Warning/s: Not Mine. SenRu. Typos. Grammars. No Beta-Reader.
CHAPTER 20- When in Osaka
They say a kiss is just a kiss until you find the one you love, and a hug is just a hug until you find the one you're always thinking of, and that the best kind of kiss is the unexpected, unplanned—ones that comes naturally and sometimes they are those you have to stop, because you cant help but smile. Rukawa blinked back his eyes as he found himself halting to a sudden stop, his stare fixated on that elevator door that remained opened. He was rather… thinking a lot of things. He was taken aback though when he felt his hand being squeezed—his eyes suddenly darting to his right only to meet his darker ones. Rukawa blinked and slowly looked at his right hand to see it being held by no other than the person whom he had just share a moment with; a moment which he will probably kept for the longest time.
"Is something wrong?" Sendoh asks softly, his voice low but dripping with concern and… love. Rukawa looked at the taller guy and then right back at the elevator behind them. He partly opened his lips in attempt to say something—more like, to ask something. "I…well, I was wondering…" He paused. Sendoh waited, a smile on his lips, as if urging the younger lad to continue. Rukawa heaved a small sigh, then his eyes partly focused. "I mean… was it open already when we were…" He felt his ear heat up, then he gulped. Thing is, after that heated moment inside—that seemingly intense lip locking they had, Rukawa lost track of the time and his surroundings. He was just merely surprised when they hop off the elevator and saw it to be widely opened already.
Sendoh knew what Rukawa was asking about, he heaved a small sigh and smiled. "Yeah it was." He saw Rukawa's eyes widened. Sendoh shook his head. "But don't worry, nobody… walked by so." He shrugged. Rukawa seemed not convinced as his eyes signalled the words I don't believe you clearly and Sendoh knows more than to piss of their probably 45-minutes old 'relationship'. And so he held the younger guy's hand close to him and grip it tighter. "I swear… no one was around." Rukawa, for some reason found himself believing Sendoh's words as he wordlessly nodded and almost tugged his lips upward. Sendoh held his gaze for a few sec more and the taller guy found himself staring yet again at the latter's lips and Sendoh almost had that urge to… he turned around before he could do another one with Rukawa and actually wanted to bang his head on the nearest wall. Rukawa kind of saw that and was a bit confused though but he kept his silence at bay and the two decided to walk to where the party was, only to stop yet again…
Sendoh looked at his younger companion and smiled. Thing is, he is somewhat sensing the uneasiness of Rukawa. He probably doesn't know if they should go in the room hand in hand or pretend as if nothing's happened and… well, probably hide their togetherness for a while. But Sendoh—he sees nothing wrong with it if they saw them together. He, in fact, is somewhat feeling excited and quite proud if the others would know of it but Rukawa's blank expression tells him otherwise. He sighed to himself and gently let go of Rukawa's hand—this alerted the raven-haired guy.
"I know what you're thinking…" Sendoh stated calmly. Rukawa opened his lips to mutter something and closed them again. Sendoh smiled. "Its okay, Kaede… I don't want to rush things with you—with us." Rukawa looked up and slowly cast his stare somewhere else. "Its not that…" A pause. "Its just that…I wouldn't know how to explain it to them." He sighed again. "I'm sorry… I don't know as well what to say." He trailed off softly. Sendoh blinked back and smiled faintly. For the nth time, he wasn't able to help it as he draw near the younger guy to himself, wrapping a hand around his head, and to Rukawa's surprise, bending a bit down to lightly kiss the rookie's forehead. Rukawa gasps as he found his eyes widening a bit. Sendoh smiled while his lips remained planted atop the latter's forehead. Rukawa felt warmth… as he unconsciously lifted both of his hands up to clutch the Ryonan Ace's arm on both sides. The thing is, he honestly thought that Sendoh was dead sweet and that his chest would burst out if he keeps that way. "Falling in love with you was never my plan you know… I just woke up one day feeling like this." Sendoh muttered in his low voice. Rukawa felt his face flushed but tried to act as if everything's okay. Thing is, Sendoh is romantic. And he didn't actually expected this side of him, he knew the older guy may have the potential to be sweet—but not this sweet!
Rukawa nod his head and almost smiled. "Yeah right." He muttered instead. He heard Sendoh chuckled. "You don't believe me, don't you?" Rukawa almost rolled his eyes. "Its not that…" He muttered back softly. They stayed that way for a few more sec—wrapped in each other's arms, standing, nuzzling each other, more like Sendoh's actually the one doing the act. After a few minutes of what seemed like an eternity, Rukawa pulled away slowly and looked up.
"I just remembered something."
Sendoh tilted his head. "Hm? What about?" Rukawa twitched his lips. "Fujima-san told us about—the presentation?" Sendoh blinked his eyes. Oh. The taller guy shrugged and smiled his usual. "Mou, almost forgot about that. Is that serious?" Rukawa shrugged. "I don't know. But, I don't want it. I mean… I'm not really interested." Sendoh nodded. Well, thing is, he, too, seemed sceptic about it—its not like they're both trying to ruin the fun by being killjoys but, its too spontaneous that neither of them has the slightest clue as to what to do. Plus the fact that they just got together! If there's anything that Sendoh wants, its to be in their room, with Kaede and to probably just spent the night away… talking. Sendoh felt the need to be indignant at his last thought. Yes, there's probably no other way better than to spend the last night talking with the person you love. At least talking creates memories and even moments.
Sendoh scratched his cheek and pretended to think. "Well, if you're not at it, then me too, probably." Rukawa simply shrugged and said nothing. "Sendoh, lets go there now, shall we?" He said flatly and started walking—only to stop when he noticed the taller guy unmoving. Rukawa looked up and was taken aback when the older guy suddenly cupped his face and planted a chaste kiss! Rukawa felt flushed as he somewhat tried to push away but Sendoh did it just in time he pulled away as well. Sendoh chuckled softly and half-glared at the shaken rookie.
"You don't just call me, Sendoh. I'm Akira." And he grinned. Rukawa, still a bit blushing with the sudden act, tried as well to muster a glare but wasn't able to do so. He merely frowned a bit in indignation and snorted softly as the other guy could only chuckle back. "Well you don't need to do that…" Rukawa muttered. "Do what?" Sendoh chided. Rukawa gave him the stare before rolling his eyes off. He was actually referring to the kiss. Sendoh is instilling the fact that the next time he mistakenly calls him by his surname, he'll probably get kissed by Akira anytime, anywhere—and somehow, Kaede felt a bit embarrassed at that. "I'll try to remember now, doaho." And Sendoh simply chuckled. "You looked cute, Kaede." Rukawa simply waved him off as he felt his ear flushed. "Stop it, I know that already."
Rukawa entered first with Sendoh trailing behind and the moment they came in, everyone literally stared at them, followed by a few calls and jeers. Sendoh greeted them with his usual grin and waved them off eventually. Rukawa kept his passive look on, stared for a bit, nodded and walked on by to where Shohoku's table was. He immediately found a spot near Kogure. The bespectacled boy greeted him and Rukawa simply nodded. Sendoh was instantly surrounded by his teammates and a few Shoyo guys, they were talking and laughing and asking him now on his current presentation. Rukawa sat quietly from his seat and watched his older… lover. Rukawa felt his chest raced as his mind stepped upon the word: Lover. This seems to be it already, he and Sendoh. Them. They. Together. They're neither friends nor roommates. They're… lovers now. Is it right? Is he right to think of that way? He slightly fidgeted on his seat and sighed audibly. Sendoh was understanding enough to not let out a fuss about it when they both came in and he started walking away from the taller guy. He looked to his right and saw Miyagi talking with Ayako in a seemingly private conversation, her senpai grinning and chuckling to what Miyagi seems to be saying. Rukawa stared for a while. He knows of his Miyagi senpai's feelings for Ayako and sometimes, even if Ayako doesn't quite admit it to herself, Rukawa somewhat knew that Ayako treats Miyagi among them all in a slightly different way.
"Are you both performing later?" Kogure softly asks him. Rukawa looked to his left and was taken aback but he heard the query and shook his head. "N-No, not really, senpai." He muttered back. Kogure was surprised but he nodded nonetheless. "Oh. But I thought…" He trailed off, then smiled. It was typical of Rukawa not to join in the fun. The freshman has been that aloof ever since. Kogure is just happy that Rukawa decided to go to Shohoku High instead and the basketball club. The senior knew that he is probably their team's Ace and that his calibre is not to be reckon with. Rukawa found himself returning back the question. "How about you, senpai?" Kogure gape and chuckled. "Oh me? Perform? Haha, of course its not happening as well." Rukawa simply blinked back and nodded. Well, that's probably the best he can do for conversations. He can almost roll his eyes to himself.
Eventually, the room got filled with all of them and while some are playing pool at one corner, some are already starting to go to the buffet table to eat. Ayako caught a glimpse of Rukawa who was simply sitting while looking at his phone. She excused herself from Miyagi and the shorter player stood up as well to be with Mitsui who seems to be the king of the pool table as he play with other players. Sakuragi was obviously there to show off probably his 'pool' skills and goad at Kiyota. Ayako approached his kohai and sat down beside him.
"Ru-ka-wa-kun." She winked. Rukawa looked at his side and nodded. "Senpai." Ayako grinned. "Are you not going to eat yet?" Rukawa shrugged. "Is it time?" Ayako nodded. "Well yeah, apparently some started eating already." Rukawa looked around and saw a few players queuing up to the line, but thing is, he isnt really feeling all too hungry yet, albeit he saw the food to be sumptuous.
"So, what are you and Sendoh going to do later?" She grinned. "Dance? Sing? Act?" She laughed.
Rukawa almost rolled his eyes. "I'm not doing anything senpai." He muttered back. Ayako blinked back and followed up. "Oh. And Sendoh?" Rukawa looked up and gape a bit. "I… I don't know about him." He felt his chest pounded on his ribcage and he doesn't know why it he does feel a bit edgy every time someone gets to mention the Ryonan Ace's name. Ayako chuckled a bit and playfully whack the guy's arm. "Aw, too bad, and I've always wanted to see you do something else aside from sleeping and playing basketball." She winked. Rukawa simply snorted and shrugged. Ayako simply chuckled and bid her excuse for a sec. "Haha, I hope you change your mind then, see you later!" Rukawa simply nodded and watched as the manageress strut her way off to the boys playing pool.
Koshino rolled his eyes as he kept his stare from their would-be Captain to the other table not afar from them. From around him, Uekusa, and Ikegami were already eating busily. Koshino sighed audibly and crossed his arms gaining him attention from the two eating players and once certain spiky to his left. "Ugh, Akira, I am so disgusted with the way you look now. You should see yourself in the mirror." He muttered, popping a vein. Uekusa heard this and asked. "Something wrong, Koshino-san?" Ikegami kept on chewing some dumplings but he ignored the other three. Sendoh blinked back his eyes and snorted at Koshino. "What's the matter with you, Kosh?" He grinned a bit. Koshino went bug-eyed and scratched his temple. "Don't asked me back, you love-struck fool." Sendoh gasps as he was slightly taken aback, he was browsing on his phone while alternately taking a look at the not-so-faraway table in front of them, more like, particularly staring at the back of someone. He felt his lips formed a smile. "I don't get you." Koshino had it and playfully elbowed the taller guy, earning him an oof from Sendoh.
"Tell me, you'd rather sit on Shohoku's table, am I right or am I so right I can't be wrong?" He smirked. Sendoh felt his ears heat up a bit but he smiled nonetheless. "What if I do?" Koshino gape and rolled his eyes. "Ugh, I knew it." A pause, then his eyes went wide. "Did you… I mean, did you already… told him?" Koshino muttered in his slightly toned-down voice. Sendoh momentarily paused on playing Piano Tiles and looked at his shorter teammate. "Yeah. I did already." He smiled. Koshino was surprised—more like, beyond surprised as he found his mouth gaping and suddenly pointing almost accusingly at their Ace. "You-you-you…y-y-yyyouu did NOT!?" He felt himself flushed a bit and wondered—how the heck did Sendoh Akira told the seemingly Ice Prince of Shohoku his goddamn feelings? Koshino pulled Sendoh closer to the surprise of the taller guy that he accidentally pressed on a white tile and was dead on the game.
"K-Koshino?! Damn it, now I'm dead-?!"
"Teme, Akira, how'd it go?! What did he tell you?! Did he punch you? Kick you? Did he threatened you?! Is he going to kill all of us in Ryonan?! Is he going to kill Coach Taoka?!"
Sendoh sweat dropped and went bug-eyed. Sendoh, for some reason, found himself chuckling—his eyes turned cheery and lips forming into that unusual smile of happiness. "What's with the questions?" Koshino snarled and fumed. "Answer me, dammit!" Sendoh cleared his throat and laughed a bit. "First off, you're exaggerating it." He paused—then his eyes softened as he found himself looking at nothing in particular.
"I did tell him about how I feel and…"
"And?!" Koshino muttered back almost hurriedly.
Sendoh's eyes fell right upon his younger lover whom he suddenly saw standing up and walking towards the buffet table to probably eat already. Thing is, he suddenly wanted to stand up too and follow the raven-haired rookie. He felt the need to do so… more like, he felt the need to be with him—like always. He was about to move up when Koshino held him in place, Sendoh was made to look and smirk. "I'm hungry, lets queue up already." He tried to smile. But Koshino isnt buying it. "Tsk, you don't fool me, you just saw him standing up that is why you suddenly felt hungry and wanted to approach him—now, tell me already!" Sendoh sighed exasperatedly. 'Koshino you bastard.'
"Oi, what's with the tell me already, Koshino." Koshino was dumbfounded as both Uozumi and Fukuda started arriving already with plates on their hands. Hikoichi, too, was already behind them and was all smiling. Koshino smirked almost evilly and sat back to crossed his arms. "Well senpai, Sendoh here has something to say."
"What the-?!" Sendoh was stunned as Koshino just plainly stated the one thing he's been trying to sort of keep at bay for the mean time. He half-glared at Koshino who simply grinned back at him. Uozumi blinked his confusion so did Hikoichi. Fukuda remained unfazed-but he was all ears. Thing is, he already has an inkling as to what their Ace probably has something to say. Ikegami wiped his mouth with a piece of cloth and shrugged. "Is this important?"
"Yeah. Very." Koshino goaded and he almost chuckled. Uekusa looked on and Sendoh could not have been redder. He could actually feel his face a bit flushed and his chest racing. He puffed out a sighed and sat back, pocketed both of his hands in his jacket and looked away; partly annoyed at Koshino. "Well, let's hear it." Uozumi said as he placed down his plates and started digging in his food. Sendoh gape at the bigger player then to Fukuda who simply looked back at him and smiled. Sendoh almost rolled his eyes and shook his head.
"L-look, I got nothing to say, Koshino here is drunk already." He tried for a hollow chuckle. Their table chuckled a bit and Koshino snarled. "Teme, Spiky." Sendoh laughed a bit. "Hanging out with Sakuragi-kun, huh?" The other boys laughed as well.
"You're telling us, or I'm telling 'em?" Koshino threatened. Sendoh gape for the nth time and gave the shorter guy the look, then stared back at his teammates. "Look, I really got nothing." He explained but his lips couldn't help but form a smile instantly. He paused before coming up with a lame excuse. "Oh look, what I got is this. On the first day of our practice in the Winter Tournaments, I want everyone present and do the basic drills in doubles—triples for you though, Koshino." Sendoh smirked and the Ryonan boys all groaned but laughed.
"Does that include me?" Uozumi asked daringly. He smirked at his predecessor. Sendoh simply chuckled back and shrugged. "You could join if you want to, Cap."
"Uwaah! Unbelievable, I cant believe that we are going to train early! This is so exciting! I'll do my best, Sendoh-senpai!" Hikoichi broadcasted. Sendoh nodded at the only freshman among them. "Right, and oh, I already selected a few applicants Hikoichi, I'll give my top five later." Sendoh winked at the younger kid and Hikoichi grinned back, too happy to have gotten their Ace's trust and confidence of his skills. "Ossu, senpai!"
"Hey, arent you gonna eat yet?" Ikegami suddenly butted in. Sendoh saw this as an opportunity and his eyes instantly lit up. "Actually I am already hungry so…" He started pushing his chair backwards, stood up and went away. Koshino clacked his tongue and eyed his senpai. "You made him stand up, Ikegami-senpai." Ikegami blinked back his confusion. "Eh? He's hungry." Koshino rolled his eyes and proceeded to eat.
"Nyahahaha! Its my turn now, Mitcchy!" Sakuragi goaded as he racked up the fifteen balls onto the pool table, placing the 8th ball in the middle. He almost smirked menacingly as Mitsui, Ryota, Hanagata, and Maki simply looked on with slight amusement and annoyance—well, for Mitsui. The three-pointer scratched his head and clacked his tongue. "Hurry, nyarou!" Sakuragi grinned and soon after, he found himself position on one side of the table—eyes gleaming with that known determination to get at least a ball in one pocket. Miyagi simply waited, a smile on his lips. "You can do it Hanamichi!" Hanagata threw in a stare and adjusted his glasses. "You seem to be supportive of him." Miyagi went bug-eyed and looked up to his side. "Eh? Well, he's my teammate Hanagata-san, it's not like I can't be supportive." Hanagata simply smirked back and said nothing.
Sakuragi focused, gritted his teeth and voila! He pushed his stick with one go, sending the balls atop rolling and miraculously sending two balls in pockets. Miyagi's eyes lit up and cheered. "Yosh! Haha! Great going, Hanamichi!" The redhead laughed boisterously and goaded at Maki and Mitsui who were 'teammates'. Maki simply chuckled amusedly awhile Mitsui sported his usual scowl. "Goddammit, start pocketing those balls now!"
"Relax Mitcchy… I'll pocket 'em up one by one." A grin. Then he laughed. For some reason, the others found themselves simply rolling his eyes. Sakuragi positioned one more, pushing and pulling on his stick as is readying himself to hit a specific ball when his eyes caught glimpse of Sendoh who walked by them. He instantly stood up, dropped his stick, hop off to follow the Ryonan Ace surprising his playmates and sending Mitsui in frenzy. "The fuck, Sakuragi! We're kicking you off you bastard!" He snarled then looked at the quiet and watching Hanagata on one side. "Oi you, tall guy with glasses, take sides with Miyagi!" Hanagata frowned a bit as he raised a brow. Mitsui shuddered and sweatdrop. Hanagata snorted. "Tall guy with glasses?" He smirked and picked up the stick that Sakuragi suddenly left.
"Its Hanagata. Hanagata Toru for you, player from Shohoku." Then he smiled a bit lopsidedly. Mitsui can only sigh exasperatedly. For some reason, it was only Hasegawa whom he apparently seem to know in team Shoyo.
"Oi, Hanamichi! Where are you?!" Ryota hollered. Maki's eyes widened a bit as he could only sigh exasperatedly and shook his head. 'Truly, this kid is unpredictable.' He sighed.
"Oi spiky!" Sakuragi hollered as he caught up with only a few steps. Sendoh stopped—he was almost there at the buffet table, and already saw his current beau when someone just had to call him. He looked back to see Sakuragi grinning. "Sakuragi-kun?" The redhead chuckled and playfully placed a casual arm around the Ryonan Ace. "Where are you going?" He sneered. Sendoh rolled his eyes and smiled his usual. He pointed at the buffet table. "There. I'm going there to eat." He paused. "Have you eaten already?" Sakuragi frowned. "Nope." Sendoh cocked his head lightly as if inviting the redhead and invited him. "C'mon, lets eat then!"
Sakuragi's eyes beamed up a bit and found himself following the older guy. They queued up at the last line with some players from Shoyo and Kaina before them. Sendoh got one plate, handed it to the redhead to the latter's surprise but nodded his thanks anyway. Soon after, they started picking in and digging some food. "So, uh, you and the kitsune won. Ch, it was an easy game anyway." Sakuragi sneered and cackled evilly. Sendoh knew better as he simply nod his head off, very much aware of Sakuragi's childishness. "Yeah, it was quite… easy, I think." Sendoh chuckled and shrugged. "You could have beaten them too, Sakuragi-kun." Sendoh said well naturedly. Sakuragi seemed happy at the fact that he was praised as he kept his goofy face on. "Really? You think so too, Spiky? Hahah! Nyahaha! I knew it well, of course. I mean, had we been partners we could have easily wiped them off!" He laughed and Sendoh could only sweat drop. But yeah, Sendoh somehow wondered, what if—just if it was Sakuragi he was partnered with? Maybe its also a chance to know the limits of the redhead on court. He shrugged and started selecting random food on his plate. Sendoh paused as he stared up on the most front part of the line. He almost wanted to skip on the line and walked over at the front just to be with him. Sendoh was about to do that when Sakuragi's question literally made him dropped the fork he has been holding—alarmed as his eyes widened a bit, but you could say that he did try to keep his composure at bay.
"Oi spiky… do you like the kitsune?"
Sendoh paused from getting sushi and stared right back at Sakuragi's brown eyes—the latter obviously showing no signs of pulling his leg. For the first time, Sendoh actually thought Sakuragi is the type that asks direct questions and the type not to dillydally especially when he means it and means it well. Sendoh barely had time to think further as to how he would answer the query—he momentarily looked away and decided to pick a random sushi to put on his plate, his face a bit blank, but his eyes were… warm. After all, Sendoh knew best and… while Sakuragi and Rukawa may not be the best of friends, Sendoh knew that Rukawa actually regards the redhead as someone with potential in terms of playing on court and that he knew as well that his younger beau might actually consider Sakuragi his equal rival as well.
Sendoh walked a step further- a casual smile his lips. "How do you mean?" He muttered back a bit lowly. Thing is, Sakuragi seemed to have asked him as well in his low tone. Sakuragi chuckled simply as he got himself probably three-four sushi. "Hehe, you know how I mean." Sakuragi looked at Sendoh who looked back at him. They seemed to have stared right back at each other for a few good minutes.
Sendoh simply smiled and cast his eyes a bit lower and partly opened his lips to say something. "Sakuragi-kun, I don't…" But somehow, Sakuragi seemed to have beaten him to it—the redhead's eyes turned a bit steelier but they weren't judgemental and that seemingly smile he has on his face that seems to speak of understanding. He returned back to his goofy self and placed a hand on his hip and almost strike that pose he's quite known of.
"Nyahaha! Well, people don't always tell me what I need to hear." He cackled some more.
Sendoh was baffled a bit as he found himself blinking back his eyes. But he smiled, quite grateful at Sakuragi. The redhead simply skipped past Sendoh and got a piece of chicken from the next stop and was about to walk away when he turned back for the last time. He smiled, tone a bit serious, eyes ablaze but they weren't of anger.
The redhead knew something's up and its not just something. He can tell, he's not dumb to these kind of things. Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like. And to Sakuragi, people may not always tell you about how they feel about you, but they will always show you. Just like Sendoh. Sakuragi may probably saw a few things the older guy does to the kitsune—may it be a passing of a plate, towel, a glass of juice, the kind gestures, his casual smile that seemed not too casual when it comes to the quiet fox, the fascinating way he stares at him as if Sendoh only has eyes for that passive teammate of his, the way he talks with them but mildly a bit different when it comes to Rukawa… body language it is as they say—and ironic because the kitsune may not act in a way as to how Sendoh does but he somewhat saw these as well with Rukawa himself.
Sakuragi, for some reason simply closed his eyes and smirked almost cunningly—but not one of which is a boast. He simply smiled because he proved himself right. And its true when they say that the most important thing in communication is hearing sometimes what isn't being said—its like if you talk to a man in a language he understands, it goes to his head, but if you talk to him in his language—it goes to his heart. And Sakuragi just did that—he listened to the unsaid words, observed quietly and read the unspoken words between the lines, and in that moment, Sakuragi knew that that kind of listening maybe art itself—just like how love is a taught to be as a powerful emotion.
"Oi Sendoh, you are nice, intelligent… and funny. But in as much as I don't want to admit it, the kitsune is my teammate." The redhead stated in his serious and low tone.
He snorted but kept that cunning smirk vivid on his face. "I'm a nice guy too… unless you get on my bad side." He grinned. Sendoh was baffled—he partly gasps at that but he can only smiled back and nod. Thing is, he understood what Sakuragi meant and for that he was grateful. "I know Sakuragi-kun." He uttered back calmly. Sakuragi simply shrugged and snorted, then started cackling away—back to his old self as if nothing happened, but to Sendoh, his words translated into that- the most important person in your life is the person who agreed to share their life with you. And that he should treat him as such.
Rukawa went back to his seat beside Kogure and started digging on his food. Ayako, Haruko, Akagi was on one side of the table as the three happily chat away. Kogure was sitting beside him and was occasionally talking with him about random things. Rukawa simply nod his head off sometimes, and look across whenever Ayako would joke or tell them about random things and they would all laugh—except for him, he would simply settle for a twitch in his lips and nothing else. He momentarily cast a gaze back at the buffet table and saw Sendoh still in line now with Maki, Miyagi, Mitsui, and Hanagata. Thing is, if he were that type of person, Rukawa would have called his lover to come at their table but… of course, that isnt the case. He turned back to eating his own food and he saw how quite finicky he has been since he only gathered up a few of each kind.
Suddenly, Sakuragi came into view and instantly sat beside Ayako, just because Akagi gave him the glare and that because the gorilla is sitting beside his sister. He saw Sakuragi grit his teeth in annoyance and turned to Ayako who gave him that I know what you're thinking look. Soon after, their tables have been filled with Miyagi and Mitsui coming along—the two players obviously had two plates in each hand. Miyagi sat happily beside Hanamichi and Mitsui beside Kogure and Shohoku team was once again bonded. Rukawa was busily eating and forking a piece of his ham while looking at nothing in particular when Mitsui handed him a small plate with a slice of tiramisu cake. He was surprised at that and shot a query look at their three-pointer who was busily munching on his dumplings. The three-pointer simply shrugged but his smirk was evident of something else.
"Sendoh ask me to give that to you." Mitsui smirked. "He says its your favourite."
Their table seemed to have stopped in silence and poor Rukawa-kun can honestly feel the tremendous heating up of his ears as he felt his heart raced against his chest. He felt his hands getting clammy as he clutched the tablecloth beneath. His eyes were a bit wide and unblinking and he could feel his throat gulping once a while. The heck!
Akagi blinked back and was… well, surprised at that but he waited for anyone to speak up first. Thing is, he suddenly remembered something about Uozumi said awhile back. He gasps at the thought of it. What if you're Ace has a boyfriend? Akagi felt his brows furrowed and cast his gaze to where Ryonan's table was and saw the guys staring back at their very own table—except for Sendoh who was busily eating his own food, more like, probably pretending to eat his own food. He saw Uozumi smirked and the others as well. Truth is, Akagi was flabbergasted. He felt his hand form a fist but for some reason, he found his lips to be smiling as he closed his eyes.
'That Spiky-haired bastard… I can't believe he…' He chuckled to himself but Akagi knew deep inside that while its partly none of his business as well, for some reason—he was okay and happy with it. Maybe, just maybe, his stoic and indifferent rookie might learn a thing or two and that it could help in the development of his rapport to the team.
Ayako knew and the only reaction she could come up with is that she felt her hand cover his mouth instantly but her eyes were cheery. She was rather feeling giggly and all but kept it at bay. She tried to look at her side to see Haruko simply staring but was smiling as well. Well, it's somewhat probably true when they say that a simple hello can lead to a million things. Sakuragi, decided to be that noise as he snorted and playfully pounded on the table, sending him stares from his teammates.
"Nyahaha! You still got your nanny with you, kitsune!" He smirked. "Arent you gonna go over there and say thank you?" Sakuragi cooed but with meaning. Everyone seem to chuckled as Rukawa remained glued on his spot, his cheeks with a tinge of pink but his brows were furrowed. Thing is, he suddenly want to stand up, walk over to Ryonan's table and probably sock Sendoh's face up. He is not mad at him, just that, he suddenly felt embarrassed and… well, another thing is that—he saw it in his teammates eyes. Rukawa felt his chest race. 'Doaho Akira… I think my team already knows.'
"Say thank you, Nanny Spiky…" Sakuragi goaded. Mitsui wiped off the tears in his eyes as Miyagi laughed as well, Akagi too seemed to be chuckling a bit as well as the others.
Rukawa seemed to be awakened by that as he found his eyes darting at the redhead who was smirking back at him across, but his eyes telling him something he probably knew of. Rukawa frowned and fumed instantly and snorted. "Doaho. Korossu…" He muttered back and in that instant, he stood up abruptly, went over to Sakuragi's side and ruckus on Shohoku's table ensued-followed by Akagi who bonked both of twin towers on the head. Mitsui and the others simply laughed off. Kogure eyes his friend Mitsui and muttered. "Well, it's really sweet and nice of Sendoh-kun…" He smiled back. Mitsui blinked back and rolled his eyes knowingly. Thing is, he thinks Kogure is cute but is sometimes way too naïve. He looked back to see the blue-eyed player of Ryonan looking back at him with a grin and an appreciative stare—Mitsui simply grinned back and jokingly put on a thumbs down. "He didn't like it." He mouthed at the Akira who simply chuckled back and shook his head.
"Okay! Hear me!"
Fujima suddenly appeared in front and all eyes are on him—some were already finish eating and proceeded once more on the pool table, the others still enjoying unlimited food and desserts. "Enough with eating back there, Takano, Nagano, Kiyota!" They all laughed as Kiyota was surprised and somewhat fumed for he was embarrassed. He heard the redhead laughed at him though and he could only throw on an expletive.
Fujima stood proud as he has one hand on his waist and his green eyes eyeing everyone almost with vindication. He has that smirk on his face and the true aura of a playing-coach. "Well, since it's our last night in the camp, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one who participated here. Also, thank you to each Captains of all the teams." He grinned and they all hooted and cheered for him as if he were the president of the Kanagawa league. He looked at the paper in his hand and nodded. "Right, so we don't really have a proper programme for tonight—but, of course, this is a rare opportunity for us to be together. I mean, obviously we're all supposed to be enemies, right?" He grinned and everyone laughed at his snide remark. Maki simply rolled his eyes and chuckled.
"Anyway, certificates of participation are to be given—you could claim yours over there where Ayako-san and Haruko-san are, kindly sign and received them of course." He paused. "Of course, those who have name corrections, you will have to return them to me." He grinned.
"Then we have a small awarding or some sort." He twitched his lips. "Well, we came up with a few other lame awards to make this more meaningful." He grinned and everyone laughed. By this time Maki stood up and was clutching on a few small paper bags. "Lame awards are those that are nothing really…" He grinned and everyone laughed again. Sakuragi simply cackled and hollered. "I'll have all the awards!"
"Akagi-san, Uozumi-san, Me and Shin were the ones who apparently came up with this titles and were actually the ones also who simply acted as judges so don't you dare come up to complain. You got no choice." The players cheered and chuckled, too amused at this side of Fujima. "This is meant to be for fun. No cussing." He grinned further and chuckled at his own words. The people laughed as well. He cleared his throat further and clack his tongue. "Well, let us start now shall we—oh by the way, booze is on the that side, as you can see its for free so, we better start knocking those bottles down now." And as if on cue, several players started standing up as music started playing randomly at the background and soon enough, everyone has booze on their hand.
Mitsui sure knows how to get the right drink as he expertly chided some of the guys to drink brandy. Akagi gave him the stare to which he simply laughed off. Some players decided to go to the certificates table to get it over and done with, amongst which is Rukawa, who did not waste any time since the crowd will be gathering soon enough on the certificates table.
The Ryonan boys started passing beer and bottles and Sendoh was surprised as a bottle of vodka and a glass of juice was passed onto him. It was Mitsui and the three-pointer has that grin on his face. "What the-?!" Sendoh started but was smiling a bit. The three-pointer simply laughed and held his bottle up and winked. "Don't worry, don't cry, drink vodka and fly!" He laughed to Sendoh's astonishment.
The Ryonan Ace simply licked his lower lip and chuckled as he rubbed an eye and clashed bottles with Mitsui. "I don't wanna fly tonight, Mitsui-san." He grinned and drank his first gulp. Mitsui simply smiled back and sneered. "Hahah, think of this as a happy water for fun people! Cheers man—and oh, congratulations!" Mitsui nudged knowingly. Sendoh was stupefied as he simply laughed lowly and nod his head off. "Y-yeah, I guess. Thanks by the way a while back for the… cake thing?"
Mitsui simply laughed his head off and shrugged. "Hahaha—I have to admit that you surprised me back there, I mean, I was thinking of the worst—what if he got pissed off me and splat the cake onto my face or something? I would have to punch him Sendoh, even if he's the love of your life! Hahaha! But hey, I gotta hand it to you. You're pretty serious about him, don't you?" Sendoh chuckled and simply drank again from his bottle—savouring that fairly and smooth neutral alcohol on his palate.
Thing is, he was rather starting already to gather all the wits he could get lest the others start questioning him and Rukawa. It's like a one drink away to telling them everything what he thinks. Sendoh almost smirked, but of course, he's still sober and thing is, he may not looked like it, but he could actually hold his alcohol well. It is as they say that people don't get drunk, they just get awesome.
"Yeah, I am." He answered straight and short. Mitsui simply blinked back and grinned. "Damn. You're like Plato¸ you know him?" A grin. Sendoh looked a bit confused but he nodded. Of course he knows Plato!
"Yeah I know him, he's a philosopher and a mathematician." A pause-then he joked. "We're neighbours and actually drinking buddies." Mitsui laughed at this. "Hahahaha! You retard." Sendoh grinned then continued. "Like why?" He chuckled a bit, eyes in query. Mitsui simply looked up and smiled. "Well, that bastard once said that love is like a serious mental disease. Hahahah! I think you're seriously ill, Spiky."
Sendoh simply chuckled along as he heard Mitsui cussed about Plato then stared at his own bottle, then raising it again on his lips to further sip—then he nodded and looked at Mitsui. "Well, I thought he was magical and serious and he stole my heart away." A smile. Sendoh said that in one go and with utmost vindication too. Mitsui was gaping a bit but he grinned and chuckled nonetheless. "Hahaha, sorry I have a bad habit of laughing at serious moments." Sendoh simply smiled back and shrugged. "No problem."
They touched bottles for the last time and Mitsui waved off his goodbye for the mean time. "Later, lover boy and congratulations again for winning the matchups and…our Ice Prince perhaps?" Sendoh was dumbfounded and almost coughed. Mitsui winked and laughed and strutted away from Sendoh to eventually join another group on the pool table. Sendoh simply snorted and stared at his bottle. Of all drinks—it had to be vodka. He knows vodka and likes it as well, but he thought that he'd just settle himself for some beer that night. He smiled nonetheless. 'Looks like it's going to be a long night.'
Sendoh smirked as he saw some players getting at it already on the pool table, betting yet again and laughing boisterously; some proceeded to try the karaoke and started singing their hearts out earning a few laughter from some people. It was mainly Takano from Shoyo who held the mic and started singing some American song while his team cheered him on. Sendoh found himself smiling and laughing a bit too. He wandered his eyes some more and saw some of his team on the pool table and some on the table randomly playing a deck of cards. Over all, it was the kind of party alright.
Sendoh stood up from his seat and smiled when he saw him, his beau standing randomly on one corner, eyes on a certain paper he seemed to be reading. Well, of course he'd approach him.
'Kaede, why it is…why is that… I missed you already?'
Rukawa sighed as he read everything that is written on that piece of paper, he was ready to keep his certificate by going up for a while in their room since majority of the people started drinking and singing and partying the night away already. He was on the verge of turning his heels back when he stopped dead on his tracks. There he was… him… Sendoh Akira. The taller guy walked calmly as he approached the younger lad, a smile on his face. Rukawa remained his passive face on, quite remembering the incident about the cake a while back.
"Hey Kaede…" Sendoh started off, a smile on his lips, his eyes warm soft, filled with that emotion. Rukawa simply nodded and twitched his lips. "Hi…" He simply muttered back. Sendoh stopped when he was about an arm's length away, they were on one corner, unmindful of the others. Rukawa slightly fidgeted and is once again loss for words. "So, did you get your certificate already?" Rukawa asked. Sendoh simply shrugged and smiled. "Nah. Maybe later. Is that yours?" Rukawa nodded. "Can I see it?" Rukawa simply twitched his lips and handed his certificate to the latter. Sendoh got it with the other hand and read on a bit then he smiled.
"Its good. At least we get to have this."
"Yeah." Rukawa simply muttered back softly as the paper was handled back to him. Rukawa took note of the fact that Sendoh was drinking but of course, its not that he doesn't approved of it, who is he to nag anyway? He sighed inaudibly and shrugged—somewhat feeling a bit shy at the fact that they're face to face. "Uh, so… I gotta keep this I guess." Sendoh's brows raised, surprised at Rukawa's reaction. "I'll accompany you." He smiled. Rukawa's eyes widened a bit and shook his head slowly. "N-no, it's okay… you could stay here and… join them." Sendoh rolled his eyes and stepped forward to Rukawa's surprise as the older boy reached for his arm—to his hand. He smiled and Rukawa thought his ears heat up. "Hey, did you eat the cake?" He grinned.
Rukawa partly gape as he tried to muster a glare. "Y-yeah. But…" Sendoh waited for the next words. Rukawa hardened his gaze and almost frowned. "You didn't have to do that."
"Do what?" Sendoh asks back as he sip on his bottle, aware that he has been drinking a forty percent proof alcohol. Rukawa almost rolled his eyes. "Ask someone to give me something…" he felt his face heat up but kept his stoic look on. Sendoh saw this and chuckled amusedly. "Sorry… I mean, I just can't help it. I honestly want to sit with you guys but, I know how you're feeling about this and I just don't want to impose on you that much, I guess." He stated calmly. Rukawa felt his chest skip a beat and he could only listen there basking in the kind and warm words Sendoh Akira would shower upon him. It's actually all too much.
"Besides, its tiramisu…" Sendoh said, eyes full of vivid emotions and smiling his usual. "Hey do you remember when we went out for dinner? We had tiramisu then?" He smiled and well, how could Rukawa forgot something about that? It was a night he thought he'd remember for the longest time. He almost tugged his lips upward. "Yeah, I do remember that… but…" Rukawa looked up and shrugged. "That cake was better tasting than the ones we had here." He chuckled softly. Sendoh laughed too as he found himself squeezing his younger beaus hand.
"But of course, that's authentic Italian cuisine—they probably used some kind of a special flour or baking powder or something." He grinned. Rukawa simply rolled his eyes, surprised that they both gunned down the cake they had. Well, the cake wasn't that bad but the ones they had in Osteria Gaudente was so much better. Rukawa actually dig it.
They stayed that way for a few more, talking about the most mundane and the whatnots until Rukawa paused for a bit and muttered in his soft voice. "Hey Akira…" He felt his chest thump, the thing is, he felt the quivering of his lips when he first mentioned the name of the guy he has fallen for and that he suddenly felt his cheeks heat up. The thing is, he actually wanted to say that he thinks his team knows of them already and that he just want to probably ask Sendoh on his two cents about it.
Sendoh's eyes widened a bit—he partly gape and felt himself gulped involuntarily. The thing is, he suddenly remembered what Mitsui said that vodka can make him fly? Well, probably that is true because he felt like flying right straight into Rukawa if he don't get a hold of himself. When the latter called out his name for the first time, Sendoh knew that he probably fell in love again. It's true when they say that there are a lot of people who call you by your name, but there is only one person who can make it so damn special.
"I love it when you say my name." Rukawa's eyes widened as he was taken aback because, thing is, he noticed that Sendoh was standing a bit closer than before and he knew better—he partly took a few steps backward and looked the other way. But Sendoh took another step closer, this time Rukawa panicked—what the heck? They're actually in a room with the other players and although the lights were dimmed and the music was blaring so damn loud that it'll knock your earwax's off, and that the loud noises are deafening—the fact remains that they are in a room with other players. "My heart explodes when you say my name…" Sendoh muttered in his low voice, eyes staring at Rukawa's confused and widened ones. 'Is this doaho drunk already..?' He took note of the Stolichnaya bottle on the taller guy's hand and almost thought of the worse.
"H-hey, stop it… are you d-drunk? You reek of Vodka, aho." Rukawa almost hissed as he found himself placing a hand on top of Sendoh's chest to slightly push him away since he feels that he is somewhat being cornered and it actually felt a bit panicky in his part.
"Amo i miei occhi quando si guarda in loro…"
Rukawa went bug-eyed and sweat drop. What the-?! "Oi, what are you saying, doaho? Move back…" He now placed both of his hands but Sendoh moved a step further.
"Amo il mio nome quando si dice…"
Rukawa clacked his tongue and is closed to being annoyed. He thinks Sendoh Akira has gone nuts and is drunk. "Doaho, stop speaking alien." He grit his teeth and pushed back.
"Amo il mio cuore quando si tocca..."
Rukawa clenched his fist and wasn't able to help it as he delivered a soft punch on Sendoh Akira's side, now this got Sendoh and instantly he slightly bend at it but he kept his grin at bay, surprising Rukawa a bit. "Ooff-h-hey, alright, alright. I'm kidding. I'm okay!" He chuckled. Rukawa gnarled. "Are you drunk already?"
Sendoh laughed a bit. "No, this is only the first bottle, I can't be drunk yet." He grinned. Rukawa half-glared. "What the heck, you were chanting an incantation again." He frowned. Sendoh simply laughed at this and shrugged.
"It's Italian. What incantation? Sorry Kaede, but this Vodka sure is legit… it's made from Soviet Russia but it makes you speak Italian."
Sendoh found himself laughing at his own statement and Rukawa could only roll his eyes and slightly tugged his lips upward. Well, as they say, love is like alcohol, once you've had too much of it, you begin to act stupid.
TBC
A/N: Okay, like Sendoh, I want to be honest with everyone else. This chapter is certainly 'unfinished'—I had hopes and dreams of making it longer than my usual 'long' ones but, I feel like I should upload it as well already. Just the same, I hope you 'enjoyed' reading it in as much as I enjoyed writing it. Hmm, its weird, but I feel like, I like the way how I was able to write Sakuragi-kun's POV here, hahahha! Is it the same as well for you, guys? Or maybe not? Or am I just delusional and an idiot in general? Hahahha! :D Next, do you want someone to get drunk? *evil smile* Or not? Hahahah! Dilemmas! Its for you to think about. Do tell.
Hey guys you know what, I actually started writing this chapter long before work and classes started here in Manila, haha! The thing is, when my regular schedule started kicking in, I was taken aback as well, and workload and stuff poured in like rain so you could say I really got stuck. Ugh. Sorry for the delay.
About My Girl, oh shoot, that one is super long overdue, but don't worry, I have written 12 pages of CH13 already and I am just trying to finish it and trying to make the plot a lot interesting and long as well since its really been awhile with regards to that story so, you could say, I'm putting a lot of effort on My Girl now. Unless of course, if you want me to upload an unfinished CH13 of My Girl which I don't highly recommend. Hahahah! I assure you, I don't think you would like to read something that doesn't have the *right* scenes yet! Lol!
Its back to business from all of us here, (esp me) my work and graduate school studies have officially started and in as much as I want to be around like what I did last year, I don't think I can since I already enrolled the thesis writing program (title proposal/manuscript) —to put it simply, that means death in general. Yep. Updating now will surely take a hard beating. But I don't forget and of course, I will NOT be leaving these two stories undone. That's a promise.
A/N2: I feel like it's a bit less *thrilling* now, since they're already 'together' but, I still got a lot of stuff in-store for these two so, I hope you would still feel interested to stay and read. *winks* Once again, this isn't done yet-i'll probably make a part2 of Ch20 but for the mean time... I don't know if you guys are still around but, I hope you like Ch20… enjoy and much thanks and hugs for everyone!
-JP :D