≡;- ꒰ °𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙏𝙄𝙈𝙀 ꒱

➷ 𝐓𝐄𝐍

The next day, they came to the hangout spot right after school and practiced with each other. It had become their daily routine. Day by day passed, and it had already been a week. Everyone made improvements every day. All of them became very skillful as they worked really hard. However, there was one thing that didn't improve: Echiko and Ryo's relationship. They hadn't talked personally since Sakura arrived. Not even once.

Rina passed a bowl to Echiko. "Thank you," she said, taking it from her. Minyoung and Sora came out of their bedroom and sat on their cushions to eat. They grabbed their bowls, spoons, and everything else they needed. They talked about their classmates, their practice improvements, and jokes. "It was really hard for me," Rina said, finishing her story about the nunchaku she had picked.

"Echiko-chan, are you still arguing with Ryo?" Minyoung asked.

"Nah, we're not. In fact, we haven't even talked to each other," she laughed to herself.

"It's been a week, right?" Sora asked, and she nodded.

"I think it's better this way. Since he already has Sakura with him, I have Yuki," she replied, which made Sora stop.

"What's actually happening? I don't get it," Rina asked, confused.

"I know, right! I thought Yuki was just your brother. What is your relationship with him now? You seem TOO CLOSE these days," Minyoung added.

"Well, he used to be my brother..." Echiko said, making them look at her with wide eyes.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Sora asked.

"Does that mean your relationship status with him has changed?" Rina looked surprised.

"Like I said, he used to be my brother," Echiko repeated.

"That doesn't clear anything," Rina said.

"I've finished my food. Thank you for the meal! Sora-chan, can you wash this for me? I'm late. Yuki-kun has been waiting for me," Echiko said as she got up from her cushion and left the house, leaving them silent.

"Did she just—" Minyoung covered her mouth and decided to continue eating.

»»——⍟——««

"Ryo-kun," Mitsuya said, approaching Ryo's desk.

"Have you heard the rumors about Echiko and Yuki?" Mitsuya asked, frowning.

"What rumors?" Ryo asked.

"Aishh, the rumors about them dating," Mitsuya said, leaning on the chair.

"What?"

"Well, it's just a rumor. We don't know what's actually happening between them," Mitsuya said, making Ryo silent.

"But, if you've noticed, they are really intimate these days. Have you seen them hugging each other? It doesn't look like it used to," Mitsuya added.

"Ayy, Akkun!" Mitsuya called out when Akkun entered the room, and asked him to join them. They talked while Ryo stared out the window. Unexpectedly, he saw Echiko and Yuki from afar, laughing and holding hands. That was enough to make Ryo's heart burn like fire.

"Ayy, Akkun," Ryo called.

"Look at that, your sister is having fun with Yuki. Aren't you mad?" Ryo said, giving him a glare. Akkun leaned back in his chair, fixing his hair, and said,

"Well, I don't really care if it's Yuki-kun." Mitsuya and Ryo were shocked.

"Why? You were really mad when I took her out on a date, but you let Yuki date her?" Ryo asked, incredulous.

"Aishh, Ryo-kun, you have to understand this. Yuki has been taking care of her since she was at primary school. I can't deny that they are really close. I'm accepting the fact that Yuki is probably going to be my brother-in-law," Akkun said, giving Ryo another level of pain.

"Why are you so mad, bro? You have Sa—" Akkun began, but Ryo suddenly left the class. "Kura-chan as your girlfriend..." Akkun continued with a smirk. Mitsuya laughed.

"He must be depressed now," Mitsuya said.

"Yeah, right. Who said we can't teach the head of the Manshi gang a lesson?" Akkun smiled proudly.

"Hey, what happened?" Yuki asked, looking at Mitsuya and Akkun in confusion.

"It was nothing important," Mitsuya said.

"I just saw Ryo in the hallway. He looks so messed up. What's up with him?" Yuki asked.

"What do you think it's about?" Akkun said, looking at Echiko. Yuki and Mitsuya turned their heads to look at her too.

"What?" Echiko asked, feeling weird about their stares.

"Ahhh," Yuki said, immediately understanding and taking Ryo's seat.

"Come sit here," Yuki said, patting his lap, making Echiko kick his feet.

Akkun and Mitsuya laughed.

"Is it true that Echiko from class 4B2 and Yuki from the Manshi gang are dating?"

"Oh my god, yes! I also heard that. I never thought Echiko would date him!"
"Well, I always knew Echiko might date someone in the Manshi gang. Do you know why?"
"Why?"
"Because her brother, Akkun from class 5A1, is in the group too."
"Ahhh, is that why they're so close?"
"Yes, probably."
"But I never guessed it would be Yuki. I thought it would be Mitsuya."
"I know, right! I never thought Echiko was Yuki's type. There's no way she is Ryo's type either. So Mitsuya is the best pick for her."

Sora overheard a group of girls talking about Echiko and Yuki. Do they really have a relationship? No. Are they a couple?! Sora asked herself while biting her lip.

Then what am I to him? He even gave me chocolate before. But... what... if... he doesn't like me anymore? Sora stopped walking, trying to take a breath. It was then that she saw Yuki and Echiko walking next to each other.

"Sora-chan!" Echiko called her, but she ran away, shocking them.

"Is she okay?" Yuki asked worriedly. Echiko looked at him and shrugged.

TO BE CONTINUED...