Disclaimer: I still don't own them, but I never stop praying that someday I Will --- like everybody else. Hehehehehe... J
Author's note:
Wow… thank you so much to your reviews and comments…
I am really grateful to the person who told me bout the coach of Ryonan… Thanks.. J I forgot to take down your name.. but I know you know who you are… thanks.. J
Bout the turn of events… It will all be revealed to all of you… sooner than later…
I want to inform some of you… that I may delay in updating my fic for a while… I don't have a pc in the province where I will be staying for a while… so please bear for the late updates… but I will try my best to make amends and to find a pc there. Ehhehhe… The summer is ending and I got my self stuck in a province… hehehehe… :0
Hope you will like the upcoming chapter of this fic.
Note:
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(inner thoughts)
Ten Sakura Tree
Chapter 19 The Departure
The couples friend tried their best to patch things up but to no avail… all their plans didn't work and all they get are deadly glares, sighs, retreating back and a little yells. Soon enough they gave up and let the time heals wounds. Besides both Kainan and Shohokou are busy preparing for Inter High and the other schools are busy for the winter games.
The Inter High Tournament became a success to both Kanagawa's representative. Kainan is in 8th place while Shohokou became the champion. Rukawa, Mito and Sakuragi are chosen to the Best Rookie of the Year. Kiyota became furious about it but soon after accepted the fact that the three did deserve the award. Sendoh came and supported his koi for the game and gave him a big hug for the trophy. Fukuda is also there cheering for Sakuragi… he give him a big hug and a kiss for winning. Rukawa didn't react nor move for seeing the scene which made their friends worried. Rukawa remained stoic and nobody knows what is going on in his head and heart. Sakuragi on the other hand just shrugged and beamed a smile that never reaches his eyes after receiving Fukuda's surprise.
They held a victory party. Everyone are invited including the Angel and Phoenix team, though they can't come. Shoyo, Ryonan, and Kainan attended the party and had fun. On the party a lot of things became clear and mysterious. Sendoh is in deep thoughts that is out of his character. Rukawa is in one corner trying to drown himself by drinking a lot of punch and juices. Mito busied himself by chatting with the guntai and teammates. Sakuragi is outside the terrace and busied himself by talking to his celphone while drinking.
Yes all went well that night. Everyone had fun but four souls are busy thinking that they didn't enjoy the victory party that was held.
A week after the Inter High Tournament
A crimson haired guy remained sited in the swing while gazing at the setting sun. The park is filled with hearty laughter coming from the children playing and noisy but exciting chat from teenagers talking bout school and special someone. Nobody dared disturb not approach the silent guy – aside from the fact that he looks dangerous and deadly but due to the fact that both sadness and anguish filled his brown eyes.
"Michi, why did you call for me here? Is it true about the news Rashia told me that you will be living Japan? Where will you stay?" Youhei appeared behind a tree after watching his cousin for a while at that state.
"Hey… what took you so long?" Gaze at his cousin then just shrug signaling him not to answer before answering his tons of question. "I called for you so we can talk. It is true about the news and I still don't know where I will be staying." Hanamichi answered without looking at his cousin who took the empty swing to sit down.
Silent enveloped the two as they gaze at the setting sun. Just like the old days… where they all are gathered in the settee just to gaze at the big and beautiful sun. Unknown to them, a figure lurking behind a tree is spying them. HE remained quite and listening to the most personal conversation, the two cousins are heading.
"Michi, I thought you decided to live here in Japan? I mean that is the reason why we both quite the Academy right?" Mito broke the deafening silent when there is only a speck of sun remaining.
"Yeah… years ago. But there is no use for me to stay here any longer. I know I told you that I found this place special at the same time unique but there are things that can't be help. If I stay here any longer than today… I will just find myself hating this place. This place reminds me of a horrible experience and dreadful words I never thought I'd hear but I heard it. I couldn't accept it… I decided to find myself for a while… to have a journey… a soul searching journey. I need to return the Hanamichi you know for years Youhei." In a mere whisper he forced the words out of him that the person in the shadow almost couldn't hear them. The shadow isn't use to hear a whisper coming from the blabbermouth of Shohokou.
"Is it about that popsicle? I know you love that guy but if he will be the reason for you to leave this place… I think it's time to show him who he is dealing with." Anger is evident in the voice of Youhei that he can't hide.
"No... it is not about him… it is about me. I can't seem to know myself since the time I met him. I mean I have a feeling that I mixed the old Sakuragi to the new Sakuragi and the outcome is a disaster that I just… I just can't admit it." Helplessness marred his handsome face as a light coming from the lamppost hit him.
"I see… Michi I want you to tell me the truth. I am your trusty cousin… I want to hear the truth about you and your Kitsune."
Hanamichi just smiled weakly at his cousin, stood up and placed his right hand to his pocket; he took something from his pocket and present t to Youhei that answered his question. Youhei felt sorry for his cousin at the same time he look up to him due to the fact that he remained focus and intact after receiving a deadly blow. Hanamichi returned the amulet back in his pocket.
"Coz, how are you and Sendoh?" Hanamichi remained standing feeling the night breeze. Youhei remained silent and gathering up courage and strength to tell Hanamichi the truth. The shadow gasped and inch nearer to hear the conversation.
Youhei gave a deep big sigh before answering. "Akira and I… we are okay… just fine… no problem… in fact he just discovered that I am a former Phoenix and filthy rich. HE just freaked out upon overhearing Yumi-chan and me discussing about the business venture I am planning. He asked a lot of questions about who I am and our family. I told him everything about my family, some info about the clan and me… you know what happened… he looked at me… he look like waiting for me to say… GOT YOU! I NEVER THOUGHT YOU'D FALL FOR THAT ONE… when it didn't happen… he was gaping like a fish out of water and he never talk to me. That's how fine our relationship. Though we still see each other and text and call a little here and there – it isn't the same." Sadness filled Youhei's voice.
Hanamichi remained silent while Youhei suppress himself from breaking down in front of his cousin. The shadow felt the sadness that filled both cousins.
"Youhei, how much do you love, Smiley?" out of nowhere Hanamichi asked the simplest question yet it took almost a lifetime of Youhei to answer. But he didn't answer it directly.
"Michi, remember you promised Akira that you will attend his graduation next year. I want you to keep your word. If I have to provide you with pocket money and plane ticket to reach here. I am even willing to give you my bank account." Grinning for his last statement that shock his cousin. "Oh… I will just finish the first term before joining for the reunion… then return here to finish the school year… after that I will return home and maybe focus on my business."
"That much eh... Grandpa would be very proud of you. I'll help you on the way when the time comes. FYI You don't have to provide me with a plane ticket. I have my own plane remember." Hanamichi gave a weak smile. With Hanamichi's last sentence, Youhei smiled too. It first started in a weak smile coming from the two… it ended in a hearty laugh.
Youhei became serious and returned Hanamichi's question to him. Hanamichi became silent and sighed. Just like Youhei he didn't answer the question directly. "I am living Japan to give him space… I want him to move on his life and to forget about me. I want him to reach his dreams and goals in life… besides he is a few steps away in achieving them."
Youhei didn't comment as he witness the agony his cousin is feeling. He stood up and bid his farewell embrace to his cousin. They both hug tight and walk in different direction without looking back. When Youhei stopped and yelled without looking back.
"You must return back here in Japan in time for Akira's graduation."
Hanamichi give a laugh before answering. "I will return only if Akira and you will find me. And you are there to witness his graduation too. Also, I want Akira to top his class… he knows that." Youhei too give a laugh then proceeded.
The next day, news broke in the Shohokou ground that Hanamichi left Japan for good. Nobody knows exactly why he left and where he is heading but some of them got the impression that Rukawa is the reason behind Hanamichi's departure.
Rukawa remained stoic as usual and didn't comment on it but deep inside he is dying after hearing his koi's departure. (Kami-sama, he did kept his word to me that right… that after he sort things out after Inter High he will give me space. But I am not asking this kind of space. Da'ho… why did you leave… I know I hurt your feelings and failed you but I just realize my faults. Why did you leave now… now that I have gathered enough courage to ask you about some things that are bothering me.)
For the first time in Rukawa's life he skipped basketball practice. He went to the last place he expected to be… the paradise where he promised Hanamichi that he would trust him more than anything in the world. HE reminisce on the good old days that they are together. As he reminisces, tear escape his eyes but this time he didn't stop it. As one-tear drops a couple more followed then before he knows it he is crying his heart out. That night two souls died…
The next day a dead person walk the street… very cold and emotionless… but deep within his sapphire eyes lurks sadness and agony that no one can ever imagine.
The warmth of a burning fire that once enlightens the people surrounding him extinguished. A cold burning fire that penetrates down to the bones replaced it. His exterior became cold and brooding… his smile that could launch a thousand spirit became nothing but an empty shell.
OWARI
Author's note:
Wow… that was something I cook in here… I almost ran out of ideas here… I think I blew a chance of reconciliation right… I want Rukawa to suffer just a little bit… I have read a lot of fic that Hanamichi always suffer… now I want him to suffer… ehehehehhe… I know it sounds kindda lame but I want to try this kind of problem… I don't know why…
I hope you like this chapter… kindda mushy and boring sounding to me.. but I tried to make it a little bit cheery… ( I am crazy alright) But knowing that it means leaving and blowing your chance of get together means it shouldn't be cheery so I scratch that bit of idea…
I know some of you are freaking out with my notes… who wouldn't be.. I just hope animeloverjc could review (I just hope I spelled your pen name right friend…)… miss you lot my dear friend…
Till here… I hope you enjoy… please don't forget to review…