"Ayako, who's that girl talking to the old man?" Asked Sakuragi curiously.
"I don't know…" Ayako replied, equally curious.
"She looks like a little weird," Observed Sakuragi.
"Just like you!" Ryota sniggered.
"What?!" Exclaimed Sakuragi, as Ryota chortled.
"You two idiots. Anzai Sempai is calling us over." It was Rukawa.
"Oh?"
Indeed, Anzai Sempai was beckoning for them to go over with his chubby hand.
"What is it, old man? Don't waste our training time!" Said Sakuragi.
"Your teachers have informed me of your horrendous grades, and recommended Tatsuya Shina to tutor you, hohoho…"
(( Sakuragi: the spectacles, the spectacles!! ))
(( Ryota: a female version of Toru Hanagata…?! ))
(( Rukawa: … a waste of time ))
Shina adjusted her spectacles, seemingly aware of their unflattering thoughts. She looked pale and sickly, and resting on her nose bridge was a huge pair of black-rimmed glasses. Her hair was plaited neatly, and she looked the no-nonsense sort.
Shina's diary/self-introductionHi, my name is Shina, and I am a freaking nerd. I'm currently in my 2nd year in Shohoku High, and have so far topped all major examinations. But that's probably because the people here are mostly slackers. I should've gone to Kainan, but never mind about that.
I also get laughed at a lot. I do not think I am a very funny person – it's probably just my glasses. And my sickly complexion. And the way I always hug my books close to my chest. And… well, you get the idea. I try not to let the teasing and mocking get to me, but sometimes they do. Despite all this, I grit my teeth and constantly remind myself that I have a bright future. I want to go to Harvard, I want to be a lawyer. Nothing and no one can stand in my way.
So, because of my academic brilliance, I have been asked to sacrifice some time to tutor 3 idiots from the Basketball Club. But my time is money!! – so I tell their coach, and I am instantly promised a sum if the idiots pass their end-of-year examinations. No problem.
*** two weeks later ***
I am now able to confirm Sakuragi's and Ryota's statuses as "idiots." In fact, they're worse than idiots (is there a word for it?). I mean, if they're idiots and know it, it isn't too bad. But they don't even seem to know. Oh well. They're nice lads, though, and make me laugh on a regular basis. I think they're actually capable of getting good grades, if only they put in the effort.
I don't know about the other guy – Rukawa. He's asleep most of the time, and keeps mostly to himself. I seriously think he should consult a doctor about his sleeping problem!
Author's note: Nothing much in this first chapter, just introducing the main characters. You probably can't tell yet, but this fic is actually mainly about Rukawa. In case you're wondering, this fic has nothing to do with Oscar Wilde's "the Importance of Being Earnest". I just thought it'd make a witty title =P
And, if you're thinking that since Ryota is in Year 3 already, how can he be tutored by a Year 2 student? Yeah, Shina is such a nerd, she's completed her study of the Year 3 syllabus already =X
Next Chapter: IT happens. Rukawa is being held responsible. Maki appears. That's all I'm telling! It should be up by ummm… this week.
( I do not own Slam Dunk. )