Will I find you? Can I find you?
We're falling down, I'm falling
Every time I'm falling down
All alone I fall to pieces
- Fall to Pieces, Velvet Revovler
Boys' Locker Room, Tuesday October 8th, 12:06 PM
"Kenta, do you mind answering my phone for me?" Ryo called from a distance.
"Sure thing!" Kenta said, before pressing the answer button. "Hello?"
"Ryo!" A breathless sigh came on the other end. "I missed you."
"Hold on, this isn't Ryo."
"Oh!" The voice exclaimed.
"He's currently busy right now." Kenta explained, making a face at Takato, who tilted his head curiously. "May I ask who this is?"
"Who are you?" The voice asked rather rudely.
"I'm Kenta."
"Oh Kenta! It's me, Lina! Can you please put Ryo on?
"Um, okay." Kenta shrugged before holding the phone out to Ryo. Did he have a choice?
"Who is it?" Takato mouthed as Ryo took the call.
"Lina." Kenta mouthed back. Takato made a face that was somewhat like a grimace and glanced at Ryo, who was trying to hold the phone, talk and put on his shoes at the same time.
"Look Lina, I'll talk to you later, I'm sorry, but I have a meeting right now."
Takato shook his head. He could hear the protesting from across the room. Beside him, Kenta made the death gesture with his hand and Takato almost laughed, returning the favor by pretending to commit suicide with a gun.
"You guys." Ryo's stern reply stopped them.
"Don't you have a meeting?" Takato hurriedly asked.
"Student council in..." He glanced at the time on his cell. "Shit! I'm late."
"He was never that eager to go before." Takato remarked as a gust of wind swept past him, leaving only a swinging door. "He's been on it for three years. What changed?"
"Rika joined." Kenta said simply.
"Ah, now I see."
Student Council Conference Room, 12:08 PM
"You're late!" Rika scowled, tapping her foot impatiently. "Along with everyone else. What's the point of having a meeting if no one shows up?"
"Sorry Wildcat." Ryo grinned, sitting down on one of the office chairs.
"Nice hair." She smirked. Ryo instinctively reached up and cringed when he felt the flat surface. Rika almost laughed at the panicked expression on his face.
"Damn, I can't believe I forgot."
"You do know that it needs to breathe once in a while, right?"
"But then it doesn't look good." He countered, hastily trying to fix the damage. Rika rolled her eyes.
"It makes no difference, it looks fine."
"So you think I look fine?" Ryo raised an eyebrow, grinning.
"I was talking about your hair." Rika scowled, throwing him a look.
"Well, my hair is a part of me so..."
"Don't even start!"
"Why not? I'm just stating the truth."
"That is such a lame argument."
"You meant it!"
"You wish."
"I don't have to."
"Oh, just shut it!"
"Ouch! Why did you punch me?"
Unbeknownst to the two, someone was watching them from the doorway.
The person frowned at the scene. They were too preoccupied with each other to even notice her.
That was not a good sign.
The body language between the two, despite any physical contact, clearly indicated something.
It wasn't obvious, but something was happening, and whatever that something was, she wasn't going to let it continue.
Hallway, Wednesday, October 9th, 8:13 AM
A large group of overexcited girls were gathered around their lockers in the morning. This was nothing unusual, but after another loud outburst of squealing and "oh my god"s, the mild look of distaste on Rika's face turned into a full on glare.
"Lina! You're finally back!"
"Oh my god! I love your new hair!"
"How was your trip? You've been gone for so long!"
"We all missed you!"
Why were they so damn loud? Rika slammed her locker shut to find Jeri standing beside her, a look of dislike marring the usually pleasant countenance.
This was interesting.
"Jeri."
"Guess who's back?" Jeri asked, indicating towards the crowd.
"How would I know?"
"You don't know?" An amazed look came up on Jeri's face. Rika frowned, did Jeri expect her to know everyone?
"Am I suppose to?"
"She's the president of Ryo's fan club and his childhood friend. Everyone knows she's in love with him and she makes no show of hiding it."
There was no reaction.
"Well?" Jeri asked, impatient at the lack of response.
"What?" Rika shrugged, impassive. "I don't see how this has to do with me."
"Are you serious?"
"I have nothing to do with her, so I couldn't care less. "
"Aren't you worried?"
"About what?" Rika raised an eyebrow, clearly finding the question ridiculous. Jeri simply shook her head.
To Rika's surprise and Jeri's chagrin, Lina approached her during break after lunch.
"You must be Rika."
"And you are?" Rika asked, looking at the girl in front of her, her expression stone. The girl seemed to be taken back at the question but eventually recovered, smiling.
"I'm Lina. It's nice to meet you."
Rika only stared at her.
"Straight to the point then. You and Ryo-"
"I don't know what you heard," Rika cut her off, saying coldly, "but there's nothing going on between me and Akiyama. So don't bother."
Lina surveyed her intently for a minute, "Glad to hear that. In case you didn't know, he's mine."
"Is that all you came to tell me?" Rika asked, turning away.
"I just wanted to warn you."
"Warn me?"
"Stay away from him."
Rika didn't bother to reply as she walked off, ignoring Lina's last call. She almost scoffed. No one tells her what to do.
Basketball Practice, Gym, 3:58 PM
"She's back." Kazu groaned.
"I know." Kenta sighed, grabbing a ball sitting on the shelf. "I wonder how Ryo feels."
"I don't think he minds." Takato motioned from the benches, tying his shoelaces. "Although that's probably because she acts differently in front of him."
"Are we talking about Lina?" Henry asked, joining them. The others looked at him in surprise.
"Yea. Don't be fooled by her." Kenta shivered, "She seems sweet and caring, but when Ryo's not around..."
"Is it that bad?" Henry asked, dribbling the ball between his legs.
"We know her pretty well, so I'm not saying she's all flaws, but I think she needs an attitude adjustment." Takato grimaced. Kazu opened his mouth to say something, but closed it.
"So Ryo has never shown any interest in her?" Henry asked, causing Takato to give him a wry smile before shooting.
"We are talking about the same Ryo right?"
"If he did like her, things would be completely different. He thinks of her as a sister." Kenta remarked, coming back into the line from landing a lay up.
"Besides, we all know the one girl he's fixated on."
"Rika only transferred here last year." Henry mused, looking surprised and somewhat doubtful. "Are you sure-"
"We're not saying Ryo hasn't liked or dated other girls." Kazu laughed, "There just haven't been anything as serious."
"Shame for all the other girls." Takato grinned. "Ryo has never been the same since meeting Rika."
"Tell me about it." Kenta muttered. "It was so weird. He was confused at first, then angry, and suddenly for no reason whatsoever, he didn't seem to mind anymore. That's when I knew."
"I kept on wondering why he was so eager to go back to school. All he would ever talk about throughout this summer was their feud, her animosity and so on."
"He couldn't even stop himself in front of Lina." Kazu added with a worried expression.
"She definitely knows."
"Is that going to be a problem." Henry said, landing a jump shot.
"What's going to be a problem?" Ryo asked. Speak of the devil and he's there, spinning a basketball on his forefinger.
"Nothing really."
"Unless you count Lina and your fan club coming into cheer and being a huge distraction."
"Why Kaz, I thought you liked having girls around!"
"Not when I want to play seriously." Kazu frowned. "Can't you ask them to leave? Or better yet, lock the doors before they get here?"
It was too late.
"Ryo!"
"They haven't started! We're lucky!"
"Look at him, in his uniform."
"He is so hot!"
The rest of the team gathered around the five main players, al complaining.
"By this rate, we'll never be ready for the semifinals."
"We need more practice! The game's on Friday! We've got to win."
"I know! I know. All right, I'll see if I can talk to them." Ryo said, turning around, ready to play his role as the captain. "Hey!-"
"Ryo!" Lina exclaimed, cutting him off by enveloping into a hug. "I knew you'd be here! Did you miss me?"
"Lina. We need to practice." Ryo said, gently pushing her off. "I'm sorry, but you and your friends need to leave.
"What?"
"Anyone that's not on the basketball team needs to leave the gym." He called, much to the dismay of the groups already settled in the bleachers.
"Why can't I stay?"
"She dyed her hair." Takato noted, his expression unfathomable.
"That's...interesting." Kenta frowned, also noticing the change.
The new shade was a combination of a light brown and dark red, brighter but reminiscent of a certain redhead's amber and gold colour.
"Don't you think..."
"Don't tell me. Are you serious? That's going a bit far, isn't it?"
"When it comes to her, I wouldn't know..."
"Know what?" Kazu asked, managing to tear away from watching Lina protesting to Ryo about being unable to watch.
"Let's just get back to practice."
Boys' Changing Room, Gym, 5:02 PM
A shower after practice has got to be the best thing ever. Takato sighed in satisfaction, wiping the water off of his forehead from the towel hanging around his shoulder.
"Good practice today." Ryo said, clapping his friend on the back.
"I'm exhausted. I think I'll sleep right here." Kazu groaned.
"On the bench?" Kenta asked, wiping his glasses clean.
"Has anyone seen my hair wax?"
"It's by the sink." Henry said, pointing towards the entrance.
"Ah." Ryo walked over, grabbing the small container sitting. A burst of girlish gasps and delighted laughter could be heard from the hallway. Ryo looked somewhere between amused and annoyed as he came back, tossing the wax back and forth. "Who left the door open?"
The others laughed, causing Kazu to open one eye. "Put on a shirt, won't you?"
"Does it bother you?"
"I'm saving the girls outside from premature cardiac arrest." Kazu grinned, chucking the polo shirt towards the topless but well-built figure.
"Don't be jealous." Ryo joked, putting on his clothes. Kazu gave him a look over and sighed, it didn't do much to cover the defined muscles but at least it hid the abs.
"It was worth a shot."
"I'm heading out now. Coming?" Henry said, his duffel bag over his shoulder. "Time to go home and crash."
"I'm right behind you." Ryo said, grabbing his stuff.
"Be careful of the girls out there. They're all after you." Takato grinned, packing up.
Ryo poked one head out the door, grinned broadly at what he saw before turning back. "I don't think that's true." He winked before leaving, leaving Takato with a puzzled expression.
"What did he mean by that?" Kenta asked. Takato shrugged.
"I'm going to go too. I'll see you guys tomorrow."
"See ya, man!"
"Takato?"
At the sound of his name, Takato glanced up startled. He assumed all the girls outside had already left, trailing behind Ryo.
"Jeri?" He blinked, making sure he was seeing right.
"Hey." Jeri smiled tentatively. "Are you busy?"
"No, of course not. What's up?"
Want to go grab a cup of coffee or something?" She smiled nervously. "I thought we could talk about the science project."
"Yea, sure. That'd be great." He nodded enthusiastically, smiling back. Was this turning out to be the best day ever or what?
Cafeteria, Thursday October 10th, 12:04 PM
"Please?"
"No."
"It'll be fun!"
"I have a hard time believing that. Just give up, Jeri." Rika sighed, tired of her friends relentlessly trying to persuade her to attend the basketball game this afternoon.
"You have to come!"
"Why?"
"Because! You have to. Please?" Jeri pleaded, insisting. Rika gave her an exasperated look.
"I'm not going, Jeri. Even if you provided a proper reason."
"C'mon! Alice! Say something."
Across the table, Alice simply shrugged. "What do you want me to say?" She knew it was no use in persuading or arguing with Rika when she's already made up her mind.
"Thanks for your help." Jeri rolled her eyes.
"I really don't see the point in going." Rika shrugged.
"Of course not, it's only the most anticipated game of this season!" Alice said, rolling her eyes.
"You know, you sound a lot like Henry." Rika commented vaguely, earning her a dirty look. Alice was still upset about being stood up.
"Please come! For me?" Jeri looked at her with wide puppy eyes and Rika sighed, wondering if she actually wanted to know the real reason the brunette had for wanting her to go.
"If she wants to miss it Jeri, let her be."
"What's so special about watching guys shoot balls into a hoop?"
"So you're planning on coming to watch us then?" Henry asked from behind her, smiling tentatively, almost hopefully at Alice before sitting down. She shot Rika another dark look, as if saying it was her fault he was here.
Rika almost broke out in a smile. Poor Henry, his countless apologizes seemingly had no effect on Alice's cold demeanor. Rika knew better.
"Are you going to join in on their coercion?"
"I think I know better than to try." Henry said, looking rather amused.
"Good, now why doesn't Jeri?"
"Hey!" Jeri protested.
"I'm not going." Rika stated. "That's final."
"Why not?" Ryo protested, suddenly standing beside their table, holding his tray and smiling his signature smile.
"Why won't you guys leave me alone?" Rika groaned, looking as if she was about a second away from banging her head on the table. "What are you doing here?"
"I suppose I'm here to eat lunch." He replied back. "You don't mind, do you Jeri? I know Henry won't. Hey, McCoy."
"Of course not!" Jeri smiled brightly, ignoring the glares Rika was sending in her direction.
"Akiyama." Alice nodded in greeting, causing Henry to grimace.
"So do you think we'll win today?" Ryo asked, taking a bite out of his burger. Henry cocked his head to the side as if considering the possibility.
"Definitely. With my accurate jump shots, your precise three-pointers and Takato's faultless layups, why wouldn't we?"
"Touché." Ryo smirked at the evaluation.
"How arrogant." Rika muttered.
"You don't believe us?"
"I have my doubts."
"Come watch us and we'll prove you wrong." Ryo challenged, grinning.
"Defending your team so soon, Akiyama?"
"Only when their honor is at stake."
"Fine." Rika said, standing up suddenly. "We'll see just how much you claim is true."
"Gee, that didn't take very much effort." Alice muttered and Jeri giggled.
"What didn't?" Takato asked, sliding down beside them.
"I didn't know we moved tables, how come we're all sitting here today?" Kazu asked, carrying his and Kenta's massive portion of food.
"Oh no, not you too."
"He went and sat at her table?"
"Along with his other friends." Came the confirmation.
"What's going on between them?"
"Is there anything going on between them?"
"I don't think so."
"I hope not, for both his and her sake."
"We need to do something about this."
Senior Boys Basketball Semifinals, Gym, 4:52 PM
"Over here!"
A voice called amongst the surrounding opponents. The ball was thrown to him, hard. He caught it with his two hands and immediately took action, running towards the other end, the ball returning to his hand from the floor with each step.
Before the opposing team could react, he had already swivelled around their defence and sprung forward. The ball soared through the air. As he landed with both feet behind the white line, the ball fell into net perfectly. The crowd on the left exploded into cheers and applause, rising up in their seats, stomping and jumping.
"He's done it again! Ladies and gentlemen, Ryo Akiyama just scored another three pointer. Shinjuku High is in the lead, 51 to 46."
"Yes! At this rate we'll definitely win." Jeri called excitedly over the commentators announcement.
"Mmhmm..." Was the only response she received from the redhead sitting next to her.
"C'mon Rika, why can't you just enjoy the game?"
"Because it's boring, it's pointless to watch and he's playing in it?"
"He's the one that makes it good!"
"What happened to goggle-head?" Rika asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Him too! That goes without saying."
"I don't see how you find this exciting. Anyone can shoot a ball into a hoop with a board behind it!"
"It's not just that! It's the technique, the effort and the spirit!" Jeri proclaimed. "I think you're sulking on purpose."
"Why would I do that?"
"Because you know Ryo was right. They are just as good as they say they are."
"You should just watch the game." Rika scowled. Jeri smirked, knowing it had hit a mark. Rika hated being wrong, especially when it came to Ryo.
"Suite yourself." Jeri smiled, "Really though Rika,it's fun! Enjoy the game!"
A doubtful noise was made.
Unwillingly, Rika's eyes followed the number 7 in the midst of the black and white uniforms. Not that she would admit it, but he really was good.
It was as if she was drawn unconsciously to his movements. With a basketball in hand, he had never looked more confident. He moved gracefully, despite having to dodge and block and turn. He was so synchronized with the ball, it was like a dance. In between his legs, a switch of hands, around the opponents, and then...wosh. His shots were so clean cut, it was scary.
"Go Takato!" Jeri's voice blasted in her ear, Rika winced.
Takato, who had managed to intercept a pass, sprung forward into the key. The ball bounced out of the rim. The crowd groaned.
"You better get it in Henry!" A voice called from below the stands and both Rika and Jeri looked down to find Alice standing there, arms crossed, but with a smug expression on her face. Henry, who had the rebound, looked momentarily surprised, but quickly turned and scored.
"What?" Alice exclaimed over the thunderous noise as she joined her friends.
"So you finally forgave him?" Rika asked, amused.
"I figured he was at his wit's end." Alice smirked.
"I'll agree to that. All those messages and phone calls." Jeri smiled. "I think he deserves a break."
"You hold grudges longer than I do." Rika laughed, "Even I can't stay mad at Henry for long."
"That's true. He's far too sincere, unlike some other boys." Jeri nodded.
"That's one of the reasons why I like him." Alice said, sitting down on the bleacher benches. "I just didn't appreciate being stood up."
"Teaching him a lesson before you're even together." Jeri giggled. "How bold."
"So, how are we doing?"
"Good! It's two minutes from half time and we're still in the lead." Jeri exclaimed, pointing towards the scoreboard. Rika rolled her eyes, but managed to hold back any comments.
"So I didn't miss much."
"Oh...look who else is here." Jeri sniffed, pursuing her lips together.
"As if they would miss this."
"Who?" Rika asked.
"Ryo's fan club." Jeri motioned towards the group of scantily clad girls on the edge of the court, cheering and screaming. Rika looked over, amused by Jeri's antagonism.
A loud buzzer sounded, signalling the end to the second quarter.
"I love it when it's halftime." Alice grinned.
"Why?"
"My sadistic side comes out. It's fun to watch Ryo suffer." Alice answered. Rika suddenly interested, turned to the court, peering closely.
"Is our "leading star" incapable of holding himself up?"
"Rika! He was on the court for almost the entire first half." Jeri scolded.
"Almost." Rika pointed.
"No, that's not it." Alice laughed. "It's entertaining to watch him be smothered."
The three waited as both teams cleared the court, Rika with an expectant evil smile on her face. Alice was right, for as soon as Ryo sat down on his chair with his hand towel and water bottle, the group of girls ran over, surrounding him entirely.
"See, if you had told me about this, I might have agreed to come." Rika commented, gleefully watching the frustrated expression on Ryo's face.
To her disappointment, the coach came over shortly after, waving them off, yelling something about rest. Ryo sank down in his chair, leaned his head back as if to indicate finally.
"Jealous?" Jeri asked, "With all the girls fawning over him like that?"
"Funny, Jeri. You just keep your eyes on Matsuki over there." Came the sharp reply. A look was exchanged between the blonde and the brunette.
"On the bright side," Alice added, smirking for a different reason, "at least our school doesn't have cheerleaders."
"Good riddance."
"Take a break boys, get plenty of water!" The coach yelled, motioning for his players to sit. A whistle was blown, and he looked up to check all his players were provided for before returning to furiously scribbling on the clipboard.
"You okay man?" Takato asked, sinking down besides their star player.
"I'm great. That back pass was awesome, I was almost caught off guard." Ryo smiled.
"Thanks! You're on fire today, and I mean more than usual."
"Yea?"
"Of course he is." Henry grinned, sitting down and wiping his face. "Look up in the stands." Ryo threw him a dirty look, but didn't say anything.
"Who am I suppose to be looking for? Wow, I think the whole school's here!" Takato's eyes widened in surprise as he scanned the crowds. "Jeri's here!" He exclaimed happily, turning a bit pink. "And Alice. Hey! That person behind them, that's...isn't that...is that who I think it is?"
"Rika." Henry confirmed, without even looking.
"Ah, I see." Takato smiled. "Showing off, are we? Don't get too cocky, captain." He teased, nudging Ryo in the side.
"I am not!" Ryo protested. "I just want to win." His friends nodded in agreement, their expression dripping with sarcasm. He ignored them, but found himself looking up. He spotted the distinctive red hair in the crowd immediately.
He grinned as their eyes met.
She pointedly looked away.
Typical.
"Two minutes left of the final quarter and Shinjuku High is behind by three points. Guard Henry Wong has possession of the ball and is bringing it down the court..."
"Someone tell him to shut up!" Rika murmured, clearly annoyed at the commentator.
"Come on, we need to win...come on..."
"Stop it! You're making me anxious." Rika scolded.
"I thought you weren't interested in the game!"
"I'm n-"
"Hush! Both of you!" Alice cut in, staring intently at the court. Henry was having a difficult time getting around the heavy defence. Takato cut between in the middle of the key, catching the ball with the tips of his finger. His shot was quickly blocked by an opposing member.
"Foul! Two shots." A whistle blew. The crowd all took a deep breath.
Takato nervously looked at the ball in his hand and shot it. It bounced off the rim. Takato shook his head in disappointment as his teammates clapped him on the arm, encouragingly.
"Come on Takato! I know you can do it!" Jeri yelled loudly. Other spectators shushed her, worrying she would break his concentration, but Rika swore the gogglehead had heard and smiled.
He took the shot again and swish. It went in perfectly. Takato looked both pleased and relieved.
"Yes!" Jeri cheered, jumping up and down. "Now we only need one more basket to tie."
"Overtime, we have to go into overtime." Alice prayed.
52 seconds...
Their team had managed to gain possession of the ball again.
48 seconds...
Kenta passed the ball to Ryo who threw it to Takato. He was immediately surrounded.
36 seconds...
Henry came out into a clearing.
29 seconds...
The ball was passed to Kazu.
23 seconds...
Missed.
Groans traveled around the gym, all eyes frantically looking back and forth between the clock and the game.
17 seconds...
Another member had managed to get the rebound.
10 seconds left...
The ball was passed to the back, too far for a clear shot.
5 seconds...
Fingers crossed, hands gripped the railing. Someone jumped up.
3 seconds...
His arm was out front, his wrist bent.
2 seconds...
The ball soared into the net.
1 second.
The whistle blew. The timer flashed 00:00.
The score read Home: 82 Visitor: 81.
End of the game.
"With only 1.8 seconds left in the game, number 7 Ryo Akiyama scored from behind the three point line! Shinjuku High wins and will be facing..."
No one heard the rest of the sentence, the whole gym roared with applause, screams, and unintelligible cheers.
"We won! We won!" Jeri laughed, jumping up and down, ecstatic.
"We're going to the finals!" Alice exclaimed.
Even Rika smiled.
"Yes!" Ryo's fist shot up in the air.
His teammates surrounded him instantly, piling on top of each other, all gathered into a big group hug despite the sweat dripping off them. Crowds rushed down from the bleachers, all shouting congratulations.
Looking around, Ryo felt this had to be one of those moments. Those moments where everything in life came together and where you couldn't be happier. He was surrounded by his teammates, his friends, and they had just won their way to the finals. He laughed through the high-fives, the fist-bumps, the claps on the back. He grinned at Takato's bewildered face as Jeri rushed over to hug him. The smile broadened as he watched Henry and Alice reconcile, Henry looking happier than he had in days. Kazu and Kenta were hugging each other, jumping up and down, still ecstatic.
"Ryo! You were amazing!"
"Ryo!" The crowd of girls swarmed around him, Lina in front beaming.
Somehow, as he accepted their praise with smiles and good cheer, he caught her eye. She was standing alone, arms folded and leaning against the wall in the cool manner which was both inviting and dismissive.
"Excuse me for a second." He said, grinning as he walked towards her.
"Hey."
"Akiyama."
"So you did come to watch me after all. Impressed?"
"You wish."
"Didn't we live up to the standards?" He teased.
"Your team did, I don't know about you."
"I think I did pretty good."
"Pretty good?" Rika raised her eyebrow. "You did all right. I guess."
"Coming from you that's got to be the biggest compliment." Ryo smiled, "I think that's the first time you praised me."
"It won't happen again." She smirked.
"Do I get a reward for winning?"
"Why would you?"
"Didn't you see me out there working so hard to gain your approval?" Ryo asked pouting. She stared at him blankly. He smiled, despite feeling a bit disappointed. "I guess I should get back. I'll see you around."
To his surprise, a pair of arms awkwardly circled around his arms and chest as he turned to leave. They disappeared so quickly, he wasn't sure if he had imagined it.
"Good job." She said frostily, as if almost regretting her impulsive action. "Next time, don't push your luck." She was gone by the time he had come to his senses.
A dazed expression lingered on his face, as did the burning sensation of her touch.
This didn't go unnoticed...
"Hey! Where do you think you're going?"
"Huh?"
"Who do you think you are?"
"Yea! Who do you think you are?"
"Stay away from him!"
"Slut!"
