Note: Standard Disclaimers apply. Thanks for all the reviews!!!



Chapter Three

"The Seatmate"

For the days that followed, Ayeka became more familiar with her surroundings and had gotten used to the daily traffic. She was able to develop shortcuts though she realized some of those shortcuts are not advisable for a girl alone to pass by. But she was early enough so that she will not encounter any thugs in the way.

She had also accepted the fact that her cousin is familiar but not in a brilliant sort of way. She doesn't know if she has to do something about it or not. But she is impressed and so were the others on how fast he can learn basketball. She was seriously thinking of teaching him a few techniques she learned from her youngest brother, Aoshi who, unknown to others, is the famous and youngest athlete in all Japan to join the national team.

So far, she was thankful that she doesn't have any admirers, yet? Hanamichi was always on the lookout for any guys who dare to even hold her hands. Not that she really mind. In fact she was grateful for once for the peace she felt and she doesn't have to worry too much about rowdy boys trying to get her attention. That is why, she always maintain a low profile. Though she just can't help it to flash her trademark smile and infectious laugh every time she feels like it.

As for her fiancé, she doesn't have too much time to spare for him to actually interact since he was also busy with basketball practice. Come to think of it, nobody knew about the engagement thing. Even Hanamichi didn't know about it because she felt it unnecessary for them to know since it's not a real thing. She just told them that she is staying with a cousin of hers (father side so the family is not really related to Hanamichi's).

She was a daily spectator of the basketball practice. She always goes with Haruko to visit her brother but obviously it was because of Rukawa.

One time during English lesson, she was totally surprised when she and Rukawa was asked to stay after class. Now what did I do?, she asked herself.

Murmurs were heard and she could feel the cold stare of the fan girls as they went to the teacher.

The teacher waited until there were only three of them left. He made both of them sat down.

"I know this may come as a shock to you Rukawa but I'm afraid you will not be able to join your basketball team if you continue with your very low grades!"

To this, Ayeka didn't dare to look at Rukawa. She knew just how much basketball means to him. He might be seething with anger right now!

"I may tolerate your manners during class but I will not cover up for your grades during exams. The faculty has decided that you will not join basketball if you will fail at least one exam this coming January! You have at least two months to prepare. That means you have to ….."

As the teacher continued with his speech, Ayeka became confused on just what was she doing there if only to hear the teacher lecture Rukawa about his grades and performance in academics?

"… that is why," their teacher said, "you have Ayeka."

To that, Ayeka's ears perked up. Oh-oh!

The teacher looked at them straight in the eye. "Ms. Shiori, the school has decided that you will tutor Mr. Rukawa. Considering your highly remarkable grades in all subjects, you are a definite fit for the job. As you can see, the school still sees it fit that Mr. Rukawa be enrolled due to his contribution in basketball."

Ayeka was speechless. She? A tutor for Rukawa? The guy who is supposed to be an ice block? But it didn't end there.

"In addition, both of you are strictly required to have lessons after Rukawa's basketball practice to ensure that you, Rukawa, will not spend more time practicing basketball. After his practice, the two of you must spend at least two to three hours each day for academic lessons. We don't care where you do it as long as we see improvements in Rukawa's grades. Now, is that understood?"

Both of them were silent.

Then Ayeka spoke up, "B-But Sempai, surely Rukawa can do it by –"

" – No!" The teacher cut in. "If we leave it all to Rukawa, he will surely fail…" The teacher continued on Rukawa's many faults and Ayeka's very good performance in class. Both of them wished fervently wished their teacher would stop.

Ayeka groaned. This is not good! How she wished the day would end.

"Before you both leave," their sempai said catching the direct attention of the two, "this setup starts now."

O_o