At Kanagawa's train station, four pairs of eyes are watching their friend cautiously. The Sakuragi gundan are around the self-proclaim genius in basketball who has not spoken any word since they left the redhead's house. Yohei even tried bringing up Rukawa's name in one of their conversation, saying that even though Hanamichi's rehabilitation is over doesn't mean he can beat Rukawa in basketball. The gundan was bracing themselves for the inevitable head butt but none came. Sakuragi just continued walking as if not hearing them.
The ride to Shohoku high is also uneventful. The four of them are chatting animatedly but Sakuragi is slumped on the seat. What worries the gundan more is that Sakuragi, of all people, is reading their Physics book! He is perusing it seriously, eyebrows furrow in concentration. Every now and then, Sakuragi will highlight some text and make little notes on the side.
"This is serious," Okusu whispers to his friends.
"This is scary, man!" Noma exclaims.
The gundan looks at Sakuragi who is still immersed in the book. The gundan shivers involuntarily at the image Sakuragi is projecting. All four imagined a grown-up Sakuragi, with thick eyeglasses and wearing a labcoat. The thought make them all green in disgust.
Sakuragi just keep on reading, unaware that his four friends are already planning to call a witch doctor to purge him of any evil spirits that are lurking in his soul.
Finally, the train stops and the five quietly alight from the train. Walking towards their school, the gundan is about 6 steps behind Sakuragi, secretly plotting on how to cure their red-headed friend. They are so busy they haven't noticed that Sakuragi stop right in front of the school gate and turn around to face them.
The gundan obviously bumps into Sakuragi. They all look up to find the redhead darkly staring at them. In a split second, all four are flat on the ground, red lumps protruding on their foreheads.
"What do you mean I can't beat Rukawa!" says Sakuragi indignantly as he turns on his heels and enters the campus in a huff.
Twitching and foreheads hurting, the four smile inspite of the pain. "Well, at least he talked to us," Takamiya says weakly, still reeling from the pain of Sakuragi's powerful skull.
"We found a spinal fracture in your latest x-ray."
"Is it bad? Can I…you know…?"
"In terms of going back to your regular schedule, you have nothing to worry about. Your rehabilitation program is successful. We have strengthened the muscles in the area where you got injured. It's just that..."
"…And that's good, right? I can go back to basketball, now?"
"Mr. Sakuragi…the fracture is repairable. There are good doctors in the country who can do invasive surgery on your spine and fix it."
"Wa – wait. I don't under – "
"It's a very small hairline fracture. You can actually function normally without surgery. But since you're a basketball player, it's a prerogative that you should undergo this treatment."
"But you said I'm okay?"
"Sports related injury can be…unstable; back injuries, more so. Intensive sports such as basketball tend to overwork the major muscle groups in the body. I'm afraid that if you just go back to your training without fixing that fracture…"
"My life as a basketball player is over…right?"
"…Yes. And it could be worse."
"How much?"
"It's expensive. The surgery alone could cost a few thousand dollars. Of course, you have to go to rehabilitation again. It's not going to be cheap, Mr. Sakuragi but it's the option you have to take if you want to go back to playing basketball."
"We don't have that kind of money."
"..."
"My basketball days are over, huh?"
"I'm sorry."
"Sakuragi."
Sakuragi looks up from his desk and finds his teacher looking down at him. He notices that there is paper thrusted in front of him. It is his test paper and from the smile given to him by his teacher, Sakuragi knows he pass their test. Again. For the third time.
He hears his teacher softly congratulating him for a job well done again before distributing the papers to the rest of his class. Sakuragi tucks away his test paper haphazardly on his bag and looks out the window. From where he is seated, Sakuragi could see the basketball gym. He looks at it wistfully, knowing that he would not be able to play basketball anymore. Tracing the word 'tensai' he carved on his desk last year, he wonders whether that still applies to him. Because right now, that word mocks him.
The bell rings signaling the end of the class. Sakuragi gathers his bag and prepares to walk out of the room when his teacher calls his attention.
"Sakuragi!"
"Yes, Yamato-sensei?"
"Congratulations on passing the test again. Not as high as the first two but still! A B is more than acceptable!"
Sakuragi cackles loudly, which scares the teacher a bit. "Because I'm a genius!"
Yamato-sensei chuckles at his student's antics. "Yes, well, your first year teachers don't think so."
Sakuragi face-faults; his face becoming redder by the minute. He gives a weak laugh because his teacher knows his marvelous academic history.
"Come now! There's no need to be shy! I think it's marvelous that you're picking up with your studies," Yamato beams proudly at Sakuragi's academic 180 degrees. "I hope you can continue this streak, Sakuragi. The Winter Interhigh Tournament is around the corner. Everyone expects that Shohoku will enter it," Yamato hints.
At this point, the mirth in Sakuragi's face disappears. Yamato worries whether he said something wrong, noting how fast Sakuragi became crestfallen. But even before he can apologize, Sakuragi smiles brightly at him.
"Don't worry! I'll tell them, Yamato-sensei!"
Then, Sakuragi excuses himself and says that he needs to go to his next class. Yamato watches as Sakuragi hastily went out of the room as if stung. He senses that something is not right with the boy but he shrugs it off. "Probably, pre-game jitters."
But Sakuragi did not go to his next class. Or the one after that. For two whole hours, he stayed at the school's rooftop, eyeing the gym intently. Thinking that he was still smarting from their little joke earlier, the gundan left him alone with his thoughts. Sakuragi's always LOUD. It's rather hard to miss someone with flaming red hair and shrill voice. So when Sakuragi turns quiet, the gundan knows better than to mess with their friend.
Sakuragi hears the clock strikes four. He stands up from his position and thinks, "It's time." Dusting himself, he walks towards the metal railing and looks over it. From his vantage point, he can see some basketball members already approaching the gym. Mostly first years who got inspired after their miraculous stint in the Summer Interhigh. Was he that carefree too? The wind carries their faint laughter and he cannot help but be irritated a bit.
His hand moves down on his pocket and clenches a piece of paper there. That paper would end everything he worked hard for. After he gives that, it would be final. No more basketball.
Something wet hits his cheek. And another. The raindrops turn into a steady downpour. Sakuragi laughs bitterly at the cruel joke heaven played on him. "Rain, huh? Fucking metaphorical."
Gathering his bag and with one last glance at the gym, Sakuragi slowly walks out of the rooftop to finally bid adieu to his life.
"Hey, when do you suppose Sakuragi will be back?"
Ryota's question is met by an impassive shrug. Rukawa continues with his footwork exercise, eyes focus on nothing in particular. Ryota seethes with anger. "Damn. So unfriendly," he mutters as he continues to supervise the team's practice.
It has been one month since the school term starts and two weeks since the basketball team starts practicing for the upcoming Winter IH. Although no one admits it, the team lacks dynamic without Sakuragi. The fiery red head brings spirit to the team and practice is always boring without him.
Mitsui, who is listening on the semi-conversation, answers for Rukawa. "Tch. Back injury's dangerous. We don't want to force him and do something he'll regret."
"You mean, like what you did to us?" Ryota smirks.
"Shut up, shortie! No one asks for your opinion!" Mitsui shots back, blushing because the current captain hits a sore spot. Laughter rings inside the gym and practice commences without further arguments.
A few minutes before Coach Anzai formally dismisses the team, the door of the gym suddenly opens. Sakuragi walks in the room, his wet clothes clinging to his body, his hair falling on his face. The whole gym falls silent as they wait for Sakuragi's next move. Even Ryota can't find the energy to berate Sakuragi.
Feeling everyone's eyes on him, Sakuragi bows respectfully towards the slack jawed team. "Sorry, sorry," he apologizes, "I just have to give Coach Anzai something."
With that, Sakuragi strides towards their coach. The team parts to give way to Sakuragi and a few of them whisper among themselves at Sakuragi's strange behavior. Ayako catches Haruko eyes and quirks her eyebrow asking the other girl a silent question. Haruko feebly shooks her head and shrugs her shoulder. She too is lost.
The team watches as Sakuragi hands a piece of paper to their coach. They see their Coach reading the paper and looking up sharply at Sakuragi. Bowing down once more, Sakuragi gesticulates animatedly to explain something to their Coach. He scratches the back of his nape and hangs his head almost in regret. Coach Anzai puts his hand on Sakuragi's shoulder and smiles sadly at the young man. The team can't hear what the two are saying.
"You'll tell them, won't you?" Sakuragi pleads. "Old man…"
Anzai feels a pain in his heart as he gazes at Sakuragi's forlorn expression. He squeezes the young man's shoulder. "Sakuragi-kun, it was a privilege."
The two face the questioning looks of the whole team. Sakuragi gives them a small grin before bowing once again and walking out the door, all eyes following him. He does not want to wait when the old man announces his resignation from the basketball team. Before he shuts the door, he hears Coach Anzai clearing his throat and gathering the team.
Outside in the rain once more, Sakuragi finally allows himself to shed tears. A small sob racks his body which dissolves into an amused chuckle. It's dark already but he's not going home any time soon because he just left it.
"I wonder if the rooftop's occupied…"
Sakuragi do not know how long he stayed in the rooftop. A janitor was doing some last check-up and noticed him there slump against the railings. He was kicked out of the place because the building had to be locked up.
"Kids these days. Why aren't you home early? You're parents must be – hey! You! You're Sakuragi, right?"
"…yeah."
"Oi! I watched you play in the Interhigh! On TV, mind you. Tickets were astronomical!"
"I bet."
"Oi, oi, oi! That was a good game against Sannoh. Too bad, we didn't win against Aiwa but it was still impressive. Especially you!"
"I, uhm...thanks."
"How's the back?"
"Ok…"
"Good, good. Win us the Winter IH, ok? Sakuragi? Good luck!"
Remembering the janitor's expectant face, Sakuragi is reminded again of what he lost. "Idiot," he says to no one in particular. "Tensai, you better get home now."
Before he reaches the school gate, Sakuragi sees the gym once again. Looking around to see whether there are still people around, he approaches the door gingerly and pushes it open. No one seems to be inside though the lights are on. The janitor usually's the one who turns off all the lights in this place so it never surprises Sakuragi.
Walking around inside the gym, Sakuragi believes he can hear the sound of the ball dribbling on the wooden floor. He fixes his eyes on one corner and smirks. That's where he practiced his basics months ago. What he would give to practice those things he hated! To feel Ayako's fan on his head and even to hear Rukawa's irritating voice; he would do anything to play basketball once more. "It's not fair," Sakuragi whispers.
Sakuragi leans on the wall and slids down on the floor. Cradling his head on his palms, he never notices a figure approaching him.
"Do'aho."
Sakuragi lifts his head up and meets Rukawa's impassive face. He doesn't have the energy to engage in verbal sparring with this man. Avoiding Rukawa's gaze, Sakuragi demands, "What do you want?"
Getting no answer from his ex-team mate, Sakuragi repeats the question with more force this time. "What do you want?"
But Rukawa still won't answer him. "Fine. I might just be interrupting your practice." Sakuragi brushes past Rukawa to leave but he stops on his track.
"I'm sorry."
"For what?" Sakuragi asks.
"I just am."
Sakuragi snorts derisively and faces Rukawa. Eyes blazing, Sakuragi opens his mouth to unleash hell on the other man but promptly closes it again.
"Forgot what you're supposed to say to me?" Rukawa taunts.
"No," Sakuragi says quietly.
"No?"
"I don't have anything to say, kitsune."
He brushes his hair back in frustration. He wants to be angry at Rukawa because the latter can still play while he… Sakuragi sighs. He holds out his hand to Rukawa. "Good luck. You'll need it."
After what seems like a few minutes, Sakuragi is forced to withdraw his hand. Rukawa does not offer his hand in return to his good gesture. "Have a good life then," Sakuragi growls in annoyance. He has not taken more than two steps when he hears Rukawa's voice.
"Wait."
Sakuragi turns around to face Rukawa.
Suddenly, he is pushed towards the wall, Rukawa's arms stretch out on both sides of his head. He is cornered.
"What the hell? Rukawa, what are you – "
Suddenly, soft lips captured his own. Sakuragi's eyes widen as he realizes what is happening. Rukawa, his sworn rival and enemy, is kissing him fervently! Mustering enough strength, Sakuragi pushes Rukawa away from him.
He wants to hurt Rukawa. He wants to break the guy in half. He wants to make him bleed for what he had done. Rukawa seems to be expecting it. The guy has a surprised look on his face, too. It's like as if he couldn't believe that he just initiated that kiss.
"I –" Rukawa stammers, avoiding his gaze.
"Shut up. I will kill you." Sakuragi threatens. Fist clench, his nails are digging deep into his palms. They are both looking at each other. One with a lost look in his eyes; the other, completely murderous.
Their eyes meet.
Years later, Sakuragi will wonder why instead of killing Rukawa as he promised, he did otherwise.
Chests heaving, the two bridge the distance between them swiftly and their lips meet again in a hungry kiss. Teeths clanging against each other, their tongues intertwining inside their mouths, the resentment they have for each other burns into an unsatiable desire. They stop to catch air, lips swollen from the torrid kiss. Gazing into each other eyes again, they see questions burning there. But no hesitations.
Sakuragi initiates the contact this time. Softly, he kisses Rukawa and the latter responds. They are both inexperienced in this area but their passion is guiding them. They end up inside the locker room, groping each other eagerly on the way there. They bump harshly on lockers and benches but both don't care. They are already lost in their world. Articles of clothing are almost torn off their bodies to feel each other's nakedness immediately. A bite there, a sensuous touch here, both men are enraptured in a blissful rhapsody. They do not call out each other's name when they reach ecstasy but merely collapse together.
There are no cuddlings afterward; neither do light, reassuring kisses are given. The two lie side by side quietly. They know something bigger than sex had happened. It scares both of them. A mistake has been made. The universal order has been destroyed. Sakuragi feels a heaviness weighing down on his heart. He can hear Rukawa's sharp intake of breath; he feels Rukawa's body heat radiating towards his. To his horror, a carnal excitement is rising within him.
Without looking back, Sakuragi swiftly puts on his clothes and moves out of the room. He pauses momentarily at the locker room's door.
"Sakuragi…"
Frightened by what is hidden in Rukawa's voice, Sakuragi runs out of the gym, leaving Rukawa still heaving and naked on the floor.
When he's sure Sakuragi's gone, Rukawa looks down on his body. He sees a red bruise forming on his left shoulder. Teeth marks. Evidence of their passion – no, lust.
Rukawa hits his head repeatedly on the cool, tiled floor.
