Author's note: The usual disclaimers…This fic is not entirely RuHaru, actually I can just vomit while imagining them together. Well, I haven't disclosed the identity of this person yet! Yeah, I think there are hints of HanaRu in this fic, I'll just input it on the other chapter…sort of a surprise. ^__^ Please review! Thanks if you're reading this!
Rukawa's POV
* /- -/ = means the person's thoughts
*Italicized paragraphs = flashback
Jekyll and Hyde
Chapter 3: Second Half: Stained Glass
Ayako stood, leaving the circle of chairs, went to Akagi, acting like the woman she has to be. She silently patted the big man's shoulder, soothing him with her voice.
I kept my hand on my face, feeling its warmth going in my head. A fiery sensation claimed me, but my body felt cold, trembling. Somehow, the grief that was built in me went out. I want to let it out, but I'm too afraid. I can hear Kogure whispering Mitsui and the light steps of Miyagi pacing back and forth. The others sported silence, unable to speak, trying to feel the ambience of sadness. Moments later, Akagi's footsteps was heard, followed by the silent ascent of Ayako.
And then I stared at nothing. I rubbed my temples to ease my throbbing head, the faint sound of a basketball went with the rhythm of the pounding, and I found myself recollecting the memories in my mind.
The heat seemed to go down deep in me and I felt that every step was like progressing with a ten-ton metal on each foot. And I felt sleepy.
With my eyes closed, I fumbled in my locker, not caring if all the contents fell out; I just want my sleep. I slowly pulled off my white uniform and donning a black sleeveless shirt with the usual white boxers. With a loud bang, I shut the locker close, proceeding to the gym. However, I felt something or someone on my way.
"Move," I opened my eyes halfway then closed it again. The heat was making me very sleepy. I think I dozed off for a few minutes before the person spoke at last.
"Oh! Gomen-nasai, Rukawa-kun! I think the heat made me absent minded…" It was her.
I ignored her, instead, I moved on, to the court. I shot a three-pointer and dozed off again. Basketball…Basketball…I opened my eyes. Another three points. I didn't notice her praising my shots. She was there cheering for me, which isn't unusual, for the Rukawa fan's club, I irritatedly admit, is always there to distract.
"Rukawa, I've got to go! Ja mata ne!"
I shot below the ring, the ball circling the rim before falling in, with my silent goodbye for her. From a distance, I heard the loud chatterings of the team. I closed my eyes, blowing air from my mouth.
"Aho."
"Have you decided?" I fixed my stony stare at the speaker. A split second decision coursed thru my brain. Once I've said it, it's decided.
"Yes. Just a fulfillment of her wish," I nodded after that, adding the word 'atonement' in my mind. Akagi's face seemed to look good now; at least those eyes changed a bit. I hate to see a man dwelling over his griefs.
Minutes later, I contemplated the meaning of what I have said. Was it a turn around of my personality? Did I state unknown emotion that I did not feel? As I looked at Akagi, those blue eyes glinting in its depths, I sensed a feeling of triumph - or was it relief?
The curtain of galaxy enveloped my companion, who is inches away, and me. The full moon shone on her face, highlighting her pale face. A smile crossed her lips, as she turned her gaze at me. I remember that there was still that strange euphoria claiming her still face.
With her eyes boring into my emotionless face, I saw an unfamiliar glint in her eyes; the same glint I see every time she stares at me. Feeling a bit annoyed, I looked away from her, just staring at the sky. The clouds moved so slowly, after a few moments, it covered the moon. I turned to her.
Unbelievably, her eyes were still locked on me. Her face became crimson, then followed by a wide, dreamy smile; a blush telling that she was caught doing something off-guard. /-Aishiteru…Rukawa. Aishiteru-/
That glint again. Am I alien to emotions? I can't understand the meaning of her actions. Keeping my face indifferent, yet burning with curiosity inside, I asked,
"What?" when I intended to ask, 'Why?'
Disclose or conceal was the hardest decisions to make. She closed her eyes and placed her hands on the back of her head. She let a sigh escape her lips. "Nothing…"
I nodded.
There was something about the night, which drove me directly to my house. There was a hint of solitude coming into me. I entered the front door stealthily; afraid to make them notice my arrival. When I entered my messy room, the thought of dribbling a ball nudged me. Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two one…I finally stood up, my bag slung on my shoulder, a basketball ready to dribble in my hand. The house can't contain me, and I'm not perfectly contained in it. My home was a few blocks away from here.
The basketball court.
To be continued…
Thanks for reading once again! Please review! Hanamichi's entering the next chapter!