Author's note: Once again, many thanks to all my lovely readers =D Anyway, I'm having a writer's block at the moment. Hopefully I can get through it soon so I can deliver more updates at least withing2 weeks. Wish me luck, all ^_^ Reviews are always welcomed -190513-
Disclaimer: I don't own the boys!
Chapter 25. Play Ball
It's the opening of the International Junior Basketball Tournament and I'm so excited to come because the opening match is Japan against India. It's the Asia qualification round and only the winner and runner up are entitled to enter the International Junior Basketball Tournament as Asia's representatives. Nevertheless, it's a fight to prove the skill of the country's junior team. To be Asia's representative means free ticket to international exposure and maybe the chance to have a match against USA's team.
As promised, Rukawa has gotten me tickets along with Gori, Megane, Mitchi, Ryochin, Yasuda and Ayako. We will go together and our rendezvous point is at the train station. Because I'm so excited, I'm the first one to arrive even before our appointed time. I don't have to wait long because few minutes later, Ayako shows up with Ryochin, and then Gori, Megane and Yasuda. It is past ten minutes from the appointed time but Mitchi still hasn't shown up.
"Darn it! Where is he?!" I'm pacing around impatiently.
"I've tried calling his place but no one answers so he must have gone on his way here." Ayako says.
"The train will board in another ten minutes so we will have to leave him if he hasn't come by that time." Ryochin says.
"Who are you planning to leave?" A mocking question is heard from the long awaited Mitchi who suddenly pops out of nowhere behind Ryochin.
"What took you so long?" I stop over to him, upset because he's frying my nerves with his tardiness.
"Hey, don't get your panties in a twist. I'm here, aren't I? Just has a minor glitch on the way here." He shrugs with the big not-guilty smile.
"Right, right, now that we're all here and the train is ready, let's board it now," the ever gentle and kind Megane steps in before I have a chance to say a come back to Mitchi. We all nod and proceed to take our seats in the coach.
We snooze off during the train ride but once we arrive in Hiroshima, the spirit is back. The stadium is full of people because it's the opening day and the first match is the host. People come wearing Japan's attributes that clearly show they're diehard fans. We march through the crowds and start locating our designated seats. It's a good seat, just four rows from the court and at the center where we can get clear view of the match and the big screen. Little by little the seats are filled and before long, a loud and long whistle is blown signaling the start of the tournament. The tournament is opened by the showcase traditional culture performance from representative countries. The whole performances take almost an hour. It's not that I don't appreciate the performance, but I just can't wait for the match to start because I'm dying to see Rukawa plays.
Finally the announcer starts calling the player's names from both sides, India and Japan. I feel so proud when Rukawa's name is called among the Japan's starting player. He deserves to be here because he has outstanding skills. From what Megane's told me, by history, India is not better than Japan so I hope the first match will be won by us. When the match starts, I notice that Sendoh is the point guard while Maki is the power forward and Rukawa is the small forward. I envy them for having the chance to play as a team because they move flawlessly and each move compliments the other. I've played against Sendoh and Maki during Interhigh qualification, but their performance at the moment has far surpassed those times. Rukawa also shows his brilliance here without losing team play spirit. I clench my fist hard because I know I need to work extra hard to get into their level. After winning by 20 points on the first half, the coach replace all the players on the second half. Although these players also top level, the starting members play is deeply etched into my mind.
"Whoa, that was intense!" Ryochin exclaims. "And to think that we've beaten Sendoh and close to beat Maki makes me proud." He grins.
"Their skill has improved by leap so don't think it'll be the same next time we play against them." Mitchi says and I can't agree more.
"Argh! I'm frustrated because I'm stuck with swimming while you guys improve." I yell in frustration. "I really want to play basketball."
"Patience will pay in the end, Hanamichi-kun. Don't let your impatience ruins your chance of making a comeback." Megane says wisely and I just pout because I know he is right.
"Now that Japan has won the first match, the next opponent will be Syria." Gori says after he checked the announcement board. "It is scheduled two days from now."
"Ok then, see you in two days." I say before we all scatter to our own homes.
The match against Syria is more challenging than India. The starting players are the same but there's only 15 points difference by the end of the half time. Nevertheless, all the players are replaced on the second half. I notice that there are two players that haven't had the chance to play during the tournament. It must be painful to be forced on the bench after enduring the intensive training. They must have been the star of their school club, yet they are the bench warmers in this tournament. This realization makes me feel even prouder that Rukawa is chosen as the starting players twice. I watch the match closely and even re-watch the taped match to learn new tricks. Japan has won the second match and entering the semi final. I pray that they will enter the final so they will have the chance to be known internationally. And maybe Rukawa can get his dream of playing in USA.
Japan is playing against Jordan in semi final and we all ecstatic to see how things will turn out. Jordan has always be the top four each year so it will give higher challenge. Japan's coach uses the same strategy, starting the game with the best players and hoping to get wide difference in the first half. The formation remains the same with Sendoh as the strategist. However, this time they're having hard time because Jordan's player is really agile and their game play is very dynamic so to make Sendoh's strategy works, each player has to create their own opportunity and timing. I notice that Maki has less difficulty then the rest. He always manages to break free from the opponent's guard to receive Sendoh's passes. Rukawa and Maruyama have less luck. They have to rely on their pivoting skills and tricks which don't always resulting in a good end. The fifth player, Tsuzuki, has the worst. He hasn't succeeded in overcoming the guard at all. This limits Sendoh's option and the probability of the players free to receive the pass has decreased thus easing the opponent to read the game play.
Just after the first quarter is finished, the coach replaces Tsuzuki with Komeyama. However, the opponent's coach also replaces one of his players, the one who guards Sendoh. Second quarter starts and it's obvious the game turns into more aggressive, one that has no hesitation for a full body contact. The opponents are smart because they never receive yellow card despite their aggressiveness. Sendoh takes the worst because he is being targeted. Although he can holds his ground, more than once he was manhandled. I clench my fist hard, furious to the referee who fails to catch such a dirty play. I also fear for Sendoh's safety. He rarely engages in a full body contact during the national games so I fear for his safety. He's such a gifted player and to be injured and unable to play anymore will be a big loss for Japan's basketball world.
"It's a foul! Damn it, referee, is that eyes or just marbles?!" I stand up in anger when once again the opponent makes a foul yet not rewarded with yellow card. "This is ridiculous!"
"The Jordan's are smart. They're doing the foul in the referee's blind spot." Mitchi analyzes.
"What's the use of having referee if they don't do their job, damn it!" I curse again while sitting back down in aggravation.
Komeyama fails to make a difference because he is overwhelmed by his opponent as well. The score is tight by the end of first half. Second half starts with the same players on Japan's side except Komeyama. He is being replaced with Ayakawa. On the other hand, four of Jordan's players are replaced except for the one who guards Sendoh. When the game starts, it is obvious that their strategy is to reserve the best players at the second half, contrary to Japan's coach. Their ace players soon engulf our team. Even Maki is having a difficult time to shake of his guard. Sendoh has the ball but no one is clear so he can't pass. Even Rukawa fails to bluff his guard. Then just in a blink of an eye, Sendoh slips from his guard and runs swiftly to the ring, jumps so high and slams the ball hard. The slam dunk is so breathtaking that the hall is silent for few seconds before loud cheers erupt.
I'm so mesmerized by his play that I don't even realize that I've jumped off my seat and stand gawking at him. He took my breath away and I can only cheer his name loud when I'm freed from my trance. He looks around and somehow our eyes meet so I give him the thumb up and he waves back. I sit back down with huge grin plastered on my face. "Geez, I envy his skill!" I mumble.
"Yeah, he's so good, eh?" Mitchi comments, apparently he hears my mumble.
The dunk gives hope during the stalemate. All Japan's supporters have gained back their spirit and now supporting them loudly. The dunk also fires up Maki and Rukawa because now they can shake off their guard. Too bad Maruyama and Ayakawa still can't beat their opponent. Japan's coach immediately calls for players change, Maruyama and Ayakawa are back to the bench. The two replacements have bigger guts but they also have a hard time in beating their opponent. However the game becomes more dynamic where each team starts to score once again. While during the last two matches Sendoh mainly giving passes, in this match he often attacks himself. Maki finally finds loopholes on his opponent's timing and he can shake him off from time to time. Rukawa also pushes himself to the limit. I can see fatigue slowly creeps up on him but he fights it and I'm so proud he still can be swift despite being tired.
It's heartbreaking that despite their hard work, Japan lose by four points at the end of the game. I can't imagine how disappointed they must feel at the moment. They've given their best and done a great job. It's just fate is against them this time. I want to barge into the locker room and comfort Rukawa but I know that is a stupid move so I keep myself in check and exiting the hall along with the others. I don't know whether Rukawa will spend another night at the quarantine or allowed home. I wish for the latter so I can comfort him. On the way out, I notice Hikoichi's sister is around so I approach her hoping she knows the Japan Junior team's plan.
"Hey, Miss Reporter!" I call out to her.
"Why, Sakuragi-kun, it's nice to see you up and around. I hope you can start playing again soon." She smiles while greets me.
"Yeah, I'm taking therapy now. Anyway, do you know the Japan's team plan for tonight? Will they be allowed to go home or something?" I ask bluntly without beating around the bush.
"They used to spend the night discussing tactics and watching various taped matches, but I think tonight they will only get closing dinner. Also I think Segawa-sensei will give some parting advice." She taps his forefinger on her chin in thinking pose. "Why do you ask?"
"Ah, I'm just… I'm just curious, haha," I rub the back of my head, unprepared for her question. "Ok then, thank you for the information. I better get back, the others must be waiting for me."
"Good luck on the therapy, Sakuragi-kun." I nod and walk away from her.
After I arrive home, the first thing I do is take a warm shower. I'm only the spectator yet I feel my shoulder muscles tense. I sigh, thinking about Rukawa. He must be in a worse state. I wish I can be with him. Maybe I can't soothe his upset mood for losing, but I can at least give him a good massage. I sigh and quickly end my shower. My stomach growls in hunger while I'm dressing so I make quick dinner, mushroom omelet and hash brown potato. I munch my food eagerly. Call me a simpleton, but a tasty dinner always makes me happy. I'm washing the dishes when I hear someone's unlocking the door. Freezing a little while, I quickly wash the suds off my hands and jump to the door, ready to strike the offender.
"Eh?" I'm surprised to see Rukawa's face when the door is opened but it quickly turns into delighted for having him home. "Welcome home," I smile widely. Rukawa just looks at me and then walk pass me to sit on the couch. His face is downturned and he remains silent. I kneel in front of him and embrace him. "You've done great, Rukawa. I'm so proud of you." I whisper on his ear. He stiffens for a while before finally embracing me back.
"I've failed." He says bitterly.
"No, you're not." I release the embrace and hold his shoulders while trying to make eye contact with him. "You've done great, Rukawa. It's just a matter of unfit strategy. They knew we always attack full power in the beginning so they made use of that knowledge. You guys played so well."He still refuses to look me in the eye so I add, "Do you know how I know you've done great?" He glances at me but then averting his eyes again. "You played the whole game without being replaced. It's a testament that the coach knows no one is better than you."
He slowly lifts his face and looks at me. "But we've lost."
I smile, he can be so stubborn sometimes. "Only by four points and it's not your fault. Like I've said before, it's just the wrong tactics." He exhales. I hold his face and kiss his cheek, left then right. He looks surprised but I just smile and kiss his nose affectionately. "And you have to teach me your move when you make that triple fakes, ok?" I wink and he snorts.
"Are you sure you're asking me to teach you? I can practically saw your eyes turn into the shape of heart when Sendoh made that phenomenal dunk."
Is he sulking? Is Rukawa Kaede sulking? Oh this is priceless. I laugh. "Are you jealous? Oh boy, I can't believe you're jealous with that."
"Shut up." He elbows me on the ribs.
"Ouch, that hurts." I stop laughing but still feel amused. "Heck, Rukawa, even you must have acknowledged that his fakes, dribble, and dunk were incredible. No matter who did that, I will still be showing the same reaction." He just snorts again. "But you know what? The only one who can turn my eyes into heart shapes is you." I add, half joking but sincere. "Because I love you."
His eyes widen a little bit before he curses while turning his face to the side. "I don't need mushy words. I'm not a teenage girl." I smile because I can see tints of blush adorning his cheeks up to his ears.
"Of course you're not a teenage girl. A teenage girl wouldn't have this big package." I squeeze his crotch before getting up laughing. His shocked expression is priceless.
"Oh no, don't think you can get away after waking the sleeping lion." He swiftly gets up from the couch and chases me. I laugh while running to the bedroom.
"Come and get me, then, oh mighty lion." I say cheekily. "I might let you devour me completely if you can." I add before entering the bedroom.
"Oh, I'm going to ravish you clean." The naughty gleam on his eyes sends shivers on my spine. I can't stop the anticipation building within me. I yelp when Rukawa pounces on me and pins me on the bad. "Looks like I've got you. And now I'm going to devour you bit by bit." My body's heat increases several degree and I can feel blood rushing to the southern part of me when I see his wicked grin. Rukawa will be the death of me but I don't mind a single bit because I enjoy every second I'm with him.
~ to be continued ~