Mismatched Chapter 2: Revelations: Past to Present, a slam dunk fanfic

REVELATIONS:PAST TO PRESENT

After painstakingly writing and re-writing this chapter in between watching tele-novellas on t.v. ~Hey, I'm a big fan of Carlos Miguel and Cecilia) I've finally reached the end of endurance where the next step is just to hang myself. But don't celebrate yet, I just changed my mind.

Okay, this is going to be stupidly sentimental, otherwise it's maudlin. I don't even know why I bother, so sue me… hold that thought, I really don't have money… just your comments then.

BTW: Thanks to icko14 and angel007 for your reviews. I'm practically jumping up and down with joy, just high enough to reach the ceiling! Thanks!!!!!

"Are you from outer space or something?!?" I shouted

A heavy weight sank on my shoulders, my heart beating erratically. Anger surged through my veins. It felt released after all this time. The sadness, emptiness of all these months seemed to break free.

Damn it! I promised myself not to break! After all this time of playing it cool, not getting mad with Akira, mom, Ady… Raphael! I have to shatter my calm. I can't take this abuse anymore, the burden of not speaking out, of hiding it all. I have to let go "AND WHO THE HELL ARE YOU CALLING ME STUPID?!?!"

I was momentarily snapped out of my gaze at the girl's face when I heard Miyagi's shout. I didn't realize that I've been staring at her so intently. The truth was that I was really angry with her but when she looked at me….. Her face conveyed anger also, but at that moment it was a face of beauty, near perfection. Her lips were blood red and didn't seem to have any cosmetics on, her nose was a button shaped and nicely molded into the right contour, but it was her eyes that held me… Someone told me before, I think it was my mom, that a person's eyes can never be black, they're just dark brown. But as I brazenly gazed down those eyes. They were black, as immensely black and almond shaped; colored like her hair yet it was without a trace of brown, blue or any other eye color possible. I couldn't seem to take my eyes off hers. But then Miyagi shouted, and I snapped back to reality. I heard her call him a person from outer space. I smiled inside.

But as she turned he black eyes to mine she shouted " And who the hell are you calling me stupid!?!?!"

I looked at her with her cheeks all huffed out and turning pink, looking indignant. She looked cute. Huh?!?! What the hell was I thinking? This was the girl who ruined my bike! And I told her just that! "You could've watched were you were going." I muttered.

But when I said that, I was surprised I never speak in "full sentences" as the others would say. But I had to, I felt indignant that she could treat me like this.

"It goes both ways you know. Maybe you were the one who wasn't watching were you were going and maybe that's why you collided to me" she shouted. I looked at her, a feeling of shock coursing through me; no one has ever defied me as much as before, most females were just content when I answered in my monosyllabic grumbles. ~But of course, she didn't know that)

Man! She knew how to hit the bone didn't she "You insolent little……." My voice was drowned out by the school bell's sound and I quickly realized that I'd probably be late for class. I was never as concerned before but class time is sleeping time. I looked around and the people who crowded us before looking at what appeared to be a fight quickly dispersed to the call of classes. I looked at her, thought for a second, I had to say something so I mustered my best retort for situations like this, it never failed me.

"Later",

Then I turned around and headed for class.

§ § § AYAKO § § §

I looked at Rukawa's retreating back and then turned my gaze to the girl. I saw a trickle of emotion flood Rukawa's face as he sparred with the girl. And with that, for a guy with an Antarctic demeanor a trickle of emotion is a damn large Noah-like flood.

HMMMMM…. What was her name again? Zara….? No, it was Zo—something… Zoinkers? Oh yeah Ayako, brilliant! And who in the right mind would name their child that?! Stupid voice… but what… oh yeah, now I remember!

"Oi, Zoe!" She turned around and looked at me and I stared. She's not bad! Good-looking though. Too bad she didn't hit it off with Rukawa, I felt myself grin, they're going to see a lot of each other while she's in Shohoku.

Someone called me. I turned around and so a pretty girl with brown curly hair and eyes. "Uh, hi! Who are you?"

I didn't notice her around. Probably because I kept looking at that brainless guy. I wondered how she knew my name?

"You can call me Ayako" she said then smiled.

"Oi, Ayako, who's that your with?" someone asked.

I turned and saw a average curly brown haired guy, and if I'm not mistaken, he has an ear stud on, made me think of my own 'extra' piercing the upper shell of my ear. He was walking with my fiery haired savior and the pretty girl I noticed before. Then I remembered, at the heat of the moment I called him an alien.

"Oi, this is Anzai grandniece" Ayako looked then pointed at me. "Trouvel, Zoe"

"Hi!" feeling suddenly shy. In my present situation, my mind being complicated by other things, I might have not said anything. But I still have to act like my old self, even if it kills me.

I looked at them and smiled. " Sorry, about that awhile ago." Looking at the guy with the ear stud and conjured up my most endearing smile, yet still feeling it's fake. He smiled back . "No problem, boy, you were something when you told off Rukawa." I felt my cheeks get hotter as I thought of that outburst. I really didn't mean to blow up like that, but I was just venting off steam.

Ayako then looked at me and said, "That over there is Ryouta Miyagi." She said while pointing to the guy with the pierced ear. Next to him was my savior, I looked at him and assessed that he was more than a foot taller than my small 5 feet frame. But he looked handsome nonetheless. I wonder what his name is?

"That is Sakuragi Hanamichi." Ayako replied to my thoughts. I looked at her and realized that I've been staring at him so intently. I smiled, then noticed the girl with the coffee colored hair and asked directly to her " And what's your name?"

I didn't get my answer quickly for she was looking at me with mild annoyance that made me think for a second. She seemed to snap out of it enough to tell me her name "Haruko" she said with a soft voice. Why was she annoyed with me? I smiled in hopes it'll erase her annoyance with me.

Then Ayako spoke up, " Anyway we gotta hurry, but Ryouta, I wanted to tell you we're classmates this year. And Sakuragi, you, Rukawa, Haruko and Zoe here will be classmates too!" she spoke rather enthusiastically and winked at Hanamichi. I grinned. Then with the sudden feeling of welcome, I felt a little overwhelmed, and cautious. Then I said, the famous last word of that RUKAWA "Later." Leaving them behind.

j j j HARUKOj j j

I saw Trouvel and Ayako walk towards the building. I don't know why but it bothers me to remember the first incident that happened to her in this school. It will certainly be fascinating for her to learn in her first day how the intricacies of aviation.

She certainly seemed nice enough, but I didn't like the way she looked at Sakuragi, like he was a god on earth or something. But it has merit though, Sakuragi is one great guy… No that's wrong, Sakuragi's one great person. I mean, why should I think of him as a guy?

Quickly I looked at Sakuragi and Ryouta then said "Well, shall we get on with our classes then." And gave a smile. Sakuragi glanced at me and said "Sure Haruko-san!" and gave me a large smile. When I think of all the times we've talked and practiced with each other, I feel as though we've bonded in a sense.

"Well I gotta go to class! See you later! And since your classmates with that spitfire over there, warn her 'bout fox-face okay?" Miyagi smiled and went off.

Suddenly I was standing outside the school gates with Sakuragi and I felt unusually uncomfortable. We walked in silence mostly which was odd since Sakuragi always entertained me with his monologues. I looked up at him, and asked "Why are you so quiet?" He looked at me, I saw a faint rose color rise up his cheeks and he replied " I was thinking of Trouvel." I looked at him faintly realizing that I was feeling a little irritated. What was that girl to him anyway? I knew I shouldn't be feeling like this, it's like I'm feeling something akin to jealousy over boyfriend. But no, no, no, no, no, no, it couldn't be that. Maybe I just thought she might steal Sakuragi away as my friend. I don't know but inside I felt calling myself 'liar'.

Thinking all that I couldn't meet his eyes when I asked " Why?" Sakuragi looked down on me and I saw something in his eyes, it was concern, like Takenori when I was hurt or bruised from playing too much, then Sakuragi gave a vague reply "There was something in her smile that didn't quite seem like a smile." I looked at him, we were nearing our classroom, but I couldn't fathom what he was talking about. I looked at my watch, not really seeing it, but reading that we've been leisurely walking for 15 minutes, but I couldn't quite comprehend what the time meant, as Sakuragi's vague replies keep swirling in my head. He must've seen my confused expression and smiled in his usual audacious manner "Don't worry about it Haruko-san, I'm just reading into something too much" he said. " We neared the classroom to see two corners on opposite ends at the back of the classroom filled with boys and girls. At the right side were in I suspect there's a chair a huddle of boys were surrounding someone, and on the opposite end a huddle of girls which I realized some were not from our class thronged together and giggling excitedly. Given this situation, I was quite curious, WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON?

j j j SAKURAGIj j j

As Haruko and I entered the classroom, I still couldn't help speculate about Trouvel…she looked heartbreakingly sad but I suspect she looked like that only to me. She smiled and all and she was angry with Rukawa the whole time but even when she'd been dropped at me, and I saw her face, analyzing the lovely curves of her cheek and the bloom on her face, there had been something there, something in her eyes, that made me think of someone lost.

I must've been thinking for a while and quite suddenly I noticed the surroundings of the room. There was a clump of boys and a clump of girls at either side of the back corner. I looked questioningly at Haruko and I could see that she was also interested in the intriguing sight before us. Then I spotted Yohei he was sitting apart from them in the middle of the classroom in his sitting looking amused at all of the commotion. I quickly walked over to Yohei; he seemed to notice me and yelled " Oi, Hanamichi!" and he grinned. I asked him "What the hell is going on around here?" still grinning he replied, "That over there in the swarm of girls is Rukawa." He pointed at the left corner of the room beside the window and I could practically feel that Kitsune Otoko is sleeping in the eye of that huddle of girls. But still what about the other side? As if sensing my forthcoming question "And that over there is the girl you saved." I was somewhat pleased that she was here but I really couldn't see her while all those idiots surrounded her. My eyesight couldn't reach to where she was since there were those idiots surrounding her.

I really would like to talk to her.

What the hell?!?

Sitting here in the chair half lying on the desk I felt a challenge. It was like the time when another player would challenge me, my skill, my knowledge of basketball. It may sound melodramatic but I loved those challenges. I loved to WIN in those challenges. But that's in basketball, this is different. DAMN, I can't sleep. Even right now I can't feel what surrounds me. I could only remember that girl.

She's a challenge.

She even managed to make me speak in a complete sentence, an impossible feat. Why is it that I feel this way? I know the answer, I can't even believe I asked. It's because she actually treated me with contempt, and she was angry with me! She wasn't like the other people who were all in awe of me, egotistically speaking.~But it's the truth ain't it) I can't fully comprehend but this felt like a challenge, but was I going to risk it? Stupid question, I knew I was.

Realizing that I felt like skipping this class. I raised my head to look at sudden darkness. What the….?

"RUKAWA , we are so honored to have you as our classmate!" I looked up and saw that those girls were surrounding me again. Don't they have anything better to do? Without bothering to talk to them I stood up and something caught my eye. God! And every time they surround me I keep having these delusions that I've suddenly become blind.

At the opposite end that I was sitting, there was a throng of guys surrounding in what I perceive is a person. I couldn't help wondering who that was… I looked around and saw Hanamichi with one of his guntai, he seemed to be pointing at the side opposite mine with the herd of guys. I don't know why, but perhaps I wanted to pry a little, I was a bit curious as to who was being surrounded by those guys. I lazily walked towards them. Something felt strange. I realized I was fully awake. Maybe it was because of that girl… NAH!

I reached Sakuragi since we weren't exactly best of buddies I kept it brief "Who's there?" I said. Sakuragi smirked at me and said in his usual brainless way "Oi Kitsune Otoko, don't you know?"

Idiot, I wouldn't be asking if I knew, would I?

I didn't bother to ask him that and planning to saunter of myself to the rooftop then Sakuragi said something unnerving, "It's your sparring partner, Fox head. I wouldn't advice you going there unless you want us to witness a fight again?"

I did not want to delve into a fight again with Sakuragi. I've had too much practice on our training sessions. Instead I focused my sight on the group. Usually people were shy with the opposite sex but I suppose these guys were exceptions. I didn't want to ask any further but my mild curiosity must've won over my need to suppress sudden urges, "Why?" I asked to Yohei. I couldn't help but be irritated when I said those words that I felt a twinge of resentment. "Ayako-san introduced her a while ago, you probably didn't hear because of those giggling girls surrounding you, I guess guys seem to be taken to her." He said. I couldn't prod anymore and I was glad when Sakuragi asked "What did you think of her Yohei" I looked at Sakuragi and thought there was a note of concern in his voice. I wonder why. Did he like her? More importantly did she like him? Hell, I shouldn't be thinking this…

Yohei looked at Sakuragi for a moment and then at me and then at Sakuragi, as if he wanted to say something but couldn't. Then he said "She reminded me of you." I quickly turned a hooded gaze at Sakuragi, What did that mean?

I remembered her face from when we were arguing. She looked as if I destroyed something precious and that I must pay. I don't know.

I wanted to analyze what I've been thinking when the class adviser came in.

j j j HARUKOj j j

I saw the class assemble as the teacher came in. But I couldn't quite get it out of my head what I saw earlier. It was funny! With Zoe I mean. I guess it's the price for being beautiful like her. Maybe I'm a bit envious, but the attention she was getting from those guys!

I do wonder though how it is being ogled at by a lot of people. I was glad when I saw Sakuragi and Rukawa not among those who were foolishly looking at her, it wasn't that I was concerned for Sakuragi or anything, I just don't think he's right for her! He should be more interested in a girl who understands his thoughts!

But I don't think Zoe even noticed! Although, the groupies that were intently drooling at the sight of her were much more organized than the Rukawa fanatics… I mean they didn't come too close to her. But, well, she is quite pretty… I wonder what Sakuragi thinks of her. I mean… not because , not because I'm jealous or anything, I mean I know she's beautiful and all… but…

"Good Morning" I heard the teacher say.

We all stood up and greeted the teacher.

"Take your seats." The teacher said, then looked around, "Ms. Trouvel will you please stand up." All of us, the whole class, looked at Zoe. Matsui dryly told me Ayako introduced her a while ago. I didn't think Trouvel noticed though. She seemed distracted. From the fight maybe… In a case she stood now smiling, I looked around and saw most of the people in the class were gaping at her. I don't know why but I snuck a glance at Sakuragi… He seemed to analyze her. He was intently gazing at her and I saw a flash of concern in his eyes… Why though? Did he think she was still hurt from her fall? She shouldn't be! After all Sakuragi saved her! If she's hurt it's probably her fault anyway! ~Attention: Haruko has turned evil… ~^_^)

OH MY! What am I saying? I'm being cruel to her… But I just can't believe Sakuragi would pay that much attention to her.

"Thank you sir. I am honored to be in Shohoku High this year and I hope that I am welcome." I heard Zoe say. She was smiling… but there was something missing in that smile… maybe it should have a little more mirth or something. I looked around and saw that most of the guys didn't see anything lacking from her. From my view, they're openly drinking at the sight of her smiling and blushing. ~SIGH) the price of beauty I suppose, and probably allure. Though her smile lacks mirth, it was polite and perfect, each and every way.

"Since this is the first day, she will not be joining regular class today, instead she will be escorted by a fellow classmate, also to be excused, and roam around the campus touring her to the landmarks, an orientation of sorts." He said, and then continued, "May I have a volunteer?"

j j j SAKURAGIj j j

"May have a volunteer?" the teacher asked. I scanned the room and saw almost all of the class's male population went up. Almost all meant Rukawa didn't raise his—probably to tired, or with just my luck, it could be injured! HEHEHEH

Then glancing around, even Youhei was raising his hand. For a guy who was so off hand earlier, he sure is showing a lot of enthusiasm.

I fixed my eyes on Trouvel. She seemed a little uncomfortable but still… she's smiling. I'll have to volunteer!

I looked around.

How come everyone wants to volunteer for that spitfire?… Well she is pretty I suppose.

I took a quick glimpse at the class. Majority of the guys here are raising their hands. It's probably because the girl's… well… pretty. I mean she's a baka, but I'd love to even the score with her somehow.

**Bboom**

WHAT THE…?!? Collective thumps of the guys' hands being placed back on their desk chairs was extremely audible. What was going on here?!? Hey, Yohei is still raising his hand! No, that can't be it. I'm confused.

Then I saw the reason why.

j j j HARUKOj j j

Sakuragi stood up and raised his hand. Now that may not seem much if it was any ordinary guy… But Sakuragi…

I saw that almost all of the people that raised their hands previously, put their hands down. Why did Sakuragi want to pay so much attention to her anyway?

I don't know, but I didn't like Sakuragi doing this. It's because he's my friend and I don't want him to get his hopes up. I mean she is a beautiful girl and all. Many guys like her already. She'd be no match for Sakuragi. And with her height I don't think she cares much for basketball.

I stopped my train of thoughts. Why the heck was I putting the girl down. I mean she's new here. I know nothing of her. And she seems nice, guarded though. Maybe it's just because Sakuragi's nice and he doesn't have any real feelings for her. DARN! Why the heck am I bothered? Why do I care?

I observed the class. Most of the guys that put their hands down looked like they were forming a cold sweat across their foreheads. I smiled inwardly. Sakuragi's height is a match to his temper, and in a class were his bullying and fighting prowess from Junior High is well stamped---not exactly stamped, more like bored into by a very large drill--- into people's minds, they were afraid, they were still very, very afraid. Only most people didn't know that Sakuragi is a gentle person in some cases. I saw Yohei still had his hand up. He wasn't scared of Sakuragi, not a bit. What a pair they make!

I saw the teacher cringing at the thought of Sakuragi being the volunteer. He quickly transferred his gaze towards Yohei, thinking he was the less evil of the lot. I thought he was going to say Yohei's name when Zoe said "May I have Sakuragi as my tour guide Sir?"

I looked at her, transfixed. She wanted Sakuragi as an orientation partner?

§ § § RYOUTA § § §

I looked at Aya-chan, captivated by her ethereal yet strong beauty. Class hasn't really started yet and Aya-chan just came in. Probably from bringing the new student. Who was she anyway? Aya-chan said that she was Anzai sensei's grandniece. How come I haven't seen her before. Maybe I should ask Aya-chan… And then she'll talk to me! I love the way she speaks, even if it's in a shouting voice. SIGH She's the perfect woman…

§ § § AYAKO§ § §

"Oi, Miyagi"

I looked at Ryouta and he was blushing again. I never know what to do when he's around!

I know that he likes me. It's no kept secret---I mean, all of the basketball team members tease me and Miyagi. Especially Sakuragi, that guy has no silent bone in his body! I have to keep hitting him from my paper fan so that he'll stop embarrassing Miyagi and I. I keep on getting mad because of their teasing, but isn't it all my fault?

"Yes Aya-chan?" Miyagi looked at me with what I always thought were puppy dog eyes. He looked… well... sweet—and cute at that!

"What do you think of Trouvel?" Immediately his eyes lost it's puppy dog appeal and he looked sort of serious. I wonder why? Did he know about Zoe? Did he suspect why she was here? "Why so serious all of a sudden?" I smiled and asked in what I hope was a teasing voice. If he knew about Trouvel's family status it would probably be big trouble.

"I don't know. But you seem concerned about her and I…" I looked at him waiting for his sentence to finish he looked at me wearing another one of his blushes and repeated "You seem concerned about her so I became concerned too" and grinned a shy boyish grin at me. I felt my heart flutter at the sight of his smile, even more so when I heard he was concerned just because I was concerned. No questions asked. But I can't get that sentimentality get to me.

"It's not concern or anything. But Anzai-sensei told me she was a Point Guard and since I know that's your are of expertise…" I let my sentence trail of, not really wanting to reveal anymore of her history. Anzai-sensei told me that if anybody asked about her to just reveal some of her history. HE said she wouldn't really like it that much if everybody knew and other people wouldn't too.

"She's small, so that's probably in favor of her if she uses her height to her best advantage" Miyagi said abruptly cutting me off my thoughts. I had to smile the way he said it. Almost everybody, most especially Sakuragi, teased him about his height. And the way he described Trouvel and that it's an advantage beings small, well, it was on the point of being defensive.

He saw the smile creeping from my mouth and without delay he sort of put on a pout on his face. "Why Aya-chan? You're not in favor of her height?" He asked. But I know what his real question is--- aren't I in favor of his height? I just laughed it off. I can't tell him what I think of that --- of him—no matter what.

j j j SAKURAGIj j j

I looked at Zoe as we walked across the hallways. We just got out of the classroom after she deftly pointed out to the teacher that she'd be more comfortable having me as a guide to her at school than anyone else. It had been funny because I knew the teacher really didn't want me as her guide. I may act like an idiot at times ~as Rukawa says a lot), and the teacher might think this of me also, but I know that having other guys—even Yohei—as her tour guide wouldn't do much good. After all even if some the gangs and bullies here have subsided, a lot of them are still prowling around and maybe cutting classes. At least if any of them are still in the school, I'd be sure to protect her. I grinned at myself, I may be an overbearing guy, boasting and bragging all the time, but I know my limitations and my skills enough so that five guys will still be no match for me.

Guiding her through different rooms, floors and labs while making small talk on the degrees of hiding spaces in the school. She was an energetic sprite as she told me that she always has to find hiding places for herself if ever she gets in trouble. But as I laughed, I glanced at her waif-like face and doubted if she could so much as make a teacher frown at something she did. She had the kind of face that could lure you easily into forgiving her for any punishment. Her boundless enthusiasm when talking to me and making silly comments about flying elephants and marching dwarfs made me laugh for quite sometime, and she had this cute little way of wrinkling her nose when she disapproved of something I said, like when I told her about the potential harrasment she might encounter in this school.

"Oh, Sakuragi-san, I wouldn't mind about that." She said pointedly. I couldn't believe the ease she was taking this when she really should be thinking of someone to protect herself, and when I told her she laughed. I asked her why and she just gave another wrinkling nose gesture and said that she might already have someone in mind.

"Arigato, Sakuragi-kun." Zoe suddenly said. I looked at her smiled and replied "For what…?" She looked up, and when I saw her eyes I found something disturbing. For the first time I toured her, her eyes conveyed a much deeper emotion than the buoyancy she displayed when we talked. "For just volunteering" she told me. I didn't know what to say to that. I wanted to say something offhand or maybe something Yohei would call Tensai Replies, but I couldn't tell her any of the two kinds because she didn't wait for me to reply. "Where is the basketball court Sakuragi?" she asked. "Why do you want to go there?" I suspiciously answered her back. Is she a basketball player? Then quickly I remembered her stature. I was practically a foot taller and ½ than her. But the again… Miyagi isn't really that tall is he…? J "Just going to ponder on some things." Then she gave me a smile. Once I saw her smile, I remembered Yohei's words--- She reminded me of you--- What the hell did I remind when he saw her? She was soft, girly—not at all like me, I'm quite manly!-- and one look at her eyes told me, she was lost too. I decided not to ask her anything she didn't want to tell me. I can't pry on other people's business because somehow I knew that she'd need space. Even if I sometimes don't, I know when to back off.

I told her to follow me and led her across the school to where the indoor court is found. I had to smile at the memory that flitted across my mind , Haruko teaching me how to dunk the ball and me-- hitting my head. Even if I made the blunder Haruko still praised me, and I know that anything I accomplish in basketball will be because of her. "Why are you grinning all of a sudden?" Trouvel asked. I felt that my cheeks were warm and I must be blushing right now. I can't tell her that I was thinking of Haruko right there. I didn't know why but maybe she'll tease me, or worse ask me why. "Nothing, Nothing. You know just thinking about basket ball"

"You play?" She asked.

I felt myself flush at the question. I felt piqued. Maybe, I got a little offended… ok I got offended a lot at her question. I mean given that I'm tall and have quick reflexes--- I did save her from a very hurting bottom earlier--- why didn't she think I'm basketball playing material. Then I heard her laugh, and for a time I thought that it was somehow a laugh of release, not of amusement. "You play." She said, more of a statement now than a question. I had to beam at her when she said that. She probably saw that I was hurt by her question and quickly revised it. I peered down at her. She was pretty, very pretty actually. But her looks were no match to Haruko's simple but angelic beauty. It's not that she doesn't have angelic looks or anything, she does. But my mind tends to always side with Haruko's since I'm, well, in love with her. As we slid the door open and walked in, I felt adrenalin course through my veins. Maybe before, when I first started playing, I only did it for Haruko. But after that I did it for just the fun of it. The thrill of it, the knowledge that your actually doing something productive. Basketball is fun. Well… as long as you don't get hit by a gorilla man or a paper fan that seems to appear out of nowhere.

I saw Zoe take of her shoes. With that, I was surprised, most people outside the basketball team didn't take of their shoes and just walked right along, but she did. She walked around and went to the cart were all the basketballs were. She got one and dribbled it with her right hand and then her left. She stopped then looked at me while holding the ball with just one hand, the way Haruko said was a mark of a basketball player. She had such smaller hands than mine and she could hold the ball that way. "Do you play?" I asked her. She just grinned then walked to the other half of the court, to the free throw line, dribbled the ball a few times then, much to my surprise, made a perfect free throw shot. I could hear the ball swishing through the net as she made her shot.

"I play." She said then smiled at me.

I couldn't help it but I was a bit mystified by that free throw shot. Ok, I admit I'm envious. How could I, a taller, broader and a tensai at basketball, not shoot like that?!?

"Did Anzai-sensei teach how to play?" Sakuragi asked.

I thought for a moment. Should I answer his question truthfully or maybe I'll just fudge it up and say that his coach was the one who taught me.

I just smiled then and said "No." I looked at Sakuragi and asked him "Who taught you how to play?" I knew the best way to avoid answering any question was to ask another, and I really didn't want to divulge in who taught me to play.

"GORILLA." Sakuragi said. I saw his eyes light up with humor.

I, was undoubtedly, confused, "A gorilla, an African anthropoid ape, with massive body and limbs, long arms and tusklike canine teeth, taught you how to play?" I asked. Then he laughed, "If you put it that way, it might be true." He then placed his forefinger on his temple, looking like he was pondering something, "Come to think of it, if it wasn't for his sister…" he grinned.

He then stood up straightly looked at me in the eye and asked "This is a long story, are you sure you want to ask?" Why not, there's nothing to lose in him telling his story. I shrugged and just said "Go on…" He looked at me and smiled yet again. He walked to the corner of the court and sat down, I walked over with him, sat, with my legs stretched out in front of me and my ankles crossed. He began talking then "Do you remember Haruko?" I thought for a while… It was the auburn haired girl that was with us in the event this morning. "The pretty one, straight brow hair, nice round eyes. Quite charming features actually." After I described whom I thought of as Haruko, I saw Sakuragi blush yet again this time a little timidly and shyly. He didn't look at me when he explained that Haruko was the one who influenced him in playing basketball, and that the 'Gori' that Sakuragi was talking about was Haruko's brother. He seemed fond for them both but I noticed that he always blushes whenever Haruko's name is suddenly mentioned. "You like her don't you?" I suddenly asked. Then I felt like I should shut my mouth for asking such a question. It isn't like me to snoop in other people's lives. I looked at him then said "Sorry for asking, you shouldn't answer if you don't want to. It's just that you barely explained in detail the How's and the Why's so I …" I let my sentence trail off, amused that I'm lying. I wasn't really interested that much on the Why's and the How's he came in the basketball club, but if he is in love with Haruko. I didn't know why I placed such an interest, maybe because more than once I tried matchmaking with Ady and his erratic attitude and noticed the subtle change in his attitude when he falls in love with the person I picked, and from the look on Sakuragi's face maybe he won't be the loud mouthed boy Ayako told me a while ago that he was and be a little bit more… mature.

I peered at him and he turned around to face me. "You noticed then?" he asked. "How could I not? From the first time I saw you look at her this morning you blushed beet red." Then suddenly livened I pulled my hair back, scrunched my face a bit and tried to imitate Sakuragi "I'm Sakuragi and I blush every time Haruko's around, and I can't tell her I like her" masking my voice to match his deep tone. We both laughed then. Then I saw that still he had that blush on. Was I like that with Raphael? "You don't know how right on track you are." Sakuragi said, "Right on track?" I inquired. "I like her, maybe even love her. But she loves somebody else."

"HUH?"

He smiled and asked "What?"

"I'm not following you here. I think you left a lot of details for me to be analyzing this…" I said.

I think his situation is a lot more complicated than I imagined.

"We met on my first day of school." He said. I looked at him and he seemed to drift off, like he was really imagining the first day of school playing before his eyes. He then told me how he got dumped yet again by another girl and how his guntai laughed at him and mad bets over him over and over again. "Guntai?" I asked. "My army, as other people call it are my closest friends. Moustache bound Sauichiro, weasel Yuji, fat, plump and overly obese Anozumi, and my best friend Yohei" I looked at him confused, so I asked " If they're your friends why do they laugh at you and make bets over you?" "That's our way of friendship. If we annoy each other over some things, we're not going to have time to feel sorry for ourselves." He smiled, and then he looked sad, as if passing over a very poignant memory. "It may seem wrong to you, or for everyone else, but it helps at times." Then he looked me steadily in the eye and said "Their my friends." With finality.

Then I remembered what he first said, so I looked at him inquiringly "Dumped again…" I let my sentence trail of, making him decide whether or not to continue.

He looked glum all of a sudden and said, " I've been dumped over 50 times you know…"

WHAT!?!? I mean okay maybe he wasn't the cutest guy but surely someone… As if sensing my thoughts he uttered "I'm not like this you know."

"What?"

"I'm not that open to anybody. I'm loud, rowdy, bullish—especially if I really like the person I get nervous and act differently. And if you'd ask any random person they'd probably say you should stay the hell away from me."

"What?!?" I asked incredulous.

He laughed. "Look I may not look it but if you'd like to see how I am, you should observe me with Yohei." Then continued " So there I was being dumped yet again, and guess who she dumped me for?" I couldn't guess that so I just said " I give up, who did she dump you for?" He seemed embarrassed by it because he blushed an even deeper shade of red and wouldn't look me in the eye. Then he whispered something incoherent, as if really embarrassed by it, I couldn't hear him so I practically shouted "WHAT?"

" A basketball player."

"No Way!?!?" I said dubiously.

"Yes Way." He then grinned at me.

" So you got into basketball to impress that girl and you met Haruko and forgot all about that girl and decided you like Haruko instead. Is that it?" I asked

"Iie." He said. "I was trying to be a 'SPORTSMAN' and …" He told me how he and Haruko met, how he didn't know a thing about basketball, when he said that I practically blew his ear of when I yelled "NO WAY!!"

"Yes way." He replied casing his ears.

"But your built, your energy, your speed, and, damn it, YOUR HEIGHT!" I said almost frantically and raising my arms as if to gesture his mistake.

"Alright, alright. I should've been a player before. Happy?" he voiced out. He was fully grinning now, and I could hear the laughter in his voice.

I felt myself flush as I realized I'd gone 'CRAZY' on him. "Sorry." I looked at him pleadingly in the eye "It's just that, I never had the height when I played and your built. I expect that anyone with your physique, which is clearly a basketball player's one, would grab the chance at playing."

"Well you may be small, but remember the guy you called an alien?"

"Yes…"

"He's a player too."

I scrutinized what he said, then retorted "Yeah, but he is still taller than me."

"Well Ayako is taller than Miyagi but that doesn't stop him from liking her."

"Huh? What has Ayako got to do with this" I asked, surprised at the sudden switch of topic.

"Miyagi is shorter than Ayako but that doesn't stop him from liking her. Just like you, you shouldn't let your height, or anything else for that matter, stop you in anything."

I pondered a moment on what he said. I guess what he said is true, but I didn't continue playing basketball because I got over the fact that I'm small, Ady & Andrew convinced me that I could play.

"Wise words coming from what Ayako said as a silly person." I said

"I have my moments, you know." He looked down and silently whispered. I didn't know if I was to hear that or not but I heard it and I didn't know what to make of it.

"So what happened?" I asked willing for him to go on.

"Haruko saw me and my built and recommended me to the basketball club. Then I found out that she already signed me up and that her brother was the team captain" he glanced at me then said "the team captain was the gorilla I was talking about. He remarkably resembles one, down to the built and height that he has.

After that I found out that Haruko is in love with someone else"

"WAIT WAIT!!!" I yelled, I have to think, the captain, is he….? But suddenly realizing something, I looked him straight in the eye and said "There something your leaving out again…"

"What?" he asked.

"You're not telling me what you felt when you saw Haruko." I simply replied.

He looked at me and confessed "I don't think it's such a good idea"

"Why"

"You wouldn't want me rambling here, would you?"

I sighed, exasperated "Look I haven't enjoyed talking this much since I came to Japan." He looked at me inquiringly so I quickly put in "Don't ask about that yet" I warned. "It's just that I haven't talked to anyone this much and I feel like you could be one of my friends. Which is maybe a lot to say since I choose my friends, and I give my loyalty to them till the end."

My words might've sounded arrogant. But looking at Sakuragi's face, I knew that he realized that my loyalty is an honest thing I'm offering.

"What does this have to do with me telling you how I feel for Haruko, I just fell for her that's that." He arrogantly replied.

I couldn't blame him that much. "I know I have no right in asking personal questions…" I said and looked at him straight in the eye "but for once, I know you might not understand this, but I don't feel lonely." He gazed at me with his brown eyes. I didn't expect him to understand, but when I saw his eyes I saw understanding, comprehension and… kindness and never pity.

"She saw me in the hallway…" and then he began to recall what happened. I was a bit fascinated. I first thought that it was a superficial thing, that he only liked Haruko for the damsel in distress she seemed to portray, or rather a homebody female, a housewife. But as he talked about how she talked to him, apologized and taught him the wonders of being an athlete, I came to admire her and realized that Sakuragi liked her, he may even love her for that matter.

"So what's the problem?" I asked rather bluntly.

He looked a little crestfallen, then turned his brown eyes to me and said "I told you she loves somebody else." Then he told me of a guy who was a perfect basketball player graceful moves and with a greater deal of experience in playing than him. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you admire the guy." I said a little miffed.

"Super Rookie." He said then continued, "I didn't at first. But he is good. We exchange blows the entire time we practice, even more so at the games. But he's one of the greatest players here in Kanagawa" he said.

"You make it seem as if he's a god. Who is he?"

j j j SAKURAGIj j j

I smiled at Zoe, I couldn't help it. Talking to her came easily and when she said that tidbit about her loyalty, I felt humbled. Somehow I know her loyalty is steadfast never wavering. And, I don't know but somehow I understand why she needed friends, it was what I felt after my father died. I really didn't want to tell her about how I feel for Haruko but she seemed hurt that I didn't want to tell her, and the look in her eyes conveyed that if I didn't tell her, she'd lose the friend she found in me.

I still gazed at her, with her dark black eyes. She was very pretty, but I can't seem to think of her the way the other guys at class did. Maybe it's because she seemed more of a sister than someone to ogle at, or maybe I'm so into Haruko that she just couldn't compare to me that way.

Then I remembered her question, who was the guy Haruko was in love with? I honestly didn't want to tell her that I admire fox face, but it's true. He's a good player, no questions asked. He's admired by a lot of people, most especially the troupe of idiotic girls who follow him around. And she probably wouldn't tell anyone I told her that. She gave that kind of loyalty, and it sort of the same with Rukawa and basketball. But still, Haruko's in love with him so I'm supposed to hate him right? But I don't, not anymore anyway. I'm just jealous, of the fact that he is better than me and that Haruko's in love with him.

I suddenly recalled that in the incident this morning she didn't moon over him, in fact, she screamed the hell out him, and now she was asking about him but she didn't know.

"How'd you like the guy you 'bumped' into this morning" I asked. I think I know what her answer will be, probably in negation.

"I didn't" she said. HAH, I'm a genius after all.

I felt myself grinning from ear to ear. The tone of her voice terse and annoyed.

"What?" she demanded

"Thought so…"

"Thought so what…"

"You're not like the other girls. You're not like Haruko."

She looked at me like I was the biggest idiot on earth and suddenly stammered indignantly "What I know of Haruko is less than approving. From what I hear she's in love with a picture she doesn't even know. A perfect image of a guy who plays basketball and can beat all the odds in the game. She's foolish enough to think that how a person plays is how a person is, good, great fluid. But I think she doesn't really talk to the guy does she?" she then looked at me inquiringly "Never give her up! Otherwise she'll just break her heart from a mirage that may be a glimpse of paradise, but actually an invincible hell. Her dreams are all wrapped around basketball that she immediately falls in love with a 'basketball man'. She may be courageous in some cases, and a very good friend a lot of times. But she's blinded."

I looked at her, and what I saw wasn't all-comforting. She looked angry, and somehow, I felt as if I touched a nerve.

"I'm sorry Sakuragi." She then whispered. She bent her face down and said "I just don't like comparisons."

I replied "You just retrieved a very bad memory, didn't you?" I darted a glance at her.

"Sort of. Let's just not talk about it."

I looked at her, she looked at me.

I began to smile.

She put out her tongue.

I smirked, she began to giggle.

Then finally we burst out laughing.

Getting a hold of herself she finally said "I don't know why the hell I'm laughing."

"Maybe it's because despite your startling out-of-the-blue outbursts, you find my charming company therapeutic," I said in my usual manner.

She laughed again, until she clutched her stomach and tears rolled from her eyes. She looked at me and smiled after she sobered up "I suppose so." She grinned and said "Sakuragi are you sure those broad shoulders can support that big head of yours?" rather mockingly.

For a while I felt a little indignant, but I knew that she was right. And I act this way for a purpose, so I laughed along with her.

After a while, when we both sobered up and stopped laughing I heard her say " I'm sorry for interrupting you a while ago. Would you care to continue?"

I looked at her curiously, I didn't know what it was that wanted me to tell her, to be her friend. It came as if an instinct. But since I can see no harm to it, why bother curbing that instinct and from the way she talks to me so openly, I'm not going to keep her away.

"She knows." I said

"Knows what?"

"That I like her." I said simply.

"NO WAY." She said in English.

"YES WAY!" I answered her back in English.

That's another thing about her, when she speaks random words in English, she doesn't have that distinct Japanese accent to it, the way it's cropped and all.

"I told her after I got my injury, but she still says that she thinks of me no more than that of a friend and that she's in love with Rukawa. After that I tried to convince her but…" I then caught her biting her lip, listening to every word, "she said that we should just forget the whole incident never happened."

After I told Trouvel that, I suddenly remembered that day. I was finally rid of the back injury and sent off by the hospital with a clean bill of health. Haruko and the whole team were there to greet me, even Rukawa. I asked Haruko for a walk after I said my piece all she could say was 'Oh.'

Then she began to tell me I was just a really a good friend. I felt the pain seer through me at that moment. Even more so in the following days. I really did like her, she introduced me to a life I might never had have. She was the one who actually ended my gangster days, because she introduced me to basketball. Corny though it seems, I'm a better man because of her, and I wanted to be a better guy for her, simply only for her. But she shot me down. I felt dying right then and there. But Yohei and the others never let me feel sorry for myself, and they cheered me up. But the pain is always there.

"I'm sorry Sakuragi-kun" I felt her hand slipping into mine, a gesture of comfort I suppose.

Then I felt her other had rise up to my face to brush something away. I was suddenly surprised to discover that something were tears.

"Never regret that you confessed Sakuragi." She said softly, slightly squeezing my hand.

"I suppose so. But I regret that I can't be the man she loves, a person she can love."

"I think that right now, you're a person anyone could love. It's just she's blinded by the image that Rukawa conveys. But he couldn't be more handsome than you right?" she said jokingly.

I had to smile at that. She's like all of my friends, attempting to lighten the situation.

"Anyway who is this Rukawa?"

I laughed. I still hadn't told her and she didn't know who Rukawa is! And she said that he couldn't be more handsome than I am, I don't know but for all the girls who followed him, they probably think him more handsome than I am.

"Think" I said.

I then saw a blush creep in her cheeks, she must've remembered Ayako and Miyagi's statements before.

"Rukawa…" I said, for clarification "Is the guy who made you fly."

"the guy who…" she suddenly muttered, then said "the guy that was sleeping while he was biking?" she asked. "Are you sure he's a good player? He seems like an idiot to me." She asked. I heard contempt in her voice, I couldn't help but smirk at that. She's like a perfect girl, pretty and what's more important is that she doesn't like fox face. It's too bad though, my heart's already spoken for.

"You don't like him, do you?"

"No."

"Why so harsh?" I asked. She seems to have hostile feelings over Rukawa and that seems odd, I mean the guy just ran her over. THAT usually happens to everyone.

"He called me an idiot" she said.

"Why be mad over that?" I said, "He calls me an idiot all the time."

I smiled, then grinned, then laughed really loud. I saw Trouvel look at me with annoyance mixed with curiosity.

"WHAT?" she yelled. I liked the sound of her voice though, soothing actually and a little melodious.

"You're the first girl who didn't show any interest for Rukawa."

"You've got to be kidding." She said, not masking her disgust "Why bother over a pretty face?"

"Ahh… So you find him handsome then?" I teased.

I saw her face flush in a deep shade of red, probably embarrassed at what slipped.

"He's got very expressive eyes. But he's a punk, and it's just looks anyway…" She said still blushing and looking down on her lap.

I grinned. After a few minutes that we've talked, I felt closer to her in some ways more than anyone, maybe even Yohei. I didn't know why we talked this much or why we feel this close to each other, but I liked talking to her.

"You forget, he's a great basketball player." I said. Even if Rukawa's my sworn enemy, sometimes I think of him as a friend maybe because of our differences that and the love of the game. And because, I have respect for him as a player and as a person.

"He may be great but I bet he's selfish at the games." Trouvel said.

"He is." I answered. "Well most of the time anyway. But try to befriend him, maybe he'll talk to you."

"Why, can't he talk?" she asked

"He talks. But most of the time his words are limited to baka, and do'aho. You really don't have to take it personally though." And then a sudden image popped to my mind, Rukawa and Trouvel together, they'd probably make a very handsome couple, and I told her so "You never know, you might be the person to make him speak and fall in love."

"Don't say that!" she yelled, "I'm not ready for any relationship, ever!" she yelled.

Taken aback, I analyzed what she said, and I thought that there was an underlying reason for what she said, but I won't ask, not yet anyway.

I looked at the clock on the wall. It was almost lunch time! We've been talking for hours here, and I didn't even notice.

I stood up with my right hand still in hers "Let's go. It's time to eat." I said to her. She then stood up gracefully and tightened her grasp. We walked out the door and suddenly she smiled at me, "Thank you for the talk. I hope we can be friends." She said, rather shyly, "Of course." I said then bragging "Who wouldn't want me as a friend?" Then she laughed, but stopped for something caught her eye. I didn't see who it was so I turned around a little. It was Haruko, and she was just stunned standing there looking at us. Her gaze swept over her face then I suddenly remembered something. I felt my face flush at the what she saw.

Trouvel and I were still holding hands.

j j j HARUKOj j j

"Haruko…" I looked up and saw Yohei speaking to me.

It was lunch time and I was eating my lunch, or rather trying to eat it. I kept thinking of Sakuragi with Trouvel. I don't know why, but it bothered me that they were together this very minute.

"What is it?" I asked him politely.

"The teacher asked me to find you and tell you that you should got to Hanamichi and Trouvel to tell them it's lunch time. Trouvel's orientation with Hanamichi is supposed to be till lunch and she's supposed to stay in the library after."

"I thought the orientation was for the whole day?" I asked.

"I thought so too. But the teacher told me that it wasn't safe for Hana and Trouvel to be together. He doesn't trust Hana that much you know?" he said with a roguish wink. "You should try the basketball court, maybe Hana decided to divulge in his basketball prowess and as a tensai."

I had to smile at that. I stood up then walked out of thee room and headed for the basketball court. I can't believe how much Hanamichi improved since he started. His plays are much more experienced than his one-year training conveyed. I felt proud of him somehow.

I was nearing the court's entrance and suddenly stopped walking. Two people were emerging from the sliding doors. One was definitely Hanamichi and was the other Trouvel? I looked at them closely enough and what I saw made my heart stop.

They were walking and laughing together. But it wasn't that.

They were holding hands.

§ § § MIYAGI§ § §

I looked at Aya-chan carefully. Most of the people think that I like her because of her looks but it's more than that. She has a quick mind to her, she's a no-none sense kind of girl and calls on your shit when needed. She's probably a good player and she loves basketball, my sport. It's true that I only entered because of her. But after a while I began to like it, and I have previous training from it. (SIGH)

"Oi Miyagi, aren't you gonna eat your lunch?" someone asked.

When I looked up it was Aya-chan who said that.

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks "Not yet." How could I tell her that I couldn't eat because of her.

She dragged a chair nearby and put it in close proximity with mine. She straddled it and placed it right in front of mine. She then looked at me, as if expecting something.

Come, Ryoutai think, you must have something to talk about.

"Tell me more of Trouvel" I asked.

"Are you interested in her Miyagi?" she asked.

I looked at her in the eye and tried to find out if she was tiniest bit jealous. Maybe I hadn't imagined it but her voice conveyed… jealousy? Maybe I'm hoping too much.

"No." I said. As much as I'd like Aya-chan to be jealous, I couldn't lie to her, she is after all the love of my life ~~~SAP).

"Oh, well you already know that she's a good basketball player, and she's Anzai sensei's relative… What else should I tell you?" she asked.

I was thinking for a moment. Right now when we spoke of Trouvel, she seemed interested in telling me about her.

"Why did she transfer in second year when she could've the year before?" I asked.

I now felt curious about the girl. I mean she's like an enigma. She likes Sakuragi better than Rukawa from what I've seen this morning and well, with Ayako talking about her, I can hear Aya-chan's voice more often.

"She transferred here from America." Ayako said.

"And…?"

I looked at her, and she seemed to be holding something back. I observed her with Trouvel, and I saw something in Aya-chan that is usually reserved for an intense game. Passion to make the girl feel welcome, walking along the corridors and watching the two of them together, Ayako was open, she briefly told Trouvel about Sakuragi and how he was a player. Ayako wanted her entertained, but Trouvel just smiled. After that I saw compassion in Aya-chan's eyes. Why the need to be sympathetic for the girl?

I had to ask.

"It's not only that she's Anzai-sensei's niece, is it?" I asked, I looked at her, weighing, what should be my next words. Aya-chan seemed like she wanted to tell me, she looked at me a bit pleadingly. "I saw you Aya-chan, you were trying to hard to please the girl…"

"Promise me you won't tell…"

I looked at her, I saw earnestness in her eyes and something else, was it pity?

"Anzai sensei told me not to tell anyone, but I can trust you can I?" she asked.

Of course she can and I told her that, "You can trust me with anything, Aya-chan."

"I'm telling you this, so maybe you can help…"

Then she told me.