CHAPTER 7: OF BROTHER, DILEMMAS AND BFF

It was 8PM when Rukawa reached his home- care of Sendoh driving him once more of course. There were not much to share when they were at the park, mostly they stayed silent and was having occasional chitchats about the most mundane things around- but mostly it revolved around basketball and Rukawa's current situation. They talked about Sendoh's stint in Ryonan when he was in his first year and how did their Coach managed to changed his mind into being a playmaker. Rukawa mostly found himself listening throughout most of the conversation.

It was truly refreshing, not because he's been turned into a girl- he hated it; but because of the fact that he was able to get to know his older rival from another school in a seemingly different limelight. Sendoh seems to be a playful but very warm person matched with dropped-dead charisma. He can put a simple and boring conversation into something interesting; he seems to like having intelligent conversations- his knowledge is simply not confined within school and basketball alone; he knows a few about current events, economics, history, and even politics.

He seems to be someone who's five years older than his true age but is trapped inside a body of a sophomore high school. Plus the fact that his stunning looks can probably put anyone to get to listen to him—the way his eyes twinkle and smile when he laughs or chuckles, the sound of his low and clear voice when he speaks, and the manner to which he speaks; he's educated and he treats everyone with sincerity and respect. He may not be truly perfect, but with the way that he acts right now, any girl would definitely fall for him- and hard.

'Maybe that is why that Kate of his is clinging onto him like a leech or something.' Rukawa added as a thought, then he went bug-eyed. 'Ugh, girls indeed.' He sighed.

"Uh, thanks again for driving me home." Rukawa seemingly stammered. He didn't know why though. Sendoh helped him with all the paper bags they've shopped for that day as he put them on the couch. Sendoh simply shrugged and smiled. "No biggie." He stated then looked at his wristwatch. "Well, at least it's still early, you could still do a few good things if you may before going to sleep." A grin. Rukawa simply shrugged. 'What to do anyway?' His mind came up with none. He looked up at his older companion who seems to be looking at the photo frames arranged on top of a cabinet. Sendoh looked back at him and grinned, Rukawa frowned. 'Now what.' Sendoh held one frame in one hand and sheepishly smiled.

"Is this you, Rukawa-kun?" Rukawa twitched his lips- it was his photo when he was five years old. He was wearing his toddler uniform coupled with a wide hat, it was definitely part of their school uniform as well. "No, it's my neighbour." The rookie said sarcastically. Sendoh chuckled at the response and rolled off his eyes. "Well your neighbour definitely looks cute." Rukawa snorted softly and walked towards where the Ace was. He pointed one frame wherein there's a photo of a probably seven-year old Rukawa and an old lady. "My grandmother." A pause. "She lives in this town." Sendoh smiled and nodded. "She looks young and friendly." Rukawa simply nodded. "She lives here? That's cool, we could visit her then!" A grin. Rukawa snorted. "As much as I want to, I can't." Sendoh wondered. "Oh, why is that?" Sendoh seemingly forgot the fact that Rukawa has been turned into a woman and the rookie could only roll his eyes off. "Ch, doahou- she'd be expecting a grandson, not a granddaughter, idiot." Sendoh paused- then laughed at his own stupidity. "Oh yeah yeah, hahahah! Sheesh I forgot." Rukawa could only twitch his lips and shake his head. Somehow Rukawa felt a pang of sadness thinking that he could not visit his grandmother alright. 'Kso, I need to find Broomhilda.'

Sendoh continued looking at other random photo frames and stop midway when he saw a semi-large wooden frame that has a photo of three people in it. One tall, blue-eyed dark-haired man, a long-haired woman with a familiar pair of fox-brown eyes, and a toddler of probably two years old- chubby, raven-haired, blue-eyed boy with a cute frown. "Let me guess, your neighbour and his parents?" Sendoh chimed in rather amusingly. Rukawa found his lips tugging slightly upward. "Yeah. My neighbours, alright." Sendoh found himself softly chuckling and wasn't able to help himself but pat Rukawa's head- to the pale guy's surprised. He found himself looking up at a cheery-looking Sendoh and felt his chest raced for a while.

'Kso, why am I feeling all too… giddy up again?' He inwardly mused. "You look a lot like your neighbours, Rukawa-kun." Sendoh laughed as he put down the frames back to where they are. Rukawa simply smiled a little and shrugged. "Yeah, I've been told." Sendoh chuckled some more and grinned. He sighed, "Well, I better be going now." Rukawa looked and nodded. "Sure…" He paused. Sendoh started for the exit when Rukawa remembered something. He somewhat contemplated whether to ask or not, "Uh…" He started. Sendoh stopped when he was already outside the gates and looked back. Rukawa fidgeted uneasily. "T-tomorrow, you said, you wanted to play one-on-one, right…" Rukawa muttered softly, he can't believe that he's having a hard time trying to find his words. It's not supposed to feel that way, or is it? Sendoh partly opened his lips- honestly surprised at this. 'Wow, he's really serious about it?' Sendoh didn't know that Rukawa seems to be keen on having that game with him. 'But he's a girl now, I don't think it'll be appropriate.' Seeing the expectant look in Rukawa's eyes, Sendoh heaved a sigh, truth is he wanted to decline but… Sendoh smiled.

"Sure I'd love to, but- I'm afraid I'm not available tomorrow." Rukawa found his eyes widening a bit. He nodded. Sendoh sighed once more. "My brother's coming back from a three-day seminar. I don't think I can-!" And he was cut off. "No problem. It's okay, I understand." Rukawa curtly nodded and went back to go inside the house. Sendoh tried to stop her a bit, "Uh, hey, Rukawa-kun wait…" But Rukawa waved him off. "No worries, really. Some other time, right?" Sendoh, finding the statement at the end point could only helplessly nod back. "Right." Rukawa closed the door. Sendoh stared for a bit before deciding to drive off to Ryonan. 'Speaking of which…' He found his eyes widening suddenly. 'Oh shit, my brother is coming back alright! How do I? What do I?' For some unknown reason, he felt a bit panicky because of some probable impending explanations that needs to be done.


Rukawa lay down on his bed as he wordlessly looked up at the ceiling- mind contemplating at that day's event. He remembered Sendoh saying something about having a bff or someone whom he could confide to. He was feeling sceptical about it- half of his mind wanted to, but the other half is contemplating, thinking it might not be a good idea after all. He sighed audibly as he shifted from one side of the bed-trying to find that comfortable position wherein he could possibly sleep on. He found his brows knotting. "Are we going out now?" He paused. "Like, really going out now?" A pause. He flipped on his back and stared back at the ceiling. "Is he the guy that the old lady could be referring to…?"

He paused- then almost flushed at his own thoughts. "Shit, don't tell me I need to fall in love with him and make him fall in love with me and make him…" Rukawa couldn't have been redder. "…kiss me?" His eyes widened. He suddenly imagined Sendoh kissing him- and him kissing his biggest rival! The scene almost resembles that of a j-drama series wherein there's some puny music playing in the background. Big shit of his life alright. Silence. "AAAAHHHHH! SHIIITT!" He found himself shouting at the thought. He found himself hoisting up suddenly as he felt his ears and cheeks burned. He slapped his forehead with his palm, going bug-eyed as he scratched his head rather dumbly. "Oh shit-shit-shit-shit. This is bad."

Rukawa suddenly jump off the bed and ran towards the washroom to splash some cold water on his flushed face. He found himself looking at the mirror- the back of his hands covering his lips, eyes a bit wide. "Why am I blushing?" He paused. Then almost cringed at his own realization. "Could it be that I liked him already?" A paused.

He found his cheeks stained a tinge of pink. "Oh shit alright." He stated softly. He leaned on the sink and paused, seemingly contemplating of what is the best move in this kind of situation. He bang his fist on the tile. Rukawa knotted his brows. "But, how do I make him love me?" A pause. "He's not even gay!" He sweat drop. For all he know and understand, Sendoh seems to be just being nice to him because it is in his nature alright.

"And aren't we just pretending in the first place?" Rukawa gasps at the thought. Then he remembered her- Sendoh's girl- Kate. Rukawa softly banged his forehead in front of the mirror. "Kso… kso." He found himself sliding down on the floor- suddenly feeling weak in the knees. Rukawa feels like he's in a hot tub, thinking how he can make Sendoh love and kiss him in the first place. 'Sendoh knows that you're a man, there's no freaking way he'd kiss and fall in love with a guy!' Rukawa opened his blue orbs that seems to seemingly shine in unknown determination. 'But I need to revert back, I need to be me again.'

"Sendoh of Ryonan, you have no choice but to like me and…" He found himself flushing. 'Sendoh-senpai, you need to kiss me. Ugh.' And Rukawa found himself slumping on the cold tiles of the washroom drowning in his own pool of sweat drops and dying in his own words as he cringed and shuddered at the thought of them.

Rukawa fidgeted and scratched his cheek absent-mindedly, feeling cold all of a sudden. He sighed audibly and stretched his long limbs as he flickered an eye to open. His bed awfully feels cold- like he's been sleeping on the floor. He opened his eyes more widely this time to his shock- he got up and found himself stupidly laying down on the cold floor of his very own wash room! He cringed in disgust as he hurriedly stood up and looked around to see if he crawled down from the bed and into the shower room. Rukawa went bug-eyed at his own lameness. 'What the heck?! I slept on the floor and what's worse, inside the washroom?!' For crying out loud, he could not have done that- well, pausing for a while to change his thoughts, he just did.

Rukawa clacked his tongue and washed his face, brushed his teeth and walked out of the washroom to flop down his body on his bed. He momentarily closed his eyes then opened them again, sensing that it is no use to go back to sleep. He winced when he felt his back aching a bit for sleeping on the floor! 'Kso, you really are nuts, Rukawa Kaede.' He remembered a few of his internal dilemmas from last night and instinctively felt his head ached at the thought of it. Rukawa then decided to just get up and probably start that morning Sunday right with a good breakfast as he hears his stomach growl. "Ugh, I'm hungry."

After bathing, he changed into the clothes he bought yesterday, eyeing one random sleeveless top and a pair of denim pants. He was about to go out once more when he paused and looked at his top. "The bra." He went back to his room and annoyingly put on the dreaded bra underneath with much effort. He can't really hooked it well as it seems to be taking in a good effort out of him. Five minutes has passed when he emerged out of his room, panting a bit and terribly annoyed at the fact that having to wear a stupid thing like a bra is truly making him mad. He looked at the mirror and flattened his long locks without even combing for the effort. Sporting a black tank top and a pair of faded jeans, and his trusty red sneakers, Rukawa wordlessly got out of the house pocketing his phone and coin purse at the back of his pants. He hopped on his bike and a few minutes more he found himself pedalling the familiar streets of Kanagawa.

Upon arriving at a nearby ramen stall, he parked the bike on one side and fished for his phone when he heard a familiar beep. Did you get the money already? It was his father. Rukawa's eyes widened- looks like his parents has sent him some money already, and though being turned into a girl wasn't really the best thing that ever happened to him, he found himself feeling happy at the fact that he now has a lump sum amount of cash once more to spend on himself and other necessities. No, not yet. Check later. He sent his mail and was about to go inside the ramen stall when he opened his messaging again to send a mail to someone he truly misses; once again, that familiar pang of sadness. Obaachan, how are you? I am okay, I wish I could see you. Please be well. Kaede-Chan.

Unbeknownst to many, Rukawa is very close to his grandmother, fairly because the old lady has been the one to take care of him ever since his parents left for abroad. Before, his grandma would visit his place twice every week, then reduced to once a week, then once every two weeks- until it was further reduced to once a month. This is all because he was now as well busy with school and that his grandmother is also busy taking care of a small flower shop somewhere downtown. Just like him, her grandmother lives alone in a small, ancestral house- Rukawa would often mail her and she would often mail back as well, sometimes asking indeed for a short visit. This is the third month he hasn't seen her. A beep.

Hello Kaede-chan, I missed you my dear boy. Come and visit your old grandma sometime. Rukawa felt his eyes warmth at the message and nodded. 'Obaachan, how I wish that I could drop by, if only I wasn't…' He paused- and once again felt that familiar pang of anger seething in him. 'Kso, Broomhilda, when I find you once more…' Rukawa hissed. And he found himself entering the ramen stall for some noodles.

Rukawa ate in silence on one corner of the ramen house, remaining oblivious to his surroundings as he did so. Only did he almost choke on his fried dumpling when a familiar teammate from Shohoku hopped inside the ramen stall! Rukawa's eyes couldn't have been bigger! He found himself ducking his head below as he tried to hid his eyes beneath his fringes.

Of all people to be here, it's that redhead and probably his groups of friends as they enter the ramen stall while laughing, cackling, and sharing boisterous laughs and jokes- unaware of the annoyed stares from the patrons. 'Kso! Shit-shit-shit!' Rukawa somehow found himself panicking as he could not bring himself to stand up, pay for the ramen, and dash out of the stall just because the group decided to specifically sit on the table that is near the door! 'Just my luck to run into this idiotic redhead!' Rukawa can feel a lone sweat trickling at the side of his head. Sakuragi and his gang plopped down heavily on the table as they shouted their order. They seemed to be going somewhere as they all have a sports bag around them.

"Nyahahah, the tensai is really excited to surf!" Sakuragi hollered. Yohei simply nodded and smiled. The other members cackled and laugh in response as they exchange high fives and started talking about stuff in a loud manner. Rukawa gritted his teeth in annoyance. Just his tough luck to come across these hooligans. 'Surf?' Rukawa mused, well looks like they'll be hitting the beach. Rukawa tried to remain oblivious as he kept his head down. A few minutes more and as much as Rukawa wanted to leave the ramen place, he can't for the redhead and his gang are still there. He eyed one waiter who was looking at him as well and nodded; the waiter came up and asks what if he needs something else. "Another order of bean curd please."

The waiter nodded and left him. Rukawa sighed. This is his second order of bean curd. He was chewing the curd slowly- patiently waiting for the gang to finished first and exit the ramen stall. The heavens must have heard him as Sakuragi started standing up and in a few minutes more, they all left the ramen stall. Rukawa heaved a sighed. 'Finally, they left. Ugh!' Only then he decided to get his bill to pay and leave as well. He hopped onto his bike and started pedalling towards wherever his bike would lead him. 'Surf eh? Its summer alright.' Rukawa inwardly mused as he biked on the side streets of Kanagawa while having random thoughts on mind.


Meanwhile, Sendoh arrived an hour early at Hiroshima station to fetch his brother. He looked at the board to see the train arriving in thirty minutes more. He decided to sit on one of the empty benches and looked on blankly ahead. Getting bored instantly, he fished out for his phone and decided to mail someone.

Hey how are you? He sent the mail and playfully flipped over his phone while waiting for a beep. Minutes later, still no reply came in. He decided to send another message. What are you doing? Where are you? Sent. Sendoh went back on flipping his phone playfully, the boredom seeping into him like a disease. He ran a hand onto his hair and sighed audibly. 'Am I being impatient or what?' Sendoh found himself biting his lower lip, truth is, he was half dreading the fact that he should have at least just played one-on-one with the younger kid. He clacked his tongue and smiled- deciding just to call rather. Ring. A few more rings then an answer. Sendoh lit up and smiled.

"Hey, how are you?" The other on the line simply snorted. "Fine." Sendoh grinned. "I thought that maybe you might still be sleeping." He paused. "Well, where are you now?"

Rukawa simply shrugged as he felt his phone vibrating from behind his pocket- he swiped it to see two mails; he read on them and after doing so, was about to pocket it back when it started ringing for real. He momentarily look to see Sendoh flashing on the screen- taking a sighed, he decided to answer the call. Rukawa decided to stop by a small coffee shop located near the mall just to spend the wee hours of the morning; he truly wanted to play ball that day but decided not to. He first went to the nearest money transfer branch to get his money from his parents abroad and decided to sit on a nearby coffee shop to have a moment of solitude. Rukawa twitched his lips in response.

"Somewhere- I'm out somewhere." He stated softly. Sendoh snorted on the other line and chuckle. "Secretive, aren't we?" Rukawa shrugged. "Why did you call?" Rukawa asks the older guy. Sendoh smiled as he leaned back on the bench. "I don't know. I mean, I don't have anything to do." A pause. "I'm in Hiroshima, waiting for my brother though." 'Maybe we should have just played basketball or something.' Sendoh found himself adding up those in his thoughts. Rukawa shrugged as he looked blankly on his cup of Frappuccino. There were a few people on the coffee shop and it was rather peaceful- although he is still earning a few stares from some passer-by. At the back of his mind, Rukawa contemplated whether he would just tell on Sendoh the conditions the old lady expects from him. 'Should I just tell him that I need to fall in love and be loved and kiss in return?' He frowned at his own musing. 'It's not that simple, or is it?' Rukawa found the situation rather a bit complicated and seemingly out of hand. It feels like indeed that he needs another someone whom he could confide into.

Having only Sendoh knowing of his situation is already a pressure indeed because—he felt his cheeks flushed a bit- he almost decided last night that he would make the Ryonan Ace like him and kiss him nonetheless. On how he will be pulling that one off, he doesn't have a clue. 'What gives Rukawa, you're talking to him as if you don't know him?'

"Hello? Are you still there?" Sendoh inquired. He's been quiet for a while and Sendoh must have sensed his mood to be a bit down. Rukawa nodded- unaware that the guy couldn't actually see him. "Yeah, still here." Sendoh sighed on the other line. "Uh, is this bad timing? Are you okay?" Rukawa knotted his brows, 'For real? Sendoh seems to be that kind of guy alright. I mean, he voices out his concern as if it's the most natural thing in the world.' Rukawa snorted and scratched his head. "Yeah, I'm okay."

He paused. "Actually drinking coffee." Sendoh chuckled on the other line- he paused then as if being struck by an idea his voice seemed to light up. "Hey I got an idea. After I fetch my brother, maybe we could meet up, you know? Mall or something? Or basketball?" Sendoh grinned from the other line. Rukawa remained silent. Truth is, he's somewhat reluctant to meet the older guy- and just thinking of the fact that they'll be seeing each other, makes him a bit uncomfortable in the sense that, he keeps on thinking on how is he going to have this guy liked- no, love him. 'Kso, what now genius?'

He inwardly banged his head on a nearby lamppost. "I'm not sure." He heard Sendoh slightly groaned on the other line. "I mean, I'm thinking of doing something today." Rukawa lied. Sendoh softly muttered something under his breath. "Oh, I see- just thought that maybe we could…" Rukawa clenched his fist and stared at nothing in particular. "Look, I gotta go. I gotta go somewhere." A lie again.

Sendoh simply nodded and agreed. "Uh yeah, sure. See ya." Dial tone. Rukawa stared at his phone for a minute. 'What did I do just then?' He inwardly asks himself. Did he just cut off their conversation? But why? Something to so and somewhere to go? But what and where? He momentarily grabbed his phone in an attempt to dial back and message but stopped midway. 'He might think you're such an undecided freak.' Rukawa sighed nonetheless and shook his head. Looks like it's going to be a long boring day ahead without nothing to do and nowhere to go.


"Akira!" Akito hollered upon seeing his taller brother. He grinned and almost hopped in glee upon seeing him and they hugged each other as if they haven't seen each other in years. "Hahaha, I missed you somehow, you know!" Akito grinned. Akira simply smiled back and shrugged. "Ts, it's only been three days bro." Akito patted his taller brother on the arm as he grinned and smiled. "Well, let's go home now, I'm tired." Akira simply nodded back as he helped his older aniki with some of the other bags. "Well, sure." Few minutes more and both Sendoh's are inside Akira's car as they drove their way back to Ryonan. Akito looking outside the window- eyes looking cheery and lips curled up in a smile. Akira on the other hand has his eyes fixed on the road as he held one wheel on one hand, the other slump on one side of his palm. There was some random alternative song playing on the background.

It was a bit silent between them Akito could only wonder why his younger brother seemed a bit off somewhere. "Did you guys have a fight?" Akito grinned. Sendoh knotted his brows as he kept a steady pace while driving. "What?" He said flatly. Akito laughed. "Aww c'mon now, don't act as if you are a newbie to this circumstances." He grinned. Akira simply snorted. "What are you talking about anyway?" Akito stretched his limbs and sighed audibly. "I am asking you if you and your girlfriend had a fight." He paused. "You know, a quarrel or something? Misunderstanding?" he leered and smirked.

The Ryonan Ace rolled his eyes off and smirked. "I know what fight means, bro." He paused. Akito chuckled. "Well, it's good that you knew of course…" Akito yawned. "Well, to me that Kate of yours is someone who's apparently hard to handle by, I mean, she's filthy rich and all and a bit bitchy- sorry for bad-mouthing her." Akito threw a side glance at his brother who suddenly lifted his lips up and chuckled.

"C'mon, you too as well?" Akira grinned- eyes not leaving the road. Akito frowned. "Oi, why did you laugh? I didn't get what you meant. What do you mean by me as well?" Akito was suddenly confused. The younger Sendoh smiled and shook his head as he clacked his tongue three times. "Really bro, if gossip were food, many people would be overweight." He grinned at his brother who frowned like a kid, Akito obviously not liking the way that he's been being passed by.

"What is it Akira? Spill? You dare hide something from me?" Akira laughed. "I am not hiding something from you. Give me a break. We're not grade school kids anymore. Hiding something? Hahaha, that sounds elementary." He grinned. Akito scowled. "Well? Aren't you going to tell? I don't get a thing you said. Its Kate right? Tell me, it's still her?" The traffic light signalled red and Akira slowly stepped on the brake and pulled on the handbrake- he sighed. "First off, Kate and I are not together."

Akito opened his mouth to protest but Akira beat him to it. "Listen first bro, she's just a friend- a schoolmate. Just that. She was never my girlfriend. Don't believe her when she says something about us being more than friends." He paused. Akito twitched his lips. "Seriously?! After almost a year of going out together and hanging out late at night in our house?!" Akito paused and laughed. "You're a bastard bro."

"I am not a bastard, bro. I never was." The younger Sendoh defended himself. "From the first day, I already told her my answer. But she's been persistent. It's not like I could just shove her off. You know what I mean. I just can't be rude to her. Kate is nice, she's very sweet and thoughtful- but it is as if there's this something in her that I can't seem to grasp-?!" Akira was cut. Akito butted in. "Possessive. She's the possessive type. She clings to you like a leech or something, she ties you up in shackles and lashes out her attitude at others. Yeah yeah, met a few fiery chicks like that. Hahaha. They're the worst. Ugh." Akito shuddered. Silence. "Well, in any case I am still surprised. I mean, you guys go out together and this is what you're telling me. How surprising." He grinned.

"We hang out. Just that. Accompany her to shop, drink coffee or something. Watch movies. We're friends." Akira clarified. "You do that, bro. You got a lot of girl-friends, as well right?" Akira smiled at his older brother. Akito looked back, shrugged and grinned. "We both have a lot of girl-friends, Aki." Both Sendoh's chuckled. "But seems like Kate doesn't see it that way, though." Akito prodded. Akira couldn't agree more, he nodded. "No she doesn't. I'm tired of the fact that she can't- no, more like refuses to see it that way- that we're merely friends and that is all I could offer." Silence ensued. "Did you explain that to her?"

"I did, I did. A hundred times already. Sheesh." Akira ran a hand on his spiked hair. Akito laughed as he playfully jab a fist on his brother's arm. "Well, can't blame her, we're born to look like Gods or something. Hahahah!" Akira could only chuckle softly and roll his eyes. "You're nuts, bro. Narcissism is sick." Akito scowled. "Hey, let me clear one thing for ya, I loathe narcissism, but I value vanity. Hahahah!" Akira could only roll his eyes more. "Ts, whatever." Really, his brother can act like a kid alright.

"The only way to get her off is for you to have someone else." Akito stated. He grinned almost evilly. "You know, find someone who would replace her. In that manner, Kate will have no choice but to walk away." Akito paused. "If you have a girlfriend, then there's no way Kate would intervene anymore, in that way, you could-?!" But Akito was cut, and the next statement sent his jaw dropping as the traffic lights lit up green. Akira could only smile back disarmingly- eyes suddenly having back that twinkling effect on them as he remembered a certain someone that made him feel seemingly out of this world- literally.

"I got a girlfriend already, bro. And I think you would find her… extraordinary." The Ryonan Ace smiled. 'Rukawa-kun, I wonder what you're doing now.'


"Aaachhooo!" Rukawa sneezed as he scratched his head and chin lazily. It was Five pm already and true enough, he just stayed at the coffee shop for five hours! He actually fell asleep for a good two hours, only to be woke up by the barista who obviously turned beet red upon seeing her stunning feature. Upon waking up, he instantly ordered for another tall size of java chip Frappuccino. It was his third order.

Rukawa almost wanted to puke for drinking too much sweets that day. Ugh. He shuddered. He really has to play ball soon, else all the fat that his body accumulated would later on deposit themselves probably on his belly. He paused at that thought as he stared absent-mindedly on the mirror. 'Wait a fucking minute, I don't look fat anyway.' He shrugged at the thought and opened the television on his living room. He went home of course after ordering his third drink from the coffee shop. He looked at his phone- it is almost as if he's expecting a mail or a call- but it was all quiet. 'Sendoh didn't mailed nor call.' A pause.

'Did I pissed him off or something?' A pause. 'He did wanted to go out- well, seems like.' He paused again in his thoughts. 'He also asked if we could play ball.' Paused. 'I guess I should have agreed to play ball.' He shrugged. 'I mean, its basketball after all and he's a strong opponent.'Rukawa kept still and silent for a while looking at his phone. 'Should I text him?' He went bug eyed. 'Doahou Rukawa, what would I say anyway?' It was strange to think that Rukawa suddenly was having a hard time contemplating seemingly simple things. He involuntarily gulped and felt nervous suddenly. 'Is this… because… I like him already or… something like that?' More pauses. He shuddered.

"But I'm a guy." He felt his eyes widened. "Oh shit." He absent-mindedly got the nearest pillow and buried his face on it as if struck by embarrassment. 'Rukawa Kaede, you have to get your nerves straight- he is your rival, your senior, you're not even… officially as together. You're just pretending to be together. He has that Kate.' A pause. 'And you're both guys. Do NOT forget.' For some reason, Rukawa felt as if he'd missed something that day-he just didn't know what. He plopped down his body on the couch- and closed his eyes. 'Tomorrow, I'll definitely need to dig some hoops.' A pause. 'I guess, I'm just feeling stressed.'

He closed his eyes as he yawned when the doorbell rang. He opened his eyes and hoisted himself up. Staring at the door, he took note of the time. It was fifteen minutes til six pm. 'Who could it be? Sendoh?' A pause. He sweat drop. 'Seriously, did I just expect him to be here?' Rukawa knotted his brows and because his mind seemed to be pre-occupied with a lot of dilemmas that he absent-mindedly just walked over towards the door, grabbed the doorknob, twisted it, and opened the door without thinking. Guess, the word surprise really meant itself to be an explosive 'SURPRISE' coupled with confetti's and party poppers.

Rukawa blinked his eyes. The visitor blinked back. Rukawa stared and blinked back again- but he felt cold. The visitor blinked back again and tilted her head on one side. Rukawa felt his chin shaking- he blinked once, twice, thrice… The visitor blinked once, twice, thrice as well. Rukawa involuntarily gulp. The visitor kept on staring. Rukawa found his lips parting slightly as his voice and instinct betrayed him.

"A-Ayako senpai…?" The lady could only widened her hazel brown eyes. She wondered very much. 'She knows me? But how come?' A pause. 'Am I at the wrong house? And who is she anyway?'


"Let me see, let me see!' Akito hollered as he plopped down on the living room of their plush set. Akira rolled his eyes as he opened their fridge to get two cans of beer and handed one to his brother. "What? I said I don't have one, okay?" Akito snorted. "What kind of a relationship you have anyway? You don't have a photo of your girlfriend?" Akito gulped on the can. Akira sat down across his brother, stared and grin. "You'll meet her soon, no need for photos." But Akito wasn't convinced. "Gimme a break, if I'd known any better you don't have a girlfriend." He laughed.

Akira shook his head and drank from his can. "If you don't wanna believe, then don't." He snorted and smirked. Akito simply grinned back and placed his long legs on top of the middle table. "If you want me to believe you, I dare you call her now." Then he laughed. Akira simply blinked back his widened eyes and chuckled as well. His brother can be a sly one. "She's sleeping."

Akito laughed. "Hahaha, aww c'mon now Akira, you can do better than that, you don't have a girlfriend alright, it's still Kate after all and you can't get her off, ahahahah!" Akira simply clacked his tongue and smirk. Seriously? The thing is, it's not that he can't call Rukawa- the thing is, he hasn't told Rukawa yet that he already told his brother about them. What if Rukawa suddenly reacted otherwise? It'll be chaos. 'Guess, I just have to mail him.' He fished for his phone and started for the message- just in time to see Akito getting focused now on the screen watching the news. Hey, how are you? Can we talk? Sent. Akira wordlessly got up from the couch and headed upstairs with his beer on one hand.

"Invite her over, bro." Akito suddenly stated, eyes not leaving the television. Akira almost gasps. "What?" Akito only then turned to look at his brother at the middle of the stairways. "We'll be having dinner at 9 pm tonight, right? Invite her over. I made reservations for four. You forgot to make yesterday." Akira opened his lips and smack his forehead. "Ow shit, sorry about that- yeah, I did forgot. Tsk. Eggs n Things, right?" Akito nodded. "Yup." Akira sighed as he leaned on the wooden rail. "You really mean now? Tonight?"

Akito grinned. "Yeah, tonight. I didn't say tomorrow or next week, right? Hahahah! Besides, I want you to meet someone as well." Akito paused as he suddenly looked a bit serious- but his eyes were happy, they were smiling. Akira paused then laughed- earning a stare from his brother. "Oh I knew that look bro, I very well knew that look. It's been awhile since I last saw that-hahahhaha!" He laughed hard as he continued upstairs. Akito could only flush as he chuckled nonetheless. "Damn you bro, let's see who's got better taste!" And he grinned. 'Damn this kid, I'm really excited to meet his so-called girl, I wonder…'


Before Ayako could technically open his mouth to say something, she found herself staring at the door. 'She just banged the door on me?!' Ayako, being the determined one, knocked on the door a bit harder this time. "Hey, open up! Rukawa-kun! Tonight is tutor night!" She paused. 'Wait that is not Rukawa. Or are my eyes deceiving me?' She paused then widened her eyes. "Hey, open up, I said!"

She continued knocking on the door- persistent and very much eager to go inside. Rukawa was panting behind the door- his eyes were wide as he found himself sliding down on the floor. 'Shit-shit-shit-shit-shit!' He was busted! He smacked his forehead and banged his fist on the floor. How could he forget the fact?! And he even acknowledged his 'Ayako-senpai!'

Rukawa gritted his teeth in annoyance. 'What the fuck?!' A pause. She was still knocking at his door and saying some coherent words. 'Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fffuuuuuccckkkkk~!' Rukawa inwardly choked himself and banged his head on the nearest lamppost. Argh, how he hated the fact that he's been caught unaware and unprepared! What to do now? He doesn't have any plan at all! And plus the fact that the way Ayako looked at her, it was something else- it is as if she saw right through him! Bulls eye, indeed.

Ayako wasn't the manager of Shohoku for nothing, her senpai is a no nonsense person and is a very keen observant, Rukawa knew that there is no way he could fool her. 'I can't tell her that I'm the twin sister, she knows I'm an only child!' Basically, if there's one person in Shohoku who quietly knew of him, it would be Ayako- they've been acquaintances since Junior High and the lady has been part of the many games Tomigaoka has played.

Now they're basically both together once more as colleagues in Shohoku. And if Rukawa's memory serves him right, Ayako even knows that both of his parents are overseas workers and that he has a grandmother who lives nearby just because Ayako's mother knew of his grandmother's small flower shop and so on. 'Biggest shit alright!' Rukawa, at that moment wanted for the ground to open up and swallow him whole.

"Hey, open up! Rukawa-kun? Are you with someone? Are you inside?" Ayako hollered from the other side. Rukawa shut his eyes and covered his ears. Busted. And there's no way out. Ayako wouldn't go home that easily, not now that he even acknowledge her and said her name. 'Think Rukawa!' he inwardly muttered. His eyes shot open as he suddenly remembered something about Sendoh spoke of yesterday. Rukawa felt his hands clammy and his chest racing for fear that it might not turn out well. Gathering all the mustered guts and sanity he has left, he slowly stood up from the floor and with his head bowed down, he opened the knob to the bewilderment of the manageress.

"Senpai… I need to tell you something." Ayako for some reason, found herself being slightly pulled from the inside- she was of course reluctant of course, but seeing the taller girl, her pale and stunning features, something tells her that she might have met her already somewhere- 'That soft and quiet voice…' Ayako felt his brows knotted. 'Have I met her before? She's tall! Does she plays basketball?' She just needs to know where and how. 'Rukawa-kun, and I've always thought you never liked girls, don't tell me you're living in with this gorgeous lady here- but you're still in high school!' Ayako inwardly mused.

They stayed silent for about an hour or so. Ayako's jaw literally dropped and she screamed, and gape as she jumped up from her seat and almost pointed accusingly at the bowed head of the girl sitting in front of her. She could not believe what she just heard. It was probably the most mundane and out-of-this-world story she has ever heard. She almost fainted but was able to recover herself when this so-called Rukawa told her about an old lady named Broomhilda, a flying broom, a curse, and the… conditions that comes after the curse. Ayako wanted to wake up if this is a nightmare indeed. She pinched herself a few times making Rukawa sweatdrop and bug-eyed. She even checked her address book if she got in the wrong house, inspect the inside of the house to see if the real Rukawa is hiding somewhere- she even threw questions at Rukawa to check if she is indeed him alright!

"When is your birthday? What is your section?! Who is your Math teacher?!"

"January 1st. First year section ten. Tanaka-san." Ayako sweatdrop. 'Correct.'

"What school were we in back in junior high? What school are you in now?! Why did you enrol here?!"

"Tomigaoka, senpai. Shohoku High. Because it's near." Rukawa sighed. 'She's harsh alright.'

"What is my height?" Ayako almost grinned, this girl couldn't have known that. "160 cm." Ayako fell down. The girl is right. "What is Rukawa's jersey number?!" Rukawa sighed.

"Eleven senpai, I am number eleven. I am Rukawa Kaede, senpai!" He paused. "I was number four back in Tomigaoka though." Rukawa added as a support statement. Ayako winced and sweatdrop.

"Who are your teammates in Shohoku?" A sigh. 'Ayako senpai, seriously?' "Akagi-senpai Kogure-senpai, Doahou, Yasuda, Kakuta, Mitsui-senpai, Miyagi-senpai…" Ayako was surprised. She paced to and fro, tapping her paper fan on one palm. 'It can't be, she's getting all of the answers correctly! I need to push her more!' Ayako pointed her finger accusingly and hollered.

"Who is our coach?! What is his name?" Rukawa sweatdrop. "Anzai Mitsuyoshi-sensei." Ayako gaped. "Aaahhhhh!" Rukawa sighed. "Senpai, do you believe me now?" He muttered rather softly but with conviction. Ayako stomped her foot. "No, no, no… not yet!" She put her hands on her hips and knotted his brows. 'This chick is fiery alright!'

"Who's the team that beat us during our practice game? Name the coach!" Ayako smirked. Rukawa went bug-eyed. It was a silly and easy question. "Ryonan High. Coach…" Shit. He forgot the name of the moronic looking coach. Ayako grinned evilly. Looks like she got herself a point. Rukawa felt his hand getting clammy, is it even important to know who the coach of Ryonan is? But he doesn't truly remember the name! 'Oh shit, Ayako-senpai is looking at me as if I'm truly not Rukawa at all!'

"Well, impostor?!" Ayako leered. Rukawa gasps. "S-senpai, but I've told you far more accurate answers and better ones than this-?!" Ayako leered some more. "I don't care, name the coach and if you can't, bring Rukawa Kaede-kun out now!" Rukawa sweatdrop. 'But I am HIM! Why can't she just believed me?' Ayako sat down, crossed her arms on her chest and squinted her eyes. "So?"

Rukawa looked down on the floor, his fist clenched as he gritted his teeth. "Senpai… it is me." He paused. "I wouldn't invent something like this- I hated this. I never wanted…." Rukawa's voice seemed to crack a bit- he felt his eyes getting a bit prickly. A pause.

"I missed basketball." Ayako felt his eyes widened and she gasps. "I missed playing basketball and for real… I missed practising and doing moves i could muster enough to execute on court…" Rukawa felt his fist shaking.

"All I ever wanted was to be good at it- be the best. I never thought that wanting to simply reach that goal would cost me this." Rukawa paused.

"I never intended to be inconsiderate of other people's feelings…I am just being…!?" He was cut off when a hand patted his head. Rukawa almost gasps in surprise. He looked up- eyes almost getting a bit watery and saw Ayako looking down at him and she was smiling.

"Never thought you could talk more than two words, Rukawa-kun." She giggled. Rukawa gape- he was about to say something when Ayako ruffled her long locks. "Hahahah, well, in any case, I've heard enough." She paused. "If there's one thing I'm thinking of right now, we need to go and visit a temple and probably see a monk." Rukawa gulped. "A m-monk?" He completely forgot about that.

Ayako nodded and grinned. "Yup, you told me you were cursed right? Well, a monk or someone from the temple might be of help. You know, them experts in spirits and witchcrafts?" She smirk. "We have nothing to lose, the only thing on my mind now as well is to get you, our Ace, back. Damn, we need you in the playoffs badly- more so in the Nationals, if ever we qualify." She nodded. Rukawa almost felt his lips tugging upward. She believed him- and by the looks of it, Ayako-senpai seemed to understand. It suddenly felt good.

Rukawa felt as if he could breathe finally. Ayako sat beside him and thought for a minute. "Hmm, by the way Rukawa-kun, does anybody knows about this? About you?" Rukawa blinked- he nodded. "Actually, yes…" Ayako's eyes widened and she grabs her by the arm abruptly. Rukawa went bug-eyed.

"Really?! But who?! Who else?!" The next answer sent Ayako screaming and gaping in utmost surprised- it made Rukawa winced at her high-pitched voice as another story-telling of how it came to be made its way into Ayako's listening ears.

"Sendoh Akira of Ryonan." Ayako fell down. "Naaanniii~ an enemy?!" Rukawa sweatdrop. 'Yare yare, I need to explain once again.'


Sendoh Akira walk to and fro inside his room- he was thinking. He looked at his phone to see if there's any form of reply but there was none. He decided to mail him yet again. Hey, can I call? Sort of important. Sent. He tossed his phone on his bed and decided to take a quick shower. 'Invite him over, eh.' Sendoh furrowed his brows. 'Would he oblige? But he said he'll be doing something.' Sendoh paused. Whatever that something was, it must have been 'something' important because since the call from this morning, they haven't spoken since. Sendoh shook his head and headed for the showers.

'After this, I'm calling you alright.' For some reason, Sendoh wondered if Rukawa actually meant that he could date other 'girls'—and for some another reason as well, Sendoh honestly thought that it's kind of hard to find someone to date. He wondered very much.

Akito switched off the TV and fished for his celphone. He took note of the time- it was past seven pm already. He dialled a familiar number while sitting on one corner of the kitchen counter, a can of beer on the other hand. Four rings before his call has been answered.

"Hey…" Akito grinned. The voice on the other line softly chuckled. "Hey there…" Akito shrugged. "So, I called just to remind you of the dinner tonight at nine. We'll be right over." The girl on the other line snorted. "Yeah I know that of course, this is like the nth time you reminded me of that." She giggled. Akito rolled his eyes. "Well, in case you forgot…" The girl laughed. "I wouldn't of course. So, uh, who are we again?" Akito nodded and smiled.

"Yup, actually it's going to be me, my brother, and… well, maybe his girlfriend as well." Akito wondered if Akiras indeed going with his girlfriend. 'For all I know, it could just be that Kate of his. Ugh.'

"Oh. Sheesh. Will that be alright? I mean, I'm sort of suddenly feeling shy to be meeting them." The girl paused. This is the first time she will be meeting Akira and the so-called girlfriend. Akito snorted. "Of course it'll be fine, my brother's a good guy. No need to be shy around him. He's really friendly." The girl smiled and chuckled softly.

"Okay, if you say so, is he the one that you're telling me about- your younger brother who's an athlete?" Akito grinned. "Yup, that's him alright. We're just two siblings." He laughed. The girl chuckled as well. "Well, guess I better prepare?" Akito smiled from the phone. "Yeah, you should… we'll be there in about thirty minutes?"

"See you then…" She said. Akito tugged his lips upward. "Yeah, see you Jamie."


Ayako remained silent after the is, she was speechless. She was stunned. She was incapable of comprehending yet she somewhat understands. She was hearing everything as if it were a fairy-tale with a twisted plot and she was hoping that it has to have a happy ending or some sort. She almost wished that she was just having a bad dream and would soon wake up- but everything around here felt real. It is indeed real. Not some freak of a magic show that has its tricks behind the back draft. This is indeed reality itself.

And truth is, when it slapped her in the face- she realized that she hasn't been prepared to dodge. Minutes passed by as the clock ticked- the quietness of the surrounding is deafening indeed. Rukawa remained unmoving. He told her everything- the curse, how he ended up in Ryonan, how he was able to let Sendoh know, how he had a hard time convincing Sendoh, how hid body changed –how his body parts disappeared only to be replaced by some other body parts, how he ended up in the mall, meeting Broomhilda, the flying broom, Sendoh's clingy girl-friend slash friend slash schoolmate, the ruckus in the department store- how they shopped for some bras and the whatnots, and lastly… the dreaded conditions of the old lady. Love and be loved in return- plus, the kiss.

Rukawa felt drained- he wanted very much to just stumble down on the couch and sleep. He wanted to forget. He wanted to just sleep forever and just wake up to the time that he returns to his own body. He wanted to just get over the conditions and how he almost wondered if all of it were true indeed- or if not. He thought that, he is not prepared for the worst; and the worst is yet to come-or so he thinks.

Ayako slightly fidgeted on her seat and stared at the blank eyes of the Rookie- eyes that were of cerulean blue but were blank. Suddenly she felt sympathy towards her aloof kouhai. She wanted to hug him and tell him that everything will be alright- but it's not that simple. This is an unearthly situation and Ayako knows nothing on how to technically deal with this so-called dilemma.

She heaved a sighed and tried to smile. "So, are you guys dating?" She grinned. 'Well, this is just to hopefully lighten up the mood.' She inwardly mused.

Rukawa momentarily looked up and tilted his head on one side. Did Ayako mentioned the word dating? He furrowed his brows. "I don't know…" Ayako chuckled. Rukawa-kun is naively cute alright. "Hahahaha, you silly boy-or girl?" She smirked. "I mean, you did tell me that you guys are pretending to be together. So, that probably includes dating." Rukawa sighed and shrugged. "Probably. I'm not sure senpai. I mean, I told him he could go out with other girls." He looked up and frowned. "I'm a guy, senpai."

Ayako looked surprised, laughed, and then smirked. "Hahahaha, well I don't think Sendoh sees you as one now." She chuckled some more. Rukawa rolled his eyes and pouted a bit. 'Well he knows the truth- he might as well remind his brain of it.' Ayako stretched her arms and slouched on the plush sofa- suddenly feeling all too homely- she has that smile on her face. "Wow, this is sort of scary and cool, Rukawa-kun. I mean, you turning into that lovely girl you are and going out with Ryonan's Ace. Isnt it ironic, I even remembered how you almost hated him on court for during our practice game, hahahaha!" She grinned and laughed. "I wonder how you guys date though."

"Basketball." Rukawa stated flatly. Ayako stared up for a bit, eyes a bit wide- then she laughed some more. Rukawa for some reason found his lips slightly tugging upward.

"Aww, don't tell me you're challenging him for a game, you wouldn't win you know, hahahaha!" Ayako chirped in.

Rukawa suddenly found himself relaxing a bit on the sofa as well as he absent-mindedly looked at nothing in particular. "I did senpai, I did challenged him. But, we haven't officially played yet." He paused.

"But probably one of this days." He nodded a bit. Ayako grinned. "Geez. Well, I strongly suggest that we dig in to the conditions." Rukawa looked up-eyes widening in surprise. "What do you mean, senpai?"

Ayako suddenly had the glint in her brown eyes as she leered and smirked evilly at the bewildered Rookie. "Let's get that Ryonan dude falling for you so that you get to your own body." And Rukawa couldn't have been redder as he felt his cheeks and ears burned. He gulped. 'A-ayako senpai, are you saying that I'm going to go for it?' He frowned. 'But he's a g-guy… I'm a g-guy as well and I don't think Sendoh of Ryonan is…' He gulped.

"What are you thinking about?" She whacked him with a paper fan on the head softly. Rukawa winced slightly. "A-ayako, senpai!" Ayako only then stood up- eyes suddenly flared up in determination. "Rukawa-kun, you wouldn't get him to notice you if you act like a stuck-up ballerina. You need to know how to get into him." She smirked evilly and pointed her finger at the wide-eyed Rookie. "Do you know how to cook?"

Rukawa sweatdrop. 'I don't see how knowing how to cook would get my gender back.' Ayako pumped her fist on the air. "It is often said that the way to a man's heart is thru his stomach!" Rukawa sweat drop some more. "Senpai, I am not even a girl."

Ayako whacked him on the head. "Stop saying that! You are not a man as of now and this is the only way to get you back! Make that spiky-haired Ace player like you! Get him to kiss you. Then go back being a guy."

"But it's not that simple… and why cooking senpai?" Rukawa almost seethed. He dreaded his decision to tell on her senior. Ayako laughed, putting on his paper fan on her mouth. "Because it is also often said that cooking is love made visible! Hahahah!"

She paused and smiled as if a great idea struck her. "Try cooking him breakfast! Or pasta! Or omelettes! Or bake him a cake! Hohohoho!" Ayako almost blushed. "That'll be sooo sweet, he'll love it." Rukawa went bug-eyed and he could only shook his head in response. 'My cooking skills is so awesome that even the smoke alarm cheers me on. Ugh.' Rukawa could only helplessly inwardly mused. Looks like its time to learn how to use the kitchen.


"Hello?" Akira answered his phone without even bothering to look who called him- he held it on one ear as he tried to put on a pair of denim pants. "It's me…" Akira, for some reason felt his eyes widening a bit. He wasn't really expecting a call… much less from Kate.

"Look Akira, I'm sorry… that time, at the mall. I must admit that it was my fault. I should have acted that way. I honestly would want to make it up to you." She paused. Akira remained listening. "Can I see you tonight? Can we eat dinner somewhere?" She paused yet again. "Please?" On the other line, Kate was simply on her plush bed, twirling her shoulder-length tresses as she pouted and almost cooed and plead.

For some reason, Kate thought that is she can't get Akira Sendoh to like her with that kind of attitude and personality she's been sporting- might as well make the basketball Ace believes that she's someone who can be nice. "Kate, I'm sorry- I can't make it tonight. My brother and I are going out." Sendoh said as he slowly buttoned his pants. "Then maybe you can tag him along, threes a charm." Kate giggled from the other line.

She was hoping he would say yes. Akira shook his head. "No, look- we've made plans already and I think he'll be bringing in his girlfriend so…" Kate frowned and twirled her hair rather harshly now. She's trying very much not to throw another bitch fit. "Oh." She said rather disinterestingly.

"Well, would tomorrow be fine?" Kate suddenly added, voice sounding like as if there's a ray of hope somewhere. Sendoh sighed and sat down on the edge of his bed. He ran a hand onto his spiked hair and closed his eyes for a bit. 'I can't.'

"I'm not sure, Kate." Kate almost whined. "Puhlease?" Sendoh gulped. 'No. I'm going somewhere.'

"I- I'm not really sure, Kate." A whine. "Ph puhleaassee, Akira~? Just a quick coffee."

Sendoh smacked his palm on his forehead. 'No.'

"What time and where?" From the other end of the line, someone jump from the bed feeling happy indeed.


"Look, I gotta go. Its 8PM already. Tutor night is cancelled and would resume next week. Phew, I've had the intense surprise of my life tonight!" Ayako grinned. "I'll just be dropping by often if you don't mind. Just don't forget to still read your books and study!" Ayako chuckled.

Rukawa found himself nodding. "Sure senpai…" Ayako shrugged and patted the rookie on the arm. "Look, I know this wont help but- keep strong. Be positive. Everything will turn out for the better. We're going with the plan and get you back." She grinned.

Rukawa agreed- not because he had no choice, but because he chose to believe and cling himself into that tiny speckle of a thing called hope. 'It sounds futile but, it is as if I have come to the edge already- I just hope that faith is about to teach me how to fly.'

"Senpai…" Rukawa started. Ayako threw in one last look as she prepared to step out of the house. "Yes?" Rukawa sighed. "Thanks for listening and…" A pause. "Please don't tell on anyone…" A pause. "I mean…" Ayako chuckled then grinned.

"Hahahah, you looked cute Rukawa-kun. Of course I won't tell. Oh, by the way, how do you want me to call you?"

Rukawa found his lips tugging slightly upwards. "KD." Ayako beamed. "KD, eh. Hahahah. Sounds cool to me. Like Kevin Durant of the NBA?" She grinned.

Rukawa rolled his eyes. "No, like KD as in Knocked-Down- the Pest Control brand?" Ayako stopped and stared. She blinked back. Rukawa kept his poker face on. Ayako blinked again—the she laughed.

"Are you freaking serious? Hahahahah! Holy crap, you do have a sick sense of humour! Sheesh!" Rukawa could only shrugged and snort. "Sendoh had the same reaction, senpai."

Ayako wiped the tears from her eyes as she continued chuckling in mirth. "B-because, that is absurd, Ruka- I mean, KD -kun! Hahahah!" Rukawa simply snorted and scratched his head. "Well, I gotta go now. See you soon and remember to cook well!" She winked back.

"Senpai…"

Ayako paused and looked again for the second time. "Can you be… my bff?" Rukawa for some reason found himself almost cringing at his own statement- but isn't it almost like this? Ayako-senpai seemed trustworthy enough and by the looks of it, Rukawa honestly felt that things would soon get on the line now that he had another person that he could confide into.

Ayako found his lips tugging upward in a seemingly lopsided grin. "Bitchy friend forever? Why not?" She laughed. "Oh and by the way, I love your top and pants, maybe you should let me see some of your new clothes? I'll dress you up like Barbie!"

Rukawa sweatdrop and rolled his eyes. "I don't know anything about fashion, senpai." Ayako giggled.

"Fashion is what you buy, style is what you do with it, silly! Hahahah!"

Rukawa could only chuckle softly in return. 'Doahou, senpai…'

TBC


A/N: Okay, you know what, its probably not the chapter you've been waiting for but I just had to put this in. Sorry. Especially to you Kaede4ever, sheesh! Not much SenRu moments, LoL! But I tell ya, the next one would probably more promising, or I presume? ^_^ Yeah, just had to make a plot wherein we get to read the birth of the bff! Hope you find this amusing though. Well, I definitely know someone who's probably celebrating. *looks at Jamie, then sighs* Yep, finally—there's the you in this chapter! JOh, I am currently writing the 15thchapter of Osaka, I'm on my 8thpage already so… it'll be a matter of a few more days, I guess! Thanks very much and hope to hear from you guys! JGod Bless!

To: HoneyAl, here's an update, told ya I'm not slacking off! Hahaha! Enjoy your trip! :D