Chapter 8 The Realization

Rukawa and I were seated on a table, writing for our research work.

Somebody passed by. "Rukawa!"

He looked up. "What?"

"Congratulations on the Shoyo game. Shohoku is getting to be a great team." He replied.

"Uh, thanks." Rukawa thanked him then went back to his work.

"Rukawa," I said.

"What?" He asked.

"I haven't congratulated you. Congratulations," I said.

"Thanks." He replied.

"The dunk Sakuragi did was incredible." I said, pertaining to the newspaper article which was on the front cover.

He looked at me abruptly. "He is really good," he said. "But we can't tell him. We can't let him have a big head. He's just a newcomer." Rukawa explained. "He's prone to being stuck-up."

"Really? Sakuragi's great, isn't he?" I asked.

"Yeah," he responded. He stared into space for awhile, then he went back to his work again. Then I noticed something.

He became so a bit starry-eyed when I mentioned Sakuragi. oh well.

As he wrote notes, I looked at him. I looked at his gorgeous dark blue eyes, his athletic physique and. oh god, what's happening to me?!?

I looked at the way his lips move. I became enamored with it. His red lips looked so.

"Is anything wrong?" a voice came out of nowhere. It was Rukawa's voice. Argh! He caught me staring at him!

"Rukawa! Of course there's nothing wrong!!!" I cried.

"Well, I chanced upon you staring into space so I just wanted to call your attention." He said.

I looked into his eyes. So blue. So beautiful. I never knew that if you look at him closely he really IS a babe.

"Hello! Am I talking to anybody?" he asked me.

"Yes, of course," I said.

Oh shoot. This daydreaming is getting way out of line. Better stop this!

+++ "Akira," I said.

"What is it?" he asked me.

"I think I'm crazy." I answered.

"Crazy over what?" he asked again.

"Crazy over WHOM." I corrected.

"Who?" He leaned closer to me. "Tell me who it is."

"I think I'm falling for Rukawa. and I don't know what to do."

Sendoh looked a bit agitated but he just smiled. He just suddenly took me into his arms and embraced me.

I was surprised. What the hell was the hug for?

"For what was the hug for?" I asked.

It took him a while before he could speak. "Rei." his voice was shaking.

"Wh-what.?" I asked.

"I'm sad." He said.

"Why? Do you disapprove of Rukawa?" I asked.

"Yes." He answered.

"B-but. why?!?" I asked.

Sendoh broke away from the hug and faced me. Tears were falling from his blue eyes.

"Akira Sendoh! You're crying!" Quickly, I took out my hanky and wiped his tears. While I was wiping his tears, he suddenly held my hand. I was surprised. I held his hand too. "Why are you crying?" I asked again. "Why do you disapprove of Rukawa? He's really nice."

"I-I-I thought you didn't like him.? Then. why?"

"Well, that was before but now." I looked at him. "Why don't you like Rukawa?"

"I disapprove because I want you. to choose me."

I could hardly believe my ears. Sendoh? In love with me? But. I thought all the while he was the oblivious and uncaring one!

"Akira, I, I-"

"For how many years I've wished and waited. but now." he couldn't continue. All he could do was just touch my face.

"Akira." I touched his hand which was touching my face. "I did love you for twelve years and up to now I still do. But I'm also in love with Kaede and I don't know what to do. That's why I'm so confused." I caressed his face gently. "I didn't wanna tell you because I was so afraid I might lose you. And I thought you had no feelings for me so I spent every night crying because of it. But. my thoughts were all wrong." I looked directly into his eyes. "You do love me."

"Yes, I do. I do love you so much. Your brother was my idol that's why I used to go to your house so much. But it was not only the bball lessons. It was also you. I wanted to see you everyday that's why I was always there." He said. He planted a sweet kiss on my hand.

The kiss felt lovely. I wanted more of it.

Sendoh leaned closer and closer to give me a kiss.

On the other hand, I could not think. I was in a state of mental obstruction. What will I do??? This is the moment that I've been waiting for all my life but it seems I don't want it too. I'm so confused!!!

Somebody! Give me the right impulse!

"Akira," I put my pointing finger on his lips. "I'm sorry. I'm still confused. Not now, please." I said. I bit my lip.

He sighed. "Okay. if that's what you want."

"I'm sorry." I said.

"It's okay. But just remember," he touched my lips. "If I have proved that Rukawa isn't the one for you, then I'll have to kiss those beautiful lips of yours already." He looked at me with a smile.

"Yes, sure, Akira." I smiled then hugged him.

"I'm sorry for making such improper advances." He said. "I think that was abuse," he apologized.

"No, it's okay!" I laughed.

He put his arm around me, leaned his head on my shoulder and yawned.

"Wanna play the PS? Looks like you're getting sleepy," I said.

"Sure. I'll be player two."

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