Chapter 5: Crush

Sendoh's Apartment (Sendoh POV)

Sendoh and Rukawa haven't seen each other for a week. Both were busy with their District Tournament games. They still talk on the phone every day.

Rukawa: Where are you?

Sendoh: I just got home. Did you miss me?

Rukawa: Idiot.

Sendoh: Wait a minute, I can hear the background on your phone, where are you?

Rukawa: Why don't you go out?

He rushed out and he saw Rukawa wet from the rain outside the apartment building.

Sendoh: Why didn't you tell me you were coming here today?

Rukawa: Did you tell me to tell you?

Sendoh: HAHAHAHA! Let's go inside and take a shower right away.

Rukawa: Is it safe in your apartment?

Sendoh: Of course. I had a lion cub, twin tigers and a pregnant elephant with me.

Rukawa: Too bad. I'm not with the monkeys I know.

Sendoh: HAHAHAHA!

xxx

While Rukawa was taking a shower, Sendoh jumped in excitement.

Sendoh: Kosh! Rukawa is here! Don't come here now!

Koshino: YOU KIDNAPPED HIM?! You forced him!? My God Sendoh!? Why did you end up like that?!

Sendoh: I didn't kidnap him! He went here. AAAHHH!

Koshino: Alright. I'll just explain it to them. Sendoh calm down. Don't harass him.

Sendoh: Are you giving me an idea?

Koshino: I didn't say harass him!

He cooked Rukawa a snack. When he came out of the kitchen, he couldn't help but shiver because Rukawa was wearing his clothes.

Sendoh: My clothes suit you. Do you know what material was used there?

Rukawa: What?

Sendoh: Husband material. HAHAHAHA!

Rukawa: Yuck.

Sendoh: Why did you visit here? Do you have something to say?

Rukawa: Give me back my key.

Sendoh: I don't want to.

Rukawa: Give it back! Give it back! Give it back!

Sendoh: I don't want to. I don't want to. I don't want to.

Rukawa left and went straight to the door. Sendoh stopped him from going out.

Sendoh: You just arrived, are you leaving soon? Stay here with me.

Rukawa: Idiot. (blush)

Sendoh: I live here alone so you can come here anytime. If you want, you can live here with me.

Rukawa: I don't want to.

Sendoh: Youre so cute.

xxx

After they ate, Rukawa noticed that it was still raining heavily. Sendoh's apartment balcony has a nice view. It's close to the sea.

Sendoh: Sleep here. We don't have school tomorrow. Ahm... I went to your apartment last Saturday but you weren't there. Where did you go?

Rukawa: I just went to see someone. Why didn't you say you were going?

Sendoh: Did you tell me to tell you?

Rukawa: Heh.

Sendoh: Why don't you tell me where you went? (pout)

Rukawa: Are you my mother?

Sendoh: You are Mommy. Me, Daddy. Dad-dy… Try to say it.

Rukawa: I-diot.

Sendoh: HAHAHAHA! Let's defeat Kainan and Shoyo so that our team can be together at Interhigh.

Rukawa: I'll beat you.

Sendoh: You beat me long ago.

Rukawa: What are you talking about?!

Sendoh: Inside the house, the Wife is always right. AAAWWW!

Rukawa pulled his ear. He put both hands in Rukawa's armpit. Rukawa lost his balance because of his tickling. Rukawa gasped and lay down on the sofa with Sendoh on top of him. Rukawa panicked in their position so he hurriedly got up. To end the awkward situation, Sendoh stood up to get the baby powder from his room with KAEDE written on it.

Sendoh: Kaede, for you.

Kaede: I have that at home.

Sendoh: This is what you will use when you sleep here. Do you want me to put some powder on you?

Rukawa: Yuck.

Sendoh: HAHAHAHA!

xxx

Rukawa took his bag and threw the blue jacket with sharkhead hoodie.

Sendoh: What is it?

Rukawa: Your look-alike.

He looked at the jacket. He couldn't stop laughing because of the shark head hoodie.

Sendoh: When I run out of gel I will wear it.

Rukawa: Wear that when you go to the port.

He was very touched by what Rukawa said. He put on the jacket and gave Rukawa a backhug.

Sendoh: Thank you.

Rukawa: Let me go idiot!

He tightened his hug on was very happy with the jacket he received.

Sendoh: I'm a shark. I caught a handsome fish!

Rukawa: I'm not a fish. Just handsome.

Sendoh: HAHAHAHA!

Rukawa was able to escape his tight backhug because he was laughing so hard.

Sendoh: By the way, Hikoichi told me you went to Shoyo, why didn't you invite me?

Rukawa: Did you answer my call idiot?

Sendoh: I'm sorry. I have a cold so I fell asleep early. Where did you go after your practice?

Rukawa: Meddling shark.

Sendoh: HAHAHAHA!

While Rukawa was sleeping, Sendoh recalls Hikoichi told him that they saw team Shohoku and Shoyo together at the festival. He knew he had no right to sulk whenever Rukawa didn't tell him where he was going so he couldn't help but feel hurt.

xxx

Shohoku Gym

Shohoku has scored over 100 in four consecutive games. After they face team Tsukubu, one of the eight best groups, Mitsui plans to cool down before facing team Shoyo. Mitsui and Ryota were hanging out in the locker while they waited for Rukawa and Sakuragi to finish cleaning the gym after training.

Ryota: Do you think they will come? They are still minors.

Mitsui: It's not obvious.

Ryota: Rukawa will just ignore us, Sakuragi is hard to talk to.

Mitsui: I'll take care of it.

Ryota: Maybe Hanamichi will join, I feel like we will have a hard time with Rukawa.

Mitsui: If they don't come, let's use force.

Xxx

The bench warmers cheered on their respective chickens during the battle of the two rookies.

Rukawa: King of the Foul, fouled out five times. Yuck.

Sakuragi: King of Arrogance! You think you can beat me?!

The battle between the two rookies began as Yasuda stood guard in the middle and Kakuta listed bets.

Mitsui: Oy! What are you doing? Why are you fighting again?

Ryota: You're not used to them being like that every day. Why are you still cheering there?!

Kakuta: Rukawa! Kick him in the ass!

Sakuragi: Rukawa! Why did you kick me in the face?!

Rukawa: I thought it was an ass.

Yasuda: Sakuragi avoid his kick! Pull it on the cheek!

Bench warmer 1: Roll him Rukawa!

Bench warmer 2: Sakuragi throw him!

Xxx

The bench warmers continue to cheer on the two chickens. Mitsui hit the boys.

Mitsui: Instead of stopping them, it looks like you're having fun there!

Ryota: Wait, why is there a referee? What's going on?

Yasuda: Sakuragi is red, Rukawa is white. Who will you bet on?

Kakuta: The first to fall loses. You can pay in cash or online payment. No installment.

xxx

The veins of the two seniors came out so they hit everyone related to the bet.

Ryota: You turned them into chickens?!

Mitsui: You idiots! Go home! Rukawa, Sakuragi go take a bath! Brats!

Sakuragi: Why did you send them away?

Ryota: You are the one who planned the gambling? You're unbelievable.

Sakuragi: We didn't force them! Rukawa also agreed.

Rukawa: He's my business partner.

Mitsui: Rukawa, don't listen to that Sakuragi! You will only ruin your future with him.

Ryota: Mitsui, Hanamichi didn't force Rukawa. They both agreed.

Mitsui: Why are you siding with that brat?!

Ryota: Because you always sided with Rukawa!

xxx

Mitsui and Ryota faced each other as lightning appeared between them. Sakuragi and Rukawa sat on the floor to watch the second match.

Rukawa: My bet is on Toothless.

Sakuragi: I'll bet on Curly.

Rukawa: Go ahead and pull his muzzle!

Sakuragi: Take his dentures!

xxx

The two seniors noticed that the two rookies were enjoying their fight.

Mitsui: Go take a bath, you two! Little bastards!

Ryota: Go now. We have been waiting for you.

Xxx

After taking a bath, Mitsui and Ryota were waiting for them in the locker.

Sakuragi: What are you doing here? Are you peeping at me?! Do you have a crush on me?!

Rukawa: Yuck.

Sakuragi: What did you say Rukawa?!

Mitsui: Let's hang out.

Sakuragi: I'm right! You like me!

Rukawa: Yuck.

Sakuragi: Rukawa!

Ryota: Don't be so loud, Hanamichi. They might hear us.

Sakuragi: Where are we going?

Ryota: Just come with us.

Mitsui: Rukawa, just the four of us. We need courage to face Shoyo.

Ryota: They have competed in the National Games. We need to relax before we take on them next week.

Sakuragi: Relax? We're going to Hotspring?! If you do something outrageous don't invite me! I'm still young. You are influencing my brain.

Rukawa: (yawning)

Mitsui's veins were about to burst from Sakuragi's chatter so they pulled the two rookies out.

xxx

Bar

Mitsui: The team we'll be up against, they're not like the other teams our group has faced. So we need intense concentration. Cheers!

Ryota: Where can we get the concentration here? If Ayako finds out, she will be upset.

Sakuragi: What are you Ryota, she's not your girlfriend but you're already under.

Ryota: What are you talking about? Do you think Haruko will be happy when she finds out you're here?

Sakuragi: Why did I get the blame?! You invited me so you should explain to her!

Mitsui: Why? She's not your girlfriend either.

Sakuragi: You guys are really overdoing it!

Mitsui: Why don't you be like us? No formalities, no hassle. Isn't it Rukawa?

Rukawa: (yawning)

Sakuragi: You won't be in trouble with Shoyo boy. You don't have a label but he is loyal. NYAHAHAHAHA!

Ryota: Maybe you had a conversation before we saw them at the festival.

Mitsui: What the hell are you talking about?!

Rukawa remembered his sharp friend. He didn't have his cellphone with him so he must have had many missed calls and messages from him.

xxx

Mitsui: Rukawa, what kind of girl do you like?

Rukawa: Not a bullhead.

Sakuragi: Michi, you won't get a sensible answer from Rukawa. If you ask me, I like someone who always smiles, supportive, cooks well and thoughtful.

Rukawa's eyes widened at Sakuragi. Every trait he mentioned was about Sendoh.

Rukawa: Who are you talking about moron?!

Sakuragi: It's Haruko! She's the only woman who owns my heart. Why are you asking? Do you like her?!

Rukawa: Idiot.

Rukawa breathed a sigh of relief because he thought the redhead was referring to Sendoh.

Ryota: For me, I like responsible, caring, likes to preach and beautiful.

Rukawa's blood woke up again after hearing Ryota's words.

Rukawa: Who are you talking about Curly?!

Ryota: Ayako of course. It's okay with me even if she lectures me every day as long as we're together. Are you okay Rukawa?

He just nodded at Ryota. Rukawa breathed again. It was Sendoh who came to his mind after what Ryota had said.

Mitsui: What I like is sweet, always there, cute and cheerful.

Rukawa: Who?

Ryota: Is that still being asked?! Of course the sharp one! HAHAHA!

Mitsui: What are you talking about Miyagi?!

Rukawa's head heated up when he heard the sharp word.

Rukawa: Who's sharp?!

Ryota: The sharp one in Shoyo. Rukawa, why are you not in the mood today?

Sakuragi: You seem interested in crush talk. Do you have a crush?! Who is your crush among your three Jologs fans? NYAHAHAHA!

Rukawa: Bonehead.

His teammates wonder about his mood. They thought he might be drunk, so he acts differently.

xxx

He remembered Sendoh from everything his group mentioned. As time went on, Sendoh's wooing affects him.

Rukawa: Always smiling, supportive, good cook, thoughtful, responsible, caring, loves to preach, beautiful, sweet, always there, cute and cheerful. The sharp head got it all. What's happening? Why don't you leave my brain!

He looked at the indoor plant on top of the counter. He saw Sendoh's face in the vase. He closed his eyes first and looked at the vase again.

Rukawa: Right… You're not a plant.

His eyes went to the table next to them. He saw a pineapple. He shook his head because he saw Sendoh's face again in the pineapple.

Rukawa: When did you become a fruit? What's happening to me?

He stopped drinking first to stop his hallucination. He accidentally looked at the counter. He saw Sendoh with no top on but an apron. He closed his eyes again to make sure he was imagining what he was seeing. He looked back at the counter. He could still see Sendoh and winked at him.

Rukawa: Get out of my sight, dumbass!

He looked up and shook his head. He couldn't understand why he couldn't get Sendoh out of his mind. He relaxed his head and faced forward. He saw the vocalist standing with all his hair on end. His eyes widened and he suddenly stood up.

Rukawa: You're dumb!

He left their place first to call the sharp one. He was upset that he didn't have his cellphone with him. He went outside to call him on the landline.

xxx

Sendoh's Apartment

Sendoh invited Koshino to watch a BL series at his apartment. He was worried earlier because Rukawa wasn't answering his texts and calls.

(Sendoh: It's late. He still hasn't replied. Where is he?)

Koshino: Dude, when did you learn to watch BL?

Sendoh: Only this year.

Koshino: Before or after you met Rukawa?

Sendoh is blushing. He knows his best friend is sure to tease him again when he finds out that he watched because of Rukawa. He heard his cell phone ring so he immediately ran to answer what he had been waiting for.

Sendoh: Hello?

Rukawa: Are you home yet?

Sendoh: I just arrived. Where you are now? Why do you use a landline?

Rukawa: My teammates are with me. We went out.

Sendoh: Ahm… why did you call?

Rukawa: I just wanted to make sure you got home.

Their line went silent because they both didn't know what to say next.

Sendoh: Can I visit you there?

Rukawa: No. We're only here for a moment. Sendoh: Alright. Be careful when you go home.

Rukawa: Yeah.

Sendoh: Next time, bring a cellphone when you go out.

Rukawa: They just pulled us. No plans.

Sendoh: HEHEHE! Are you explaining now?

Rukawa: I don't want you to worry.

They stopped talking again. Rukawa could feel himself blushing as they talked.

Rukawa: I'll go back.

Sendoh: Okay. Call me when you get home.

Rukawa: Yeah.

Sendoh: I miss you Kaede.

xxx

Rukawa hung up the phone. He smiled at Sendoh's last words. He returned to his group inside the bar. He saw someone sitting in their seat who was a familiar acquaintance.

Mitsui: Long time no see. Murusame, Naito.

Murusame: We watch your matches. Sakuragi has also improved.

Sakuragi: What improvement?! The word improvement is not necessary to a Genius! NYAHAHA!

Naito: You still haven't changed. You are still arrogant.

Sakuragi: Naito, can I see my future in your head?

Ryota: Shut up Sakuragi. How's your head Naito?

Naito: I just lost my consciousness but nothing happened to my head.

Sakuragi: Are you still growing your hair? What do you use on your head? Floor wax? Car wax?

Ryota: Shut up, Hanamichi.

Mitsui: Why do you talk so much?

Rukawa: Idiot.

Sakuragi: What are you saying uglies?!

xxx

Murusame and Naito returned to their table. Rukawa's group was surprised when he came out of the bar.

Ryota: Rukawa, why did you go out earlier?

Sakuragi: He must have used the bathroom, he couldn't take it anymore. NYAHAHA!

Rukawa: I just got a call.

Mitsui: Who?

Rukawa: Hm.

Mitsui: You're hiding something now huh? That's fine. Just don't act like Sakuragi.

Sakuragi: Me again? Is Shoyo boy your boyfriend?! NYAHAHA!

Ryota: They might be dating. Maybe he's just not telling us.. HAHAHA!

Mitsui: Stop it you nincompoops!

xxx

They were approached by women who offered a free taste of wine. Rukawa and Sakuragi immediately took what was handed to them. Ryota and Mitsui looked away from girls because they didn't want to get into trouble.

Ryota: You two, beware of freebies. There is no such thing as free. The only free thing now is to be stupid.

Sakuragi: They gave it for free. I didn't ask for it.

Mitsui: Especially you Rukawa. There are many exploiters around. Only scammers use that word.

Sakuragi: Why would you refuse the blessing?

Ryota: You can survive the poison but you will die because of your stinginess.

Sakuragi: What did you say Curly?!

Curly and Redhead grumbled again while Michi and Rukawa sighed.

xxx

Sendoh's Apartment

After Rukawa called him, Koshino sighed many times while seeing Sendoh's sweet smile.

Koshino: Take it easy Sendoh. It's just a phone call. Your acting seems like he's tickling you.

Sendoh: It's not just a phone call. He called me to tell me where he was. Isn't that sweet?

Koshino: Why did he call you?

Sendoh: He said he doesn't want me to worry.

Koshino: He certainly doesn't want you to scold him. Maybe that's what he meant.

Sendoh: You always twist my words.

Koshino: HAHAHA! Do you want to know what you look like now?

Sendoh: Why? I'm just happy.

Koshino: Just a little flattery from Rukawa, you look charmed.

Sendoh: Am I that bad?

Koshino: Yes. Where is he?

Sendoh: He was with his teammates at the bar.

Koshino: Aren't you worried?

Sendoh: Why should I worry?

Koshino: We know how the brains of people in bars work. What if he likes someone there?

Sendoh: I know him. He is not easily attracted.

Koshino: How can you be sure? He has a lot of fans.

xxx

Sendoh thought about what his best friend said. His growing number of fans are always present at all of Rukawa's games. He was suddenly afraid that Rukawa might meet someone like his ex girlfriend.

Koshino: I'm going home. Lock the door.

When he opened the door, Rukawa came. Koshino smiled at Sendoh teasingly.

Koshino: Sendoh, your Husbanad is here.

Rukawa: Idiot.

Koshino: Rukawa, I'm leaving. Be careful with Sendoh. HAHAHA!

Sendoh: Idiot.

Koshino: HAHAHA!

Rukawa's eyes were red and puffy when he arrived. Before he entered, he hugged Sendoh.

Sendoh: I miss you too.

He was thrilled with what Rukawa had done. This was the first time the rookie hugged him. He only does backhugs as a joke because he's afraid of getting hit when he hugs Rukawa face to face.

Xxx

He made Rukawa lie down so he could get medicine and water from the kitchen. He made Rukawa take medicine so he wouldn't have a hangover the next day.

Sendoh: Is he always like this when he drinks?

He sees different scenarios every time Rukawa gets drunk.

Sendoh: Did he hug his teammates? I hope not. He must have been beaten by his group. But what if it's okay with them? He is comfortable with his seniors. Maybe it's okay with them. No way!

Rukawa: Idiot.

Rukawa spoke but his eyes were still closed.

Sendoh: Kaede. How are you feeling? Do you need something?

Rukawa: I have a crush on you.

Rukawa seemed to be whispering so he couldn't understand much.

Sendoh: Kaede what is it?

Rukawa: I have a crush on you.

He smiled when he heard what the rookie said. He was so happy that he hugged Rukawa and lay down next to him to sleep.

Sendoh: EEEEHHHH! I crush you more!

He tightened his hug even more because of his excitement.

Sendoh: Goodnight Kaede. I love you.

xxx

Note: Italics - self thoughts