Disclaimer: all characters in this story belong to Inoue Takehiko...*sigh* (I wish I was the one who owned Slam Dunk)
I like this chapter because finally, finally, Ayako has realized it. What it is? Just read on ;) Just want to say thankyou to all those who reviewed my story. I hope you'll like this chapter. I'm sorry if this chapter would not contain many dialogues but more of POVs. Hope you'll like it. Don't forget to R&R!! :)
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She'll come back to you. Those were Rukawa's words that continued to keep haunting Ryota's mind. Rukawa did'nt talk that much but it was because he liked to observe, rather than talk. It was because of this that Ryota respected what Rukawa said, because he knew it held some truth. Ryota's mind was filled with questions. Would she really come back to me? Or should I make the first move like what usually happens in their undefined and already complicated, but nevertheless" still friends" relationship.
For Ryota, he sometimes wanted to give up Ayako, that is why he tried to pursued other girls, but to no success because the girls just can't be fooled but most of all, Ryota knew deep inside, he aint fooling himself. It has always been Aya-chan. Aya-chan all his life. Just one look from her, or just one smile and Ryota knew, he would come running back to Ayako like a lost puppy who saw its master return.
"Aya-chan…How much more can a guy take?" Ryota wanted to shout out hoping someone would give him the answer. Right now, he was walking into the night not knowing where exactly to go. Again, Ryota began to hear what Rukawa said earlier. She's in a lot of pressure.
"But what about me?" Ryota wanted to answer back. Even if he was in a lot of pressure from not only from Basketball but from his studies as well, he still gave time for Ayako. He always had time for Ayako. Especially for Ayako, cause for Ryota, all the things he did was because of Ayako. She was the reason. She was that important. Ayako made him feel special, ways she was'nt aware of doing. The way she cheered at him, encouraged him, her beautiful face, her kindness… everything. The way she knows what I'm thinking or saying. Its as if she knows me, the real me.
"What about her? All she thinks of me is just a friend.. a friend! " Ryota sadly admitted to himself. I guess Aya-chan does'nt know me at all cause she doesn't realize that I'm the guy who loves her so much.
Ryota continued to walk, no direction at all. He saw two lovers pass him by. It was too much…
"it seems I'm not that important to her" Ryota thought sadly to himself. He thought that if any of the guys saw him now and knew of his problem, they would just laugh. They would even think that he was over-reacting. He could just see the look on Hanamichi. Nyahaahaha!!! Look at yourself Ryouchin!! Nyahaha!! It was best for him to be alone for the moment. Even though most people think he was tough and courageous, deep inside Ryota is as sensitive as a child. He was fragile especially if his feelings were concerned. Especially if it concerned Aya-chan.
Ryota recalled his happiest moment. When Ayako said the sweetest word he has ever heard in his entire life. When Ayako said "yes". For the longest time, Ryota waited for the moment when Ayako would finally agree to go out with him on a date…. When Ayako would finally take him seriously. Ayako did not know that by just saying "yes" he brought life to Ryota once again. Unfortunately, in what Ryota thought was a hopeful relationship with Ayako, that morning incident had to happen. But though Ayako gave life to Ryota, she also held the power to hurt Ryota badly… so badly that Ryota would feel that nothing made sense anymore.
After Ryota recalled what has happened, he realized something. Maybe this was for the best. Maybe this is what she needs. I'll just give her the time that she wants. Time away from me. If she's in a lot of pressure, I don't want to add to her problems anymore. What Ryota decided was hard. Damn hard for him. Everyday, he would just wake up knowing he would be able to see or talk to Ayako. He would play basketball at his best just to impress Ayako. He would try not to fall asleep in class so he could steal glances at Ayako. He would walk her home even though his whole body ached from practice. He would fight anyone even if the enemy were much bigger than him if he knew that, that enemy hurt Ayako. He would save some money each day, for the date that she planned for Ayako though the money that he saved was for the Nike shoes he was planning to buy ever since.
"The Date…. Sigh!!" Ryota thought. " I planned it very well. I planned it oh so carefully knowing it was going to be special, not only for me, but for us, but it was all for just nothing." He thought sadly…
Ryota was in deep thought that when he glanced at his watch, it was already 10. He was also in a place he did not know of.
"I was walking mercilessly that I didn't notice the time nor where I was going. My parents must be worried sick!!" Ryota said, and with a heavy heart, he began to return to his house.
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"Ryota! Where could you be?" Ayako began to wonder. For some hours now, Ayako was waiting outside school. Patiently waiting for Ryota. Even though it was chilly outside, Ayako did not mind. She was bent on making it up and apologizing to Ryota, even if she'll get sick from the cold weather.
During the time that Ayako was waiting, she had the time to remember what has happened. And recalling the morning incident, made Ayako remember everything about Ryota. Ayako would not admit this to anyone but she still remembered the very first day she saw Ryota. And from the moment he introduced himself to Ayako. Ayako knew Ryota was different. Different in a nice way... in a special way. Maybe because of his pierce, or maybe because of his cute smile. Maybe it was because of the way he looked at her or the way he made her smile. But Maybe it was because she knew Ryota was a genuine person who would become a true friend to her. Is it because of that? a friend. But until now, Ayako was still confused to what he really was to her but one thing is for sure was that she never forgets.
She remembered the times Ryota would walk her home and shyly say his goodnights to Ayako. She remembered the time Ryota would smile in appreciation whenever she cheered for him. She remembered the times Ryota would glance her way and she would pretend not to notice. She remembered the times when Ryota would jokingly ask her out many times but most of all, she remembered, and the memory was still fresh in her mind was when Ryota asked her out in the sincerest and sweetest way she was ever asked out. But Ayako was frightened by the feeling because most of all she remembered the feeling when Ryota asked her out and when she said "yes".
"It felt right. Everything just felt right" Ayako whispered. But how could it be when Ryota was just a friend. Or so she thinks. But now, she felt miserable because she knew she blew it. She sometimes took for granted Ryota because deep inside of her, she knew Ryota would never leaver her. But she was wrong. Ryota's had enough and he did not deserve it one bit. She missed him terribly and what was scaring her was she did not know why…
"Why am I doing this? Waiting for a guy while I'm freezing cold outside school? Why??" Ayako wondered
"Nani!! Ayako!!! What are you doing here?" Mitsui asked, confused since it was already late.
But before Ayako could answer. Mitsui hurriedly left to go to the gym, saying he forgot to get something important in his locker. Ayako was now back, wondering.
"I bet Mitsui-sempai is laughing now. I sure do look stupid standing here alone. Why am I doing this? Its just Ryota anyway! Why am I doing this? Why? Why?" Ayako muttered to herself, and as if Mitsui heard her question…
"Ayako, He's not there. The person your waiting for is not there... Gomen, Ayako but I really have to go now. Its cold out here so you better go home now too. Why all this trouble, ne?" Mitsui asked as he bid farewell to Ayako
But before she could answer him, Mistui left already but not before hearing what he said.. It must be Love…
Upon hearing this, Ayako felt like being hit by lighting as this realization struck her. How could I be so stupid? And without wasting anymore time, she knew now, finally, what she had to do….
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Ryota was now near his house. It took him quite some time to find his way back home since he was not thinking straight. He felt dead inside. He was surprised by the way things turned out and how events happened these past few days. But nothing could have prepared on what, or rather who he saw in front of his house…
On his doorsteps, sleeping, obviously, tired and weary, but nevertheless, still beautiful was Ayako….
"Aya-chan…" was all Ryota could say…
*Sigh* Finally, Ayako realizes she loves Ryota. Now the tables are turned. :) Sorry, I know I was suppose to end this story with this chapter but my hands just couldn't stop typing ;) I'll really try to end this story with the next chapter. Please review. I'll really appreciate it… thanks!!! Until then….