But looking at those bright, expectant, sparkling eyes of Yuri Sakazaki's, Cloud found himself unable to refuse.
"Um... Yuri," Cloud struggled to find the right words, "you see, my hands aren't really working right now, so... how about you just leave it there and I'll drink it later?"
"No worries! I'll feed you!" Yuri's enthusiasm was impossible to resist.
She scooped up a spoonful of the mysterious purple liquid and brought it toward Cloud's mouth.
"Wait—!" Cloud nearly leaped off the bed in panic. In his desperation, inspiration struck.
"What I mean is, I don't want you to tire yourself out! Look at you—so pretty and capable, and here you are personally cooking and taking care of a wounded guy like me. I feel terrible about it!"
"A sweet, kind girl like you should be treated like a princess, not serving tea and soup!"
A textbook-perfect "compliment combo," honed through years of modern social practice, was instantly deployed.
Yuri was momentarily stunned by this sudden barrage of flattery. Then her pretty face flushed crimson, like a ripe apple.
Growing up, she'd been surrounded by nothing but her training-obsessed brother, dojo disciples who only knew how to say "Good morning, Miss," and Robert, who only knew how to send roses.
When had she ever heard such direct, refreshingly sincere praise?
"Th-that's not true..." She ducked her head shyly, fidgeting with the hem of her gi, mumbling, "You... you really have a way with words."
[Target "Yuri Sakazaki" affection change: +20 → +35 (This guy isn't just tough—he's got a sweet tongue too~)]
Progress!
Cloud's heart leaped with joy. He pressed the advantage: "I'm not just being smooth—I'm telling the truth. Honestly, the moment I saw you, it felt like the whole room lit up."
"You know, South Town's sky is always so gray and gloomy. But when you smile, I swear I can see a rainbow."
Cheesy? Absolutely.
Corny? Without question.
But here's the thing—this was 1994!
People in this era were so much more innocent. They'd never been exposed to lines this saccharine.
Against a pure-hearted, starry-eyed girl like Yuri Sakazaki? The effect was... devastating.
Yuri's cheeks had gone so red they were practically steaming.
She hastily set aside that bowl of "biochemical warfare" and pressed her fingers together nervously, too flustered to even look at Cloud anymore.
Seeing this, Cloud knew he'd pushed far enough. He smoothly changed the subject and started telling her about the world outside.
He wove together bits and pieces he'd heard into vivid, colorful stories.
From Broadway musicals to the Wall Street Bull, from Hollywood movie stars to Chinatown lion dances—Yuri's eyes sparkled with wonder at every tale.
She'd been strictly supervised by her father Takuma Sakazaki and her brother Ryo her entire life.
Her world had basically been two points on a line: home and the dojo. She was endlessly curious about everything beyond those walls.
Cloud's stories opened a door to a whole new world for her.
"Wow! There's so much amazing stuff out there!" Yuri listened with rapt attention, chin propped on her hands, face full of longing.
"I want to see it all so badly! But Dad and my brother always say it's too dangerous outside. They won't let me go anywhere alone."
"Danger definitely exists, but so does excitement," Cloud said gently.
"Life should be about going wherever you want, seeing different places, experiencing new things, meeting new people. Staying in one place forever isn't living—it's... prison."
"Yes! Exactly! It's like prison!" Yuri slapped her thigh excitedly, having found a kindred spirit. "I've always wanted to say that! You totally get me!"
The two of them hit it off immediately, chatting about everything from poetry to philosophy (mostly Cloud making things up as he went).
Yuri giggled constantly, her bell-like laughter filling the recovery room.
But this warm and slightly flirtatious atmosphere was shattered by an ill-timed sound and a sudden drop in temperature.
"Ahem! Ahem!"
A warning cough echoed from the doorway.
Cloud and Yuri turned simultaneously. Ryo Sakazaki stood there like a guardian deity, his face dark as a thundercloud, completely blocking the entrance.
He held a bowl of normal-looking medicine, but his eyes... they looked at Cloud the way one might look at a pig trying to get at their precious cabbage.
His "Sister Protection Radar" had been blaring ever since he heard his sister's unusually happy laughter!
"Yuri!" Ryo's voice was low and commanding, full of unquestionable authority.
"Have you finished your homework? Afternoon physical training starts soon."
"Bro~" Yuri stuck out her tongue at her brother and stood up reluctantly. "I was just taking care of the patient."
"I'll handle it from here." Ryo strode in and set the medicine bowl down on the table with a heavy thunk.
Then he casually positioned himself between Cloud and Yuri, using his imposing frame to block their line of sight.
"You. Training. Now." He addressed his sister.
"Fine..." Yuri was reluctant to leave, but she didn't dare disobey her brother's orders. She waved to Cloud over her shoulder as she walked away.
"Cloud, get some rest! I'll come visit you after training!"
With that, she scampered out like a little rabbit.
The room now held only Cloud and Ryo.
The temperature plummeted to absolute zero.
Ryo slowly turned, looking down at Cloud from his full height.
Those eyes were sharp as blades, full of scrutiny and warning.
"Kid." He spoke slowly. "I admit you've got guts. You're a decent fighter. But I'm warning you—stay away from my sister."
Cloud: "..."
Bro, that mood swing was WAY too fast. Weren't we just friends a minute ago? Was that friendship made of plastic?