Disclaimer: Slam Dunk is owned by Inoue Tahekikou. *Sigh* I wish it was mine instead :(
I know, the last chapter was supposed to be the last, but forgive me, I can't help but make an epilogue. I just wanted to have an even more happy ending for my fave couple, so pls. do read and don't forget to review. Pls. This will be the last time anyways. Thanks! :)
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It was a sunny bright morning, and when Ryota Miyagi, point guard of Shohoku Basketball team, woke up, the morning felt better like never before. He knew why. She knew why. He clearly remembered what occurred last night. Like a favorite movie playing over and over in his head. Ryota had to smile to himself. He never felt this way, it was as if, each morning from now on, gave him a better reason to wake up. She no longer was confined to his dreams only because now, she was a reality. She was his now. Only his. His Aya-chan.
Ryota stood up. And fixed his bed. Now he really was in a good mood since he rarely fixed his bed. Usually, he would just wake up, kiss Ayako's picture, take a bath, eat and hurriedly go to school. But now he was a changed man. He was a better man.
" Good Morning, my Aya-chan!" Ryota said as he kissed Ayako's picture. More than ever, he can't wait to go to school, and see her…
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Ayako looked up into the ceiling of her bedroom. Ryota's face flashing into her mind. Ayako had to smile. She never felt this happy before. Last night, all she wanted was to apologize to Ryota, but destiny had other plans for her. Instead of just apologizing, she said her feelings to him, feelings that had long been there, but she was just too afraid to realize it and uncover it. Last night, it was one of the best things that ever happened to her. She finally found her happiness…
"I never thought I'd fall for you, but I'm happy that I did.." Ayako whispered. She never felt so contented. Sigh.
She got out of bed, as she readied herself to go to school. Before going to school seemed like a drag except for Basketball practice but now, she wasn't pressured to do good to school since now she has an inspiration. And that inspiration is someone she can't wait to see…
"See you later mom, dad. Ja!" Ayako said as she opened the door and stepped outside. When she closed the door, she was surprised when someone planted a kiss on her cheek. It was Ryota.
"I just wanted us to walk together for school, Aya-chan" Ryota coyly said.
"That's really sweet, Ryota-kun" Ayako replied with a smile. She was blushing. Ryota-kun. Ryota was now smiling too after hearing this. Bashfully, he held Ayako's hand as they went to school together.
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As they reached Shohoku, both felt like people were watching them.
"Umm, Aya-chan, do I have something in my face? I might be losing my mind but I feel like ever since we came to school, every pair of eyes is on us. It must be me, since you're still pretty and all" Ryota asked. Feeling confused and all. Sure he was popular ever since Shohoku has been laying fantastic games but, this was too much.
"Stop flattering me Ryota-kun" Ayako said, as he playfully slapped Ryota at the back "But seriously, you look ok, you look cute" she said. Ryota replied with a shy smile. As they both just shrugged the attention and walked to their classroom, trying to ignore the watchful and curious eyes that were watching them.
"Wait!" Ayako abruptly stopped
"What is it Aya-chan" Ryota asked.
Ayako held up her hand which was clasped with Ryota's other hand. "This is the reason" Ayako said.
Ryota chuckled "I see.. I guess, they were wondering why we were holding hands. I mean, usually, it was either I was following or catching up with you or we were usually meters apart" Ryota knowingly said.
"I know what you mean, I guess everyone is so curious. I can just imagine what the whole team would say when they saw us. I could just see Sakuragi's face" Ayako said. Knowing that so-called tensai, he would just laugh and think that this was a joke. Ayako shook his head, Or maybe not, since Sakuragi acted differently When it came to the matters of the heart esp. with Haruko. But you'll never know. Sakuragi was full of surprises.
Ryota interrupted Ayako's thoughts by saying "Maybe its better if we don't tell them for now. I mean. just imagine Hanamichi. I'll bet he'll make a big production out of this and just embarrass us. If you think that's ok" Ryota asked. As he shivered from the though of a laughing Hanamichi.
"I was thinking the same too. Maybe lets not say for now" Ayako replied as she held Ryota's hands and went to their classroom.
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"Don't make any useless fouls Sakuragi" Akagi shouted as his voice echoed throughout the gym
"I know Gori!! This Tensai will never foul out" Sakuragi boastfully say, not mindful that a punch is headed towards his head
"Itai!! Gori what was that for?" Sakuragi asked as he gently touched his aching head
This scenario was very usual and common during Basketball practiced of the Shohoku Basketball team. But today, it was a practice game between the freshmen versus the rest of the team. Every player were doing their very best since the inter-high was coming up real fast.
"Rukawa pass!!pass!!!" Sakuragi ordered Rukawa. But knowing the relationship of the two, it was obvious that Rukawa would do the opposite as he made a powerful dunk. Leveling the score to 30 all.
"Good Rukawa" Akagi said praising Rukawa making Sakuragi even madder.
"That Kitsune!! Such a Show-off!! He just didn't want me to show my camp shot!! Hmmp!! " Sakuragi said as smoke was coming out of his ears.
The game was now serious. Both teams, trying to show what they were capable of…
Ryota Miyagi was now running into the middle of the court as he made a pass to Mitsui, then to Akagi. Akagi was now holding the ball, when suddenly, Rukawa and Sakuragi double team him. Both players thinking that they were the only ones who could stop them. When both players put their strength together, it was obvious that they could put a fight and a stop to Akagi's shots. Though both would not admit it. Sakuragi's and Rukawa's hands are now up in the air, defensively stopping Akagi whoa could not see the rim because of the tight defense, but he was mature than the two boys. He would not force the shot or himself to pass Rukawa and Sakuragi. He passes to a free Ryota.
Ryota, gets the ball, immediately, Rukawa and Sakuragi, goes into the defensive against Ryota, though short, he was fast as lightning. He dribbles between his legs, fakes a shot, and with great speed, goes past both Rukawa and Sakuragi. He goes to the inside. Lays-up. And makes a successful shot.
"Nice Ryota -kun" Ayako happily shouted, her words echoing, not realizing the effect of what she said
The Game stopped because every player stopped from what they were doing. "RYOTA-KUN!!" Everyone shouted all at the same time. All were trying to recall if what they heard was right. Everyone was so surprised that even Rukawa who always showed little emotion, except maybe for Sakuragi, now had eyeswide open. All eyes were now fixed on Ryota who, all of a sudden became busy looking at the floor, looking nervous.
"Umm, err, I guess, umm, I 'm happy to say..umm" Ryota was now fumbling with his words. Happy was he but he was to nervous that no words could come out right.
"Is it true?" Akagi questioned Ryota
"Are you and Ayako together" Mitsui inquired at the same time
"Ryochin, have you become man enough to ask Ayako? If yes, you're certainly following my footsteps! Nyahahaha!!" Sakuragi said at the same time as well along with every players questions.
Everyone was badgering Ryota with questions, while Ryota was slowly sinking to the floor. Because of this, to put a stop to all of this, they did not notice a very familiar fan, hitting each and every player's heads..
Sweat drop. Ayako began "Gomen-nasai Akagi sempai, Kogure sempai, mitsui sempai, its just that.."
"Were together now" Ryota finished Ayako's sentence as he held her hand " Sorry if it is only now that we've told you" Both said apologetically
"FINALLY!" Everyone said
"What do you mean?" The naïve couple asked
" I did not know that there was a more do'aho that Sakuragi" Rukawa whispered to himself, but loud enough for the rest of the team to hear, as everyone laughed while the faces of the couple reddened from embarrassment.
"Oh! Alright, let the tensai explain" Sakuragi said. He felt exasperated, as if he was about to explain a very serious matter to two little kids. "We said finally because everyone know the feeling both of you have for each other but neither of you just had the courage the let each other know of it. I mean, its about time, both of you did something and let each other knew of your feelings. Even, this tensai knows it. Nyahahahha!" Sakuragi said. Beaming with pride like he said something very important
"Oh.." Ayako said as it was all she could say for the moment
"I know it took us a long time, but what matters most is were together now….so..so stop laughing Hanamichi or I'll kick you" Ryota threatened though he was covering up his embarrassment. How could he say such sentimental words in front of everyone but being with Ayako, just made him feel proud of their relationship
"Nyahahaha! Its because of you Ryochin, all of a sudden, you've become a real-Romeo, hahahah!!" Sakuragi was laughing so hard of what Ryota said that he did not foresee another head punch form Gori.
"Goriiiiiiiiiiiiiii" Sakuragi said in between sobs
"Never mind Sakuragi, were all happy for the both of you" Akagi said after taking care of Sakuragi " But now, we better finish this game so we could all be really happy. Lets Go Shohoku!!!"
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Practice was now over. The final score was 81-80. Seniors. It was because of Mitsui's winning 3-pt. shot coming from an incredible pass from Ryota. Ryota playing in his very best. No need to wonder why :)
As usual, Ryota was walking Ayako home. When they finally reached Ayako's doorsteps, Ryota said his goodbyes to Ayako and finally waved goodbye. No longer had he walked a couple of steps when…
"Ryota…" Ayako called out
Ryota walked towards her "What is it, Aya-chan?" he asked, wondering what this was all about, when Ayako suddenly embraced him.
She whispered to his ear " Aishteru". Ayako softly said "Just wanted to tell you that before you went home"
He could not help but smile "Aya-chan..aishteru " Ryota said as he kissed Ayako goodnight. He looked at her intently, memorizing her beautiful, smiling face and finally waved goodbye.
As Ryota was walking home, he could not help but reflect on what happened today and the other day. He was one hell of a lucky guy. The team was in the inter high, great family and friends but most of all, he has Aya-chan.
"Finally, Aya-chan and I are together…finally" Ryota smiled to himself. Life could not get any better than this. ;)
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There! It's finished. :) Hope you all liked it though it's a bit corny and sappy I might say, but hey, that's me :) Just want to say thank you to those who reviewed, don't forget to review again pls, even for the last time, though there only a few of you who were nice enough to review, it doesn't matter because all of your comments and encouragements were enough to make this story last for a whole 7 chapters, so thank you very very much. Ganbatte! :) Until then….
Pls. Do visit my site @ www.myslamdunk.cjb.net ;) and if you want, send me your fanfic [but no yaoi pls] so I can post it in my site. Thanks! :)