Natsumi shivered again as the cold from outside clung to her body. It was time to focus and get back to work. She had to start thinking about her entrance exams and aiming for that scholarship she would need. She hated to admit it, but she had slacked off over the break because she had been so focused on…

"Morning Sumi."

She jumped at the familiar voice and the warm arms that suddenly wrapped around her middle. She turned her head to see Ryuu smiling at her, his hair slightly matted from the falling snow. The next thing she felt was the feeling of being watched. She glanced around and sure enough, several pairs of eyes were glaring at her.

"R-Ryuu! What are you doing?" She stammered as she tried to pull out of his hold, but he only held her tighter. He leaned in until his nose brushed her ear, making her shiver, but not from the cold this time.

"I thought my girlfriend looked like she would appreciate sharing my body heat." He grinned, purposely meeting the eyes of the students watching them. She noticed that his red eyes narrowed particularly when meeting with the other male students, almost like he was staking his claim. She felt her cheeks heat when the whispers began to flutter about the room.

"Ryuu!" She hissed, but he only smiled proudly at her. Then he nuzzled close to her ear again and whispered low for her,

"They would have found out anyways. Besides...Now I can openly touch you without worry."

She blushed brighter and shoved against his chest, making him laugh harder.

"You're impossible!" Natsumi pouted as she turned back to her shoe locker and switched out her boots. He chuckled again as he leaned against the locker next to hers, supporting his head with his hand.

"But that's what you love about me right?"

"I'm starting to rethink my mental stability." She mumbled.

"Sorry Sumi. It's too late to change your mind now. Especially since…" The rest was inaudible and she looked up.

"What was that?"

"Nothing. Hurry up Sumi or we'll be late."

She rolled her eyes, finished putting on her school shoes and following next to him as he walked her to class.

"So are you finally going to tell me what happened between you and my dad?" She asked, trying to sound nonchalant about the topic.

"Nothing really. We went to the conbini and came back."

"But you two seemed so much more comfortable with each other after. What did you talk about?" She asked again.

"Normal stuff I guess…" He shrugged, not meeting her eyes. She huffed, knowing that there had to be more than that! When the two of them came back her father was even more accepting of Ryuu than before. And Ryuu had openly put his arm over the back of the couch while sitting next to her and her old man didn't even flinch!? No...Despite them insisting on it being nothing, whatever they talked about must have been significant.

"Fine, if you don't want to tell me then I don't care." She pouted, turning from him to go into her class. She squeaked as her wrist was caught and she was tugged back into his chest.

"Ryuu!" She started to admonish him when his lips softly pressed against hers. It was a quick kiss, but it still made her heart leap in her chest. He pulled back and smiled that gentle smile that completely broke down her defenses.

"Calm down Sumi...It's not like you'll never find out...You just have to wait until it's time." He whispered and she frowned.

"What's that even supposed to mean!?" She sighed and he chuckled, pressing another quick kiss to her forehead before releasing her.

"You're smart Sumi...I'm sure you'll figure it out. I'll walk you to your next class so wait for me." He said as he waved bye to her and headed off to his own classroom. Natsumi sighed and shook her head. She would never understand that guy's thoughts...A smile slowly spread across her face.

'But I wouldn't have him any other way.'

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"What's that you're reading? It looks different from your usual medical books." Natsumi asked him as she took a bite of her lunch. Ryuu didn't look up as he made another note while answering her.

"That's because it is. It's a reference guide for the entrance exam into Tokyo University's medical department." When he heard her softly choking his head shot up in concern. She was covering her mouth and her cheeks were flushed.

"Sumi, are you-"

"Oh Ryuu this is wonderful!" She shouted, suddenly recovering as her bright eyes flashed at him. Slightly confused he just stared at her, but she didn't seem to need prompting to continue.

"I was still worried that you weren't going to chase after your dream! Oh! I'll also help in any way I can!" She said, her fists clenched in determination as she shined brilliantly. He sighed and smiled at her, wondering if she knew how irresistible she was when she got that look in her eyes.

"The best way for you to help is to continue as you are Sumi. All I need is your support." He said and her cheeks darkened, but she still nodded enthusiastically.

"You'll do great! I just know it!" She laughed and he couldn't resist as he stood up out of his chair suddenly. He leaned across the tables and grabbed the back of her head, kissing her. It wasn't a quick kiss like before, since they were alone he let himself indulge a little. She stiffened initially, but as he continued to kiss her, she eventually relaxed and leaned into his lips. He groaned and swept his tongue through her mouth before pulling back reluctantly. They were both breathing heavily and he leaned his head against hers.

"But if you look at me like that, I'm afraid neither of us will get much studying done." He whispered and she flushed deeper, if possible. He chuckled and leaned down, sweeping his tongue quickly against the side of her cheek, taking up the piece of rice stuck there.

"Ryuu!" She shouted, flinching away as he grinned and took his seat once more. Natsumi continued to fume for a few minutes, but then sighed and smiled softly towards him once more.

"Seriously though Ryuu...I'm really happy right now." She whispered and reached over, covering his hand with hers so that he looked up at her again.

"You're going to be a wonderful doctor." She said and he sighed.

"What did I just say Sumi?" He muttered as he scratched the side of his head, using his arm to hide his blush. She giggled and patted his hand.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure you stay focused enough to do well. Even if I have to ban you from my home for a few days. It's not like we need to continue with our tutoring sessions anymore."

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"True I've finally gotten to a point of passing without worry. But that's no excuse to kick me out Sumi."

"I said only if you can't focus. So long as you stay motivated, then there's no problem." She smiled sweetly at him and he sighed, shaking his head as he refocused on his work. Sumi didn't need to worry about him staying focused or motivated. He had the best motivation driving him forward. His eyes glanced up at her and a soft smile spread across his lips.

'The very best motivation…'

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She groaned and thumped her head against the open book, hoping that she could forcefully pound the information into her brain. Her attempts were halted though when a large hand caught her forehead and blocked its movement.

" I don't want you to hurt yourself and that's kind of annoying to listen to." He laughed. She stuck her tongue out before sighing and straightening up again.

"No matter how hard I focus, this is one subject that I'm still worried about." She frowned down at the equation laughing at her. She slumped forward again, this time resting her head on her folded arms.

"I'm doomed." She grumbled and heard him chuckle again. She felt him shift next to her, lifting her head just as his long legs slid along hers. He scooted closer until his chest was pressed against her back. Natsumi jumped as his arms wrapped around her middle and his chin pressed into her shoulder.

"R-Ryuu? W-What are y-you doing?" She stammered, refusing to turn her head towards him as her grip on her pen tightened. His warm breath brushed against her neck as he answered her.

"Helping you with these problems."

"So why couldn't you just help from over there?" She swallowed as her heart began to react to his proximity, almost positive that he would be able to feel it. His arms tightened around her middle and she felt him shrug.

"This position is more convenient and comfortable." He said and she snorted, her hand slightly shaking as she tried to write.

"Comfortable for who exactly?" She whispered and could imagine him smirking at her. Whenever she started to make a mistake, Ryuu would stop her and explain what she was supposed to do instead. She had to admit that his help was working, but his body pressing against hers was still very distracting. Trying to ignore the strange sensations building inside her, she continued as best she could, hoping that the information would stick this time.

After several minutes though, she calmed down and was able to focus solely on the equations. Ryuu's advice began to replay in her head without him having to say anything and she was making fewer mistakes than before. When she was able to solve the next problem without Ryuu pointing out a mistake she cheered and held up her fists in victory.

"Good job Sumi. I knew you would be able to catch on." He praised her and she giggled as she turned her head slightly to meet his eyes.

"I'm still pretty hopeless though."

He smiled and kissed the side of her head,

"You'll get there. Just remember to stay calm." He whispered before pulling back to stare down at her. Now that she wasn't as focused, she became aware of their current position. His eyes began to darken as they held hers and it seemed like he was moving closer.

"Sumi…" He whispered as one hand came up and cupped her cheek, turning her head further. His lips stopped when they just barely brushed hers, their eyes still locked.

"I really want to kiss you right now." He whispered and she felt something course through her blood, heating it once more. She couldn't find her voice so she just nodded. He didn't wait after that and connected their mouths. She closed her eyes and relaxed into his touch, turning her body towards him so that she could hug his sides. He flinched slightly as her fingers grazed his ribs and she pulled back to apologize, but he pulled her back immediately. She tried to stop the soft moan that escaped, but when his tongue slipped into her mouth she couldn't control herself.

Kissing Ryuu felt better than she imagined and each time was more surprising than the last. He held her so gently, but still caused her body to feel like it was being set on fire. She gasped when she felt his fingers slowly slip under the edge of her shirt.

"Ryu-mmph!" Her words were drowned as his kiss deepened, his tongue exploring every inch of her mouth until she found herself copying its movements. His fingers didn't move past her hip, but feeling the rough skin of his palm rub against her bare skin set her heart at a dangerous speed. She felt a strange feeling course through her and began to fidget as she tried to ease the sensation the best she could.

"Sumi don't…" He hissed quickly before kissing her tenderly. His arms hugged her tightly to prevent her from moving again. She whined against his lips and he let out a deep groan as he separated from her lips and rested his forehead on her shoulder.

"Sumi...You're killing me right now…" He grumbled, hugging her against him so that she could feel how fast his own heart was pounding. It matched hers in pace and it made her feel better to know he was feeling the same.

He continued to hug her close for a few minutes while they calmed down, gently rubbing circles along her back. Finally he pulled away with a soft sigh and smiled down at her,

"Come on Sumi, I think we both need a break." He whispered and she nodded, shifting away from him so that he cold stand first before offering her a hand.

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Ryuu sighed and ran his fingers through his hair, careful not to move too suddenly. After they had decided to take a break, the two of them had made some hot chocolate and cuddled up on the couch together. He had noticed her eyes drooping, so had pulled the quilt off the back and draped it over her while pulling her head against his chest. And it was this same position that they were in now as she slept soundly.

The only sound in the room was Sumi's soft breathing. He had lost count how many times he found himself falling into such a state of contentment. As his eyes took in her curled against him he felt a warmth burst throughout his chest and he smiled without thought. How could something so small have so much impact on his life? Ryuu never would have guessed that he would find someone to love this much. He always assumed he would be forced to marry someone his father picked, but now that he had her beside him he couldn't picture a future without her. In a short time she had become the most precious thing in his life and the dream he was aiming for. He closed his eyes as that night played out in his mind.

"Please give me permission to marry your daughter." He remained bowed as the silence spread between them.

"Hmm...and what if I refuse?"

Ryuu's eyes snapped open and he shot back up, his heart dropping into his stomach when he saw the cold eyes staring back. He grit his teeth as the man continued, turning to face him fully.

"Why would I condone giving my daughter to someone like you? Someone who comes from a world far removed from ours. Who has never known hardships or what it means to fail so horribly you fall to the bottom. What do you intend to do exactly when I tell you that you can't have Natsumi?" With each cold stab, Mr. Kimoto had taken a step closer to Ryuu until he towered above him, continuing to stare harshly. Ryuu's fists shook with rage as he held himself tall and shouted,

"Then I'll marry her without your approval! I know that would disappoint Sumi as she loves you deeply, but it isn't enough to deter me from having her. Nothing is going to stop me from loving her with everything I have and working hard each day to make her smile. And nothing the rest of the world says matters so long as she feels the same and will have me as her husband.

"So long as I have Sumi I don't need anything or anyone else. I will become more than my name and prove to everyone that I am a man worth standing at her side. In the end all that matters is our love and support for each other. So to answer your question simply. If you refuse to give me your daughter, I will take her by force and will fight you with everything I am until she is mine." He was breathing shakily by the end of his rant, anger coursing through his blood as he prepared for the next onslaught of insults. However, he was surprised when Mr. Kimoto's face broke into a huge, toothy grin as he held his arms wide.

"Welcome to the family boy! I'd be proud to call you my son-in-law anyday!" He laughed as he slapped his large hands onto Ryuu's shoulders, knocking him off balance in more ways than one.

"W-What?" Ryuu stammered, completely confused as to what just happened. Mr. Kimoto laughed,

"Sorry to scare you Ryuu, I could tell right away that you were a good kid, but I'm also a very over-protective father. I wanted to be sure that you were willing to fight for Natsumi if need be. The world, as you know, isn't so accommodating when we go against its rules. And being who you are there are going to be many trials you'll have to face if you want my daughter. I had to be positive that you wouldn't waver in the face of opposition." He explained with a gentle smile and Ryuu's eyes widened further.

"Then..Then that means…"

"Yes son...you have my blessing to marry my daughter."

Ryuu opened his eyes as the memory faded and he looked down at the sleeping girl once more. He felt a surge of tenderness and protectiveness as he cupped the back of her head, hugging her tightly against him. He pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head and whispered,

"No matter what happens Sumi, I'll be here to shield you. I promise that if you stay by my side I'll never make you regret it and that I'll fill your life with all the happiness you deserve. I love you with all my heart and no one will come between us or our future together…" An image of a man with blonde hair and harsh crimson eyes flashed in his mind and he instinctively tightened his hold on her.

"No one…"