Held Hands. Heartbeats and Hellos.
To Angel007: I know they look cute together, but you might change your mind in the next few chapts.
To White-angel: I sort of got the habit after switching chanels back and forth when GMA's t.v. sched. was coinciding with slamdunk and hunterxhunters and they usually run it late, but hey, who wouldn't love Dindong Dantes, ne?
(((ZOE(((
La-dee-dee-dee, dee-dum, de-doop-doop-doop.
Très bien. I silently hummed to Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker: Waltz of the Flowers that was playing in my MP3 player. Most people, especially my brothers and Flame, mocked how I could have a variety of music stored in my player. The first song played is the classical, Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, after that and modified only this year, Crawlin' by Linkin Park. Unorthodoxly, I have Grieg, Schubert, Lortzing with a mix of Matchbox 20, New Radicals, The Cranberries, Enya and pop band The Corrs, and more, much much more. People usually are amazed when they hear the wide array of musical pieces stored in my player, but why bother explaining?
I choose the music that suits my mood. And right now, I need my classicals. It's just plain relaxing, and after this day, I need to unwind.
I had to laugh at the scene earlier on with Sakuragi and his Haruko-san. It was obvious that the girl was jealous after seeing Sakuragi and I were holding hands. It was clear to me that Sakuragi wanted to explain to her that it was nothing, but thinking quickly I interrupted him and told him to please take me to the rooftop instead of the library.
The girl needs to be jealous.
When I told them of the rooftop both of them asked why, I just answered that I'd rather see the sun than the books, a lie of course. I might've told Sakuragi the real reason why but Haruko was there, and I don't think I'll have the easiest rapport at that moment with me previously holding Sakuragi's hand.
So after telling me the staircases to go and the directions to follow here I am in what I estimate as a 20 feet by 20 rooftop leaning against the walls that were constructed on it's supposed edges Probably so that no one would fall… or commit suicide, my large blue cotton sports bag with bear paw prints design on my side, my legs were stretched out, crossed at the ankle, my uniform skirt covering mid-thigh, I closed my eyes and listened to my music. Leaning against the wall, my eyes flitted towards the wall lining, a thought repeated itself, Probably so that no one would fall… or commit suicide.
I need to think. I pressed the player to play at random, and the next song hit me hard.
Out of reach, couldn't see we were never meant to be.
Damn!
I quickly pushed the forward button, for it to play to another song. It was my relief when the music that played next was Vertical Horizon's Heart in Hand. It wasn't as bad, the good thing here was that it didn't remind me of my idiocy.
Pictures and photographs
Memories and windows
Goodbyes and epitaphs
Heartbeats and hellos
Are you waiting for
Heart in hand
Woman and man
See me where I stand I am
Heart
Heart in hand
I hummed as I felt my body go slack. I never realized a song could ease pain as well as bring tension. My mind suddenly drifted to Sakuragi, I could've told him everything, if I didn't hold back so much. He was easy to talk with and to.
After talking to him and asking him questions, it seemed like he wanted to talk to me too. Telling me of Haruko and Gori, can a guy actually resemble an ape? And yet another question, is he…?
Then he told me of Rukawa, was that a first name or a last?
I'll never get used to this!
Maybe I should just call him Kitsune, at least, that's what Sakuragi calls him. Kitsune, fox, I felt a giggle bubble out of my throat as I realized it's irony. Sakuragi called him a Kitsune because he resembles one, but in the States, if he was called a fox, he'd be just described as a desirable person with desirable, uhrm, physical attributes.
-SIGH- In a case, Rukawa, the super player, the guy who practically killed me, maybe I should ask him to do a better job.
I can't believe Haruko could like him just for his skills and not his personality. Why the heck was she blinded? From what Sakuragi told me, the guy doesn't speak much except to reprimand him in saying he was an idiot. Maybe the guy only speaks to Sakuragi though. But maybe Haruko has a point… well… in his looks I suppose. He has the darkest black hair imaginable, it was sable black and it had the same color as Gulliver, Apple's cheval, had. And those eyes, when I was young, I always wished I had my father's and Adler's, lavender with the tiniest hint of aqua. Yet looking at Rukawa's eyes, immensely blue and it conveyed something… I don't know but it had a commanding air, a different quintessence to it that all you could do was stare, I felt that blue was another eye color I needed to ask for my wish list of eye color.
Sakuragi said that he admired that renard, that Zorro's basketball skills. Was he really that good? Maybe I should ask Unky Nicky… I tried to imagine Rukawa with a basketball… but I couldn't. Try hard as I might, I could picture him, but not in the court. All I could see were those blue eyes and features coming closer and closer and…
NO! I suddenly opened my eyes a tiny peep, I didn't like the way I was thinking of that guy. Something at the corner of my vision caught my eye, at the door to the staircase to the rooftop was Rukawa, standing in full splendor. He probably couldn't see that my eyes were open to the tiniest slits, so that I could see him.
I saw him turn around, seemingly departing. He probably saw me and wanted to leave, I didn't know why but I had to say " Don't let me stop you from coming here"
(((RUKAWA(((
I need to sleep.
It was lunchtime and the lessons were boring as usual. But I can't think of that now, my focus is to go to the rooftop and sleep. I just hope no one will disturb me.
I walked along the corridors leading to the rooftop when I suddenly heard a familiar voice. "Oi, Rukawa." I turned around and saw Miyagi call me. I didn't say anything so he continued "Come earlier at practice today, eh Rukawa." He said. I just nodded in compliance. Earlier in practice, of course. He walked away and I headed back to my path, I felt myself imitate batman when coming to his lair, to the rooftop!
I closed my eyes slightly as I began to tread the staircase leading to the roof. As my eyes began to close, a face appeared in my mind, one that has dark black eyes, equally dark black and soft looking curly hair that framed a pale rounded face that had very red and ruby-colored lips that looked luscious. My eyes snapped back open.
What was I thinking?
The obvious answer to that was Trouvel. It irritated me that she was so pretty. It irritated me that Yohei said she reminded him of Sakuragi. It irritates me that for some unknown reason she always pops up in my head. But that's the least of it, what irritates me more is that she has the power to irritate me!
Irritation usually comes easily where Sakuragi and my 'fans' are concerned. But with her…
She's a challenge. I sighed as I neared the door leading to the open aired rooftop, maybe the atmosphere there will clear my thoughts from that girl. I know that I'm used to challenges, I'm used to winning. And the battle with her has not yet been concluded with a side that won and lost.
When I neared, I opened the cool handle of the spring door, but what I saw opposite that door made me uneasy.
Is it coincidence? Idiot…
There she was, the high sun lighting her face. Her eyes were closed, her lips puckered. She was sitting against the wall that outlined the edges of the rooftop; her legs were extended in front of her, crossed at the ankles. Her hair slightly ruffled. Her left hand was holding an MP3 player, and the thin cords of the earphones went up to her neck and hidden behind her curls. She's listening to music. Maybe I should just go down and go to class, she probably didn't hear me come in. It wasn't that I was avoiding her, not really…
I turned around, intending to walk somewhere… somewhere other than here. I want to sleep, not spar with her, I know that it's presumptuous that we would fight, but judging from the way she actually talked to me this morning, she was no moony fan like the others. I know the challenge has to be concluded, but seeing her peaceful face, maybe I just shouldn't disturb her.
I didn't know why but the thought irritated me further. She's just like any of the challenges I face in court, just conquer and win, but maybe it's time to lie low. I was actually going down when I heard distinctly someone…her say, " Don't let me stop you from coming here."
I veered in her direction to see her eyes wide open and her lips curving into a smirk. It may not be a fully-fledged smile but it was nice to know she shows her choppers, and that they won't bite…
At least I hope they won't.
CORRECTION: At least I hope they won't right now.
I looked behind me were the staircase leading to the classes were, and then gazed at her. Would I rather go to class than stay here with her? I didn't know what prompted me to the decision, but I decided to stay.
Dangerous decision Kaede…
It's also dangerous to keep talking to yourself that way Kaede.
I sauntered of to where she was sitting. Her smirk turned into a smile and she closed her eyes yet again. I stopped to where she was sitting. Was I supposed to sit with her? Although I wanted to hold back, I sat next to her, one leg outstretched one knee bent with my arm draped over it, I looked at her. She was supposed to be touring with Sakuragi right? Why was she here? And what's more, why is she treating me more of a friend rather than someone she fought with?
"I won't disappear even if you keep staring at me like that." She unexpectedly said.
I felt defensive and answered back, in an even tone "I wasn't."
"Right… you weren't…." she said, rather sarcastically.
I didn't ask anything, just leaned back against the wall and closed my eyes, maybe I could sleep sitting up.
Dum- Dum- Dum- Dum- Dum- Dum.
I could hear a drum sounding.
Iie. My heart; it was going at a rate usually reserved for when I'm playing basketball. What was going on here?
I didn't know the answer to that question, but I sure as hell am not going to find out, I'm gonna sleep.
(((SAKURAGI(((
I quickly sat on my seat and felt a little bit uncomfortable. The earlier scene played to my mind. After Haruko and I showed Trouvel where the rooftop was, Trouvel told us to just go ahead and eat lunch and she'll find her own way. What unnerved me that Haruko didn't say much. She wasn't even mildly curious as to what happened between Trouvel and I.
Was I that unimportant?
I tried to explain but Trouvel cut me off. Maybe an explanation would warm her, but I was detoured when giving it.
Resignedly, I slumped at my chair. I put my elbow on top of the desk and suddenly felt that I hit something.
What's this? A pink lunch box was there. I looked around to see if anyone was watching, but everyone else was busy stuffing their faces with their lunch. I tried to look for Yohei to ask if he knew who owns this, but he was nowhere to be seen.
Then, I saw a note tucked at the side of the box. I looked around to see if yet again anyone's watching me, but no one seemed to. I opened the note and read:
Hope to see you soon!
Love Umi
OH NO! NOT NOW!
(((HARUKO(((
I can't believe it. She must like him!
But it can be just and accident right? I mean what if she never intended to hold hands with Sakuragi?
Baka Haruko, how can she 'accidentally' hold hands with someone else. It doesn't happen like magic!
I looked at Sakuragi slumped over his seat. Something's wrong. He looked pale and wan. Is he sick?
I quickly stood up and walked over to him.
"Are you okay Sakuragi?" I asked. As I asked him that, he seemed to become paler.
"It's nothing Haruko-chan." He looked at me and tried to smile.
"Oh, here comes Yohei" I said, as I spotted Yohei coming towards us. Then I looked back at Sakuragi. If it was possible, it looked like all the blood in his face disappeared at the sight of Yohei. Is he alright? Maybe he's hurt… Is his back okay?
"Sakuragi-kun, are you sure you're alright?" I asked again. What if he's sick?
"I'm okay, I… uh just didn't like what I ate earlier." He said. Well at least he seemed to get his color back. I looked at his desk and saw his lunch box there.
Pink?
"Sakuragi, sorry your back…" I looked up and so Yohei smile at Sakuragi. But Sakuragi didn't smile at the joke, instead, I saw him squirm in his seat, as if hiding something.
"Well, I hope you get better, maybe you should try to finish your lunch." I said to Sakuragi, then as an after thought I turned around and whispered to him "Never knew your favorite color was pink." Grinned then left.
(((SAKURAGI(((
"Oi, Hanamichi. What's the matter?"
I looked up to Yohei. Hoo boy… he's not going to like this…
I looked at the note and the neat handwriting, then looked to Yohei, then at Umi-chan's note, and then at Yohei, and then at Yohei and then at Umi's note.
"You gotta stop doing that your making me dizzy." Yohei a little bit arrogantly.
How the hell is he going to take this?
I handed him the note.
He still looked smug, and then he read it.
He paled. Then, he blushed.
"She's not here, is she Hana?"
Dear Lord, please let this be uncomplicated…
(((ZOE(((
4 Songs and twenty minutes later I saw Rukawa's head loll aside. I grinned. He was sleeping soundly. That gave me time to assess his features. Angular and sort of sharp, but he looked young while he was sleeping. I felt my face stretch to a wide grin as I saw that he was drooling. Is this what Sakuragi described as a super rookie? But I can't really tell, can I? Maybe I'll visit Unky Nicky later, at the practice. I guess Ayako's expecting me to be there. Assistant coach huh? Maybe, maybe not… I turned my gaze forward, momentarily blinded by the sun's rays. I closed my eyes and tried to feel my surroundings. Thump, thump, thump… This is weird, I feel my heart pounding loudly in my ears, like I was nervous or something. Why though? I didn't want to analyze anything now. I'll just close my eyes and join Rukawa in his slumber.
(((AYAKO(((
What had I done?
I am so stupid, I looked at Miyagi's brown eyes and I can't comprehend why I did it, but I had too. In a case, he's the team's captain, maybe he should know. I can't regret what I said now, because it'll do more help than harm in telling Miyagi about Trouvel.
"Don't be guilty of telling all that to me Aya-chan…"
How'd he know?
I looked at him and I felt his hands reach for mine, in that instant I didn't feel guilty at all. But what I felt, I can't explain.
"She's going to be part of the team whether she likes it or not, and we're here to make her feel welcome…" he declared.
I felt myself smile, maybe he's a born leader.
"And, you never know, maybe she'll find someone here…" he grinned mischievously.
I felt my heart stop. I couldn't mistake the meaning of someone. But did he mean himself?
"Anyone in mind Miyagi?" I asked. I felt a little bit miffed. I asked a similar question before, but it was I asking about him liking her then. Yes, he said no, but had he changed his mind so quickly?
" You never know, maybe Sakuragi…" he replied.
I let out a sigh of relief—something I didn't know I held. I've been anxious of his answer. Despite what others think, I care for him, but that can't develop… and I can't tell.
"Why him?" I asked, suddenly curious.
"Sakuragi would be perfect for her, he's funny without intending to be, and he has a gentle side to him. He may be loud at times, but he's a good companion." He stopped for a while as if thinking, "And it would take his mind of Haruko…"
"Is that so bad?" I asked before I could prevent myself.
I felt his words weighed a double meaning when he softly replied, "It's bad to get hung over someone this long and that bad and with no actual hope that that someone will love you in return."
I started to search his eyes, did he mean me too?
I couldn't tell, but I knew his concern rang true. Sakuragi loved Haruko, but Haruko might be too star-struck with Rukawa to notice. Or if she did, she rebuked him in some manner--which might be a mistake, for I saw more depth in what she feels for Sakuragi than in Rukawa. And Ryouta , he's always been a close friend of Sakuragi's, in and out of court. Is he just sympathizing with Sakuragi, but is it because of me?
"… And you never know it might help"
I suddenly came out of my reverie and looked at him.
"Uh, what?"
He grinned, "It might help that her brother is you-know-who."
"Maybe, Anzai-sensei never mentioned how she got along with him, but it might do us good. But first…"
"… we have to make her feel welcome" we finished at the same time.
I smiled at Miyagi, we knew each other well enough to finish each other's sentences… well, at least my sentence.
"Oi, Miyagi having a little date over there" a booming voice asked. I felt my cheeks practically roast as I looked down, Miyagi's hands were still atop mine.
"Nah, just talking" Miyagi replied.
He quickly withdrew his hands that were atop mine.
And when he did, I wanted to reach out and still his hand on mine. But I can't.
I won't.
Author's notes:
Renard is a French word for fox. Zorro is a Spanish word for fox. Foxy is what I would describe as Josh Hartnett without his shirt on, whew, is it hot in here? In a case, I guess writing this fic is beneficial to my language skills, ne?
To Angel007: I know they look cute together, but you might change your mind in the next few chapts.
To White-angel: I sort of got the habit after switching chanels back and forth when GMA's t.v. sched. was coinciding with slamdunk and hunterxhunters and they usually run it late, but hey, who wouldn't love Dindong Dantes, ne?
(((ZOE(((
La-dee-dee-dee, dee-dum, de-doop-doop-doop.
Très bien. I silently hummed to Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker: Waltz of the Flowers that was playing in my MP3 player. Most people, especially my brothers and Flame, mocked how I could have a variety of music stored in my player. The first song played is the classical, Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, after that and modified only this year, Crawlin' by Linkin Park. Unorthodoxly, I have Grieg, Schubert, Lortzing with a mix of Matchbox 20, New Radicals, The Cranberries, Enya and pop band The Corrs, and more, much much more. People usually are amazed when they hear the wide array of musical pieces stored in my player, but why bother explaining?
I choose the music that suits my mood. And right now, I need my classicals. It's just plain relaxing, and after this day, I need to unwind.
I had to laugh at the scene earlier on with Sakuragi and his Haruko-san. It was obvious that the girl was jealous after seeing Sakuragi and I were holding hands. It was clear to me that Sakuragi wanted to explain to her that it was nothing, but thinking quickly I interrupted him and told him to please take me to the rooftop instead of the library.
The girl needs to be jealous.
When I told them of the rooftop both of them asked why, I just answered that I'd rather see the sun than the books, a lie of course. I might've told Sakuragi the real reason why but Haruko was there, and I don't think I'll have the easiest rapport at that moment with me previously holding Sakuragi's hand.
So after telling me the staircases to go and the directions to follow here I am in what I estimate as a 20 feet by 20 rooftop leaning against the walls that were constructed on it's supposed edges Probably so that no one would fall… or commit suicide, my large blue cotton sports bag with bear paw prints design on my side, my legs were stretched out, crossed at the ankle, my uniform skirt covering mid-thigh, I closed my eyes and listened to my music. Leaning against the wall, my eyes flitted towards the wall lining, a thought repeated itself, Probably so that no one would fall… or commit suicide.
I need to think. I pressed the player to play at random, and the next song hit me hard.
Out of reach, couldn't see we were never meant to be.
Damn!
I quickly pushed the forward button, for it to play to another song. It was my relief when the music that played next was Vertical Horizon's Heart in Hand. It wasn't as bad, the good thing here was that it didn't remind me of my idiocy.
Pictures and photographs
Memories and windows
Goodbyes and epitaphs
Heartbeats and hellos
Are you waiting for
Heart in hand
Woman and man
See me where I stand I am
Heart
Heart in hand
I hummed as I felt my body go slack. I never realized a song could ease pain as well as bring tension. My mind suddenly drifted to Sakuragi, I could've told him everything, if I didn't hold back so much. He was easy to talk with and to.
After talking to him and asking him questions, it seemed like he wanted to talk to me too. Telling me of Haruko and Gori, can a guy actually resemble an ape? And yet another question, is he…?
Then he told me of Rukawa, was that a first name or a last?
I'll never get used to this!
Maybe I should just call him Kitsune, at least, that's what Sakuragi calls him. Kitsune, fox, I felt a giggle bubble out of my throat as I realized it's irony. Sakuragi called him a Kitsune because he resembles one, but in the States, if he was called a fox, he'd be just described as a desirable person with desirable, uhrm, physical attributes.
-SIGH- In a case, Rukawa, the super player, the guy who practically killed me, maybe I should ask him to do a better job.
I can't believe Haruko could like him just for his skills and not his personality. Why the heck was she blinded? From what Sakuragi told me, the guy doesn't speak much except to reprimand him in saying he was an idiot. Maybe the guy only speaks to Sakuragi though. But maybe Haruko has a point… well… in his looks I suppose. He has the darkest black hair imaginable, it was sable black and it had the same color as Gulliver, Apple's cheval, had. And those eyes, when I was young, I always wished I had my father's and Adler's, lavender with the tiniest hint of aqua. Yet looking at Rukawa's eyes, immensely blue and it conveyed something… I don't know but it had a commanding air, a different quintessence to it that all you could do was stare, I felt that blue was another eye color I needed to ask for my wish list of eye color.
Sakuragi said that he admired that renard, that Zorro's basketball skills. Was he really that good? Maybe I should ask Unky Nicky… I tried to imagine Rukawa with a basketball… but I couldn't. Try hard as I might, I could picture him, but not in the court. All I could see were those blue eyes and features coming closer and closer and…
NO! I suddenly opened my eyes a tiny peep, I didn't like the way I was thinking of that guy. Something at the corner of my vision caught my eye, at the door to the staircase to the rooftop was Rukawa, standing in full splendor. He probably couldn't see that my eyes were open to the tiniest slits, so that I could see him.
I saw him turn around, seemingly departing. He probably saw me and wanted to leave, I didn't know why but I had to say " Don't let me stop you from coming here"
(((RUKAWA(((
I need to sleep.
It was lunchtime and the lessons were boring as usual. But I can't think of that now, my focus is to go to the rooftop and sleep. I just hope no one will disturb me.
I walked along the corridors leading to the rooftop when I suddenly heard a familiar voice. "Oi, Rukawa." I turned around and saw Miyagi call me. I didn't say anything so he continued "Come earlier at practice today, eh Rukawa." He said. I just nodded in compliance. Earlier in practice, of course. He walked away and I headed back to my path, I felt myself imitate batman when coming to his lair, to the rooftop!
I closed my eyes slightly as I began to tread the staircase leading to the roof. As my eyes began to close, a face appeared in my mind, one that has dark black eyes, equally dark black and soft looking curly hair that framed a pale rounded face that had very red and ruby-colored lips that looked luscious. My eyes snapped back open.
What was I thinking?
The obvious answer to that was Trouvel. It irritated me that she was so pretty. It irritated me that Yohei said she reminded him of Sakuragi. It irritates me that for some unknown reason she always pops up in my head. But that's the least of it, what irritates me more is that she has the power to irritate me!
Irritation usually comes easily where Sakuragi and my 'fans' are concerned. But with her…
She's a challenge. I sighed as I neared the door leading to the open aired rooftop, maybe the atmosphere there will clear my thoughts from that girl. I know that I'm used to challenges, I'm used to winning. And the battle with her has not yet been concluded with a side that won and lost.
When I neared, I opened the cool handle of the spring door, but what I saw opposite that door made me uneasy.
Is it coincidence? Idiot…
There she was, the high sun lighting her face. Her eyes were closed, her lips puckered. She was sitting against the wall that outlined the edges of the rooftop; her legs were extended in front of her, crossed at the ankles. Her hair slightly ruffled. Her left hand was holding an MP3 player, and the thin cords of the earphones went up to her neck and hidden behind her curls. She's listening to music. Maybe I should just go down and go to class, she probably didn't hear me come in. It wasn't that I was avoiding her, not really…
I turned around, intending to walk somewhere… somewhere other than here. I want to sleep, not spar with her, I know that it's presumptuous that we would fight, but judging from the way she actually talked to me this morning, she was no moony fan like the others. I know the challenge has to be concluded, but seeing her peaceful face, maybe I just shouldn't disturb her.
I didn't know why but the thought irritated me further. She's just like any of the challenges I face in court, just conquer and win, but maybe it's time to lie low. I was actually going down when I heard distinctly someone…her say, " Don't let me stop you from coming here."
I veered in her direction to see her eyes wide open and her lips curving into a smirk. It may not be a fully-fledged smile but it was nice to know she shows her choppers, and that they won't bite…
At least I hope they won't.
CORRECTION: At least I hope they won't right now.
I looked behind me were the staircase leading to the classes were, and then gazed at her. Would I rather go to class than stay here with her? I didn't know what prompted me to the decision, but I decided to stay.
Dangerous decision Kaede…
It's also dangerous to keep talking to yourself that way Kaede.
I sauntered of to where she was sitting. Her smirk turned into a smile and she closed her eyes yet again. I stopped to where she was sitting. Was I supposed to sit with her? Although I wanted to hold back, I sat next to her, one leg outstretched one knee bent with my arm draped over it, I looked at her. She was supposed to be touring with Sakuragi right? Why was she here? And what's more, why is she treating me more of a friend rather than someone she fought with?
"I won't disappear even if you keep staring at me like that." She unexpectedly said.
I felt defensive and answered back, in an even tone "I wasn't."
"Right… you weren't…." she said, rather sarcastically.
I didn't ask anything, just leaned back against the wall and closed my eyes, maybe I could sleep sitting up.
Dum- Dum- Dum- Dum- Dum- Dum.
I could hear a drum sounding.
Iie. My heart; it was going at a rate usually reserved for when I'm playing basketball. What was going on here?
I didn't know the answer to that question, but I sure as hell am not going to find out, I'm gonna sleep.
(((SAKURAGI(((
I quickly sat on my seat and felt a little bit uncomfortable. The earlier scene played to my mind. After Haruko and I showed Trouvel where the rooftop was, Trouvel told us to just go ahead and eat lunch and she'll find her own way. What unnerved me that Haruko didn't say much. She wasn't even mildly curious as to what happened between Trouvel and I.
Was I that unimportant?
I tried to explain but Trouvel cut me off. Maybe an explanation would warm her, but I was detoured when giving it.
Resignedly, I slumped at my chair. I put my elbow on top of the desk and suddenly felt that I hit something.
What's this? A pink lunch box was there. I looked around to see if anyone was watching, but everyone else was busy stuffing their faces with their lunch. I tried to look for Yohei to ask if he knew who owns this, but he was nowhere to be seen.
Then, I saw a note tucked at the side of the box. I looked around to see if yet again anyone's watching me, but no one seemed to. I opened the note and read:
Hope to see you soon!
Love Umi
OH NO! NOT NOW!
(((HARUKO(((
I can't believe it. She must like him!
But it can be just and accident right? I mean what if she never intended to hold hands with Sakuragi?
Baka Haruko, how can she 'accidentally' hold hands with someone else. It doesn't happen like magic!
I looked at Sakuragi slumped over his seat. Something's wrong. He looked pale and wan. Is he sick?
I quickly stood up and walked over to him.
"Are you okay Sakuragi?" I asked. As I asked him that, he seemed to become paler.
"It's nothing Haruko-chan." He looked at me and tried to smile.
"Oh, here comes Yohei" I said, as I spotted Yohei coming towards us. Then I looked back at Sakuragi. If it was possible, it looked like all the blood in his face disappeared at the sight of Yohei. Is he alright? Maybe he's hurt… Is his back okay?
"Sakuragi-kun, are you sure you're alright?" I asked again. What if he's sick?
"I'm okay, I… uh just didn't like what I ate earlier." He said. Well at least he seemed to get his color back. I looked at his desk and saw his lunch box there.
Pink?
"Sakuragi, sorry your back…" I looked up and so Yohei smile at Sakuragi. But Sakuragi didn't smile at the joke, instead, I saw him squirm in his seat, as if hiding something.
"Well, I hope you get better, maybe you should try to finish your lunch." I said to Sakuragi, then as an after thought I turned around and whispered to him "Never knew your favorite color was pink." Grinned then left.
(((SAKURAGI(((
"Oi, Hanamichi. What's the matter?"
I looked up to Yohei. Hoo boy… he's not going to like this…
I looked at the note and the neat handwriting, then looked to Yohei, then at Umi-chan's note, and then at Yohei, and then at Yohei and then at Umi's note.
"You gotta stop doing that your making me dizzy." Yohei a little bit arrogantly.
How the hell is he going to take this?
I handed him the note.
He still looked smug, and then he read it.
He paled. Then, he blushed.
"She's not here, is she Hana?"
Dear Lord, please let this be uncomplicated…
(((ZOE(((
4 Songs and twenty minutes later I saw Rukawa's head loll aside. I grinned. He was sleeping soundly. That gave me time to assess his features. Angular and sort of sharp, but he looked young while he was sleeping. I felt my face stretch to a wide grin as I saw that he was drooling. Is this what Sakuragi described as a super rookie? But I can't really tell, can I? Maybe I'll visit Unky Nicky later, at the practice. I guess Ayako's expecting me to be there. Assistant coach huh? Maybe, maybe not… I turned my gaze forward, momentarily blinded by the sun's rays. I closed my eyes and tried to feel my surroundings. Thump, thump, thump… This is weird, I feel my heart pounding loudly in my ears, like I was nervous or something. Why though? I didn't want to analyze anything now. I'll just close my eyes and join Rukawa in his slumber.
(((AYAKO(((
What had I done?
I am so stupid, I looked at Miyagi's brown eyes and I can't comprehend why I did it, but I had too. In a case, he's the team's captain, maybe he should know. I can't regret what I said now, because it'll do more help than harm in telling Miyagi about Trouvel.
"Don't be guilty of telling all that to me Aya-chan…"
How'd he know?
I looked at him and I felt his hands reach for mine, in that instant I didn't feel guilty at all. But what I felt, I can't explain.
"She's going to be part of the team whether she likes it or not, and we're here to make her feel welcome…" he declared.
I felt myself smile, maybe he's a born leader.
"And, you never know, maybe she'll find someone here…" he grinned mischievously.
I felt my heart stop. I couldn't mistake the meaning of someone. But did he mean himself?
"Anyone in mind Miyagi?" I asked. I felt a little bit miffed. I asked a similar question before, but it was I asking about him liking her then. Yes, he said no, but had he changed his mind so quickly?
" You never know, maybe Sakuragi…" he replied.
I let out a sigh of relief—something I didn't know I held. I've been anxious of his answer. Despite what others think, I care for him, but that can't develop… and I can't tell.
"Why him?" I asked, suddenly curious.
"Sakuragi would be perfect for her, he's funny without intending to be, and he has a gentle side to him. He may be loud at times, but he's a good companion." He stopped for a while as if thinking, "And it would take his mind of Haruko…"
"Is that so bad?" I asked before I could prevent myself.
I felt his words weighed a double meaning when he softly replied, "It's bad to get hung over someone this long and that bad and with no actual hope that that someone will love you in return."
I started to search his eyes, did he mean me too?
I couldn't tell, but I knew his concern rang true. Sakuragi loved Haruko, but Haruko might be too star-struck with Rukawa to notice. Or if she did, she rebuked him in some manner--which might be a mistake, for I saw more depth in what she feels for Sakuragi than in Rukawa. And Ryouta , he's always been a close friend of Sakuragi's, in and out of court. Is he just sympathizing with Sakuragi, but is it because of me?
"… And you never know it might help"
I suddenly came out of my reverie and looked at him.
"Uh, what?"
He grinned, "It might help that her brother is you-know-who."
"Maybe, Anzai-sensei never mentioned how she got along with him, but it might do us good. But first…"
"… we have to make her feel welcome" we finished at the same time.
I smiled at Miyagi, we knew each other well enough to finish each other's sentences… well, at least my sentence.
"Oi, Miyagi having a little date over there" a booming voice asked. I felt my cheeks practically roast as I looked down, Miyagi's hands were still atop mine.
"Nah, just talking" Miyagi replied.
He quickly withdrew his hands that were atop mine.
And when he did, I wanted to reach out and still his hand on mine. But I can't.
I won't.
Author's notes:
Renard is a French word for fox. Zorro is a Spanish word for fox. Foxy is what I would describe as Josh Hartnett without his shirt on, whew, is it hot in here? In a case, I guess writing this fic is beneficial to my language skills, ne?