Chapter 3: Friends

Shohoku (Sendoh POV)

Sendoh was automatically brought back to Shohoku by his foot. He decided not to ask Koshino because he would surely be teased again and lectured if he failed. While walking, he looked at Rukawa's saved personal information on his cellphone. With Hikoichi's help, he got a lot of important information about Rukawa.

Sendoh: He is only interested in basketball and sleeping. He is still grumpy no matter how many times we play. If I lose, he might lose his interest in playing with me. I need to know what his weakness.

He went straight to Rukawa's apartment and was thinking of something to say. Being so excited, he was about to knock on the door but it suddenly opened. They both stared at each other.

Rukawa: What are you doing here?

Sendoh: (Shit! I have to think of an excuse!) I must have lost my way. Because I'm looking for my crush... ice.

Rukawa: Idiot. It's an apartment, not a convenience store.

Sendoh: HAHAHAHA! You're right. Ahm… can you… can you come with me?

Rukawa: I don't want to.

Sendoh: Won't you even let me in?

Rukawa: I don't want to.

Sendoh: (pout) Okay, let's go one on one?

Suddenly, Rukawa's eyes widened at Sendoh's challenge. They went to the court near the apartment.

xxx

While playing, he was once again distracted by Rukawa's scent. He tries to divert attention from his attacks. While Rukawa was wiping sweat, Sendoh looked again at his face from his forehead to his neck.

Sendoh: What is his perfume? He smells like a baby.

The score was tied and they decided to leave the court. Sendoh couldn't control his panic now that Rukawa was with him. The rookie was too serious and grumpy so it was even more difficult for him how to talk to him.

Sendoh: Rukawa... shall we have dinner?

Rukawa: I don't want to.

Sendoh: Come on, please.

Rukawa: I don't want to.

Sendoh: My treat.

Rukawa: Sure.

Sendoh laughed uncontrollably after hearing Rukawa's answer. While walking to the restaurant, he looks at Rukawa in the side view. He's really beautiful and his skin is very soft. It is no wonder that women loves him.

xxx

Arriving at the restaurant, everyone's attention went to them because of their height and appearance. They sat by the mirror while the waitress who handed over the menu blushed. He discovers that there is something silly about him. He just let Rukawa order a lot. He looks cute while looking at the menu like a child excited to eat. He finally figured out how to tame him.

Sendoh: Rukawa, have you ever had a girlfriend?

Rukawa: Yes.

(Sendoh: How did that happen? He is too meticulous to be interested in others. How did that girl get his attention?)

Sendoh: How long? serious?

Rukawa: Six months. Serious.

(Sendoh: It's annoying. What kind of girl is she? How did Rukawa like her? What does she have?)

Sendoh: Where is your ex now?

Rukawa: You're going to flirt with her?!

Sendoh: No. I was just wondering how you two got along.

Rukawa: She's my childhood friend.

(Sendoh: Childhood friend? How can I surpass her? She was the only one who became his girlfriend? Why only her?)

Sendoh: Is she also in Shohoku?

Rukawa: She's in the US.

Sendoh: YES!

Sendoh suddenly stood up from his seat because of the joy that his expected rival was far away.

Rukawa: What is that?

Sendoh: HAHAHAHA! I'm just really happy.

He also apologized to other customers in the restaurant. Like him, Rukawa is also have a large frame , but his physique is a bit slim compared to his body. It's surprising because he eats a lot.

Rukawa burped loudly and everyone who was eating looked at their seats. Rukawa's face was innocent as he pointed at Sendoh after burping. Sendoh just scratched his head and apologized to another customer.

xxx

While walking, Sendoh was still laughing after what Rukawa had done to him. Somehow he won't be nervous every time he goes to Rukawa unlike the previous days when he couldn't tell a joke because he might punch him. Rukawa walk Sendoh to the train station.

Sendoh: Thank you.

Rukawa: I just want to make sure you don't get lost here.

Sendoh: If you don't want me to get lost, just take me home with you.

Rukawa: Idiot.

Sendoh: HAHAHA!

Rukawa kicked Sendoh in the leg because of his naughtiness while they were walking. Sendoh is happy to discover the unique qualities of Shohoku's rookie. Likes basketball, likes to eat, likes to sleep, likes to eat again and smells like a baby. Sendoh is happy to be with Rukawa even though he doesn't do anything and too lazy to speak. He was content to annoy or tease Rukawa.

xxx

Supermarket

Admirer is determined to win Crush's friendship so he returns to Shohoku to find out what he does after training. He saw Crush go straight to the pet section of the supermarket. He walks to the other shelve rack so that Crush doesn't catch him.

Sendoh: He has a pet. In that case, I should also get friendly to his pet.

After Rukawa took the cat food below the rack, he noticed that the spiky hair seemed to be following him to the other rack. He remembered the shark in the sea. He thought he knew someone had that hair. But it was obvious that he was hiding from him so he looked in the side mirror in the corner to catch the target.

Admirer breathed a sigh of relief because he thought he would be caught. He peeked through the other rack again but Crush suddenly disappeared. He walked so fast that he bumped into the person behind him.

Sendoh: Huuuuu!

Rukawa: Are you following me?

Sendoh: (what will I say? Shocks!) Ahm... I forgot to ask you something yesterday. Hehehe!

Rukawa: What?

Sendoh: Can I have your number?

Rukawa: I don't want to.

Sendoh: Why? (pout)

Rukawa: You have a member with a strong radar. You can't possibly not know.

Sendoh: (I need to think quickly) Ahm... can we have a regular one on one?

Rukawa: Alright. Bye.

Sendoh: Ahm… I want to invite you to my apartment.

Rukawa: Why am I going to your house?

Sendoh: Because... we are friends.

Rukawa stared at Sendoh after hearing the word friends. Sendoh almost melts in shame because he runs out of words every time they are together.

Rukawa: Alright.

Sendoh: Really? Next week when my practice ends early I will pick you up!

Rukawa: Okay.

xxx

When they left the supermarket, Sendoh was happy because he had scored again with the one he loved. He wonders why Rukawa followed his direction to the train station.

Sendoh: Are you going somewhere else?

Rukawa: I'll come with you.

Sendoh: I will always text and call you. Please answer my calls.

Rukawa: One condition.

Sendoh: What is that?

Rukawa: Don't put your hair up if you play hide and seek.

Sendoh: HAHAHAHA!

xxx

Sendoh's Apartment

When he arrived at Ryonan, he found Koshino waiting on the balcony.

Koshino: That's what we call a love-struck smile.

Sendoh: Have you long have you been here? Why didn't you call?

Koshino: I can't contact you.

Sendoh: Hehe. My cellphone is turned off.

Koshino: I just noticed, your cell phone is turned off when you're with Crush. You really don't want to be bothered. Why do you smile like that?

Sendoh: Secret (blush).

Koshino: Come on, share something. Why did you go back there?

Sendoh: I already know the answer to your question.

Koshino: What is that?

Sendoh: Secret (blush).

Koshino: Let's talk about that man-to-man. It won't be a problem if you're not straight.

Sendoh: I am a man.

Koshino: He's a man too. We will support you but you have to be careful. Both of you.

Sendoh: I know.

xxx

He went straight to the shower before going to bed. He still couldn't forget Rukawa's silliness. He couldn't believe he would be so happy with the him. He took the pillow with Rukawa's face on it and talked to him before going to sleep.

Sendoh: I will never let you go Kaede. Hehehe!

xxx

Rukawa's Apartment

Rukawa had just finished taking a shower. He put his personal belongings in his bag before going to the Shohoku court. He borrows the key from Akagi to enter the court. It's 6:30 PM so there are definitely no students at school. He heard the cellphone ring.

Sendoh: Hello. Rukawa?

Rukawa: Who is this?

Sendoh: I'm Sendoh. Rukawa?

Rukawa: There is no Rukawa here.

Sendoh: You can't fool me. HAHAHA!

Rukawa: Rukawa is asleep.

Sendoh: HAHAHAHA! If he is sleeping, who am I talking to now?

Rukawa: Neighbor's cat.

Sendoh: Rukawa, I can't go there next Friday, our game is early.

Rukawa: Good.

Sendoh: (pout) Go home immediately after training. Don't go anywhere. Don't stay up late. Do not talk to strangers.

Rukawa: Are you my mother?

Sendoh: HAHAHAHA! Are you at home?

Rukawa: No mommy.

Sendoh: HAHAHAHA! Daddy suits me better.

Rukawa: Yuck.

xxx

While the two of them were talking on the phone, Sendoh walked to Rukawa's apartment to pick him up. He opened the door just as Sendoh arrived.

Rukawa: Why is this idiot here again?

Sendoh: Here he is again. Smells like baby. I feel like I want to kiss him.

Rukawa tapped Sendoh's forehead because he was stunned and not speaking. Sendoh hit his cheek to wake up.

Rukawa: what are you doing here?

Sendoh: Let's go to our house.

Rukawa: I only have one house.

Sendoh: This is your house. The one in Ryonan is OUR house.

Rukawa: (blush) Idiot.

Sendoh: I won't see you next week so please sleep at our home now.

Rukawa: No.

Sendoh: Alright... I'll go with you here tomorrow before our game starts.

Rukawa: Why should I go with you?

Sendoh: Too bad. I went grocery shopping yesterday. There's a LOT of stock in the house. You won't be hungry even if you stay there for a few days. Let's go?

Rukawa: Sure.

Sendoh: HAHAHA.

xxx

Train

Inside the train, the two players always get attention. No matter where they go they always noticed especially when they are together. Sendoh saw the two ladies looking at them so he immediately pulled Rukawa away from them.

Girl 1 and Girl 2: Hi guys.

Sendoh nodded while Rukawa just looked straight outside. Both girls are beautiful and they are obvious targets.

Girl 2: I think I know you. It's like I've seen you before. Are you college students?

Rukawa: Elementary.

Sendoh: HAHAHAHA!

Sendoh was surprised by Rukawa's response to the lady who wanted to approach them.

Girl 1: He has a sense of humor.

Girl 2: What's your name?

Rukawa: Gori.

Sendoh: HAHAHAHA!

Sendoh laugh loudly because Rukawa likes to talk back. Rukawa, on the other hand, just had a serious face and was obviously uncomfortable with the two girls sticking to them.

Sendoh: I'm King Kong.

Girl 1: What's your grade?

Rukawa: Kinder. King Kong studied in the Nursery for three years.

Sendoh: HAHAHAHA!

Sendoh was holding his stomach because of Rukawa's answers. The girls noticed that Rukawa was tripping them so they both invited Sendoh.

Girl 2: Can you come with us?

Sendoh: I'm sorry. We have somewhere to go.

Rukawa: Wow.

Girl 1: Come on, King Kong.

Sendoh: I'm sorry. I'm already taken.

xxx

An elderly person boarded at the next station. The seats are full including the priority seat. Rukawa gave the arrogant looking man sitting in front of him a killer eye. The man was terrified so he stood far away from Rukawa. Grandma sat in the seat left by him. Sendoh saw everything Rukawa did. Even though he doesn't speak and looks scary in the eyes of other people, his heart is soft towards the elderly.

Sendoh: You are handsome.

Rukawa: Sure.

Sendoh: HAHAHAHA!

xxx

Sendoh's Apartment

When they arrived at Sendoh's house, Rukawa noticed the pillow on the sofa with his picture on it. Flames appeared in Rukawa's background as he closed his hand ready to attack. He immediately confronted Sendoh. Sendoh immediately thought of an excuse.

Sendoh: (I need to think of an excuse!) Ahm… Rukawa…The pillow…that is…

Rukawa: Do I look like a punching bag?!

Sendoh was surprised because he thought he was about to discover that he had a crush on Rukawa.

Sendoh: Huh?! Ahm... you have a fan who is my classmate. She wants to give it to you. Because she found out that we are friends.

Rukawa: Is that so? Thank you.

Sendoh panicked because Rukawa took the pillow. Sendoh grabbed the pillow and immediately locked it in the closet.

Rukawa: You said that's mine. Give it to me.

Sendoh: I don't want to.

Rukawa: Give it to me! Give it to me! Give it to me!

Sendoh: Are you interested in the one who gave it to you?

Rukawa: I'm interested in the pillow.

Sendoh: I don't have enough pillow so I won't give it to you.

Rukawa: Trickster.

Sendoh shakes his head while laughing because Rukawa's childishness is cute. His mouth looks like a broken plaque whenever he gets angry. For him everything he sees in Rukawa is so adorable.

xxx

Rukawa's eyes widened because Sendoh had a large stock of food in the fridge and he immediately looked for a target. He immediately took a knife and a plate to eat. The knife cut Rukawa so Sendoh hurriedly took his finger. He sucked up the bleeding and washed Rukawa's finger. Rukawa's face turned tomato red and suddenly pulled his hand from Sendoh.

Rukawa: Don't do that again.

Sendoh: Why? It's just a finger. Grumpy (pout)

Rukawa: You don't know what I touched last.

Sendoh: HAHAHAHA! You know how to joke now.

Rukawa: I'm not kidding.

Sendoh: Do you want to know what I touched last?

Rukawa: Yuck.

Sendoh: HAHAHAHA! From now on I will cook for you. It's not good for your health if you only eat take out. You might get sick. You should eat healthy. Reduce your coffee intake.

While listening, he stared at Sendoh's face. They always have eye contact on the court but he doesn't understand why his face heats up when they face each other or talk in normal situations. He also noticed Sendoh's body fitted on his white T-Shirt. He surely take care of his body with healthy food and work out. He wonders why he gets irritated whenever someone else tells him what to do but he listens when Sendoh preaches.

Sendoh: Why are you looking at me? (wink)

Rukawa: Hm. You talk a lot. You almost beat my teacher.

Sendoh: Am I looking handsome?

Rukawa: I'm more handsome.

Sendoh: HAHAHAHA!

Rukawa's eyes wandered. He noticed Sendoh's laptop. He remembered the document he had to do.

Rukawa: I'll borrow your laptop.

Sendoh: Okay. There is no password.

He opened the laptop and waited for it to open. He was surprised by the screen background of the laptop.

Rukawa: Huh?

Sendoh: Ahm….(shit!)

Sendoh couldn't move from where he was standing because he forgot that Rukawa's face was the background of his laptop. Rukawa smiled teasingly. He still couldn't think of an excuse.

Rukawa: Am I looking handsome?

Rukawa returned Sendoh's question. He was blushing and still unable to speak at Rukawa's teasing.

Rukawa: WOW.

Sendoh: Rukawa, that means nothing. Um... okay. I will change it.

Rukawa: Weird.

Sendoh immediately took the laptop to change the background. Rukawa sat down and started making a document. He smiled to see Sendoh blushing in embarrassment. He's cute to look at when he's embarrassed, defensive, sneaking around and caught in the act. Rukawa smiled at Sendoh's weirdness.

xxx

(Sendoh POV)

Despite being busy with the District Tournament, Sendoh finds a way to visit Rukawa once or twice a week. He feels recharged when he sees his Crush. They played one on one in the public court near Rukawa's apartment. Sendoh was in the mood that he beat the rookie.

Sendoh: Let's have dinner. My treat!

Rukawa: I don't want to.

Sendoh: Are you angry because I beat you? That's just one time.

Rukawa: I'll beat you.

Sendoh: Next time beat me but let's eat now.

xxx

Sendoh invites Rukawa to the Ramen House.

Sendoh: When I'm not here and you have free time, who do you play one on one with?

Rukawa: Mitsui.

Sendoh: He invited you?

Rukawa: No. I invited him.

Sendoh felt a pinch in his chest when he realized that it was Rukawa himself who invited Mitsui. He could no longer look at Rukawa as they walked to the train station.

Sendoh: Won't you come with me?

Rukawa: No.

Sendoh: Take care.

Sendoh is sad because he feels that Rukawa really only sees him as an enemy. He is thinking of a way to level up his relationship with Rukawa because he still treats him too coldly even though they meet often.

Rukawa: We don't have training tomorrow. Can you come here?

Sendoh: (is he inviting me?) Huh?

Sendoh couldn't answer right away because he was shocked and nervous at Rukawa's invitation.

Rukawa: Never mind.

Sendoh: Huh?! Of course. I will come back here. If you want, I will live here. (what am I talking about? It's embarrassing!)

Rukawa: Idiot. If you want...you can sleep at home tonight.

Sendoh's eyes widened and his whole face was red, he felt like he was going to explode at the same time as his chest was heaving with excitement. He cheered up again because the rookie seemed to be comfortable with him.

Sendoh: yes... sure... of course... why not... alright… okay... HEHEHE...

Rukawa: Weird…

Sendoh blushed as if stung by a bee. He didn't lose his smile until he reached Rukawa's apartment. He felt like he had won the jackpot. Ever since Rukawa invited him, he believed they could possibly be friends.

xxx

Rukawa's Apartment (Sendoh's POV)

Finally the opportunity has come for him to enter his Crush's house. He was sure that he would discover more about Rukawa.

Rukawa: Use the bathroom in my room.

Sendoh: It's fine to use the bathroom here.

Rukawa: one.

Sendoh: It's embarrassing to enter your room.

Rukawa: Two.

Sendoh: But that's your privacy.

Rukawa: Three.

Sendoh: Okay. Hehehe.

xxx

When he entered the room, he remembered the dream he had when the Tournament started. The room was the same as the one in his dream without much furniture. He was nervous again so he rushed into the bathroom to take a shower.

Sendoh: What's going on? Why am I suddenly nervous again? It's just the two of us here. He's not the type to do anything strange. But if he does, it's fine. What am I thinking? Calm down Akira.

He started taking a shower as his eyes wandered around the bathroom. The paint is gray and there aren't many toiletries. He remembered Rukawa's smell every time they played.

Sendoh: Why does he smell so good when he only uses normal soap? His shampoo is also normal. No perfume or cologne at all. He's smooth but he doesn't have any lotion either. He always smells like a baby even when he sweats.

He noticed something hanging near the window. A black boxers. His eyes widened. Something was whispering to his demon to take the boxer while the other side of his brain stopped him. He patted his chest nervously.

Sendoh: Huuu! What's going on? I have that too. I won't bring that home. I need to get out of here!

After taking a shower, he came out of the bathroom and his eyes rolled again. In his dream, the bed, window and lampshade were in the right place. But he noticed something on the side table.

Sendoh: He uses baby powder. He's so cute.

xxx

Rukawa entered the room. He started to panic again.

Sendoh: WAAAHHH!

Rukawa: Why are you so surprised?

Sendoh: I'm sorry. Hehe. Your house is clean.

Rukawa: Sleep in my room.

Sendoh: Rukawa, I'm fine on the sofa.

Rukawa: one.

Sendoh: It's a shame that I'll be the one to sleep in the bed.

Rukawa: two.

Sendoh: Okay. Hehehe.

He felt comfortable in Rukawa's apartment. He doesn't like things and decorations. Just by the looks of it, he's the type that easily gets hot headed when he sees even the slightest bit of dirt.

xxx

Sendoh: Rukawa, can I use your baby powder?

Rukawa: Okay.

Sendoh: Do you want me to put you some?

Rukawa: Yuck.

Sendoh: HAHAHAHA!

It was difficult for him to put powder on his back because of his big arms. He was surprised when Rukawa approached him and put powder on his back.

Sendoh: I want to put you some powder.

Rukawa: I don't want to.

He grabbed Rukawa by the arm to prevent him from running away. Because Rukawa was tough and used to beatings, he was able to get away. Rukawa threw him on the bed while holding his arm tightly.

Rukawa: Don't try me. Idiot.

He paled in their position. His body was heating up again so he thought of a way to end Rukawa's threat. He snorted as if asking for a kiss so Rukawa immediately stood up.

Rukawa: Idiot!

Sendoh: HAHAHAHA!

As he lay in bed, he enjoyed thinking about Rukawa's adorable traits. Grumpy, hot-headed, childish, likes to talk back, sarcastic, his mouth never stops when angry, violent and naughty. He didn't think that all of these could be accumulated in a body of a baby smelling like him. He was sure that what he felt for the super rookie was not just simple admiration.

Sendoh: Who can't fall in love with you? Grumpy baby. I will find a way to make you fall for me. Hehehe!

xxx

Note: Italics - self thoughts