Chapter 2: How It All Started

4 months ago - Shohoku vs. Ryonan Practice Game

Before the start of the Shohoku-Ryonan practice game, their first meeting, Sendoh's concentration was intense on the player wearing jersey #11. He looked Rukawa head to toe several times.

Sendoh: Why does it seem like there's something different about him? There's something about his scent.

Every time they came close to each other, it was as if there was electricity running through Sendoh's body that he couldn't understand.

Koshino: He's great. Unlike the red head.

Sendoh: I'm still better.

xxx

Halftime, Sendoh approached Hikoichi and secretly asked while his teammates were on the bench.

Sendoh: Hikoichi, what are Kaede Rukawa's stats?

Hikoichi: He's as good as you Sendoh. His total points…

Sendoh: That's not what I meant...what is his relationship status?

Hikoichi: Sorry Sendoh! I didn't check that!

Sendoh: Let me know right away. Thanks!

xxx

Koshino observes his friend who is still staring at the super rookie.

Sendoh: Why are you looking at me like that?

Koshino: If you didn't take your eyes off him, I'd think you'd have a crush on him.

Sendoh: We are both men. You're looking at me like I have malice towards him. (pout)

Koshino: Are you interested in him?

Sendoh: There seems to be something strange about him.

xxx

After the game, Sendoh was stunned by Rukawa again while walking out of the gym. He looked at the long lashed eyes with the curve like a doll, a sharp nose and red lips. He just shook his head to stop staring at the super rookie's face.

Koshino: There's your Crush!

Sendoh: Kosh! What if someone overhears you?

He offered a handshake but Rukawa just patted it. Koshino burst out laughing and was applauded with laughter.

Koshino: What the hell! Rejected easily!

Sendoh: I will put him in his right place.

Koshino: Where? In your room? HAHAHA!

Sendoh: I don't have a crush on him.

Hikoichi rushes to tell Sendoh what he is asking about Rukawa.

Hikoichi: Sendoh! He doesn't have a girlfriend!

Koshino: Who?

Hikoichi: Kaede Rukawa! Because Sendoh is asking if...HMP!

Sendoh immediately covered Hikoichi's mouth because he was sure Koshino would tease him. Koshino smiled at Sendoh because he understood what the two of them were talking about.

Sendoh: Hikoichi, Coach is calling you.

Hikoichi: Is that so?! All right.

Koshino: HAHAHA! Busted already!

Sendoh: Oh boy.

Koshino had a strong feeling that Sendoh had a strange interest in the Shohoku rookie. While walking inside the gym, Koshino is excited because he finally has something to tease Sendoh with.

xxx

Sendoh's Apartment

After showering, he opened his laptop. He immediately looked for Kaede Rukawa's social media account. Many results came out but he wasn't sure which one was true. He looked for the Shohoku High Official page. He saw the album of the practice game that took place.

Sendoh: He looks like a living statue. He smells so lovely.

He shook his head because he couldn't get Rukawa out of his mind. He heard someone calling on the cell phone. He just scratched the back of his neck because his ex was calling again. He remembered his girlfriends. Always texting and calling like an alarm clock, always asking for time and watching his practices worse than Coach Taoka. He decided not to have a relationship because they were a headache. He wanted to be relaxed all the time but now Rukawa grabbed his attention too much.

He searched for pictures of beautiful girls to break his focus on Rukawa. He tried to turn his attention to the pictures but they were all just passing through his eyes like his exes. He's confused. He needs to cure his problem he doesn't know how it started.

xxx

Public Court (Sendoh POV)

The next day, Sendoh walks to Shohoku Gym to see Rukawa. Before he reached his destination, he noticed someone playing in the public court. He approached him immediately.

Sendoh: One on one?

Rukawa just nodded and threw the ball to him.

xxx

In the 30-minute game, the score was tied. He could see the frustration on Rukawa's face.

Rukawa: I'll beat you.

Sendoh: You know we have our seasons. Let's say someone is weaker and better than you. If you really want to be number 1, focus on your own abilities. Your real enemy is yourself.

Rukawa listens carefully to his advice. At first he thought that he would just ignore him when he talked to the rookie.

Sendoh: If you defeat me, what will you do next?

Rukawa: I will beat all the best players here in Japan.

Sendoh: When you manage to become number 1, what will you do next?

He noticed that the rookie was quiet and didn't immediately answer. But it's obvious that his getting mad.

Sendoh: I'll give you an advice my friend, you are great. I'm sure you'll achieve your goals because you are determined and you really know what you want. But, for example you are the best, can you maintain it for life?

Rukawa: I'm not your friend. Why don't you just set me straight.

Sendoh: Is your life really only about basketball?

Rukawa: I don't need your advice.

Sendoh: I just want to say, is that all you've got?

Rukawa: You don't care.

Sendoh: Wait!

Rukawa: What do you want?

Sendoh: I don't want to be your enemy.

Rukawa: Weird.

Rukawa took his bag and hurriedly left the court. Sendoh thought they would be close if he followed Rukawa's mood. Rukawa is so grumpy and elusive that he doesn't know how to treat him.

xxx

Mall

Sendoh came out of a sportswear shop. He went shopping for new clothes and saw a kid with lots of red ribbons in her curly hair sitting on a bench.

Sendoh: Hi Goldilocks.

Kid: Hello. My name is not Goldilocks.

Sendoh: Sorry. what is your name?

Kid: Red.

(Sendoh: Red? Maybe his last name is Ribbon. Hehehe!)

Sendoh: Why are you alone?

Kid: Dad is in the washroom. He didn't take me with him. Your hair is cute. Can I touch it?

Sendoh: Alright.

The kid was very happy with his hair. His hair is so hard that it doesn't get messy easily. Sendoh saw a cotton candy store in the hallway. He bought one for the cute kid.

Sendoh: For you.

Kid: Hey! I have something to give you but close your eyes.

Sendoh: Okay.

He followed the kid's wishes. He didn't know what the boy did but he felt the boy stand in front of him.

Kid: I can see Papa. Thank you mister!

Sendoh: I thought he was going to give me something.

The kid ran to her father. He rested on the bench before going to another store but he noticed someone standing in front of him.

Sendoh: Rukawa?

He was surprised why Rookie's face was calm.

(Sendoh: I think you're in a good mood right now. Why are you looking at me?)

Rukawa: Is that the trend now?

Sendoh: Huh?

Rukawa snorted but Sendoh didn't understand what he meant so he snorted too.

(Sendoh: Why are you doing that? Do you want to kiss me?)

Rukawa sighed and snorted again for a longer time.

(Sendoh: Are you seducing me?)

Rukawa used his finger to point to what he had been seeing. Sendoh immediately touched his face if there was dirt.

Sendoh: Do I have dirt on my face?

Rukawa smiled which stunned him. He didn't blink anymore because he wanted to see Rukawa smile. He couldn't move in his seat because Rukawa bent down and brought his hand to his face. He closed his eyes because he didn't know what was going on.

(Sendoh: Why do you seem so aggressive now? Yesterday I thought you wanted to kill me and now you smile at me like I'm so cute.)

His eyes opened when he noticed that Rukawa took something from his hair. It was handed to him.

Sendoh: Huh?! Ahm.. maybe this is what the kid next to me gave me earlier. HEHEHE! (Does that mean I was wearing a ribbon hairclip earlier?!)

Rukawa just shrugged and walked away. Sendoh immediately stood up to chase after him.

Sendoh: Rukawa wait.

Rukawa: Why?

Rukawa's face was serious again so he scratched the back of his neck because of Rookie's sudden mood change.

Sendoh: Ahm... shall we have dinner?

Rukawa: Finished.

Sendoh: Where are you going after this?

Rukawa: Home.

Sendoh: Alright. Take care Rukawa.

Rukawa started walking straight away. Sendoh regrets because he thought he would be able to get Rukawa to come with him until the mall closes.

xxx

Sendoh's Apartment

He was already lying on the bed but he still didn't stop thinking why time seemed to stop when he saw Rukawa. He held the red ribbon hairclip that Goldilocks had given him. He remembered Rukawa's smiling face and the first time he was able to look closely at his face without being on the court. He was confused as to why he had developed an interest in someone he didn't even know.

xxx

(Sendoh POV)

Sendoh looked around the room. The room was neat and there was not much furniture. He wondered why he was there and sitting on the edge of the bed. When the bathroom door opened, he saw Rukawa. Sendoh was getting nervous and he felt even hotter when he saw Rukawa approach him and sit beside him on the bed.

Rukawa: Get undressed.

Sendoh: Ahm… just a moment. I just relax myself.

Rukawa: Take off your clothes so I can start.

Sendoh: Can you give me a few minutes before we start?

Rukawa: Shut up.

Rukawa helped Sendoh take off his top. Reddened and as if all the veins in his body are going to come out because of nervousness and excitement.

Sendoh: Are you sure Kaede? Ahm... because I'm so nervous.

Rukawa: Turn around.

Sendoh: But Kaede… I'm really nervous.

Rukawa: Don't you want to? Up to you.

Sendoh: Wait!

When he open his eyes, Sendoh saw Koshino pulling his leg to wake him up.

Koshino: Sendoh get up! Hurry up. Let's watch the Shohoku match.

Sendoh entered the bathroom and turned on the shower. He remembered the dream he had before Koshino woke him up.

Sendoh: Shit... What's going on?

xxx

Shohoku vs. Miuradai Game

While team Ryonan was busy watching, Sendoh whispered something to Hikoichi.

Sendoh: Hikoichi, please. I promise I'll give you free lunch for a week. Is it ok?

Hikoichi: You're really great Sendoh! What is your favor?

Sendoh: Get all the personal information from the Shohoku manager about Rukawa.

Hikoichi: I'll check that for you Sendoh!

xxx

Public Court

On Saturday, Sendoh invited his friend Koshino to go to Shohoku. He still remembered the dream he had with Rukawa. He didn't understand why the super rookie couldn't get out of his mind so he went to him to end his problem.

Koshino: Sendoh. What's going on in your mind?

Sendoh: I just need to do something.

Koshino: Is that Rukawa?

Sendoh: Where?!

Koshino: HAHAHA! Told you... Why do you want to go to him?

Sendoh: One on one.

Koshino is convinced that his friend's goal with Rukawa is not just basketball. He still couldn't understand why he was still trying to deny his interest in the Shohoku rookie.

Koshino: Why are you going this far? You can talk one on one with our teammates.

Sendoh: Shut up Kosh.

Koshino: I understand, we're just teammates. His your crush.

Sendoh: I don't have a crush on him.

Koshino: Then why did you even mess with me!? Are you nervous?

Sendoh: Who's nervous?

Koshino: What do you need from him?

Sendoh: He is a good player. So I want him to play.

Koshino: He's good but Ouzomi is with us. You can invite Maki or Fujima if you really want a challenge. Don't even want to admit it.

Sendoh: Just come with me.

(Sendoh: I want to know what's so strangely about him that I can't understand.)

When they arrived at the public court, Sendoh stopped walking when he saw Rukawa and Mitsui on the bench who looked like they had just finished playing. He noticed Rukawa's mood was different whenever he was with his teammate. It's not like how he was treated when they went one on one, when they are together he feels like Rukawa wants to knock him down. Sendoh felt like he wanted the rookie to feel comfortable with him too.

Sendoh: Kosh… let's go home.

Koshino: We've just arrived why haven't you approached him yet?

Sendoh: He must be tired. Maybe next time.

Sendoh had been glommy since they left Shohoku. He wanted to know how he and Rukawa could get along so he thought of coming back another day.

Sendoh: I know now... there is nothing strange about him. But there's something wrong with me.

xxx

Sendoh's Apartment

The next day, Koshino visits Sendoh at his apartment before going to Osaka. He remembered that Sendoh's face had been serious ever since they came from Shohoku. He was no longer pissed off on the flight because his friend looked sad to see the two Shohoku Players together.

Koshino: Sendoh, are you there? I'm coming in.

Sendoh: What is that Kosh? It's not my birthday.

Koshino: For you. You must not have moved on yesterday.

Sendoh: Move on where? is this a prank?

Koshino: Why don't you open it?!

Sendoh's eyes widened when he saw the gift Koshino brought. A square pillow with Rukawa's full face on it. He remembered their almost touching faces at the mall. He smiled at first but the reaction on his face immediately changed because he felt that Koshino was tripping him again.

Sendoh: Silly! I told you I don't have a crush on him.

Koshino: You don't have a crush on him. All right.

Kosh tried to take the pillow he gave him but Sendoh held it tightly.

Koshino: Give it back to me!

Sendoh: Why should I give it to you? Don't tell him you have a crush on him.

Koshino: I don't have a crush on him! If you don't have a crush on him, I'll just give that to his fans.

Sendoh: I don't want to. You gave it to me. You can't take it back.

Koshino: But you have a crush on him?

Sendoh: I will use it when I play.

Koshino: Playing what?!

Sendoh: Basketball... Why are you looking at me like that?

Koshino: Basketball in your bed?

Sendoh: You think dirty. You really just want to tease me.

Koshino: I just don't want to see you sad.

Sendoh was touched by what Koshino said. Koshino likes to tease and give sermons but he is a good friend. Sendoh thought of teasing his friend.

Sendoh: You don't want me to be sad because...you have a crush on me.

Koshino: What are you talking about?! YUCK!

Sendoh: Do you want a pillow with my face on it? I will give you.

Koshino: I'm out!

Sendoh: HAHAHAHA!

xxx

After taking a bath, the first thing he saw was the pillow with Rukawa's face on the bed.

Sendoh: Huuu! I'm getting easily agitated with just a pillow. What if I face the real one?

He starts to get dressed but he feels that the pillow is looking at him. He turned the pillow back so he could concentrate on getting dressed. Sendoh lay down on the bed while looking at his cellphone. He smiled because he had received the personal information he requested from Hikoichi. He has also been looking at Rukawa's pictures on social media posted by fan pages and the Shohoku High Official Page for a few days.

His eyes moved to the pillow. He put the pillow on his chest to look at Rukawa's picture. Just now he was impressed by the appearance of his fellow male. He looks hotter when he was messy and wet with sweat. The eyes are sexy even when they are glaring. Her nose and neck are perfect and very attractive.

Sendoh: You're better looking in person. I always want to see you smile.

He didn't realize that his hand was already inside his boxers and looked up. He closed his eyes and caught his breath. His hand moved even faster on his own.

Sendoh: Aaaahhh… Kaede…. Kaede… aaahhh….

After a few minutes, he regained consciousness. He looked at Rukawa's face again. Luckily it didn't spill.

Sendoh: Kaede, I'm sorry! I did not mean it! Believe me! I have pure intentions towards you. It won't happen again. Aaahhh! I'm really messed up! I'm talking to a pillow too. Haaay… I should focus on the real Rukawa.

He put the pillow on the head board and went to the bathroom to clean himself. He shook his head because everything his best friend was saying seemed right.

Sendoh: I will find a way to get closer to you Rukawa.

xxx

Note: Italics-self thoughts