Disclaimer: I don't own Slam Dunk, it's Takehiko-sensei's

Sweet on The Heart

I checked myself on my mirror for perhaps a thousand of times.

Today's Sunday, and Rukawa-kun is going to come to my house.

Last night he called me. He said that he's failing on math and he needs my help to teach him some. So, this morning he'll come to my house.

Actually, I don't understand why he asked me for the favor. But he said my brother once said that I'm good at math, so he thought it's the right choice to ask some help from me.

Last night phone call was the longest conversation I ever had with Rukawa-kun, even though it was only about six minutes.

He spoke in a monotone as usual, but I'm still happy to be able to chat with him longer than just a few words.

*pin-poo~n*

I heard the door bell.

"I'll get that!" I dashed to the front door.

----------------------------

"Ohayou, Rukawa-kun," I greeted him cheerfully as I opened the door.

"Ohayou."

"Please come in."

"Where's captain?" Rukawa-kun asked as we sat.

"He went to my relative's with my dad. Well, which part you want to discuss first?" I opened my text book.

Rukawa-kun opened his text book too. Then we went on with our lesson that day.

"I don't understand why you're failing on math," I spoke as we took a break, "Because you quickly understand what I explained to you."

"Maybe it's because I always sleeps in class," he sipped his tea.

"Really?" Why didn't know that?

"Yes."

"Maybe you're bored, am I right?"

"Maybe."

"But.you're not sleeping this time. Why?"

"....I don't know."

Hmm.my guess is Rukawa-kun is the type of person who needs a private tutoring. I guess he'll easily bored if he's not tutored personally.

"Ano." he put down his cup.

"What?'

"Do you like the candy bar?"

"Huh?"

"....Do you-."

"Y-yes! I like it!" I quickly smiled. Actually the candy bar still remains uneaten. I kept it in my drawer as if it's a souvenir.

"Actually." Rukawa-kun said again, "I didn't plan to give that to you that day."

Oh.

"But when I saw you, I guess I have to show my appreciation. And that candy bar is the only thing I got in my pocket that time."

Oh.

"I hope you didn't get me wrong."

Oh.

"Did you?"

"Not at all. I know you just want to say thank you," I smiled. But it hurts inside.

"Anyway, yesterday Sakuragi was talking about shrimprolls. You.brought him lunch?"

"Huh? Uh, no. He brought me."

"He did?"

"Yeah.it was a little bit salty, but the thought that counts," I smiled remembering how 'a little bit salty' it was.

"He's good in nothing," Rukawa-kun sighed.

"Well, it was salty on the tongue, but it was sweet on the heart," I mumbled.

"....I guess I'm pretty good at shrimprolls."

"You are?" I widened my eyes.

"Maybe so-so."

"Maybe you could teach Sakuragi-kun to make some," I laughed a little.

"Maybe I could bring you some."

"Huh?"

"I guess-.a candy bar isn't worthy to your sandwiches. I'll bring you some shrimprolls tomorrow."

"B-but you don't have to.I mean.you didn't even taste the sandwiches. So.you don't have to bother.I mean.it was for you, but I gave it to Sakuragi-kun.so,,,"

"The thought that counts."

Suddenly I blushed. Rukawa-kun stared at me with a flat expression, but I blushed heavily just by staring back at his beautiful eyes.

"The-the candy bar you gave me was sweet on the heart too, Rukawa-kun. So.so you don't have to.I-I can see that you're sincere.Really."

Rukawa-kun said nothing and just looked at me, "Okay then." he said finally.

"So, shall we continue?" I flipped the pages of my text boo nervously.

Then we continued our lesson.

While explaining to Rukawa-kun, sometimes I glanced at him heartfully.

I was hopeless for a moment. But now I can see another hope.

Rukawa-kun, I've tasted a sweet flavor on the tip of my senses, and I'm pretty sure I'll be able to taste the rest of it on my heart.

TO BE CONTINUED