CHAPTER III: RUKAWA. IN LOVE??!!

It's already been two days since Keichi and Rukawa were together now Keichi is back to the studio doing her job and she is very busy promoting and busy because of her many interviews and press conference. For the past two days Rukawa can only see Keichi on television noting more and he missed her so much. He wanted to visit her but he knew she is very busy and she won't have time for him. But there is one thing that happened that he would never forget it was before Keichi left.

~ Flashback ~

After Rukawa and Keichi had their breakfast Rukawa go with Keichi to the studio because Keichi has to go back for her work and for sure all people there are very worried about her so she needs to go back and on their way there they were both silent.

Ummm. I want to tell you something. They both said at the same time.

They look at each other and blush. They both have something in mind they wanted to say.

Haha. you go first. Keichi said.

No you go first. Rukawa said.

No you. Keichi insisted.

Then they were both quiet.

I want to say. They both said again.

Hahahahaha.. Keichi laugh trying to change the mood.

You go first. Rukawa said.

They were already in front of the studio where Keichi was working. They stop from walking and were quiet for few moments until Keichi broke the silence.

Okay.. Keichi said then she gathers her guts to talk. Thanks for everything!! I hope to see you again. Bye!! Keichi said.

Then she kisses Rukawa on his cheek and then quickly run inside the studio. Rukawa was shocked nobody has kiss him he can't move from his position as if he was glued in it he wasn't able to say what he wants to say to Kechi.

~ End of Flashback ~

Rukawa touches his cheek where Keichi kiss him. He misses Keichi so much even how much he wanted to see her he can't Keichi is very busy and he doesn't have the rights to talk to her because she is a star and Rukawa was just nobody.

Huh. Rukawa snorted.

Rukawa was at the gym because they have basketball practice and Akagi called for a five minutes break and he was sitting on the floor while reminiscing on the past events. And still he can't concentrate on their practice because he keeps on thinking about Keichi. His teammates were all looking at him and they were so clueless on what is happening to Rukawa for the past two days. They all know that Rukawa was always quiet but now he isn't just quiet for nothing there is something else.

What's happening to Rukawa?! Ayako asked.

I don't know. Haruko replied.

Why are you so worried about Rukawa?! He is always like that. MIyagi said.

No for the past two days he is different. Ayako said.

Different?! But Kitsune is always like that. Sakuragi said.

What could be different to him?! Mitsui added.

No there is something wrong with Rukawa. I notice it too. Kogure said.

Huh?! Sakuragi was clueless he doesn't know what is wrong with Rukawa he is always like that quiet and pokerfaced as if he doesn't care on what is happening around him.

Before Rukawa was quiet but now --

But before Ayako finishes talking.

But he is still quiet noting different about that. Mitsui interrupted.

No this time it's different. Rukawa is not only quiet look at him he looks like he is thinking of something as if that something is bothering him. or it could be someone. Kogure explains.

Rukawa seems troubled he seems not the usual calm and spunky looking Rukawa. And he didn't even attend on one of our practice. Rukawa never fail to attend practice. He likes basketball a lot and he loves it more than anything else that he wouldn't fail to attend and play Ayako said.

And have you notice him during practice there are times he misses an easy shot. Haruko said.

Yes I noticed that!! Miyagi exclaimed.

And what is more unusual was Rukawa passed the ball to Sakuragi!! Mitsui added.

I'm sure there is something wrong with that kitsune!! Sakuragi said.

Yeah you're right!! They all said in chorus then they all look at Rukawa.

Rukawa shook his head to clear his mind and then he was surprised to see his teammates looking at him.

Maybe they are noticing that I'm acting weird and they were thinking if the re is something wrong with me. I should not let them notice anything. Rukawa thought.

Rukawa hurriedly stand up and pretend that he was all right he acted just like his normal self and soon his teammates has stop from looking at him with a questioning look on their faces but still he can't take his mind off Keichi.

~ Rukawa's Residence ~

Rukawa was home after basketball practice and he was sitting on the sofa watching TV. Ever since he had touched the remote control he keeps on switching from channel to channel and he won't stop. And Mr. Rukawa can't stand it anymore.

Kaede what are you doing?! You've been switching from channel to channel are you looking for something?! Mr. Rukawa asked.

Gomen ne otousan. Rukawa said.

Rukawa stop and put the remote control down, he felt so sad and upset. He felt so sad because he wanted so much to visit Keichi and be with her again but there is nothing he can do about it and that makes him so upset.

Then after few minutes he picks up the remote control again and switches again from one channel to another. Mr. Rukawa got irritated so he grabs the remote from Rukawa and switches it to the news.

I told you to stop!! Mr. Rukawa exclaimed.

Rukawa didn't say anything and he just sit there with a poignant face and Mrs. Rukawa was worried about him there might be something bothering him.

Kaede daijoubu ka?! Mrs. Rukawa asked while she puts her hand on top of Rukawa's hand.

I'm fine okasan. Rukawa replied then he went up to his room.

Mr. and Mrs. Rukawa were left on the living room thinking of what is wrong with their son. Rukawa never acted that way in front of them. He has never looked like that. Rukawa wasn't the talkative and friendly type of person, he is always quiet just sitting in one place doing nothing but today he is definitely quiet but he is doing different sorts of things. Strange things. like when they were eating Rukawa didn't even touch his food he just sat there and looked at it then after a few minutes he went to his room. This was so unlike of him Rukawa eats a lot especially after basket ball practice. Then Rukawa went to the bathroom to take a bath he stayed at the bathroom for almost an hour then when he came out nothing has change, he didn't take a bath. Then now he keeps on switching the channel but he wasn't looking for anything in particular he just sits there, hold the remote control then switches from one channel to another he won't stop if his father didn't told him to.

And his face it shows so many emotions. it obviously shows that Rukawa was very upset and sad and you can see clearly that something is bothering him.

Something's wrong with Kaede. Mrs. Rukawa said.

Yeah you're right Mr. Rukawa agreed.

What do you think is wrong with him?! Mrs. Rukawa asked.

I have no idea!! Mr. Rukawa said as he sips his coffee.

Mrs. Rukawa just sat there and watches news program then she saw.

Look isn't that Keichi!! Mrs. Rukawa exclaimed when she noticed Keichi on the television.

Rukawa heard his mom and quickly rushes down and sat in front of the TV. His parents were not surprised to see Keichi on TV that she is a super star because on the way she looks she definitely looks like a celebrity. But they are more surprised on how Rukawa acted they never thought he would be like that. When he heard about Keichi his face brightens and his face that is before so sad and upset has change into a happy and excited face.

Rukawa carefully listen to the news but he was disappointed on what he heard Keichi is leaving tomorrow at exactly 5:00 pm. After hearing the news his face went back in being sad and upset. He went upstairs without a word.

Mr. and Mrs. Rukawa look at each other then they smiled.

Now I know what is wrong with him. Your son is in love!! Mrs. Rukawa said.

Well that's my son!! Mr. Rukawa said proudly.

~ Next Day ~

Rukawa was not in his self for the whole morning he didn't attend his classes and he just stayed at the rooftop to sleep but he didn't get any sleep like last night. He was wide awake all night thinking about Keichi and the news he heard.

She is leaving. Rukawa said.

He knew he can't do anything to stop Keichi, she is a teen star she tours around the world and there is nothing he can do to stop her. It is her job and that makes her happy and he would be happy as long as Keichi is happy even his own happiness was at stake.

There's nothing I can do. Rukawa said and he drifted to sleep.

When the bell rang for dismissal Rukawa wake up and went to the gym for basketball practice but even during their practice he is not in his self. He misses three point shots and the easy shots; he passes the ball to his opponent and when someone passes the ball to him he doesn't catch it. He was committing different mistakes. Sakuragi can easily pass Rukawa's defense he can even steal the ball from Rukawa.

Rukawa are you okay?! Akagi asked.

Can I go?! Rukawa said.

That's a good idea. You better rest!! Akagi said and he didn't even bother to ask Rukawa because he knew there is a big thing troubling him and there is no way Rukawa can focus on playing.

Rukawa leaves the gym.

I told you something is wrong with Rukawa!! Ayako said.

What do you think it is?! Kogure asked.

Maybe he is worried about his grades. Haruko said.

Then they all look at Haruko and shook their heads.

Impossible!! Miyagi said.

Yes impossible!! Rukawa would never worry about that!! Mitsui said.

That's right! Kitsune doesn't care about his grades!! His stupid!! Not like me, I am a tensai!! HAHAHAHAHA!! Sakuragi exclaimed.

But it's important because if he fails he can't play basketball so he is worried about his grade and he doesn't want to fail!! Haruko said.

You have a point there!! Ayako said.

All of them nod their heads then they all said in chorus.

IMPOSSIBLE!!

Haruko sweat drop she thought she has convinced them.

Maybe he is in love!! Kogure whispered but it was too loud that everyone heard it.

They all look at Kogure there was a long silent and Kogure thought they agree to him then suddenly.

MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Mitsui, Sakuragi, Miyagi and Ayako laughed so loud!! While Haruko was shocked on what Kogure said.

HAHAHAHAHA!! That. that Rukawa. in love?! HAHAHAHA!! Miyagi said in between his laugh.

HAHAHAHA!! Glassman you. you must be kidding!! HAHAHAHA!! Sakuragi said while laughing as well.

HAHAHAHAHA!! Nice one. Kogure!! HHAHAHA!! Mitsui said while laughing like a crazy man.

Kogure felt his face blush he never intended on saying it aloud he just thought maybe Rukawa was thinking of a girl, he thought maybe Rukawa is in love.

I shouldn't have said that!! Kogure said and his face reddens more.

Then they stop laughing.

What if he is really in love?! Haruko asked.

MWAHAHAHAHAHA!! They all started to laugh again.

HAHAHA. that's. that's impossible Haruko!! Rukawa. in love?! HAHAHAHA!! Ayako said in between laughs.

HAHAHAHAHA!! That's. that's the most stupid. stupid excused that I have ever heard!! HAHAHAHAHA!! Mitsui said.

Poor girl. who ever she is!! HAHAHAHAHA!! Sakuragi said still laughing.

Haruko and Kogure didn't say another word because they felt embarrassed and the others won't stop from laughing at them because of their stupid idea that Rukawa was "IN LOVE!!"

SHUT UP!! Akagi yelled and hit Mitsui, Miyagi and Kogure at the head!! They all stop laughing. STOP LAUGHING AND GET BACK TO PRACTICE!! Akagi shouted.

~ Rukawa's Residence ~

Rukawa arrived home and he was on his way to his room when Mr. Rukawa called him.

Kaede come here. Mr. Rukawa calls out.

Naze?! Rukawa asked.

Mr. Rukawa tosses a key to Rukawa.

What is this for?! Rukawa asked because he has no idea why his father was giving him the car keys.

A car key you need that. Mr. Rukawa replied.

What will I do with this?! Rukawa said.

If you leave now maybe you can still catch up with her. Mr. Rukawa said.

What are you talking about?! Rukawa asked.

You love her do you and you don't want her to leave not knowing her feelings for you, ne?! Mr. Rukawa asked.

Rukawa wasn't able to say anything and was surprised to hear his dad say those words. Is his feeling for Keichi that obvious?! That his father knew that he loves Keichi but he has no plan of denying it. And now his father is pursuing him to follow Keichi and tell her he loves her. Rukawa look at his parents and he felt very happy because they are so supportive to him.

Now go!!! Mr. Rukawa said.

Go to her Kaede. go and tell her what you fell. tell her you love her. Mrs. Rukawa said with so much gentleness in her voice.

Hai!! Arigatou otousan, onichan!! Rukawa said and he rushes out from the house and went inside the car.

GO MY SON AND BRING BACK MY DAUGHTER-IN-LAW!!!! Mr. Rukawa shouted as he and his wife watches their son leave.

It's already 4:50 ten more minutes and Keichi will be leaving.

Keichi, my love. please wait for me. Rukawa said as he starts the car and was on his way to the airport.

AN: Review please!! E-mail me kitsune_rukawa11@yahoo.com