A/N: Hiyaaa.
Caro: Uwaaa! Thank you so much. You're one of the best reader too. Grateful for you. Chu
Addicted to SD: Your review surprised me! Hiyah! How are you?! Thanks for dropping by :)
30D01: Thank you so much for reading! I love to see new readers so much. My heart is badump-ing hahaha. I hope you didn't get bored in reading. Chu
Guest Pau: Uwee. My heart skipped when I see new readers. Chu, TY for reading.
Ghorl: Nawa'y mapatawad mo ako at si Akira sa chapter na ito haha. Salamat.
Ayengaze: Sakit sa kulot kong bangs!
Kylie: Kyaaa. New reader! Thanks so much. Not connected to the wedding but they have similarities since both are different sequels of my first senru fic.
akiraismylover: Don't sigh anymore. Love you. Chu. Like I always say, no matter how strong the storm is, love will always find its way. Char!!! HAHAHA You know, your review can be turned to a new fic! OMG please write more. I'll read whatever pairing it may be! Talk to you soon. Chu.
Let's rest our hearts from aching. :)
Enjoy! Chu.
Long and loud yawn tops the noise of the seagulls flying and squatting around the fishing port where Sendoh used to savor the serenity of his second best interest - fishing.
How long has it been?
How many weeks have passed since he last held Rukawa?
He sighed and brushed a palm on his forehead up to his strongly gel-ed spiky hair. He missed him. Badly missing his happy pill. The ill-tempered, quirky, and naturally goofy at times, Rukawa Kaede.
His lips twitched to the corner as he reminisced their memorable moments together. Unfortunately though, as he loses the life on his lips, his parents arrived and decided to stay for a two-month worth of vacation in Japan.
He breathe out, settling his eyes at the calm view of the vast horizon.
He is worried. Anxiously worried.
How can he not? With Rukawa deciding to refrain from seeing each other while his parents are still in Japan, he can't stop worrying he'll do reckless things without letting him know. Rukawa often handles matters on his own without concerning other people - especially him. Surely their communication is consistent, even if limited to phone calls and messaging, but knowing Rukawa for a year or so, he always treats everything impassively. It's really hard to tell and it's frustrating coz worrying is the only thing he can do at the very least.
"Hey!"
The man in his mind miraculously appeared from a distance with his usual ride on his left. "Kaede!"
Rukawa furrowed, confounded by his exaggerated name-calling. "What's up with you?"
"Why--why are you here? And how did you find me?"
The younger placed a hand on his left chest and said "I followed my heart." A sarcastic response, making the other chortled. "Oh yeah? What does it say?"
"It says..." he tapped his left chest in the rhythm of his foolishness. "Dog. Dog. Dog. Dog. Dog...dogdogdogdogdog... and then I found you." he joked.
He laughed. "Crazy fox!"
"Doaho." he murmured back. Rukawa walked his ride to the end of the port and parked it. He settled on the ground beside Sendoh who is a little elevated by the wooden squared stool under him.
"How did it go?" Sendoh asked. "How are your parents? Are they still here?"
"They left this morning."
"I see. So how's every--" His words ceased after having a closer look of Rukawa's face. He reached for his chin and forced the face to meet his. That's when he saw the purple mark, starting to darken, on his cheek. "Kaede, what happened? Who did this--" Clearly, it can only be one person - his father. He pressed his lips. "You told them."
Rukawa redeemed his face from the other's hold and shifted to the sea. "It's just a slap." he said, touching the pained area. "A hard slap though."
Worry is on Sendoh's gaze. "Why you didn't tell me? I could have been there."
"You don't know him."
"You could at least told me beforehand. What if he did something to you--"
"Nana is around. He can't hurt me that much. Ayako-senpai's fan hurts more than this." he joked, trying to pacify the atmosphere. But that didn't amused the other. Hearing how the other calmly takes this serious topic lightly, vexed him. His jaw clenched without him knowing which Rukawa eventually took notice of. "Sorry." he expressed sincerely.
"It's not funny." he added. "I am so worried."
"I know." he looked down, feeling the guilt. "I'm sorry."
A long pause, allowing the air to calm the change of mood just a little more.
"So? What happened after that?" Sendoh inquired again.
Rukawa mummed his lips, searching for the right words to explain the agreement made between him and his father.
"Then choose." His father said. "You either live with me in America, leave that boy, and I'll support your senseless sports."
He gaped. His father has never approved this passion of him. Not even once. And now he's making a deal, a deal that is very hard to resist... just to leave Sendoh.
"OR... you will stay here with your mundane affair, but all in my terms." he added, confusing his thoughts. "In short, you either choose your NBA dream you've been pestering me with for so long... Or you will take a culinary course and graduate with a degree."
He felt astound.
"You have been but only a disappointment to me. But if you give me something I can be proud of... then I won't meddle on your personal decisions." he continued. "But don't get me wrong Kaede. You and that boy, will never have my approval. Not in my lifetime."
"Nothing out of our expectations."
He let out a sigh. Not everyone is lucky enough to be accepted wholeheartedly like him... and he felt sorry for Kaede for having to go through something like this.
"Akira, I want to take culinary come university." Rukawa voiced out out-of-nowhere.
"Are you sure? What about your American dream?" he asked, referring to his NBA career goal.
Rukawa took a deep breath in before he answers. "I just think I would excel more in culinary. Who knows? Maybe I'll be a renowned chef someday."
Sendoh observed him. This felt a little odd. Granted he likes cooking and experimenting his own dishes, but he loves basketball three times more. Day and night, he's been thriving hard to be the greatest and number one basketball player in the nation. He is there to witness all this progress. Kaede is not someone to discard a goal just like that. Unless... it has something to do with his father. "Did your father forced you?"
He pressed his lips.
In the course of their relationship, Rukawa has never lied. But in this situation, he knew Akira will take the blame if he found out that he set aside his biggest dream just for him. He will never accept it and will probably commit stupid things to over turn his father's plea. And he can't let that happen.
That is why he couldn't find it in his heart to tell him about the agreement.
The American dream is a dream he build only for himself. But when he opened his heart to Akira, he is certain on one thing.
The world may offer him tons of different roads along the way, rocking every decisions in life... but one thing is for sure... he will always choose the path where he can hold Akira's hand.
"No." A part lie.
Despite Sendoh's odd feeling, he knew when Rukawa decides for something... it comes with a relevant reason. All he can do, as he always promised himself, is stand next to him, support him wherever he decided to go. "Don't worry Kaede." he whispered with a soft smile on his lips. "I'll make it worthwhile."
Rukawa smirked back and returned his gaze at the skyline. "I know." There's no regret. It's a sacrifice he is willing to take the risk. For he will always and forever will choose Akira... over anything else.
Rukawa took a peek on the bucket behind Sendoh. "How long have you been here?"
"An hour? I guess?" he answered.
"Aa. Funny, it's still empty."
He laughed. "Hey. Patience is a virtue. I'll catch one very soon."
"Tch. Loser."
He laughed.
After some moments passed, "Hey." Sendoh uttered and tapped the wooden chair between his parted legs. "Come here." Without giving it second thoughts, Rukawa slides himself inside. "Hold this." Sendoh positioned Rukawa's hands to secure the handle of his rod and the reel. His now free hands snaked around Rukawa's neck to hug him. He lowered his head and plant a kiss on his temple. "I've missed you." he whispered.
"Hn."
Sendoh brushes his thumb on the purple mark. "Does it still hurt?" he whispered in worry.
"It's three days. It's fine."
Sendoh gave the swollen area a kiss. "Sorry."
"Not your fault."
He then lifted his head and presses his chin on top of Rukawa's head. "Can I sleepover tonight?"
He shrugged. "If you catch one, then maybe Nana will approve."
"If I catch two, will you approve?"
A snort. "If you get me a shark, then yes."
He laughed. He inhaled the fresh breeze in and stared at the beaming glory of the morning. "We'll be alright Kaede." he murmured positively. "As long as we have each other's back, nothing can go wrong."
He smiled. "Aye."
"Tokyo university offers culinary arts." Sendoh mumbled, indirectly offering his chosen university for the next school year where he will take an engineering course.
"Too far." Rukawa inwardly declined.
He mulled for another. "Hmmm... There are two super rich and very well maintained basketball gyms. Inside and outside court, isn't that great?"
"Kanagawa University has two courts too." Rukawa rebutted. "They also offer scholarships and closer to Nana's."
Sendoh twists his lips from side to side, thinking for more. "I heard the new coach of the basketball team is famous and has looooots of connections."
"So I heard." he agreed. "Still too far."
Sendoh let out a chuckle. "24 hours close to your boyfriend, isn't that cool?"
He smirked. "Doaho."
"Free smooch every morning."
"Hn."
"Free lunch?"
He scoffed. "Fine. Idiot." Clearly not because of the free lunch. He already decided to go to Tokyo University prior to his lover's convincing strategy.
Sendoh tightened his hug. "Really?"
"Aye. But I don't like to see you 24 hours. It'll make me sick."
Sendoh laughed.
A tug on the rod startled both, interrupting their conversation. "I think I caught one." Rukawa exclaimed in excitement. The rod bends aggressively. "Oh I think you caught one!" Sendoh quickly held the rod and spun the reel. "Indeed a lucky fox! You only sit for less than five minutes and you already caught one." A chuckle in between. "Pull Kaede!"
"I'm trying. Your rod is just too junk!"
He chuckled. "Stop talking! Just pull!"
"What do you think I'm doing?! Reel you idiot!"
After some struggles of pulling the rod with all their might, the fish finally jumps its beauty, aweing the two teenage boys.
"A shark!" Rukawa's childish remarks.
Sendoh chortled. "Silly."
Fingers tapping, working simultaneously in each keys of his laptop. Focus is on the screen, typing detailed reports about the hotel project. He slouched back on his meshed executive chair to rest for a little. He removed his reading glasses, slides it to his desk and massages the middle of his eyes by pinching. He lifted his head and opened his eyes to daze at the blank ceiling of his office.
How long has it been?
How many days had gone by?
How many weeks have passed since he last saw Sendoh Akira?
He slowly closed his eyes, allowing the peace of the room to flow inside his perturbed mind still troubled by that same day he last saw Sendoh Akira.
"I was dead when you left me..."
He hurt him.
His weak self brought pain to the most fragile being he had every chance to love for eternity. Yet, he chose to walk away.
From that day, all scheduled meetings to site visits with the A-Sen Builders, the CEO never showed up. It's either his assistant or the introduced project manager who'll handle every correspondence regarding the project. Clear as the blue sky, Sendoh is taking giant steps to avoid him... to finally start this journey of moving on.
His eyes soulfully opens, bored gaze back at the ceiling.
This is for the best. Resented, forgotten or hated... it doesn't matter. He has to face this painful reality that Sendoh, above all, deserves all the best things the world has to offer... without him being part of it.
His mind began wandering at that one particular night in his balcony where he revealed his past to the one brother he considered - Sakuragi.
"I won't interfere with your plans." Sakuragi voiced out. "Whatever you have said to me, it won't come from me. I can promise you that." He turned to him. "But I cannot support you to continue a life full of lies Rukawa."
His stares weakened to the streets below.
"I'll have your back. But I won't tolerate you lying to yourself. And I will never feel sorry for it."
He brushed up his fingers between the strands of his hair and mumbled, "You haven't changed Doaho."
His phone sounded from the inside of his drawer, disturbing his peace. He intentionally hid it inside because Eiji often disturbs his work. He'll call only to brag his new found adventure in all his free time. Sometimes, he'll send pictures of his dinner and the view of the world from where he wandered. Purposely teasing and annoying him. Eiji always pushes him to loosen up. Quoting with 'Worrying about tomorrow won't allow you to live fully in the present.' all the time. Eiji can be describe as the word 'fun' itself. He got this thrilling vibes wherever they go that sometimes would seriously annoys him. After all, Eiji always says that annoying him is his most favorite entertainment.
He pulled out his drawer to bring out his phone. Apparently, the caller is not Eiji but an unregistered number or better yet, a local number.
His brow arched. Perhaps it's another ridiculous surprise from Eiji to annoy him once again. He took the phone out and answered. "Hello?"
"Kawa-san!"
He gaped. There was no doubt who the caller is. "Amara?"
"Kawa-san. I don't want to go with him."
He stood in panic. "With who? Whe-where are you?"
"He's going to take me."
"Who Amara?!" His mind started panicking, fishing his car keys from his drawer. "Where are you?"
"I'm outside school."
"Go tell the guards. I'm coming over."
"Kawa-san, he's going to take me."
He pulled his coat off his seat and ran outside. "Don't go anywhere! I'm coming over now."
"Hurry, Kawa-san!"
As soon as his car was parked, he stormed out and dashed to the waiting area of the school, looking from left to right, searching for a certain onyx haired girl. "Where are you Amara..." he mumbled in worry, chest pounding in fear, until he finally saw a glimpse of the said girl who is sitting alone at a particular bench. He breathed in an air of relief and hurried to the young one. "Amara!" he called as he approached. The girl lifted her head and was delighted to see the person she called rushing to her. "Kawa-san!"
Rukawa quickly crouched down and held the kid in each of her arms. "Are you okay? Are your hurt?"
The girl shook her head. "I'm fine, Kawa-san."
"Tell me what happened. Who's going to take you? Did you tell the guards? Where's your father?" An unusual lengthy words from the most mute person. Clearly, he is anxiously worried.
But Amara was busy dazing at his face, "Kawa-san, why are you tired?" she innocently asked after noticing the drips of sweat on the either side of his face. The young lady took off her handkerchief from her school uniform's pocket and gently pat it on Rukawa's face. "Kawa-san looked tired. Don't worry, Amara will take care of you."
The sweet gesture melted his heart. "Thank you Amara. But I want you to tell me clearly. Who's going to take you?"
A voice on his left answered him. "What are you doing here?" He turned to the voice and saw the same thick angry brows and the ridiculous hairline he used to taunt back then - Koshino Hiroaki. "Rukawa."
He scanned him from head to toe and said. "Oh. It's just you." Instantly vexing the other. "What do you mean it's just me?!" A usual scene from the two who always exchange insults whenever they meet. Sendoh actually considered him the second Sakuragi of Rukawa's life. "Is he your kidnapper Amara?"
"I'm not a kidnapper, brat! Akira entrusted Amara to me! He's still on a meeting!" He cleared his throat to compose himself, this side of him must not be witnessed by his god-daughter. "Anyway. What are you doing here, Rukawa?"
"I call Kawa-san!" Amara exulted. His thick brows met. "Wait? So the friend you're going to call... is him?"
Amara bobbed her head several times. "I want to play with Kawa-san while waiting for Papa!" Both adults exchange stares, knowing the situation between Rukawa and Sendoh.
"Uhmm Amara... You can't come with me..."
She frowned. "Why not? Mama said Kawa-san is a good person. I can play with Kawa-san."
"No. It's not like that, I--" He sighed, finding it hard to explain to an innocent kid. "Listen Amara, I know uncle Grumpy is unlikeable..."
"Argh Rukawa! Don't teach the kid!"
"But..." he sighed. "Why won't you go with uncle Grumpy? Your father entrusted you to him."
Amara leaned on his ear to audibly whisper. "Coz uncle Grumpy always gives me carrot juice." Then moved back. "Amara hates carrot juice. And he doesn't like playing with me."
He scoffed, amused by her simple dilemma.
"And also, uncle grumpy's brows are always like this." She mimic an angry face. Rukawa rubbed his chin. "Now that makes sense."
"Damn it Rukawa! What do you mean it makes sense?!"
Amara gaped, pointing a finger to the uncle. "Haaaa. Uncle Grumpy says bad word. Papa doesn't like bad words." Rukawa followed. "Yeah. You should tell Papa." adding more to the fire.
Koshino hurried to the kid, pushing the latter and crouched to her level. "Amara baby, please don't tell Papa." he pleaded and followed through his thoughts. 'He'll kill me.'
Two soft arms startled as it goes around his neck. "Uncle Kosh, please allow me to play with Kawa-san." She then uses her powerful eyes to please her uncle more. "Please! Please uncle."
His mind started panicking. Thinking what Akira would do if he let this happen. 'What if Akira finds out? He will kill me! He'll definitely kill me!'
Amara then held his hand and pleaded more with her bewitching charm. "Please uncle Koshino. I love you uncle." The ultimate power of the Sendoh bloodline finally broke his defenses. He sighed out helplessly. "All right."
"Yehey!" she jumped in glee.
"But only a few hours okay? Your father will be here soon."
She gave him a kiss. "Thank you uncle Kosh."
He cried, unsure if touched or pitying himself. 'You only call me by name when you needed something. You really are your father's daughter, Amara.'
Amara jumped on Rukawa's arms. "Let's go Kawa-san! Let's play!"
"Uhh-I..."
She frowned. "Kawa-san?"
He couldn't respond. The girl is too ecstatic to bond with her. Breaking her heart is too cruel. Also... Amara has already captivated him right from their first encounter. As much as he wants to get to know her more... it will only worsen the situation.
"It's okay." Koshino interrupted. "It's okay Rukawa. Let's not break the kid's heart. She seems to be longing for you." he added. "Akira will surely understand. I'll explain it to him myself."
He gave it another thought before he finally smiled to the kid. "Okay." And as expected, the kid jumps in glee and sends a wide beam. She took Rukawa's hand. "Let's go Kawa-san."
He smiled and stood, with Koshino standing as well. "Rukawa, I'm happy to see you are doing well. I am fully aware about you and Akira's situation." He stated and continued. "All I'm asking for is don't get too attached to Amara. It won't do good on her, on Akira... and on you as well."
Rukawa simply eyed him, but Koshino knew that Rukawa understands what he meant.
"I'll wait right here. Don't go too far." he reminded.
Amara waved goodbye at him when both turned to the exit, hand-in-hand.
"And Rukawa..." Koshino called for the last time. Rukawa tilted his head. "Please don't exhaust Amara."
He paused but gave him a nod.
Strolling hand-in-hand, with the kid's sunny vibe, leaping each small steps. It's hard to understand, how could a child became too fond on a distant adult such as him? They only met once and yet the girl already likes him this much? Does he have gifts of warmth with kids?
"Kawa-san! I want ice cweam." she said, pointing at the mobile ice cream kart.
Rukawa scratched his head. Uncertain if Amara is allowed to have ice cream. Argh! He should have asked the grumpy-one's number. "I don't know if you are allowed--"
"Papa tweats Amara ice cweam on Fwiday! Today is Fwiday! Amara can have ice cweam today!"
'Damn. She's so cute.' he cried inside. Nevertheless, it seems the girl is telling the truth. She's the daughter of the most honest man after all. "Okay." he agreed and picked up the kid in his arms. Easier to cross the street than walking hand-in-hand.
He ordered a chocolate flavor in her stead. Her face brightens when the crew handed her ice cream in a cone. "Wow!" she rejoiced and immediately took a big chomp. "Yummy!" She beamed with the ice cream spreading all over her lips. Rukawa took an amount of tissue from the stall and wiped her lips. "Easy Amara. You'll dirty your uniform."
The young lady then pushed the cone to Rukawa. "Taste it Kawa-san."
"No. It's okay."
But she insisted. "Papa always eats some of my ice cweam. Papa said it's good to share."
Bewitched once again, he did the girl's will.
She grinned then continued to finish her cold dessert. A twitch on his lips as he watched the innocent one indulging on her simple joy. Amara is truly a fascinating human being.
After some ice cream, Rukawa followed wherever the young Sendoh pointed at. Unfortunately for every parents, all boutiques near the school are mostly for kids - but not for the temporary babysitter. This moment is amusing, worth every minute for Rukawa. The child is unbelievably astonishing, adorable and pure-hearted.
"Kawa-san, can I ride the swing?" she asked, pointing at the open playground with an unoccupied swing. He smiled down to the girl. "Okay."
The little Sendoh dashed herself to one of the swing as soon as they reached the playground. "Kawa-san hurry. Push Amara please."
Rukawa smirked, walked behind the young lady and started pushing her back as gentle as possible. "Weee..."
He chuckled. "Hold tight."
Rukawa then noticed the time from his watch. He panicked, for they are ten minutes late from the agreement. Seems he's enjoying the moment so much that he lost the track of time. "Amara, we should go. Our time is up."
She tilted her head up and pouted. "But I want to play with Kawa-san more." He walked around and crouched to her level. "We promised uncle Koshino, remember?"
She pouted but finally surrendered. "Will you play with me again, Kawa-san?"
He gaped, but couldn't find the heart to break hers. "We'll see."
Her face brightens.
His expression turned serious, about to ask a question need not to ask but out of his worry and guilt... he still wants to know. "Amara, how's your Papa doing?"
Amara pursed her lips, mulling. "Papa is... hmm... deaf."
His brow flinched. "Deaf? How so?"
"Hmm... Sometimes I call Papa thwee times..." she narrated, three little fingers raised. "... but he can't hear me."
He jaded, disheartened. Sendoh seems to be dazing again.
"He also burned my pancakes last time. I got mad but I hugged him. Because I love my Papa." she added, tearing his heart with overflowing guilt in her every word. "I am sad because I only see Papa during Fwidays and Satuwdays and Sundays. He's alone when I am not at Papa's house."
"Will you... do something for me, Amara?"
She bobbed her head.
"When you are with Papa, will you smile at him for me? So Papa won't be sad anymore?"
She beamed. "Yes. Kawa-san! Amara promised to make Papa always smile."
His lips curved softly. "Thank you, Amara. You are a sweet girl."
"Kawa-san... Do you love Papa too?"
He coughed and cleared his throat, feeling the burns on his ears from the sudden question.
"Kawa-san is red." Amara bluntly stated the obvious.
He composed himself before the curious one asked further. He stood and offered his hand to the young Sendoh. "Let's go Amara." To his surprise, the girl didn't took his hand but instead ran to his back and hid on one of his legs. He furrowed. "What's wrong Amara?"
"Dou... Douji." she mumbled, fear on her tone. He followed to where she is looking at and found a chubby loud boy across the street. For some unknown reason, the presence of the kid boils his blood instantly. "Why? What's with this Douji?"
"He... he always tease me about my brow." she mumbled. "Douji calls Amara brow-chan."
His fist clenched. One thing he hates about most are bullies... especially if we're talking about Amara.
He looked down. "You are pretty Amara."
"But I got Papa's brows. I hate my brows. It's too many."
He ran a palm on her hair. "You are adorable because you got your father's brows and eyes."
"Weally Kawa-san? Does that mean Papa is adowable too?"
His mouth opened in disbelief. "That's not what I-"
She brightened. "Kawa-san thinks Amara and Papa are adowable. Amara is happy! I'll tell Papa."
He panicked. "No. No. No. Don't tell Papa."
"But Papa doesn't like secrets."
Losing a reason to say, he just sighed out and let it go. His deadly stares turned back to the kid across the street. "Don't worry about this Douji, Amara." A spark at the corner of his murderous stares. "Kawa-san will take care of him."
He then heard Amara yawned. "Kawa-san, I'm sleepy." she murmured and lifted her arms, asking to be carried which Rukawa did. "Kawa-san, visit me again, okay?" she said in her soft and sleepy voice.
He felt disheartened and cannot put to words how to refused a sweet girl's plea. "Amara, I--" But the girl had drifted to sleep on his chest.
His eyes softened at the sight of the innocent angel in his arm. He caressed the cheek and planted a kiss on her forehead. "Thank you for being born, Amara." he mumbled, hugging her closer to his chest. "Thank you for coming into your father's life."
Rukawa went back to the school with the tiny figure cradled in his arms. When he got closer to the gate, his feet halted. He froze. For the man standing by the gate... is but the father himself. "Akira."
Sensing stares from his right, Sendoh turned and found his daughter and Rukawa in a close distance.
As their eyes met, Rukawa noticed the change in his eyes. The once filled with yearning, soulful and gentleness... turned blank and cold.
Sendoh walked closer to their direction and carefully took his daughter from the other's hold without any words nor greetings to acknowledge him. Nothing but a cold discerned atmosphere was brought to him.
Despite all this, Rukawa felt to express something regarding the child. "She... she had an ice cream--"
"Do me a favor." His first words as he turned his emotionless stares unto him. "It would be good if you ignore all of my daughter's call." He walked away to his car, opened the back seat and buckled up his sleeping daughter. Then he walked around his vehicle, hopped inside and sped up. Leaving Rukawa all by himself without taking a chance to look back.
Rukawa kept his ground to where he was left alone. Unable to move. Still feeling the weight of the fragile one in his arms... and the cold stares darting his heart to pieces.
Rukawa couldn't remember how long has he been standing at this particular place where he was invited to join a month ago. He had already decided to ditch this event the first time he heard of it. Meeting people from the past is too much work. Unfortunately for him, Ayako is still the dominating and persistent lady. She even sends him message last night and this morning to ensure he will show up on her son's birthday party.
He sighed.
Very well. He's already here. So might as well go as planned - greet the celebrator and the parents, give the gift bag in a toy-story character prints and leave as soon as possible.
He was about to take a step when a voice called his name.
"Rukawa."
He turned. Only one name flashes on his mind, "Mitsui-senpai."
Mitsui lifted a hand and greeted back. "Yow. It's good to see you again Rukawa."
He gave a nod.
Hesitant at first, but decided to utter what he'd been aching to say for a long time. "Rukawa, about me and your sister, I'm really sorry for what I did." he sincerely expressed. "I broke her, I know and I--"
"Mitsui-senpai, my sister is doing great." he said. "It's best to let go what can never be fixed. You should move on as she does."
A quick smile. "I heard... she's traveling."
He nodded.
"Great." he said with a smile of contentment and offered a hand. "Are we still buddies then?"
Rukawa eyed the hand at first but accepted it. It may not have gone well with him and his sister, but despite of it all, he's still a friend he considered. "Of course, Mr. MVP of cheating." he taunted.
"Argh! I said I'm sorry okay? I deeply regret it!"
"And I accept your apology, cheater of the decade."
"You brat! I thought for a second you've changed!"
As soon as he stepped inside, with Mitsui following behind, all the familiar faces from the past, mostly their closed friends can be seen inside. This nostalgia feeling is like a reunion of Kanagawa's stars back in their high-school years. There are some coming from Kainan, Shoyo, Ryonan who became close friends of Miyagi during universities. And of course, the 90s Shohoku Basketball Team cannot be missed.
All turned their heads to his direction as soon as he appeared. Evident on their faces, the surprise to see him once again after his absence for the last six years. Like they've seen a ghost or a gate-crashing celebrity. He may be part of their big circle of friendship but he never build close relationship to any of them, apart from his team and Tohru. On the positive side of things, no one will have the courage to poke their nose to interrogate his whereabouts. Thus, his presence was acknowledge by nods and smiles.
Then there are his close friends.
Kogure, as always, the first one to hug him. Next is Tohru who finally found the right guy and was introduced as the husband to him. Then the parents with the celebrator on their middle. Good thing, he was able to hand the gift the earliest possible to plan his escape. Sakuragi waved from afar, dined with his family, who pointed at the empty seat beside him, offering it to him. But before he could head there, Akagi approached and gave him a tight hug. Like how an elder brother longs for his lost brother. "It's good to see you are doing well Rukawa." His presence however, troubles Rukawa inside. All because Akagi's wife is one of the few people who are close to his heart which he turned his back unto. Gladly, she's not around.
After the long series of walkway greetings, he finally reached Sakuragi's table. He was about to take the empty seat when all of a sudden, his wrist was pulled abruptly. "Kawa-san!"
It's Amara, delighted to see him again.
And if the child is here, surely, the father is also here. He roamed his eyes and saw the spiky hair at a corner, back facing his side, who sits with two of his high school friends, Koshino and Uekusa.
"Sit with me Kawa-san!" she repeated. And before he could decline the offer, the lady pulled his wrist towards their table. His feet automatically move themselves not because of the girl's little strength but afraid she'll stumble and gets hurt.
They stopped at their table, surprising the two occupants. "Oh Rukawa." The modest one greeted with a bow on his head. He eyed his boss who turned mummed and emotionless as soon as the now stranger showed up.
Sensing the 'unwelcome' vibe from one side of the table, Rukawa scratched a cheek while thinking of a plan to escape the young one without breaking her heart.
Amara tapped the chair, occupied by her pink bag, without freeing his hand. "Sit here Kawa-san. Sit. Sit. Sit."
"Uhm. That's your seat Amara." His lame excuse. The witty kid then removed the Minnie Mouse bag and forced it on her father's lap. "There! Sit now Kawa-san."
Seeing the complicated situation, Uekusa gave his boss a glance, communicating through their stares. Sendoh nodded, allowing his child's plea.
"Ah. Rukawa," he interrupted. "You... you can take the seat. It's fine." he politely said.
"See?" Amara said.
Koshino tried to bit the forming grin he couldn't hold back, squeezing his face at times, finding the situation funny for his very best friend. Sendoh sends him a glare then turned his attention back to the window instead.
Yet Rukawa retained his place. Having close interaction on someone who's trying to move on from him is too unpleasant. He needs to have the space he needed and must respect that. "Amara, I'll sit with Yanna-neechan--"
Her bubbly face frowned. "Why with Yanna-neechan? Why not with Amara?"
"A-ah-eh."
Tears start to bicker, sniffing. "Kawa-san hates Amara?"
He gaped in fear. "No. I-ah."
Tears about to flow. "Kawa-san doesn't like Amara." She began sobbing.
"No. Amara uhm--" He panicked and left with no other choice but to take the empty seat. "Okay. Okay."
The young lady, who was on the brink of crying a while ago, hastily climbed her tiny form on his lap. "Kawa-san is here! Amara is happy!" she rejoiced, and Rukawa couldn't even trace the tears that are about to flow a while ago. Seems he was easily tricked by the kid. Caved once again, yet he finds it amusing. Amara is really an adorable smart kid.
Nevertheless, he is here. No escape. He'll just provide enough space between him and the man who is currently moving on in his life. Luckily, the seats are separated and movable. This little distance is uncomfortable and seemingly edgy for the other, but perhaps, keeping his mouth mummed, focusing all his attention to the kid, might somehow ease the burdensome gap between them. He'll simply avoid any forms of communication. That might do.
"That is some awkward shit there." Mitsui murmured.
"Amara is too fond of Rukawa, isn't she?" Kogure stated, looking at the awkward situation on one corner of the whole premise. "I thought they've only met once."
"It runs in the blood." Miyagi joked.
"Leave them alone, idiots." Akagi says.
"But there's still a spark, don't you think?" Ayako added, making the others shrugged their shoulder in response.
On the other side, "I wonder why Rukawa left and where he ran off?" Kiyota asked followed by Maki. "Didn't he went to America?" Then turned to the so-called best friend, Tohru. He surrendered his hand. "I too don't know unfortunately." Fujima's upper lip raised to the corner. "Some best friend you are."
"That's the problem with Rukawa, Fujima. He's hard to read and only shares a few of him to me... I guess including Sendoh himself." Tohru stated.
A while has passed and the table never heard a single word apart from Amara's singing and chatting. It's too unpleasant, even for Uekusa and Koshino.
Feeling conscious, Rukawa eyed his left, checking the other. Ever since he came here, the man never shifted his looks away from the window while he took sips on his iced tea from time to time.
Suddenly, one kid approached their table. "Hi Amara." the boy greeted. Amara waved back. "Hi Toma-kun."
The boy bluntly pointed at the new face. "Who is he?"
She beamed and proudly answered. "He's Kawa-san. He's Papa's waifu!"
Sendoh almost spewed his drink out of his mouth and eventually loses his grip on the paper glass. The liquid spilled and spread quickly on top of the table. He covered the embarassing situation by coughing while trying to wipe the table with little amount of tissues provided for the guest. "Ue, can you get me some tissue please?!" His deep voice commanded. The secretary, even though its off business hours, did what he was told.
Koshino took the laminated ads on the side and covered his grinning face.
Rukawa finds it awkward but want to look unaffected so he just keep still. He's expert on that anyway.
Food has arrived on each table.
"Amara come here." Sendoh demanded, turning to the stranger's direction for the first time, with hands offered to his little one. But the girl clings more on Rukawa's neck. "No! Only Kawa-san."
"It's time to eat." he added.
Amara turned to Rukawa and flaunts her charm. "Kawa-san will feed me."
He was surprised. Unsure how to react, scratching a cheek. "Uhmm." It's complicated to sit with an ex, but it's even harder to be stuck between a father and daughter's business. Amara then grabbed his hand and coerced the plastic fork inside his palm. "Kawa-san, I want spaghetti please."
A bit hesitant, struggling to decide what to do. But hearing nothing from his left, it seems Sendoh is allowing his girl's plea. And when the coast is clear, Rukawa began twisting the red pasta using the plastic fork and feeds it to the girl. "Yummy!"
His heart softened. The child's cuteness is truly aweing his heart.
"One more Kawa-san. Please." And so he did. "Yummy! Kawa-san, I'm thirsty."
"Ah." He looked at the available beverages but only found cup of sodas. He glanced at the guy on the left who's now busy on his phone. Should he ask him directly? But will he respond? It would be too stupid if he asked Amara or the two creatures to ask the guy on his left when he can do it by himself, right? Unfortunately, courage is absent! They are still not in speaking terms for heaven's sake! So what's the best plan?
Ask him through his kid perhaps?
He cleared his throat. "Uhm. Are you allowed to drink soda, Amara?" he asked, with a little increase of his usual low tone.
Fortunately for him, the father responded. "You're not allowed to drink soda Amara."
This three-way conversation feels way too dumb but no matter, it's working anyway.
Okay. Water. So where's the water? Fuck! Another dilemma. There's no water available on the table. More so, kids usually have their own water bottle! Anyway, time to ask foolishly again, "Amara, do you have your water?"
A yellow tumbler was then placed on his side of the table. "Here's your water Amara." Sendoh uttered.
Great. Good thing the other is collaborative. The temporary babysitter took the tumbler and let the girl drink on its cup. "Aaaah. Thank you Kawa-san." The girl exulted then leaned on his ear and whispers. "I hate water. It's not tasty." Rukawa scoffed a little then wiped her face with his handkerchief.
The program has began and the party host called all the kids to the middle open area. "Papa, can I play?" Amara asked. Sendoh turned to his kid. "Just promise me, no running or jumping, okay?"
The lady placed a hand on her chest. "I promise. Amara will keep heart healthy."
He smiled. "Okay. Go ahead."
The little girl climbed her tiny form down from Rukawa's hold. Finally, a chance for his escape but not quite, for the young Sendoh secured him before she goes. "Kawa-san. Stay okay? Don't go."
He scratched his head. "Uhmmm..."
But Amara gave him the eyes. 'No. Don't give me that look.' he prayed in his thoughts. Funny, why is the father not even helping him?
The blue sparkling orbs pleaded more. "Kawa-san, please..."
He swallowed his pride and succumb to defeat. "Okay." he smiled.
"Yes!" Then Amara left to the center. So what to do now? Should he ran away? But it will break the sweet girl's trust. Ugh. Damn. Good thing, the other two are still here to ease the heavy atmosphere.
Koshino tapped Uekusa's shoulder. "Hey, want to smoke?" His invitation was heard by the anxious one and instantly panicked inside.
Uekusa wondered for he never smoke, nor his colleague who just asked him. Koshino wryly grinned. "You do smoke right, Ue?" That's when Uekusa gets it. "Yes I want to smoke." he exulted. He stood with Koshino following him. "Bye Akira." he teased. "Bye Rukawa. Have fun." Then he left.
'Fucking walking brows!' Rukawa swore in his thoughts. To lessen the unbearable situation and to give respect to the space the other requires, without breaking Amara's heart, Rukawa tilted his body to the game area with his back facing Sendoh. This is the best thing to do... at the very least.
The kid's games started.
In every end of games, Amara ran back to Rukawa to hand all her collected toys and goes back to the center. "Amara, no running!!!" Sendoh's deep voice sounded aloud for his girl to hear. The girl turned and bobbed her head with a sweet smile and slowly walked to the center stage.
In all that's happening inside the middle, Rukawa couldn't stop watching the bubbly and sunny spirit of Amara. Enchanting and adorable is all she is, touching his core. 'I'll protect you.' he thought and fisted. 'No matter what, I'll always protect you.'
The kid's game has ended and the young Sendoh is back in his arms, chatting about how the games and how she won all of her toys.
"Turn your back to me Amara." Sendoh commanded, but the girl is busy with her new toys. Being a good baby sitter, he lifted Amara himself and turned the kid's back to his father.
Seeing enough access, Sendoh then pushed a towel inside his daughter's shirt to wipe her back. Then he took a ponytail out from his daughter's bag and bit it with his mouth, combed his daughter's short hair and expertly tied the only collected strands from her short locks.
Somehow, this parental side of Sendoh amazes Rukawa. He didn't expect Sendoh would be a hands-on dad someday. His heart felt so overwhelmed and proud.
On the dark side of the premise, Miyagi bumped Mitsui's shoulder. "Hey. Look. Progress alert." he mumbled with a tease, pointing his lips to the corner, watching the ex-lovers while Sendoh is tying his kid's hair. "Will you look at that?" he sniggered.
"I'm sensing a possibility." Kogure added which Ayako followed with "Second chance?"
"Sheesh. Leave them alone kids." Akagi, the noble one, said.
"Hey Sakuragi." Miyagi called the red-head from the other side of the partition. "Look."
Sakuragi and Haruko turned to the pointed fellows.
"Oh. Are they in good terms now?" Haruko asked.
Sakuragi playfully smirk, "Just like old times?" he taunted. The father of the celebrator bobbed his head as they bumped their fist. He signaled a hand to call the host.
Finally, Amara has settled on her tablet device where he, luckily, found something to set his eyes on.
He peeked at his watch. His plan to leave right away, the soonest he handed his gift, turns into two hours. But in the corner of his heart, he didn't feel any sort of regrets for it. All because of this cute little being who, somehow, has her own way on him.
Although he still wonders why Amara likes him this much. He remembered the first baby he held is Taki-kun, Akagi's first born. He cried endlessly the moment he carried him in his arms. Second is Yanna. In their first encounter, the girl instantly cried and called for his father who, for sure, looks scarier than him. He thought at first, perhaps he's really not good at children? Honestly, he likes kids. But with his past experiences, he seems to fail to capture their heart.
Yet, this kid is above them all. This little one treats him differently. They only spend few hours at first encounter, and yet, the girl made him feel special and loved.
In any case, this may be the last chance they can bond like this. So even if he feels this unwelcome aura besides him, he'll simply focus his attention all to the young lady before they part ways... for the last time.
On the other hand, Sendoh gave the stranger a quick glance while he plays with his own kid. What the fuck is he doing really? He had every chance to push him away the moment he appeared towering beside their table. He is also capable of transferring seats and joined his university friends and allowed the still stranger to bond with his daughter if that is what she really wanted. And yet, for some ridiculous reason, he couldn't managed to lift his ass off his seat and walked away. He couldn't find the strength to leave this table. But why can't he?
The mic and music sounded audibly once again. A cue of the program's continuation. The host of the party announced that the next game is meant for adults. The stage was cleared of young ones. The host revealed a magic hat and declared that the four participant names, grouped by two, written in papers, will be picked from the inside.
Rukawa then noticed his two senpais', Mitsui and Miyagi, shadily snickering at one corner. He narrowed.
The host draws and announced the name. "First off, Sakuragi-san and Akagi-san."
Akagi, surprised by his name being called, and obviously part of their hideous plan barked at Miyagi. "Why me, you idiot!" Sakuragi arched his partner's neck and dragged him at the center. "Come now Gori. Let's win toys for our kids!"
Taki cheered for his father as well as Yanna.
The host draws for another and announced it at once. "Second team, Sendoh-san and Rukawa-san."
Four bluish orbs widened in surprise.
Rukawa's hunch, it has something to do with that odd snickering of his seniors. He roamed around and found them in all smiles with thumbs up. He gritted. 'Bastards.'
"Ha! Kawa-san and Papa will play." The innocent one cheered in excitement.
But the two adults refused to lift their asses from their seats.
"Boo!" Sakuragi started which the kids supported, including the childish ones from the Shohoku team.
To everyone's surprise, Sendoh stood. "Amara, go to Ue-san." he said and went to the activity area first. Amara planted a kiss on Rukawa's cheek. "Goodluck Kawa-san." then ran off to where Uekusa is.
Koshino smirked, knowing the obvious plan of the stooges of Shohoku. "These idiots."
"Geez. I want to watch this." Fujima said. Tohru and Maki smirked. Kiyota adds in, "Let's see if they are still the Dynamic Duo from before."
When Rukawa reached the center, he darted the red-head with his signature cold glares. Sakuragi showed a wry smile, feeling no remorse, with a mocking twitched of his lips.
Rukawa then saw the hat and peeked inside. Apparently, no other papers were seen from the inside. He darted his team with fiery glares.
Mitsui laughed. "He found out! The fox is mad!" The table is entertained once again.
The host hovered the mic to the first team. "Gentlemen, will you give us your team's name?"
A chance for revenge, as Rukawa thought. He cleared his throat. "Ehem-Team Monkey-Ehem." he hinted.
Sendoh heard it and wasn't able to help the forming grin on his lips. He quickly bit his lips and ran a palm to squeeze his face to hide his amusement. Rukawa's natural comedic side is still there in him... and he still finds it cute.
"Dimples, Akira." Koshino muttered. "Dimples."
With the hint given by the Ice Prince, the host called their side, "Team Monkey." Everyone laughed with Kiyota as the loudest. "NYAHAHA. It suits well."
"Argh! Rukawaaaa." Sakuragi growled with Akagi showing his raging knuckles.
"Now what do we call this side, kids?" The host pointed at the other side.
"Papa!" Amara called her father and waved from afar. He smiled back. With that, Sakuragi got an idea and took this chance for redemption. He tipped his toe closer to the host and hinted her followed by a pretentious coughing. Like a bulb lightened on top of her head, the host finally found the right name for the duo, thanks to her conscience. "I'll call this side, Amara's Daddies!"
Widening Rukawa's eyes.
Amara cheered, only because her name was included in it. "Amara's Daddies!"
Their friends started snickering and bumping their fists. Mitsui and Miyagi kept holding their aching stomach from laughing. "This is some shit." Mitsui uttered.
"Geez. I don't know but my manly side is giddy just by watching them." Fujima said.
"The spark is still there." Maki added.
Back then, Rukawa is obviously the main core of the Shohoku team's entertainment. On the other hand Sendoh's university friends, including Maki, Fujima, Tohru, Jin, Kiyota and his Ryonan high school colleagues, usually calls him as the lover boy of the century for often times, he refused to join their gatherings for he'll rather spend his free time with his lover.
The ex-lovers simply pretend unaffected - Sendoh by rubbing his nape while the other busied himself by cursing each of his teammates.
The host explained the mechanics of the game. One partner must be in blindfolds, standing behind the other who will be referred to as the maneuver. The maneuver will stood in front of the bowl of pebbles with different colors. The blinded one will insert his hands in between the maneuvers' waist and arms...
'What the fuck?' Rukawa uttered in his thoughts.
... and searched for the red pebbles inside the bowl using their hand. The maneuver is responsible to coach the blinded to where the red pebbles are.
As much as this game horrifies Rukawa, before it could even start, the question now is who's to be blindfolded? They are still not on speaking terms so how can he ask? From the grace of heavens, he was saved when the host handed him the blindfolds. To his doom, he's the blinded one. 'Fuck!' he cried inside.
"Hey Kitsune!" Sakuragi covered the kid's view, and turned his thumb down, provoking his ultimate frienemy. As usual, Rukawa won't let this pass. He covered the minor's view, put up his middle finger and sliced it in his throat.
Sendoh noticed the childish behavior of his partner which made him ran a palm on his face once again to cover his amusement.
This time, Koshino and Uekusa joined in the whisper. "Dimples Akira/Sendoh Dimples."
Rukawa and Sakuragi blinded themselves on their own while the maneuvers towered and faced the bowls of pebbles. The host then helped the blinded ones and lead them behind their partner. Sakuragi firstly inserted his hands between Akagi's arms and waist. "Wow nii-chan. You smell good."
"Shut up! And don't call me nii-chan. It gives me shivers."
"Daddy!" Taki called and captured a photo of his father.
The host then instructed the other pair. Rukawa can hear the chuckles of some of their friends. Without further ado, Rukawa lifted his arms and inserted both of them in between Sendoh's arms and waist. For some unknown reason, the touch of their arms, still electrifies him.
"Rukawa-san, please move closer." asked by the host.
"I have lengthy hands--" But his lame excuse were cut off when Sendoh gently pulled his arms forward as he bump on his chest on his broad back. He was astound, feeling the thump on his chest and burn on his cheeks. Unsure if the throbbing of his heart is from the close encounter of their bodies... or because Sendoh touches his arms once again. Hopefully, Sendoh won't feel his pounding chest from his back.
Sendoh then returned his hands back inside his jean's pockets and turned to the host. "We can start now." he said with a smile.
"Just so you know..." Rukawa courageously tried to converse to ease the mood, speaking behind his shoulder. "... I don't aim to lose to that monkey." Sadly, there's no response from the other. But it's fine, he tried.
Little did he know, for his eyes are still blindfolded, Sendoh failed to hid the sweet curve on his lips which formed on its own... the moment he held Rukawa's arms.
The host counted to three and the game commenced. Sendoh and Akagi began coaching their partner while their hands are dipped inside the bowl. "Left. No not that one. Right. Right." Sendoh instructed. Somehow, hearing his voice, flutters him. Rukawa caught one red pebble. "Okay don't let go. Slowly place it carefully inside the cup." And they are successful on their first team up.
The other team however is batting on each other instead of playing as a team. "Not that. The other!" Akagi barked. If only he can yell the idiot word in front of the kids, it could have been 100 by now. "I'm trying. You just suck at coaching, Gori!"
"Don't call me Gori!"
The crowd laughed.
Rukawa kept working his hands inside the bowl, getting aggressive from the momentum of the game... that he didn't realized, he broke the 'space' between them. His nose then captures a familiar masculine scent from the past where he used to drown himself back then. Losing his focus, he sniffs to where it is coming from.
Sendoh noticed his partner's hands going slowly. He tilted his head to peek at his shoulder and saw the pointy pale nose' closeness on his shoulder with some sniffing sound coming from the nose.
He turned back his focus to the bowl, still with that wide curl of his lips. He wet them and says, "Stop sniffing. Work your hands, Rukawa." And that woke Rukawa's senses up. "Who--who's sniffing? Doaho." he denied. But the burning of his neck, ears and cheeks can never lie.
All through out the simple game for the adults, the ex-lovers seem to have forgotten the wall they built between them as they work their way, or rather enjoy the game by working together... as a team.
Sadly, the game has won by Team Monkey. But before the host could even announce it, the red-head covered the mic, hinting a ridiculous plan. The spiky head took notice of his intention; His lips twitched playfully and decided to join the monstrous plan of the other party.
"Is it over?" Rukawa asked after noticing the noise has lessened. Sendoh smirked. "Not yet."
"Then go on. Tell me where they are."
Their friends is back to chuckling and sniggering silently.
"Ah Left."
"Left?"
"I mean right."
"Make up your mind, idiot."
Thus, Sendoh failed to hold back his chuckles and blew off Sakuragi's plan with a scoff. That hinted Rukawa so he removed the blindfolds and was shocked to see the audience staring at him with grins and beams on their faces.
He knew it. These idiots are playing with him.
He turned to his partner, with that silly smile he used to call, and sends his shoulder a light punch. "Doaho."
Sendoh chuckled, acting innocent, while rubbing the harassed shoulder. "What?"
Being their circle's favorite couple to tease back then, their colleagues couldn't hold back any longer, "Yiiiieeeeee..." Startling both the ex-lovers. Even Amara and the other kids joined the teasing without knowing the meaning of it.
Miyagi and Mitsui whistled to taunt them more.
"Tch. Bunch of immature idiots." Rukawa murmured and left the activity area. And before he could even think of switching seats, Amara welcomed him and pulled his wrist back to their table. Once he is settled, Amara climbed up on his lap and hugged his neck. "It's okay Kawa-san. You will win next time." Comforting him on his lost. His heart melted at the sweet gesture of the sweetest kid.
Sendoh arrived back at their table. "How about Papa? Papa lost too." he said as he settled back on his seat. Amara jumped to her father and hugged him, mumbling comforting words.
The last game of the party is for the kids. "Papa I want to play again."
"Just promise me you won't run and jump okay? You don't want to see Dr. Jin again, right?"
Amara beamed and nodded her head. "Thank you Papa." She climbed down. "Kawa-san, stay here okay?" Getting used to it, Rukawa simply nodded.
The ex-lovers are all alone once again. They may have a moment of truce back at the game but it doesn't changed the fact that there is still a broken chain between them. So Rukawa, for the last time that day, shifted his sitting position by facing the activity area to give respect to the space Sendoh needed. The party is about to end, staying a bit more to be with the ones you care for won't hurt... before he goes back to being alone.
"Good game."
A surprising moment was heard from his back, slowly parting his lips, eyes blinking, chest pounding in little jumps, fluttering his very center. His lips slowly bend to a small curve as he whispered back, "Aye."
Thumb kept scrolling through the boring content of his timeline until it halted at a certain image posted on one of the page he is following. A picture of this afternoon's event which Rukawa told him he'll attend with.
Sawakita's lips pursed to a smirk after seeing Rukawa at the far end of the image, holding the young Sendoh in his arm. While the father of the child is on the other end.
He chuckled and ran a finger on his lips. "I knew you'd fail." he whispered and turned to the night view outside his window. "Don't worry... I won't make it easy..."
A/N: Yay! That's a lot of scenes. Phew.