Chapter 23: Fiance
Shohoku High School. Gray and white clouds cover the sky, casting a lovely glow on the surroundings. The wind whips the tree branches, rattling the leaves. Sakuragi had a leaf almost in his mouth.
Sakuragi: Aaahhh! Why do the leaves keep falling on my face?!
Ryota: The leaf knows exactly where it wants to fall! Hahahaha!
Mitsui: Where do you keep the dried leaves? Obviously in the trash! Hahahaha!
Sakuragi: Curly, Toothless, you're going too far!
Sakuragi, Mitsui, Ryota, and Rukawa go to the gym, where they enjoy their classmates' admiration, applause, selfies, and groupies. Rukawa, on the other hand, was looking straight ahead, listening to music and completely ignoring the people around him.
Sakuragi: Hahahaha! We're really well-known! We're on the cover of the magazine! We have many fans and many gifts! What happens next? Endorsement? A fan convention? Hahahaha!
Mitsui: Don't be arrogant, Sakuragi! What a jerk you are!
Ryota: Hanamichi has a good point! He can be an endorser.
Mitsui: Endorser of what, exactly?
Ryota: Hair dye endorser.
Sakuragi: Hahahaha! Curly, you are most welcome! What's the matter with you, Michi? Have you talked to Shoyo's spikey yet?
Mitsui: I'm not in the mood. Don't even get me started.
Ryota: Wait, didn't you just speak to him? Do you have a problem?
Mitsui: Why don't you ask him?!
Ryota: You seem to be in the same mood as Rukawa right now. Having a lover with spiky hair is a pain.
Sakuragi: Rukawa has been silent for a long time! His eyes were open, but he was sleeping. Hahahaha!
Mitsui: You two stop! Messers! Why don't you just worry about how your crushes will pay attention to you instead of us.
Rukawa: Right.
Mitsui snorted, his arms still folded across his chest. His disappointment in the previous video call with Hasegawa was visible on his face. Why is Michi not in a good mood?
Mitsui: After practice, we'll watch a movie. Invite your teammates as well.
Hasegawa: When is it?
Mitsui: Wait... What did you put there on your face?
Hasegawa: I'm not sure what it's called. They say it's good to put on the face.
Mitsui: Isn't that for women?
Hasegawa: I'm not sure. But I've seen some K-drama actors do similar things.
Mitsui: Why are you doing that?! Where did you get it?
Hasegawa: The fans just gave it to us.
Mitsui's brows furrow. He gets a strong impression that Hasegawa wishes to keep his face smooth and soft for his school admirers. His blood was boiling from rage. So, this is the reason why he is always fresh.
Mitsui: You're annoying.
Hasegawa: What?
Gym. Rukawa couldn't help but pause while changing into practice clothes in the locker room whenever he remembered his conversation with his mother.
Mom: Son, you're only 16 years old. A lot more will happen in your life. More will come your way. Don't you seem to be in too much of a hurry?
Rukawa: Allow me to introduce you to him. Nothing is wrong with that.
Mom: How long have you been dating?
Rukawa: It's been less than a month.
Mom: You've only been dating for a few weeks, and you want to tell us about him right away?
Rukawa: He's a nice guy.
Mom: I believe you, but I don't want you to put your trust in just anyone. First, take it easy. First and foremost, enjoy your life.
Rukawa: Where's father?
Mother: He is taking a bath.
Rukawa: I'm only asking for a favor right now. I'd like you to meet him.
Mom: With your tone now, you seem to be sure. Avoid expecting from others. I don't want you to get hurt in the end.
Rukawa: I can handle myself.
Mom: I know you're certain about him. But does he see you in the same way?
Rukawa is used to jogging. Passing, dribbling, shooting, and all of their practice drills are routine. But it is his thinking that wears him out the most. Ayako gave him a towel and patted his arm.
Ayako: Perhaps you should rest first. Does something hurt?
Rukawa: Everything is fine.
Ayako: But you're pale.
Akagi: Rukawa, you're excuse from our today's practice.
Rukawa: Okay.
Sakuragi: Wait! Rukawa, where are you going?!
Rukawa: I'm heading home.
Ryota: Let's watch a movie later, bro! Join us later!
Rukawa: I'll try.
Mitsui: We'll stop by your place later.
Rukawa: No need. I'll just send you a message.
He immediately went to the shower. He has no idea why he feels sad when he recalls what his mother said. He noticed Kogure sitting on the bench after he showered, as if waiting for him.
Kogure: Are you okay, Rukawa?
He simply nodded. He is used to being quiet and not expressing any other emotions. However, his inner feelings have become visible on his face in recent months. He felt Kogure patting him on the back. He couldn't deny that he awoke with that simple pat from his senior.
Kogure: We're just here, Rukawa. You can talk to us.
Rukawa: Thanks.
Ryonan High School. For several days, Sendoh is puzzled as to why Rukawa frequently wakes up in the middle of the night. For several days, he had been sleeping in his lover's apartment. After seeing Rukawa on the phone when he returned home from playing in Hiroshima, he was willing to put up with the eyebags and the long trip to find out what he was up to.
He wanted to check his baby's phone every time he bathed or left it somewhere, but he didn't want to be unfair. He asked him once but quickly changed the subject. He was especially agitated. He needed an answer that would make him feel better. Who does he call at midnight? Sendoh finished his shower after a long day of training. He recalled the issues that had been bothering late-night caller of Rukawa is not the only issue, there is another one.
Sendoh: Babe, what did Sannoh's ace say to you when you went one-on-one with him?
Rukawa: Nothing.
Sendoh: I can see Kitasawa's mouth clearly. He says something to you and even smiles at you!
Rukawa: Sawakita.
Sendoh: What have you been talking about all game?!
Rukawa: I didn't play the whole game. I had a sub in the first half.
Sendoh: Are you avoiding my question?!
Rukawa: No.
Sendoh: He's trying to tell you something. If he asks for your phone number, I'll shave his head!
Rukawa: He's bald.
Sendoh: It was only a week ago, it's impossible for you to forget what Sarawat told you.
Rukawa: Sarawat?
Sendoh: Is it wrong? What was his name again?
Rukawa: Sawakita!
Sendoh: I'm serious. Why is he talking to you?!
Rukawa: I don't know him, so I can't recall what he said.
Sendoh couldn't figure out why he was concerned about Rukawa and Sawakita's one-on-one. He also didn't understand why he felt irritated every time he remembered the Ace of Sannoh's look and smile. What irritated him the most was Rukawa's smirking at Sawakita in the second half.
His head shook. Rukawa's midnight calls had nothing to do with Sawakita. Rukawa isn't the type to be swayed by someone he hasn't met. Most importantly, they genuinely love each other. Yeah. He grabbed the phone right away. He immediately sent Rukawa a message inviting him to eat with him after school.
Koshino: Let's go, guys! Let's go see a movie!
Hikoichi: Sorry, Koshino! I'm going somewhere now! I was invited by my sister!
Koshino: What! Come on! We haven't seen a movie together in ages!
Hikoichi: Err... My sister told me that we were going to Ouzomi's restaurant.
Fukuda: Wow. Our Ape King's life is becoming livelier.
Koshino: How about you, Ueksa?! Come along with us!
Ueksa: Sorry, Koshino. Hikoichi invited me. He said he doesn't want to be the third wheel, so I'll join them later.
Koshino: So, it's just the three of us watching the movie?!
Fukuda: Kosh, I'm off to somewhere as well.
Koshino: What? Why? Where? How?
Fukuda: It's a secret.
Koshino exhaled a sigh. His plan to hang out as a team has been ruined. He turned to face Sendoh. He noticed he was silent.
Koshino: Let's watch a movie, bro. Even if you and Rukawa cuddle, it's fine because it's dark inside, so there won't be any problems even if you reach heaven.
Sendoh: Okay, but I'll wait for his message.
Koshino. Alright. It's good that I have someone to watch movies with.
Sendoh: Also, don't complain if you hear something.
Koshino: Why?! Don't say your growling is louder than movie sound!
Sendoh: That sounds like a good idea!
Koshino: You're seriously ill!
Mall. Maki, Jin, and Kyota are exploring the mall. Kiyota was taken aback because so many people recognized them from watching the nationals. Some requested a selfie with them, while others asked Maki's autograph.
Kiyota: Hahaha! I feel everything that happens to us! How is my rival Rukawa, the red-haired monkey, doing?
Jin: Do you miss Sakuragi?
Kiyota: Why would I miss that monkey?! Jin, why are you staring at your phone? Are you expecting someone?
Jin: Yeah.
They waited for Maki to finish signing autographs after taking selfies and groupies with some of the people they met. Maki was simply signing quietly and smiling at people. He suddenly remembered Fujima. He couldn't figure out why he couldn't think of the right word or message to send to the Shoyo captain. He said goodbye and bowed in thanks after fulfilling many fans' wishes.
Maki: Do you want to eat?
Kiyota: Of course! Who are you waiting for, Jin?
Jin: (blushing) He'll be here soon. You've met him before.
Kiyota: Oh, no! Are you ill? What's the deal with your red face?!
Jin: Just ignore it.
Maki: Is that Fukuda?
Jin: Where?
Jin took a look around, searching for Fukuda's curly hair throughout the mall. He was taken aback by Kiyota's exaggerated reaction.
Kiyota: Aaahhh! Is Ryonan's Fukuda is who your expecting?! Why him?!
Jin: Do you mind if he comes with us?
Maki: It's all right.
Jin: Maki, where did you see Fukuda? How come I can't see him?
Maki: Just kidding. I just assumed he was the one you spoke with earlier.
Jin: (sweatdropped)
Some girls came up to Maki before they could leave the area where they had been earlier. The three wondered why they were running.
Girl: Maki, I think the name you put here is wrong. Isn't your name Shinichi Maki?
Maki: Yes. Is there a problem?
Girl2: What you wrote to us is different than what you signed.
Girl3: Same with me! Why did you write a different name?
The two Kainan players were also curious. They looked at the three papers that Maki had signed. Their eyes widened and their jaws dropped at what they read. Kenji Fujima. The two high-fived while laughing when they caught Maki.
Jin: You look like you're not yourself right now, Maki.
Kiyota: Maki? Are you okay? Are we with your soul?! Hahahaha!
Jin: Kiyota, let's call the ghost buster to find Maki.
Kiyota: Hahaha! There is no need. He must be there with the person he is thinking about now! Hahahaha!
It was as if Maki was trapped in a block of ice when he saw his mistake. He did not realize that he was not himself while signing the last three who asked him for a sign.
Jin: Fukuda!
Kiyota: Of all the people you could be friends with, why Fukuda?!
Fukuda ran over to where the two Kainan players were.
Fukuda: He's with monkey number 10 again. Since when did he have a baby monkey?
Maki blushed quietly to one side, clutching his chest after being embarrassed in front of his two friends.
Fukuda: What happened to Maki? Why isn't he moving? Is he cold?
Kiyota: Because earlier...HMP!
Jin: He wrote something...HMP!
Maki immediately covered the mouths of the two teammates before they could say the magic word.
Maki: Fukuda, are you alone?
Fukuda: No.
Maki looked around and behind the Ryonan player but wondered where the rest of his companions were.
Maki: Where are your friends?
Fukuda: I'm alone. Is it obvious?
Maki raised an eyebrow, irritated by Fukuda's sarcastic answer.
Kiyota: What gives you the right to disrespect our captain?! You and Hanamichi are identical!
Fukuda: You're the same because you're both monkeys.
Kiyota: What exactly did you say?!
Koshino: Fukuda!?
The Kainan trio and the Ryonan trio crossed paths in the middle of the hallway. Sendoh shook hands with Maki's team right away.
Sendoh: Dude! How are you?
Maki: Fine. Where are you going?
Sendoh: We'll eat and then watch a movie. Let's go?
Koshino: Fukuda! Why didn't you tell me that you were going here?!
Fukuda: That's why it's a secret, right?!
Jin: Calm down, guys. Hehehe!
Kiyota: My, my. I still thought we could hang-out peacefully.
Sendoh looked at his phone. Rukawa still has no reply. He called him, but he still didn't answer.
Sendoh: Guys, I'll leave. I'll just wait for Kaede.
Koshino: Huh?!
Maki: Team Shohoku is coming here?
Sendoh: Umm... I'm not sure, but Kaede and I will meet today.
Sendoh said goodbye to his fellow players. While walking towards the entrance of the mall, he saw a seafood restaurant. He smiled. He rushed in and texted Rukawa the restaurant's name. There were a lot of people inside, so he quickly found a spot for them. His baby will definitely like it here.
The Troublesome boys of Shohoku have arrived at the mall. Sakuragi and Ryota had a beautiful smile waving at people taking their picture. Mitsui, on the other hand, uses a cellphone while walking. He raised his eyebrows at a transparent wall of cosmetic brands. There is a poster of a woman wearing a skincare mask. His jaw tightened as he remembered Hasegawa wearing something like this.
Mitsui: Hey, stop me from doing what I'm about to do.
Ryota and Sakuragi: Huh?
Mitsui: Stop me from doing what I'm about to do! I will break this wall!
While he was complaining about the girl's poster, he noticed that his two friends suddenly disappeared.
Mitsui: Why did you leave me there?!
Ryota: If you want to break the glass, it's up to you! I don't want to be kicked out of the mall by the guard.
Sakuragi: There is nothing I can do to compensate for the damage you will do. Hahahahaha!
Mitsui: You really are! Where is Rukawa? Will he be able to follow us?
Ryota: He didn't reply. He didn't answer the call either.
Sakuragi: You're not used to him yet! I told you, he only use that as an alarm clock! Hahahaha!
Fukuda and Kyota looked in the direction of the loud laughter. They knew very well who owned that bluish noise.
Sakuragi and Kiyota: Monkey!
Koshino: I wish I could just go with Sendoh and Rukawa.
Maki: Guys, where is Akagi?
Ryota: He and Kogure are supposed to review, unlike Mitsui.
Mitsui: Do you have a problem with me, Curly?!
Fukuda: Jin, they are noisy. Let's get out of here.
Jin: I'm sorry, Fukuda. I can't leave Kiyota.
Fukuda: Why again?
Jin: There are so many people today, he might get lost.
Fukuda just sighed. He thought that they were the only two together now. Jin is with Kiyota again. He just whispered to himself.
Fukuda: It's fine to have a stepson as long as it's not the same as Kiyota and Sakuragi.
Jin: Are you saying something Fukuda?
Fukuda: Nothing. (blush)
They decided to go see a movie together. They bought a lot of food while others were already waiting in line at the ticket booth.
Sakuragi: Why did you buy popcorn?! Don't you monkeys eat bananas?! Nyahahaha!
Kiyota: Why are you acting like you're not a monkey?!
Mitsui: Why are only you two from Ryonan here?
Koshino: Sendoh is downstairs, waiting for Rukawa.
Ryota: I'm not going to get a ticket for Rukawa. Sendoh was with him.
Mitsui: Is he able to come?
Koshino: Why not?
Ryota: He was sent home early. He got excused from our practice because he didn't seem like himself earlier.
Mitsui: He rarely speaks. Even if he is ill, he doesn't tell us.
Maki's gaze is still fixed on his cellphone. Many letters and words have been entered and deleted, but he is still unable to send them to the person he has been thinking about. Jin pressing the send button made him jump.
Jin: Why are you frightened to send a message?
Maki: If I send the wrong message, he might not feel comfortable with me.
Jin: Just invite him to see a movie. Relax, Maki.
Maki: (blushing)
Shoyo. A full day of team basketball practice is over. Despite the fact that they did not compete in the Nationals, their popularity remained in the region. They continue to have a large number of supporters and admirers. At their school, they are still looked up to. However, despite everything that goes well for them, there are drawbacks as well. They are not friends with the football team. Even if no physical blows or angry words are exchanged, their encounter at the gym becomes tense. Fujima, as captain, keeps his team cool. They were confused as to why the football squad looked down on them.
Hanagata: You think they're already standing at the door.
Hasegawa: Yes. They come here to the gym at this time.
Fujima: What are you doing?
Fujima stared at his friends, who were both standing in front of the mirror, whispering as they threw the remaining foot powder into the sink. They reduced it and then placed it in front of a mirror.
Fujima: What is foot powder for?
Hanagata: Hasegawa and I have a plan. Just be quiet.
Hasegawa: Takano said that whenever we are in the washroom, the football team listens at the door.
Fujima: What does foot powder have to do with the football team?
Hanagata and Hasegawa cleared their throats before speaking louder than the volume of their voices.
Hanagata: Hasegawa, how long do you leave the powder on your face to smooth it out?
Hasegawa: 30 minutes. To be more effective, a lot should be put on the face.
Hanagata: How many times have you done this in how many days?
Hasegawa: Three times a day. However, if there are more than three, it is more effective.
There are many unanswered questions in Fujima's mind, but it appears that he is achieving what the two friends truly want against the football club. They opened the door after a few moments. They faced each other again, staring at one another with tiger eyes, as if lightning had struck between them. The football team was passed by three basketball players. They hid on the side as they exited the gym. They could hear members of the football club making their way to the restroom in rush.
Fujima: What did you do? What if they get rashes?
Hanagata: All I want to do is teach them a lesson. Nevermind. We just did it to them. Hahahaha!
Hasegawa: Bro, Mitsui sent a message. He said they were going to watch a movie. I said we can't get along.
Hanagata: Huh? Why did they just say now?
Hasegawa: Michi mentioned it to me earlier.
Fujima: Why don't you want us to come?
Hasegawa: Mitsui was annoyed with me.
Mitsui's words to him flashed back into his mind. "You're annoying," He tightened his grip on his crossbag. When he heard Mitsui's words, it was as if heaven and earth had fallen upon him.
Fujima: Did all three team members go to the mall?
Hanagata: Only a few players showed up. We will join them next time, when Hasegawa and Michi are not having a love quarrel.
Hasegawa: Hehehe!
They all looked at the photo of some students from the three schools together at the ticket booth. He was leaving school when Maki sent him a message.
Fujima: Huh?
He read the message several times. In case the message was read, he turned the phone upside down. However, he remains baffled.
Message: "Fujima, qwertyuiopasdfghjklxcvbnm."
sender: Maki
Mall. When Sendoh noticed Rukawa approaching the restaurant, he stood up. He approached him right away and invited him to their table. All of the food that Sendoh had ordered arrived just as they sat down.
Sendoh: Why didn't you reply?
Rukawa: I left my cellphone in the apartment.
Sendoh: What's the matter with you?
Rukawa: I'm just starving.
Sendoh moved next to him. He was obviously excited to eat because he was smiling. He just stood there watching the food being served to him.
"You're just getting started. You've only known each other for a few months, and you've only been dating for a few weeks. Don't devote your entire life to something fleeting."
He gave him a quick glance, as if a demon was telling him to ask about the status of their relationship. His mother had a valid point, so he became suspicious. How long will their romance last? Is their love still in its early stages?
"You will meet a lot more while you are young. Take it easy. Don't give so much of yourself to others who will not do the same for you."
He'd had enough of thinking. He had no choice but to ask him right away. But before he could say anything,
Ex: Hey, Akira! It's great to see you again!
Sendoh did not move right away. He had no idea the person serving them was his ex. He seemed to melt in the chair, so he clung to the table's edge. When he noticed that his ex was about to give him a hug, it felt as though sweat would begin to drip down his face. He immediately lifted the soup bowl, preventing it from continuing.
Sendoh: Err.. I'm fine.
Awkward. He was ashamed of himself. Why didn't he take a look around the restaurant before entering? He wouldn't have come inside if he had done that earlier.
Ex: Are you still in Ryonan? I'm sulking. You are not replying anymore.
He first looked at his lover. Rukawa, who had previously bowed, was now leaning on the chair, his gaze shifting between him and his ex. His hair has stood on end. Rukawa's face was blank, but his gaze was sharp, with a glint in the corner of his eye.
Sendoh: He is Kaede. My fiance.
When Rukawa heard the word "fiance," the corner of his lips rose quickly, and the muscles in his face exulted as his ears clapped in delight. When the conversation is like this, move aside, ex-girlfriend.
Ex: Ahh... So the rumors were true. How long have you been dating?
He checked his wristwatch before answering the question.
Sendoh: We've been dating for two weeks, six days, eighteen hours, thirty-four minutes, and fifty-six seconds...
Ex: Oh! Okay, I hope you enjoy our cuisine. Rukawa, it's a pleasure to meet you.
Sendoh: Thanks.
After the woman left, Sendoh exhaled a sigh of relief. He cast another glance at his lover. He just stared at him. First, he thinks of something appropriate to say. He will check whether he is angry with him or simply ignoring his ex's unexpected appearance.
Sendoh: I'm sorry... Sorry, Kaede. I had no idea my ex was working here. I went straight inside because you like seafood.
Rukawa: What's the point of apologizing?
Sendoh: Maybe because you're angry...
Doomed. Rukawa didn't seem to enjoy the two of them's brief conversation. To comfort him, he kissed him on the cheek. When Rukawa did not avoid his kiss, he was able to breathe normally again.
Sendoh: Let's eat.
Rukawa simply nodded. He had avoided looking at Sendoh since his ex arrived. He just kept eating as if he were sitting in front of the competition. He was very pleased to hear that. He doesn't have to second-guess their relationship status, especially if Sendoh looks at him more than he expected. This gave him the confidence to persuade his parents to meet Sendoh.
Sendoh kept up with the speed of Rukawa's bite. Because he isn't used to fast eating, he almost choked on a large bite. He was still looking at it from the corner of his eye. Rukawa drank immediately after finishing everything on his plate, which he hadn't done before.
Sendoh: Babe, eat more. I didn't put that much food in you.
Rukawa: It's easy to get full when your ex prepares the food.
Rukawa's blank face, slitted eyes, and folded arms at his side are causing Sendoh to panic once more. This was the Rukawa he feared. He admits that it is entirely his fault. But he didn't know that he was the reason why Rukawa would try harder to persuade his parents to recognize him as his boyfriend.
Cinema. After eating, Rukawa and Sendoh went straight to the movies. Sendoh is still concerned about his lover's newfound silence. He ruffled his spiky hair but continued to ignore him. Rukawa kept his hands at his sides, clearly unwilling to hold hands. He'd make sure there were no exes around the next time they went out so Rukawa didn't sulk. As fast as they eat, they caught up with the movie before reaching half. Sendoh chose the upper seat to avoid disturbing those of a lower height. Because of the darkness around him, he didn't bother looking for his fellow players.
Sakuragi: Sendoh!
Ryota: Shh! Don't be too loud!
Mitsui: I swear to you, Ryota and I will be your babysitters!
Mitsui and Ryota rushed to cover Sakuragi's mouth. Sendoh was completely unaware that the wild boys of Shohoku were right in front of them. In their back seats were the three players from Kainan, Koshino, and Fukuda.
Jin: Has Fujima replied yet?
Maki: No.
Jin: Call him later.
Maki: Huh?
Kiyota: I told you! That's why you always blush when you hear his name...HMP!
Jin and Fukuda covered Kiyota's mouth. The mouth level of the two monkeys is so strong that it takes two people to hold them. Sendoh grinned. He has had nary a thing to worry about in his life. His fist flew in the air as Maki confirmed that he had a crush on Fujima!
Sendoh: Maki, because of that, you now have a plus one in heaven!
Maki: What?
Sendoh: I said, God bless you. Hihihi!
When he looked at Rukawa again, his smile slowly faded. Simply stare at the screen. He looked at him, saddened that he was still being ignored. He was taken aback when Rukawa's eyes suddenly widened and the other player beside him shrieked. When Sendoh looked at the movie screen, he sprouted horns and his nose began to smoke! He was annoyed to see Thor's ass. To protect his lover on the teasing image, he immediately covered Rukawa's eyes and buried his head in his neck.
Sendoh: Babe! Don't even look! You only have eyes for me!
Rukawa: Let me go.
Sendoh: No! You can only see mine! Why are they showing that?! Didn't they realize there were so many young people here?!
Rukawa: I can't breathe, idiot!
Sendoh: Huh? Sorry! Sorry! I thought you were enjoying what you saw.
Meanwhile, when Thor's butt was shown on the other side of the cinema seat...
Mitsui: I can achieve that too!
Ryota: Maybe I need to start working out.
Hanamichi: Hahaha! Why are you so quiet there?! Do you have a thing for Thor?
Because of his loud voice, Sakuragi's mouth was grabbed once more. Maki sat quietly in his seat, his thoughts still wandering to someone at Shoyo, while Jin was occupied with covering Kiyota's eyes.
Koshino: What did I see?! (blush)
Fukuda: Ass.
Kiyota: Jin, I can't see anything! What the hell is being showed?!
Jin: You're too young for that.
Fukuda: You should also cover his nose so he doesn't make any more noise.
Kiyota: Fukuda, what did you say?!
Fukuda frowned near the end of the film because Kiyota was already sitting between him and Jin. Jin requested assistance in covering his teammate's mouth. The three of them are similar to the Shohoku trio in this scene. Sakuragi was in the middle, enabling Ryota and Mitsui to silence him. They whispered once again after Jane's scene.
Maki: The romantic lives of the heroes in Marvel films are pathetic. They don't end happily for themselves in exchange for saving the world.
Jin: You're right. Ironman, Romanoff died, Spiderman's sweetheart lost his memory, Gamora couldn't remember Quill, then Vision died.
Fukuda: Then Elsa still doesn't have a love life.
Koshino: Who exactly is Elsa?
Fukuda: Elsa from Frozen. Duh?!
Koshino: Elsa isn't in Marvel!
Kiyota: Hahaha...idiot! HMP!
Jin: Kiyota, stop laughing.
Meanwhile, the three on the other side of the upperseat are already crying at the sight of Jane and Thor.
Ryota: Hanamichi, you should be nervous.
Sakuragi: Why?!
Ryota: You see, most of Marvel's heroes do not have happy endings to their dating lives.
Mitsui: Absolutely. That means you and Haruko will not be together. Because you are the main character in this story.
Sakuragi: We're not in Marvel! Morons!
Sakuragi's loud mouth was once again covered by the two. Sendoh is disappointed because Rukawa has yet to return to his former self. He still expected them to have fun, to whisper, poke, tickle, and for him to touch the ass and then beat his beast. Unfortunately, the opportunity, the atmosphere, and their supposed sweet moments did not happen.
Train Station. They arrived at the train station, Rukawa still ignored him. He would not allow the two of them to go home without discussing the problem. And he doesn't even want to open it or sleep on it. He wrapped Rukawa in his arms and kissed his hair.
Sendoh: Why are you so quiet? Is there a problem?
Rukawa: Nothing. I'm just tired.
Sendoh: Is it because of my ex? I didn't really know that he was working there. Sorry.
Rukawa: How many times are you going to say sorry?!
Sendoh: I won't let you go if you don't speak up.
Rukawa shifted his weight away from Sendoh's embrace. He fixed his gaze on him. Maybe now is the time for him to admit what has been bothering him. If Sendoh is disappointed in him, he will accept it and work hard to make amends.
Rukawa: Please give me more time to persuade them. I just need more time.
Sendoh: What? What exactly do you mean?
Rukawa: The time here is the inverse of the time in the US...
Sendoh: Wait... Do you talk to your parents every night?
Sendoh's two shoulders, which had been tense, seemed to relax. He assumed Rukawa's change in mood was due to his ex. It's a good thing he doesn't mind it.
Sendoh: Is that why you're awake in the middle of the night talking to your parents?
Rukawa: I'll give it another shot. They're just busy right now.
He hugged Rukawa again. The heat he feels is overflowing as a result of the great effort being made specifically for him. He wanted Rukawa to know how happy he was making him. He was, however, annoyed with himself. He had no idea that his excitement had put Rukawa under so much pressure that he was going out of his way to introduce him to his parents.
Sendoh: Babe, promise me you won't wake up in the middle of the night anymore. You don't have to do those any longer. Your eyes are large, but you are still lovely.
Rukawa: I'm handsome.
Sendoh: You know what, it's fine with me. There is still plenty of time. It's my fault because I'm overly excited. I'm not going to ask about them anymore.
Rukawa: I just want them to know you.
Sendoh: It's all right. I get it. If they're busy, we're busy as well. If they are far away, we will also travel far away, to a place that only we have access to.
Rukawa: Moron.
Sendoh: Hehehe!
Rukawa's body seemed to have evaporated with the many fears that had entered his mind for several days. He understands his mother's concern, but he believes that their feelings are the only answer, even if he can't find the right words.
"I don't know mother, I just feel him."
Rukawa's Room. They came out with their lips together, arms tied around wet bodies from the shower. They are already digging into each other's mouths, turning their heads as if marking each skin, their mouths sucking more and more forcefully until they reach the bed. Chest rubbing against chest, flailing hands crawling, Sendoh's knees that were supported but starting to shake, Rukawa's bed-bound legs were now separated and locked behind each other, which made the night even hotter.
Sendoh slowly inserted his beasts under Rukawa, lifting him slightly and compulsively pulling him in and out, back and forth until the slippery rhythm became steady. Sendoh knows very well the aiming point that allows him to rub the very spot that brings him to the peak of pleasure. Rukawa bent down, spine arching perfectly, fingernails scraping the muscle ropes of the boy he trusted, a growl that couldn't be stopped from escaping his throat. Sendoh's palm lovingly slid into the other hand he wanted to hold, protect, and lock.
Rukawa's monster, which had been too stiff to be touched, was caught with the other palm, carefully stroking from top to bottom before pumping hard. The mouth that was open in a loud growl was covered by Sendoh's lustful mouth, sucked in, and burning wet tongues met. The lips parted briefly to examine each other. Rukawa's gleaming sweat skin,messy hair, and Sendoh's almost falling strands from his spikes and sweat falling from his nose make them giggle.
The two of them had given way too much to the limit at this moment. Steady turned into a frenzy, slow turned into crazy speed, until Sendoh was completely intoxicated with pleasure. A loud lustful growl filled the space. Even bigger and tougher, as if something was growing inside his beast. Sendoh's eruption was near, and with a few more deep thrusts, the height of pleasure poured inside Rukawa.
As midnight fell, their breaths were deeply drawn, their chests continued to rise and fall, muscles and knees trembled, both drained of energy, their consciousness still floating as they remained intoxicated by the kiss that had overflowing.
A loud truck horn brought them back to their senses. Their lips parted and they looked at each other. Rukawa had no choice, he got up from the bed, still limping, but Sendoh pulled him back into his arms. The bluish ringtone has stopped. They hugged again, Rukawa's hands caressing his neck and hair while Sendoh closed his eyes and once again covered his beloved's still swollen lips with his own.
The echoing ringtone of the truck's exhaust sounded again, and Sendoh sighed. Rukawa shook his head at the sound of his caller. He quickly picked up the cellphone, as if his heart had stopped beating.
Sendoh: Babe, who is calling at this hour? Please tell him to sleep early to grow taller.
Rukawa: Father!
Sendoh: What?
Rukawa: My father is calling.
*Hello! I will not turn this story into a drama, promise! Mrs. Rukawa seems to be opposed to this chapter because she has never met or spoken with Sendoh in person, and she is concerned about Rukawa. Hehehe!
*Guest, I tried to pair Yayoi and Ouzomi because I remembered the captain blushing at the reporter in a scene. Hehehe! But, I will try if Akagi can be with him. Hehehe! thanks for suggesting such cute pairings!
*Guest, I'm also not sure why I seem to prefer experimenting with Sendoh's appearance over Rukawa's. Hahahaha!
*Stark, every time I see Hanamichi, I really remembered Alfred so I included him in the timeout scene, hahaha!
*Angel, I'll try to create more kissing scenes between them. Still, I'm not sure I can write that scene with confidence. I'll study harder so that my writing is better the next time. Hahaha! Thanks!
*Tere08, medyo nahuli yung filipino version kasi hindi ko alam minsan kung tama yung paggamit ng malalalim na filipino words, hehehe! Siguro hahayaan ko na lang na english yung ibang part para sabay ko na silang ipopost. Hehehe! Thanks!
*olgudnamesrgun, Thank you for taking the time to read my simple story. Hehehe!
*Guest, I used to watch NBA, so I decided to include timeout scenes in the final chapter, hehehe! Thank you for reading!
