Hi, guys! Here's the next chapter. Hope you enjoy it!

The days went by and Iris was happy and content. She did miss the people back in England, especially her godson Teddy, but she didn't also regret coming to Japan. She'll bring Teddy here in Japan one day when she's settled enough.

There were the occasional calls with Hermione and Iris did not forget to always give her regards to Teddy, the Weasley family and to her friends. And if she wanted to Floo call, she'd just apparate to Tetsuya's house for that.

She was also somehow surprised with how close she'd gotten with the man. He always invites her to his house when he wasn't busy with work and she doesn't have anything else to do for the day. At first, she was wary and suspicious but when she agreed that one time and the next and the next after that, she realized Tetsuya was just really there looking out for her. She was deeply moved and grateful and so Tetsuya's house became her second home.

And the books she could find in his small library… Godric, she wasn't an avid reader like Hermione but even she knew Hermione would kill something for her to have a hand on his books.

When she wasn't spending her days at Tetsuya's, she tries her hand at baking and the pretty finished products were always given to either Tetsuya or Genemon's family. She seldom goes to Genemon's house though. She might be close Genemon himself but she still doesn't think that it'll be a good idea to spend a lot of time with the other members of his family.

She goes when Genemon becomes too insufferable though and they usually spend the day playing shogi when he taught her how to play and she found it to be quite enjoyable. She's still looking for a strategy to beat him and recently, his grandson when he requests he play a game with her.

One thing that also bothered her for a bit was her recent crush to his grandson. She thought Ginny would just be ecstatic (because she's following the advice she gave her a day before she got here) but she absolutely won't tell anyone about her newfound feelings.

Anyway, it was a bit frustrating at first because even though she thinks like her calm and matured 19-year old self, her body was that of a blushing 14-years old. She certainly remembered how she would get flustered and how her heart would beat faster when Cedric Diggory would talk to her before.

She's certainly feeling that every time Genichiro's near and would try to talk to her, and every time she would successfully try to calm herself before Genemon's sharp eyes pick could pick up anything.

But all in all, she was perfectly satisfied with how she's living her life now.

=o=

It's Monday morning and Iris is on her way to her new school. Genemon called the night before to say that Genichiro would come and pick her up so they could go to school together but she remembered that, aside from the fact that her apartment was on a different direction from his house to the school, Genichiro had his usual morning tennis practice and no matter how much she like him, she couldn't give up her beauty sleep for something like waking up early in the morning when all she needs to do today is to get her schedule and attend her classes.

Genemon surely had a lot of things to say when she declined but she wasn't going to change her mind and with a sigh, Genemon relented.

Genemon acted like an over-bearing grandfather most of the times, she thought grouchily.

She passed by the school gates and she thought once again how different this school was from Hogwarts. She got lost for a bit before she finally found the office, got her schedule and met her homeroom teacher who was a kind-looking woman named Tsubasa Sumire.

They walked towards their classroom and when they arrived Tsubasa asked for her to stay outside first before going in. When she heard her cue, she opened the door and walked to stop beside Tsubasa.

'Merlin, this feels like the Sorting Ceremony all over again,' she complained inwardly when she saw every one of her classmates looking at her. Well, except for that one student currently taking a nap at the back seat near the window.

"Please introduce yourself, Potter-san," her teacher urged her softly.

She faced her classmates, gave a respectful bow and began, "Hello, I'm Potter Iris. I'm from England but I just recently moved here for an indefinite period of time. It's nice to meet you," then looked up.

Tsubasa nodded in satisfaction, "Thank you, Potter-san. You may now take your seat next to Kirihar—Kirihara-kun! Please wake up!"

The one who was sleeping, Kirihara, looked up with a yawn and gave a stretch. Then as if remembering where he was, he immediately stood up and bowed, "I apologize, Tsubasa-sensei! It won't happen again, I swear!"

Tsubasa glared at him and answered chidingly, "You always say that, Kirihara-kun. I'm not even expecting anything anymore when it just happens every single time."

Then she turned to her and gave her a small smile, "You can take the seat next to him, Potter-san," then muttered under her breath, "Who knows, maybe you can find a way to wake him up every morning for homeroom."

Iris looked at her inquisitively but Tsubasa just gave her a wink so she hesitantly nodded in return. She walked towards her seat and when she sat down, the teen beside her immediately greeted, "Hello! I'm Kirihara Akaya. It's nice to meet you!"

Iris was a little bit startled before she replied, "Potter Iris. Nice to meet you too."

Kirihara looked at her in awe and said, "Wow, your Japanese is so good."

"A-Ahh, I've been learning since I was young so I had a lot of practice," Iris answered, looking a bit curious about the boy beside her.

Kirihara nodded, still in awe but didn't say anything else. Iris gave him one last look before turning her attention back to their teacher. She still felt his eyes on her.

After quite a few moments, she gave a sigh and turned back to look at him pointedly, "What?"

Kirihara said dazedly, "You have the most beautiful green eyes I have ever seen."

Iris blinked a lot before she felt her cheeks heat up. What in Merlin's name…

She cleared her throat before saying, "Thank you for the compliment, Kirikara-san. Now can you please stop staring at me?"

Kirihara nodded vigorously but didn't stop.

She gave off another enduring sigh before ignoring him and giving her attention back to the teacher.

She could already smell the trouble this teen would cause her.

=o=

The rest of the day went by quickly and Iris was fairly acquainted with some of her classmates. The class representative, a girl named Kanagawa Shiori, explained at lunch some things about a student being responsible inside the classroom and the school in general.

Aside from the messy lunch with Kirihara earlier, everything went smoothly.

She was now shoving all her things inside her bag so she could walk home. A beep from her phone though, indicated a text message.

She whipped her phone out and noted that it was a message from Genemon.

Dinner tonight at the house. I want to know how your first day of class went. Personally. Come straight here after school. You can come home with Genichiro.

Her lips twitched at the demanding tone the message conveyed. She replied, I will come but only because you've been pestering me these days, Jiji.

She received a reply that said, Very good. Take care.

She groaned out loud and put her phone away. She knows Genichiro has afternoon practice today too so she needed to find him first before he receives a text message from his grandfather.

She turned to look at Kirihara, who was just slinging his bag, and said, "Kirihara-san, can you please point me the way towards the tennis courts? I need to check if someone I know is there."

Kirihara, who thankfully lost some of his fascination towards her and after finding out he wasn't really that bad, looked at her curiously and asked, "Who? I'm a regular member of the tennis club so I'm kinda familiar with everybody in there. We need to walk as we talk too, or I'm going to come in late. The Vice-Captain is really strict about practices and I don't want to add any more laps on my runs today."

Iris, nostalgically thinking about her Quidditch practices before, nodded in understanding, "Let's go then."

They went out of the classroom quickly and Kirihara asked one more time, although his tone was now suspicious, "You're not a fangirl, right? Because the tennis club is very popular, especially among girls and the Captain and Vice-Captain doesn't like fangirls disrupting the practices, especially when we're aiming for the National Tournament this year."

Iris gave him a stink eye and said, "You forgot I'm a new student, Kirihara-san so I don't really know the members of your tennis club aside from you and the other person I'm looking for. But rest assured, I am not and one of my plans for this school year does not involve harassing your temmates."

Kirihara nodded but didn't look like he believed her. Iris didn't take any offense with that though, because she certainly understood what he was feeling.

She couldn't stop the shudder that came with that thought, prompting Kirihara to take a glance at her. She waved her hand dismissively as an answer.

After a few more walks, he asked again, "So who are you looking for in the tennis club?"

"Sanada Genichiro. You know him?"

Kirihara looked at her surprisingly, "Why are you looking for Vice-Captain Sanada?"

Iris gave an ohh before replying in fascination, "Really? Didn't know Genichiro-senpai was that good."

"Vice-Captain Sanada is really good, Iris-chan! He's also one of the Three Demons, along with Captain Yukimura and Yanagi-senpai. I haven't managed to beat him yet but I'm going to!" Kirihara spoke enthusiastically.

Iris smiled widely at Kirihara's dedication as she once again remembered Wood's obsession, that later became her own, with winning Quidditch tournaments at Hogwarts.

"Well, you need to train a lot then! It's not going to be easy but I believe you'll manage to do that someday, Kirihara-san," Iris said.

Kirihara grinned brightly at her and gave her a thumbs-up.

They arrived at the tennis courts and Iris urged Kirihara to go in the locker room to change and she'll follow at a more sedate pace.

Kirihara first pointed at a dark blue-haired teen and had a jacket draped around his shoulders, who was also talking to a familiar-looking young man she realized was Genichiro.

'Ahh, he's so seriously handsome with his jersey,' she admitted to herself as she tried to calm herself once again.

"You should just go in instead of waiting here. I need to go change now," Kirihara didn't wait for her reply before sprinting towards the locker room with a wave.

She breathed deeply before walking towards the pair. She curiously looked around too, seeing some members practicing while some were glancing at her.

The dark blue-haired teen was the first to see her and with his attention towards her, Genichiro turned to her too, a subtle irritation in his eyes but was replaced with recognition.

She took a look at the dark blue-haired teen first, silently assessing him before turning to look at Genichiro.

She smiled slightly and gave a tentative wave. When Genichiro nodded and she was near them, she bowed respectfully and said, "I'm sorry for interrupting your practice but I would like to talk to Genichiro-senpai for a minute. I'm Potter Iris, by the way."

The blue-haired teen gave her a small smile and bowed too, "Hello, Potter-san. Nice to meet you too. You must be the new sophomore student everyone was talking about. I'm Yukimura Seiichi, a third year student."

Iris, still having the smile on her face, replied, "It's nice to meet you too, Yukimura-senpai," then gave a nervous chuckle before saying, "I'm nothing interesting too though."

"We just rarely get new students on the second and third year, that's all, especially a foreign one," Yukimura supplied reassuringly.

Iris smiled in reply before turning to Genichiro, "Genichiro-senpai, may I talk to you for a moment please? It won't take long, I promise."

Genichiro nodded, looked at Yukimura who was looking a little in surprise between the two of them. Genichiro frowned a bit and pressed, "Yukimura, are you okay?"

She also gave Yukimura a confused look but he only blinked and gave off another serene smile, "I'm fine. You're excused, Sanada."

Sanada gave a hesitant nod before gesturing her with him, going a bit farther off from prying ears.

They finally stopped and she calmly looked at the young man, "I'm sorry for disturbing you like that but did you receive a text from Genemon-san, Genichiro-senpai?"

Genichiro blinked for a moment before shaking his head, "No, my phone is inside my tennis bag and the last time I checked, I didn't have any new messages. Why?"

Iris frowned and answered, "He wanted me to attend dinner at your house tonight and said we should go home together. I don't want you to miss your practice and I would also prefer to get changed out of my uniform before going to your house. I need to grab the pie I made last night anyway."

Genichiro's eyes softened and her heart gave out another lurch as she tried very hard to not blush.

He replied softly, "You don't have to bring us desserts every time you come by the house, Iris-san."

Iris did blush a bit but still answered with a smile, "I want to anyway and I don't see it as an obligation either, if that's what you're thinking. I rather like baking and I want to share what I made with all of you too."

Genichiro gave her a small smile and by Gryffindor's sodding pants, you're going to give me a heart attack!

Iris managed to play it cool and teasingly said, "And besides, you haven't turned down or fainted yet every time I bring one so I hope you're not complaining."

Genichiro gave off a very low chuckle, "Your desserts are very delicious just for me to pass, Iris-san. I couldn't let Grandfather and Sasuke have all of it."

Her eyes widened with that remark, her mind getting mushy as her traitorous heart once again, began to beat so fast she was scared it would jump out of her chest cavity.

This man… If I didn't know better, I would think you're after my heart. Why do you have to chuckle like that? She thought dramatically.

Hoping that he didn't notice something unusual from her, she cleared her throat and said, "Sooo anyway, that's all I have to say, Genichiro-senpai. You can continue with your tennis practice and I'll just head home first. I'll text Genemon-san about it, so don't worry. I'll see you later, okay?"

"Are you sure you don't want me to go with you? I could ask Yukimura to excuse me for practice today," Genichiro couldn't help but ask as he thought about Iris walking home to her apartment alone.

He felt strangely protective of her when the thought of her going home alone crossed his mind.

Iris gave him an assuring smile, "I'm sure. I'll be fine, really."

Genichiro looked at her for a moment before reaching out his hand, "May I have your phone then?"

Iris looked at him bemusedly as she handed it out and waited as he did something to it. He passed it back to her and said, "I put my phone number in there, just in case. Call me if anything happens."

She put it back inside her bag as she scowled lightly, "Genichiro-senpai, you're beginning to sound like your grandfather. Pushy and demanding."

Genichiro gave her a glare as a reply.

"Fine, but I know I'll be alright. You should get back to your practice," she said as she looked at where Yukimura was but was now together with seven other members who were also looking at the both of them.

"Those idiots," he muttered under his breath. He saw Kirihara waving at them and he looked back at Iris, who also gave a wave, and asked, "Do you want me to introduce you to the rest of them?"

Iris shook her head and replied, "Probably some other time. I gotta go though. See you at dinner!"

Genichiro nodded but added, "Send me a message when you arrive at your apartment and send me another one when you arrive at the house."

"Yes, yes…" then she turned back to the group again, gave a bow and waved bye at him. Then she took off.

He saw her off, still feeling worried, until she turned a corner and he couldn't see her anymore. He walked back to his teammates and when he got near, he wasn't shocked anymore as the talkative ones drowned him with questions. Kirihara was the loudest of them all.

"I didn't know you knew Iris-chan, Vice-Captain Sanada! Is she your girlfriend?"

Genichiro glared at Kirihara, though the thought did make him warm deep down, "No, she's a family friend. She knew my Grandfather first when they met in England years ago when he attended a meeting there. They're surprisingly close so Iris-san spends some of her days at the house."

"I didn't know your strict Grandfather could befriend a cute, little girl like her, Sanada. I mean, no offense but he barely tolerates us when we go to your house!" Marui Bunta expressed in full wonderment as he chewed on his gum.

"It was a bit surprising when he told us about her at first but we understood when we saw how calmly she handles my Grandfather. Though I think Grandfather frustrates her sometimes too," Genichiro mused.

"What did you talk about then?" Niou Masaharu asked with a teasing grin.

"You're so nosy," he reprimanded them hotly but they didn't even look affected so he sighed in defeat and gritted out, "She told me that she's going to the house for dinner when Grandfather texted her."

"And my data says your Grandfather also said you were supposed to go home together but she told you that you shouldn't miss practice and that she'll go home alone," Yanagi Renji spoke.

Kirihara pointed an accusing finger at him, "Ahh! Vice-Captain Sanada, that's not good! How could you let Iris-chan go back home all by herself? What if she encounters some phony person along the way and she gets kidnapped?"

Genichiro glared at Kirihara and replied, "That's why I gave her my number, you dolt," then he frowned deeply, clearly bothered by something, "But that's right. My Grandfather will have something to say if I leave her alone."

Yukimura smiled at him and reassured him, "You can go, Sanada. It's still the first day of school and we don't have anything to do other than screen the students for the tennis club. We'll take care of it."

"My data says no matter how good the explanation Potter-san gives to your Grandfather, you will definitely still hear about it after your dinner tonight."

"And you know better than to ignore Yanagi's data," Yagyu Hiroshi added as he rearranged his glasses.

"How come you're so chummy with her anyway, Kirihara?" Kuwahara Jackal asked with an eyebrow raised.

"She's in my class and her seat's next to mine. I was kinda surprised at first because she was just so pretty when I saw her up close. I don't think she liked me earlier though but I think I'm okay now," Kirihara murmured as he tugged on his uniform.

Niou smiled evilly as he heard Bunta snicker, "Oh, Kirihara has a crush, puri."

Kirihara blushed and scowled at Niou, "I do not!"

"Denial is a river."

"Shut up, Niou-senpai!"

Yukimura sighed and turned to Genichiro, "You should go so that you can catch up with her. We'll see you tomorrow."

Genichiro nodded but ordered to the rest of them, letting them see he was going to plan their death if they don't listen, "Don't slack off!"

"Hai!" the members who heard chorused.

Genichiro nodded at Yukimura in appreciation again, went inside the locker room to get his things and jogged out the courts to follow Iris.

Yukimura followed Sanada with an amused look, "Genichiro-senpai, huh? Everything's going to be interesting…" then looked at the other members loitering and gave them a very evil smile, "Why aren't you doing your laps?"

The members turned to look at him scarily and yelped, "We're so sorry, Captain! We'll do it now!" then they began to run.

=o=

Genichiro managed to catch up with Iris and with a few heated words from her, he followed her to until they arrived at her apartment.

He'd never actually been inside her apartment. He'd only stop by at the gate during the times where he accompanied her home after spending time at the house. It wasn't for the lack of trying though, because Iris always invited him inside for a cup of tea or anything just so he could rest first before trekking his way back home.

"Please come in, Genichiro-senpai. I'll be out in a few minutes. Do you want something to drink? I have a variety of tea if you want that," Iris offered as she threw her bag on the sofa.

"I'm fine," Genichiro answered.

"Help yourself with something while I go change. There's some leftover cake at the fridge if you want. Oh, there's juice and soda too."

"Are you planning on taking a while?" Genichiro asked with an eyebrow raised.

Iris scoffed, "Of course not. Unlike you, I actually plan on helping your mother cook so I won't take long," then she went inside her bedroom and closed her door with a soft click.

Genichiro grimaced at the remark. She knew he doesn't have any talents in cooking and she just rubs it in every time she has the chance.

He sat down on one of the sofa and put down his tennis bag on the floor. He looked around him, curious about the girl when it comes to other things. He deduced that she doesn't seem to be too girly on stuff but there are touches here and there that would definitely tell you that a girl is living in this space.

He thought that Iris was really independent and he honestly expected she'd hang around him or Sasuke a lot when they were introduced but just by hearing his Grandfather grumble about how hard-headed she was sometimes, he began to think she was totally different.

There were certainly instances where he felt that she was very reluctant in spending time with him or the rest of his family with the exception of his Grandfather but he also thought that she was slowly coming around, probably because of his Grandfather's insistence.

He likes her though, because she's not like most of the girls who fawn over Yukimura and Niou. Kami knows how annoying they always are, especially with the squealing and the murmuring.

Surprisingly, Sasuke, his nephew who was extremely picky, likes her too.

A door opened and Iris walked out wearing a simple light-colored cotton-threaded sweater and tight-fitted pants. She moved towards the refrigerator and got out a whole pie before she put it safely inside a box.

She turned to look at him and asked, "You didn't get anything? Hmm…" she turned back to the fridge and got out a tart.

She walked towards him and offered it to him. He stared at it at first but when she gave an aggravated sigh, he took it from her, nodded at her in thanks and took a bite. His eyes widened a bit before finishing the tart.

She gave off a laugh, got the box and said, "Let's go?"

=o=

They arrived at his house and his mother immediately accosted her with a tight hug after greeting them home.

"It's been awhile, Iris-chan! You haven't been here for so long!" his mother pouted playfully.

Iris hugged her back and answered placatingly, "I've been here last week, Miyabi-san. It's not that long."

His mother held her back into arms' reach and scolded lightly, "But you could have been here yesterday and the other day and the other day. You could be here everyday!"

"That's what I always tell her but does she listen? Of course not," his grandfather popped out from somewhere. Probably from the balcony again, Genichiro resignedly thought.

"Why don't you just live here, Iris-chan? We have a lot of rooms for you to use. You can choose one!" his mother excitedly asked.

He was surprised by his mother said but he intently looked at Iris as she gave a nervous chuckle, "Thank you, Miyabi-san but I'm rather attached to my apartment now. And besides, I don't think Sasuke and Genichiro-senpai would want me to intrude so much on your house since I'm basically a stranger and all."

Genichiro felt strangely sad and irritated when he heard her answer. He didn't know why but he certainly didn't think she was a stranger to them still.

His mother waved her hand, dissuading Iris's assumption, "It's not like they use all the rooms," then clasped her hands and said hopeful eyes, "But if you want to, just tell me, okay? Don't be shy! You're welcome anytime!"

Iris nodded and answered, "Of course, Miyabi-san. I'll definitely tell you!"

Grandfather sneered at her, "That's an Iris code for 'Never, I'm fine on my own, as usual'."

Iris glared a look at his grandfather that he interpreted was something not worth mentioning.

His grandfather smirked condescendingly back at her.

Iris ignored his grandfather and turned to smile sweetly at his mother instead, "Do you need help in preparing dinner, Miyabi-san? Let's go to the kitchen and see what else we can do!"

His mother nodded eagerly and dragged Iris towards the kitchen.

Genichiro turned to his Grandfather and said, "I'm going to put my things away, Ojii-sama. Do you want to play a game of shogi while we wait?"

His Grandfather crossed his arms, looking thoughtful before answering, "Yes, I need to talk to you while we're at it."

Genichiro, though curious, nodded his head and headed up the stairs to his bedroom so he can put down his bag and change. He went back down and into the balcony to where he knew his grandfather was waiting with a shogi board in front of him.

=o=

The following days had been a good kind of normal for Iris.

So far, she was doing well with her academics. Unsurprisingly, she also became a tutor for Kirihara when she saw how bad his scores were on their exams.

She also experienced a moment of alarm about choosing which club she'd want to go, since it was apparently mandatory on this school, and after deciding with herself that if she can't easily play Quidditch, then the least she could do was to choose a sports club.

She decided, on the last day to pass out registration form just because for the thrill of it, that she'd go with volleyball.

She didn't know how she came up with that decision either. With Kanagawa's insistence, they had visited the clubs so she'd know where to join.

She did know some skimming information about normal sports. When she asked an opinion to Genemon about it, he automatically suggested tennis and had grimaced when he told her. She didn't have anything against it but she didn't really want to play tennis. Genichiro played with her sometimes but she knew her interest wasn't really on it.

Genichiro was so passionate about tennis. He was really surprised when she told him she didn't really play the sport and he made it a habit to teach her when they both had the time. After a few times of playing though, she realized tennis was okay but her heart wasn't really into it like Quidditch.

But she had fun playing tennis with Genichiro, especially when she saw a new side of him. Seeing him like he was when playing made her feelings for him more intense, even when he became overconfident about his tennis club, and she was really trying her best to reign in her hormones.

When Kanagawa passingly asked her about it and she gave a vague response, the girl automatically decided she needed a little bit of help so after the school hours, Kanagawa accompanied her to see all of the club practices where she got a little bit interested with volleyball.

Now, she was an official member of the girls' volleyball team but she knew she wouldn't be playing any official games yet. That was okay for her though since she was still new to the game. She was okay with playing one or two or three matches all her school year too, she wasn't really picky.

All in all, she thought it was really nice to have a normal life when you're not always running away from Wizards wanting to kill you.

=o=

It was late in the afternoon and Ayazawa Mikoto, a third year and also the captain of the volleyball team, had just dismissed their volleyball practice when she once again saw Genichiro waiting for her at the court entrance.

That was one of the things that started too. She didn't really know how it started but Genichiro always waits for her after school practices so they would walk home together. When she asked him why one time, he said that he just wanted to and no, not just because I feel I'm obligated to do so.

She knew he saw her blush like some mad woman when he said that so she didn't ask any more questions. It was awkward at first and there were halted conversations but the more they spend time together, they got better at it and soon enough, it became easy, overlooking the fact that Genichiro was always so serious who doesn't really give a full blown smile and who didn't always give verbal replies. It didn't matter because that wasn't what drew her to him in the first place.

She gave him a wave of her hand as a greeting and when he waved back at her, she smiled and turned her way to the locker room to change.

"I'm certainly getting jealous of how consistent your boyfriend is when it comes to waiting, Potter," third year Yamamoto Sakura commented playfully.

Iris scowled when some of the girls whistled while others gave her wiggling eyebrows.

"I didn't even know Sanada could do something like waiting. I'm his classmate and I was pretty sure he was in a relationship with Yukimura because of how close they were until you came along, Iris-chan," Kobayashi Yuri remarked unbelievingly.

She stifled a groan and settled to give her senior a glare instead because seriously, they always have something to say every single day.

Ayazawa entered the locker room and piped out, "Ahh, don't listen to them, Potter-san. They're living off with your love life instead since you know they don't really have boyfriends themselves."

Iris threw her hands up in the air as the others groaned out loud.

"For the last time, Genichiro-senpai and I are just friends. Like you know, platonic friendship. Ever heard of that?" Iris insisted sarcastically.

"And you also get us hooked with your 'Genichiro-senpai', Potter," Yamamoto sang out.

"I tell you, there's nothing going on between us. Seriously."

"And we know you want something going on with him. It's all in your face, Iris-chaaaan."

Iris couldn't contain the groan that came out as she turned her attention to her locker to change quickly and get out of this mess. She heard her teammates giggle and she felt someone pat her head. She turned and looked at Ayazawa as she gave her a wink before opening her own locker.

"Maybe you're the one who has a crush on Sanada, eh, Sakura," Ayazawa speculated teasingly.

Iris heard a choking sound that she knew came from Yamamoto, "Don't joke like that, Mikoto. And besides, Sanada isn't my type. I'm more of a Yukimura-type kind of girl."

"Why do you have a thing for frail-looking boys, Yamamoto? If I didn't know any better, you just want someone you can tie up so you can drag the guy anywhere you want," she heard Saito Mizuki whine.

"What? There's nothing wrong with a Yukimura-type. You prefer a Sanada-type instead? Have you ever seen that guy smile? No? Then you will understand I'd want some laughter in my life, thanks," Yamamoto spouted out strongly her opinion.

"You haven't even heard Yukimura laugh, Sakura," Ayazawa pointed out.

"At least he graces us with those sweet, sweet smiles."

"You can be the cheerful half then! That way your life will be perfectly balanced," Kobayashi implied.

"Nu-uh. Sorry, I'd really rather be stuck with Yukimura rather than Sanada. And watch what you're saying, girls, or Potter might get jealous."

Iris closed her locker with a bang before saying impassively, "Yes, yes. Yamamoto-senpai, I'll be extremely jealous if you snatch Genichiro-senpai away from me. I'll certainly fight you for him."

"That's the spirit, Potter! Always defend your territory!"

Iris gave off an unresisting sigh before saying, "Thank you for today. I'll be going now!" Then ran out of the room before anyone could say anything again.

She heard the giggles behind her but she knew better than to look back. After all, they've always said something whenever Genichiro comes around to pick her up. Nothing bad though, just a lot of teasing since they didn't know Genichiro could do something like this. They said that it's because they've always known him to be so serious and unapproachable and didn't think he'd have any interests and friends outside tennis but well, clearly they were wrong.

Iris suspected the novelty will wear off sometime but as of now, she'll have to bear with her teammates' teasing instances.

She walked near to where Genichiro was standing and remarked lightly, "I know I've mentioned this a hundred times but you really don't have to wait for me everyday."

Genichiro glanced at her but didn't say anything. He turned towards the gym's exit and began their trek to the gates of the school, and into their home.

Iris followed but didn't stop talking, "And you know, you don't have to worry about what your Grandfather says. We both know how he is about a lot of things. You have an upcoming tournament and you have to focus on that instead of walking with me."

Genichiro didn't even look at her when he spoke, "My answer hasn't changed, Iris-san, so there's no point in arguing."

Iris managed to glower at him but didn't say anything else, knowing that the matter was dropped. She asked something else instead, "How's your tennis practice? You ready for your tournament?"

"We'll be fine. There's still a lot of time to prepare but the result will be the same. Rikkaidai will win," he stated bluntly.

Iris could feel her eyebrows raise, "That's quite a confident answer indeed."

Genichiro gave her a long stare and answered, "There are no doubts that we will lose."

Iris smirked, "Ohhh…"

Genichiro gave her another glance before looking forward, "The volleyball tournament is also coming soon. Is your team prepared for it?"

"We're training hard for it. I've learned a lot for someone who knows so little about the sport and the coach said I'm getting better. I doubt I'll get to play this coming match though but that's okay. I know I still need to improve," Iris shrugged.

Genichiro nodded, "Grandfather is also asking if you're free tomorrow night for dinner."

Iris snorted at what he said, "I'm fairly sure he didn't ask, Genichiro-senpai. That's just you trying to filter the demands he's always making but yeah, I'll be there. It's a Saturday tomorrow but we're going to have a practice the whole day but I'll be there after."

"I'll also have my tennis practice tomorrow. We could go home together," he paused, thinking for a minute before adding, "And bring another set of clothes with you."

"Umm, why?"

"Just bring one," Genichiro uttered.

"And if I won't?"

Genichiro gave her a flat look that made her laugh.

"Alright, if you say so, senpai."

Genichiro nodded in satisfaction at her answer.

They didn't talk after that, but the silence wasn't uncomfortable. They walked until they reached Genichiro's house.

"Are you sure you don't want me to walk you home?" Genichiro asked one more time.

Iris rolled her eyes at his stubbornness and mimicked his answer, "My answer hasn't changed, Genichiro-senpai, so there's no point in arguing."

Genichiro frowned at her, "Well, then. I'll see you tomorrow."

Iris smiled at him and answered, "See you tomorrow, Genichiro-senpai!"

But Genichiro didn't open their gate and instead drew nearer towards her and gave her a pat in the head. Iris looked up at him and scowled, her heart skipping a beat at the gesture, "What are you doing, senpai? You should get inside or else your Grandfather will come out and then I can't go home early."

"Maybe I should drag you in with me," Genichiro thought out load, surprising himself as well as the girl as he continued to pat her head.

Iris held his arm and dropped it. She sniffed and replied haughtily, "I'd rather not. I'm going to spend a lot of time in here tomorrow anyway."

Genichiro smirked subtly at her, "Fine. I'll go in now. Be careful on your way home. Send me a message when you arrive."

Iris rolled her eyes again, "Yes, I will. I'll be off then! Bye!" She gave a wave and then darted off towards her apartment.

Genichiro stayed and continued to look out for her until she turned to a street and he couldn't see her anymore.

He looked at his hand, thinking about how soft her hair was and shook his head. He turned to open their gate and went through, not forgetting to lock it and treaded the small distance to the door. He opened it, left his shoes in the foyer and greeted, "I'm home!"

Iris surely was becoming a constant figure in their life.

Done! Tell me what you think!