A/N: Addicted to SD: Thank you also for the heart-melting reviews. Here's the next chapter JI've been busy for the past week—it's the student's examinations and all, and I have to facilitate on their exams so that's why. But hopefully after everything else has been settled, I'll be able to pull this long story off =D Honestly, I'm so excited to end this; suddenly thought of another cute alternative finish to this plot though!

PS: OOC-ness and more of them, perhaps. SD is not mine and never will be…

CHAPTER 4

After 2 and ½ hours, they arrived in Osaka. The announcement was made by a female voice inside the train and everyone seemed to wake instantly. There were groans and mutters of being all too sleepy already. Sakuragi was even for once not making any noises, as he just stood up from his seat and silently exited the cabin. Even Mitsui & Ryota seemed to be drained. Akagi & Uozumi exchanged nods as they helped both Ayako & Haruko on some of the stuffs. The other Ryonan team went about their own ways and like the others, stepped out of the train. Rukawa pocketed his ipod and stood up—as well as his seatmate who apparently did the same. Sendoh took his bag from above them and placed them on an empty seat nearby.

A soft sighed escape his lips. 'At last…' Rukawa momentarily shook his head and took a quick sneak outside the window- he could see the snow falling down gently in an almost drizzle and he can also see the well-lit station. It was obviously bigger than Kanagawa; from his view he took noticed of the others standing in front of the platform, stretching out their limbs. There were a few who was yawning continuously- one of which is the redhead. Just like him, everybody wants to hit the bed and doze off. 'One ride left' he said to himself. Trips like this exhaust him terribly- when he was about ready to alight the train- he spun around and found himself a bit surprised. He can't believe that he's been into a few surprises for the past two hours or so…

"Yours?" Sendoh was standing there, holding his (Rukawa's) travel bag, a smile on his lips. Rukaw simply nodded. He did not expect for Sendoh to be still there- much more, handing him his bag and… what? Asking him probably if the bag was his. 'He's really weird…' He also took note to himself that he's been saying 'weird' for more than five times already. Does he really find Sendoh's action or behaviour odd? But, what makes it odd then? Or more like… what makes him—different? Rukawa was the passive type, this he knew of himself. He'd rather do things his way and alone—not that he's bragging about his being all too independent, truth is- he just didn't want to be of bother to anyone. If he can settle things on his own, all the better. Maybe that is why they sometimes hate him on the court. He knows he tends to be selfish most of the time, but how can he tell these people, that he just want to improve his skills to the highest- that is why sometimes, he tends to fight and be unfazed with anything and anyone who tries to face him. 'Anyone?' He thought for a second, is he truly unfazed by anyone? He was dragged back into his senses when his own bag was almost shoved right into his face.

"C'mon let's go, we're the only ones left here." Sendoh informed him and Rukawa found himself getting his bag and nodding his thanks. He followed the older boy and went out of the train. 'But what about him? Rukawa thought that Sendoh seems to be the type of person who's truly unfazed by anyone- and he wondered very much. 'Must be his attitude. I mean, what's with the smiles anyway? He's truly confident of his skills—and he doesn't even need to kill himself to practice… unlike me.' Rukawa knew, that he's probably a notch lower against Sendoh- buy maybe that is why he wants to challenge him; for him to be able to know the extent of his own strength.

'Sendoh… sometimes, I don't know if I envy you or… hate you.' Rukawa's eyes widened a bit. Hate? Is it even accurate? No. He knows he don't hate the guy- why would he? Has Sendoh done anything to him? Its not his fault that he's good at almost anything…

'No, I don't probably hate you… I can't probably hate you.' And Rukawa knows, deep in his whole system that he doesn't have a reason to do so. His thoughts somehow tire him, he momentarily shook his head and when he decided to focus his eyes forward, he noticed that they were already outside the train and in Osaka. He found his feet walking towards where his teammates are and took a quick glance at his side and saw Sendoh walking towards where Ryonan Team was. 'Of course, it's his team, baka.' He wondered why he has to put up with such a petty thought. He shuddered for a bit as he felt chills creeping in; winter, he thought. They walked for a bit and outside the station, they saw two huge tourist bus obviously waiting for them. An usherette instructed them to board the buses already so as not to waste time- it was a special type of bus, the sleeper type. Although they will only be in it for a few minutes, the comfy, the better.

"Kainan & Shoyo will be on Bus A, Shohoku & Ryonan on Bus B." The usherette prompted. Akagi and Uozumi nodded- and briefly informed their team. Maki and Fujima as well did the same. One by one, each member wordlessly boarded the bus. Rukawa did the same and he found himself one random space not far from the door. Ayako and Haruko followed suit; obviously they both want to be seated together. Sakuragi and Miyagi went to seat across to wear their two girls are. Akagi decided to seat himself in front of where Haruko was. He cast an annoyed look at the redhead and then to Miyagi who was obviously doing their 'moves' to both of the girls. Kogure sat with Mitsui, following them was Ryonan's Captain- Uozumi. He decided to spot himself on a seat nearby Akagi.

Rukawa placed his bag on his side- reluctant at first; he stared on his bag for a few before deciding to look outside the window. He looked at his watch and noted 11:40 pm. He sighed. 'Almost midnight…' He briefly closed his eyes, feeling all too sleepy once more. One by one he can somewhat sense that the others are boarding the bus- the brushing of their bodies against the seat. Rukawa peeked from beneath his lashes and saw him.

Sendoh stretched his long limbs and walked straight to where Ryonan was. He greeted them with is infamous smile.

"What's up, sempai?" A yawning Hikoichi asked. Sendoh shrugged. Koshino's eyes were all too droopy and he too, yawned.

"You slept?" Koshino asked.

"No, not really." Sendoh replied- still bending his neck and rubbing his palms together, obviously finding the temperature a bit cold.

"Why not? What'd you do then?" Koshino inquired, seemingly annoyed or something. But he's not. He just want to brushed off his own sleepiness as well; but amazed as on how could Sendoh seemed not to feel any sleepiness in him.

"Watch everyone sleep." A soft chuckle. "I should have written something on your faces- damn." And he laughed. Everyone rolled off their eyes on their spiky haired Ace.

"Even on mine?" Uozumi challenged his younger successor. Sendoh sheepishly grinned and scratched the back of his nape.

"Yeah, I would… probably." He answered nonchalantly. Everyone laughed, including Uozumi himself. Fukuda tugged his lips upward- honestly, he has high respects for Sendoh and he's just feeling thankful that they have an optimistic person as the next Captain. Sendoh seems capable of putting up with almost anyone… even at him. Fukuda knows that sometimes he has this intensive mood swings- but Sendoh seems to know how to pacify him… and everyone else. 'I kinda said that already.' He inwardly thought.

Just then, they heard the usherette announced that it's about time to board the bus- and everyone obliged. Fukuda was about to walk behind Uozumi when a hand caught up with his arm. He looked and saw Sendoh giving him something. His gaze fell upon a pack of Skittles. He almost wanted to ask 'What?' but he kept that to himself.

"Kicchou, for you. I got loads of them- I still have to give the others." A grin. Fukuda took the pack from his would-be Captain and nodded. "Thanks." He muttered. And that's probably his first smile for the day. Sendoh followed Fukuda who's on queue to aboard the bus while busily rummaging on his bag. Upon entering the bus- he took noticed of the familiar faces who settled on random seats. As he passed by each seat- he tossed one pack of Skittles to them- earning him looks of utmost surprised. He grinned.

"What the-?!" Mitsui was taken aback when a something landed on top of his lap. Kogure nodded his thanks.

"Stashes, Mitsui-san…" Sendoh said, smiling. Mitsui in return, grinned. "Heh, you surprised us, kid, anyway thanks! You a stockholder of Skittles or something?" There were chuckles to be heard. Sendoh simply shrugged. "Nah, just my brother- packed me a bunch."

He toss a few more packs to the others and to Hikoichi who was so happy that he took a photo of the Skittles and exclaimed that he uploaded his shot on Instagram. Everyone rolled off their eyes. "Food porn?" Koshino muttered.

"Yup, like it now, Koshino-sempai!" Hikoichi tugged along his sempai's arm that caused annoyance to the latter.

"For you, madame." Sendoh joked to which Ayako decided to ride on. She winked back causing for Ryota to fume a bit. "Oh thank you, dear! My-my, aren't you an adorable Ace or what?" Ayako chuckled.

"Arigato Sendoh-san." Haruko said her thanks so formally, she even bowed. The Ryonan Ace bowed in return. 'Gee, I forgot what her name was…' He inwardly chuckled to himself. Upon reaching the redhead and Miyagi's seat, he looked to both of them and found Sakuragi looking at him smugly. Sendoh smiled and handed two packs to both dudes.

"Thanks, man!" Miyagi exclaimed. "Are you, by any chance, hitting someone on Shohoku? Care to tell us who? We might be able to help you." Sendoh's brow arched up, obviously laughter ensured. Sendoh laughed at the shorter guy's statement. "No sir, I'm afraid not… just taking off a load of these Skittles in my bag." He chuckled.

"Nyahaha, didn't know you're fond commoner's sweets; but don't worry- the Tensai wholeheartedly accepts this!" Sakuragi somewhat goaded. Sendoh simply rolled off his eyes in amusement. Sakuragi is childish most of the time.

The Ryonan boys found themselves mostly on the back part of the bus- Sendoh found a spot not a far from Uozumi, he placed his bag on his side and tried to relax. 'Good thing, it's the sleeper type.' He cast his eyes one last time to all those heads in front of him (since he's mostly at the back) and found that they're munching in the goodies he gave them. His eyes became fixated on one particular raven-haired boy whom he saw awhile back when he passed. Rukawa seems to be sleeping already upon boarding the bus. He felt amused at the young Shohoku guy… 'How could he sleep instantly like that?' He kept wondering. He honestly wanted to sit across the Rookie- having seen that there is a vacant spot somewhere but something inside him decided not to. It's not something negative, he just thought that… Rukawa might want some small privacy to himself. Sendoh inwardly sighed and looked out his window- they were moving now. 'Fifteen minutes…' he thought.

As Sendoh passed by him, Rukawa's thought was blank. He took noticed that the Ace was actually giving everyone on board some Skittles. He remembered Sendoh gave him one awhile back on the way to Osaka. 'Odd…' He can't help but say to himself that. He inwardly sighed and stared back at his bag. Did he actually assumed that he will be sitting beside him again? Rukawa mentally kicked himself, 'Baka…' he exasperatedly thought. Why would Sendoh sit beside him when there's still a lot of vacant seats to be filled? It's not like they should remain seatmates, shouldn't they?

The bus moved about and Rukawa rummaged into his pocket to get his ears stuffed with some music. 'Tiresome day…'

Osaka is a designated city in the Kansai region of Japan. The camp is located in one of its ward, particularly the Asahi-ku ward. In Asahi, there are 10 elementary schools (years one to six), four junior high schools (three years), two public and one private high school (three years), and one private university. That is why the local government decided to fund in a large training sports camp which will be of beneficial to the student's athleticism. Places of interest include the Shirokita Park with its Iris Garden, the Yodogawa Wando and Senbayashi Shotengai (shopping arcade). Senbayashi Shotengai is famous for its long covered shopping street. The shopping street even has a theme song that can be heard as you walk along the covered part of the street. Upon arriving in front of a 20,000- acre camp- everybody felt swell and drained. They went inside and was partly rejuvenated when they saw how majestic the camp was. It has a high roof and is painted beige all over. The architectural design of the two buildings were of the modern kind and the facility includes, among other things: a competition gymnasium, a multilevel fitness facility, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a dormitory for athletes, a multipurpose dance studio, meeting room space, cafeteria, and athletic department offices. It serves as home to Asahi-ku's several school athletic teams and has hosted a few National, Collegiate, and inter-Collegiate events in the area. The athletic center has an innovative asymmetrically supported cable-stayed structural system and S-shaped roofs. It is composed of a masted building to the north containing the Swimming Pool, a masted building to the south containing the gymnasia, and a central building containing the fitness center.

Not from a far, being first-timers, some of the players decided to take in the moment to take pictures of themselves and with their team mates- being normal teenagers they are. In the middle of the entrance lobby, a tall, white Christmas tree is beaming with garlands, lights, ribbons, and balls- beneath it are large boxes of colourfully-wrapped gifts. There were a few stir of excitements as they took a few snapshots of each corner of the camp.

Sakuragi's voice was booming as he seemed rejuvenated- they were having group pictures together; him, Ryota, Ayako and of course Haruko. Mitsui was the one taking pictures of them. Obviously annoyed three-pointer wanted a shot too. Uozumi, Kogure, and Akagi approached the information desk and went about with the details of their stay; a lady on the desk was accommodating them. From one corner, the Shoyo team and Kainan Team took group pictures of each other; they want their team to be complete. Hikoichi tried to gather his team mates and succeeded; as he did so- but, whose going to take a snapshot of them?

Rukawa was silently in awe; he admired the place. He was glad he joined the camp. The facilities are truly one of a kind and truth is, he couldn't wait to see the basketball gym. He couldn't help himself but to take a photo of the Christmas tree in front of him using his iPhone. He felt satisfied with his shot; a tap on his shoulder and he was made to turn to his right to see who it was.

"Uh, Rukawa-kun… could you, er…could you please?" It was Hikoichi. The freshman was obviously handing him over a SLR camera. Rukawa went bug-eyed. 'Yare yare…' He nodded and decided to follow the young guy straight to where the Ryonan team was. They found a cosy spot where a seemingly abstract painting was their background. The team were a bit surprised when Hikoichi came back, his voice filled with excitement. "Okay everyone, team Ryonan! Let's all take a group pic!" He found himself a spot near Uekusa and the team momentarily halted to a stop.

"You asked him to take a photo of us?!" Koshino butted in.

"Yup, why?" Hikoichi seemed confused. Koshino simply shrugged; truth is- he felt a bit uncomfortable. He felt kind of embarrassed to have Rukawa taking their photos. Either he felt insecure or star struck; he just felt… a bit awkward. 'I mean, he is after all the star player of Shohoku…. Well, whatever!' He erased all unwanted thoughts. Rukawa was staring at the whole Ryonan team, obviously waiting for them to settle down. He has both hands on the camera and a stoic face on.

"Thanks, Rukawa-kun." Everyone fell silent. It was Sendoh. Sendoh and his almost bedroom voice. He was standing beside Uozumi and as he smiled as he said those words. Rukawa was taken aback but nodded in return. He positioned the camera in his eye level and that is where the team decided to be still and focus. 'Sendoh is weird... I still haven't take the shot yet, but…' He click on the camera and instantly a picture was captured.

"Three more!" Hikoichi demanded. Everyone chuckled.

This time, they were all smiling. Rukawa knew this was coming as he carefully adjusted a few buttons on the camera; he adjusted the lens and tried to zoom in for a better view. He raised his left hand and signalled on three counts- another shot was taken. 'Just like a legit photographer?' Sendoh was surprised upon seeing the latter did a few adjustments; 'Cool… seems he actually knows how to take shots.' He inwardly took note of this seemingly new discovery of the younger Rookie as… nice to know. 'Rukawa Kaede… you truly are interesting.' And as another shot was being taken by the current person making him interested, Sendoh smiled.

Rukawa browsed at the shots he took and felt… contented. Just in time, Hikoichi approached him and was thanking him endless. He shrugged off nonchalantly and was about to turn when…

"Rukawa-kun, how about a solo?" Hikoichi offered. Truly, he would want to give the pale guy a photo of his own. Rukawa shook his head wordlessly. Not the one to be all too hyped up with photos of himself. 'Besides, I'll be having a photo on a camera that is owned by a member of another team?' He inwardly noted himself.

"I'll take your picture, Hikoichi." Sendoh approached the two and immediately, Aida's eyes lit up. Sendoh obviously knows that aside from him, Hikoichi idolizes the Rookie of Shohoku. He was very vocal about it, he wanted so much to be just like Rukawa. Sendoh knows that Hikoichi has the potential, he just needs to be trained properly- he made a resolve to himself that he will help their exuberant freshman make it on court.

"Sugoi, honto ni, Sendoh-sempai?" Hikoichi could almost weep in joy. Sendoh nodded. "…with Rukawa, right? I'd take your picture with him." And Sendoh grin. Rukawa was about to open his mouth in protest- he honestly wasn't interested in having a photo with the shorter guy. 'What the-?!' But Sendoh caught his look and he was dumbfounded because he honestly thought that Sendoh's looked almost looked cool. 'Wait, where'd that come from?' He went bug-eyed from the nth time. Hikoichi hopped on Rukawa's side- an obvious space between them. He felt excited, nervous, shy, and the whatnots. Sendoh looked at them and chuckled.

"You guys, would want to stand a bit closer, no?" He joked. Hikoichi of course was the one who took the initiative to near the unmoving boy- the said unmoving boy has his stoic face on- eyes on one spiky haired dude, somewhat trying to decipher the complexity of one spiky-haired Ace of Ryonan. 'Yare yare…' Sendoh looked momentarily puzzled on the camera before putting it up on his eye level and just randomly clicking without effort.

"Let me see!" Hikoichi was excited- he grabbed the camera from Sendoh to which the latter was surprised. "Sugoi! I'm so happy… thank you so much, Rukawa Kaede-kun." Hikoichi bowed a few times, his eyes full of stars. Rukawa sighed and decided to turn away again for the second time when-?! 'What now?!' He inwardly muttered.

"This time, with Sendoh-sempai! Please?! C'mon, I need to have a pic of you two!" Aida was trying to push his sempai towards the other but somehow, Sendoh's height was too much for him. Rukawa shot back his deadly glare, obviously not wanting to have another photo session. Sendoh was sheepishly grinning- not really wanting as well, but doesn't mind either.

"Uh, Hikoichi-kun, I don't think…" Sendoh started.

"Okay, hurdle everyone!" It was Uozumi and immediately everyone approached the three seniors. Hikoichi looked forlorn as Rukawa started walking away to be with his team.

"No wait, Rukawa-kun!" Hikoichi almost hollered. "Argh, sempai- stop him, will you?" Sendoh shook his head and placed a hand on the short guys shoulder. "It's okay Hikoichi- he looks tired." Sendoh stated calmly and almost, understandingly. 'Besides, Rukawa-kun doesn't seem to like the idea of…' He was made to stop in his thoughts when the voices of Uozumi and Akagi suddenly made some announcements.

"Okay everyone, we have here the itinerary of what's in store for us for the next few days. Team Kainan and Shoyo will be in Building A- that's the other side of this building; this is Building B- Shohoku & Ryonan, will be staying here. Further instructions will be given tomorrow, tonight we rest first- but be sure to wake up before 9 am tomorrow? All clear?" And Uozumi handed a few papers to Maki and Fujima. The rest of the Shoyo and Kainan team exited the building as they went their way to Building A. The lady in front of the desk and a few usherettes were on standby to assist the players.

"Sirs, you could go inside the dorm now- its midnight already- you should take your rest now." She bowed politely and upon hearing this, they were ushered by the other camp attendants and made their way in front of the elevators.

"Okay guys- here's the room listings. Each room will be occupied by two players;" When everyone seemed to be not having a reaction, Akagi decided to continue. "Me and Uozumi…" A loud cackle boomed. Everyone knew who it was.

"Ahahahah, Gori and Boss Monkey?! Ahahahah, this should be interesting!" He was silence by a loud wham on his head. "Ittte! Gorri!" Everyone laughed. Akagi cleared his throat and decided to read on. Uozumi sighed. 'What a pain in the ass, this red head! Good thing, I'll be a chef soon!' "Of course, Kogure, Ayako and Haruko should go in together…" Both girls giggled. Kogure sweatdropped. 'Why am I roomed in with the ladies?' Sakuragi slumped in forlorn. He obviously thought that this is going to be a random listing.

"Miyagi and Uekusa, Room 3, Mitsui and Koshino, Room 4, Sakuragi and…" Sakuragi's eyes were full of fire- he has someone in mind he wanted to share a room with. He wanted to challenge this certain person and proved to him the existence of a true Tensai. 'Teme, let it be bloody Sendoh Akira!' He inwardly thought.

"….Sakuragi and Fukuda."

"Naanniii?!" Everyone was taken aback. "Sakuragi-kun?" Kogure asked calmly. "Teme, Gori! Why with that smug-face Fukuda?! I don't even know the guy?!" A vein popped in Fukuda's temple. Obviously he doesn't like his roommate, as well.

"Idiot, this is an official listing, do you actually think I was just making this up?!" Akagi hollered.

"Who do you want to be roomed with anyway?" Koshino barked annoyingly.

"Teme, of course- Sendoh Akira! Nyahaha!" And he pointed his finger on the said spiky, causing the other to cock his head in confusion and pointing his hand towards himself. "Me?" Sendoh chuckled in amusement. "Yosh! I, the Tensai would want to challenge you- we should be roomies!" He boomed, everyone sweat dropped. Another lump in the head was given to him by Uozumi.

"Teme, who are you to give me a lump, Boss Monkey?! Only the Gori strikes me!"

"Shut up, you're causing too much noise, red head!" Uozumi decided to holler in as well, "You cannot be roomed with him, because he's with…"

"Why not? I am the Tensai! He could learn a lot from me!" Everyone sewatdropped- including Sendoh.

"Sendoh is ther real tensai, baka!" Koshino raised Ryonan's flag which made the redhead flared up.

"Who are you anyway- teme!"

"Koshino Hiroaki, you redhead!"

"Quiet now!" Uozumi shouted. "Sendoh Akira, you will be roomed with…"

Sendoh's face was unreadable when the name of his supposed to be roommate was revealed. But he smiled… "…Rukawa Kaede."

"Room 5- Sendoh Akira & Rukawa Kaede." Obviously, he thought it was predictable. From one corner, Rukawa's drooping eyes seemed to perk up a bit- hearing his name and Sendoh's name; he thought he felt another leap of something in his chest. 'Seriously?' 'With him?' 'Room?' It's not that he felt panicky, but he honestly felt… a bit nervous and shy all of a sudden. He wondered very much. 'baka, why are you getting all tensed up?' He scolded himself. 'At least, you could finally challenge him, right?' He swallowed involuntarily and pretended to be unfazed, because everyone suddenly seemed quiet around him, everyone's eyes were both on them… it suddenly felt awkward. The two concerned players looked unaffected as stares continue to gnaw them. Sendoh has his smile on his lips—when he decided to looked at Rukawa's direction and blurted out something in his low but manly voice, that made everyone jaw… dropped. "Cool, let's go up now, seatmate/roomie. I want to sleep already." A certain pale boy looked surprised and blushed.

'Well what do you know, Rukawa-kun sure is…cute.' Sendoh thought of Rukawa as cute- his second for the day. He too, wondered why very much.

TBC

A/N: Okay, tell me what do you think of this chapter, then? ^_^ Yup, I planned this all along. I wanted for them to be roomies- because I honestly think that this is where the progression should really take its manoeuvre. Chapter 5 will probably the first day on 'camp.' I'll try to write of about the others, but then- as I said, my focus is in SenRu only. Obviously, Maki & Fujima here are lovers already.