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.
Whew! This is getting hard for me actually! ^^;
Well, almost everybody who reviewed my fic wanted it to be RuHanaRu… oh well… I'm still not sure. I can't read Rukawa's mind… *sigh* but honestly, I am a fan of SenRu! ^_^
But Nakkie-chan was right, ne?? (Thanks for that! Just read her review to know what I mean) So I guess, starting from here, let's just surprise ourselves (even including me!), okay? RUKAWA-KUUUNN!! WHAT'S YOUR DECISION?!?!?!?! :(
(But for your information, minna, I'm not really into threesome, so I guess SenHanaRu, or however you arrange it, would be impossible. ^^;)
And PS: Sakuragi's not bad here. That's a promise. He's just himself. ^^;
Part Seven
And Mishaps
PRACTICE:
You are such an idiot! Sakuragi criticized himself. He was standing in one corner of the gym with Ayako and was still practicing basics. The others were playing. His dribble became harder and harder as he recalled what happened that morning.
/Flashback/
After bumping with Sendoh, Sakuragi hurried to Rukawa's apartment, his plan already set. They would eat lunch together and during that time, he would finally confess his so-called feeling for the boy. He even saved his money during the past few days because he wanted to treat Rukawa (and that was included in his plan, of course).
He knocked to the door several times before a sleepy Rukawa opened it and eyes him as if he was some stranger who disturbed his sleep.
"Kitsune! Were you still sleeping? You know what time is it, don't you? And we're having lunch!" Sakuragi reminded Rukawa and got inside the room without even asking for permission. He quickly searched for the closet, opened it, and began pulling some stuff like Rukawa's jerseys, shoes and so on. The other boy was just staring at him with his sleepy eyes.
"What are you still doing there, kitsune? Prepare yourself already, okay?"
Rukawa, however, just sat at the couch while still rubbing his eyes. Sakuragi found the act so cute. Rukawa seemed so innocent whenever and after he sleeps… Obliviously, the redhead smiled and continued packing Rukawa's things.
Somehow unwillingly, the raven boy stood up, somewhat grumbling, took his bath, dressed up and left the place with Sakuragi.
They reached the restaurant (not so fancy one so as not to be really called a date, but it still seemed like a date anyway) and Sakuragi immediately told Rukawa that it would be his (Sakuragi's) treat. The latter seemed unmindful anyhow and just shrugged.
While eating, they talked of the usual stuff – basketball and the team, although Sakuragi was the only one yapping and Rukawa would only snort sometimes, nod or utter monosyllabic words…
After eating, Sakuragi called for the waiter and took the bill. Rukawa made his attempt to pay but Sakuragi reminded him that it was his treat. The former just shrugged again.
Rukawa's nonchalant gestures somehow irritated him. Why could not the boy be a little nice to him? Well, perhaps he should be thankful that Rukawa had not yet kicked and punched him during the past few days but still… Rukawa seemed like he didn't care? And Sakuragi was hurt.
Yes. He was hurt because the raven boy seemed not appreciating everything he did.
But it was only an act, right?
As if he was doing these things to make the boy happy?
He was doing these things to make hint the boy that he likes him and even somehow charmed his way to him. But of course, it's not true. It's not true, right?
Right?
But he was not sure anymore…
"Rukawa…" Sakuragi uttered softly calling the other boy's attention.
Silence.
Sakuragi did not know how to continue. It was the perfect time to tell the boy of his feelings right? But it seemed that he was… chickening out? Why, Sakuragi? What's making this damn thing so hard for you?! He nagged himself.
"What?" Rukawa asked with his still calm and monotonous tone.
Tell him now, baka!! Tell him that you like him!! Tell him that… Sakuragi bit his lower lip uncertain of what to do.
But it's not true…
Yes, indeed it's not true that's why you're telling him to make him believe!
Isn't this your plan?
To disturb this kitsune and weaken his game play?
To defeat Sendoh and make that smiley jealous?
"AHHHHHHHHHH!" Sakuragi carelessly shouted which gained everybody's attention, especially the one sitting in front of him. He was mad. He was going insane. He could not understand himself anymore. Could it be that he was really falling for Rukawa?
"Do'aho. Let's get going," Rukawa said softly and stood up grabbing his back. Sakuragi could only follow, his head still spinning with uncertain thoughts.
/End of Flashback/
He wasted a very great opportunity. But he was not mad about that. He was mad because he could not understand what he was feeling. He could not understand why he seemed so much affected when he knew that all of these were just an act after all.
And he was disturbed.
And Rukawa was not.
That made his blood to boil more. But not because Rukawa's game play was still the usual but because Rukawa seemed… unmindful.
Unmindful of him, Sakuragi Hanamichi.
"Kakuta! Guard him!" Mitsui shouted and Kakuta quickly ran to Rukawa and tried to guard him. However, the younger boy was too much for him. Rukawa quickly eluded him, ran to the basket, and did and wonderful dunk. Everybody stared in awe including Sakuragi.
Rukawa is… indescribable…
He looked so innocent at times (especially whenever he sleeps) that it seemed so much different whenever he plays.
Graceful and swift… those were the words that quickly entered Sakuragi's mind in describing the ace's movement. He seemed so alive inside the court.
How his hair sways in every fleeting action he makes…
How his eyes seemed to fire up with determination…
How those capable hands move elegantly to dribble, steal and shoot…
But most of all, how his overwhelming aura conquers the court whenever he plays…
These makes him so beautiful but he never seemed to notice it that only adds to his beauty. His naivety of how he could capture so many hearts…
Ryota, who had walked to him (probably to tease him again) stopped and stared at the redhead bewildered. So was Ayako.
And I guess it would not be my fault to fall for you, then… Sakuragi continued pondering.
"NANI?!" Ryota shouted. Everybody looked at his direction. "You like Rukawa?!" he squealed, slapping his face in unimaginable shock of his life.
Sakuragi was immediately shaken from his reverie and stared at the great point guard.
"You- you like Rukawa?!?!" Ryota asked again unbelievingly, really unmindful of how loud was his voice.
Everybody stood frozen and even Rukawa who dropped the ball and stared the staggered redhead.
What? Sakuragi thought. Did he just tell his thoughts outloud?
Baka! It's obvious. Ryota heard it! And was acting like he just heard the most shocking news of his life!
"You like Rukawa?! You like him?!" Ryota continued asking, eyes very much wide open. Ayako was stunned too but just kept still.
Sakuragi could not utter any word. This was not how he wanted things to be. And what? Be obvious? "AHH! Ryochin!! Who told you that, anyway?" He fought back and quickly threw his ball and went to the locker room. Wrong move, baka! That would only make you guilty! But it was too late though, he already made the mistakes and he should prepare himself to face the consequences.
But he was not so much troubled by the fact that the whole team, including his gundan, already learned that he likes Rukawa. It was because he was not sure of how Rukawa would react?
Would he hate him?
Would he kill him?
Would he beat him into pulp?
Or would he just not care and ignore him?
The last one seemed to be the most probable answer. And he did not want Rukawa to ignore him. But maybe he was not in love after all… maybe… he just feels like making the raven boy his friend?
Yeah. That's it. He just wanted to befriend Rukawa and nothing more. Yes. That's it! But how was his quest to defeat Rukawa? To defeat Sendoh? Was he actually wrong in making this plan from the first place?
But the problem right now is how to get out of the locker room without being made fun of.
To be continued…
Miku: I need your comments, minna! ^^; Is the story getting boring already or the phasing is getting too slow? Please, tell me! I need your comments, thank you!
Rukawa: But tell me, what is this fic really? Would this be SenRu OR HanaRu?
Miku: Oooohhh.. you're awake at last Kaede-kun? And why are you so interested anyway?
Rukawa: Because I'm bothered by this…
Miku: Why?
Rukawa: I'm tired of being uke.
Miku: O_o (Good thing Sendoh's not here… or else he'd kill me for not having him in this chapter…) Oh! Don't worry… Rukawa's POV would be coming soon. Sendoh's still existing although "his time has yet to come". And minna, the pairing is still unsure but for now I have to balance everything. After all, Rukawa has not yet told us his… feelings, right??