Chapter 4: Date
Public Court (Rukawa POV)
Rukawa was walking home when he noticed a tall man standing with all his hair up playing with children in the court near his apartment. He watched and did not show up not to interrupt them.
Rukawa: Why is this sharkhead here again?
Sendoh teaches the children the basic ball handling drills.
Rukawa: I didn't know that he was humane.
He was glad to see Sendoh was serious about teaching the children. He thought he only knew how to do cuteness and flattery.
Kids: Mister, he's watching us.
Sendoh: Who?
Sendoh looked in his direction. Sendoh's smile widely when he saw him. He said goodbye to the kids and gave them all a high five. Sendoh accompanied him to the apartment.
xxx
Rukawa: Why are you here?
Sendoh gave him an assorted flavored corndogs. He wonders why he would accept it. But his digestive system would never reject food.
Rukawa: Thank you.
Sendoh: Come with me tomorrow morning.
Rukawa: Where?
Sendoh: Let's catch fish!
Rukawa: I don't want to.
He noticed that Sendoh's face was sad after he refused. He sighed and decided to come along.
Rukawa: What time?
Sendoh: Really? Ahm.. When we wake up, we'll go straight there... Then we'll go to Ouzumi's restaurant... He'll cook what we caught... Is it okay? Promise. You will feel comfortable in the port... You'll relax there. Then… hmp…
He covered Sendoh's mouth and preceded him in what he had to say.
Rukawa: in one condition.
Sendoh: Okay! What is it?
Rukawa: Tie your hair in pigtails.
Sendoh: HAHAHAHA!
He felt relieved to see that Sendoh was happy again and seemed excited about their outdoor hang out.
xxx
Rukawa's Apartment (Rukawa POV)
Sendoh brought a lot of clothes but he has a hard time choosing what to wear.
Sendoh: What's better? Blue or Black?
Rukawa: Why are you complicating what is not a problem?
Sendoh: I want you to choose what I wear.
Rukawa: Does it make a difference if I choose?
Sendoh: Of course I want to look very handsome when we go out tomorrow.
Rukawa: Idiot. You are beautiful even if you don't wear clothes.
He suddenly covered his mouth because of what he said. This was the first time he praised Sendoh's physicality. He immediately looked away from Sendoh and hurriedly stood up from the sofa. Sendoh immediately held him by the arm tightly to prevent him from escaping.
Sendoh: Hep…hep. Where are you going?
Rukawa: Let me go idiot! (blush)
Sendoh: Say it again!
Rukawa: What are you doing?!
Sendoh: You just said... I'm handsome even if I'm not wearing anything.
He panicked because of Sendoh's teasing. Sendoh started to take off his clothes but Rukawa immediately pulled the end of the clothes to stop him from undressing. He hit Sendoh's forehead. Sendoh tickled him on the sofa.
Rukawa: Stop it! What are you doing?!
Sendoh: Wrestling...with love.
While he was laughing he noticed Sendoh staring at him. He stopped laughing because he noticed that Sendoh's facial expression was strange as he held his face. He avoided and immediately left the sofa due to nervousness.
xxx
Train
The child next to them who is 2-3 years old has tantrums. The mother can't stop the baby from crying. The passengers are looking at them.
Sendoh: Madame, may I borrow her?
Mother: Okay.
He supports the child to sit on his lap. He took the kid's hand to run it through his hair. The boy started laughing and was happy with his hair. Rukawa watched next to him. He was smiling because Sendoh loves children. Sendoh returned the baby to his mother and she thanked him.
Passengers: Aaaaawwwww….
The passengers were touched by what Sendoh did. When they got off the train, Rukawa took Sendoh to the side.
Rukawa: Wait a minute, don't move.
Sendoh was stunned again when their faces were close together. Rukawa was fixing his hair with his hand. He blushed even more when he saw Rukawa smile at him.
Sendoh: Thank you.
Rukawa: Heh.
Sendoh is thrilled because he can make Rukawa smile even without tickling or with force. When Rukawa turned around, he messed his hair again.
Sendoh: I will always mess up my hair so you can always fix it. Hehehe!
xxx
Port Area
Sendoh invited Rukawa to a port he frequented. Rukawa lay down next to Sendoh and was constantly yawning because of the strong wind.
Rukawa: Do you come here often?
Sendoh: When the weather is as beautiful as you.
Rukawa: I'm handsome.
Sendoh: HAHAHAHA!
Rukawa's eyes almost fell when Sendoh held him. Turns out he put sunblock lotion on him.
Rukawa: What are you doing idiot?
Sendoh: I don't want my handsome baby's skin burn.
(Rukawa: He probably has nothing to do in his life. He's too caring. He looks nice. A good guy. How many girls has he fooled?)
Rukawa: How many girlfriends do you have?
Sendoh: Huh? I do not have a girlfriend.
Rukawa: I don't believe you.
Sendoh: Do you want to apply?
Rukawa: Idiot.
Sendoh: I had three girlfriends but not at the same time.
Rukawa: but consecutively.
Sendoh: HAHAHAHA! Ahm… not serious. The first one, we're in a relationship for almost 2 months. The second and last, maybe just one month. Hehehe.
(Rukawa: He's not serious, how long will he flatter me? Huh?! You're dumb Kaede! I'm not a girl. We're just friends. I'm thinking wrong.)
Rukawa: (yawning)
Sendoh: Where are you going next Saturday? Why don't you want me to come with you? The tournament has just started, you're in school and practice every day, do you still have time to go somewhere? Unbelievable.
Rukawa: Are you enjoying to be my mother? I can't tell you.
Sendoh: Why it has to be a secret? Come on, I want to go with you. (pout)
Rukawa: I don't want to.
Sendoh: Watch our game. Cheer for Daddy.
Rukawa: Yuck.
Sendoh: HAHAHAHA! Ahm... Rukawa, can I call you Kaede? (blush)
Rukawa was surprised and blushed at Sendoh's question.
Rukawa: Alright. Idiot.
Sendoh: Kaede, stop calling me idiot.
Rukawa: (What?)
Sendoh: You always call that to others especially Sakuragi. If that's what you call me, what makes me different from them? Do you understand?
Rukawa: Hm.
Sendoh: When you're upset, just call me Daddy.
Rukawa: Idiot.
Sendoh: Please...
Sendoh noticed that Rukawa had fallen asleep next to him. He looked at the bag. He was tempted to open Rukawa's cellphone but he stopped himself. When he was about to close the bag, he saw the key with a duplicate. He took one and hurriedly closed the bag. He couldn't stop smiling.
Sendoh: Someday, you will call me Daddy. Hehehe.
xxx
Ouzomi Resto
Ouzomi: Are you friends with Rukawa?
Sendoh: Yes. (blush)
Ouzomi: Sendoh, don't be too obvious.
Sendoh: Huh?
Ouzomi: You're so obvious.
Sendoh: Captain, I'm just really happy right now.
Ouzomi: You don't have to make excuses.
Sendoh: Captain, all best sellers dine in.
Ouzomi: Are you sure?
Sendoh: My date has food cravings. Hehehe.
Ouzomi couldn't help but be turned again and again to Sendoh and Rukawa's table. Sendoh's eyes had a strange spark while they were eating. He also noticed how their ace player was taking care of everything Rukawa wants to eat.
Rukawa: I can eat alone. I'm not a kid.
Sendoh: You took a big bite. What if you swallow a fishbone?
Rukawa: My neighbor has a cat.
Sendoh: It's good that you're safe. What would you like to drink?
Rukawa: I'll take care of it.
Sendoh: It's my treat.
Rukawa: Alright. Next time I will pay.
Sendoh: Does that mean we will date again?
Rukawa blushed at the word date while Sendoh's eyes twinkled.
Sendoh: Kaede, do you have a place you want to go?
Kaede: I can't think of anything.
Sendoh: Next time we go out, I want a place where you can enjoy yourself.
Kaede: Do I look sad?
Sendoh: You only laugh when you are tickled. I want you to smile because you are really happy.
Rukawa: Are you really happy when you smile?
Sendoh was silent as if Rukawa's words penetrated him. He always thought of how to make the rookie happy not just because of the game, the food or their tickles.
Sendoh: Okay, where do you want to go?
Rukawa: At home so I can sleep long.
Rukawa noticed his spikey haired friend was quiet again and seemed to be thinking deeply.
Rukawa: It is not a place. Happiness is a feeling.
Sendoh stared at Rukawa. This was the first time he heard Rukawa speak deeply without teasing.
Sendoh: Do I make you happy?
Rukawa: Do you think I will go with you if not?
(Sendoh: Shit! I can feel my happy ever after!)
Ouzomi just shook his head and sighed when he heard the two of them.
xxx
Ryonan Gym
Hikoichi noticed that their ace player had not received any food or gifts from the fans for several weeks. He also always attends practice early.
Ikegami: The number of people watching our practice is decreasing.
Ouzomi: That's better so we can concentrate more. They cannot see our strategy.
Hikoichi: Koshino, does Sendoh have a girlfriend?
Koshino: No. Why did you ask?
Hikoichi: I heard from my classmates that he doesn't accept any gifts and he never allow them to kiss on his cheek anymore. He doesn't even want to let anyone touch his hair!
Koshino: Let them be. It's even better that we can practice quietly. Where is Sendoh?
Ueksa: He's in the locker.
xxx
The Ryonan team went in to change clothes in the locker. They accidentally overheard the conversation between Sendoh and the person on the other line.
Sendoh: Why don't you bring a cellphone to school?
Rukawa: All my contacts are at school. Why should I bring?
Sendoh: What about me? (pout)
Rukawa: You always visit here.
Sendoh: Don't you miss me? (pout)
Team Ryonan smiled at what Sendoh was saying to the other line.
Sendoh: Open your camera.
Rukawa: I don't want to.
Sendoh: Don't be stubborn. Who is with you again? Go home.
Rukawa: Are you my mother?
Sendoh: If you don't open your camera I won't bring a burger tomorrow.
xxx
Team Ryonan gathered on the bench and whispered.
Coach Taoka: Koshino, does Sendoh have a girlfriend?
Koshino: No Coach.
Coach Taoka: Are you sure?
Koshino: I'm sure coach.
(Koshino: I'm sure he's talking to Rukawa.)
They couldn't help but smile because Sendoh looked like a jealous boyfriend. Koshino asked to come out of the locker to give privacy to Sendoh and the person he was talking to.
Sendoh: I'm telling you! Whose house is that?
Rukawa: My bed sheet is new. Idiot!
The entire team stopped walking because they were surprised that Sendoh was talking to a male voice. Before they reached the door, they accidentally saw Rukawa's face appear on Sendoh's screen. They hurried out. Team Ryonan paled as Koshino patted his face because Sendoh was so obvious.
xxx
Rukawa's Apartment (Rukawa POV)
When he got home, Rukawa went straight to the fridge because he was very hungry. He went to Kainan after their training. He was surprised because he saw a lot of food. He also saw the note from Sendoh.
"Eat well Mommy. Love, Daddy"
Rukawa's heartbeat quickened at the message stuck on the refrigerator door but he shook his head because he thought that Sendoh was teasing him again.
Rukawa: I'm not the Mommy. You're dumb Akira. Wait a minute… How did he get in here?
He immediately looked at his key. Only now did he notice that one was missing.
Rukawa: You're idiot, Akira.
He took the cellphone and noticed that there were 18 missed calls and 15 messages from Sendoh. He thought of calling him. His hair was turning white waiting for an answer so he put down the cellphone. After he cleaned the dishes, he went straight to the bathroom to take a shower.
Rukawa: Is he already sleeping? Why doesn't he answer my call? Why he didn't tell me he was coming today? He's annoying. Really dumb.
xxx
While getting dressed, the doorbell suddenly rang.
Mitsui: Come with us Rukawa!
Ryota: We're going to a festival.
Rukawa: I'm going to sleep.
Mitsui: Let's go.
Ryota: Get dressed! We will wait for you.
He let two senior teammates into the house. He immediately got dressed and yawned non-stop towards the Festival.
xxx
Shoyo
They arrive at the festival in Shoyo. They first saw Sakuragi, Mito and friends. Mito decided to go to the place where they will see many girls while Sakuragi went with his teammates.
Sakuragi: Where are Four Eyes and Gori?!
Mitsui: Akagi just lectured me. Kogure has a lot to do.
Ryota: Too bad Ayako wasn't here. Did you invite Haruko?
Sakuragi: No. I thought she and Gori were going here together.
Rukawa: (yawning)
xxx
As they walk in the plaza, their bad boy look gets attention. Many people were familiar with them when they became popular in the District Tournament. Many basketball players also came to the plaza wearing school jackets.
Hanagata: Shohoku is here.
Hasegawa: Mitsui has returned to basketball.
Hanagata: Do you know them?
Hasegawa: Mitsui used to be the junior MVP.
Fujima: I can't wait to fight them.
Team Takezato approaches team Shoyo. They met and invited them to play in the arcade. Team Shoyo declined their invitation and bid them farewell.
xxx
Team Shoyo walks straight to meet the team they want to challenge to a match. The two teams met in the middle of the square.
Fujima: Rukawa?
Ryota: Huh?! Captain Fujima. Do you and Rukawa know each other?
Fujima: Yes. We always run into each other after school.
Hasegawa: Mitsui…
Mitsui: Hasegawa…
Sakuragi went to the middle of Mitsui and Hasegawa while looking back and forth.
Sakuragi: Aha... Is there something between you two?
Mitsui: What are you talking about dumbass!
Hanagata: Shall we play basketball?
Sakuragi: Of course! Genius won't beat in any game!
Ryota: Seriously? In children's basketball arcade?
Hanagata, Ryota and Sakuragi head to the arcade. Mitsui and Hasegawa joined them.
xxx
Rukawa and Fujima did not join the Arcade Boys. They prefer to walk and relax in the square.
Fujima: Why didn't you go with them?
Rukawa: You'll understand when you see what they do next.
Fujima: Huh?
Fujima looked at their teammates, the Arcade Boys rode the ferris wheel. They managed to fit into a capsule even though there were still plenty of vacancies. They are all bent and close together because of their size and height.
Hanagata: Is what we're doing embarrassing?
Hasegawa: The important thing is that we fit.
Sakuragi: Hasegawa and Mitsui must separate!
Mitsui: Why do you always see us?!
Ryota: Be patient with him. Sakuragi doesn't have a girlfriend.
Sakuragi: Why Curly, do you have a girlfriend?!
Ryota: What?! I didn't say I had a girlfriend!
The chatter of three monkeys can be heard below.
Sakuragi: (Aha! I'll invite them to ride the roller coaster. Let's see who will squeal.) Oy! Let's ride the roller coaster!
Hanagata: That's fine. We don't look bad riding there.
Hasegawa: Mitsui, sit beside me.
Mitsui: No problem.
Ryota: Hanagata, I'll sit next to you. Let's leave Hanamichi alone up front.
Sakuragi: I'm fine being alone. Surely someone there will soften, or hold hands or shriek in fear! NYAHAHAHAHA!
The roller coaster started moving. The four who were next to each other in the back were just calm while Sakuragi didn't stop squealing. Sakuragi bowed due to the softening of his knees.
Ryota: Softened…Check.
Hanagata: Squeal…Check.
Hasegawa: Holding hands... None.
Mitsui: There's no holding hands because there's no one next to you.
Sakuragi: What are you talking about, you uglies!
xxx
While the Arcade Boys are busy with the rides, Rukawa and Fujima wander around the square. Their good looks grab attention to the crowd. Fujima greeted them while Rukawa just looked straight ahead.
Fujima: You don't look like you're going to a festival like this.
Rukawa: They just forced me.
Fujima: Too bad. Our team is together on the block. I still hope that we will be together in the top 4.
Rukawa: We will win.
Fujima: My team will win.
Fujima saw a coffee stand. He bought black coffee for both of them. He noticed Rukawa keeps on yawning.
Fujima: You look sleepy.
Rukawa: I can't close my eyes.
Fujima: Let's drink it while it's still hot.
Rukawa: Thanks.
Rukawa was glad with Fujima's free coffee. They sat down to drink. Fujima smiled because he saw his teammates enjoying the rides. The Arcade Boys push each other when they are about to enter the horror house.
xxx
Hikoichi: This is great! I couldn't believe what I was seeing!
Ueksa: Team Shoyo and Shohoku were friends.
Hikoichi: That's not what I meant! There's Fujima and Rukawa!
Hikoichi pointed out to Ueksa the two ace players who were a little far away from their seats who were both sitting opposite the coffee stand. Hikoichi is happily taking pictures of the players they see at the Festival.
xxx
He noticed Rukawa looking at the arcade. Fujima smiled because as they walked, his companion became interested in playing.
Fujima: You want to play?
Rukawa: Yeah.
Two ace players played. Fujima missed his target prize which Rukawa noticed. Rukawa tried to capture the target. He won and gave the cap to Fujima.
Fujima: It's your prize. Why did you give it to me?
Rukawa: You like that, don't you?
Fujima: Hehehe. Thank you.
Fujima immediately put on the cap. He was surprised with Rukawa. Even though he looks grumpy, he feels that he is kind . Rukawa's attention fell on a mannequin wearing a blue jacket with a sharkhead hoodie. He remembered the person with the spiky hair so he immediately bought it.
Fujima: You're going to use that?
Rukawa: No.
xxx
There was a crying child behind them because she couldn't get the teddy bear from the claw machine. Fujima and Rukawa played to get what the child wanted. They have used up a lot of tokens. Rukawa's patience has also run out. He immediately came up with a brilliant idea.
Rukawa: Fujima, keep an eye on the surroundings.
Fujima: What are you going to do?
Rukawa: Tell me if anyone is watching.
Fujima was surprised at Rukawa's request to him. He did what he asked so he turned his back on the machine and looked around them. He suddenly turned around when he heard a noise behind him. Rukawa shook the claw machine hard to make the teddy bear fall. Two fell and he immediately gave them to the child.
Kid: Thank you Mister! That one is for you!
Rukawa just scratched his head because he couldn't refuse the child. The child was very happy before she said goodbye to the two of them.
Rukawa: How do I return it to the machine?
Fujima: HAHAHA! Why would you return that? You worked hard for that.
Rukawa: Do you like it?
Fujima: Huh?!
Rukawa: If you don't want it, I'll just return it.
Fujima: I'll take it.
Fujima accepted the teddy bear even though he was hesitant. He laughs that Rukawa didn't join the Arcade Boys when they share the same brain wavelength when it comes to silliness.
xxx
The two ace players behind them turned when they heard the excited voice of Hikoichi.
Hikoichi: Captain Fujima! Rukawa! You two are friends?! I am Hikoichi Aida, a member of the Ryonan Basketball Team. I'm with Ueksa our point guard!
Rukawa's eyes immediately turned around but he didn't see Sendoh. Ueksa immediately noticed that Rukawa seemed to be looking for someone.
Hikoichi: Captain Fujima can we take a selfie?
Fujima: No problem.
Ueksa: Rukawa, Sendoh is not with us. He's not feeling well.
Rukawa didn't speak but nodded to Sendoh's teammate. Rukawa felt annoyed because Sendoh still managed to go to the apartment to bring food. After the Fireworks display, team Shohoku and team Shoyo said their goodbyes.
xxx
Note: Italics - self thoughts
