I don't own Slam Dunk. Well, obviously. Hope you'll like this. Please review. Thanks a lot.

Note:

Italicized words = Rukawa's thoughts

Kaede's Diary

Prologue: the Diary

After a tough practice that afternoon, Rukawa cycled hurriedly to his house, longing to let his body touch those soft mattresses of his bed. His pink bicycle, which is contrasting to his manly features, was creaking with the lack of lubricant and as a remedy, he just drowned the annoying sound by putting a pair of earphones on his ears. As usual, his eyes were dropping, yet trying to half-open it for the sake of the people crossing his way.

Where am I? *Blink, Blink*

Oh, I'm in front of the house. *Blink, Blink*

No, more blocks to go… *CDMAN's Battery is low - toooooot*

Why do this have to happen to me? *Breathe heavily*

At last… home… sleep… *YAWN*

"Tah-dah-rih-mah" yawn again. There was a sound of loud footsteps on the wooden stairs. Then there came a girl with the same raven-hair as his, though longer, and sharp eyes, wearing a pair of sports pants.

"Oi, Uncle told me you didn't drop by to his new store."

"I don't care."

*BOOM* "What 'you don't care'?" Rukawa's sister shook her fist in front of him and then sighed after seeing his sleepy state. She just grabbed his sleeve and dragged him to the door. "No excuses, bro. I'd have to drag you there. He really wants to see you."

"I don't want to see him."

She waved her finger at him playfully. "You have no choice, idiot!"

Rukawa had to oblige to his sister's orders, for obviously, she was hotheaded. He had to resist fighting with her until they've reached the store and bear every painstaking moment. After looking like an absolute shit while being dragged like a dog, they reached the store after walking four blocks.

He stood properly, back slouched and stared at the store dully. The name of the store hung in a metal plate, seemingly out of place on the powder blue painting on the wall and the big glass window with some 60's theme paintings. The glass door was left open, and a sign 'OPEN' was there, and it was utterly stupid, for the door was agape to welcome everybody. Rukawa sighed audibly in amusement plus disgust, and for that, he prized a pinch on the side.

"Okay, you piehead, behave…" she grasped him on the elbow and led him inside. Cabinets of books lined the store, and there were actually people browsing, some of them from Shohoku High.

"Oh, Kaede-san! Nice to see you again!" Their uncle, who was a middle-aged man messed Rukawa's hair, treating him like a child. "You're still quiet! What can you say?"

"Do'aho," Rukawa muttered inaudibly, yet his great sister heard it and gave him another deep pinch. "Itai," he said monotonously.

"Uncle, he just woke up from sleep and really felt bad, so he's like that. Forgive him… he's always a child!" their Uncle laughed gaily, while Rukawa was feeling stupid by the minute. After a while he decided to split from the two demented relatives.

"I'll browse," Rukawa said simply and went to the 'confidential' section. He wasn't really interested on the appliances, but he just pretended to look enthusiastic, for he felt his Uncle's eyes on him. Not looking, he picked a small hardbound notebook. It was so light yet when he looked at it, it was thick. It was labeled 'Diary' in red gothic letters on the black hardbound cover.

"Do you like it? It's limited, actually." His Uncle called out.

So what if it's limited? Aho… The customers turned to look at the commotion, and once seeing the fox-face, they blushed in admiration (of course the girls only). Nevertheless, Rukawa nodded in reply and that sent his Uncle smiling radiantly. His uncle went by his side, and whispered to him in a friendly voice, "It's yours then. Take it."

"Arigato," was all Rukawa can say. He tried took back his yawn and went to his sister. "I'll go home now."

"Haaaay… Fine, go home. I'll stay here for some hours. Ja mata ne." his sister sighed in frustration.

A bunch of girls crowded the entrance/exit door, giggling and muttering at the same time. When Rukawa reached the door, he muttered, "Move out of my way." They giggled at the same time, hurting Kaede's 'sensitive' ears. He yawned widely and proceeded to his house. Then, he remembered he just got something out of that store. Looking at the hardbound notebook, he decided that it will be quite useful for him, if he is in the mood.

Yet for now…

YAWN.

I've got to sleep…

TBC.