Interhigh games has gone over and a year has passed. Shohoku moved on from their lost and are ready to put some sizzling actions back in the court. But I'm not going to take on that. But the slight problem that was going on…

"OK, TEAM ASSEMBLE!" Ryota gave off orders being the new captain ball. And the players started counting up while Haruko, as the new team manager, checks on the attendance.

"One's missing…its Sakuragi." – She was looking rather upset or guilty.

"Damn…he's been missing practice for a week now. If he wants to quit why don't he just say so." Ryota clenches his fist up angry.

The team then looked much disappointed. But Rukawa was different. He was pissed and he was even looking at Haruko saying to himself how really pathetic that Ahou is.

The day gone by and they finished practicing for the day. Rukawa who was just about to change was called up by the coach.

They talked outside the gym while the others tried to listen through their conversation. But it was no good. They only saw Rukawa made a livid face. They were thinking he was getting scolded but he can't be.

-

On the night of the weekend. Rukawa's lying on his bed staring blankly at the ceiling. He closed his eyes and pictured Coach Anzai saying to him, "Just try. It's a favor from me."

He quickly opened his eyes and sits up. For a moment he was still thinking. He then raised a deep sigh and broke her thoughts. Stand up, grabbed his sweater and head out whispering, "I guess I could give it a shot."

It was a cold night. But Rukawa was footing near to a house with no lights. He figured no one's home or maybe already asleep. "I knew it. It's a waste of time coming here."

He was about to move back when he heard some men talking up the street.

"Hey, isn't that Rukawa standing there beside your house, Hanamichi?" Mito exclaimed pointing at Kaede. The other guys then were curious that they chorused, "Hey, you're right it's him but what's he doing here?" However, Hanamichi was furious and snob Kaede.

Hanamichi walked passed through him almost bumping shoulders. Rukawa was fuming but he kept his cool. Before Hanamichi could go on he said, "I want to talk to you!"

Sakuragi stopped. Mito then said to him they're off, pulling the other three guys who tried to struggle wanting to butt-in. But Mito told them that it might be a good idea to leave them. And they left the two in a cold atmosphere in literal and not-literal means.

Hanamichi wanted to walk out from Rukawa but he noticed the cold. It would be a waste if he wouldn't try to get along with Rukawa. At least, he already waited. And they walk together not talking to each other until they got into the school's gym.

"Hey! Why are we here?! Oi! Rukawa!"

"Isn't it obvious? I'm going to ask you play with me one on one."

"That's it! I'm going home!"

Rukawa threw a ball at him hitting him in the head. "You're just scared to loose. That's why you're pretending you don't want to."

"WHO DO YOU THINK YOU'RE TALKING TO? FINE! LET'S PLAY!"

He took off his shirt and carried the ball in front of Kaede, who was pulling his sleeves up. And at any second he began dribbling the ball and Rukawa made a post.

-

It's passed the clock.

huff…huff…huff you'll hear them. They were really tired and sweat drips all over their faces. Sakuragi jumps off trying to dunk the ball but Rukawa prevented him from doing so. Sakuragi knelt down the floor seemingly all beaten. Kaede on the other hand was standing right in front wiping his face with his shirt.

"I thought you've gotten better but I was wrong, you've gotten worst. Ahou! Getting frustrated over a girl! What now! You'll leave the team just like what Mitsui did?!! You shouldn't have played it on the first place."

"SHUT UP! You don't know what it's like!"

"I really don't know but who cares?!! At least, I'm not a dope getting discouraged. Because I'm doing fine! As I thought, it's no sense talking to you. It's a shame Coach Anzai have hopes for you."

In a minute they gotten quiet until Rukawa exclaimed, "Why don't you try to get better for a change and become number one." Sakuragi's eyes-widened ostensibly looking like he recalled something.

Rukawa then left the gym leaving him with another Frustration.

hao dee hai dee hoe! ehehehe... hoped you guys like it!

i'll put the next chapter, so stay tuned! thanks!

bye-bye... (' - ' )