally wants this too.

I told her, "Nope, it's early, we've got plenty of time."

She said, way too wisely. "If we were counting on Ryu and Chizuru, you might have something there. They would procrastinate! But you're forgetting, Sawako and Shota are early risers up with the sun. And so is Tooru and Haruka! There's no way they're all still in bed!"

Damn Shota and Tooru! She's probably right! Such Goodie Goodies! Kuronuma and Haruka are women, it makes sense for them to be so good. Good women like them are hard to find. But for men it's just SAD!

But I could slowly feel my Ayane's resistance wearing thin! I could feel her slowly giving in to my will and I knew. If I just kept her smiling, and tempt her enough… if I could just keep her turning into my every touch and kiss… I had a chance of getting exactly what we BOTH wanted! One more time before hitting the road.

So I said, "Screw that, let them head on home without us if they want. They know how to get there…" And I'd whispered right into her ear. "... Two nights aren't nearly enough!"

And she'd agreed, hugging me to her. "No! It wasn't, but I'll never have enough! I know that!"

"Do you want me to stop?" I asked her, even though I already knew the answer. I saw it laughing back at me in her eyes.

But she still confirmed, "No… Don't stop…"

I told her firmly, "They can wait."

And she nodded as she pulled me down to her, "They can."

Then we completely lost it all over again, no way anything could be better than this! Then getting to be with the person I love more than anyone else… And getting lost in loving her all over again. In the most fun way we love each other.

Let those goodie goodies wait, Little Sanada will understand, even if his big brother doesn't!

(Sawako's Perspective)

When I awoke the following morning, I was still wrapped in Shota's covers and arms. He was sleeping soundly behind me and his breath was warm against the back of my neck. I wanted to roll over because I'd been laying on the same side all night. I really needed to move now and I also REALLY wanted to see him. But he held me so tightly, I couldn't move. Shota was still out like a light too, so he didn't hear me asking him to loosen his hold… or even to just let me go.

I truly believe this deathgrip is why not so many of Kazehaya's stuffed toys survived his childhood. I think he may have hugged the whole herd to death, in his sleep. But I somehow managed to wiggle around in his grip and turn to face him. And even though he's always so cute and handsome. He was especially so when he's asleep. And this morning was no different.

He was just too adorable! Mouth hanging open slightly, hair sticking out in every direction on his head. And his grip never slacked on me, like I was the most precious thing… It warmed my heart till my cheeks were burning.

I would have gladly let him sleep as long as he'd like. But his cell phone began to make a noise that woke him up.

The moment he opened his eyes and saw me lying there, on his pillow. He said softly, "Am I dreaming?"

I'd let him know, "No." Then I gently touched his cheek with the softest of touches from my fingertips and said, "See?"

He took my hand in his, holding it tighter against his face. Then he turned his face to plant a kiss on the inner palm of my hand. Before he said, "I thought all of that was a dream yesterday. But Ryu lost his game didn't he?"

I confirmed, "He did… but he took Chizuru with him last night, and went all the way home… so… he's probably not as down about it as we think, hopefully."

And Shota laughed into our hands, peeking at me from between our fingers. "No, I bet you're right. He's been wanting to get back to her and home since Christmas Break… He's gotta be so happy to finally be there, to stay, and with Yoshida again."

I had to agree, "I think they both are… Yoshida has missed him probably just as much."

"Yeah," He agreed.

So I said, the truth, "I hope they are happy, they both deserve it."

But then he pulled me ever closer and reasoned, "But still not as happy as I am, to be here with you."

I smiled and told him, "I'm happy to be with you too." And I'd hugged him tightly.

But his stomach had growled LOUDLY as I hugged him and we'd both laughed. Before his phone started to make a different sound now. That sounded more like a ringtone. He reached behind me for it and he answered it, "Hello?"

I could hear Tooru Sanada's voice, all bright and sunny sounding as he spoke to Shota. Inviting us both out to breakfast with him and Mrs. Sanada, before we all headed home together. He said Pin and Ayane weren't up yet and getting breakfast would give them more time to catch up with us.

It is a good idea, so when Shota looked at me questioning if this was okay. I'd nodded and he told Mr. Sanada, "We'll meet you both there."

When he'd hung up, and it was just the two of us again, alone in his dorm's twin bed. I said, "That was nice of them to invite us like that."

And Kazehaya had said, "It was, but it would have been nicer if Yano and Pin weren't lollygaging too!"

I'd reasoned, on their behalf, "I don't know… I can understand how they might want more time together. Just the two of them."

And he'd smiled at me, catching on to my underlying meaning. And he'd admitted, "Okay! You got me there! I would too, with my girlfriend too."

I finished his thought before he could, "But there's plenty of time to do that once we're truly home."

He'd grinned, "Exactly."

Besides, I know Shota's masking it, putting on a brave face right now. But he's anxious has got to be bad, over getting home today.

I know his mom was admitted to the hospital again last night. She's had another one of her spells and he wants to get home to check on everyone too…. Her most of all. I had to take his face in my hand again and tell him. "i know you wanna get home and why. And I do too, I'm worried about your family and I want to see mine too. But I'm also worried about you-"

"I'm fine," He smiled on reflex, and if this had been just after we met. I would have bought it, but after all of these years of loving him… I knew better.

So I made it a point to tell him, "If Mr. Arai and Ayane are taking too long, or if you wanna skip breakfast all together, we can… we can just go home. If you need to… They will all understand. Mr and Mrs. Sanada as well. They're rushing back to their baby girl too."

He closed his eyes again and pulled me closer to him as I told him. "You don't have to be so brave and strong all the time, Shota. Not with me, okay? If we're gonna be together, we're a team… you can lean on me too. Okay?"

And he'd shed a single tear telling me, "Thank you… I'll try my best to rememeber that."

Then my stomach growled WAY louder than his, it sounded like I'd eaten a beast for dinner last night. Who'd just let out a mighty growl, and my ghost almost left my body, I was so humiliated. But Shota had just laughed and kissed my forehead. Telling me, "I think we're both too hungry to leave before breakfast though. So we'll meet up with Tooru and Haruka, then head home."

And I'd agreed, "Okay." Before we both rushed to get ready and get to the meet up spot.

Breakfast was a surprisingly good time, because Kazehaya ended up sitting closer to Haruka then Tooru. And I was the opposite, I've talked with Haruka many times by now. And we know each other a little bit, by now.

But I've never spoken much, one-on-one with Tooru. So that had been a pleasant surprise.

Tooru had asked me, "Shota treats you right, doesn't he? I've never had to get on him as much as Ryu about making girls cry."

And I'd assured, "He does, I've never been as happy before, in my life as I am with him."

And the older Sanada sibling had smiled, "I thought so. With Ryu and Chii, I was always checking to make sure he didn't hurt her feelings or make her cry. My little brother can't lie and comes off brutally honest. And Chii's sucha tenderheart, they were always at it… especially growing up. I somehow always knew I wouldn't need to have those talks with Shota."

I simplified, "None of them we that different when they were small, then?"

And he'd made me laugh by saying, "They were shorter, that's about it."

But then he said, "But my little brother and Chii went together like peanut butter and jelly. I never saw Shota like that with anyone till you came into the picture… I think you make him as happy as he makes you. And for that, I feel like I have to thank you."

I was flabbergasted, but somehow found my words again, in a hurry. I said, "You- Your wife, your father and brother have always made me feel so welcome. And you didn't have to do that… Thank you."

And he'd pat me on the back and smiled dazzlingly. "I'm so glad we could! We all think of Shota as family, and we'd like you to feel just part of it all."

And that was incredibly kind.

When the meal was over and we were awaiting our train. Hand in hand, Shota realized, "I'd better call Ryu and see if their still up for hanging out when we get home. I promised I'd call when we were heading home."

I smiled, "Good idea."

But he never got a hold of him before we boarded the first train.

Even when we were on the 'last home stretch" as Shota was calling it. It had taken three tries for Kazehaya to even get Sanada on the phone. Which had amused Kazehaya to no end. And when I asked him why, he gladly explained, still laughing. "Ryu is always so reliable, too dependable really, and too honest too. The fact that he's home, with Yoshida, and this hard to get a hold of… Priceless!" He did just get out before Sanada answered his phone…

((Ryu Perspective))

I could hear the familiar sound of my cell phone ringing…

But it should be a lot closer than it sounds…

When I woke up, a little more, this morning.

I did have to remind myself that yesterday hadn't been a dream.

I really had played and lost the championship.

And people still wanted to talk to me, even though I'd lost.

I had insisted on going all the way home after the game was over.

I had brought Chizu with me, back to Dad's, and ate dinner with him.

I've dreamed it so often, I had to convince myself I wasn't still dreaming.

But all of that was just static at the back of my head, when I opened my eyes.

Not only was Chizu there, sound asleep and more beautiful than I ever could have possibly dreamed up.

But she was soft and warm tucked into my side too.

Where she belonged…

Why would I even think of leaving this…

Even for a minute?

After waiting so long?!

And we were finally back to my old room, where so many memories surround us.

I didn't want to move or breathe, and chance waking her up.

But my phone was somewhere on the floor going off, nonstop!

If I didn't get up and answer it, THAT would wake her up.

So I started trying to untangle from her, and the covers.

But the moment she sensed me going, she'd started to whine.

"...Noooo, no, no, no-no! Don't go…"

All sleepy and hoarse…

And I told her, "I have to find my phone…"

I even reasoned, "So it stops making that noise."

She'd trapped me and said, "It'll stop… on it's own… You don't need to find it."

And I'd said, "It's annoying."

And she'd said, "So is you leaving… It's too cold, without you, in here…"

I tried to barter, "Dad must have the air conditioners cranked all the way up… again."

She shivered against me and I wrapped her better in the covers.

Even added an extra blanket on top.

Promising her, "I'll turn it back. But you gotta let me go, just for a second."

And she kissed me, lingeringly…

we'd both meant it to be short at the start.

But we both dragged it on…

Until my phone's ringing stopped and began again.

I made myself pull away and end it promising, "Be right back."

As if I needed the push, she'd whispered, "Hurry."

Oh yeah, NOTHING is better than this.

But I threw on my pants from last night, and my phone was still in my right pocket.

I stepped outta the sliding doors and answered it in the hallway. "Hello?"

As I was turning down the thermostat too.

Shota's voice replied, "Hey buddy! I see your morning is off to a slow start as well."

How is he this chipper, if that's true?

I've been his friend and roommate too long, and still I've never seen him struggle like me.

But Shota's always been like that, even long before he met Sawako.

So I cut to the chase and asked him, "What's up?"

And he said, "We're about thirty minutes from home still, but your brother and sister-in-law are with us. They're gonna be heading your way very soon. And even if you're not up to hanging out… Like I suspect you are. I just wanted to warn you that they are coming your way soon."

I did say, "Thanks."

And "Sorry, for just leaving you guys, last night."

But Shota of course said, "I don't blame you. If I'd played half as hard as you, win or lose. I would have gone home too. And probably carried Sawako over my shoulder the way you carried Yoshida too, man."

I heard a sound in the back ground that had sounded like Kuronuma had heard Shota.

Knowing that would probably entertain Shota the rest of the ride home.

I kept my parting words brief… as usual.

I said, "Thanks for the warning, we'll catch up with you guys later…"

But as I peek backed through a crack I'd made in the slidding doors of my door.

As I looked at what was waiting for me, there…

Chizuru's sleeping face…

And the peeks of bared skin peeking out from the covers…

Her shoulders, arms, and those legs… even some of her back…

I had to be honest with my friend, and tell him, "I do wanna hang out with everyone…"

I also amended, "But maybe not today."

Shota's voice was brightened with laughter, as he said.

"We'll see you guys around then… welcome home buddy."

And he was right…

After talking about it nonstop, we were both finally home!

I was gonna need at least a day of being here.

Before I could be any place else.

So once my phone was back on its charger and silenced.

I climbed back into bed, wrapping myself in the covers and cuddles of the ONLY person I've ever loved like this.

And the only person I ever want to love this way.

And let her warmth and love surround me as much as the covers.

And for the longest time I just hugged her to me, like that.

I just held her, like I'd been promising myself I would.

The next time I got a chance.

While I had her in my clutches, and wasn't letting go.

I heard her let out this breath and whisper…

"What took you so long?"

After kissing the living daylights out of me she'd complained.

"I nearly froze to death."

I laughed into that corner where her neck and shoulder met, "Sorry, that was Shota."

"Oh… well, what'd he want?" She'd asked, while her hands started to work on the tension still in my back from yesterday's game.

And felt like magic…

I had a hard time staying focused on what we were even talking about.

But somehow I'd managed to say, "They're almost home, we were supposed to hang out."

"Do you still wanna do that?" She'd asked me.

Unfairly while she was working on the spot that ached the worst of my entire back.

And working it out in her hands like it was nothing at all.

When I could get the word out I'd said honestly, "No."

And she's smiled, as I tacked on, "Not today."

She grinned that trademark smile and said, "Maybe tomorrow?"

And I said doubtfully, "Maybe."

She'd kicked out one of her legs and put her arms out to me.

Before she said, "Think we'll need more than a day?"

And I told her honestly, "The whole summer wouldn't even be a start."

As I pulled her close and just hugged her to me for a while.

Wishing I never had to let her go again.

She felt too right, too meant to be there with me.

When she put her arms around me too, she pulled me even closer.

She whispered in my ear, "Good, so it's not just me."

I let out a breath I didn't even realize I was holding and went jelly for a second when she kissed me.

Before I reaffirmed the fact my body does have bones in it and I told her.

"No, it's never just you, on that."

I let her roll me so she was sitting on top of me.

And she pinned me to the pillows saying, "Then what are you waiting for?"

This is why I never look anywhere else for my perfect match.

It's right here and it's her.

And I'll never have enough of it, even if we live to be a hundred.

And after a full two nights and one day in bed with her…

Believe me, we were both moving like we were a hundred.

But that was when I had to let her get dressed so we could go down a grab something to eat from Dad's place.

I got up an dressed too, don't worry.

It was just so much harder letting her do it…

Right in front of me too.

She's pull on a sock, or pull one of my shirts over her head.

And I'd be across the room, ripping it back off of her and it would be on the floor.

She'd complain and argue with me, about how hungry she was…

But she'd smile too.

And that smile told me she was enjoying it.

Maybe even more than me… sometimes.

The windows were dark by the time we finally made it down the stairs.

And of course Dad teased, "Look everybody!"

The place was empty besides him, Tooru, Haruka, Shota, Sawako, Ayane, Pin and my baby niece.

Pop went on, "They're still ALIVE after all!"

After he handed Chizu an apron, he told her. "Everything is still hot, make whatever you want! It'll be better than anything I could do. We've missed you around here Chii!"

And of course, Chizuru hugged and kissed him as she took the apron from him.

Asking, "Has everyone ate yet."

And they all said "no."

But I know they had all been waiting to taste something Chizu made.

They were all too excited, but I just donned an apron to help her, and kept it to myself…

Especially since I was the most excited to see her in Dad's kitchen again.

His kitchen always reached a new temperature of hot whenever she stepped into it.

But I also was dying to see what she's learned at her cooking school… and taste it to.

She'd set to wrapping up her hair and head, and turned to me asking, "Is it all tucked away, good enough?"

"Yeah." I let her know as she still fussed and primped… how is there any doubt she's a girl?

"Does it look stupid?"

She'd asked me cause there was no mirror for her to check it.

Ayane and Sawako both helped her tuck a few stray tiffs she'd missed.

While I told her, "Ever since you showed up to high school career day dressed like that…"

"WHAT?" She'd demanded, thinking I was looking for a fight.

Even balling her fist at me.

But I stood with my chef apron on and my hands in my pockets unintimidated.

I stepped closer and whispered in her ear, "No cook could be sexier.'

And got to enjoy watching the blush fill her cheeks as she flustered and hit me.

I blocked every blow, which only mad her bumbling, and stuttering worse.

The madder she got the more I enjoyed myself.

Until Ayane stepped between us and said,

"Can you guys flirt to this capacity while you cook, we're all starved."

So Chizuru adorably said, "Oh yeah, sorry guys."

Then she put back on her game face and told me.

"If you plan to distract me, stay outta the kitchen. But if you're gonna help, you have to listen to everything I say, and no back talk, you get me, baseball brain!?"

And I told her, "Sure."

But before she walked back there I also said to only her.

"But I am flirting too, you better be ready for my A-game."

And she'd smirked at me, "HA! I've seen your A-game, I've got nothing to worry about."

Bold words from the person who's spent the last nearly 24 hours with me.

And you know what I'm talking about when I say 'with me.'

But all of our friends and family laughed, and sounded like they were enjoying the show as much as the prospect of Chizu's cooking.

And this new game, we were playing, was on!

That's all folks!

Well, for this chapter anyways! I need to change perspectives and this one was getting a bit long so we'll stop right here and start the next chapter with Chizu's dazzling talents! Along with a side dish of Ryu's flirting and tripping her up! YAY! I hope that's good news, hope you're all still enjoying! Please review if you can, I would love to hear from you. Till next time, hope you're having the best day! Take Care and Much Love!

~DarcyBeDippy85