Chapter 13: Unexpected Sympathy
Author: Mitsui no Miko
A very untidy Rukawa showed up for practice at the Shohoku gym. Seeing him in that awful state, his teammates laughed and teased him to no end. He didn't flinch, though. He was used to them.
"Oi, Rukawa! Haven't taken a shower, I presume!", quipped Mitsui.
"He did, Mitchy! He took a bath in a pig sty!", added Miyagi.
Laughing, they turned to each other and high-fived. Kogure peered at him through his glasses, as though he could not believe what he was seeing. The Rukawa that usually showed up at practice was as neat as can be. Rukawa today… well, Rukawa wasn't himself today.
Surprisingly, the one person whom he expected the worst from remained silent. It was uncharacteristic of Sakuragi to say nothing when he had the perfect opportunity to trample on Rukawa's ego. Instead, Sakuragi asked him sympathetically, "What's the problem, Kitsune?"
It turned out that Sakuragi had recognized "the look". He saw himself in Rukawa when he had been rejected by a girl. But he couldn't imagine, Rukawa? Rejected by a girl? He had his pick of the lot. It was next to impossible.
When Rukawa remained silent, Sakuragi made up his mind to talk some sense into him.
After practice, Sakuragi walked beside Rukawa and asked him.
"Oi, Kitsune, What's the big problem?"
"Does it matter to you? Do'aho."
"Teme, Rukawa! I'm trying to help out here!"
Rukawa turned to him and sighed. "You wouldn't understand, Sakuragi…"
"Try me!", the redhead persisted.
"Have you ever experienced falling in love?"
"What a question! 51 times, Kitsune!"
Silence. And then, Rukawa broke down.
A very alarmed Sakuragi was trying his best to calm him down. Finally, he had an idea.
"Wanna go for a beer? My treat!", offered Sakuragi.
Too depressed to decline, Rukawa accepted his offer.