A/N: Kamusta?! Buhay pa pala ako! LOL! No fancy and loud shootouts for tonight… just plain happy to have finally updated this fic! Took me two weeks alright. Been pretty busy at work and in school. ^_^ Yup, working and studying the same time while writing a multi-chap is something I won't highly recommend. But it's all good, I'm kind of enjoying this 'death wish' because it helps me relieved off the stress! Hahaha! I'm getting old and 'older' alright. ^_^ Dedicated to everyone but most especially to Addicted to SD and to Jamie011 who's been pushing my ass off to write these chapter. Hahaha! ^_^ Sheesh, guys! *grins*
Warnings: Long/Typos/Grammars/Redundancy/SenRu/Not Mine!
CHAPTER 10
Koshino sighed almost dejectedly upon reaching an empty and vacant court. He momentarily clacked his tongue before deciding to sit on a nearby bench. He was waiting for his teammate, Mitsui Hisashi of Shohoku who apparently, seems not yet done eating breakfast- the said three-pointer was busily chatting his lungs out to Miyagi and Uekusa. Not really being close to his would-be partner, Koshino is indeed having a hard time. Well, somehow they've reach progress because, in a way- since last night, they seemed to be talking already a bit about their would-be plan in today's practice. Still, Koshino believes that it'll be a lot easier if the rules would have been otherwise. Besides, of all people- why would he be with Mitsui? He is willing to bet that the high-blooded senior is not even aware of his existence. Koshino almost gritted his teeth in annoyance when he caught of a lone figure also standing at the other court beside him. Koshino instinctively brighten up and went about to the other court.
"Oi, Akira!" he greeted the other boy as he made way to enter the other half court. Sendoh turned his head to see his teammate. He of course, nodded and smile. "Hey, Kosh." The smaller guy sighed and sat beside the Ace. "So, what are you doing here?" Obviously, it was a stupid question. Sendoh just shrugged. "Nothing… waiting as well." Koshino twitched his lips in response as he absent-mindedly dribbled on the ball he's holding. "One-on-one, Kosh?" Sendoh grinned and almost joked. Koshino snorted. "Like I could win on you, you know." Sendoh softly chuckled. "Why don't you try? Who knows?" The spiky-haired guy chided good-naturedly and smiled. Koshino almost felt himself flushed- well, almost. "Okay, I'll play with you but only if you're blindfolded!" The smaller guy prodded sending the blue-eyed Ace of Ryonan laughing. "Blindfolded?!"
Koshino simply elbowed the taller guy and shook his head. 'You're our Ace, for Pete's sake- and I don't even want to say this but… it might be true after all that you could only be stopped by either Maki or that brat, even.' But he decided to keep his thoughts. "So, where's that brat teammate of yours, huh?" Koshino asks as he spin the orange ball on one hand. Sendoh simply shrugged and stood up. "Canteen, perhaps." He caught the orange ball to the surprise of Koshino and started dribbling while walking towards the basket- he fired a shot and the ball went in silently without even touching the rim- he smiled. "So, where's Mitsui-san?" Koshino sighed and shrugged as well, he's not really interested. "Well, I don't know either- don't you think these Shohoku guys are problematic enough? I mean, they almost seemed not to give a damn about anything at all." The number six guard of Ryonan almost wailed. Sendoh simply chuckled as he continuously did some fancy dribbles. "Well, I dunno about that- they seemed pretty okay to me." Sendoh said. Just then, the presence of another person broke their conversation and Sendoh stopped dribbling the ball onto his hand just as Koshino decided to look to scowl. 'Ch, speaking of the devil.' Sendoh simply nodded and smiled his charming smile. "Hey there, challenger." A grin. Rukawa simply looked on as if he heard nothing and went to stare back at Koshino who kept his annoying scowl on. The pale guy wordlessly walked towards where the two Ryonan guys are and placed his bag on the bench. The three guys were sporting their jackets and jogging pants- since the weather was still awfully cold even if they decide to run about the court. Koshino almost wanted to stand up- but, he remained obstinate as he sat down on the bench, unmoving. Sendoh doesn't seemed to mind- so does the raven-haired guy. Koshino eyed the Shohoku rookie wordlessly as the said guy quietly opened his bag to rummage something in his bag. Koshino gazed at that passive looking face, unbeknownst to the tall, lanky rookie. 'He does looked nice.' And he almost snorted. Koshino was taken aback when Rukawa literally glared at his right, suddenly now being aware that he was being looked at. 'Ch, this baka though.' The pale guy zipped his duffle bag and turned around to meet the expectant smile of his taller roommate.
Earlier on…
Rukawa put down his fork and looked down- he could still remember what the older guy did a few minutes ago. Sendoh literally held his wrist and said something about winning a game or something. He looked blankly at his now empty plate and was contemplating a lot of things that happened since last night. He slightly remembered that they've been both awake since almost two in the morning already and hasn't gone back to bed then. Rukawa felt one of his temples throb a bit- he gritted his teeth. 'Kso, not now.' He inwardly mutter. Lack of sleep is not something he usually tolerates- and as much as he wants to crawl back in bed and sail away to dreamland, now is not necessarily the time to be taking in such thoughts. Not especially when he has just openly asked Sendoh for a one-on-one challenge. He sighed for a bit before deciding to drink on his glass of juice-suddenly feeling the parch-ness in his throat. Rukawa somewhat remembered as well the light-hearted moments he had with the older boy and almost felt yet once again his ears burned. Sendoh even told him that his ears were red! He felt his fist clenched-he's not mad, he just can't seem to put a hold on his… emotions, especially when the older boy is around. It almost feels as if he is swelling up with mixed emotions of excitement, annoyance, and… something else. The term charisma is so unnerving and moving and Rukawa almost wondered if the older boy is even aware of it. Charisma itself has two senses; one is compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others, and second, divinely conferred power or talent. Rukawa often wonders if two senses is possible to be in one person. He's not the one to patronize but… it seemingly just the way it goes with him and the other guy for now. Rukawa sighed and decided to just stand up from his seat, carrying with himself the tray to place it on the nearby sink. He walked out of the canteen blanking his thoughts and instead just focusing mainly on the one-on-one he, himself, imposed- remaining oblivious to a pair of eyes that has been eyeing him about for a minute.
Sakuragi wordlessly stood up from his seat and went over to Miyagi's table when he saw their small point guard sharing a few laughs with Uekusa of Ryonan and Mitsui. Fukuda was a bit surprised but decided not to bother; truth is he was happy enough to be alone on the table. He looked momentarily a bit to where Sakuragi went and saw the redhead sat beside Mitsui as they continued to chatter along about random things while sharing a few good laughs. The quiet forward of Ryonan saw his teammate Uekusa smiling and chuckling along too. 'Uekusa, you sure know how to blend in.' Uekusa somewhat probably sensed that someone was eyeing him and upon catching Fukuda's stare, he nodded at his teammate and urged him to join in their table but the aloof forward simply shrugged and focused on finishing his food. Fukuda let his gaze wander further and saw the back of the pale rookie of Shohoku sitting now all alone on his table, head a bit bowed down. 'Is this weirdo asleep again?' But looks like he was mistaken because the said 'weirdo' suddenly stood up from his seat and out of the canteen. Fukuda shook his head and decided to stand up as well and exit the canteen.
Rukawa pressed the open button and went inside the elevator-he was about to press the close button when Fukuda hopped inside to the surprise of the pale guy. Both remained silent inside. Rukawa slightly fidgeted inside the elevator as he felt yet again his temples throb. He absent-mindedly put his two fingers on each side and rubbed his eyes as he tried to stifle an impending yawn but to no avail. He decided to go up for a while to their room to get a few things before playing with Sendoh. "Are you alright?" Definitely it was the other guy inside who asks him of that. Rukawa looked up and gaze momentarily just as the elevator door opened. Both stepped out and wordlessly walked towards to where their rooms are. Rukawa's hand was on the door knob already when another question was thrown at him. "You looked pale… you want me to call Taichou?" Fukuda asks as he simply leaned back in front of their room- arms crossed; eyes looking unreadable.
'Taichou?' Rukawa inwardly mused. He looked back to see the waiting gaze of Fukuda. Why would this player call his Taichou? Uozumi-san? Rukawa was a bit confused, feeling yet another throb in his temples. 'Kso…' Fukuda pushed himself off the door and was about to go inside since he seems to be getting no response from the stoic guy. "Taichou… Sendoh. He's our captain now." Fukuda informed as he twist the knob open and went inside but stop abruptly when the other decided to speak- causing for Fukuda to tug his lips upward in sheer amusement. "I thought… you call him brat." The pale guy said softly and slowly. Fukuda turned and saw the Rukawa still standing in front of room five. "No, we call him Captain." Rukawa simply nodded and twist the knob open.
"Are you alright?" That question again by that Ryonan player. Rukawa shrugged wordlessly and went inside the room without looking back. Fukuda momentarily gazed at the closed door and decided to go inside his as well. Inside room five though, Rukawa opened the closet and grab his duffle bag- he looked for his phone somewhere and saw it on top of the coffee table, grabbing it and placing it on one of his bag's pocket, he adjusted the strap on his bag and put it on his shoulder and went out of the room as well to have that one-on-one. He took note of the time, it was 745 in the morning.
Going down from the room straight into the lobby, Rukawa can now literally feel the throbbing of his temples- it was tolerable though. But he hated it. He grind his teeth in attempt to disregard of feeling it but it was still there. He wordlessly went out of the camp and straight to where the courts was. Today, he was feeling determined. 'I want to beat him…' That need. The feeling to actually be at par with someone who is a notch higher than you are. Competitiveness. 'It doesn't matter what it is. I'm competitive, I just want to win.' He found himself almost blatantly saying that as if to put a stress on his notion to win and legitimately claim something as if on stake. He stopped for a bit when he heard a distant sound of ball dribbling and went to peep on one of the courts. He saw Uozumi and his Captain, Akagi doing some basic dribbling and probably chatting about their game's plans. They almost look as if they're destined to become teammates. Rukawa twitched his lips and sighed. He wonders what they'll do if these two giant Captains becomes their opponents. The stoic guys imply decided to walk on to finally meet his roommate and probably, settle things once and for all. 'I am here to win, anyway.' He arrived in one particular court and saw Sendoh dribbling a ball while talking with another player. He paused for a moment to look on but it seemed that those two were not aware of his presence… and so he came in. Only then his senior stop to pause-and smile.
"Hey there, challenger." He said. Rukawa contemplated on what to answer. 'Do I need to reply back?' There is nothing to say anyway- he heaved a small sighed and went on in ahead without saying anything. He rummaged something into his bag and briefly noted that another pair of eyes have been eyeing him for a minute now- he glared. The smaller player from Ryonan was taken aback and he immediately withdraw his stare to mutter something beneath his breath. 'This guy though… is he a close friend of Sendoh? They always seem to be… together.' Rukawa wondered the nature of their relationship. Not that he was expecting a more kind of platonic going on between them- he simply is curious as to how come someone as probably plain as this guy would be this close to someone as complex and odd like… Sendoh. He felt his temples throb yet again. 'I need to stop this thoughts. Focus. Win.' And with those few words in mind, he shifted his gaze to meet the cobalt blue orbs of his roommate. Sendoh… smiled.
Koshino sat in silence as he eyed those two that seemed to be lock in a stare game. One semi-glaring, the other… smiling. 'Japan's full of weird Aces… I mean, why can't this be two be normal? Do they both need to exude that seemingly God-like aura every time they come face-to-face with each other? Tsk, but damn, these two are truly both at their own peaks.' Koshino sweatdrop, he didn't even get his own statement. 'Baka, Koshino.' He inwardly mused to himself. He stared at the ball on Sendoh's hand then back at Rukawa who seemed like he was ready to pounce on Ryonan's Ace anytime. 'Are they… going to practice or….?' He sighed yet again and snorted.
"1-0." Koshino blurted annoyingly. The two looked at him seemingly dumbfounded as to where do that score came from. Sendoh cocked his head slowly to the right and smirk. "What's going on?" He smiled. Koshino almost snickered. "You just lost a point Akira, - you blinked, he didn't. This is the staring game, is it not?" The smaller Ryonan forward stated almost jokingly- although it seemed not funny at all, Sendoh was surprised and softly chuckled in response. Rukawa remained passive and unfazed. He seemed to have freeze in time. "Staring what-? ahaha, you're nuts, Kosh." Sendoh shook his head and bounced the ball once. 'Really? Have I been staring that much?' Koshino simply rolled his eyes and smirked back.
Akira. That guy called him by the name. Rukawa couldn't help but be curious as to how close these two are. He has never called anyone in his teammate by their names. Not even close. To be able to call each other by names is something of a degree higher to the kind of relationship two people have, or is it? He fidgeted slightly and sighed. He remembered calling Sendoh 'senpai' even as before. 'Weird… Sendoh is odd alright.'
"Are you ready, Rukawa-kun?" Sendoh asks; the older lifted the ball with three fingers on one hand and coyly tilt his head to signal the start of their game. Rukawa nodded briefly and wordlessly walked over. Koshino's brows furrowed. 'Wait a minute, are they-?!' It seems like a small battle is going to be ensued. He opened his mouth to protest but was stopped when Sendoh passed the ball to the raven-haired boy who instinctively caught it with his two pale hands. "You first." Sendoh declaimed as he prepared to bend a little lowly in defence. Rukawa however seemed not in the mood to start attacking as his head throb again. He passed the ball back. "No, you first." Sendoh caught the ball with one hand and was surprised- he snorted. "Rukawa, you start already- freshmen first. A grin and he passed the ball again to the Rookie who was now frowning. 'Obstinate freak…' Rukawa muttered and passed back. "Older people, first."
Sendoh rolled his eyes in amusement and softly laughed. "Alphabetical order R then S- Rukawa comes first, before Sendoh." The spiky haired grin. 'Hehe, can't argue with the alphabets, sunshine.' Rukawa sighed. 'What the?! Doaho!' The rookie felt his face flushed a bit.
"It's okay, you go ahead, and I'll defend." Rukawa insisted. Truth is, he could not think a bit well since his temples were not cooperating with him. He thought that maybe if he could run a little and move while guarding, the pain would subside. 'Sendoh cut this already and let's get over this…' He almost gritted his teeth in annoyance now. Sendoh sighed, shook his head and nodded. "Okay, whatever- but don't blame me if I get the first basket." As the older boy started dribbling the ball now in position to attack. Rukawa squinted his eyes. 'Why would I blame you anyway?'
Koshino rolled his eyes in amusement. "Oh great hallelujah, I thought the next stunt was called the 'You First' game." And as Sendoh seemingly chuckled while hearing Koshino's sarcastic statement, he ran forwards while dribbling the ball and tried to dodge the slightly taken aback rookie who seemed like he wasn't quite prepared to guard. But Rukawa seemed to have awaken that beast instinct in him as his eyes lit up in flare and flickered back to life- he tried to guard Sendoh who seemed unfazed in attacking him. The taller guy shifted to the left and spun around to freely getaway from the almost loose defence- he ran towards the basket and jump to put in his first two-points with a lay-up shot. Sendoh even tapped the board with his right hand and as he landed with a soft thud, he looked at his opponent and smiled. "2-0. your turn, kid." Rukawa glared. 'Kid? Don't mock me, aho.' He silently muttered.
Sendoh almost thought that he saw something akin to unfocused-ness alighting in the younger boy's eyes. 'Strange… I wonder if he's okay.' He walked and readied himself now to guard as the rookie dribbled the ball a bit slowly than he usually does while casting his head a bit down, obscuring his blue eyes beneath his fringes. Rukawa dribbled the ball- eyes looking at the ground as he thinks of a way to get the basket. 'Kso, stop throbbing for a sec now…' And as if on cue, he looked up- eyes looking sharp, and while dribbling the ball- rushed past Sendoh top the latter's surprise and almost dodged the taller guy's stance. Rukawa tried to shift the ball to his other hand as Sendoh put on a tight defence. There was no way he could get past by him but the rookie knew that he had to somehow. And in one swift motion- he turned his back against Sendoh while dribbling the ball, pushed back to get more space just in time to take that sharp right turn and straight into the basket for an easy two. The score was now even. He huffed and slightly panted as that caused him to exert a little more effort than what Sendoh probably did a while back.
He gazed back at the taller guy and blinked back twice. "2-2. Take that, brat." Rukawa hissed menacingly. And Koshino? Well, he laughed upon hearing the rookie goaded. Sendoh too, was taken aback as he found himself chuckling in response. He placed his hand on top of his mouth but his moving shoulders betrayed him. Koshino almost felt like falling off from the bench- the young guy is hilarious. Or so he thinks. 'What a naïve brat?!'
Rukawa was stunned; more like, puzzled. Why on Earth are these two laughing anyway? The score is 2-2 alright. He felt his brows furrowed, suddenly not liking the way he was being laughed at. He threw in a glare most especially to the laughing Koshino who was taking in all the situation into himself. 'Pussy, passer.' He almost pouted. He then glared at Sendoh. "What's funny?" Sendoh coughed a bit and looked back at the younger guy fondly. He felt warmth and endeared. As if… as if he almost want to pat the raven-haired guy on the head. 'Rukawa-kun you are adorable, alright.' He shook his head. "It's nothing, Rukawa-kun… don't mind him. Koshino is a retard after all, let's continue shall we?" He smiled. Rukawa almost scowled and felt his ears flushed as he was not convinced.
"H-hey, you called me a retard, damn you Sendoh!" Koshino hollered. Sendoh gave his teammate the look- and shook his head negatively. Koshino snickered. Rukawa frowned and shot an icy glare at Koshino. "Shut up, retard." Koshino was stunned as he stood up, gritting his teeth in annoyance- he clenched his fist and felt his ears flared. "Hey, I'm older than you are, how dare you-?!" But Sendoh cut him in. "Yeah, shut up, retard." Koshino gaped as he scowled even more this time to Akira who was giving him that look again. 'Shit Kosh, stop annoying him further…'
"Do we continue now?" Rukawa obviously sounded farfetched annoyed. Sendoh nodded and smiled. "Of course, sunshine." And Rukawa? Well, he still blushed.
'Rukawa? Sunshine? Seriously?' Koshino almost wanted to ask if he's hearing the word right- but he chose not to bother. Well, maybe not for now.
Adorable is termed as something delightfully charming or attractive. For the past few days, Sendoh knew that there was indeed very seemingly special with Shohoku's Rookie. Maybe because of his looks coupled with his skills-it's all natural. To be able to play with someone at par with his skill is a privilege indeed. The thing is, the boy seemed to exude attention without him even noticing it. And for Sendoh, it's hard to miss. It's easy to take a liking to the stoic guy; physical attractiveness is the degree to which a person's physical traits are considered aesthetically pleasing or beautiful. The term often implies sexual attractiveness or desirability, but can also be distinct from the two. And for Ryonan's Ace, there are many factors which influence one person's attraction to another, with physical aspects being one of them. In his case though, Rukawa Kaede, himself, attribute positive characteristics, such as intelligence, simplicity, and honesty, to physically attractive people without him even consciously realizing it. And to Sendoh, Rukawa's simplicity in nature and guileless characterized by lack of critical judgement is more than enough to regard him almost as a cute child with a naïve charm.
Fifteen minutes. The score was now 45-42, in favour of Sendoh; Rukawa tried to fake a jump shot but to no avail because Sendoh was able to read into him- the pale guy momentarily shook his head as he decided to just rush past his taller opponent in hopes of dunking the orange leather. One swift move and he passed through; Rukawa ran as if he'd never run before but Sendoh was there alright- he tried to force in a shot as he jumped but collided a bit forcefully against the older boy's upper body- his head bumping onto Sendoh's right shoulder; just as he was able to release the ball- but the said ball tipped off the ring and bounced off! Rukawa's eyes widened in shock and he can only look on as Sendoh made a steal to the orange ball while on mid-air. The taller guy made no hesitation as he run towards the other end to make a windmill dunk-type. The score was now 47-42. Sendoh paused in his actions and looked back- worriedly.
Truth is, he can sense that something's off- it is as if, Rukawa isn't playing at his full potential. He is playing alright but not quite enough for Sendoh to give in his full force either. Sendoh, for the first time, admitted, he was worried. 'Rukawa-kun…' He stared at the unflinching rookie on the other end of the court- eyes fixated at the raven-haired boy. 'You've got to be in it to win it.' He silently muttered.
Koshino looked from his phone's timer to Sendoh, mouth gaping and was… well, of course, he was glad to see his teammate dominating the one-on-one. He knew of Sendoh's calibre and it seemed like the rookie is getting a mild dose of it. He almost smirked and wanted very much to jump up from his seat to goad the pale guy. 'Akira, you really are making him eat Osaka's dust.'
Rukawa squinted his eyes as Sendoh impressively made that dunk. He was fully aware then- he was officially trailing behind five; he could only looked on as the taller guy made a jump to execute windmill as if it was his first time seeing it; the throb on his temples did not falter anyway and Rukawa could only wonder as to how is he able to sustain the strength to stand up and play against someone who seems to be athletically geared up. He felt himself huffing deeply. Rukawa felt himself taking a step towards where his eyes could take him- he felt his breathing a bit laboured now, unusual than before, his eyes half-lidded and brows knotted as if he was in deep concentration or in his case, pain as another shot of throbbing knocked into him. He absent-mindedly cast his head down and raised his right hand to rub his temples… The headache he was experiencing is now on its toil. 'K'so, I'm... need to catch up…' And that is where Sendoh decided; he paused, looked down and walked towards his younger protégé in slow steps. "Let's stop this, for now…"
The rookie shook his head- palm on top of his face. "No… I, we…should, I mean…continue… so…five points…"
Sendoh stared worriedly as the latter's statement seemed to be staggering. Sendoh took a few more steps. "Rukawa… are you-?!" And he wasn't even able to finish his statement when the Kaede dropped down almost flatly on his face. Sendoh found himself instinctively running towards his opponent-just in time to catch the pale guy in his arms. Koshino's mouth opened as he too, started running towards the two players. Sendoh dropped on his knees, suddenly feeling all too worried now as he positioned the fainted Rookie in his arms. "What the heck?! Is he dead?"Koshino almost shouted. Sendoh shot a glare to which the smaller guy irked and cringe. Sendoh has never glared before. "Go get a nurse, doctor, or anyone." It was an order. Sendoh sounded serious- dead serious, and the smaller Ryonan player could only nod in response as he jogged his way outside the court. Sendoh tried to wake the fallen rookie by shaking him- he lifted his hand to tapped Rukawa's cheek softly. "Rukawa, Rukawa-kun…hey, wake up...can you hear me..." But Kaede remained asleep. Just a few minutes more, and a few running players nearby hovered over them, shouting things like 'What happened?!' but Sendoh cannot almost hear them all as he only seemed to give focus to that lithe frame that was wrapped around his arms; and that awakened feeling of worry that seemed to consciously seeped into him making him realized something in return.
"Mild concussion. Did he bumped onto something while playing? And, did he sleep well last night? Or are you guys have been practising non-stop?" The resident camp doctor asked. They were already in room five. Sendoh, Koshino, Akagi, and Ayako were also inside. The others have heard of what happened and expressed their concern at the Rookie of Shohoku- although they aren't really well-acquainted, a colleague on court is still a co-player and that alone is enough reason to be concern. Ayako lifted the sheets up to sleeping form of the pale guy; and gently smiled as she playfully ruffled her schoolmate's hair. 'Rukawa-kun, you're making us worried, you…' She smiled gently. Akagi faced the doctor and asked, "Sensei, will he be alright?" the doctor nodded. "Of course, no need to worry. He just fainted. Probably dazed already but he kept on playing…" Akagi nodded curtly and let out a soft sigh. He too was worried. IH is a few months away and truth is, the young kid is one of their pillars alright. 'I hate to say this, but you are our Ace, Rukawa, we can't afford to not have you play. Get well.'
"He… he bumped onto me when we're playing awhile back. I felt it…it was my fault. I asked him to play one-on-one with me." Sendoh stated almost gloomily- eyes looking down at his fallen roommate. Koshino shot him a stare. 'Seriously? You're fault? It's a game, it can't be helped. You're nuts, Akira.' All three seem to look at him with disbelief. Sendoh sighed. "Last night, well… I think, he might not have been able to get a proper sleep, I mean, we've been awake since two in the morning…"
"Two in the morning-?!" Koshino rolled his eyes in surprised. "What were you guys, thinking anyway? Who would be awake at two in the morning?!"
The doctor simply chuckled as he shook his head. Sendoh looked at the doctor with worried eyes and the professional simply nodded his head. "Well, in any case- he'll be waking up soon. Just let him sleep for a few more hours. I would suggest this pain killers, for sure he'll be having a few headaches, but it's nothing to be worried about. But he should eat of course before taking in this medicine."
"Can he still play, doctor?" Koshino blatantly asks. The doctor simply laughed a bit. "Of course, don't worry now. He'll be fine. I'll be back to check on him."
"He will be beating you, Kosh when he wakes up." Akira tried to attempt a dry humour but somehow it still made Ayako and Akagi softly laughed. Koshino snorted and rolled his eyes. "Silly, and here I thought that we already had a fighting chance of beating you two." Sendoh simply smiled back softly.
Akagi and Ayako sighed in relief as the sensei made his way out of room five. Ayako snickered softly and looked at the forlorn Sendoh who was sitting on his bed. "So, care to share what you two have been up at 2?" Sendoh snorted softly and smiled wistfully. "It's… nothing really. Just talking a bit." And he ran his fingers on top of his spiked hair. Akagi snorted and shook his head. "Talking huh, are you sure you're not doing monologues?" And somehow, the three of them found themselves chuckling softly. Sendoh almost tugged his lips upward. 'If only they knew, right, Rukawa-kun?' He was slightly reminded of Rukawa's other hobby on photography and how the pale guy was able to take a snap and keep it as a moment. It was nice actually. Sendoh smiled and said in his low but cool voice, "Nah, actually he was the talkative-type. It was fun chatting with him, alright." And the three could only wonder how so.
Akagi left the room and relayed what the doctor told them awhile back to their teammates. He then assured everyone who was curious as to what happened that Rukawa is okay and just needed a few hours of sleep and rest. Everyone felt relieved of course and resumed their practise. Koshino, too, decided to left the room and went back to practise with Mitsui. Ayako clicked the door to room five close and walked back towards the coffee table to sit. Sendoh stood up from his bed and looked at his phone to take note of the time, it was 830 in the morning then. 'Still a bit early.' He inwardly mused. Ayako chuckled. Sendoh stared back at Shohoku's manager with inquisitive eyes. Ayako simply shook his head. "He's the sleeper type." She said and chuckled softly. Sendoh simply tug his lips upward and said nothing.
"We're former schoolmates before in Fukuoka. Tomigaoka middle school." Ayako suddenly started. Sendoh nodded. Truth is, he was glad to know some bits and pieces from his introverted roommate. It was his first time hearing that. It's good to know that Rukawa has someone he already knew from way back then. Sendoh walked over to the coffee table and pulled the other chair to sit as well. "Well, I came from Tokyo- some middle school there." Sendoh said in a low voice. Ayako was a bit surprised. "Oh really? You're a Tokyo-kid? Wow, why Kanagawa though?" Sendoh softly snorted and shrugged. "Well, somehow coach Taoka was able to contact me and invited me over, something like that." Ayako smiled and nodded. "Cool, Tokyo huh, I mean it's the city after all, you must be awfully rich." She found herself chuckling. Sendoh simply shook his head and smiled. "Very busy place."
He found himself looking up the sky and was surprised when the sky lit up in different colours; from above colourful sparkles of fireworks emerged as if signalling the start of a New Year- from around, people were milling in their endless chatters and cheers as the sky continued to be illuminated by these sparks. Red, orange, blue, green, purple, silver, gold… they took in their many forms to produce their primary effects of noise, light, and smoke… People cheered and clapped their hands as if the mere sight of them caused jubilance… his stare was caught on one side of the sky as a dense burst of glittering silver or gold stars which leave a heavy glitter trail and very shiny in the night's sky erupted sending the people in cheers. 'Kamuro…' he inwardly mused and almost felt his lips tugged upward. It was one of his favourite firework display…
"Happy Birthday…." That voice. He looked back and was surprised…
'Yume?' Rukawa felt his eyes fluttered open and he immediately hoisted himself up as if awakened finally from a deep yet soothing sleep. He blinked his eyes twice and rubbed them in an effort to shake away any form of sleepiness. He found himself looking around the room and saw someone staring back at him- a look of equally surprised as well grazing his features. Sendoh closed the folder he's been holding and stood up wordlessly from the coffee table to walk towards the now awaked roommate of his. He stopped when he was already near the bed. "Rukawa… you're awaked." He stated softly- eyes looking down and warm at the raven-haired guy. Silence. "Are you okay, now? Feeling better?" Still silence, Rukawa found himself touching his forehead a bit. "What… time is it?" The rookie asks softly.
"Three pm…" Sendoh said. He sat down at the edge of Rukawa's bed and simply stared. Rukawa fidgeted slightly and looked back up. The older guy was simply eyeing him with both looks of relief and warmth. 'Six? Seven hours?' Rukawa isn't sure if how long he's been out but he's guessing that he's been pretty sleeping for a while now. But it was refreshing. He felt okay now. As if he's been revived- truth is, he honestly felt that he could play more confidently now. His head doesn't throb anymore and his eyes are more focused now. And Sendoh? He wondered what the older guy did when he was… sleeping anyhow. 'Did he… stayed in here?' Rukawa slightly opened his lips in an attempt to ask of it but instead found himself asking something else. He inwardly berated himself for thinking such petty thoughts. 'Baka Kaede, of course he might have practised alone.'
"Uhm… what was the score again when we stopped?" Rukawa, in all honesty, felt stupid suddenly. He can't believe that the one-on-one was still on his mind. A soft chuckle was what he got. "Rukawa, seriously?" Sendoh rolled his eyes and felt finally glad. 'He's okay, alright.' "I'm sorry, I don't remember the scores already."
"B-but, I lost right?"
Sendoh laughed. "Technically… yes?" Rukawa nodded- quietly admitting he was defeated back there; Sendoh for the nth time felt endeared. "You really should stop worrying about this things…" The older guy stated as-a-matter-of-factly.
"I think I can play now- seriously." Rukawa said flatly. Sendoh rolled his eyes in amusement. "Well, I am not playing you now, Rukawa. I think you should eat first and- rest." Rukawa simply sighed. "Whatever… still need to beat you." The spiky-haired boy simply chuckled in response. "After fainting openly, you still found yourself wanting to beat the heck out of me, huh, you're a funny guy Rukawa-kun." Rukawa twitched his lips in response and shrugged. Sendoh found himself reaching out to ruffle the younger guy's hair instead. "H-hey…" Rukawa protested lightly, as if trying to pry away the hand on top of his head but to no avail. Sendoh stood up and scratched his nape. "Are you hungry? What do you want to eat? You've skipped lunch anyway."
"How… long have I been sleeping?" The pale guy asked. Sendoh shrugged. "Not quite sure, seven hours?" The rookie nodded. 'Ugh, long enough.'
"So…uhm, did you practised…alone?" Rukawa felt yet again somewhat silly asking that. 'Am I blabbering?' Sendoh snorted. "No, I stayed here with you. I was… well, worried." Rukawa felt his cheeks heat up a bit. There was something about how Sendoh managed to say the he stayed in the room; and for seven hours? What did he do then? Did Sendoh just watched him sleep? Rukawa felt his eyes widened- suddenly feeling all too shy. "Doaho, you should have practised you know…"
"It's okay, Rukawa-kun… besides, you got me worried back there." A pause. "I'm glad you're okay now…" Rukawa gulped involuntarily from hearing those words coming from his senior. Practised? Rukawa sure is obsessed with basketball. Sendoh found himself grinning a bit- he would have awarded the younger guy with a medal and a trophy for being loyal to the sport if he has one.
"So, do you wanna eat something? Late lunch?" Sendoh prodded. And Rukawa found himself nodding in response. "Sure… I'm hungry." And Sendoh smiled.
Sendoh returned with a plastic in his hand and saw his roommate now fully standing up and looking outside the window. Rukawa looked back and saw his older companion placed something on top of the coffee table, he suddenly felt embarrassed. 'Sendoh you shouldn't have…' He suddenly remembered Sakuragi saying something like 'Sendoh's his nanny or something.' He felt angry at himself for being… weak and almost dependent to the other boy.
"Sendoh, you shouldn't have- I could go down anyway…" He said softly. Sendoh looked at him, and shrugged. "It's okay, besides they all knew what happened and the canteen permitted to have food taken in here. Don't worry." Rukawa felt himself pouting a bit. 'Damn, I hate situations like this.' Rukawa ate in silence as the older boy sat right in front of him, occasionally looking at him while flipping onto the folder files. The young guy, feeling yet again uncomfortable decided to break the impending silence. "So uhm, you're getting all of the applicants?" Sendoh shrugged, not leaving his gaze on a particular paper. "I, well… I'm not sure yet- Coach Taoka has yet to decide on that matter." Then he grinned. Rukawa nodded while sipping on a soup.
"So you're the Captain now…" Rukawa said softly, eyes looking down on his food. Sendoh momentarily paused and looked up- meeting the gaze of the stoic kid. "Says who?" Rukawa shrugged. "That teammate of yours…weird looking smug guy." Sendoh snickered. 'Haha, what a way of describing someone, I think I might know who he is talking about.'
"Kicchou Fukuda?" For some reason, Rukawa just nodded. "Probably him…" Sendoh shrugged but nodded as well. "Yeah, seems like it." Rukawa wordlessly went back to eating. 'Well, he seems capable anyway.'
"How about you guys, who would take over once Akagi-san leaves for college?" Sendoh asks. Rukawa shrugged. "I…don't know." Truth is, he really doesn't know. Not that he's uninterested, but he's quite sure that it is going to be decided soon enough once deemed as necessary.
"Maybe you could be the next Captain?" Sendoh grinned. Rukawa snorted as if he's heard taboo. The taller guy laughed. "Why the reaction, Rukawa-kun?"
"Not interested." Rukawa irritably replied back. Sendoh chuckled a few more and shook his head- he was getting a lot of surprises from the younger boy though because Rukawa chose to continue speaking, in fairness. "Besides, a captain requires to have good academics…" Sendoh nodded, urging the latter to continue. Rukawa pouted and felt his ears burned; not quite believing himself as he just simply and openly admitted his school standing. "I flunked six subjects." Sendoh's mouth gape and found himself laughing a bit- endeared, but mostly surprised to hear that seemingly cute revelation. He chuckled. "For real?!" A nod. "Hahaha, sheesh Rukawa-kun, I mean… I'm speechless."
"But I've had remedial exams and somehow, I passed already so…" Rukawa trailed off; he pouted a bit before looking at the window. Sendoh laughed some more.
"So, there goes your theory of me being the next Captain. I suggest you dumped it." The rookie smirked and Akira could only snickered a few more times. "I'm not good either but I never flunked six simultaneously, hahaha- you're an exception." Rukawa simply frowned. "Excuse me but, doaho flunked seven, so I'm much better." And Sendoh could only laughed some more.
"I can't believe you, Shohoku guys…"
'Yeah, I can't believe us talking like this, either.' He felt his cheeks flushed a bit and Rukawa tugged his lips upward while looking down at his plate. 'I guess, all I really wanted to say is thank you, Sendoh… for being around.'
"Commoner's shot!" Sakuragi hollered as he sped from one end to do a lay-up. He landed down, huffed, and cackled. He's feeling more vigorous now because he's been practising for almost four hours straight and so far, his shots have been sinking in like a pro. From one corner, Fukuda eyes him wordlessly. Sakuragi walked over to the Ryonan player and sat down to open his bottle of Pocari. "Why do you have to do that?" Sakuragi's ears perked up as he stared back at his supposed to be teammate. "Hah? Do what, punk?" Sakuragi's brows knotted but he awaits the answer. Fukuda sighed and shook his head. "Shout 'commoner's shot'?" Sakuragi looked at the guy with annoyance and irritability.
"First, it's not commoner's shot; its layup, freshman." The guy stated flatly. Sakuragi clenched his fist in annoyance. "Hn, what do you know anyway? Why do you care? It's a commoner's shot for me, call it layup or whatever you like, it's a simple shot and I like it that way, teme!" He stood up and went about to dribble the ball. Fukuda almost twitched his lips in response and wordlessly stood up from the bench. He looked for a while before dashing off to steal the orange leather from the red-head. Sakuragi was taken aback as he gritted his teeth in annoyance. "Teme, return that ball to me!" Fukuda kept on staring as he bounce the ball. "Get it, if you can." And with that statement, the power forward lounge to try to get a steal to the older player from Ryonan. Their one-on-one were rather more of seemingly personal to watch but somehow, it still brought out the best in both of them- without them consciously being aware of it.
Their one-on-ones ended and both players are now panting in exhaustion. Fukuda glanced at his watch and took note of the time; it was 4pm. He looked at the redhead who has its back on him and wordlessly went towards the bench to pick up his things. Sakuragi is still unflinching. The silent Ryonan player simply started walking ahead when Sakuragi bothered to voice out his thoughts.
"Matte, Fukusuke…" The other guy paused in his steps. Sakuragi stared and sighed. "I will guard Sendoh… I will defeat him." Fukuda looked back without a word; eyes looking unreadable as he tried to blank his thoughts but to no avail. 'Guard Sendoh? This guy though, does he even try to pause and think for a while?' Fukuda shrugged. "It's not going to be that simple."
"The kitsune is sick, sure it'll be a lot simpler." He hollered back. Fukuda turned to face the redhead, a hand on one hip, and stared. "Rukawa-kun is okay now, I think he is awake. He will be playing—and expect him to deliver blows." A pause. "Well, expect both to deliver blows." He stated. Sakuragi clenched his fist.
"Are you saying that we don't have a chance on those two?" The redhead flared. Fukuda softly sighed and stared at nothing in particular. What do he say then? IS it okay to crush the spirit of his seemingly naïve partner? It's not that they don't stand a chance, in fact, they may have a chance… given that the other two wasn't really able to execute their would-be play today on court. Besides, Sendoh is the type of guy who likes to pass… it is also their upper hand since Rukawa-kun isn't really familiar with the way Sendoh execute his passes; only he, Fukuda can seem to read the exquisite passes. They could use it against them if he so wills. And yes, the red head is right, Rukawa might be not on his top form to play tomorrow since he literally showed a weak side of his stamina a while back by fainting. There's a small chance. But his Taichou? Sendoh Akira? Fukuda doubts that Sendoh would be an easy opponent to beat; if Rukawa-kun fails to deliver for any mundane reasons tomorrow… expect Sendoh to double or maybe even, triple his efforts to cover the whole play. 'He could easily shift from defense to offense…' A scoring machine. A solo gunner. But he also highly doubts if the pale rookie would truly not be able to deliver. He isn't that weak though even if the Shohoku star has that effeminate features.
"Well, aren't you silent? Tell me, Fukusuke…are you saying we're just toy dogs if we face those two tomorrow? " Sakuragi hissed. Damn this Fukusuke, I will be beating Sendoh; I, the tensai will not lose to those two…' Sakuragi very much wonders as to why the other players seems to give a fuss over the two Aces being 'teammates'. Even the other block of Shoyo and Kainan seems to overrate the two. Sakuragi is out there to prove that he can put up a good play tomorrow even if Fukuda messes along. 'I'll beat you both, Sendoh… Rukawa-kitsune.'
'Dogs?' Fukuda slowly sighed and stared back. "It's not the size of the dog in the fight; it's the size of the fight in the dog." He slowly turned around and started walking, leaving a slightly wide-eyed Sakuragi. Fukuda paused and added further. "We might have a chance, let's make it happen."
Akagi Takenori sighed in his room as he held one paper in hand. He has been staring for some time at the handed paper and was contemplating. Uozumi went out from the washroom and took note of the sitting figure of Akagi. "Oi, what's that?" The big man of Ryonan inquired. Akagi shook his head and waved the paper. "Schedule of games for tomorrow; you might be interested to know…" Uozumi sat at the coffee table and shrugged. "Let's hear it then." Akagi nodded. "Well, I don't know if this is good news but, we are going to wait." A pause. Uozumi nodded. "The first game would be between Mitsui-Koshino vs Uekusa-Miyagi."
"Hmm, looks fair enough." Uozumi exclaimed. Akagi decided to continue further. "The second match will be between…" Akagi sighed. "Well, this should be interesting to watch." Uozumi loomed in closer, but he too, was already feeling something Akagi's about to say. "I have a hunch on this, Takenori…" Akagi simply nodded.
"Sakuragi-Fukuda vs Sendoh-Rukawa…" Silence. It was Uozumi who broke the silence first. "It's like a battle between Gods and Demi-Gods?" Akagi stifled an impending laugh. Uozumi simply smirked. "But I'll definitely watch this game. This should be a mixture of comedic relief and exquisite skills. Odd, right?" Akagi simply snickered and shrugged. 'Those four men… oh boy…'
"Those who will lose and win on either match ups will battle it out of course…and the final emerging winning partners will only then…fight us." Akagi nodded. Uozumi simply shrugged.
"Well, we're rested, I guess."
"I'm not sure if that is good or bad though, Uozumi." Akagi prodded. Uozumi stood up and sat down on his bed. "Well, I'll think of it as both then." Silence. "By the way Akagi, is your Rookie okay now? Will he be able to play?" Akagi looked and nodded. "Apparently, yes… the doctor assured he's okay to play, in fact I think he's awake now." Uozumi nodded. "That's good to hear then…you will be needing him in the IH, truly."
"I know… it'll be hard to do if he isn't allowed to play in the IH." Akagi stated, sounding a bit serious. Uozumi chuckled. "I wouldn't mind if you'd borrow Sendoh for a while as a sub when that happens, but I doubt it if he will arrive on time." And Uozumi chuckled. Akagi simply found himself smirking and shaking his head.
430 PM. Room Five. Sendoh stepped out of the washroom while towelling his hair- wearing only Ryonan's jogging pants. He opened the adjacent cabinet and got himself a random grey shirt. He was about to walk towards the coffee table because he saw his phone blinking- when he turned to look at the beds empty. 'Oh? He went out after eating?' He picked up his phone and noticed a mail; he clicked it open and was met by the schedule for tomorrow's matchup games. He momentarily sat down on the chair nearby and seemingly studied the forwarded information from Akagi & Uozumi-senpai. Sendoh's eyes were unreadable as he scrolled down almost lazily while reading a few details. He widened his eyes when he saw their schedule and cant helped but to tugged his lips upwards. 'Wow… interesting matchups.' The tall Ryonan Ace stood up and left the room, quietly determined to know the whereabouts of his pale roommate. 'Damn, where'd you go now? Could it be…?' He clacked his tongue and run his fingers on his dishevelled hair as he went down through the elevator.
The elevator door opened and Sendoh walked towards the lobby- he was met by a few members from the other block of Shoyo-Kainan. It was Kiyota, Jin, Fujima, and of course… Maki. He nodded wordlessly and smiled to each of them. Kiyota simply waved a hand but with a scowl on face. Jin Soichiro nodded as well, an easy smile on his face. The two lovebirds? Well, they simply looked with interests. Sendoh decided to walk towards them.
"Hey there Ryonan!" Fujima greeted and he smiled. Sendoh simply shrug. "Hey there too, Shoyo." There were a few snickers from the other three. Maki simply chuckled softly as he shook his head. "What is wrong with your hair?" Kiyota almost scowled. Sendoh simply scratched his head. "Oh this?" He snorted. "Lazy to gel it." Kiyota simply shrugged and rolled his eyes. Sendoh simply grinned charmingly.
"So, how's Rukawa-kun? Where is he anyway?" Maki asks, voice sounding concerned as well. The other three nodded. "Well, we heard what happened and we got a bit worried." Fujima supplemented further. Jin nodded. "I hope he's doing okay now." And the almost finesse three-pointer of Kainan simply smiled. Sendoh smiled and nodded to everyone. "Actually, yes… he seems to be doing okay now. And, well, I honestly don't know where he is- I came down to actually look for him." Sendoh grin. 'Damn, where is this kid anyway?' Sendoh inwardly mused.
"Oh, too bad- I thought you too were together practising perhaps?" Fujima prodded. Sendoh shrugged. Truth is, he simply now wants to just get away from these people, not that he's being cornered- he just simply wants to look for his teammate. Sendoh is not the naïve type and he knows what the younger guy might actually be doing at this moment. 'Practising again, perhaps. He's supposed to rest. Stubborn bull.' He inwardly shook his head. "Oi, have you seen the schedule of your game tomorrow?" Kiyota asks. Sendoh nodded. "Yeah, I did a while back."
"Truth is, I am interested to watch you guys… imagine, you both against the redhead and your very own forward, Sendoh?!" Kiyota snickered. "That should be interesting as hell!" He laughed. Sendoh sweatdrop. 'Geez, what's so hype about that?' But Sendoh admits, that indeed it is quite exciting and interesting as well. He wonders if Sakuragi will finally be able to showcase his hidden potential. Sendoh actually believes in the redhead's prowess. He might be a newbie to the sport, but the fact that he's learning a lot faster than anybody else is enough threat already. Plus, the stamina… Sendoh felt his lips tugging upward. 'It's good he joined basketball club.'
"I am more interested to know as to how you and the oni play together on courts though, Sendoh." Maki stated with a hint of glint in his eyes. Sendoh looked at his senior and simply smiled, not leaving the gaze of Maki. He shook his head. "Well, I am not sure about that though, Maki-senpai. I mean… Rukawa has his own flow." Sendoh said quite informatively. Truth is, the rookie might do some things on his own and Sendoh in all honesty is not quite sure as to how is he going to pull both of them together in the game. Heck, they might even lose if the younger guy decides to do his selfish ways. He momentarily halt his thoughts as it seemed to be getting a bit deeper than usual. 'Maki-san, you and your inquiries, alright…'
"Well, I got to go now, I guess?" A grin. The other three nodded and simply waved off. "Say hello to Rukawa-kun for us!" Fujima butted in and he smiled. Sendoh simply nodded. "Sure… will do." And Sendoh headed to where he thinks the stoic, stubborn, and adorable kid is. He smiled as he recalled calling the Rookie, cute. He headed towards passed by the canteen and into the basketball gym inside the camp. The one where the first games were held… he opened the door slowly and peeked into the vast space of the area. And as if he's been guided by divine intervention, there, he saw the pale rookie dribbling the ball and shooting on the free throw line. He smiled and walked with slow steps so as not to disturbed the seemingly focused Rookie. Rukawa caught up the bouncing ball in his hand, dribbled it twice before throwing it again behind the free throw line. He then jogged towards where the ball rolled and was surprised to see another figure sitting nearby. Sendoh smiled. Rukawa pouted a little and ignored his older companion.
"The doctor said you should sleep already." Sendoh joked and he chuckled softly, eyes looking bright, warm and… well, he was distracting to look at, since his handsome features are mostly prominent when he has that dishevelled hair on. Rukawa tried not to look bothered. Rukawa is fully aware now of the fact that every time Sendoh is near, he is constantly feeling bothered… more like, conscious. He almost gasps in surprised as one word appeared right in his brain cells… Like. He almost felt his ears burned. He gulped involuntarily. Does he… like Sendoh? Rukawa could actually feel a pair of eyes watching him as he walked with slow steps while dribbling the ball, eyes cast down. Admiration is a social emotion elicited by people of competence, talent, or skill exceeding standards. Does he admire the older boy? Apparently, with all what's happened between the two of them since day one and with the way he's been acting is good enough reason to say… yes. Isn't it? Well, the question now would be, is it okay to admire? Well, it seems there's nothing wrong with accepting the feeling or emotion that he did admire the taller guy for a lot of his positive characteristics. Running these thoughts yet again in his mind; does he like the older guy? Yes, and for a number of reasons. Does he admire him as well? It seems like it, too. Is he… attracted to Sendoh Akira of Ryonan….?
Rukawa fired away a shot and the ball simply bounced off- he felt his eyes widened in shock and almost felt his cheeks burned; the last question remained on his mind as if it has been etched… Is he attracted to Sendoh? And as the ball bounced off to roll nowhere, he felt himself bowing down a bit while walking towards where the ball rolled… attraction refers to a quality that causes an interest or desire in something or someone. 'I guess I am attracted to him alright…' The rookie felt his ears heating up as he bend down to get the ball… Attraction or rather… 'like' can include various implications, such as sexual attractiveness, cuteness, similarity and physique. He sighed inwardly and bravely looked back at the still sitting and staring older guy- the latter simply smiling back at him as if everything almost meant just for him. Rukawa found his voice, and although he was able to realize something to himself- he was happy enough that he has still the courage to speak first in his low and quiet voice. "Play with me?" He raised the ball yet again with his right hand. Sendoh didn't know but the act itself is almost endearing to his eyes. He sighed and stood up from the bench to walk over. "Rukawa-kun, I…" Then he shook his head.
"No, I'm sorry. But your health is more important." Silence. Sendoh looked apologetically at the younger boy and fought the urge to come in close and hug him. 'Hug him?' Sendoh gasps inwardly. He just thought of hugging his roommate just now and for some unknown reason, Sendoh doesn't mind doing that really—he just thought that it might make the Rookie uncomfortable.
"But tomorrow, we didn't practised." Rukawa stated in his low voice, now lowering the ball and looking blankly at the linoleum floor. Sendoh sighed and shrugged. "Don't mind, Rukawa-kun… I'm sure somehow we'll be able to pull through." A pause. "Trust me." Rukawa looked up in surprised as Sendoh said those words- he was met by the charming face of his older senpai and he couldn't help but to avert his gaze to the right as if he's been stung by something. 'Baka, Rukawa Kaede… you're obvious.' He inwardly berated himself for acting yet again… a school girl.
"And if we mess around…?" The pale rookie added. Sendoh took a few steps forward and Rukawa almost jumped due to the close proximity of their bodies. The taller guy placed both of his hands on top of the shorter guy's shoulder. Rukawa found himself looking up to meet the cobalt blue orbs of his senior. "I just don't want to lose out there…" He said more softly this time. Sendoh knew. He understood. What he didn't understood was how he was able to absentmindedly made his fingers tilt Kaede's chin up to further meet his gaze. He found the shorter's guy's eyes mesmerizing indeed. Like, they seemed to see everything right through him, yet he is not sure if Rukawa is able to understand a thing.
The next words though, made a blushing rookie impossible to turn beet red anymore… "Rukawa-kun…" A paused. Sendoh cheerily smiled. 'With your skills? Don't think of such thoughts, sunshine.'
"You're a small forward any point guard could asked for." And Sendoh smiled as he playfully ruffled the stoic guy's hair.
That night though. 7PM and in Room Five. Silence was inevitably thick as a fog. Both players are lying down already on their respective beds. Sendoh was particularly staring at the ceiling- eyes looking blank. He sighed softly to look at his side and see if Rukawa was flinching, but he wasn't. Once again, the rookie has his back on him.
"Rukawa-kun…" A small movement of the head told him that the latter is still awake. He felt his lips tugged upward. Sendoh shifted to his side and propped on his elbows, palms resting at one side of his cheek. "Get covered up, your sheets." The Ryonan Ace stated in his low tone; voice dripping with concern and affection. When Rukawa wasn't moving, Sendoh decided to stand up and do it on his own but upon probably hearing him moved from his bed, the rookie abruptly took on the sheets over him. Sendoh couldn't help but to roll his eyes in amusement. He chuckled. "Well, that was fast." Rukawa simply snorted. He shifted on his back and almost glared at the standing boy near him. Kaede decided to hoist himself up and sat down on the bed. Sendoh sat at his own as well. "We'll lose tomorrow." Rukawa stated flatly with a bored expression. Sendoh simply grinned. "No, we won't." Rukawa looked back at his older companion. "How so? You seemed confident?" Sendoh nodded. "Well, I am a bit confident. Who wouldn't when I got you by my side?" A chuckle. Rukawa looked down on his pale hands as a soft tinge of pink alighted his porcelain-like cheeks. "I'd pass the ball around and you could do whatever you like." Sendoh almost jokingly stated. "Pass the ball around, huh?" Rukawa shot back. Sendoh nodded. "Yup, you could dunk it on Sakuragi's head if you like." A laugh. This earned a snort and a glare from Rukawa. "Idiot. He might just dunk it on yours instead…" Sendoh found himself laughing a bit at this.
Sendoh feigned hurt, "Aww, poor me, I'd be dead for sure." Rukawa shrugged nonchalantly as he felt one of his lips tugging up a bit. "I'll block it before it happens…" he almost flushed as he said that statement. Sendoh seemed to stare at him for a bit- the broke into a grin. "I'm pretty sure you will." Akira simply chuckled back. "Kidding, we'll get by I guess." A shrugged. Rukawa clacked his tongue softly. Even though it's the newbie Sakuragi, Rukawa knew of the redhead's effort to reach his and Sendoh's level. He knows that even though the red head most often than not acts like a dumb kid, his undeniably prowess is also something not to be reckoned with. With Fukuda though? Well, he knows little of this Ryonan forward. 'It's up to Sendoh…' He inwardly mused. The older guy looked at his watched and took note of the time. "Its 745 pm already, we need to rest up." Rukawa almost looked incredulously. 'It's still early, doaho… doesn't he want to talk anymore?' He inwardly kick himself in the shin.
"Well, apparently, you need to rest. Doctor's orders, right? So…" Sendoh switched off the lamp beside Rukawa to the surprised look of the pale guy and also switched off the one near him. The tall guy plopped down heavily on his bed and Rukawa could only see his shadow as the tall guy waved off his right hand. "Good night, Rukawa-kun. Let's see if we can sneak in a few hoops tomorrow, alright?" Well Rukawa? He somehow found himself nodding in return.
…two hours has passed, but damn, he can't seem to fall asleep. Must be because he had enough rest for the day, and plus the fact that they hadn't practiced literally as well. He lay flat on his back and took note of his older companion who seemed to be sleeping already. He contemplated whether if he will call out. And if ever he did call out? What to say then? 'Tuck me to bed, Sendoh?' He sweatdrop. That's probably not gonna happen in a million years. He shook his head to clear his thoughts and was a bit surprised when Sendoh's lamp open- revealing a half-asleep Sendoh looking at him; arm on top of his mouth as he seemed to literally and technically looked back almost provocatively earning Rukawa to slightly fidget on his bed; the rookie absentmindedly pulled his sheets on top of his nose, revealing only his eyes. He heard a chuckle. "Rukawa-kun…"
Rukawa looked at his side with his eyes only moving to meet the gaze of his senpai. Sendoh looked serious. He wondered, what's up? 'Is he sick?'
"I think… we're going to lose tomorrow." Sendoh stated dramatically as if afraid and nervous, arm not leaving his mouth as he almost mumbled the words but they still sound clear. Rukawa? Well, the word lose seems to be taboo for the the younger guy as he immediately propped up from the bed and glared at his companion. He almost hissed annoyingly. "I knew it… you think so too." Only Sendoh then, chuckled. "Hahaha, kdding Rukawa-kun, stop being uptight."
"That is not funny." Rukawa pouted a bit. Sendoh simply chuckled some more. "Hey, you know what'll make us lose tomorrow?" But Rukawa wasn't interested. He waved off his hand and turned his back on the idiotic Sendoh. "I don't care. Tell that to the washroom." Sendoh laughed. "We'll lose if you faint again." Then he laughed. "So, sleep already okay? I don't want to face one gigantic forward lounging at me with a fiery face, shouting 'I'll kill you bloody Sendoh Akira!" He stated almost trying to imitate Sakuragi's voice but failing miserably so. "Well-?" but Sendoh wasn't able to add further sentences because Rukawa stood up from his bed- and with a pillow on his hand, pressed Sendoh's face with it. The Ryonan Ace almost wailed helplessly as the rookie playfully tried to make him shut up. He tried prying away the pillow as he chuckled mercilessly under the rookie's revenge. Rukawa found his lips tugging a bit upward but frowned again when he pulled the pillow away. Sendoh abruptly hoisted himself up and grinned. "You are going to kill me alright, sunshine." And he chuckled.
"Just shut up will you, and let me sleep." Rukawa stated, pouting a bit. Sendoh simply grinned back and crossed his arms on top of his chest. "Haha, okay, alright, alright…" Rukawa went back to his bed and plopped down. Sendoh closed his lampshade as well and this time, seriously went to bed. And as Sendoh tried to finally closed his eyes- he was made to pause as that soft yet soothing, and quiet voice of the other guy made its way to his very own ears. He found himself smiling as he sleeps- and yes, something else.
"Goodnight Sendoh…" He felt his cheeks flushed and his chest thumped as he hid under his own sheets. 'Baka Rukawa Kaede, you're a big baka alright.'
TBC
A/N: Finally after 101 years… hahahah! Well, I'm not yet again sure when the next update is but rest assured that this will be updated. Thank you very much. I need to sleep now, I am literally not feeling well… *ugh, feverish* RnR if you guys have time! Phew… 18 pages… . Acckkk… *drops dead*