Chapter Three – "Alright, maybe he's efficient…is that a big deal? "
Joanne frowns as she looked at the huge crowd composing mostly of girls who is blocking her way to the entrance of the library.
Her frown deepens even more as she enters and find a certain guy who is sitting on one of the library's sitting area… sleeping!!! In front of him are ten or more so books, newspapers and magazines.
She hurriedly went there, smiles as an idea flows into her mind before she lifts a few books weighting at least three pounces and slam it hard on the wooden desk.
The guy who is sitting limply on the chair fell on the concert floor then quickly stood, looking from left to right – his legs and hands are spread apart as if his blocking someone.
Joanne suppress a giggle, holds her mouth – trying hard not to burst into laughter.
' Gees, he looked like an idiot standing there – tangled hair, body rigid with tension and a wide shock is pasted on his face! ' she thinks merrily before saying:
" Oh, I'm sorry! " she said innocently " I never meant to frighten you. I just didn't know your resting! I thought libraries are suppose to be a place where you can research and read silently… not to sleep peacefully " she added. Amusement was on her brown eyes.
Its was after a few moments before the guy understood. Without saying anything he retrieve his chair then slowly sits.
" I never imagine to see you here, Mr. Rukawa. As I gathered there's a basketball practice today at the schools gym " she said without looking then recklessly flip a few pages of the book she slam then stop.
Understanding Basketball. Read a front page of the book. She quickly turn her gazes towards the guy then back to the other things at the desk.
Famous Sports. History of Basketball. On-the-hard Court. Things to remember while playing Basketball. All about Basketball. Referee's action and decision while playing Basketball. A Basketball's Coach Point of View. Why most guy likes playing Basketball. Ect…ect… ect…
Joanne stares at the guy, asking.
" That's all I could find there " he said pointing out the direction towards the bookshelves where the books are located. " If your still not contented on the information brought by these, we could visit the national library. "
' We? Me and Him? Both of them at the national library? '
Joanne was dazed!! Is she dreaming or she's into some kind of illusion? Wait! Maybe this is the effect of drinking to much coffee. Caffeine sure is bad on once health. It makes you feel dizzy and…
She looked again at him then averted her gaze.
You might hear and saw something – she blinked hard, massages her temple then took a few deep breaths.
" Are you okay? " the guy asked.
" Yeah, yeah! " she said hurriedly.
" I have read all these references and have take some notes on the important details. I was waiting for you to have your opinion on these when I fell asleep. I want your reaction to these. " he continue handling her a sheets of papers written back to back.
She examines the papers written on a very neatly printed style. Kaede Rukawa's hand written. If Teresa and Lea where here – she's sure that they'll treasure these sheets of papers as if it where a precious diamond!
" Okay, so where should we start to – "
" No wait! " she said, stopping his hands that was about to open a certain book.
Rukawa stares at her hand before looking back at her. Joanne quickly averted her gazed.
" You have a practice right? "she asked while slowly lifted her gaze.
He nod, continue on looking at her waiting for her next words.
" Why don't you go right ahead. I think I can handle this research now." She said
" And don't think that I'm letting you out of this project… but you see you had already done your part, now it's time for me to do my part. The only thing for you to do is to wait for my opinion on this information you've given me but I cannot do that if I haven't read all of this. So while I read along you in the other hand can join you're practice. " she continue
" I'll inform you when will our next research will take place. Not in a public place that's for sure. I can't properly make a reaction when there's to many audience! " she announce loudly, eyed the people who had been staring at them since she slam those books.
Rukawa look around, caught almost everyone's eyes that turn their gazes away from them.
Three and a half hour passed as Joanne stops writing, strengthen her legs and arms then starts to compare her notes to those of Rukawa's. She then grin slowly while reading.
' That guy has some brains after all! And it looks like we have the same way of researching idea! '
" Finish? " said a voice from behind.
Joanne automatically turn before frowning.
" What are you doing here? I told you – "
" The practice end early than it's usual time. Are you done with these? " he continue while pointing to the books. When she didn't answer, he starts to pick books and other stuff then went to where the shelves are located, arrange it to its proper places.
It only took him about ten minutes before he return and sit in front of her. The wooden desk are in between them.
" What exactly are you trying to prove by that? " she asked irritated by the way he just done.
" Let me get this straight, Rukawa. I am more than capable of returning those references without your help! So don't you ever do that thing again, do you understand? When I want your help, I'll asked for it! "
' What is wrong with you? He only tries to help you out and you're the one who has the nerve to get angry! ' said a voice from inside her head.
' It's his fault! Acting as if he knows everything, sides I can return those things easily! I'm not a disabled person or a fragile thing that cant lift a few pounce of books! ' she reason out to herself.
' Liar!!! that's not the real reason why you're so irritated. You just cant accept that the guy you like insulting and degrading has some potential too. '
" That's not true! " she said loudly
Rukawa's eye brow lift upward. Joanne read the unspoken question in his eyes.
" Saturday afternoon at my place. That's where we could continue on this research " she said hurriedly, ignoring his unspoken question then quickly went out of their school's library.
A/N: To all of you who is complaining about my paragraphs on the first two chapter of this story…IM VERY SORRY! You see I'm still trying to learn html language and can't easily change those chapters, so please be patient with my story. And oh by the way I'm planning to create another story of Rukawa. Hope you'll wait for it!!!