Chapter 14

That night, there as a victory party over at Kainan to celebrate the 17th year of being number one in Kanagawa. The school auditorium was full with students and teachers alike. Maki was surrounded by his fangirls and Nobunaga was his usual self. Girls also gave chocolates to Jin, congratulating him for being the top scorer throughout the tournament and wishing him luck for the nationals. And of course, being the nice person he was, he accepted the gifts and thanked them for their support.

"Jin-san, I haven't seen Setsuko-san around" Nobunaga said to his senior

"She said she had to leave early" the three-pointer smiled. He knew how she felt.

"Still bummed out that Ryonan didn't make it, huh?"

"I don't blame her because I also feel the same. When Fukuda and I were kids, we promised each other that we'd both qualify for the nationals"

Nobunaga took a sip from his coke. "You don't think Setsuko-san still harbors feelings for Sendoh, do you?"

"It's not easy to forget your first love, Nobunaga. You'll understand that once you've fallen in love too" Jin smiled.

"You like her too, don't you? I can see that" the freshman added. "That's okay because I like Setsuko-san too, but she'll only ever see me as nothing more than her little brother" he sighed.

Jin was amazed at Nobunaga's observation. Was he really that perceptive? "I guess I can't hide that fact. I've been loving her in silence because I didn't want to make any advances if she wasn't ready yet. I knew she had this fear of getting into a serious relationship so I waited" he smiled weakly at the freshman. "I don't mind waiting until she's ready to trust me"

Nobunaga felt like he had just witnessed the saddest love story in Kanagawa. "Jin-san, you're the most noble and chivalrous of all high school students in Kanagawa. I hope Setsuko-san chooses you"

Woah! Where did that come from? Before Jin could say anything, Nobunaga dashed away leaving him with question marks on his head.

….. ….. …. Meanwhile…

Setsuko sat alone on one of the swings in the park. The park was barely full of people, with only a few food stalls and even fewer couples walking around. She gave a deep sigh before swinging higher. She pushed against the ground as her swing brought her higher and higher until she felt like she was flying herself. Her hair broke free from her ribbon and they waved with the breeze. For the first time in her high school life, she felt so free and like a child. As she swung higher, her eyes caught a glimpse of a tall man holding on to her ribbon (A/N: yeah, you could probably guess who it is). She lost her balance and fell off the swing, landing straight on her butt.

"Darn it" she cursed under her breath, rubbing the sore part on which she fell. "That hurt!"

"Sorry about that" the voice chuckled. He held out his hand to help her up to her feet. "I knew I'd find you here"

Setsuko's cheeks blushed as Sendoh (bingo!) smiled at her. It didn't seem like they had just lost the match earlier on. Sendoh was being Sendoh, smiling as if he had no problem in the world. He had Setsuko's ribbon in his hand. She tried to cover her face with her hair but Sendoh would not allow it.

"You shouldn't hide that face of yours" he said, gently running his hand down her hair and tying it into a nice ponytail. A memory of a familiar night came into her head, that night he had also tied her hair into nice pigtails.

Flashback…

"You know, it's such a waste if you keep covering your face like that" Sendoh complained

"I-I prefer to keep it that way. Besides, it's not much of a hassle for me anyway"

"Well it is for me. I can't see your face properly"

Sendoh pulled out a pair of cream-colored ribbons and skillfully tied Setsuko's hair into pigtails and he gently took off her glasses.

"Hey, give them back Sendoh! I'm far-sighted" she cried

"See? You look a lot more kawai if you keep your hair up" he smiled and put her glasses back on. "You look a whole lot more beautiful now that your face is fully visible"

Setsuko adored her pigtails and started wearing her hair that way ever since…

End of flashback…

"I'm surprised you didn't tie them into pigtails this time" Setsuko smiled. This was probably her first genuine smile towards Sendoh since junior high.

"I think you've evolved into a ponytail now" he laughed. Then they started laughing at each other.

"You're such a baka Sendoh"

"As long as I'm your baka"

Setsuko blushed heavily. Strange… Every time she came across him, she'd end up blushing like a tomato. She tried to show no weaknesses or openings.

"How did you know I was here?" she asked curiously

Sendoh shrugged his shoulders and smiled. That annoying smile… "I just had a feeling. Anyway, forget about that. Can we go for a walk? It would be nice to have a decent conversation without getting any violent reactions from you" he laughed.

"I-I guess I wouldn't mind, for now"

So the two of them strolled around the park, Setsuko keeping her distance of about 16 inches (A/N: yeah, she calculated that bit!) and not looking much into his face. She would only speak if he asked her anything but they avoided talking about their past.

"How's your sophomore year? I hear Kainan's academe is just as competitive as its basketball"

"I'm fine so far. I guess it's no big deal since I still tutor some freshmen, especially that idiot Nobunaga"

…silence…

"And Jin, is he on the honor roll too?"

"He is! He's the second in class, as a matter of fact"

"What about you?"
"I've barely clinched 3rd in class lately"

"That's just as impressive as ever" he laughed

They kept walking until they took a stop at an ice cream shop. Sendoh offered a treat but Setsuko flatly refused stating that it didn't suit the cold evening. However, Sendoh was persistent and he managed to convince her in the end. They sat by the window and had a chocolate sundae each.

"You should loosen up Setsuko. Relax a bit. Your team made it to the nationals for the 17th year in a row" the spike-haired ace smiled, trying to make Setsuko do the same thing.

Setsuko was confused. Why isn't he bummed out about not making it to the nationals? His team was so close, she wondered to herself while staring at him in bewilderment.

"Why are you so calm and cheerful? Ryonan didn't make it to the nationals and you have one more year. Why aren't you affected by that?"

"Do you want me to be depressed over that? I'm not really. Our team fought a good match and Shohoku deserves their spot too. I'm just happy I got to play them and you were there to cheer me on as well" he grinned from ear to ear

Somehow, he was a happier person than she was because he knew how to accept the outcome of things. What was in Sendoh that kept him cheerful despite losing? Besides that, he sounded even more optimistic. She wished everything as easy as that, but then she'd remember how foolish she was back in junior high. She started laughing…

"Why are you laughing? I meant what I said" Sendoh made a face. "Setsuko you don't take me seriously, do you?"

"That's not it. It's just that I envy you so much. You act like you've never been sad or angry in your entire life" Setsuko laughed

"That's not true actually…"

Setsuko finally stopped laughing and stared at him. What does he mean that it isn't true? For a moment the atmosphere between them stiffened and Setsuko began feeling uneasy.

"Well forget about what I just said. Let's talk about the nationals. You were there last year. What was it like?" Sendoh interrupted the moment, trying to change the topic. Setsuko on the other hand, went along with it.

"It's tough but we managed to finish in the top 4. Maki-sempai is a great pointguard and coach Takato has always been teaching them to strive for excellence" she replied plainly

"Maybe you guys will win it this time. Now that would be something"

"Uhm, excuse me," came a small, boyish voice. "You're Mr. Akira Sendoh from Ryonan, right?"

"That's me" Sendoh laughed sheepishly. "How do you know me, kid?"

"I saw you at the game this morning and you were SUGOI!" the kid cried in over excitement. His eyes were sparkling. "When I get into high school, I'll go to Ryonan and join the basketball team too!"

Sendoh was beyond touched and surprised at his little fan and he gave a thumbs-up on the kid. "What's your name?"

"I'm Heero Takamiya and I'm your biggest fan! Can you please sign my basketball?" The kid produced a basketball from his backpack and handed it to Sendoh. His face was smiling endlessly as Sendoh signed the ball.

"Thank you for watching the game Takamiya-kun. I do hope you'll play for Ryonan soon" Sendoh smiled.

Setsuko was speechless the whole time. She was more surprised at how good Sendoh was with kids. She couldn't help but smile at them. Once the kid got his ball back, he glanced at Setsuko. The kid nudged Sendoh to lean over and whispered to him. Setsuko wondered why the kid kept glancing at her while whispering to Sendoh and he whispered back in reply.

"Shh… That's a secret between us" Sendoh giggled with the kid. Setsuko was confused. "But what do you think Takamiya-kun? Are we cute together?"

Setsuko's face turned pink when she heard him. "Baka! What are you telling the kid this time?!"

"I think you look good together" the kid smiled and bowed, before skipping merrily away with his newly signed ball. He waved at the two of them.

"Don't forget to keep on practicing" Sendoh waved back. He had his charming smile on the whole time and Setsuko started feeling strange. He turned to her. "Such a nice kid, isn't he?"

"What did you tell that kid?"

"He only said you were pretty and asked if you were my girlfriend" He smiled casually

"You idiot, don't implant stories on the kid's brain"

"I didn't. He's the one who said you and I look good together"

"Urusai" Setsuko cursed plainly and took a scoop of her sundae. "But anyway, thanks for the treat" A small curl escaped her lips

Sendoh made a gasping sound. "Are you smiling?!" he teased and started laughing. Soon both of them started laughing and Setsuko had to admit, she was having a good time. After dessert, Setsuko noticed the time and told him she had to go home. And of course Sendoh, being the gentleman, offered to take her home.

"No don't bother. I'll just ride the train" Setsuko insisted. "I've wasted enough of your time already"

"Wasted? I was having so much fun! And no, I won't allow you to go home alone. I'll ride with you" he smiled.

In the end, even if Setsuko refused several times, Sendoh followed her until they reached the station. There were only a few people inside the train and everything was practically quiet until a couple of middle school girls approached Sendoh with blushing faces.

"Uh excuse us, Sendoh-sempai? Could we shake your hand?" said one girl, shaking.

Luckily for them, Sendoh was extremely friendly and he shook both girls' hands and they let out a girlish scream. "You guys go to Tokyo Junior High, don't you?"

The girls nodded with delight and ran away.

"You're extremely popular with kids and girls" Setsuko smirked, arms crossed. "I'm not surprised"

"Yeah but there's only room for you in here," he smiled, pointing his finger at his chest.

Setsuko couldn't believe what she was hearing and beginning to feel. He's not gonna give up, is he? He's such an idiot, she thought to herself. Finally the train had stopped and they had reached their destination. Sendoh offered to walk her all the way to her house as well. Now, Setsuko was feeling embarrassed at her situation.

"I'll walk you to your doorstep"

"I guess I can't stop you, can I?"

"I'm glad you finally realized that!"

As they arrived at the mansion's gates, they slowly opened (a/n: yep, electronic gates) and the two walked in. The path led them past a fountain with a statue of a dancing couple, to the small front garden and finally to her door.

"I just remembered how immensely huge your place is" Sendoh smiled, looking a bit dizzy after admiring his setting. "Well anyways, thank you for tonight" He smiled once more.

Setsuko could feel her stomach tightening – she didn't understand what was going on and before she could reply, Sendoh grabbed her into a warm, passionate kiss. It took a few moments for Setsuko to kiss him back and she had completely lost knowledge of time and space. All she knew was that she was with Sendoh and her lips were not restraining the kiss. She was just as passionate as Sendoh was until she realized it. Her eyes shut open and she quickly pushed him away, covering her mouth with her hand.

"What are you so afraid of?" Sendoh asked, still not satisfied with their moment cut short. "Setsuko, what are you so afraid of?"

Setsuko looked horrified. "Don't do that ever again!" she cried out, her eyes tearing up. "Don't kiss me like that, idiot!"

"You're afraid of falling in love with me again, aren't you? I know you're feeling it too but you're just afraid to admit it"

"Shut up. I will never fall for a guy like you ever again!"

Sendoh grabbed her hand and pulled her closer until their faces where only inches apart. He was about to kiss her once more when Setsuko landed a big hand onto his cheek. She slapped him just as hard as that day in junior high, that her hand seemed to be imprinted on his face. Sendoh's face was swollen but he didn't care.

"Setsuko, Ko-cha, I told you once that I loved you and I'm telling you the same thing right now. I-"

Before Sendoh could finish, they were interrupted when the door slowly opened. To both their surprise, it was Jin who emerged.

"Oh, you're back" he smiled weakly. He already knew she and Sendoh were together. It was gut feeling.

"J-Jin, what are you doing in my house?" she asked nervously, hoping he hadn't heard her earlier on.

"You left your textbooks in my locker and I tried calling your phone but I guess your battery died" He turned to Sendoh. "So you brought her home, Sendoh-kun? Arigato gozaimasu. You truly are a gentleman"

Setsuko was feeling awkward now and she just wanted to disappear. She could feel a strange aura between Jin and Sendoh.

"Anyways Setsuko-san, I gave them to Kocho-san. I guess I'll be heading home now" he smiled, walking out of the door and waving goodbye. "Sendoh-kun, are you staying? If not, we could leave together"

Sendoh glanced over at Setsuko but she had already shut the door after thanking Jin. In the end, the two boys had to walk out together. There was an awkward silence between the two of them until Jin finally broke the ice.

"So you two went somewhere together?" Jin's tone seemed to emphasize the 'together' part of the sentence.

Before answering him, Sendoh smiled at his fellow sophomore. "You like her too, don't you?"

"Yes I do, very much actually and I don't want to see her get hurt and cry" Jin replied, surprisingly bravely and with confidence.

"Well too bad then. I've got some serious competition" Sendoh fired back, maintaining his composure.

"Sendoh-kun, do you really think she'll love you again after what you did to her?"

Sendoh froze in his steps. How close was he with Setsuko that she had confided everything to him? He laughed in reply. "Jin-kun, you should have seen how she was earlier on. She was as happy as I first saw her"

Without retaliation, Jin did the most unthinkable, even he had shocked himself. He grabbed Sendoh by his collar and pinned him to a wall. "Don't play games with Setsuko-san. She isn't some toy for you to mess with. Don't you dare break her heart the second time around. If you do, I won't ever forgive you" he taunted. Sendoh only started laughing again.

"Jin, don't be stupid. I was her very first, and you don't ever forget your first" he said, before landing a blow on Jin's face so he could break free.

Jin massaged his bruise while he watched Sendoh disappear.

It's almost Christmas so I decided to make this chappie looong, as a present to you my readers. Thank you! Please r & r, follow and keep reading.