It was a few hours after dinner and Sakura was completely focused on her work—headphones on for various reasons—and didn’t notice when Saku come into the room. He rested his chin on top of her head, getting her attention. She moved the headphone aside but kept typing.

“What’s up?”

“Suzu and I are headed out. He’s going to see me off to work. I put the bentos in the fridge, there’s also some chocolate raspberry brownies on the counter, so do take a break at some point. Also, I’ll have the rest of rent ready when I get home, so will you take it by the landlord’s in the morning, before you go to class?” 

“Brownies now, money in the morning. Got it. Be safe.” 

“Of course,” Saku kissed the top of her head before leaving her to her work. 

She waited another thirty minutes before taking a pause on her work, venturing out to enjoy the promised brownies. She eyed the bags that remained on half of the couch and frowned a bit. 

Maybe she had overreacted a bit today. Admittedly she had been hungry and stressed, but also Tamaki had definitely been too…much. Still, he had been so desperate to make things up to her when he didn’t even know her. That was weird, right? Or maybe…

“Maybe he’s actually pretty decent.”

She sighed, shaking her head. No, this line of thinking was stupid and it needed to stop. If the gods had any mercy for her, she’d never have to see Yamada Tamaki again and this will all just be some funny story she tells people. Nothing more. 

Grabbing more than a few brownies and brewing some tea, she retreated to her room, losing herself in the work. That was always easier than having to think about stupid things. 

Tamaki soon left her mind as the rest of the week proved insanely busy. New projects, new research topics, and a new set of test and due dates took all of her focus. She spent all of her free time either in the library or holed up in her room and by the middle of the next week, it was safe to say she was half-dead. Saku fretted over her state, even though he should have been used to it from her undergraduate years, and sent her to class with fresh, French-pressed coffee. While it wasn’t really necessary for him to disrupt his own chaotic schedule just to prepare it for her, she greatly appreciated it. 

Strolling through the park near campus, she took some time to herself to enjoy the hot drink. It was early spring so the air was still crisp and cool in the early mornings. But, as she glanced up at the trees, it was nearly time for the blossoms to bloom. While it annoyed her to be showered with cherry blossom-themed things because of her name, she very much looked forward to the viewing festivals. Saku would always pack a delicious bento for the two of them and she would pick out a special tea blend for the day. They’d spend the day beneath the flowers forgetting the difficulties that life had thrown their way. 

Though she supposed this year would be different. Suzu would most likely be with them for their annual viewing picnic. 

Not that that was a bad thing, as she had stated, she liked Suzu. He was perfect for Saku. But something about having an extra person, or rather being the third wheel, was a little off-putting for her. She didn’t quite understand why. 

She sighed and closed her eyes, sipping at the wonderfully strong brew, and trying to focus on something new. It was such a nice morning, the cool breeze blowing around her, the sound of dogs barking, and people enjoying themselves. 

Then she realized, her eyes still closed, that the sound of barking was getting closer.

And closer.

And suddenly, she felt an impact at her legs. 

She stumbled to the side, her eyes shooting open as she tried to figure out what was happening. 

A pair of strong arms caught her by the waist, keeping her from going completely sideways. But it didn’t help the momentum of her coffee and she watched in slow motion as the hot liquid sloshed out of her thermos and onto the very clean and very white shirt of the person in front of her.