Author: miku
Disclaimer: Standard disclaimer applies in this fic.
Warning: This story contains shounen-ai (boy/boy relationship) and if that offends you, better leave. I may add some lime or something like that (m.a.y.b.e) but I'll warn you before you can proceed.
Part Five
Feelings Defined
It had been five days since he started walking Rukawa home and he was learning more about the boy. Like one time, they saw a black cat sleeping in front of Rukawa's apartment. When they got inside, Rukawa called the cat and feed it. Rukawa also told him that the cat sometimes follows him to his place. Sakuragi also learned that Rukawa like listening to music, any music but most of his collections include slow rock. Then he learned that the kitsune he so called knew how to cook the first time he walked him home. Rukawa was really good in cooking.
But knowing those things would not help Sakuragi in charming his way to Rukawa. More so, he actually felt like he was the one being captivated.
And now he just walked with Rukawa again and was inside his apartment again. The latter seemed already used to this though. However, he hasn't gotten the guts to tell the other boy what was his so-called feeling towards him. Maybe this was not a good idea after all… he told himself. He could not imagine what his gang would tell him. Sakuragi? A very, very straight man falling for Rukawa? He could just imagine them laughing.
But no. So what does he care about? It would be just an act after all. It was not as if he was really falling in love with this pathe…tic… kit…su…
He stopped pondering upon seeing Rukawa sleeping - his head resting limply at the side of the bed, his lips slightly parted, and his bangs softly fallen covering part of his eyes which were closed with thick lashes. They were supposed to be watching NBA but they did not. Sakuragi was buried in his own thoughts and Rukawa was finally sleeping.
Hn. How could his professor get mad at him when he sleeps beautifully like this? Sakuragi asked himself and shoved a few strands of hair away from Rukawa's face. Nani?! What am I doing?!
Sakuragi suddenly stood up which awaken the sleeping boy. Rukawa just stared at him with sleepy eyes.
"I gotta get going, Rukawa…" Sakuragi mumbled and quickly left the room without waiting from any response from the other boy. Rukawa, however, just nodded to Sakuragi's disappearing figure and went back to sleep.
Sendoh was sitting at the bench inside the public court. He was waiting for Rukawa actually. He called the latter this morning before Rukawa could go to school and offered a one-on-one.
He wanted to make sure of his feelings – that was his reason for asking Rukawa's presence. He wanted to prove to himself too that what he was feeling was only… admiration of the younger boy's skills.
He pulled his basketball out of his duffel bag and played with it for a short while. He knew he need not to bring that because Rukawa always brings his, but then… he just wanted to make sure.
He heard the fence crack open and close. He lifted up his head to see the expected person. There was Rukawa walking towards his direction, hanging his bag in one shoulder and looking at him with his usual stoic face. He was about to smile when he saw another unexpected figure, Sakuragi Hanamichi, walking behind the Shohoku ace.
What is he doing here? And with Rukawa… he faked a smile and waved to the two. "Hey! Rukawa! Sakuragi!"
Sakuragi smiled widely and Rukawa only nodded in greeting.
"Oi! Spiky!" Sakuragi greeted and made a run towards the Ryonan Ace. But before that, he patted Rukawa's arm as if telling him to 'hurry up'. Sendoh noticed that short contact that made him narrow his eyes slightly. He did not understand anything. Sakuragi and Rukawa were known to be rivals. But here they were, in front of him, walking together and Sakuragi even patted the other's arm.
But why should he think about it anyway. Not as if he cares, right?
Right?
But he was feeling uneasy. He wanted to ask any of them why the sudden change? Why were they together? Why did Rukawa allowed that redhead to touch him? Why… why was he, Sendoh Akira, jealous?
"I did not expect you to be here, Sakuragi," Sendoh asked honestly still smiling.
"Oh, yeah. But I'm walking Rukawa home so I guess I should wait for him finish his one-on-one with you, na?" Sakuragi confessed rubbing his nape anxiously.
Oh… you're going to walk him home… yeah… walk him home… walk him home… "Yeah? So I guess we better start the game early, na, Rukawa-kun?" Sendoh turned to Rukawa who just placed his bag at the bench. He was still smiling and oh how he hated that smile especially now that he wanted to punch Sakuragi at his face.
Punch Sakuragi at his face… Sendoh repeated in his mind at the same time trying to shake it aside. So you are really jealous, Sendoh… he confirmed to himself.
How could he not realize his feeling when he had already hundreds of relationships in the past (oh, well that's exaggerating)? But then this was different because Rukawa is a guy and he could not really believe that he was actually falling for a guy. How many times did he deny it to himself? TO himself. And then what… admit it too late that Sakuragi was actually hitting it on with Rukawa?
He was snapped back from his reverie when Rukawa tossed him the ball. "First one to get ten points…"
He smiled and this time it was genuine although he was still not sure of many things. But just seeing Rukawa and hearing him talk… Damn, he had really fallen hard.
And so they started the game. Both players were so good that it took them almost an hour to finish and to think it was only a matter of ten points and they played almost as long as one official game. Sendoh won by one point though.
During those time of facing Rukawa made Sendoh to forget Sakuragi almost completely. During those times, Rukawa was his and his alone. Maybe that was the reason why he wanted to play with the younger boy so much. He could dance with him. He could face him like they have a world of their own. Sendoh sighed inwardly. And now that you realize it, are you not going to do something? He shook his head wistfully and joined Rukawa in walking back to the bench.
Both players were panting heavily. Returning to the bench, both quickly got their bottles of water and drained it completely.
They were both exhausted and their sweats were pouring madly (exaggeration again ^^). Sendoh was really smiling genuinely this time although he was still pained – still pained of having uncertainties whether to pursue his feelings or not.
"You two are really good," Sakuragi admitted softly. His eyes were gazing at the floor and they were… serious.
Oh, at last you admitted it, 'Tensai'…
"All I could do was sit here and gawk with your incredible moves,…" the redhead continued.
Sendoh was now feeling sympathy towards Sakuragi, his jealousy was set aside.
"It's hard for me to admit it but…" Sakuragi's eyes were glistening with tears and were threatening to flow. But never a single drop did. The tensai would not allow that especially in front of his two rivals.
Sendoh smiled pitifully and was going to say something when Rukawa spoke up, "Come on, do'aho. We're leaving."
With these, Sendoh smiled pitifully once more but this time for himself. He was hurt again. Why? Because he knew that Rukawa just said those words to somehow ease Sakuragi. And why again? Because he was jealous? Why is that? Because that proved that Rukawa cared for him somehow… and maybe… even more…
"Ah, hai!" Sakuragi agreed trying all the cheerfulness in his voice. He stood up and grabbed his and Rukawa's bag. He gave it to Rukawa who just finished wiping his face with a towel.
"Bye, Sendoh!" Sakuragi shouted happily and Rukawa only nodded again.
"Ja…" Sendoh uttered softly but enough for the two to hear.
The two were almost out of the court when Sendoh called Rukawa. The latter stopped to look at him inquiringly.
"You have to beat me next time, Rukawa-kun!" Sendoh challenged which only earned him another nod from his challenger.
"I will…" Rukawa whispered to himself and the two began their scenic walk home.
As Sendoh watched the parting figures, he could only bite his lower lip in anger. He was mad because he could not show Rukawa his true feelings. He was mad because Rukawa was with Hanamichi. He was mad because he still could not accept that he was jealous. He was mad because he had fallen so deep with Rukawa and yet he could not do anything.
Was he scared? Scared that Rukawa might reject him? Was he scared that Rukawa might actually choose Hanamichi between them? But wait…
Does Sakuragi really like Rukawa and he was finally ready to admit it because Sendoh, almost completely confess his feelings and that Sakuragi thought that he should make his move or else Sendoh would make his?
But Sakuragi never even hinted at first that he liked the kitsune?
Or maybe he realized it just recently… like him…
Maybe it was not too late though. He could still make his move unless Rukawa finally choose between them or even no one between them. He should take the risk now, right? Yes. He should. Even if it means fighting Sakuragi. He should. He would.
To be continued…
Miku: How was that again minna??
Sendoh: That sucks… Me? The heartthrob and ace of Ryonan High only to be rivaled by Sakuragi?!?!
Miku: Yeah…
Sendoh: But still! I did not get to touch Kaede-kuuuunnn!!!
Miku: But you competed with him and that's enough.
Sendoh: For him perhaps but I want more! And I mean MORE!!!
Miku: Really hentai, are you?
Sendoh: When will you wake up Kaede-kun???
Rukawa: zzzzzzzzz
Miku: I guess he would wake up by the time this fic is finish. ^_~