DISCLAIMER: - I do not own Slam Dunk.

Friends

There he goes again… showing off his talent. I don't mind that, I admit he is good. But that does mean that all of them have to go grovel at his feet like some kind of slave to a maharaja. Oh well he got the looks and talent. Me? I am just an outsider, I person who does belong here. I belong to the rough and violent world of the back street. Even my ex-crush Haruko too, acting all lovesick at him. It is a wonder why he never took attention at any of them. Sigh, I just wish that someone would take notice of me. Not because of my red hair nor because of my bragging attitude but as me. I think I will just go to the rooftop to relax and ponder on my 'problem'

Sakuragi Hanamichi slowly made his way to the rooftop. He pretty much ignored the worried calls of his teammates and Ayako too.

At the rooftop, he stood at the railings, taking in all the scenery of the place. The slowly setting sun, the flock of birds slowing flying back to their own nest, each with their someone to share their nest with. Again, with a sigh, he stood back and sat down at the wall, with his knees up and his head nestled between them. Why am I feeling like this? So depressed. God have to get out of this confusion. Why am I feeling so LONELY?

"Ano. Umm are you alright?" A small timid voice called out. Hanamichi pulls up his neck with a shock.

"Oh… if you are looking for Mr. Rukawa Kaede, he is down there in the gym showing off his talent." He said with mockery.

"No!" Hanamichi's eyebrow shot up. "I mean no I wasn't looking for Mr. Rukawa Kaede. I was looking for you." She said shyly.

"ME?" Hanamichi's eyebrow rose even more.

"Yes. I was just worried about you. You do not look like yourself just now." She timidly admitted.

"So… why are you here again?" Hanamichi asked again. He was surprised that she admitted that she is worried about him.

She blushed even more. "Umm, I just want to be your friend, can I?"

Hanamichi's eye lit up, "Sure, but please tell me your name."

"Hinata."

"Hinata" He repeated, the he raise his hand to Hinata and said "Friends."

"Friends" Hinata replied.

They stayed this way for a while.

Hinata smiled and asked "Hanamichi-san are you hungry?"

"Am I ever?"

"This bento, I made it just for you. I hope you like it." Hinata said while handing the bento she made to Hanamichi.

"Itadakimatsu!" Hanamichi started eating or rather stuffing the food into his mouth.

Hinata smiled happily. Her crush is now her friend. One-step at a time. Finally after all these months of trying to make him notice her. She succeeded.

"Look!" Hanamichi said while pointing to the sunset. "Isn't it beautiful? I always wanted to watch the sunset with a companion. I guess my wish was fulfilled." Hanamichi looked at Hinata and smiled.

"Wah! It is so beautiful." Hinata praised.

"Yes, and you are too." Hanamichi said. He was looking at her with … love.  He is no longer lonely. No longer lonely.

"Merry Christmas" Hinata said with a serene smile.

"Merry Christmas"

Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast. It is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, and it is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.

A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.

For memory has painted this perfect day; with colors that never fade; and we find at the end of a perfect day; the souls of the friends we have made.

FIN

I admit this is not a very good job by me… but I can't help it, I don't have so much idea right now. I tried to put into words about how magical the situation supposed to be, but I failed.