Late Nights 2: Feelings

by LexannH

Feelings (Part 1/?); The thing with conversations involving the heart, is that everyone's vulnerable. And for someone who has chosen to love someone in silence because there is no rejection, one of the hardest things in life is having words in your heart that you cant utter. [Sort of a 'sequel' to LateNights-Sendoh/Rukawa]

2. Chapter 2

Late Nights 2: FEELINGS (2/?)

Notes: Sorry to keep everyone waiting! Part1 indeed is a goddamn cliff-hanger alright, even I didn't like it. I hated me. LOL! Hope you all would like this! Still dedicated to Star7 and Addicted to SD! Ariane-thanks so much for taking the time to message me (personally) was surprised to know that you read part1 for 6x! You're… unbelievable. I cant even stand my own writing. Ugh. I hate writing basketball scenes/plays. I now understand what you meant, Starry! I wanted the game scenes to be exciting but it seems, this isn't a strength of mine. Sorry for game inconsistencies!

Warning: Very lengthy flashback. It almost feels like you're reading a different story, lol. Only that you're not. This is still LateNights2 and Sendoh has still yet to confess (again, hahaha, poor Sendoh). Hope you don't get bored.

Standard Disclaimers Apply

XXX

Flashback, 12 years ago, Rukawa (17, 2nd year) Sendoh (18, 3rd year) Yokohama Stadium

Fourth quarter, final two minutes into the game of the 45th season of the Inter High. It was a game between Ryonan High of Kanagawa-ken and Daiei High School of Akita; the score board reflects 78-84, in favor of the much more experienced Daiei. Just so happened that they probably weren't expecting a lot from the much underdog team of Ryonan. The stadium was jampacked with students, basketball fans, and random people who went their way to watch the match-ups. The music was blaring and the cheers from both teams were over the top. From around, people chatter, laughed, placed their bets, and were at the edge of their seats as both teams threw in one hell of a fight—battling everything on court head-to-head.

Time out has been called and both teams went on their respective corners to execute their own plays and strategies; amidst the immense pressure, Rukawa held on his seat with his fellow teammates, as team Shohoku awaits who will win this game; the winner will then battle them on for the Championship round tomorrow, so whoever loses this match will clearly secure the spot as 2nd runner-up. "Teme, Daiei sure is a force to be reckoned with!" Sakuragi muttered. Miyagi, their current team Captain, who was sitting beside the redhead agreed. "They're almost regulars every Inter High, its no wonder the pressure is something they're all used to." Mitsui scoffed. "Tc, their Ace player Tsuchiya Atsushi sure is a ball hogger, but the guy can pass as well…" Sakuragi snorted. "I'd rather face Spiky and his team than them." The redhead stood up much to his team's surprise and leaned on the bleacher's railing which was facing Ryonan's team. "Sendoh-teme! Beat that stinking team!" He hollered to the bewilderment of most around him. "Sakuragi, will you keep it down!" Ayako stated as she pummeled the tall power forward with her paper fan. The redhead's friends led by Mito could only shook their heads and laughed at their pal's antics.

Meanwhile…

With the final two minutes in the game and with his team behind by six points, Coach Taoka is putting all the efforts on his board. He was pointing fingers to his players and moving the small blue and white pieces on his play board. "Fukuda, inbound pass to Sendoh—he will be doubled-team for sure, if he doesn't get it, pass it to Koshino!" He hollered. Fukuda simply nodded and said nothing. Coach Taoka continued his brilliant plays, offensive strategies and defensive ones; the old man from Ryonan giving everything he got since the season has indeed been a good one for him and his team and also since its Sendoh's last year in Ryonan.

He batted an eye to the quiet Ace who was sitting on the bench beside him; (Taoka was crutched down on the ground while giving instructions/plays) Sendoh was simply looking passively on the board, a white towel atop his head, biting the lower hem of the towel thus covering his face; Taoka saw Sendoh's passive yet focused eyes stared hard on the board. Taoka knew that he may have been adding pressure to his best player and he could only heave a sigh.

The whistle blew and instantly cheers erupted to signal the start of the final few minutes. The players on Daiei bench quickly stood up and walked towards the court with their Ace, Tsuchiya leading them. Ryonan, too, started dispersing and walking towards the court—with the plays and passes engraved deep within their minds. Fukuda started walking, eyes darting to where the Ace of Daiei was—instantly spotting him. He paused for awhile and turned to look just as the stadium roared back to life—Sendoh stood up, placing the towel on the bench and just like that fans of Ryonan went wild.

"Sendoh…"

The aforementioned name paused and turned to look at their coach. Taoka felt his hand gripped the board and pen tightly. He took in the moment to stare at his student standing right before him; donned under their infamous white and blue jersey and wearing the number '7' as if no one would wear the same number again. Truth is, Sendoh was supposedly to wear the number '4' jersey since becoming Captain but the said Ace player forgot to packed his new sport shirt, prompting Fukuda, who's supposed to donned the new number 7, to wear (still) his number 13.

"I want you to relax—never think about what's at stake." He paused and approached the taller player; Sendoh was in the middle of tucking his jersey shirt, pulling up his shorts when his coach advanced. Taoka paused when he was beside his formidable player. He smiled almost longingly at the court before him. "I want you to know that… I'm more than glad we made it this far somehow…" He scoffed and stared at the student looking back at him with hands on his hips. "I just want you to think about the game—if you start thinking beyond that or who's going to win the championships… you've lost your focus." He tapped the guy at the back.

Sendoh simply stared at his old coach and without even saying a word, he understood. He, too, was grateful that they were able to make it to the top 3 teams. Years of playing the sport he loves, he understood that the key is not the will to win, because everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important; and he knew their old man concocted the best play they all had in mind at that given moment—they just have to execute it.

The stadium roared, hooted, and cheered. Whistles have been blown signalling the start of the last two minutes. Coach Taoka nodded at the referee who was eyeing him and started stepping back on the side to wholly focused on the game when he turned to look…

Sendoh tugged his lips upward in an easy smile. "Don't worry coach… we got this." He even added a wink and grin. Taoka simply blinked his surprised and scoffed, shaking his head at the confidence displayed before him. Sendoh simply chuckled a bit and scratched his head, brushing the side of hair upwards; and as he walked towards the court, the Ryonan bench went frenzied as they cheered their loudest.

Sendoh sighed and tapped hands with his teammates. He smiled at them. "Hey uh… just do what coach said and if you cant get out—I'll come find you. Pass it to me." Fukuda snorted and smirked a bit. "Nice speech." Sendoh smirked and tapped hands with his power forward. He heaved a sigh and started placing himself of Daiei's Ace who, if looks could kill, he'd be dead already. He heard the Ace of Daiei snorted. "To be honest, I haven't heard of your team until now." The latter almost goaded as he prepares to guard the blue-eyed player of Ryonan. Sendoh simply stared at the prodding prick and smiled. "Well, now you know." He muttered. "Hn, it wont even matter, in a few minutes." A smirked. Sendoh continued on his easy smile and shrugged. "That…we'll see."

The whistle blew and instantly everyone is up on their feet. Fukuda received the ball and instantly his gut tells him to pass on to Sendoh. The spiky-haired of Ryonan was heavily guarded by Daiei's Ace—but Sendoh, being him, was able to get away to the delight of the crowd and the ball was passed on to him. It was quite a reach and he had to jump up not to lose the ball. The fans went wild and as soon as he got the ball; the time settled down quickly.

Tsuchiya guarded with his life. His eyes burning onto Sendoh's cobalt blue orbs. Sendoh dribbled expertly and tried crossing to his right but as soon as he did so, was doubled team. Taoka clacked his tongue and almost cursed. Sendoh's trained eyes moved from Tsuchiya to the other player. He knew he had to get away. "Sendoh!" He heard his name and it was Koshino who was unguarded. Sendoh threw in a pass to Koshino who was immediately pursued by the guard that doubled him. Sendoh ran after his teammate as soon as they approached their side, Fukuda raised an arm to say he's got it; Koshino stared at Fukuda and saw Sendoh as well who was being shadowed by Tsuchiya. Koshino gritted his teeth in annoyance; seconds ticked down. He dribbled fast—mind in disarray.

"Koshino!" Taoka screamed from the sidelines and as if being reverted back to reality, Koshino decided to pass to Fukuda—who was ready to get hold of the ball but was intercepted to their surprise! Koshino cursed himself for making such a drastic decision. Fukuda was startled when the ball was tapped by the enemy—both men scrambled for the orange leather. The enemy had the ball and started dribbling it on the other side of the court and Taoka could only close his eyes in sheer disappointment—but the crowd went wild as cheers erupted. Taoka had to open his eyes, wanting to see the commotion.

Sendoh intercepted the opponent and was able to tapped back the ball and onto his hands with a pursuing Tsuchiya behind him. Instantly the Ryonan crowd rose up to their feet. Taoka watched with open mouth as Sendoh maneuvered his way into the tight defense, batting an eye on the shot clock…

7…6… 5…

Tsuchiya proved he is not somebody easily being escaped upon and Sendoh knew he was just right behind him. Sendoh dribbled the ball between his legs, low and stepped back behind the farthest line, jumped up to fire a long range three-pointer…

The crowd were on their feet, Miyagi, Mitsui, Sakuragi and their whole team stood up, eyes ablaze and with their mouths gaping. Everyone found themselves fixed upon the sailing orange ball in the air as it arches up from where it was thrown; half of the stadium praying it went in and half praying it wont…

4… 3… 2…

Tsuchiya ran towards the basket. "Too far! Rebound!" He shouted almost reassuringly. Sendoh's eyes widened as he felt his chest pounding loudly—too loud its almost pounding straight into his ears. The noise, the crowd, immense pressure—welling up behind him, and he knew… he knew all along the gravity of having the whole team and school behind his back, still, he continues to fight…

"Fuck that's soo far!" Mitsui shouted as he held both of his hands at the side of his head. Miyagi pumped his fist up. "Get in, dammit!"

1…

The ball bounced once, twice-then went it like it was destined to get in. And the stadium lost its roof to the thunderous clap, hoots, cheers, and roar. Amidst the surprise of Daiei, Ryonan was able to get back into defense. Tsuchiya watch in surprise as the score on the board reflected 81-84 with less than a minute on the clock. He cant believed the ball went it. He clacked his tongue and scoffed as they prepare to attack.

Sendoh prepared as Daiei counterattacks, their Ace has the ball and he swears that he cant let them score yet again. "Hell of a fluke shot!" Tsuchiya muttered, insulting Sendoh's long range three-pointer. Sendoh simply scoffed and guarded the latter. The ball was passed onto another player and Sendoh immediately ran towards the player Uekusa was guarding—was passed yet again to another guard; the player dribbled and tried to squeeze in but cannot because of Koshino's tight defense—and as a result the ball was passed onto Tsuchiya who caught it single-handedly…

The crowd of Daiei cheered as the ball was placed yet again into the perfect hands of their Ace and as if to instigate rudeness, Tsuchiya dribbled low and in-between his knees, and prepared to attack. "Want to see a real solid shot?" He smirked at Sendoh who was guarding him closely, eyes devoid of any emotion, lips pursed into passiveness…

"Its been fun playing with you Sendoh of Ryonan, but time to say farewell-?!" And he stepped back into the farthest line, jumped up to everyone's anticipation and fired a three-pointer as well. Sendoh's eyes widened and although he anticipated that Tsuchiya is not bluffing when he fired the shot, he could only do one thing now-and that is to jump. And so he did. Jumped as high as he could, intending to either just slap the ball away or just tipped it in a way that it wont go in.

'No-no-no-no-no…—don't you please go in!' He inwardly muttered as he felt his fingers tapped the ball. Sendoh could only looked as the spinning orange leather approached the rim—he backed to guard Tsuchiya just in case the ball go out and they attempt for another steal. He could feel the pounding of his chest, the adrenaline rushing to his veins, his clad-sweat body and jersey as the ball bounced onto the rim…

Taoka, together with graduated third years, Uozumi Jun and Ikegami who was also on the sidelines watched in horror as the ball sailed into the air. Daiei crowd rose to their feet ready to claim their victory as they chant and cheered for the ball to go in. Meanwhile, Ryonan fans stood up and can only wish for the ball not to.

The ball bounced once, twice, and out of the rim—as two centers from both teams scoured to take and or regain the possession. "Hug the ball!" Uozumi shouted from the sidelines as their new center weathered custody of the prized ball. He instantly saw Fukuda running towards him and passed it onto their power forward who ran across the court in full power. Once again, the crowd went wild and continued cheering, screaming as the final seconds ticked down.

Fukuda stopped when his guard caught up with him and the rest of Daiei, immediately solidifying their defense. He clacked in annoyance and continued dribbling, eyes moving to and fro to whom he would pass. His eyes spotted Sendoh running towards the baseline and his predisposition tells him he should pass; Fukuda saw Sendoh's left hand slightly tapping from behind him—pointing an index finger and middle finger down and Fukuda instantly knew what to do. They've done this a lot of times before—this so-called 'move'. Fukuda dribbled low and paced to his right, then to his left, testing his opponent's reaction, one swift move and he was able to get away to the delight of the crowd.

Daiei, of course is not a regular in the championship matches for nothing. Tsuchiya ran after Sendoh and knew that the ball would be passed yet again onto him. Fukuda's guard chased after him as well. Sendoh approaches the baseline, hands open, ready to received the ball and Tsuchiya prepared to intercept. Fukuda's eyes widened in anticipation and he could only smirk when instead of passing it to Sendoh; threw in a no-look pass to Koshino to Tsuchiya's surprise.

Koshino smirked and faked a jumpshot, his guard fell for it. Koshino went down, run, and passed back the ball to Fukuda's waiting hands as the power forward run towards the middle, faking a jumper; Tsuchiya was slightly taken aback, confused as to where the ball is going now, he turned around to look and tried to block Fukuda but was aghast when the ball was thrown back to Sendoh who run past around him—Tsuchiya tried to tapped the ball out—colliding hands with Sendoh who instantly placed the orange leather into the basket in a resounding dunk with less than three seconds on the shot clock for an easy two to the fans delight-plus a foul!

For the second time, the roof went off. Tsuchiya scoffed, glaring and obviously mad. "Fuck!" He shouted. Sendoh grinned at the crowd; flippantly lifted his jersey at the hem with his fingers, pointing at his number to the crowd's delight.

The whistle blew and instantly, the crowd rose to their feet in celebration. Taoka shouted ecstatically. Sakuragi, his friends, Miyagi, Mitsui, high-fived each other, shouted, hooted, and cheered their lungs out.

"Fuuucckk! Hahaha! Sendoh is the goat, fucking dope! Whoo!" Mitsui exclaimed, pumping his fist onto the air. Miyagi was all smiles as he shook his head in disbelief. "Awesome, Fukuda man. That was some pass!" Akagi who was also with his former team couldn't agree more. "Sendoh sure knows how to hassle." He paused. "He's a genius." Kogure who was also present nodded. "He's… unstoppable." Sakuragi was shouting at the top of his lungs together with his friends. "Sendoh you bastard, is that legit dope running on your veins or what, nyahaha!" He hollered jokingly and Ayako instantly pummeled his redhead. Mito and the rest were waving. "Ryonan will win this!" They hollered.

Enthralled. Absorbed. Rukawa couldn't exactly remember the number of minutes he thought he has been sitting his ass on the bleachers. All he knows is that he has been clutching his duffel bag with force with every run, pass, dribble as two opposing teams battle it out for the Championship rounds. He particularly took note of one particular team—the men in white and blue. His eyes watched every move, pass, dribble and shot they all partake in. Well… maybe watched one particular player would be more accurate. The intensity especially of this particular player was simply hard to miss. The tenacity of Sendoh Akira is so unnerving one cannot take their eyes off of him. It almost seemed like he's got a jersey that says, 'watch me'… and Rukawa could only do so.

Rukawa tried to observed both teams for the past couple of minutes, he tried studying Daiei as well, especially their Ace, but his eyes kept reverting back to a co-player from Kanagawa. The taller and older senior Captain and Ace of Ryonan basketball team. Its like he's being drawn in, almost like a moth onto a flame. Rukawa watched as Sendoh unleashed almost a side of him he thought he'd never seen—that leadership type of playing, getting his team and the other players involved. Even the crowd, he seemed to got them chanting his name like a mantra, and he is willing to bet that he probably gained a new following right after this game.

He watched with careful eyes as Sendoh hassled and dominated almost the Ace of Daiei, showing off his impeccable skills in both dribbling, getting away from defense, shooting and probably—especially his passing around; behind him, in front, to the sides; all these coupled with his unsettling appeal on court, magnetizing hundred of eyes as they all hooted and cheered for him and his team. Its like what Mitsui and the doaho almost said, dope, well, not literally but, its like a side of him Rukawa hasn't seen yet… ever. He's like a new player. Efficient. Charismatic. Yet, deadly.

Sakuragi's gang managed to bring out an unrolled cartolina paper with something written on it and waved it in the air while shouting Sendoh's name.

"What the hell, Hanamichi!" Mito hollered. Sakuragi cackled evilly, grabbing Mito's marker pen and writing something on the paper. "Nyahaha, I got this, I got this!" He muttered, as he wrote and batted an eye to an unsuspecting person who was sitting nonchalantly not too far from them. The gang saw what Sakuragi wrote and they all laughed. "Sakuragi you idiot!"

"Hanamichi, you're really looking for a fight, eh?!" Yohei stated as he tried to stop his redhead friend. "Nyaha, Yohei if you're my friend, you'll let me!" He hollered. Yohei tried to stopped, while laughing a bit but the taller and bulkier Sakuragi sure knows how to pester his archnemesis.

Rukawa gulped involuntarily and sighed, passiveness etched on his face as the final timeout has been called, his attention though was partially caught with Sakuragi and his silly antics with his friends as they waved and called onto Sendoh who was getting ready on the free throw line. He saw the older guy batted a glance at the absurdity of the group and almost thought their eyes met briefly… or maybe not. After all, there is quite a distance from where he was and the court itself.

The referee called a foul on an angry Tsuchiya and Sendoh was instantly called to the free throw line.

"Feel like winning now, huh?" Tsuchiya goaded. Sendoh simply snorted, wanting to ignore the slight airhead that was Daiei's Ace but also wanting to whip the talker a bit. "Of course, who doesn't?" Sendoh stated and smirked wryly. Fukuda tugged his lips upward as he wiped his mouth with his jersey. "Get it in, bro." Fukuda muttered. Sendoh smiled at Fukuda and wiped his hands on his shorts. "Basic, man."

Sendoh tapped hands with Koshino and Fukuda, huffing and puffing as he walked towards the free throw—partly casting a quick glance to where he thought he has been hearing his name being called. His brows raised a bit and found himself startled when he saw Sakuragi and his friends waving a fan sign that says,

'Are you my Daddy?' - Rukawa. They all laughed when they saw the surprised look on Sendoh. They high-fived each other and Sakuragi faced the quiet Rukawa with the banner to his team's surprise. Miyagi and Mitsui laughed as Akagi and Kogure can only shake their heads. Rukawa was aghast, felt his face burning, he stood up, eyes ablaze as he grabbed the paper and tore it to pieces; obviously a fistfight exploded on the bleachers between two hot-headed teammates while the rest of the team tried to pull them off each other.

"Fuck you!" Rukawa seethed, flushed and embarrassed as he tried to reach Sakuragi with his close fist but Mitsui and Miyagi were holding him back. Sakuragi cackled and tried throwing also a punch but was kept being held back by his group. "Well fuck you too, exaggerating on such a puny thing you onion-skinned!"

"Sakuragi! You monkey—you!" Akagi yelled as he socked the redhead like always.

'Those silly Shohoku guys...' Sendoh shook his head, smirking a bit, rather surprised at what he saw; as he received the ball, dribbling it and catching his breath before eyeing the basket.

'Ok now, time to get this baby in…' He inwardly muttered—in order for them to tie the score, he had to. He heaved a sigh, spun the ball onto his hands and released the ball in a perfect arc—the ball, needless to say, went in. The score is 84-84 with 20.0 seconds left on the clock. Tsuchiya obviously wasn't too happy about it. Sendoh raised his right arm and pointed his index finger to their delighted fans, waving it a bit as if telling them 'i-told-you-so'.

Ryonan fans went ecstatic as they cheered 'lets-go-Ryonan!', waving their blue and white pompoms and the whatnots. Daiei team called on their final timeout, they need to regroup. Some song called Super Bass then started blaring from the whole stadium as some people refrained to sit down, too excited to see how the match is going to end.

Both teams went on their respective sides with their teammates tapping them and towels being handed to them. Taoka tapped his Ace player on the shoulder, determination clearly evident on his face, although they're not out of the woods yet. Sendoh nodded his thanks to a teammate that hand him his Gatorade, opening it and gulping the drink in his thirst-ridden throat. He plopped down on the bench as a towel was thrown onto his head.

Coach Taoka immediately sets down to concoct another play and the possibilities of fouls, double-teams, and the whatnots. He started moving the familiar blue and white chips, marking the board with his pen. Some players pointing out also their own 'play' with the old coach listening and nodding to them— and then staring at Sendoh who was simply drinking his Gatorade while looking down at the board.

The whistle blew once more signalling the approaching end of the game. People started standing up from their seats; Rukawa tried not to stand—as he contented himself to watch from where he was—and caught himself surprised at the thought of hoping Ryonan would come out victorious. The idiot Sakuragi and his friends were leaning on the railings of the bleachers, shouting and hooting—the stupid fan sign, torn to pieces, scattered on the ground, clearly forgotten. Rukawa felt his fist clenched as he remembered the embarrassment awhile ago. He dumped a sigh and felt himself shifted in position, moving towards the edge of his seat, placing one palm under his chin as he watched the guys from Ryonan walked towards the court.

Rukawa followed Sendoh's move as the latter removed the towel off of him and wiped his mouth with the hem of his jersey. He stared when their coach approached Sendoh and whispered seemingly onto his ears, seeing Sendoh's semi-puzzled look for awhile before agreeing—smiling yet again that almost meaningless smile. The Ace player walked towards Fukuda and the two chatted for awhile, probably talking about their play. And the whistle blew—just as the referee signalled a hand in the air, with the other hand extended—holding the ball. It was Daiei's ball.

The crowd roared back to life as the match advanced to its enormous conclusion.

XXX

A plane flew across the bright blue sky. The sun was still shining brightly on that 4:30 afternoon. The game ended fifteen minutes ago, but the hype seemed to have no end. Its been a hell of a run. But all good things must come to an end— and as sad as it may, things sometimes need to end for better things to begin. Ryonan lost. After an overtime. The game was so close everyone literally was on their feet. They placed second-runner ups. The stadium was roaring like madness with each pass, dribble, run, and shoot. In the end, the much-experienced team of Daiei got away with only one point. One fucking point.

Disappointment. Distress. Tears. Words that described Ryonan right after the buzzer went off. And with heavy hearts, they shook hands of the team that toppled them over; they can all see the crying faces of Uozumi, Koshino's, Ikegami wiped a tear, Uekusa, especially Hikoichi who also played during the first and second quarters. Coach Taoka felt like swallowing a lump that is hard and unbearable—but he did.

Everyone saw how he approached the other coach of Daiei and even shook hands with Tsuchiya. The Ace of Daiei was grateful and showed humility to Ryonan's coach. He bowed and shook with both hands Taoka's. Everyone literally in Ryonan were in tears. Except for one. Tsuchiya approached Sendoh who had a towel on top of his head, back against the crowd while drinking his Gatorade. Sendoh paused and shook hands with Tsuchiya. A few exchange of words commenced and one can see Sendoh nodding and shrugging. He wasn't crying like the others, he wasn't even looking mad at all. He was just… passive. Almost unreceptive. His lips were neutral, although everyone can see his tired eyes.

Sendoh gathered his belongings and started packing his bag—then the Ryonan Captain approached his teammates, tapped each and everyone of them—especially the crying ones. "Hey, good job, great play… heads up… heads up." He muttered, walking right onto each and everyone of them as if he didn't have his own cross to bear. "Se-Sendoh-sann…"

"Stop it… we placed second. It's a feat. You guys were great. Heads up, guys." Sendoh smiled almost sadly at his crying teammates. Especially the first-years, it was a first for most and his last. He can clearly understand where their emotions are coming from. Everyone wanted a perfect ending. But that clearly isn't what the game is about, everyone saw how it began, but no one can predict how it would end. Sendoh knew everyone learned something from the loss. Sendoh approached a forlorn Taoka. He momentarily stared at his old coach as the old man gathered his things.

"Coach…" Sendoh stated lowly. The old man looked up at his star player. Taoka pursed his lips. Sendoh smiled his first 'usual' ones. "I… coach, I'm so…" But was cut to his surprise. "Don't." Taoka butted in. He sighed and swallowed. He smiled at his graduating Ace player and approach the kid and grasped Sendoh on his left arm. Sendoh simply stared. The old coach smiled, obvious dejection welling-up in his eyes. "Thank you—for bringing us here." His voice, almost breaking.

"It wasn't all me, coach…I got them too." Sendoh stated solemnly as he nodded his head to where the whole team was—which was a good few foot behind him. "…plus, we got you as well." He added and smiled. Taoka swallowed a lump and nodded, agreeing to everything as he sighed and stared at the whole team. "You're right." A pause. "We are Ryonan."

Sendoh heaved a sigh and maybe—just maybe, it was enough to make his eyes water a bit; he felt a lump forming in his throat. "I…" Sendoh started. "I feel so…" Defeated. The word he was trying to say, but couldn't. "You're not." Taoka simply stared, a smile on his lips. He understood. He felt Sendoh's frustration and disappointment. He's not an inanimate object, he feels hurt too. He understood. And it was okay. He couldn't possibly shoulder everything on his own. The old coach tapped Sendoh's right arm. "You are a winner. You'll always be." Sendoh heaved a sigh and exhaled, he wiped his eyes with his palm. "There's… something in my eye, coach." Taoka sniffed, chuckled. "You better have it checked, heh." Fukuda chuckled and placed an arm on Sendoh and pulled him closer. "Let's go, daddy." Sendoh chuckled and playfully jabbed his power forward.

"Alright, we're having grilled beef tonight—all meat and some hot spa, massage, or whatever but no girls- my treat." Taoka hollered and instantly their moods were drastically changed as they laughed and wiped away the tears, hooted, cheered, and pumped their fists in the air. "Yosh! Meat! Meat! Meat!"

Taoka chuckled, watching his boys walked ahead of him. Everyone wanted a perfect ending—but while it didn't end the way he wanted it to be, Taoka knew that the value of things is not the time they last, but the intensity with which or when it occurs. That is why there are unforgettable moments… and extraordinary people. And to Taoka Moriuchi, more than winning a game or not, its his team.

"Coach?" Sendoh paused and turned, halting Fukuda as well. Taoka nodded and smiled, scratching his head. "Yeah-yeah, its not easy being old, you'll soon see." He walked in between his two players, placing both of his arms behind them. "Coach, this ungrateful bastard demands some lemon pie, lemon chicken, and lemon bars." Sendoh scoffed. "Fukuda you…coach, I didn't…" He muttered. Fukuda chuckled. Taoka snickered. "Get a tree, you lemon-sucking ungrateful bastard." And the three of them found themselves laughing as both players high-fived atop Taoka's chuckling head.

XXX

Same Day, Yokohama, 6:30 PM

Team Shohoku went to practice right after watching the game between Ryonan and Daiei. Akagi and Kogure were there to supervise their practise. Although they didn't necessarily gave everything; more like, practice jump shots, blockings, passes, and the basics—so as to avoid unwanted injury. Miyagi discussed some key point plays as they have seen how Daiei executed their defense and offense efficiently. As usual, they designated a man-to-man- defense and Rukawa was given the task to handle Tsuchiya Atsushi to which he simply nodded. Coach Anzai also made last minute pointers and when everything is up and done, they decided to call it quits since Akagi clearly reminded them to rest early and wake up early as well.

Sakuragi, Miyagi, Yasuda, Mitsui and the others started leaving and heading to their designated inn in Yokohama, just a good four full blocks away from the indoor court where they just finished practising. Haruko, Akagi, and Kogure followed suit as Coach Anzai has been fetched by his wife. Ayako paused as she was checking last minute things in her bag, turned when she heard a ball being dribbled. She blinked, not surprised to see who it was and paused.

"Rukawa, aren't you heading back with them?" She asked him. The now sophomore rookie shrugged and continued dribbling. Ayako watched silently as Rukawa dribbled, run and fired a jumper—the ball went in and Rukawa caught up with the ball. Ayako sighed and found herself seating on the nearby bench. She silently found herself observing her younger kouhai from Tomigaoka and placed a palm under her chin while doing so. She later realized that, just like the other 'girls'—she found herself admiring her silent junior.

A crush. And while she also regards Miyagi's feelings for her, its not abomination to be admiring someone from a distance… after all, Rukawa may look near, but somehow, Ayako knew that he seems really far in terms of reality. Its like there's this mounted wall around him that only the unpresuming would dare to climb, and maybe, for someone like her to get this 'up close' without much effort, she considers herself just a tad bit luckier than the rest.

She stood up and walked towards the court. "Erm… want me to pass you the ball?" She asked good-naturedly, smiling as she did so. Rukawa momentarily paused to stare at her senpai. 'No. Leave me alone.' Ayako inwardly muttered to herself, waiting very much for the rejection. She found her eyes widening when the ball was thrown onto her. "Ack!" She almost wailed. Rukawa wiped his mouth with the hem of his shirt and prepared to receive the ball. Ayako felt her ears getting warmed. She gulped and placed herself a good few foot and started passing the ball—the ball bounced once, Rukawa catching it on time and executing a good reverse layup. Rukawa got the ball and threw it again on Ayako.

Ayako threw it again, this time a tad bit higher—Rukawa run from the free throw line, jumped and dunked the ball with one hand to Ayako's astonishment. The ring reverberating as he descended and caught up with the ball. Ayako blinked as Rukawa picked up the ball and dribbled—approaching her and probably getting ready to hand her over the orange leather once more. It was then she realized that… Rukawa is solely focused on the game and just the game alone. Nothing else… no one else. She felt a small lump in her throat and was caught surprised when she felt being stared by no other than the object then of her affections.

Rukawa had walk near her—just about two arms length away. "You okay?" He muttered. Ayako blinked back her surprised and waved her hands. "Erm, yeah-yeah… yeah of course, hahaha! I just spaced out a bit…sorry, wanna give it another go? Higher this time? An alley-hoop?" She almost stammered. Rukawa looked thoughtful for awhile. Ayako felt her ears warming. 'Damn just say no if you don't want to.' She muttered. She was more than surprised when Rukawa walked past her and sat on the bench, placing the ball under one foot as he drinks. Ayako turned around and stared at the guy who was staring at nothing in particular.

"Rukawa…" She muttered. Silence. She took in the moment to look at Rukawa's almost stealthily gaze on the floor, the intensity coming from his junior is evident and Ayako knew better than to prod further; she honestly wants to tell him something, but maybe… maybe, this isn't a good time. She wondered if there will ever be a 'right' time. 'I wonder if… you'd remember if I say something selfish today. I wonder if you'll even bother...' Ayako inwardly pondered.

Its like almost wanting him to know her secrets, only that Rukawa became one of them. The problem with her feelings is that she probably didn't expect to like his junior in a way she thought she'd like him—like having him in her mind this often. And she didn't even know how or when it started—maybe because she's often around him and probably because, the latter can really be an… eye candy.

"You want?" Rukawa asks to her surprised. Ayako felt herself feeling a bit giddy, lost in her own little world. "Eh?" She chuckled to her amusement, as she approaches the bench as well. "Excuse me?! Are you asking me to drink onto your bottle-?! Eww, gross… nooo… na-uh?!" She bellowed, laughing hollowly while waving her paper fan, although she could honestly feel her chest raced.

Rukawa blinked back dumbfoundedly, not quite expecting Ayako's sudden 'weirdness'. When Rukawa went silent, she stopped chuckling and stared at Rukawa's hands who was holding another bottle of power drink which she did not noticed because she was feeling all too 'giddy' and almost expectant of something so… stupid.

"I mean, I got two bottles. This other one…is yours if you want." Rukawa stated almost monotonously, careful with his words but couldn't find a way to sugar-coat it just because it isn't like him to. Ayako felt her face flushed in embarrassment. She wanted the ground to swallow her. "Oh." She silently muttered instead. "Y-Yeah, sure of course! Gosh, didn't know you were sweet. Thanks." She chortled. Rukawa simply snorted. He stood up and placed the other bottle on the bench and started recklessly packing his things. Ayako watched carefully as the player stuffed everything in.

"Ayako-chan?!" Both were made to look to the direction of the voice and it was none other than Miyagi. The Captain of Shohoku went in. "R-Ryota!" She muttered and waved. The point guard eyes lit up and went to help Ayako with her bag. "Thought you went on with Haruko and the others." He stated. Ayako gulped and chuckled. "Uh well… I…" A pause and her eyes met with Rukawa who had his bag strapped around his body already. "Well, I was so slow in pack-?!" But was cut.

"I asked if she could pass the ball to me." Rukawa stated monotonously, turning on his heels and was getting ready to leave. Miyagi was surprised as he frowned and was ready to throw in a tantrum like a child. "What-?! Why didn't you ask Mitsui or Sakuragi instead?! Why a girl?! And why Ayako-chan! Hey, I'm your captain-?!" And Miyagi started with his ruckus like Sakuragi would.

Rukawa paused. "You're all gone. Ayako-senpai is the only one left…captain." Rukawa reasoned and shrugged—and he started walking towards the door with a resigned sigh. Miyagi threw a fit. "H-hey! I'm not done talking to you! Why you, belittling me just because I'm vertically challenged…-?!"

"Ryota…st-stop it! Its true…let's go now!" As she smacks the point guard with her trusty paper fan.

And Ayako threw in one last stare at Rukawa's exiting figure. 'Its just a crush. It'll soon pass… right?' She found herself mulling at the thought. She would later realize that the days, months, and the coming even years would pass her and this small and nameless moment she had with Rukawa, would hardly go by again and that some emotions do run deep—-so deep that moving on isn't an option, it will be a necessity.

XXX

Rukawa swallowed the last ounce of power drink he had and threw it in the nearest waste bin. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and pulled his bag strap. He walked silently into the semi-quiet night. The gym was almost four full blocks away from their inn and he had to passed along small stalled shops, mini groceries, ramen shops, and the whatnots. He walked almost lazily, batting an eye here and there to random shops, stalls and people… occasionally. He licked his lips dry, feeling still a bit parched, he decided to stopped by a convenience store whom he saw—just a few steps away. The familiar green and red-orange colour of the signage inviting him over for some power drink and… maybe a pork bun, some sandwich and chips would do, for dinner.

Rukawa crossed the street and walked straight up, passing by a bamboo-lined fence, hearing loud noises from within as if there's a celebration. There were cheers, laughter, hoots, and catcalls all of which he ignored. He felt his stomach grumbled and started brisk walking to get faster. A few steps away and then a halt. Rukawa almost felt like a horse being pulled by his rider as he stopped dead on his tracks and his predisposition told him to turn left abruptly and stood beside a hedge of green leaves which surprisingly is almost as tall as him, that happens to be beside the convenience store.

"So you're doing part-times?" Voice 1 said.

"Yeah, after school I go to my father's sushi shop to learn how to make and sell some." The large and seemingly deep voice answered.

"How about you, where do you plan to go to college?" Voice 2 said.

"Not sure yet…"

"Waseda? Tokyo U?" Another voice asked.

Rukawa exhaled and clutched the strap of his bag, clacking his tongue softly and snorting. Just great, of all places—it had to be with team Ryonan. There were about four people he saw who was just lounging in front of the store, two standing, the other two leaning onto the railings; two of which were smoking. Well, it really isn't much of a big deal, but the thing is… Rukawa thought he didn't want to 'engage' with them, certainly not at this given point in time and certainly not when—they just lost awhile ago to the team Shohoku would be taking on tomorrow afternoon.

But boy he is hungry. And parched. And hungry. Both.

Rukawa thought of just going back and maybe grabbing a fruit or whatever he saw on one of the stalls and maybe taking a turn on the previous block so that he wouldn't have to passed by these… players. He was about to do so when a turn in the conversation made him sticked by.

"Tomorrow's gonna be war."

"Yeah, I bet. Shohoku would definitely need to be juiced up."

"Miyagi's the new Captain, eh."

"Yep, big shoes to fill." A pause. "Literally." Then they all laughed.

"Mitsui's gonna need to pull some shots though."

"He has to… Daiei's three-pointer is a freaking sniper. Saw it with my own two eyes on the sidelines."

"Mitsui can do it." A pause. "He has to."

"Sakuragi needs to toughen his chest, their center is huge."

"He's a monkey, he can handle it." A pause. "Rah. Rah. Rah." Some chuckling from the group ensued.

"Great acting, Fukuda. Oh they got a newbie… red alarm." Ikegami stated.

"Oh? I don't know the name of the new guy…"

"Yasuda, I think?" Uozumi muttered. Pause. "You were never good at names, Sendoh. Not when it matters." Laughter.

"Hn… some unforgettable debut. You just wish he doesn't pee in his pants."

"Well, I haven't tried playing in my trousers... much more, pee on it." Sendoh muttered. They all laughed.

"How's Tsuchiya?" A pause. "Do you think Rukawa could handle him?" Uozumi prodded.

Rukawa felt his eyes blinked and widened a bit, still he held on, tilting a bit his head to hear better. The one being asked to yawned. "Hmm." Pause. "Probably."

"I don't know but… the guy could play forty minutes straight without even being tired, he's a tank." Ikegami stated as he inhaled in his cig.

"Fucking retard's a talker too." Fukuda muttered then paused. "Wanna see some real shot… blahblahblah, you think you're winning now, huh…blahblah." Laughter.

"Suits you, Fukuda." Uozumi stated. Fukuda scoffed and tapped his stick on the railing.

"I don't think that's going to be a problem." A pause. "Pretty boy doesn't talk much."

"In case you forgot, pretty boy's your kid—Daddy."

"Kicchou you bastard… the heck is with that moniker." Laughter. The group went silent for awhile. Rukawa wondered if they're done talking and was about to leave. He heaved a sigh and slowly peeped into the slits within the hedge. Empty. Gone. He blinked his eyes and tried to peeped yet again. Empty. No one else. Coast is clear. Only then he walked around the hedge and saw the cigarette butts that was left on the posts. Ignoring what he saw, he decided to walked in the store.

The bell dinged and Rukawa instantly went straight to where the refreshments are, too parched to even think. He walked and pulled one fridge and got himself two bottles of power drink, three canned soda-only to dropped one of which because he was startled-

"Rukawa." Voice 1.

-his eyes widening as his name was called, slowly turning to his left to be met by eight equally staring eyes boring right onto his pale face. The plastic bottle rolled over to where the players of Ryonan were, stopping particularly as it collided on one sneaker.

"Sup." Voice 2.

"Hey." Voice 3.

'Shit.' He inwardly muttered—he never thought they'd stepped inside, to make matters worst, there is a table inside for four people and it seemed like they're about to dine in. Stupefied and not knowing what to say, react, or do, he could only stare passively, not noticing one of the four picking up the bottle he dropped, standing up and walking a good few steps—handing back the red Gatorade back at him with an easy smile on his face. Rukawa stared from the bottle to the hand, the wrist with a silicone baller from a sports brand, the arms, shoulders and face of the person. He mustered a glare. The latter simply had his usual casual smile. Sendoh. Sendoh effing Akira.

"You dropped this." He muttered in his low, clear voice; tugging his lips upwards, cobalt blue eyes staring right onto him. Rukawa almost hesitated but took the bottle nonetheless, clutching everything, nodding his thanks. For some reason, he thought he lost his tongue back there and it made him wonder. 'Damn.' He inwardly kicked himself. He slowly turned around and went his way of getting random food and placing it in a basket.

There were several aisles inside and Rukawa paid no heed but he cant helped but hear the four guys talking random stuff. Rukawa knew of course they can't talk 'freely' now since he's inside the store as well. He found himself batting an eye though—discreetly on the table as he roams around slowly into every aisle, looking for food and… stuff. "Burger's ready, guys!" The girl on the counter hollered and Sendoh instantly stood up, walking casually towards the counter, nodding and smiling at the lady behind the counter, grabbing the tray and some disposable cups. The men instantly grabbed one each and started eating with much gusto. Rukawa tossed a few more random stuffs before deciding to call it. He walked around the last aisle just as Fukuda and Sendoh stood up to get drinks from the dispenser which happened to be behind Rukawa.

The two boys from Ryonan walked up, each carrying an extra cup for Uozumi and Ikegami and soon enough were in front of the soda/ juice dispenser. Fukuda scooped some ice and placed it in his cup and pressed for some cola as Sendoh watched and leaned. Rukawa was just about half an arm's length away, too engrossed which brand of chips to get. The two Ryonan boys meeting eyes and Fukuda tugging his lips upward. Sendoh blinking his confusion. "Help me, daddy." Fukuda stated. Sendoh gape a bit, startled, confused, brows furrowed and mouthed 'what the fuck, man'?

Fukuda snickered, feigned innocence. "What, man? Help me here—fill these cups." He smirked. Sendoh shook his head and placed his fingers on his temples.

Rukawa heard that. He remembered where the word originated from—the fucking fan sign Sakuragi and his idiotic friends made in cahoots. For some reason, he felt blood creeping onto his face as he gnawed the insides of his cheeks, furrowed his brows, and almost wanting to turn around and say, 'you got a problem with me'- but all these, he was able to refrain from. He heaved a sighed which Sendoh noticed and the older boy found himself looking at the Ace of Shohoku as the latter simply grabbed random chips and tossed it inside his basket. Sendoh stared—and stared some more, feeling somewhat… amused, in a way.

His mind is telling him to talk to the quiet boy but half of his brain also tells him not to. Interesting. That's what Rukawa has always been to him, ever since last year and he clearly remembers when the younger even went to approach him to a game of one-on-one just before they head out to Shohoku's first IH. He wasn't expecting that, but it did happen. And Sendoh thought that… actually, he wondered if it'll occur again.

When Fukuda was done filling two cups, he immediately leaves to give the drinks to their two senpais. Sendoh scooped some ice almost lazily, spilling some onto the floor prompting Rukawa to turn his head. Sendoh, too turned to see the mess he made and, in that moment, —their eyes met.

"Sorry…" Sendoh muttered—and smiled. Rukawa simply snorted and shook his head as he started to grab his basket from the ground, walked, intending to pay and leave the store. "Hey…"

Rukawa paused—sensing it was him being called, turned and looked at the Ryonan Ace holding something in his hand, a smile on his lips. "This is good." He pointed. Rukawa stared at the black foiled chip with the label Calbee Pizza Potato Chips. Rukawa mused, its like—he wonders why does he even bother, but he did. He scoffed and held his basket midway up. Sendoh found himself chuckling, from where he was which was about four feet away, he tossed the chips onto Rukawa's basket—it went in. Rukawa snorted. Sendoh grinned. "Easy three." He muttered. Rukawa snorted. "Two." Sendoh blinked then chuckled. Their second interaction that evening.

There was suddenly a line, so Rukawa had no choice but to queue for a bit. He roamed his eyes inside the store, placing the basket in between his feet as he softly kicked them as the line advances. He was taken aback though when he saw the four Ryonan men standing up, throwing their trash in the bin and started walking towards the door—Uozumi and Ikegami mainly, followed by Fukuda and… Sendoh. For a while, he found himself staring at the back of the taller senior. Sendoh's wearing denim pants, and a red polo shirt paired with some black low-cut sneakers.

The truth is… he wanted to ask him. About Daiei. About their Ace in particular, like—how's he like, is the guy really good? Does he think Shohoku stands a chance? What are his… other feebleness's perhaps? Can they play a short one-on-one? Okay, maybe the last one was too much to ask considering the fact that Sendoh just pulled a full game-to-the-death awhile ago. But those were his thoughts. And it bewilders him that he found himself thinking highly regard of Sendoh's judgement-especially when he saw how the older guy and his team almost made Daiei chew their guts out in an overtime; a one-point win isn't something to be proud of, not when you hold the title of two-consecutive Inter High champions. The line moved, Rukawa slide his basket. One more person, then he's next.

Uozumi exited the store, followed by Ikegami, then Fukuda without looking back. Rukawa can simply stare at the backs of the guys—its not like he's expecting them to turn around, they're not his teammates, they're not even good acquaintances, just so happened they all just came from one similar area in Kanagawa-just that, nothing more, its not like they're friends… Rukawa looked down at his basket, feeling his stomach rumbling. Damn, he's hungry.

"Rukawa…"

Rukawa's eyes widened as he was made to look up—Sendoh Akira. The guy even approached him. Rukawa stood there like a frozen statue, blinking, wondering. "We're heading out." The latter spoke, smiling as he did so. Rukawa nodded. "Sure." At last, a second word escaped. He saw Sendoh snickered a bit, placing his hands from behind his back pocket. Sendoh took the time to stare at the tall, lanky, raven-haired, blue-eyed Ace of Shohoku. He took note of Rukawa's gray shirt and sporting black shorts with his usual basketball shoes. It seems that the younger guy practised first before heading to the store. And Sendoh found himself staring more—its like a feeling of 'why' you cant explain what you see in a person sometimes.

"So… good luck tomorrow." He said good-naturedly. He saw Rukawa blinked as if startled. The person in front of Rukawa left. "Next, please!" The lady in the counter hollered. Rukawa must have taken aback from his reverie as he picked up his basket, walked, and placed them on the counter. Sendoh tugged his lips upward and turned to his heels—and left. The door closed. Rukawa found himself looking at the door as if he thought he just lost a seemingly… moment to asked his musings.

Rukawa waited as the lady punched in his items. "So…you guys watching tomorrow's game in the stadium? I say, Daiei High takes this." She spoke nonchalantly, while chewing a gum. Rukawa simply looked and pondered if he should disagree or ignore. He opts for the latter. The lady simply stared and snorted. 'Cute. But big-time snob.' She inwardly muttered. "That'll be… 3000¥." She stated, chewing then blowing her gum and popping them as she leans back on the console table behind, waiting for Rukawa to pay. The lady started texting something on her phone as Rukawa rummaged his bag to find his wallet. He furrowed his brows. No wallet. He tapped his shorts. Nope, he doesn't put anything in his shorts. He looked again inside his bag as panic started kicking in.

The lady batted an eye at him. "Something wrong?" She asks. Rukawa looked at her and dreaded the fact that he ignored her awhile ago. He sighed. "I couldn't… find my wallet." He finally said. The lady blinked. "Oh. Too bad." A pause. "Maybe you dropped it around?" Rukawa looked around the store—it was empty, its just him and the lady at the counter. He nodded and started looking around every aisle. None. Famished and parched, and now… he doesn't have money. What else could go wrong? Rukawa clacked his tongue in sheer disappointment as he decided to just leave the stuff he bought and retrace his steps back to where he might have dropped it.

"I'll just leave your basket here—I'm closing at 11pm though. Hope you find it." The lady stated as she grabbed Rukawa's basket and placed it behind her. Rukawa could only nod and mouthed a soft 'thanks' as he went outside the store. He huffed and kicked a small rock outside, too furious to think. He began retracing back his steps. 'Dammit! I should've headed back to the inn!' He inwardly berated himself as he started walking while looking around on the ground. With so many things running in his mind, his wallet decides to add up.

"Irashaimase!" The lady called out as soon as he heard the door bell dinged. She looked up and saw two men, the guys from before. Fukuda and Sendoh went back, nodded at the lady as Fukuda approached the counter. "We'd like to buy two bottles of vodka—plus a whole pack of cigs." He muttered. The lady raised a brow and dared asked. "IDs please." Fukuda showed her ID—senior year, and feeling satisfied, reached for the two items and two lights. She turned then to Sendoh whom she also finds… appealing. "I don't take you as someone who'd smoke." She almost chided. Sendoh chuckled and shook his head. "I don't." The lady chuckled. "Sounds like a party."

"It is. We're having one." Fukuda muttered, drumming his fingers as they waited while the lady wrapped the bottles carefully and placed legal stickers. "Oohh, nice. What for?" The lady queried further. "For placing second—Inter High." Fukuda said and smirked to the lady's surprise. She widened her eyes and stared hard at the two men. "Nooo waaayyy. You're from that team awhile back—I watched the game here, on TV, it was being televised!" She exclaimed almost excitedly. She then looked at Sendoh and was ecstatic to recognized him. "Holy fff-?! Its you, that awesome player awhile, oh my God… I did not recognize you!" She laughed as the two guys simply chuckled with her; they chatted a few and exchanged high fives.

"So is the pretty guy awhile ago also part of your team?" She queried, finished punching in the items.

"Pretty guy?" Fukuda muttered, fishing for his pocket with the paper bills folded as he counts them. "Is there a pretty guy on our team, Captain?" Sendoh chuckled and shook his head He shrugged. Fukuda smirked. "Uozumi could pass for a pretty guy." Sendoh snickered. "Fukuda you…" Sendoh looked thoughtful for a while. "Maybe she means… Rukawa." He instantly stated—not knowing how or why, its just that pure… gut feeling. The lady nodded. "The one you're talking to awhile ago, tall, black-haired, blue eyes… snobbish." She grinned.

Instantly the two Ryonan met gazes and nod. "Rukawa." Fukuda snickered. "Pretty bastard."

"He's from another team, actually they're playing Daiei tomorrow." Sendoh stated nonchalantly to the nth surprise of the lady. "Oh my G-?! Really, I mean, I even asked him if he's watching tomorrow but he just ignored me." She laughed at her own rejection. The two men couldn't agree more. "Yep, that's Shohoku's Ace for you." Fukuda muttered.

"He's the Ace?! Oh wow…" She paused. "Tsk, oh… he actually told me he lost his wallet." She then said finally as she pointed at Rukawa's basket to Sendoh's surprise. "Uh, what? He lost his what?"

"His daddy." Fukuda joked while looking at Sendoh, chuckling as he did so. Sendoh playfully jabbed the latter on his arm, shaking his head and rolling his eyes in disbelief. "Wallet, you deaf." Fukuda muttered.

The lady nodded. "Yeah, I was actually pitying on him—he looked really hungry and mad. I mean, its not here, maybe he dropped it off somewhere, I told him that I'll just place his basket here—hoping he'd find it." She then explained everything to the bewilderment of the two men.

Sendoh couldn't believed what he heard. "I see…" He stated, pausing a bit. Fukuda shrugged. "Too bad, well, hope he finds it. Let's go Sendoh. Uozumi and the others are waiting." Fukuda stated and started walking towards the door, unbothered. He paused and looked at Sendoh who was fishing for his wallet while talking at the lady. Fukuda scoffed, smirked a bit and shook his head.

A sigh of relief escaped Rukawa as he bends down to reached for his black bi-fold leather wallet which fell under the bench in the gym earlier on. He grabbed his wallet, opened it and checked and was glad to know that everything's intact. He scoffed and found himself slumping on the floor—leaning his back on the bench as he tapped his wallet on his right thigh. Too tired and hungry to even think straight at that given moment, he just wanted to eat something fast, fall down on his futon and sleep and wake up at 12noon just before the game starts at around one in the afternoon.

He grabbed his duffel bag and tucked his wallet in one of the inside pockets and decided to just grab something fast and head straight to the inn. He found himself staring on the court in front of him and started visualizing the game he witnessed awhile ago. It was… exhilarating. Basketball. This game. It just seemed to never stopped—the sport he has come to enjoy and maybe lo—A knock on the opened indoor gym door. His eyes shifted from the court to the door.

"Found what you're looking for?"

Rukawa's eyes widened, too startled to answer as he pulled himself up from the linoleum floor. The person stepped inside, started advancing towards him—tall, well-built body, skilled…a leader… Ryonan's Captain. Rukawa settled for his usual scowl and stayed silent, eyeing Sendoh as the latter approached him with a plastic bag on his left hand and an easy smile painted on his lips. What to say? He snorted and started grabbing his bag, zipping it up securely.

"Uh." Sendoh paused when he was about five feet away.

"What are you… doing here?" Rukawa managed to asked, despite the fact that his large intestine seems to be eating his small one already. Sendoh blinked and nodded, amused that Rukawa seemed to have responded. He shrugged. "The lady at the store told us you lost your wallet." A pause. Rukawa frowned, some people cannot actually zip their mouths shut. He snorted but nodded. "Left it here." He shortly answered as he clutched his bag. Sendoh nodded, glad that the younger guy found it. Rukawa stared one last time at the only person occupying the same place as he was.

He started walking right past Sendoh. The older boy turned to his surprise. "You're forgetting this…" He muttered. Rukawa stopped and turned, brows furrowed as his hunger is starting to consume the little energy he had left. His large intestine, now chewing his appendix. Sendoh smiled and lift his left hand—a plastic of seemingly groceries and… stuff.

Sendoh opened the bag and placed it on the bench. "These are yours actually—I…got them for you." Rukawa must have felt like he's been hit by a baseball bat on the back as his eyes shot up in surprise. Sendoh brought his… groceries? The ones in the basket? The ones he left in the convenience store? But… why would he do that? Rukawa's eyes showed confusion to which Sendoh simply scoffed. "Look, why don't you eat first before leaving? You look like you could chew my head off. Maybe add a little salt and pepper on it?" He chuckled. Rukawa turned beet red at Sendoh's comment but said nothing. 'What an idiot.'

Rukawa sat down on the bench, rummaging inside the plastic bag and indeed, it was his grocery awhile ago. He even saw the receipt inside the bag. He momentarily looked at Sendoh who was simply standing a good distance away, texting something on his celphone. He took in the moment to stare at his rival and cant help but to wonder. Shutting off his racing thoughts, he decided to grab a sandwich and started eating with much gusto. At last… food.

Rukawa gobbled his sandwich in just four big bites and opened one bottle of power drink and drank it almost to its half. He rummaged the plastic bag and was more than glad to see that he actually brought another sandwich, a pork bun and some cup noodles and chips and—he blinked when he saw the chip Sendoh told him that was good. He grabbed another sandwich and started eating this time a bit slower, drinking in between his Gatorade.

A few minutes later…

Rukawa started stuffing all his consumed paper wraps and foil into one plastic and was getting ready to throw them away; standing up as he walked and placed the plastic onto a nearby bin. He turned to go back to the bench, grab his bag and leave—when he paused as he saw Sendoh sitting on the bench as well—a space between them. He wondered, all the time that he was eating, Sendoh was there. They didn't talk though. Rukawa didn't even asked the latter if he wants to eat as well. Sendoh could have left him there—but didn't and it somehow made him contemplate.

"How did you…know I was here?" He found himself breaking the silence first. Sendoh stopped texting on his phone and looked to his right. Well, seems like food is doing its miracles for Rukawa. He smiled to himself. "Its not that hard to figure." He answered. Rukawa simply snorted.

"Feeling full now?" Sendoh queried, since he thought it was Rukawa who miraculously asked first. Rukawa simply nodded—and went wide-eyed when he realized something. He looked at Sendoh who was staring back at him, a casual smile on his lips. Rukawa wanted to kick himself if only. Of course, Sendoh would still be there—he owes him! How could he even have forgotten?

He opened his bag and found his wallet instantly to Sendoh's surprise. Rukawa's brows furrowed when he only saw a few hundred paper bills on his wallet and his stuff cost 3000¥. Not wanting to think any further, he dared the impossible. This is probably the first (and he was hoping, the last) he would even dare say it, lest to a rival from a distant school.

Rukawa stretched his hand with the paper bill to Sendoh's surprise. He looked at the younger guy beside him. Sendoh blinked. Rukawa swallowed his own saliva. "I'm short- pay you tomorrow, just take this." It was—needless to say, embarrassing, and maybe, its one of those things that he thought might hunt him for the rest of his life. Rukawa wanted no less but to pay the older guy in full but of course, he is short in cash and needs to find an ATM first.

Sendoh chuckled, shook his head but got the cash, their fingers almost lightly brushing against each other but Rukawa was too preoccupied to have noticed. "No problem. With interest?" The Ryonan Ace smiled. Rukawa frowned. Sendoh laughed. "Kidding." Rukawa shrugged. "I'll pay you first thing tomorrow." He reiterated. Sendoh snickered. "Hey chill, you could pay me right after the game, no big deal." Rukawa sighed and nodded.

And soon after the two found themselves walking the semi-quiet night back to their inn. Sendoh walked slowly, aware that Shohoku's Ace was beside him—although there's an arm's length of space between them. He took in a moment to look at his right to see if Rukawa is still 'awake' since he heard from his teammates that he has narcoleptic tendencies wherever and was glad to see that the stoic boy from Shohoku was simply walking beside him, eyes casted on the ground, lips curled into a frown, his black fringes almost obscuring his blue eyes lined with long lashes. Sendoh found himself averting his gaze to his front and kept the thoughts to himself—like why is he even staring that much. He looked onto his watch and took note of the time. It was almost 9:30 in the evening.

"We should hurry, it's a bit late." He said nonchalantly. Rukawa's eyes shifted to the owner of the voice to his left and was met by Sendoh's usual smile. "Big day tomorrow." Sendoh muttered. Rukawa nodded, understanding the weight of Sendoh's word.

Silence. A few more steps. Sendoh cleared his throat. "You excited?" He dares asked. Rukawa was made to look to his left. Sendoh just asked him. "I don't know." He heard Sendoh snorted. "I'm sure you guys would do well." Sendoh muttered pleasantly.

Rukawa took in a few seconds to ponder Sendoh' words and at that given moment. In a world where there are shitty people, believing you're a good person and actually being one are two completely different things. Rukawa just thought, Sendoh seemed like a genuinely nice guy after all. "Hope so." Rukawa answered. Sendoh paused and looked at Rukawa who, halted as well. He wondered if Rukawa suddenly feels unsure of tomorrow's game. And Sendoh pondered of what to actually say. Its not even like Rukawa's actually asking for help or what.

Failing. If there's one-word Rukawa abhors, its defeat. And he wondered the oddity of Sendoh-and his enigmatic personality as to how he handles it. If he were in Ryonan's game awhile ago, he doesn't think he could easily accept, not especially the one-point deficit. But Sendoh—with all that he's done, he cant seem to decipher how he could stand, eat, even bring his own groceries to him and now… walk and talk about 'doing well' for tomorrow. Its all puzzling. How a seemingly a player of Sendoh's calibre could easily tapped away defeat as if it never… happened. "Sendoh…"

Sendoh tilted his head in response, the night even surprising him more and not that he's complaining, he discreetly looked up the sky to see of the moon is full and maybe—just maybe doing wonders, for Rukawa seemed to be 'talking' a lot than necessary. He found himself smiling—the real kind.

"You seemed to… get there so easily." Rukawa managed to say, his eyes glaring under his dark fringes. Sendoh gape a bit, but he understood. He heaved a sigh, leaned on the nearby post and placed his hands in his pocket, looked up in the sky and mulled. Rukawa stood a few steps away, unmoving, one hand clutching his bag strap, the other holding a plastic of stuff.

"You mean… how could I seem so—fine with knowing we didn't win?" Sendoh stated slowly descending his look from the sky to the blue-eyed Shohoku Ace; his eyes seemingly brighter and luminous in the evening as the incandescent light from the lamppost illuminates his lanky figure. Sendoh caught himself staring into Rukawa's cerulean orbs, almost mirroring his own pair of darker blue ones. "Just because I don't sulk like everyone else, means I enjoy losing." The older uttered with a smile, his eyes straight onto Rukawa's slightly startled one. Sendoh sighed and crossed his arms.

Rukawa felt akin something to being—embarrassed. He thought it was a tad bit rude. He felt his hand clutched his strap. "I didn't mean to…" He almost fumbled, amusing Sendoh a bit. The older chuckled to Rukawa's surprise. He pushed himself off the lamppost and raised his right hand; Rukawa's eyes widened as he felt his hair being ruffled, he tried to bat the hand away but wasn't able to lift an arm.

"Its…okay." Sendoh stated as he started walking ahead of the bewildered Rukawa. He stopped and Rukawa blinked. Sendoh turned. "Not everything in this life will go your way. Sometimes you win…. sometimes you learn, you just have to accept it." And as for Rukawa, he came to understand that night as to why Coach Anzai regarded him a notch lower to Sendoh; its not always in terms of skills—it's more of a definition of what a true 'winner' is, and that is a person rising after his defeat.

"You okay?" Sendoh asked when Rukawa went still. "Uh…" Sendoh stated, scratching his nape. "Sorry for… ruining your hair…" Sendoh thought it was almost presumptuous of him to do it, but—for some reason he wasn't able to hold it back.

"Hn, doaho." Rukawa snorted and started advancing to Sendoh's surprise. "Who? Me?" The older asked almost stupidly. Rukawa scoffed, almost tugging the corner of his lips upward. "Who else." Sendoh simply snorted and said nothing. 'So this is what it feels like to be called a doaho' was Sendoh's odd thought, but it was rather amusing than annoying. He smiled. "Thought it was them." Sendoh muttered as he pointed across a group of noisy, laughing, group of teenagers across the street. Rukawa snorted. Sendoh chuckled.

A few more steps and they arrived at an intersection. Rukawa stopped and stared at his unlikely companion that evening.

Sendoh took note of the crossing and saw already the familiar bamboo-lined fence of the spa. He looked at his right and was met by Rukawa's gaze. "I'm actually this way." He said with a smile. Rukawa blinked and stared right across and saw the bamboo-lined fence he remembered passing awhile ago and the convenience store a few steps located right next to it. "Coach Taoka treated us—for some spa and barbeque." Sendoh found himself stating to Rukawa's surprise. Its probably the team of Ryonan he heard awhile ago while he was passing. "Nice." Rukawa remarked. Sendoh blinked his eyes, a bit surprised—he thought it was rather entertaining to hear Rukawa say some compliments. He chuckled and placed his hands in his pocket.

"Would you like to drop by? We got tons of meat—and some booze." He grinned as he asked good-naturedly. "Ok, maybe minus the booze… just the meat." Sendoh added with a shrugged and a leer. Surprised at the invitation, Rukawa didn't know what to answer, he almost agreed and could only wonder why—but he shook his head and looked for the words to politely declined. "Uh… no thanks, I… big day, tomorrow." He muttered instead. Sendoh nodded, he understood. "Right." He, too, surprised himself for casually finding the words to smoothly asked the stoic Ace of Shohoku but, he thought it wasn't that bad.

The pedestrian to Sendoh's crossing turned green. "Guess I gotta go…" he stated with a sigh. Sendoh removed one hand in his pocket and was about to waved when he was halted to a pause.

"Sendoh…"

"Hmm?" The older guy blinked his confusion. Rukawa found himself clutching the strap to his bag a bit tightly, the words on the edge of his tongue as he decides to speak his mind. They say the best conversations happens late at night, but Rukawa wondered if there is ever a proper dialogue that night between them that even happened. Maybe there wasn't, then again, maybe there was.

The thoughts he carried with him that night—the questions all perfectly lined and ready to roll off his mouth were seemingly lost because for some reason, he honestly thought that Sendoh's companionship gave him an odd sense of tranquility that it almost seemed ironic, how sometimes conversations restricted to the sport they both shared, are enough to tell an entire story.

"Thanks for—tonight." Rukawa uttered. Almost hesitating at the word tonight, he was supposed to say grocery though and maybe something else. "Ryonan… did well." Rukawa added softly. Sendoh grinned.

People frequently bore him, sometimes they amuse him, rarely someone would irritate him but in that seemingly odd evening, Sendoh found himself intrigue. "Sure, no big deal… take care." He nodded and waved and crossed the other street as Rukawa looked on the jogging form of Sendoh before turning to walk the other way.

XXX

TBC: Nyahaha, look who's got time to update, write, and post fics? I had to cut it, its freaking lengthy, I'm almost at my fortieth page already. LoL. Unfortunately, this isn't going to be two-part fic. This is for you, AddictedtoSD who's constantly nagging me to upload this already and just post the next chapter right after. What the hell?! I haven't finished creating their giddy moments yet. Hee-hee. (#balakajan) And to deary Star7 who's chilling/hibernating wherever! Hugs! SenRu covid mums, unite!