CHAPTER 4- MEETING KD
Rukawa flopped down his body on his bed, burying his face on his pillow. It was already 5pm when he reached his home. He opened his eyes slowly and took in the quiet surrounding of his own house. The good thing is that- he lives alone. He's been living alone since he was ten; his parent's works overseas and they seldom go home. They either just send him lump sum amount of money for everyday needs, tuition, and monthly fees. Although Rukawa has a grandmother who lives in the same town as he; he would visit her once or twice a month just to see if she's doing fine. But looks like, he won't be seeing her for now because of his current situation. He momentarily closed his eyes and remembered what had happen a while back. He was able to do it. He was able to tell Sendoh everything. It was such a feat to actually get a person he barely knew to believe and listen to him, lest, help him even. 'Sendoh's a weird guy.' He inwardly mused. 'But he's nice.' Rukawa added in his thoughts- remembering how he has been generously taken into the household, prepared food for, and… he sighed. 'Ugh, I'm even wearing his clothes.' He almost winced at the thought. He flopped on his back and stared at the ceiling. After telling the older guy everything, he even offered him a ride home but Rukawa knew better than to further impose. He declined the offer and told him that he's just going to ride the bike home. It is still a bit far but he's persistent, and so Sendoh was left no choice but to go straight to where he's supposed to go.
Flashback
Sendoh wordlessly looked at the empty court as a soft wind blew by. After hearing the whole thing- he was speechless. Truth is, it was an unbelievable plot to bluff but the way Rukawa narrated the events- seems like he wasn't really joking at all. And he almost felt sorry for his younger rival from a distant school. "That is the coolest story, I've ever heard." He stated and smiled. Rukawa glared, not liking his statement obviously. Sendoh chuckled softly. "Kidding, it is scary." Sendoh then shrugged. He ran a hand on his hair and sighed once more- he instinctively looked at his watch and clacked his tongue. Truth is, he doesn't know what he will do if that happens to him. 'In any way, I don't think I look good as a girl either- unlike him. Sheesh.' "So what do you plan on doing now?" Sendoh asks. Rukawa shrugged. "Find her." Sendoh prodded further. "But where? And how?" Rukawa puffed out a sigh sending a few of his fringes flying up. "Anywhere." Sendoh shook his head. "I don't think that's gonna work. I mean, surely she must have told you something…" A pause. Sendoh continued. "You know… something you need to do or perhaps, accomplished in order for you to revert back?" Sendoh somehow managed to think of these thoughts despite being shaken by Rukawa's plot as well. And as if on instinct, Rukawa suddenly remembered her voice before it disappeared out of nowhere- that eerie and annoying voice…
"Zaahhh-you can ran, but you can never hide, you and your selfish ways, enjoy the ride. Now it's your turn to know what it feels like to be one of them…Zaaahhhahah! I doubt if you can find someone who will like you despite your ethereal looks, unless you do, you will remain as a girl zzzaaahhahaha…"
'Find someone who will like me…? But where? How? And… who will like me anyway?' Rukawa seemed to have spaced out for a few sec. He wanted to ask Sendoh- the words have been confusing him because the only thing he wanted now was to find her and make her undo this curse. 'She might just be lurking around.' Rukawa believed that he will still be meeting her soon… 'And once I get to see granny, I'll make you pay and with interest!' He gritted his teeth in annoyance and went bug eyed. Rukawa opened his mouth to speak- but decided not to speak further. He looked at his right to see Sendoh staring back at him- an obvious space between them. "You need to go." Rukawa stated in his monotone and girly voice. Sendoh nodded softly. "Yeah, I supposed I should already…" Sendoh stood up slowly and was about to turn when he stopped. "Hey look, I'm about to go to Shohoku district anyway…" Rukawa looked up. Sendoh smiled. "There's a new mall there- it's pretty big and we just want to check it out. I could give you a ride." Silence. Rukawa shook his head. "Heard of it…" He too, stood up and went to pick up his bike. "Thanks but, I'll be cycling home." Sendoh remained unmoving- his eyes only following the lithe form of Rukawa. "Are you sure? I mean, it's really okay." Rukawa shook his head and started to hop on top of his bike, suddenly noticing his bike to be a bit higher than before because of his current height- but he was still able to balance perfectly. Rukawa stepped on the pedal slowly as if trying to test the bike- he wobbled a bit because of the weight adjustment he had to find for a few sec and in no time, he was able to cycle around the court in ease. Sendoh looked as she continued to slowly cycle around him. "Go on, I'll be fine." Rukawa muttered softly. Sendoh nodded- but his eyes tells him otherwise somehow. "Okay, I'll be going now- it's good to see you again…"
Rukawa kept silent as he pedalled slowly within the court- he seems to be contemplating deeply. Sendoh cannot blame him- the situation is truly something unearthly and he could only wonder as to how strong Rukawa seemed to be for not almost looking like it bothered him. Sendoh looked at her for one last time before deciding to exit the court. He approached his car and pressed on the keys- the locks gave way. Sendoh stepped inside and started the engine when a tap on his window ensued. He opened the window and saw Rukawa outside on top of his bike- peering beneath his fringes. Sendoh took note of her cerulean irises once more and how blue they really were against her pale skin, her pinkish lips, and her jet black hair. Akira almost felt something weird like… staring at someone ethereal or what. But he kept his impending thoughts at bay.
"Changed your mind?" He smiled. Rukawa shook his head. "Thanks for listening and…" Rukawa muttered softly. Sendoh softly snorted and put his hands on the wheel. "It's nothing… and yes, I won't tell on anyone." The Ryonan Ace continued. Rukawa sighed softly and nodded his farewell. He started pedalling on the other side of the road when Sendoh called him from the window.
"Hey, go straight home and- you need a change of clothes, like skirts and dresses." He grinned. Rukawa simply looked back and rolled his eyes. "Idiot." And Sendoh can only managed to laugh softly. The two parted ways.
End of Flashback
"Care to explain why you made us wait for one hour full?" Koshino berated as he banged on the door a tad bit loudly in front. From behind, Uekusa and Hikoichi simply sat back in silence. Hikoichi greeted him exuberantly despite him being late, while Koshino simply scowled his face. "Hey watch the door, Kosh!" Sendoh reminded him and clacked his tongue. But Koshino remained annoyed. "Yeah right, I thought we've grown roots and leaves and bore fruits on that spot! Its 530 pm already Sendoh and I've been standing there since 430!" From behind, Hikoichi managed to butt in. "I don't mind Sendoh-san!" He smiled and Uekusa simply nodded as well. From the rear mirror, Sendoh simply grinned back and chuckled. "Shut up, Hikoichi- well, I mind, okay!" Hikoichi shuddered and shut his trap instantly.
"Alright, I'm sorry- I got stuck somewhere. Well, we're all here now- what time is the movie?" Sendoh tried to cut off the impending sermon. Hikoichi looked at his phone and stated cheerily. "Next time is 630 pm! We still have one hour left."
"That's great, we could eat early dinner first or stroll around, and so which is better?" Uekusa suggested. Sendoh simply shrugged as his eyes were glued on the road. "You guys choose, anything is fine by me." Koshino snorted and crossed his arms on his chest. "I suggest we eat first, since I'm famished already." Everybody seemed to agree with their hot-headed teammate- the next few minutes were spent in a regular chat but mostly between Hikoichi aand Uekusa from the back. Koshino looked at his left to sneek a peak at Sendoh. He feels that something's way off.
"Oi, what are you thinking?" Koshino prodded. The car halted to a stop and as Sendoh stepped on the brakes, he sighed. He then turned to ask Hikoichi. "Hey Hikoichi, remember our practice game with Shohoku three months ago?" Hikoichi nodded. "Oh yes, I do, senpai, what about it?" Sendoh smiled. "Do you have any info with regards to Rukawa Kaede?" Koshino gaped and Uekusa too, was a bit surprised. Hikoichi grinned and rummaged into his bag to get his trusty notebook and pen. "Like what?! What for?" Koshino seemed unsure. Why would Sendoh want an info- it's the first time their Ace sought after Hikochi's nosy skills. "You mean that freshman brat who guarded you?" Koshino exclaimed. Sendoh nodded. "She's not a brat, Kosh." Kosh and the others tilted their heads. Sendoh paused and inwardly banged his head on the wall. 'Shit!' "I mean, he's not a brat!" Sendoh sighed and almost thought he gave out a tiny information somewhere.
"Oh really, how'd you know? Are you friends with him?" Koshino squinted his eyes. "Because to me, he looks pretty conceited."
'Pretty, but not conceited.' Sendoh almost gasps at his own train of thoughts. "No we're not but… I plan to make friends with him." Sendoh grinned. From behind Hikoichi laughed and scribbled something. "Sugoi, that's wonderful Sendoh-san, we really have to make our friends close, and our enemies closer!" Uekusa simply laughed softly. Sendoh rolled his eyes. 'Ugh, that's not what I intend, anyway.' Koshino twitched his lips. "So, have you gone nuts? Like why would you want to befriend him? He seems the unfriendly type…" The traffic light signalled green and Sendoh simply chuckled softly as he put down on the handbrake and stepped on the gas. "Nothing… I just want to befriend him." Sendoh smiled. Koshino rolled his eyes. "Yeah right, as if he knew of your existence." Sendoh laughed as he made a left turn and that is where they all saw the big shopping mall. And by the looks of it, there are lots of cars waiting in queue to the parking area, Sendoh decided to follow suit. "He knows me, Kosh. I assure you." Koshino went bug-eyed. "I'm Sendoh of Ryonan, am I not?" And Sendoh could only grin knowingly.
"Why, is there a Sendoh of Shohoku, senpai?" Hikoichi dumbly asks. Sighs of deject followed suit as the three could only shook their heads exasperatedly.
They walked in along the big and wide mall- it was a Friday night and the four boys decided to have their tickets first before deciding to eat dinner at a ramen restaurant. "I'll mail you the info later, senpai!" Hikoichi said. Sendoh nodded as he munch in on his tempura. He suddenly wonders as to what she is doing now. He took note of the time and saw 615 PM. The four guys ate while constantly talking about the most mundane things there is, with Koshino reminding them of the time if they want to have a good start on the movie.
Rukawa lazily slouched on his bed as he absent-mindedly looked at the TV screen. It was past six pm already and truth is, he suddenly feels bored. For the first time, he feels bored. And he doesn't even want to play basketball. He honestly wanted to go out and find the old lady that did this to him- upon arriving, he rested for a bit and started searching on the internet for all the possible information he could find. It's a bid dreadful because he started searching Google using the words talisman, black magic, curse, evil spirits, witches, deity- etc. His head throbbed as he endlessly read on each of them but not being able to find one single clue. He clacked his tongue in disgust and shut his laptop off. He is once again slouching on his bed- head against the wall- eyes looking blank. And once again, the voice of the old lady rung into him and that is where it hit him. "Get someone to like me." He stated softly. He sweat drop. "Like a date?" He slumped his head in forlorn and scratched his itching hair. He looked at his long locks and stared back at the mirror that is across his bed. There, he saw a pale, tall, slender, and… well, good-looking fifteen year old girl. "You are not me." He stated coldly, his eyes peering beneath his long fringes. Rukawa suddenly decided to stand up and decided to get out of the house as he suddenly remembered something Sendoh told him awhile back. 'Cut my fringes.' He inwardly mused. Rukawa hopped off the bed and opened his closet- he rummaged into his stacks of shoeboxes and opened a few of them in hopes of finding that one pair of Chucks that's a tad bit smaller in size compared to his other basketball shoes. He saw his pair of sneakers in red and wore them, still a bit big but it fits much better than his own basketball shoes. He stomped his feet on the floor as if checking his shoes and closed his closet. He fished for his wallet, house keys, and celphone that's been lying on top of the table and headed out.
'I need to go to the barber shop.' And Rukawa trotted his blissful way into the streets of Shohoku district at 630 in the evening. The soft lights of lampposts illuminated the side streets of Shohoku district as Rukawa walked nonchalantly and with almost no care. It was the district that has rows and rows of random boutique shops, food stalls, and various electronic arcades and confectionary shops. As he seemingly walked, he remained oblivious to a few constant stares being thrown at him. Rukawa did not paid any attention as he heard a few catcalls from some random guys at the side. He clenched his fist, almost readying himself for a head on fist fight if ever they decide to try something funny, but it seems that his or rather her height for a 'girl' is also not something to be reckoned with as she stands a good 180 cm. Rukawa turned left at the sight of that familiar red, blue, and white, barber pole that keeps twirling around as if dizzying his blue orbs. He decided to enter the shop, unminding the surprise stares of the men inside it. He sat down- more like, flopped down comfortably on one chair and waited. The guys inside looked as if it's their first time seeing a tall, pale, long-haired, slim, and good-looking specie of Eve. A fat and bald-looking guys approached her with a frown, he seems to be the owner of the shop. Rukawa took note of the approach and tilted his head to one side- eyes obviously being obscured by his fringes. He pointed at his bangs and slightly pouted. The next statement earned him a few chuckles from the usual patrons. "Cut. Fringes. Just above the brows. Trim the back." He muttered softly- blaming his vocal chords that has turned probably a pitch higher than his usual monotone voice. He missed his own voice. The owner shook his head. "You've got to be kidding me, miss. This aint a salon. We don't do girls here. You may leave now." He rather said a bit calmly but sternly as if trying to impose authority. Rukawa frowned. 'What the heck? I just wanted my fringes cut.' He pointed at his fringes again. "What salon? It's just a cut. No need for salon." He insisted. But the owner simply swung his chair to his surprised! Rukawa grabbed the arms of the chair but the old man was keen on making him leave. He was pushed out of the barber shop! Rukawa dusted himself up and frowned. He glared at the old man inside the shop as he flipped the 'open' signage to "close". Rukawa clacked his tongue and scratched his hair in disgust and annoyance. There are no more barber shops and salons in the area- the mall is his last chance. He gritted his teeth in annoyance and jogged to where the new mall is. 'I hate this body, alright!'
It was 635 pm already and Sendoh and his teammates were already jogging their merry way to the movie house. "I told you guys to hurry!" Koshino snapped. "But it's just passed five minutes!" Hikoichi muttered. Koshino stills scowled as the strutted the mall with big steps with a few people looking at them- more like at one particular, good-looking, tall, and spiky-haired player who has that disarming smile that sends a few girls giggling at the sides. Sendoh snorted and shook his head as he wordlessly looked ahead to his rushing teammates. A few minutes more and they're already inside the dim-lit cinema. "Uh, guys, why is it so dark here?" Hikoichi muttered as they strut with careful steps upstairs. Koshino growled. Uekusa chuckled. "If you want light, you could go outside and wait for us, you dimwit." Koshino berated and Sendoh could only chuckle in response. "Sheesh, quit it guys, lets hover on the vacant seats already." And in a few more sec, four boys can be found sitting quietly as the movie started rolling. "Who's John Wick again?" Koshino gritted his teeth upon hearing Hikoichi muttered again. "It's your uncle from Osaka, Hikoichi." Sendoh butted in softly, then he snickered. Uekusa and Koshino paused- then laughed. Hikoichi scratched his head. "But my uncle's name is Taro-san, Sendoh-senpai." All three laughed some more and halted to a stop when popcorns from the back started flying in at them. "Quiet you tall bastards!" All four sank deeper into their seats as they snickered softly.
Rukawa entered the fab mall and sauntered his eyes all over the place. It was big indeed, there are lots of people milling around and looks like the mall is not going to be closing anytime soon. The escalators looked grand as well as the high-rise ceiling. The air-conditioning system sends chill to everyone and the scent of newly furnished floors, walls, carpets, and shops greeted everyone in such a manner. He walked and let his eyes wander for a bit. He almost felt hunger seeping into him as the aroma of bread, coffee, and other viands crept their way into his nostrils. Rukawa felt his stomach growl- he pouted. 'I'm hungry.' He softly muttered. He walked with slow steps and saw almost an endless line of designer boutique shops and random stalls in the middle. He occasionally stopped to peer into some shops and had some weird gazes thrown at him every time he would attempt to try on something quite the opposite of what he is as of the moment. He found himself entering a random shop- Topshop to be exact. One random salesman greeted him and bowed. Rukawa ignored him and walked randomly amidst the different styles and colours that has been draped stylishly on tables. "Irashai, good evening Miss, looking something for him perhaps?" The young man greeted- but he paused as he was made to look at the tall and stunning lady. He felt himself flush. 'So pretty…' Rukawa felt his brows knotted and looked down at the guy that's been looking at him rather weirdly and with almost heart-shaped eyes. "For me." He stated calmly. "Eh?" The salesman scratched his head and chuckled softly. "Well, we do have smaller sizes of men's clothes, would you like to try on them?" The guy shook his head inwardly and sighed. 'And here I thought she's the girly type, looks like she isn't. What a waste!' And he showed her a few shirts that are rather small and would fit him in his state. Rukawa scrutinizing-ly eyed the shirt and sweat drop when he saw the tag price. 'Naani?!Just a freaking plain shirt and it costs around 5000¥!' He went bug eyed and immediately dropped the red shirt. "5000¥? For a freaking red, plain shirt? Are you kidding me?" He rather said in his monotone voice. The guy gulped but blushed as well. "B-but, this is a designer brand, miss. Surely your boyfriend would love to-?!" But he was cut. "-For me. I want a shirt, for me." Rukawa muttered. 'What boyfriend? I am a guy!' The guy tried to stop him but Rukawa hurried out of the shop. Looks like someone pretty is quite a haggler too, alright. Rukawa wordlessly strutted his feet to where it would lead him and after twenty minutes more of walking and not seemingly able to know what is it that he truly wants, stopped to a random bench nearby to seat back and rest. He sighed almost dejectedly and crossed his long and lean legs, earning a few onlookers from around- he didn't mind them a bit. He puffed out some air sending his fringes flying up and that is where his blue orbs widened. In front of him and in big, bold, letters, the words Tokyo Cut International Salon- For Him & Her stood proudly. Rukawa stood up and walked liked a soldier towards the premiere salon. 'At lasssstt!' He inwardly screamed. Screamed? It doesn't seem liked him, but he did screamed… albeit, inwardly. He pushed the door open to the delightful faces of guys, girls… and gays.
"Hello~ Welcome, pretty!"
"Come inside, sweet chick!"
"Wow, what would you like to be done? Some curls? Colours? Harharhar…" They all seem friendly and cheerful as they endlessly laughed feigning timidly in their approach. Rukawa walked at the counter and instantly someone caressed her long tresses- he was made to look and almost glared. "I loooveed your locks girl, they're soft, black, and natural… a little colour would make you looked more…" A pause. Then she smiled. "Stunningly attractive!" They all agreed and cheered. "Yeah, that would be more perfect!"
"Let's make her blonde!"
"No, auburn, make her auburn!"
"Chestnut is hot girl, its summer!"
"Let's get you a Brazilian blowout! It'll make your hair shine more!"
Cheers erupted. Obviously, the gays and girls thought it was a superb idea.
Rukawa felt like throwing up- he partly opened his lips but no words came up. He felt like his temples have been throbbing with the nonstop chatters and laughter from around him. He wanted to get out and dumped the idea already of wanting to get his fringes cut. He hated the fact that there are about five people inside talking simultaneously and all amounting in about probably 200 words per minute! He inwardly groaned at his thought and gritted his teeth. He shook his head and was ready to leave when a loud voice halted him. He turned and saw apparently a very blond lady in her mid-forties. She is obviously voluptuous in shape and has that no-nonsense look in her sharp eyes. She is wearing a dark-rimmed glasses that speaks of 'bitch' and a very red lipstick marring her thin lips. Rukawa stared- more like, glared. Just then, the lady laughed- hands on her hips which send the rest laughing as well. Rukawa sweat drop. 'What the heck is this place, again?'
"I am the manager of this salon, and the way I see it, you want to look glam." She paused and looked at her from head to foot. Rukawa snorted. "I want to look like a man- and be a man." Silence- then they all laughed. Rukawa sweat drop. 'What's wrong with wanting to be me anyway?' She grinned. "You are a very pretty lady indeed but it seems like you don't know how to use your 'appeal' to attract men! Harharhar!" She laughed as if a laughing witch. Rukawa frowned, obviously getting annoyed as minutes ticked by. 'What the heck, I don't need to attract men!' Then he paused; suddenly remembering what the old hag told him yesterday. He almost gasps. 'Wait a minute, I guess I do need to attract men?!' Rukawa seemed a lot more confused now, he absent-mindedly scratched his head and using his slight un-decisiveness, he just found himself being pushed onto a chair and with quick and swift motion, the sound of snips and snaps coming from expert hands of one gay worked its way to cut his stubborn and long fringes. Rukawa almost held on the armchair for dear life as little by little, his eyes were finally being revealed. He gulped involuntarily- a few more snips at the back and voila! In ten minutes, Rukawa was left dumbfounded to stare at the mirror and saw a girl staring back at him in utmost surprise. There he saw her image- his very own, blue fox-eyed irises, his usual devilish brows, his thick set of eyelashes, his pale, pale, skin, and slightly pinkish lips. Rukawa felt his chest race. 'Am I… really this… good-looking?' He paused in his thoughts and went bug-eyed. He puked. 'Ugh, stop saying these disgusting words, Rukawa Kaede.' Silence. Rukawa's eyes widened as five people loomed in behind her back. More silence. Rukawa can feel his chase racing. 'Uh, what now?'
"Suuutteekkiii!" And they all screamed in his back. Rukawa fell off the chair. Clearly, he wasn't expecting that scream right behind his ears! The manager laughed as if she has done something wonderful indeed. She cackled her deep and bitchy laugh as she spun around her salon. "Beautiful! You are now ready to face the world of men and have women envying you to the core, all thanks to our super class salon! Harharhar!" Everyone nodded and seemed to agree. Rukawa could only sweatdrop. 'Bunch of weirdos.' Rukawa stood up from the seat and was about to go to the counter when he was pulled back by the hair! He glared to see who has the nerve to do that and seeing that it was the gay who trimmed his fringes, he readied his fist to give him a knuckle punch- but Rukawa's eyes widened as the gay just fished out a small ribbon from his pocket and in no time, he felt his hair being pulled up in a ponytail! "Taadaa~ lovely, lovely you!" He grinned, eyes gleaming as he clasps his hands together. Rukawa stared back at the mirror- he was now more stunned to see himself looking a tad bit better than he was before; the trim really did him well as he was now able to see better and his long locks were stylishly ponytailed from the back. Still, one thing remained despite her looks- he needs to find the old lady and make her pay! Rukawa curtly nodded and fished out for a thousand yen before getting out of the salon. Upon stepping out, he has already garnered a few good onlookers who catcalled him. One guy seemed too confident as he approached him.
"Hey there beauty, looking great, can I get your mail?" He grinned- trying to look cool. Rukawa simply snorted and turned away. "Move, doahou." He spoke rather harshly. The guy was a bit stunned by the cold attitude as he instantly found himself giving her way. 'Yikes, and I thought she looked sweet!' For twenty minutes more, Rukawa walked and walked inside the mall with no particular place in mind- determined to finally take a good walk home, he momentarily looked at the time on his phone and saw that it was 830 PM already. 'I'm hungry.' He dejectedly thought like a kid. He frowned, realizing that it took him more than an hour or so, just to have his fringes cut. He was about to go down the escalator when a wide banner caught his eye. OPENING SALE 50% ON ALL ITEMS! Well, looks like someone is a fan of discounts as well alright, and Rukawa instinctively found his feet strutting towards the mall's department store. Somehow, he found his lips tugging slightly upwards. 'Boxers and briefs… here I come~!' He inwardly chanted to himself.
830 PM. The movie ended and Sendoh and friends were now getting out of the movie house. "Wow, that was some movie, I liked it!" Hikoichi chattered. Uekusa nodded. "Yeah, me too." Koshino simply snorted and nodded as well- but he liked the movie too. He looked at Sendoh who was simply looking ahead as they walked. "Did you like the movie, Sendoh?" Sendoh looked at Koshino and nodded. "Yeah, it was good." He paused. "I liked his cars. It was wicked indeed." Then all three snickered. "Well, I like the dog he got at the end of the movie!" Hikoichi grinned. Uekusa simply chuckled. Koshino shrugged. "So, do we eat dinner here or, what?" He asks. Sendoh scanned his eyes around while shrugging. "You guys decide, anything goes for me." Koshino twitched his lips. "It's always the same for you, Sendoh- anything goes is your favourite agenda, anyway." Uekusa and Hikoichi simply chuckled. Sendoh rolled his eyes. "Yeah, but I was just saying the truth, Kosh." He grinned then shook his head. Just then, Sendoh heard his phone ringing- he fished for it in his pocket and answered nonchalantly without even bothering to look who called in- he felt his smile faltered a bit. "Yes?" He said cheerily.
"Aki~ra, it's me! Where are you? Can we meet up? Like, now?!" Sendoh's mouth opened- then closed again. 'Uh-oh.' He clacked his tongue. "I… well, I'm at a place- outside." He grinned. 'Damn.' Koshino squinted his eyes. "Oi, who's that?" Sendoh looked at him- eyes seeking for help or an excuse- anything. He mouthed 'it's her!' to which Koshino got and the smaller guard could only smirked and snickered in response. Sendoh rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Uh, Kate, yes… I'm outside." A pause. Sendoh nodded. "Yes… I'm not at home." A pause. "With friends…" A pause. Sendoh furrowed his brows and scratched his cheek. "I'm not sure…" He looked around and was now scratching his head. "Uh, mall- the new one… yes." Sendoh paused for a while, then his eyes widened. "NOW? Here? You are here as well?!" 'Damn it.' Just his luck to be known by this girl. Sendoh sighed. "No, we're scheduled to go out some more…" He removed the phone to his ears and looked at his teammates. "Right guys? We're going out tonight, right? Drink? Party? Booze?" Sendoh nodded. All three simply looked back at him as if he's gone nuts. Koshino then, laughed. "Oh we're going out? Thought we're done with the movie?!" Sendoh gritted his teeth in annoyance. "Akira, I'm about to go the movie house, you're there, right?" Kate said on the other line. Sendoh ran his fingers on top of his spikes and glared at Kosh who was laughing insanely. "No, I'm not here anymore…" Sendoh started walking someplace else, lest, Kate saw him. From his back, he heard the three called unto him to wait up but Sendoh walked at a faster pace, decided not to be meeting her for some unknown reasons. The girl is so clingy it suffocates him. 'Kate you are beautiful and nice but… it's just a no for me, why can't you understand that?' He inwardly stated.
Kate, 18 years of age, a senior from Ryonan High, cheerleader, and a socialite; meaning she is a person who has a reputation in upper class society for spending a significant amount of time participating in social activities such as parties, charity, fundraisers, and other fashionable events; as well as entertaining guests and being entertained by others of similar upper-class social standing. She's the 'it' girl from Ryonan High and as what she believes, the 'it' girl could only deserve the 'it' guy from his school- and that guy is no other than Sendoh Akira. Kate, with her pretty looks, hazel-nut irises and brown tresses, stands a good 175 cm against Sendoh's 190 cm. Many boys from their school tried to woo here but to no avail. Ever since Sendoh attended Ryonan high in his first year, Kate has eyed him in a way that no other girl comes close. 'He's mine and no one else!' Although being popular as well in school but not as extremely popular like Sendoh, Kate has her reputation of being a bit bitchy especially with most girls trying to surround themselves at her object of affection. Kate is very much able to do as she pleases (well, almost) because just so happens as well that she came from a very influential family- she has two brothers who works in the Japan Navy and just so happens as well that his father is a very successful businessman in Japan as well in New York. Her mother is a simple housewife who enjoys the luxury of living and Kate is simply the only girl in a brood of three that is why she is used to having all the attention by herself. And back on the scene, Kate can be scene tapping her foot impatiently as she knotted her fine brows while looking at the phone. She has called Sendoh Akira in hopes of meeting up with him and going on a date that night but ten minutes of talking to him, he hasn't called back. Kate decided to just find him in the mall. "Where could you be?" Kate instinctively got up from the nearby bench and was keen on heading out the department store. She hates department stores because just so happens as well that there's an ongoing sale of items that is why a lot of people have been standing and sorting on both sides. Kate finds it disgusting to be trying to squeeze in to these commoners. She frowned and tried to act as if in vain. "Ow, puhleezze, excuse me and get off the space!" A few onlookers stared at her irritably and ignored her. "This is a sale, lady!" Kate frowned. "Go get your own mall!" Kate clenched her fist as she tried to squeeze her way out. "Eww, excuse me- you're all gross! Eww!" But the people proved to be less considerate as they all rummaged here and there, and from left to right into the sale. Kate swore she would never go the malls again. 'I hate bloody commoner malls! Akira, where are you, save me!'
Rukawa's eyes roamed around when he saw how the people reacted at the sale. Clothes were being thrown around and the salesmen and women looks like they're being chased by humongous bulls. People were milling around and chattering about the discounts and there were constant waves from salesmen and women from different stalls, inviting them over to have a look at their items. Rukawa felt dizzy- he did not know where to possibly go. The queue to the counter lines looks like a ruckus too. He almost wanted to back out but upon seeing that brand and in 50% off, his eyes instinctively widened and Rukawa, found himself marching in the ruckus as well. 'Hurley dropped at fifty~!' He almost inwardly chant in a sing-song voice. Rukawa- using his height found himself on one specific stall with cabinets filled up with various shirts, logo shirts, staple shirts, underwear, undershirts, boxers, and the likes. He can feel his eyes blinking in anticipation as he wordlessly admire each boxes. Lucky for him, there are about a few people around- unlike the other shops that has been popping with so many people trying to get a hold of all the items. Rukawa placed himself on one cabinet- particularly the ones where the tanks are placed. He sorted each one on the hamper, eyes scrutinizing each item. He got one in particular, a black coloured dri-fit shores tank to be exact. He flipped over the price tag and saw that it dropped fifty. He gulped and looked around just in time to see a smiling and cheerful looking saleslady looking at him for the past few minutes. "Yes maam, may I help you?" Rukawa nodded. "New stock, for me?" The girl's smile faltered. "Er, for you? I'm afraid we don't have a smaller size of that one in particular… would you like to try the other designs?" She smiled. Rukawa frowned. 'Dammit.' He inwardly cursed. "Okay…" He was left with no choice and soon after, a few more colours and designs were presented at him- he was satisfied nonetheless and found himself getting two tanks in different designs. The lady cheerily exclaimed. "Aww, you're so sweet maam, I am very sure your boyfriend would love this-?!" But she was cut. Rukawa muttered. "No. For me. Mine. Doahou!" He muttered softly but a bit sternly as well. The girl gulped and bowed a few more times, she was dumb founded as to how she seemingly speak. "Uwaah, I'm so sorry maam, I didn't mean to-?!" Rukawa simply sighed. 'This look of mine is really getting in my nerves.' "Don't mention it." He uttered and decided to look for a shorter counter to queue on but finding none as of the moment, decided to further shop some more. 'I need those underwear, and fast!' He exclaimed- and frowned as he tried to squeeze in her way into the impending crowd.
Sendoh stopped on his tracks in front of the department store- he just received a message from Kate, asking to be saved! 'Saved from what?' He inwardly muttered. He clacked his tongue and scratched his head. Koshino patted him on the back and snickered. "Tsk tsk, the problem with having a foo-foo girlfriend is that you gotta be there when she needs you." Koshino grinned. Sendoh frowned. "What's a foo-foo?" Hikoichi raised his pointy finger up and dictated as if reciting a mantra. "A foo-foo girlfriend is also known as the high-maintenance girlfriend that has higher than normal expectations; has a greater requirement for affection or attention; has more needs and or demands and therefore more difficult or challenging!" Hikoichi paused. Sendoh seems to be waiting for more- only then Hikoichi decided to continue surprising Uekusa and Koshino as well. "A foo-foo girl doesn't equate to money or material possessions alone but may be needy in emotional attention and affection; picky, bratty, likes things her way, takes pride in her appearance, finicky. Usually very well put together and usually independent therefore requiring a lot out of a man to keep up with her!"
Hikoichi panted. "Ugghhh, that was tiring!" Koshino laughed. "Great going, Aida! Hahahah! I believed Sendoh understands that now, don't you, Sendoh?" Koshino prodded and saw Sendoh looking blankly ahead inside the department store. "Is there a sale?" All three sweatdropped. Hikoichi cried. "Senpai, I thought you're listening to me!" Sendoh smiled nonchalantly, "I was Hikoichi, I've heard everything and…" he paused. "I think you're right." Sendoh tapped on his phone and held it on his ears. The three boys simply shrugged and leaned at the railings that is near the escalator as they waited for Sendoh to meet up with the fiery Kate.
"You know Koshino-senpai, Sendoh-san is really nice, I don't think he likes her that way but he's still being nice." Hikoichi softly muttered. Koshino simply shrugged. "Well, that's Akira for you- he always tries to be the gentlest of all gentleman out there." Then he scowled. Truth is, Koshino also dislikes Kate's attitude with most of Sendoh's admirers in school, and she tends to be clingy and bratty all over. Plus the fact that some of the practices in Ryonan- she would try to interfere just to have that silly moment with their Ace. Even Coach Taoka is getting fed up most often than not, just so happens that Kate's family has also the connections inside the school and that they're also part of the stockholder's association. Sendoh is being nice, because he doesn't want to treat any lady in a way that would make them looked as if they've been hurt- but Koshino knows his friend more than ever, Sendoh too, is sometimes reaching his limit as well. 'You just don't show it.' Koshino inwardly muttered. "I guess this is the price to pay when you're good and you looked good." Uekusa stated. Both players looked at him surprisingly. It's rare to have Uekusa talked in that way. Koshino and Hikoichi nodded. Sendoh held the phone on his ears; just then, he was answered by a whining voice. He almost cringed at the sound. "I'm outside the department store already, Kate."
"Save me Akira, I'm inside this rowdy place~" Kate whined. Sendoh buried his palm on top of his face. "Save you from what? From whom?" he exclaimed rather tiringly. 'Aw, c'mon, Kate.' "Just come and get me here! I'm near counter 7!" Kate whined and pressed the button. Sendoh was dumbfounded as he absent-mindedly scratched his head. "She just hung up on me." Koshino scowled. "Well, it's time to leave then, let her be!" Koshino started to walk away followed by Uekusa and Hikoichi. "You guys go ahead, I'll look for her then." Sendoh almost hesitated but decided to hop inside the store as well. Koshino gaped. "What the-?! Akira you're nuts to be putting up with a foo-foo!" Hikoichi shook his head. "Uwwaahh, I wish senpai would find someone better!" Koshino bonked him on the head. "Sendoh has no time for girls, Hikoichi. He needs to concentrate- our team needs him!" Hikoichi pouted- then his eyes widened a bit as if remembering something. "Oh, I forgot, I need to send him about the information on Rukawa Kaede from Shohoku, I guess, I'll be off now Senpais!" Hikoichi started jogging to the exit leaving a bewildered Koshino and Uekusa. "Well, I guess we have to go home as well- besides, I don't think Sendoh would allow Kate to go home by herself, he'd drive him home for sure." Uekusa reasoned. Koshino gritted his teeth. "Well, that girl has her own car and driver- maybe she ought to call him up instead of letting Sendoh drive him home. Nuts!" But the two Ryonan players started walking towards the exit as well- with Koshino casting one last look at the department store, he scoffed off quietly. 'Sendoh Akira, I guess you better be looking for someone else instead!'
Rukawa now found himself on one stall where the boxers are- 'Large, large, extra-large, extra small, extra small, large, large, extra-extra-large…where the heck are the mediums?!' He was flipping some of the boxes to his discontentment when he decided to call it quits. He sighed dejectedly and was getting ready to get to the nearest counter- counter seven. He pouted as he heard his stomach growled yet again. 'I hate this day. I hate this life.' He felt his shoulder slump in forlorn and went on to queue at the back. Rukawa took a step forward when the lines started to move when he was made to look at his right and saw a girl- a somewhat good-looking girl as well, dressed in light blue chiffon blouse with frills and a pair of skinny jeans. She was carrying a designer tote bag and her hair is of colour-brown which falls freely up to her shoulders. She rather has a nice face but the next words he heard sent her off somewhere. "I hate you! What took you so long?! Like I have been waiting for hours! Why didn't you come to save me early?" Rukawa frowned. 'Save? This idiotic dimwit wanted to be saved from what?' Rukawa scoffed. "Save your ass…" He hissed rather a bit loudly- Kate seemingly heard that and she instinctively looked to where it came from. There, he saw a tall, pale, pony-tailed girl wearing a black shirt and s guy's short pants and some red sneakers. Kate frowned. 'Eww, lesbian?!' The line moved again and Rukawa took another step. The girl was getting a bit of attention because she was talking rather a bit loudly causing for some people to look by as the seemingly 'object' of her anger has finally arrived. Rukawa chose not to look behind him. 'Idiots. Bunch of them.'
"You didn't answer some of my calls!"
"I did answer- and I called you, alright." Sendoh reiterated. He was moving his hands as if trying to explain.
Rukawa frowned. 'Wait a fucking minute- why does it feel that I've heard that voice before?' The line moved again- Rukawa took another step but he can feel his chest race as he clutch his purchases tighter on one hand for the familiar voice talked back again. "I called and mailed you, anyway I was waiting for you outside- but I decided to just hop in…" Sendoh explained. Kate continued to frown and act as if she is indeed a damsel in distress. Sendoh opened his mouth to speak some more but no words came out. Kate whined. "Akira, you promised we'd have dinner tonight!" Sendoh coyly scratched his head. 'Promise? I don't remember myself saying anything! Sheesh.' "B-but Kate I…"
Did the girl just mentioned the name Akira? Rukawa's eyes widened. The line moved again and Rukawa took another step- he very much would like to turn his head already and see for himself when the counter shouted 'next' alerting him suddenly. He walked at the counter to the surprise of the cashier given her height. The cashier smiled cheerily at her but Rukawa ignored her of course. "That would be 2000¥ for both shirts." Rukawa tried to fish for money in his pockets and frowned when he fished out only 1500¥! He fished for the other pocket but wasn't able to get any! He felt his brows furrowed. 'Shit, I don't have any money left?!' Rukawa went bug eyed, he remembered about the salon! He almost wanted to bang his head on the counter. The cashier waited patiently, her smile never falteringly. And that is where Rukawa finally decided to turn his head to the right and he could only gasps in sheer surprise as the said voice belongs to no other than the person he's been with yesterday-that certain spiky-haired dude from Ryonan that seemed to be in a hot tub lately while trying to explain in front of a seemingly hot-headed and filthy rich chick. Rukawa did not know but he instinctively found himself walking towards the 'discussing' duo and stopped a good three steps away- still being oblivious to the two. Only then Rukawa found his voice to speak up- causing for one spiky-haired dude from Ryonan to look at his left and making his blue orbs wide as he… saw… her looking rather a bit more pleasant than before.
"S… Sendoh of Ryonan?" Rukawa started. Sendoh, equally dumfounded as well, found himself staring at a rather stunning pair of foxy-blue irises, jet black hair, pale-pale skin, and lithe frame of her- him, rather. "Ru-Rukawa-kun?!" He equally stated, making Kate looked at the two of them. She frowned. A good three minutes passed by- both players seemingly caught in a deadlock stare- one looking up, the other looking a bit down- luckily, it was Rukawa's turn to recover. He snorted. "What are you doing here?" He pouted a bit. Sendoh gulped. He was stunned, more like surprised. He never thought that his young rival actually looked this good up close. Sendoh almost felt his ears heat up. 'Wow, am I seeing you for the first time?' But he was able to get a hold of himself- he smiled to Rukawa's surprised. "H-hey, I should be the one asking you that." He paused then looked at her from head to foot. He smiled. "Did you just cut your fringes?" A grin. Rukawa frowned. "And tied up your hair?" Rukawa frowned some more. Sendoh charmingly smiled- sending a few girls around giggling. Rukawa snorted. 'Ch, what's the hype all about anyway?'
Obviously the three are causing a scene with one handsome guy seemingly caught in between two girls. They all seemed to be waiting for an impending catfight. Kate can feel his blood boiling as she clenched her fist into a ball. She was eyeing those two who suddenly seemed as if the world closed on in them and left everyone behind. She was specifically being mad at the equally stunning, tall, slender, pale, blue-eyed girl that she yet has to know. 'Who the heck is this bitch?!' She can feel her teeth grit in annoyance. Sendoh chuckled and took a good two steps forward making Rukawa gasps in surprise- it was way too close. He backed a bit, but Sendoh looked over his head then back at his fringes and the next action sent Kate mad as hell. Sendoh instinctively brushed Rukawa's fringes up to the bewilderment of the pale guy-making his ears burned as well. Sendoh grinned. "Looking good." 'Rukawa-kun, you looked nice alright. It suits you.' Sendoh inwardly added. He was simply taken aback- he never thought that the fiery pale kid could actually be a stunner. "Ch, quit it, doahou." Sendoh wasn't able to help but laughed at this. "It is you alright. Good seeing you here." Rukawa pouted and looked behind Sendoh to see an approaching and very furious girl with her fists clenched.
"Excuse me?! Someone needs to be introduced, perhaps?" Kate blabbered. A series of 'oohs' and 'ahhs' erupted from the crowd. Sendoh turned to face a furious-looking Kate versus a poker-faced Rukawa. Sendoh opened his mouth to say something then remembered suddenly about Rukawa's situation! 'Oh shit, I cannot spill anything.' He looked at the pale girl beside him for anything but found nothing on her equally pretty face.
"Uh, yes… this is Kate…" Sendoh paused, looked at Rukawa who looked from Sendoh to Kate. Kate raised a brow and smirked. "…she's from Ryonan, she's my friend and schoolmate." Sendoh said flatly and smiled. Kate frowned. "No we're not just schoolmates and you know it." Clearly, she wasn't expecting that kind of introduction from Sendoh. Sendoh sighed. "Kate, we're both from Ryonan right-?" Kate gritted her teeth in annoyance. "Yes but you could at least say that we're far from being just schoolmates! Akira, I don't get you!"
Rukawa's eyes moved from Kate to Sendoh- still keeping his poker face on. 'What the fuck is going on?' He inwardly mused. He felt his stomach growl. 'I am hungry.' Rukawa remained silent as the two seemed to be getting more and more heat up- but honestly, he could feel his lips tugging upward slightly. 'So, this is you when you're in a hot tub, Sendoh of Ryonan.' Rukawa inwardly stated. He could not believe that his rival from a distant school is dangling from a pinkie finger of one spoiled rich girl. Kate fumed. She was expecting a lot more specific than just being schoolmates. Sendoh sighed deeply and ran a hand onto his spiked hair. "But we are friends and schoolmates." Sendoh insisted back. The crowd drew in closer. Rukawa sweat drop and frowned. He's getting annoyed. 'Friends? Schoolmates? Doahou.' Kate clenched her fist into a ball. 'This bitch though!' She scornfully stared at the taller girl beside Sendoh who rather looks gorgeous as well but she would not admit it of course. She laughed. "Oh c'mon Akira, be a man, I know you could do better than that." And that probably did it for Sendoh- he has been very patient for the past year, he has been treating Kate to the extent that sometimes he's skipping practice just to give into her few tantrums and misbehaviours, but the Ryonan Ace could only take in so much as he wordlessly shook his head and softly clacked his tongue.
"I'm not just your friend, I'm your girlfriend!" Kate exclaimed. Everyone gasps. More 'oohs' and 'aahhs' erupted from around and some "I knew it!" erupted from behind. Sendoh's eyes widened. Kate smirked again. Rukawa dead-panned. 'Friends? Schoolmates? Girlfriend? Doahou.' Sendoh opened his mouth- no words came out. Rukawa looked at him, equally surprised- he raised a brow. Sendoh shook his head at Rukawa. "Aww c'mon?" Rukawa shrugged. "She's your friendly-schoolmate-girlfriend?" Sendoh rolled his eyes at Rukawa. 'Rukawa-kun, really.' Kate smirk. "Very much yes!"
"No we are not…!" A pause. "…boyfriend-girlfriend!" Sendoh suddenly blurted out- this time more guys and girls celebrated in glee! "Yatta, he's single!" The guys pumped their fist in the air. "Alright, she's not with him!" Rukawa went bug-eyed. He's officially irritated. 'Bunch of Ryonan retards.' Sendoh put his palm on top of his forehead and shook again his head. "Kate, please…" Kate bit her lip, feeling furious.
The crowd went wild as they clapped and hooted at the back. Kate turned beet red as she fumed even more. "What do you mean by I'm not your girlfriend?" 'Akira, you disappoint me!' Kate walked a good two steps forward, tiptoeing so to meet the expectant gaze of Sendoh- Sendoh, hovering backwards slightly as she neared him. Rukawa yawned and rubbed his eyes. He frowned. "Kate- please…" Sendoh sighed and placed both of his hands on top of her shoulders. "Akira, I cannot accept this. I would not accept this!" Rukawa yawned yet again with matching sounds and tiredly rubbed his eyes and blinked them twice. He twitched his lips and put his weight on one foot. He scratched his head. 'Ree~tttarrddss.'
"What is it that you won't accept again?" A dead-pan and irritated voice broke the ruckus. Silence. Both Sendoh and Kate turned their heads slowly to one side to see a poker-faced Rukawa staring back at them with almost half-lidded eyes. Sendoh sweat drop. 'Seriously? Oh brother.' Kate knotted her brows and gritted her teeth. "Who are you anyway? Why are you talking to him?" She pointed one finger accusingly to one stoic-looking girl with a sleepy look. Rukawa seemed to mumble some incoherent words and shrugged. Kate took a brave step forward and looked up at the much taller girl. "Who are you again, you sly-looking lesbian-freak?" She seethed. Rukawa looked down at her and… yawned. 'I am feeling hungry and sleepy. What a deadly combination.' He inwardly mused. "I asked you, bitch! Who the hell are you!?" The crowd 'ooohh' in unison. Sendoh fired a shock looked at Kate- clearly wasn't expecting Kate to bad-mouth Rukawa-kun; he instinctively looked at Rukawa who still has that blank expression at her equally lovely face. Sendoh tried to cut in. "Kate, stop this, we're in a public-?!" Kate glared at him. "Look, I don't care where we are, I am asking this bitch!" Sendoh frowned and tried to hold her on one arm. "Kate, this is getting nowhere, please mind your manne-?!"And was cut off to the surprise of one spiky-haired dude who looks like he's about to bang his head on the nearest wall.
"Call me a bitch again and I'll show you one, doahou." Silence. Then the crowd hooted and cheers of "owwww!" erupted. "Yeah! Go fight her, pale chick!" More cheers and claps erupted. Rukawa frowned – this time he's truly pissed. For the past twenty four hours, he has been experiencing all the oddities one could wished for. He met an old hag who angers him. He was cursed into a girl, he was 'adopted' by a rival from Ryonan in his own home, his clothes belong to this certain rival, he was fed by his rival, he has no choice but to confess and seek assistance from Sendoh, he has hated his girl-body since time immemorial, he has never liked his height now, he needed to cut his fringes in order to see, he has grown a pair of boobs, he lost his dick, he can't pee standing up- it trails down to his legs now, he needed now a bra, he's hungry, sleepy, and… totally broke now he can't even pay for two tanks on sale! A vein popped on his temple as Rukawa felt his fist shaking as it formed into a ball. Then this stupid and idiotic girl comes barging in his radar, calling him bitch, sly, and lesbian! 'I'm a GUY! You don't call me a LESBIAN! FUCK!' And this so-called handsome-looking Sendoh rival of his doesn't seem to know how to handle his uncontrollable freak of a schoolmate in front of a whole bunch of on-looking retards! 'Dammit Sendoh Akira of Ryonan, why can't you just shove her off?!'
A man of silence could only take too much and Rukawa for all that matters, wanted very much to end the chaos right now. He don't have the slightest clue as to how to, but the way to put a dot on the silly scene they all caused has to stopped somehow and NOW.
Kate gritted his teeth, flaming red in anger. "Show me then- bitch!" And that did it. Rukawa furrowed his brows and clenched his fist; he took a sidestep to his right to the surprise of one blue-eyed guy from Ryonan and wrapped his arms around a dumbfounded Sendoh Akira. Rukawa glared from behind Sendoh's shoulder, cerulean orbs glinting as he spoke in his trademarked cold, cold, voice. "He is mine. He likes me. He is my boyfriend, so leave." A gust of wind blew by. Silence ensued. Another gust of wind blew by even though they're inside the department store. One senior citizen happened to turn on an electric fan on sale and pressed the number three button- sending yet another gust of wind blowing by. More silence. The electric fan whirred and turned from left to right. The senior citizen smiled politely to the salesman and nodded. "I liked it, the air is cool and it is quiet, no unwanted sounds. I'll get it." The salesman smiled and bowed politely. "Thank you so much, sir. I'll settle this now." The senior citizen nodded. The electric fan whirred another round. A gust of wind blew by again. Sendoh for some unknown reasons felt a sweat trickled down his face. He could actually feel those pale and slender arms wrapped around his waist and a soft and lithe body frame behind him- a chin on top of his shoulder. For some unknown reason, he can't move and speak. Rukawa's words still reverberate into his ears- he gulped involuntarily. He is mine. He likes me. He is my boyfriend, so leave. The words he said were crystal clear. Sendoh couldn't have gotten it all wrong.
All he can see now is the angry glare of one lady in front of him as she grit her teeth and point accusingly at him-no, at them! Kate was shaking as she seethed and hissed in mixed emotions of anger, and shocked- much to the shocked of Sendoh as well! "Akira, why you… you two-timing bastard! How dare you do this to me?" Kate diverted her eyes to Rukawa's unflinching stare and fumed in disgust and anger. "I hateee you both! You'll both pay dearly!" Kate whined and she stomped her angry feet on the floor. Sendoh seemed to recover as he was able to break free from that almost warm hug from behind- approaching a tantrum-throwing Kate but the girl only tried to push him back. "Kate, you need to stop this-?!" Sendoh was taken aback when he was shoved away. "How long?!" Kate demanded. Sendoh was stupefied. 'How long?! Why, I don't certainly don't know how to answer that!' Sendoh helplessly looked at the bored-look of Rukawa and sweatdrop when the stoic rookie replied as if everything is true indeed. "Three months." The crowd laughed and cheered. Kate, sensing everything is going down, shook her head in sheer surprise and disgust and flared for the last time, sending in her almost final threat. "You'll get this, both of you! Akira and you bitch! Cheating bastards! I promise!" And she started running off the store while whining and shouting expletives. "The name's KD, bitch." Kate stopped dead on her tracks as she felt his blood run cold. She glared for the last time and hissed. 'KD… I'll remember that you freak.' Rukawa stared back defiantly, but he too, sweat dropped at his own statement. 'KD?! What the heck am I saying anyway? Where on Earth did I get that? Who's KD again? Ugh.'
Sendoh was stunned. He don't know what to say. 'W-wait, Rukawa-kun? Who's KD?' The crowd cheered and hooted as if they have just witnessed a j-drama series in its climatic scene. Soon, everyone started dispersing. Sendoh exasperatedly sighed and almost rolled his eyes. Rukawa frowned and took another step forward to grab a hold on Sendoh's left arm. Sendoh looked back, surprised at the sudden action. Rukawa pouted a bit. "Do you have an extra 500¥?" And smiled. Rukawa did not know why he did, but he felt like it.
Sendoh felt his chest race. For some unknown reason Sendoh was enthralled when the cursed guy smiled back at him sending his chest a few humdrums. "A what?" Sendoh suddenly found his lips tugging upward now- all the craziness and ruckus causing for him to feel stressed out as if he has just run ten laps on the field. 'Is he asking me for some money, what the-?!' Sendoh chuckled a bit. Rukawa shrugged. "500¥. I ran out short in cash." He flatly stated as he slightly fidgeted and stared down at his own sneakers- he could actually feel his ears burn. 'Dammit, Rukawa Kaede- you're a loser, alright.'
Sendoh looked for a moment- only then he chuckled causing for Rukawa to look up. Sendoh fished for his wallet and handed a five-hundred yen bill. He smiled. Rukawa looked for a while before reaching out to get the bill to which Sendoh playfully pulled back to the pale guy's surprised. Sendoh grinned. "Before I give you this, let me ask you something." Silence. And Sendoh found himself inhaling before trailing off. "That trick you pulled off a while back, you are playing around, right?" Was he really playing around? Rukawa kept his poker-face on; he shrugged. "Apparently, yes." He reiterated back. Sendoh nodded and pulled back again the bill to his amusement when Rukawa tried to get the money yet again. Rukawa frowned. "You do understood what you said a while ago?" A shrugged. "Sort of." Sendoh twitched his lips and sighed. "I mean, you do understand what that means?" Rukawa snorted and rolled his eyes to the amusement of a bewildered Sendoh. 'This is the first time I've seen someone rolling their eyes off and can still look beautiful.' Sendoh gasps at his own thoughts, clearly he wasn't expecting his own train of muses to sound so… appraisingly. Rukawa, tried to get the bill again from Sendoh but Sendoh was more alert; Rukawa frowned and stated in his soft but serious tone. "Look, Sendoh of Ryonan, I do get what you're trying to say and yes, I do understand what happened a while back." He paused. "You got yourself a nincompoop girl for a lover and turns out she's a high-maintenance, controlling freak that you can't pushed off." Sendoh shook his head. "She is not my lover, we are not together, Rukawa of Shohoku." He clarified. Rukawa knotted his brows. "Whatever. I just happened to have assisted you back there- and yes, once again, I am aware of what I said awhile back." Sendoh shook his head. "You don't know her, Kate is going to pull this one on you in particular. She won't let this off the hook, easy." Rukawa shrugged. "I don't care. I'm a guy, I could punch her and she'd die." Sendoh almost chuckled at this. The Shohoku rookie could not have been more right. Rukawa simply shrugged and smirked. Sendoh pursed his lips in a straight line, eyes widened a bit in surprised. Rukawa chose to continue, but looking down as if feeling all too shy suddenly. "Look, it's no big deal." He looked up- eyes meeting Sendoh's cobalt blue orbs. "I'm a guy too, in case you forgot. It won't affect me- or you for that matter." Rukawa shrugged. "You could still go out and date other girls while pretending to be with… me." Somehow, at the back of Rukawa's mind- he felt a cold chill run down his spine as he said all those things without halting. He just suddenly wished and pray that he won't be regretting anything-not one bit. 'There is only one main concern for me, I need to find the old lady and get me back.' He sternly decided to himself. Sendoh was silent- eyes looking blank as he tried to decipher the words and the situation he suddenly befell upon. 'He wants me to date other girls?' Sendoh sighed softly. Rukawa abruptly got the five-hundred bill from Sendoh's hand and wordlessly walked to the cashier who was on the counter- forlorn and tired. She perked up once Rukawa stood in front of her now with the missing amount on hand. She nodded and bowed. "H-haii! I'm still here maam!" Rukawa nodded and shrugged. "Yeah, took me long enough to find cash." And he jabbed his finger to his back, making the lady looked over to see a tall, spiky-haired dude looking at the girl in front of her. The cashier giggled and turned beet red. "Sugooii….so handsome, your boyfriend is sooo cool!" She squealed as she punched in the items-fingers ramming on the keyboard expertly. Rukawa felt his lips tugging slightly upwards as he nodded and almost cheerily exclaimed, making him feel alienate to his own self. "Yes, he is. You could date him, if you want!" The poor cashier turned beet red and puffed out steam. And as for Rukawa? He almost puked and cringed at his own choice of words. 'Seriously? Handsome?! Date?! Boyfriend? Sendoh Akira?!'
"You owe me 500¥." Sendoh exclaimed, then grinned. They are now heading out at the mall. Rukawa shrugged. "Yare yare, I know, I'll be paying you, ch." Sendoh laughed and shook his head. Rukawa stopped, making Sendoh stopped as well. The rookie was looking across a small dumpling shop across the mall- he felt his stomach growled. 'Ch, I am hungry, and I got no money left, plus, I owe this idiot 500.' He twitched his lips. 'Guess I just have to hurry back to my place and sleep.' Sendoh followed her gaze and chuckled softly. "Do you wanna grab a bite over there?" He grinned. Rukawa looked and pouted. "Nah, I'm heading home." Sendoh rolled his eyes. "Aww, c'mon, I know you're hungry." Rukawa knotted his brows. "How'd you know?" Sendoh occasionally put an arm around Rukawa's shoulder surprising the raven-haired, making her ears burned. "I am your boyfriend after all, am I not?" He grinned. "Therefore, I should know." Rukawa felt himself flushed; he didn't know why. And so two tall persons found themselves in a situation neither of them expected- but somehow finding themselves hoping against hope that they would not regret making a decision as crazy as this one. And as they crossed the street, "I'll be eating a lot of dumplings, I am so hungry." Rukawa stated in his bored voice. Sendoh laughed at the statement. "Hahah, sure-sure order anything you want." He then paused, "Wait, what name you called yourself again?" Rukawa shrugged. "KD." Sendoh scratched his head. "Where'd you get that?" "Billboard." Sendoh laughed. "Billboard? Hahahaha, you've got to be kidding me!"
Rukawa smirked. "Am not. KD Pest-Control." Sendoh paused, scratched his head and knotted his brows, "KD Pest-Control?" A sweat drop. He looked at the small, lithe frame, "So what does K and D stands for?" A pause, then Rukawa looked up meeting the gaze of the Ryonan Ace and in his serious tone, he answered, "Knocked Down." Sendoh stared and paused. "Knocked-Down Pest Control." Rukawa repeated and nodded. "KD is a pest-control brand." Sendoh stopped on his tracks. "That's not a girl's name." Sendoh sweatdrop. "Heck, that's not even a name!" He hollered. Rukawa rolled his eyes. "What are you sulking, idiot. I am a guy, am I not?" Sendoh snorted. "Well, you are not a guy now. And, does this mean that I have a girlfriend named Knocked-Down?!" A pause. "Heck, even my name sounds more humane than knocked-down." A friendly waiter welcomed them and bowed. "Irashai~ table for two, yes?" The Ryonan Ace nodded and grinned, "Come over here, KD and let's start knocking-down some dumplings!" Akira laughed as they ordered different varieties of dumplings. He found himself dodging a few flying melon seeds that has been served as a random appetizer from a poker-faced Rukawa. And Rukawa? Well what do you know, for some reason, he found himself chuckling softly while tugging his lips upward. 'Doahou, Sendoh.'
TBC
A/N: Hi everyone! Wow, I cant believed I updated this fic again- and this is 16 pages, haha! =D Um, still not sure on how to basically 'do' with this plot though, but I really am trying to rack my brains out here… Anyway, I still haven't written about Osaka's chapter 14, I mean, I have already written about two pages or so, but of course, that isn't really typical of 'me', hahaha… so, here's chapter 4 of "My Girl" and I do hope that you'd find the time to hit back and review and maybe holler a few words or so. Yup! And oh, please don't hesitate to tell on some great, great ideas… they're highly appreciated. And yes, feel free to hate 'Kate' … hahahah! She's my OC! Do tell me if anyone wants to see a catfight. ^0^
Kaede4everàthank u so much dear! I cant believe that you're actually liking this weird story! Thank you! ^_^ By any chance, you might want to share a few fic ideas, perhaps? Lol!
To all 'usual' un-logged reviewers, guys thank you! *bows* hope I don't disappoint you on this one! ^_^
To ShitCantFindaName- lol! I do hope you'd find a name soon, gosh, thank you dear! :D
To JAMIE011àyeah I know, I should start writing Osaka already and this one! At nang may mabasa ka na ulet! Ahhaha! :D
To Addicted to SDàactually don't know how to make Rukawa act 'girly' –I'll try tho! Hahaha!