A/N: okay hi I'm baack!!! Sorry it took a while but finally managed to update. Anyways, enjoy and let me know what you think!
~~~~~~~
Sendoh smiled when he caught sight of a familiar person among the crowd exiting the train station. With his height, face that'll surely stand out from the crowd and that'll dull his surrounding, leaving you no choice but to stare and let your gaze follow his every movement. And Sendoh of course, would not mistake him for someone else in this world.
He waved his right hand when their eyes met, and he saw how the other started walking towards where he is. Rukawa is holding a small paper bag on his right hand, and it seemed to be from a cake shop based on the logo printed on the center of the bag. "Hi." Sendoh beamed at him as they started walking towards the exit of the train station. It's a bit crowded since it's Saturday today. Rukawa let out a small smile on his face as they stop and wait for the light to turn green on the pedestral lane. "Hey."
Sendoh's heart skipped a beat at that smile. "How's your ride?" Sendoh asked as more people gather to wait for the light just like them. They all started to cross the road when it turned green, the two of them standing out with their height. Rukawa stepped on his right a little when he saw someone is rushing towards him, unaware of his surrounding. The man seemed to be engrossed on his phone. "It was fine." Rukawa replied.
"Let me guess, you fell asleep?" Sendoh joked and saw Rukawa's lips twitched as he glare at him. "Ahou." Sendoh laughed as his eyes landed on the paper bag Rukawa is holding. "You know you didn't have to bring anything." Rukawa looked up at him when he heard him spoke. They are currently walking on the pathway by the park, both sides surrounded by trees. His face looks softer by the sunlight that passed through between the gap on the trees. "I just don't wanna come empty handed." He muttered softly and Sendoh smiled fondly at how thoughtful Rukawa is.
The two are currently on their way to the Sendoh residence. It was Sendoh who invited Rukawa to his house today, and meet his big brother.
Akira remembered his conversation with his brother last month.
~~~~~
The two brothers, Akira and Akashi, are currently watching an action movie in their living room. The two are sitting on the sectional sofa that is in front of the tv. Akashi's both long limbs are placed on the coffee table that is placed between the sofa they are sitting on and the tv. Meanwhile, Akira's long legs are crossed while his right elbow is propped on the armrest of the sofa, his palm placed on his cheek while his gaze are trained on the movie they are watching. Can of beverages with an open box of pizza, six slices remaining, are placed on the coffee table. The two were silent, both too engrossed on what they are watching when Sendoh's phone lit up, indicating that a message was received. Using his left hand, he reached for the device placed on the coffee table and can't help up bet let out a smile when he saw the sender.
This look doesn't missed Akashi's eyes as he watched his younger brother type something on his phoe with a soft smile on his face on the corner of his eyes.
Sendoh placed the phone down on the table and reached for his own drink when he heard his brother spoke. "Akira, I've been meaning to ask you something." He turned his head beside him to look at his brother who's gaze is still focused on the movie. "What is it?" He asked and took a sip of his drink. But his brother's next words caused him to almost choke and spit out his drink when he heard it.
"Are you in a relationship right now?"
He hurriedly placed the drink back on the table and reached for a piece of napkin to wipe his mouth. He coughed a little and exhaled deeply before he can properly breath again. He then turned beside him to look at his brother who is looking at him with an amused look etched on his face. "Are you alright?" He asked in corcern, though Sendoh doesn't miss the glint in those blue orbs similar to his. Sendoh sighed deeply before answering. "Yeah. I was just surprised at your question." Akashi raised a brow that caused Sendoh to fidget on his seat. "Oh, am I wrong then?" He then directed his gaze down to the coffee table where Sendoh's phone was placed. Sendoh followed his gaze and he gulped a little when he saw his phone lit up. There was a tension in the air and neither brothers spoke or moved as they stare at the device while the only sound that can be heard at the moment is the noise coming from the movie they were watching which is momentarily forgotten.
But then, the tension that Sendoh felt a while ago was broken when Akashi suddenly laughed that made him snap his head up to look at him. "What's with that face Akira? You look like you're gonna be executed." He says and reached for the can of beer that he was drinking a while ago on the table. "What? Not gonna reply?" He asked as he was done taking a sip and raised a brow at him. Sendoh was still staring at him, confusion and something else visible on his face but he did reach for his phone to read the message he received a moment ago.
Akashi didn't say anything else and turned his attention back to the movie but still aware of Sendoh who is typing on his phone with the same smile he noticed earlier. He's not that really blind to not notice the changes on his brother ever since he came back four days ago. Sendoh was on his way back from Hiroshima where the Nationals was held when he arrived here in Kanagawa. He have heard of his brother and his team winning first place in the Summer tournament and that became their ticket to compete in the Nationals. Sadly he wasn't able to watch any of his games in person because of work, but would search videos of him on the internet to watch it and he can't help but be proud of him. He knew how talented and smart his younger brother is.
And besides, he thinks it's a good distraction for him from the fact that their parents are in the process of finalizing their divorce. Akashi's heart clenched at that thought. He knew how Akira was the most affected one on that unexpected news. But seeing him now, Akashi thinks that Akira is slowly starting to accept it and move on.
And seeing him smiling so tenderly, eyes turning crescent as he stare at his phone, Akashi thinks that maybe he found salvation and happiness in someone.
"What?" Akashi was snapped out of his thoughts when he heard Akira's voice and found him staring at him. "Is something wrong?" He asked and then placed his phone back into the table.
Akashi followed the movement with his eyes before directing his gaze back to his younger brother, and that's when he came into a conclusion.
"Maybe it's finally time to meet that person."
"Nothing. It's just that-" he starts and Sendoh's eyes were on him, waiting for him to finish speaking. "You look happy." He finished his sentence and smiled adoringly at his brother.
Sendoh's eyes slowly widened and his mouth were partly gaping when he heard what his brother said. He was unblinking while he stares at his brother and he felt his ears reddened. After recovering, he put the back of his palm on his mouth and coughed lowly, turning his head to the side. "I-" but before he can even continue, Akashi cut him off.
"I'm not blind Akira. I've noticed it since I came back." Akira turned to look at him. After a few seconds, he rubbed the back of his neck and sighed. "Yeah. I am happy niisan." He admitted and smiled at him.
"Is it because of someone?"
Sendoh knew that he couldn't deny nor lie. "Yeah."
Akashi nods and went back to watching the movie and Akira did the same. He thought that their talk is finally over. His throat felt dry for some unknown reason so he reached for his drink when he heard his brother spoke again. "Will I ever meet this person?" Akira's hand paused and he felt rooted on his spot. For some reason, his heart started racing on his chest and he can feel himself getting anxious.
He knew his brother is an understanding person and no doubt love and care about him. He is also an open minded person and not one to judge. He never chastised Sendoh for his unruly hobbies like being late, lazy, and sometimes in him being irresponsible. But he doesn't know his standing about same sex relationship.
He knew his relationship with Rukawa is odd and maybe unacceptable to some people. Some expect them to adhere to social norms but Sendoh has always been a carefree person. He does what he wants as long as he isn't hurting someone.
So, even though he and his brother are close, he never mentioned his relationship with Rukawa. He doesn't know how he will react about it, and Sendoh thinks he can't take it if his brother will not agree to his relationship with Rukawa. He knew in him that he doesn't give a damn about outsider's opinion about them and only cared about the people he cares about.
When Akashi didn't received any response from Akira, he turned his head to the side and was surprised when he saw the complicated look in his eyes. One side of the can he is holding seemed to be dented because of his tight grip. "Akira?"
Sendoh snapped out of his thoughts when he heard his name. He blinked and turned to look at his brother who is looking at him with a concerned look on his face. "Are you okay?" Sendoh took a sip before nodding his head.
Akashi observed his little brother who is somehow tense based on his body language, and tried to think of a reason as to why. He thinks back of his question before coming into a realization. Somehow he understood why his brother have a complicated look after he said those words.
"Otouto."
Sendoh was made to look at his brother when he heard him addresses in that way. It has been a long time since he called him that, and would just usually call him 'Akira'.
Akashi smile when he saw the confused and surprised look on Akira's face. "Is the person you are in a relationship with is a boy?"
Akira was rendered speechless and he felt himself stiffened when he heard the question he dreaded come out from his brother's mouth. His eyes are wide and he unconcsiously gripped the edge of the sofa they were sitting in. He can't move and he felt his heart beating so fast and was afraid it will jump out of his chest. He gulped as he can't tear his eyes away from his brother's serious eyes. He tried opening his mouth to say something and found himself unable to talk.
Akashi confirmed the answer to his question just by looking at his brother's reaction. He then smiled that caused Akira to blink when he saw it. "Are you afraid that I'll judge you for your sexuality?"
Akira's adams apple bobbed up and down, he tried to open his mouth but failed. He turned his head to the side, his grip on the edge of the sofa tightening. But then, he heard his brother chuckled that caused him to be surprised and was made to look at him. "You silly boy. You know that I'll always support your decisions." And then he felt his hair being ruffled by his brother's hand with a soft smile on his face.
"Nii san." Was all Akira could say. He felt like the knot in his heart have been unravelled.
"If he makes you happy, who am I to judge?"
Akira can't help but leap on his brother and give him a hug. He put his head on his shoulder and closed his eyes. He was thankful to have been given an understanding and supportive brother just like Akashi. And he felt a little guilty for even doubting his standing on this matter. Akashi pat his back a few times before Akira pulled away from the hug. "Thank you Akashi nii san." He said sincerely. "So?" Akashi asked. "Will I ever meet him?"
Akira scratched his head. "Ahh... about that..." Akashi can't helped but be intrigued at his brother's hesitant look. "I do want you to meet him. But I can't promise you he'll agree."
"Oh? Why so?"
"You see..." and he gave his brother a seepish smile. "He's a rather shy and introverted fox."
"Fox?" Akashi's lips quirkep up on the side when he heard that. He was then amused when he saw his little blushed. "I mean..." he scratched the tip of his nose. "He's not really that much of a talker and are shy around strangers."
"I see." Akashi nods and found himself turning his attention back onto the movie in front. "I understand. But I do want to at least learn his name."
"Kaede. Rukawa Kaede."
Akashi did not missed the fondness in his brother's voice when he heard him spoke the name. He turned slightly and saw him sporting a tender smile on his face, his cobalt blues seemed to he shining because of the light coming from the tv in front.
Akashi did not say anything more and just decided to finished watching the movie because he felt like he missed almost a quarter of it because of what happened earlier.
~~~~~~~
It wasn't easy bringing up this topic to Rukawa. He was afraid that the younger one felt that meeting his brother is too soon when they're only dating for four months. Especially when not even their friends and teams knows what's the real score between them yet. They seemed to assume that they are still rivals, although Sendoh can feel the stares given to him by Koshino anf Fukuda sometimes.
And as for Rukawa's side, Sendoh had no idea. He doesn't dare ask because he was afraid of offending Rukawa. But he didn't expect that his boyfriend would agree to meet his brother and Akira couldn't be more happier.
~~~~~~~~
Instead of playing one on one on the small court that the two of them can be frequently seen, they decided to stay on the park. It is sunday and it is more crowded than the usual. Kids can be seen playing and running around on the playground with their parents and care taker on the side looking out for them. There are also some who are sitting under the trees around the park while some decided to walk around leisurely along the pathway surrounded by trees and plants on both side.
The two of them are on a secluded part on the park. They are resting under a cherry blossom tree and a small pond filled with water lilies not far away from them. Sendoh is leaning his back on the trunk of the tree while Rukawa is laying down on the grass, his head placed on Sendoh's lap, sleeping. Akira was stroking his hair with his left hand while his right is holding his phone and mindlessly scrolling through his social media . He momentarily put down his phone to take a look at his sleeping boyfriend and can't help but smile when he saw how peaceful his face looks like, unlike when he is awake. He can't help but smile and open the camera app on his phone to take a photo.
He cringe when the flash went off and this seemed to wake up the younger boy from his peaceful slumber. His brows furrowed and his eyelashes trembled as he struggle to open his eyes. Because he has just woken up, his usual cold and indifferent eyes are a little misty and he seemed to be in a dazed as he stare at Sendoh above him.
Akira's heart trembled because of how cute Rukawa looks when he wakes up from a nap and can't help but pinch his cheek. Rukawa frowned and Sendoh chuckled as he withdrew his hand.
"What time is it?" He asked in a hoarse voice while still laying on Sendoh's lap. Sendoh checked the time on his wrist watch. "It's 3:30 in the afternoon."
"Oh." was all Rukawa said and closed his eyes. "Are you going back to sleep?" Sendoh asked when he saw the other trying to find a comfortable position even though he knew that Rukawa can sleep after five seconds of closing his eyes. Kaede hummed and Sendoh let out a helpless smile as Rukawa reached for one of his hand and started playing with his fingers.
The two were silent for a while, the distant sound of the people can be heard along with the rustling of leaves that dance with the wind. Clusters of light that passed through the gaps of leaves landed on Rukawa's face making his countenance softer. Sendoh stared at him for a while before deciding to bring up the matter that's been bugging him for a while.
"Kaede."
Rukawa opened one of his eyes and saw Sendoh staring down at him with a little hesitation on his eyes. "Why?"
"I have something to talk to you about."
Rukawa stopped playing with Sendoh's hands and opened both of his eyes when he heard the seriousness on his voice which the latter rarely use when talking to him. He felt nervous for inexplicable reasons. He waited for Sendoh to talk but was dumbfounded when his vision suddenly turned dark, Sendoh using one of his palm to cover his eyes. He scowled and asked the older man in a cold voice. "What are you doing?"
"Don't look at me like that." Sendoh told him. "It's making me nervous." Rukawa was silent for a while and his next words caused Sendoh to be surprised that he immediately removed his hand from his face to see Kaede giving him a glare while he is confused and stunned.
"Are you having an affair?"
It took Sendoh a moment before he recovered. "What?" He asked, his tone slightly increasing at the incredulity of Rukawa's words. "What made you say that?"
Rukawa's expression did not change, eyes cold as he continue to stare at Sendoh. They stared at each other for a while before Akira raised his hand and flicked his forehead that caused the scowl on Rukawa's face to deepen. He hissed and his eyes sharpen.
"Will you stop overthinking?" Sendoh narrowed his eyes at him.
"Then what do you want to talk about?"
"Okay first of all I'm not having an affair. I don't even know where you got that idea from." Sendoh told him and pinched his cheeks a little harder. Rukawa bat his hands away and his cheeks instantly became red as if he applied a blush on because of his pale complexion. "You idiot, it hurts." He scolded him.
"That's what you get for thinking such outrageous things."
Rukawa knew that he was wrong to think such things and was a little embarassed by it so he did not refute him. Sendoh smiled helplessly when he saw his expression and his eyes soften as he stare down at him.
"Actually it's about my brother." Sendoh eventually says and looked up at the swaying leaves of the tree above them.
Rukawa did not speak and just stared up at him. He knew of course about Sendoh's older brother who works in Tokyo but haven't had the opportunity to meet him. He also know about the divorce between his parents and the situation on their home. He did never ask Sendoh about it because he doesn't want to accidentally to open up his wound and hurt him. He knew it is hard for him to be in such a situation even though he tries to mask it up with a smile. But even though he doesn't ask, he always listen to him and give a shoulder to lean on when he needs one. He knew he is not good with words, so he hoped that his presence is an enough reassurance for the older boy.
"He knows about us and wants to meet you."
Those words from Sendoh caused Rukawa to be stupefied as he felt his eyes widen while staring at him. His mouth is slightly agape and he seemed to want to say something but no word would come out. He gulped and his adams apple rolled up and down for a few seconds before he could finally talk.
"What?"
Sendoh sighed and finally glanced at him. "Yeah. He says he wants to meet you."
Rukawa was silent for a while. "He knew about us? You told him?"
"He guessed it himself." Sendoh paused. "Is there a problem if someone were to know about us?"
Rukawa was silent and didn't immediately answer him. He seemed to be thinking of something.
Meanwhile, Sendoh used this opportunity to know about Rukawa's standing on this matter. Suddenly there seemed to be a tension between the two of them as they stare at each other's eyes, trying to guess what the other is thinking.
Suddenly, a particulary strong gust of wind blew by that caused Rukawa to close his eyes. A few seconds after, he opened them and finally spoke. "No. I don't care what they say... but you-"
Sendoh interrupted him before he could finish his sentence. Based on Rukawa's words, he seemed to know what he is talking about. He cupped one of his cheeks and stroked it with his thumb. "Kaede, are you worried that I'll be affected if they were to knew about us?" He asked in a soft voice.
Rukawa hummed lowly at him, closed both his eyes and did not speak more. Sendoh couldn't help but let out a tender smile while looking down at him. "You know I've never let any rumor affect me right?"
Before he and Rukawa officially became a couple, there's a rumor in Ryonan that Sendoh is a playboy, womanizer. Because he is friendly to everyone, always smile, and get along with girls, they misunderstood his kindness sometimes as flirting. He knew about this but doesn't try to correct them because they were just rumors. And besides, he knew the truth.
"Actually, I've been meaning to ask you this."
Rukawa opened his eyes and was met of Sendoh's cerulean blue staring down at him. Sunlight passed through the gaps of leaves above them and Rukawa can hear the sound of the wind. Suddenly, he felt his heartbeat accelerating just staring at his eyes. "What is it?" He says after, voice close to a whisper because he felt breathless while staring at his beau.
"Do you have any plans on letting them know about us?" Sendoh asked in the same volume as his voice a while ago. He then stopped stroking his cheek and reached out for his hand to interwined their fingers.
"Why not?" Sendoh heard Rukawa says after a moment of silence. His face returned to his usual indifferent look and looked up above them. Few birds flew by and decided to land on the branches of the tree they are currently under.
"Really?" Sendoh can't help but feel surprised at Rukawa's admittance. "Hmmm." Rukawa nods and closed his eyes.
Sendoh did not say anything more on that matter because he got the answer he want. "By the way, about my brother. Don't worry too much about it." He says, returning to their original topic.
"Why?"
Sendoh can't help but feel surprise after hearing his question. He looked down at his beau who is still comfortably laying down on his lap. "Don't you think that it's still early to meet him?" Rukawa opened his eyes and Sendoh couldn't tell what he was thinking at the moment while staring at those pretty but blank cerulean blues of him.
"Do you want me to meet him?"
Sendoh heard him ask in a serious voice. "Hey I told you, don't wo-" before he could finish his sentence, he was cut off by Rukawa.
"Akira I'm asking you." His voice a little deeper . "Do you want me to meet him?"
Akira did not answer for a while and silence descended between them. Distant noise from everyone can be heard with the burds chirping above them. Suddenly a blue winged butterfly landed on the tip of Rukawa's nose that caused him blink his eyes and scrunched his nose. This made the butterfly flew away and Sendoh couldn't helped but chuckle at the silly scene. He stared at Kaede one more before finally speaking.
"Yes. It would really make me happy."
Kaede stared at him for a few seconds, his hand suddenly reaching out to brushed his knuckles on his cheek. "Okay."
"Huh?" Sendoh blinked at him while holding Rukawa's hand that was previously on his cheek. "What?"
Rukawa sighed and didn't speak anymore.
Meanwhile, Sendoh's eyes lit up and he felt his heartbeat suddenly quickened on his chest when he it finally dawned on him. "Really? You'll meet my brother?" He asked, voice colored with surprise and enthusiasm. He can't believe that Rukawa would agree that easily. He was expecting the younger to strongly resist or reject the idea of meeting his brother, considering that he's a stranger to him and his close off personality. But he was feeling exhilarated and can't help to lean down and give Rukawa a kiss on the lips that lasted for about ten seconds. He slowly leaned away from his face and found the younger boy's cheek tinted with red and his eyes slightly widened as he stare at him.
His lips a little moist and red from the kiss.
"Cute." Sendoh can't help but coo and that snapped Rukawa out of his trance. His eyes and brows turned sharp as his hand shot out to pinch him on the side, hard. Akira yelped from the pain at the same time Rukawa lift his head from his lap to sit properly.
"What was that for?!" He rubbed the spot and winced from the pain. "You deserved it you idiot." Rukawa told him coldly and suddenly stood up. Sendoh raised a brow as he look up at him. "I'm hungry."
Sendoh took the offered hand by Rukawa and soon the two started walking to the ramen place they frequent to. "Okay your highness, your wish is my command." Sendoh told him with a smile as he sling one of his arm around his bae's shoulder.
While walking,Rukawa remembered the brightness on Sendoh's eyes when he agreed to meet his brother. He think the anxiety and nervousness he felt earlier that was masked by his usual indifferent look is worth it because he obviously made the right decision.
~~~~~~
After a few minutes of walking, the two have now arrived in front of their house. Sendoh can see his brother's car park in the front while his own car, that he rarely uses, is park inside their garage. The two are currently standing in the gate, Akira looking at Rukawa because he sensed that the other is nervous even though his face says otherwise.
"Hey." He called out softly and touched his elbow. Rukawa turned to look at him and Sendoh smiled. "Don't be nervous, I won't leave you alone." A gust of wind blew by and the strands of hair that escaped from Akira's spiky hairstyle swayed.
"I know." Rukawa let out a small smile and Sendoh pushed open the gate, soon the two entered the house. Sendoh handed Rukawa a pair of slippers just as the younger boy placed his shoes on the shoerack.
It's not the first time Rukawa entered the house of Akira. He's been here a quiet of times before, usually after the two of them finish playing one on one. Akira toured him around the house the first time and even spent a night here when it suddenly rained heavenly one night. It wasn't the first time that the two slept on one bed before, but Kaede still flushed when he heard Akira asked if he wants to sleep on his room that night.
The two found Akashi on the living room and watching a movie. He turned his head on their direction and reached for the remote to paused whatever he was watching before standing up.
"Nii-san, this is Kaede Rukawa my boyfriend." Akira starts. "Kaede, my big brother. Akashi Sendoh." Akashi doesn't missed the softness on his little brother's voice when he talked to Rukawa.
Kaede bowed a little before speaking." Nice to meet you...Sendoh-san." He hesitated a little on what to call him before deciding to call him by his last name because they're not that really familiar with each other.
Akashi smiled the still bowing Rukawa in front of him before ruffling his hair that caused the other to lift up his head. "No need to be formal Rukawa-kun. You can just call me Akashi."
Kaede blinked before nodding his head. He felt his beating heart starting to calm down when he heard Akashi say that. Earlier, he can't deny how nervous he is at meeting Akira's brother even though Sendoh assured him many times before today. He knew that the older man is kind and a good person from Akira's story before, but he can't help but still feel anxious until he saw Akashi smiled. "Well, Akashi-san."
"Good. Come, Akira and I cooked earlier." He says and walked to the direction of the kitchen while the two followed behind.
They set the table and Rukawa lifted the cake he bought earlier from it's box and set it the center of the table.
"So Rukawa-kun, how'd you and Akira met?" Akashi suddenly asked on the middle of their meal. Rukawa swallowed what he was eating first before answering. "Practice match last year against Ryonan."
Akashi can't helped but be surprised. "You're from another school?" He lift a brow and Rukawa nod. "Wait, so you're a basketball player too?" The older Sendoh asked when he hrealized something.
"Yeah, he's my appointed guard every match." Akira told him and chuckled.
Akashi seemed to realized something after hearing what his brother said. "Ah! Now I know why you're familiar." He suddenly exclaimed that caused the other two on the table to blinked and turned at him at the same time.
"You know him nii-san?"
"Yeah I've watched some of your game." Akashi nods and smiled. "You're an amazing player Rukawa-kun. You put Akira on his place." He praised because he remembered that he is on par with his brother while playing on the court. It was obvious by his way of playing and how loud cheers can be heard everytime he took possession of the ball.
"Thank you." Rukawa whispered and felt a little embarassed. Sendoh chuckled when he saw this. "But, Akira is better." He adds that made the two Sendoh brothers turn at him at the same time. Rukawa was taken aback when he saw two pairs of cobalt blues looking at his direction. He felt his ears burned and reached for his glass of drink and turn his head away from them.
Suddenly, Akira's laugh reverbrated in the dining room and he put down his silverware as he cast Rukawa a fond look before grinning at his brother. "Akashi, I'll have you know that he is my protege."
"Protege?" Akashi raised a brow with an amused smile on his face. Meanwhile, Rukawa rolled his eyes at his boyfriend who is sitting opposite of him. "What nonsense."
" Yup. I am Kaede's role model." After saying that, Akira yelped because Rukawa kicked him hard on his shin under the table. He can't help but wince and threw a glance at the culprit to find the other eating as if nothing happened.
"Rukawa-kun, how do you put up with my brother?" Akashi asked and shook his head.
"Hey what does that mean?" Akira frowned to his brother but the latter ignored him and continued eating. "I don't. I ignore him." Rukawa answered Akashi's question that made the older Sendoh laughed while Akira can't help but pout at his boyfriend who is looking at him with a cold look on his face.
They continued conversing while eating and Akashi invited the two to watch a movie together on the living room. The three of them watch two movies together and Akashi showed to Rukawa some photos of Akira when he was younger.
"Haha-look. This is when he first caught a fish and he was hit on the face with the fish tail." Akashi laughed and points at a ten year old Sendoh who is holding a small tuna fish on his right hand and his fishing pole on his left. He was grinning on the photo with an obvious red mark on his face.
Rukawa's lips quirked up and he moved his gaze to another photo. Akashi noticed it and laughed as he tell him the story behind the photo. "That's when he challenged me to a race and accidentally hit a pole."
There's a glint in Rukawa's eyes as he glanced at Akira and the other laughed as he draped his arm around Rukawa's shoulder and pinched his cheek lightly. "Hey don't give me that look." He narrowed his eyes at him. "Who's the one dozing off while riding a bike, hmm?" Rukawa's ears flushed and he swats the hand pinching his cheek. Akira laughed and tighten his hand on his shoulder.
They continued browsing through the album until they reached the last page. One photo caught the attention of Rukawa and he felt an ugly feeling inside him. He tried to hide it, but his eyes couldn't hide the emotion he was feeling. His soft eyes a while ago turned cold and sharp, and even his mood turned cold.
Of course, Akira noticed the changes on Rukawa's mood. He winced when he noticed the photo Rukawa is staring at and tried to closed the album but his brother beat him to it.
"Ah! That's when Akira is on his first year at middle school." He says and pointed at the photo where a 13 years old Sendoh is with a girl. Sendoh has his one arm around the girls shoulder while the raven haired girl is hugging Akira on his waist with a big smile on her face. "And that's his childhood fr-" before Akashi could finish his sentence, he was cut off when Akira took the album from Rukawa and closed it.
"Okay, that's enough nii-san." He says and have his brother a warning look that caused the latter to blink at him. He then turned to Rukawa with a smile. "It's still early, do you want to go out and play?"
Rukawa was staring at him with an unreadable look on his face for a few seconds. "I did not bring any change of clothes." He says after.
"Don't worry. You can borrow my clothes." He stood up while holding his hand that gave Rukawa no choice but to stand up as well. "Akashi, we're just going out for a while." He turn to his brother before leading Rukawa upstairs to his room.
"Okay." Akashi has nothing to do with them and stood up as well.
Akira lent Rukawa a white shirt and a grey jogging pants while he himself wore a black shirt similar to Rukawa's and a grey jogging pants as well. He even thought of a silly idea where he put on a headband for Rukawa and pushed his hair backwards that revealed his smooth and white forehead. The other scowled at him and smack his hands before removing the said headband from his head. "What are you doing?"
"Nothing." Sendoh smiled.
Soon the two went out and went to the public court where they played after Rukawa came to Ryonan and asked Sendoh a one on one after talking to Coach Anzai that day.
It was easy for them to forget about their surrounding and time while playing against each other. After playing with each other for more than a year now, the two are overly familiar with how each other play. They can read each other easily that made it hard for them to score a goal. They even had an audience composed of kids that were cheering them, but they eventually had to go home because it is close to twilight already but the two isn't still done playing yet.
Because it is close to Autumn now, days are getting shorter and the two stopped when it's getting dark already. Sendoh is spread out on the floor while breathing heavily while Rukawa is bent down, both hands on his knees as he also tried to catch his breath.
"I missed that." Sendoh suddenly said that made Rukawa turn his head towards his direction. "I mean, I miss playing with you." Sendoh told him when he saw the question in his eyes. "Ahou." Is what Rukawa said that made Sendoh chuckled and sit down from his previous position.
"It's getting dark, let's go." And then he stood up and walked to where their things are. He took a gulp from his drink and hands the rest to Rukawa which the other took silently, not caring if Sendoh drank from it. Not that it doesn't matter anyways.
Five minutes after, the two are walking back to Sendoh's house and they unexpectedly met some of Sendoh's schoolmates.
"Hello Sendoh-senpai!" One of the girls said with a sweet smile on her face. Sendoh smiled back at her out of politeness while Rukawa was expressionless beside him.
The two then started to walk away when the same girl unexpectedly held his arm that surprised Sendoh and stunned Rukawa. He swept his eyes to where the girl is holding Akira and his eyes suddenly turned sharp that seemed like it could cut the girl's hand off and everyone felt like they were in a tundra because of how cold his mood became. The other two girls were startled and looked at him, while the other one is unaware and still continued talking to Sendoh.
"I'm having a party this Saturday, I was hoping you could come Senpai." He says and bat her eyelashes at him. This girl has been harboring a crush to Sendoh ever since last year. She tried every way to get his attention and was unsuccessful. She even tried cornering Sendoh to asking him if she could date him but was pilitely ignored by the older man that left her speechless and a little embarassed because they had a small audience that time. Her friends tried pursuading her to give up because they can see that she has no chance but she was stubborn. She seemed convinced that she can successfully ask Sendoh out, and she used this unexpected encounter with him to tried persuading him again. Of course she was unaware that Sendoh is already taken and his boyfriend is literally standing beside him.
Sendoh of course tried to remove her hand away from him and frowned slightly at her. He politely stepped away to distance himself from her and swept glance beside him just to find Rukawa's murderous gaze at the girl before he looked at him. He was then surprised when Rukawa spoke in a cold voice. "I'm going." Before he could step away, Sendoh grabbed his wrist. He stared at the girl in front of him as she gave her a fake smile. "Ahh I'm sorry but I can't. Please take care on your way." He says and nod at the other two girls with her before he was dragged away by Rukawa who's steps are heavy against the concrete.
"I didn't know that you'll get jealous over that." Sendoh suddenly spoke after the two walked in silence for five minutes. He of course meant it as a joke, but something inside of him felt giddy thinking about it. The unexpected side on Rukawa who wants him by himself, he can't help but feel happy because he knows if the situation will be reserved, he will also feel the same. Not that Rukawa entertain other girls except maybe Ayako.
He stopped when Kaede stopped on his track and gave him a glare. "Why? You want to go to that party?" He asked in a cold tone. Sendoh was taken aback because he didn't expect Rukawa to take it seriously. "Kaede, I was just joking." He softly says. "Do you think I'm that irresponsible and insensitive?" He frowned slightly.
Rukawa stared at him for a moment before his face turned soft. "I'm sorry." He whispered and looked straight ahead. "It's just that, I don't like it when others hold what's mine." His voice turned low at the last park and he seemed a little embarassed with what he said, his ears turning flush.
Sendoh was stunned into silence for a few seconds after hearing what Rukawa said. Suddenly, his heartbeat speed up and then he's smiling widely as he pull Rukawa into his arms and can't help but kiss him briefly.
The younger boy startled and tried to break free from the hug but Sendoh's hold on him is pretty tight. "Idiot, what are you doing?" He asked through clenched teeth becasue he can honestly feel his accelerating heartbeat on his chest.
"Kaede, don't apologize for feeling that way. You have every right to feel jealous because I am yours." Sendoh leaned away from the hug and pinched his nose that made Rukawa glare at him. "Because honestly, it makes me happy knowing that you want me." He then leaned down to kiss him on the cheek before holding his hand and lead him back to their house.
~~~~~
After that incident, suddenly a rumour about Akira Sendoh of Ryonan and Kaede Rukawa of Shohoku dating spread like a wildfire. A candid photo of them was posted on a social media app that immediately grabbed the attention of many people and even their teammates. Because the uploaded photo was the back of the two and a blurry shot at that, some were confused and can't recognized them. But the the teammates of the two were sure that it was them. Soon they were commenting and discussing on the comment section and was even mentioning Sendoh's account. Rukawa was spared because no one but Sendoh knows his social media account so he doesn't know about this rumour. Not that he cared.
So, when Sendoh came to school the morning after, everyone's eyes were on him. He put on a smile and wasn't fazed by the attention he was getting because he was used to it, and he knows the source of this . No one is brave enough to come up to him and asked him what he thinks about the on-going rumour about him and Rukawa circling on social media. Sendoh did not clarify anything last night so this left everyone confused if the content of the rumour is true or someone was just trying to make a scandal.
Even during class, some can't help but sneak a glance at Sendoh specially his girls classmates but he paid them no attention. He was just listening to their teacher discussing on the front or busy looking out at the window on his right side.
"Okay, spill it."
Everyone on the table stopped what they were doing and looked at Sendoh's direction when they heard him spoke. They saw him leaning back on his chair, arms crossed in front of his chest while eyeing everyone with a raised brow and an amused look on his eyes.
Sendoh is not stupid to not guessed his teammates thoughts. He would have laughed because he noticed their nervous glances towards him earlier but spared them the embarassment.
"Captain." It was Hikoichi who speak and he can't help wiggling on his seats. The others are silent but was waiting for Hikoichi to ask the question they've been dying to ask Sendoh since they saw the news. Except for Fukuda who is uncaring and continued eating and Koshino who is rolling his eyes at his friend.
"Yes?" Sendoh raised a brow when he saw the younger boy hesitate to speak. Few seconds after, Hikoichi finally spoke. "Anou.. about the rumour that's going on..." he paused and sneak a glance at Sendoh who is busily picking a piece of peeled shrimp from the plate. He was surprised to see his Captain's nonchalant expression as if it doesn'r affect him at all. He turned his gaze to Koshino who is busily eating his food as if this things doesn't affect him too.
"What about it?" Sendoh asked casually and Hikoichi almost jumped on his seat because he was too busy thinking about something else. "Aahh- were just uhmm..." he stammered and scratched the back of his head. "We just wanna know if you know..." he can't seem to continue his question all of a sudden.
Sendoh stared at him for a few seconds before laughing that caused everyone to look at him with different expressions on their faces. Suddenly, he put down his chopsticks, leaned back on his chair as he crossed his legs. "You're curious if those rumours are true?"
Silence.
No one spoke or answered him.
Everyone is holding their breath as they wait for what Sendoh would say about the matter but seconds passed and he's still not saying anything. Koshino couldn't take it anymore so he slapped him on the arms and glared at him. "Akira stop being an asshole and tell them already."
Sendoh laughed at him. "God Kosh, no need to be violent." And then he turned at everyone with a smile on his face. "Yup, the rumours are true. I'm dating Kaede Rukawa of Shohoku."
Sendoh was grateful for the fact that there's not many customers on this restaurant they chose to eat today because the owner would've kicked his team out. Just after confirming to everyone the real score of him and Rukawa, everyone almost went berserk because of this unexpected news from him. Hikoichi is close to screaming if it wasn't for the fact that Uekesa behind him covered his mouth while some almost choked on their food and drink. Fukuda gave Sendoh a smug look while the latter just gave him a smile.
Needless to say, the whole Ryonan High went into frenzy after learning the fact that the two Aces of thr basketball team are dating each other. Almost all of the girls, especially those who admire Sendoh went nuts because they were not expecting that the one he would date is a total opposite of him.
Some were also shocked with news because it is uncommon for two boys to date and it is not the norm everyone was thought to, but they did not care.
Suddenly, Sendoh can't helped but think about how would Rukawa face this situation and can't help but laugh.
~~~~~~~~
Rukawa was used to everyone's stares when he comes to school. But today, he felt like something is different because he can't help but notice the whispers from everyone when they see him. Even some of his male classmates and schoolmates were staring at him. But since he doesn't care, he ignored them and went to his designated seat on their classroom.
Just after entering, the whole room went silent and everyone watch his every step and Rukawa can't help but scowl because all their stares are starting to fet in their nerves.. he can tolerate everyone's attention when he's playing, but when he is outside the court, he wants nothing more than to hide his face in a paper bag so everyone would just stop looking at him.
After the last class and finally their lunch break, he exit the room and everyone literally made way for him and he can't help but roll his eyes at everyone's weirdness. He was walking along the corridor when he saw Ayako walking towards him. He stopped and was about to greet him when the older woman took his hand and started dragging him to the stairs . He was puzzled at his Sempai's action but did not removed her hand and everyone is literally watching them.
Some were amazed at how brave Ayako is for literally dragging the feared Rukawa Kaede like nothing, while some girls, especially Rukawa's admirers can't help but feel envious of her.
"Senpai what's the problem?" He asked with a frown on his face when Ayako finally let go of his arm as they reached a corner. Ayako ignored her as she is busily scrolling through her phone. A few seconds after, she showed him what she was looking for and Rukawa read what's on the screen. He turned his eyes at her after.
"You probably don't know anything about this, do you?" The older lady asked because he knows the other doesn't really used social media much. She wasn't really surprised by the news because she saw fron the start, but was amazed of how the two hide the fact from the everyone if they were even trying. It was the talk of the school this morning and everyone was asking her about it because she is the only person close to Rukawa.
Rukawa shook his head because Akira did not say anything to him last night. But then again, it is the truth so why should he care about it.
Ayako rolled her eyes because what did she expect from him. "Anyways, just expect some nuisance today especially from your fangirls because of this." She warned her because she saw how persistant some of Rukawa's admirers are. And knowing the younger boy, he would've beat them away if not for them being girls.
"Sempai, are you not mad?" Rukawa asked that made his senior look up at him with confusion in her eyes. "Why would you ask that?" Rukawa stared at her for a few seconds before looking away. "Well you know... because I'm dating a boy."
Silence descended between them and only the far away noise from the other students can be heard. And then, Ayako laughed as he flicked Rukawa's forehead that made the other turned at her with surprised on his features. He rubbed the spot and frowned at his Senpai. "Ouch.. why did you-"
"You stupid kid. You think I'm that close minded?" She asked with a raised brow and both her hands on her waist. Rukawa rubbed the back of his neck and avoided her gaze. Ayako then sighed and put down both of her hands before patting his shoulder. "That's your own life, I don't want to meddle with it."
Rukawa nods and soon they started walking towards the cafeteria of their school. "By the way, have you told them already?"
"No."
Ayako can't help but raised an eyebrow after hearing his answer. "You think they won't find out?" Rukawa was silent and didn't gavr him an answer until they reached the cafeteria where everyone's attention suddenly shifted to him and Ayako as they fell in line along with the other students.
"Wow, I felt like a celebrity with everyone's stare on me. Haha!" Ayako joked that made Rukawa rolled his eyes at her that earned him a slap.
When Rukawa entered into the gym that afternoon, Sakuragi was the first to taunt about the rumour. "Oh ho! So the fox is here." And he smirked which Rukawa ignored.
The rest can't help but sweatdropped at Sakuragi's provocation and cast a warry look towards Rukawa to see his reaction. Miyagi was the one whi stopped them and made everyone go back to their training.
But even during the training, Sakuragi did not leave him alone. Miyagi made two teams composed of first year and seconds years vs the thirs years. Since the third years are short of one person, he made Sakuragi joined their team because he knows that he and Rukawa won't cooperate especially this time.
"Yo kitsune, did you made spiky your boyfriend so he can share his secret to you to beat me?"
Everyone was stunned when they beard the question except Rukawa who suddenlt dashed to the basket and made a resounding dunk that Sakuragi failed to stop. "Doaho. Who wants to beat an idiot like you." He retorts that seemed to anger the red head and was about to attack if it wasn't for the two third years who were fast enough to hold him down.
"Huh! You're just jealous that I'm way better than you!"
Rukawa ignored him.
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Sendoh@akirathegreat07
"Tsuki ga kirei desu ne?"
Attached to the tweet is a photo of one unsuspecting Rukawa Kaede who is busily drinking while his head is turned to the side, showing off his side profile to the camera. A beam of light were on him that made his raven haired glow and his surroundings were blurry as the camera wholly focused on him and his beauty.
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A/N: Jealous Kaede for this chapter. Should I do jealous Akira for the next one? HAHAHAH what do you all think?