Time passed quickly, as it often did. And with it, brought upon a new beginning. As soon as he parted with Rukawa that fateful night, Sakuragi finds himself in a state of disarray, different emotions ran through him and the only thing he could think to do was to find Youhei. However, as soon as he related to Youhei the events that took place, he, for reasons Sakuragi couldn't quite suppose, didn't seem so surprised and merely replied with a knowing smirk. Nevertheless, he was happy and congratulated them on their restored relationship. Ever since that night, Sakuragi's spirits were particularly high it had confused not only their teammates and colleagues but even his teachers. Not that his spirits were ordinarily low but he had been in such a happy mood that the people around him assumed he had won the lottery. The insecurities, bitterness and questions that once plague his thoughts now became burdens of the past and was evidently presented in his manner and air.

Rukawa wrote often as promised and Sakuragi, intently would often wait in anticipation for a reply. The letters ordinarily contained questions of health, activities and current occurrences that may have been interesting. Upon receiving his letter one day, he was surprised to find Rukawa, in his endeavour of spontaneity had included different pictures of sceneries and iconic landscapes of New York with a description of its significance. The pictures pleased Sakuragi greatly when he first received them so much so that in a manner of indulgent vanity, boasted the pictures around to anyone that would be so gracious enough to spare him their time.

"You're thinking too hard." Said Youhei, as he observed his friend whose face wore a glazed, faraway emotion. It startled Sakuragi that it immediately snapped him out of his trance-like state.

" What do I say?" groaned Sakuragi in restlessness.

"Here, calm down, have this, " suggested Youhei as he handed Sakuragi a can of Pepsi. "Okay, tell me what you've got."

Sakuragi cleared his throat and began reading, "Dear Rukawa, thank you for your letter. I hope you are having a good time in America. By the way, thank you for the pictures. From, Hanamichi."

Once he was done reading, he was met with an expression of disbelief from Youhei. "Is that all?" asked Youhei, hoping for the answers to be negative but Sakuragi hesitantly nodded.

"Hanamichi, I know you write letters better than that."

Sakuragi coloured, "I know, but its…Rukawa. It's different.

"I thought you have feelings for him?

"It's because of that!"

"Right."

"Well, what do I say? Rukawa, did you know? your blue eyes are the prettiest I have ever seen on a man, and even though you don't smile often, when you do, it makes my heart beat like crazy." It was meant to be taken in a teasing manner but Sakuragi was when Youhei, in a tone serious and expression absence of any jest said, "write that, If that is honest."

"You know I was only joking right?" he was immediately dismissive of the idea but under his breath, he mumbled faintly to himself, "I rather say it when he's here anyway."

"Wait, what's that?"

"I said it's too cliche!"

Okay, well," Youhei leaned back with his palms firm on the floor, "What do you want Rukawa to know? About your day? About the team? Your life?"

Sakuragi paused considerately momentarily, tilting his head up in a thoughtful manner. After a while, his eyes widened as he proceeded to grab the pen hastily and began to write his letter with earnest concentration. Nothing, not even a hurricane could be successful in releasing him from his focused state. Youhei, could not resist the urge to smile as he observed his friend writing and pouring his heart out onto a letter, noting the content demeanour Sakuragi now wore, an expression that was often missing. The process of recovery involved the necessity of addressing pain in a healthy way. The consequence of pain was growth and Sakuragi, as hurt as he was, was quick to forgive and was more than willing to sacrifice his own desires for Rukawa's.

"Hanamichi, don't you think 'Rukawa' sounds informal?"

"What do you mean, that's his—oh" Sakuragi cheeks instantly flushed and with the colour still vibrant on his face resumed to his letter once again.

In some aspects of Rukawa's life, it was ordinary and uneventful as it ever was. Not that the rigorous basketball training he endured was uneventful in any way but it was more or less the routine that accumulated his days. It was evening on a Friday and rain had washed the streets leaving a glistening mark on its surface. There was now a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a period of warm and dry weather followed by the descend of serenity and freshness in the atmosphere. Rukawa breathes in the crisp and cool evening air, relishing in the tranquillity a busy and crowded city usually offers.

Rukawa walked through the streets, observing each building that he passed in thoughtful contemplation. It occurred to him that he yearns for the familiarity of Japan, now more than ever. Not that he dislikes America in any way because he remembered a time where it left him in constant awe. Sometimes, it still does. Perhaps it became too familiar for him or perhaps now that he was in a comfortable and easy circumstance, the distance only made the void and longing for that one person more unbearable. He paused and stood overlooking the Empire State building, rooted as an iconic, grandiose and monumental landmark. He marvelled at the picturesque ambience, mesmerized every time even when it was one of his route home, he supposed it was not something anyone could easily get over which is natural given its distinctive nature. As he was in full view of it, he held his rectangular camera up and carefully snapped a picture. Nowadays, photo-taking became something of a habit since, in his endeavour in being more thoughtful, begun inserting pictures he captured in his letters to Sakuragi. For him, it was a brilliant idea, not only did he manage to paint himself in a favourable light but it will undoubtedly save him any cost in purchasing his own pictures.

Once he reached his apartment, he was greeted by papers and envelopes on the floor. He rolled his eyes in vexation at the way it had been carelessly shoved through the small compartment on the door. It was almost routine the way the envelopes and papers came and each time he thought he might receive a letter from Japan, it turned out to be advertisement or bills and letters addressed to a Robert. Rukawa furrowed his eyebrows, considered the option of gathering up the papers and throwing it out immediately. As he sifted through the letters containing bills and ads and two letters to Robert, he saw a name that instantly made his heart well up in excitement. Sakuragi Hanamichi. As soon as he saw it he discarded the other letters and with a manner of pure anticipation and elation, opened the letter gently but quickly. Taking a deep breath, he observed the letter momentarily before reading as follows:

Kaede,

Rukawa paused, colouring at the use of his first name.

Thanks for the pictures! Wow, the pictures you took are awesome it makes me want to go there right now. You must really like it there huh. I am jealous.

I am alright, mostly just basketball practice, work and hanging out with Youhei and the team. You know, the usual stuff.

How are you? How is basketball practice? How is America? You better not be slacking, kitsune!

Japan is fine but I think it's hot this year. You remember you said you'll visit right? So you better come before I drag you here myself.

You know, I never realized how boring it is without you here. There is no one to make fun of.

Some freshmen joined the basketball team and there is this one guy who wouldn't stop getting on my nerves. Actually, he reminded me of you. So cocky, so arrogant and sly. But he's okay I guess. Of course not as good as this tensai!

The team said hi and to said to visit. They were fighting over the pictures you sent hehe

Youhei said to come back soon so we can plan a trip together or something like that. Youhei is always saying things like that but that means I have to work more shifts. That guy thinks I am made of money.

Oh! You know, Youhei finally asked Haruko out! Hehehe Finally! it was painful to watch. _

Well anyway, I better get going, I have work in an hour.

See you, kitsune!~

Don't forget to write!

S.H.

The corner of his mouth curved upwards upon reading the letter and was comforted by the happy manner of the sender. The sentiment filled him with satisfaction and overwhelming contentment in place of his prior annoyance upon entering his abode. As soon as he was done with the letter, the longing once again sets in. It had been 2 weeks since he left Japan and exactly fortnight ago did he, for the first time in his life revealed his sincere desire and meant it, without expectation or condition. He didn't really mind what Sakuragi's reaction or answer was, but he desperately wanted him to know how much he meant to him. He had enough of regrets. He supposed there was truth in Youhei's words that if he had given Sakuragi the same importance as he did basketball then perhaps it would have lessened both their burdens. The trip was more of a relief and a blessing as it highlighted his naivety and folly for if he hadn't listened to the gnawing sensations of confusion and guilt then he would have continued on in his arrogance and indifference, forever believing in the insignificance of attachments. Rukawa observed the letter once again, rereading it, absorbing every word as much as he could. Despite appearing to be calm, his spirits immediately brightened and his mood lightened and if the apartment hadn't been fortunate enough to be soundproof, he would have let out his excitement.

He let out a contented sigh as he looked towards the illuminated city, different thoughts entered his mind as he observed the long line of lighted dots moving slowly on the road. He watched the city below him, lost in its vastness and rhythmic percussion. Suddenly, Rukawa felt the world so wide as if it had suddenly expanded and swallowed him up at the same time, unrestrained from any fear, guilt or weight that could make him question his new perspective. He had perceived independence to be the only means of living, unconvinced by the frivolous nature that was to come about in any romantic relation. Some relationships were still insignificant to be sure, however, it couldn't be perceived so easily with just sight alone. It ran deeper than that, it was the selflessness in one's actions or the warm looks, happy feeling or even the assurance of the heart. It was a void filled, that he knew. Relationships became insignificant only when one person decidedly made it so, and for years Rukawa had been that very person. But at this moment, as he stood overlooking the vast, intricate labyrinth of noisy city streets, a sense of excitement washed over him. And with a letter intimately addressed to him, an unexpected feeling of happiness consumed him. He felt the shift of every incurious belief of the world became purposeful as he was struck with the epiphany that the only way to make sense of change was to plunge into it. Rukawa let out a small smile as tranquillity fell on his spirit and his eyes began to glow with newfound hope.