I had to separate this from the other chapter for some reasons I can't think of right now… that's why it's quite short. ^_^ I'm working! So sue me! ~_^

4b

Last Words

His mind was preoccupied by the upcoming games that he didn't realized he was nearing that fateful alley.  Kogure felt the blood drain from his face. Could they still hang around there? His breathing became erratic. A strange look from a passing elderly man woke him to the realization that he was still planted on the pavement. His eyes never left that corner of the street.

Get away!

He quickened his pace and crossed the street, ignoring the burning in his ribcage. His forced stride jogged every hurting joint in his body that when he reached the sidewalk, he was trembling. He leaned against a parked car to gather his breath. He was caught mid-breath when a fresh shooting pain erupted from his midsection when he tried to straighten up.  He sagged back against the hood.

I have to get away.

He suddenly heard bright ringing and a sound of an approaching bicycle.  Kogure shook his head slightly. Don't let your feet run with your imagination, he chastised himself. There are people still on the streets.

"Sempai."

He knew the voice. Kogure jerked his head up and was relieved to see a familiar face.

"I… thought you've already gone home," he said to Rukawa as he dismounted his racer and came nearer.

"I am on my way home," he pointed out shortly, coming up beside him.  "You don't look too good."

"Nani?" Kogure asked distractedly, controlling his breathing. "I got a little tired from walking, that's all."

Rukawa nodded slightly. Kogure noticed him glancing at a distant spot behind him. He didn't have to know what he was looking at.

He stood when the ache subsided some minutes later. Rukawa still stood there watching him.

"Do you live nearby?" Kogure asked casually. He believed his tact on Mitsui and Sakuragi would work with this one. He wasn't going to turn him away this time.  It was an opportunity to have the company of the elusive guy. If he thought about it, Rukawa was never seen anybody else's company, except his teammates. And that was only during games and team practices, or anything related to team Shohoku.

Basketball. It seemed it was all about basketball for Rukawa Kaede. There must be something more to him than meets the eye. Out of courts, he was an enigma, almost an untouchable quality. Not even his horde of fan girls evinced any interest in the quiet player, which added to his mysterious charm. He was obviously admired by male and female alike for his skills and good looks, and just as envied for the same reasons.

"Yes." The muted reply roused Kogure from his thoughts. They were sharing a lazy pace along the sidewalk, Rukawa walking beside his bike.

They passed one block in silence. Kogure looked up to his kohei, his face blank. A thought occurred to him.

"A police officer came by the next day after the team's visit," Kogure spoke up in an attempt to open conversation. "He asked questions regarding… that night." He faltered, then gave an apologetic look. "I couldn't keep you out of it, I'm sorry. I know you're thinking if news of your involvement reached Anzai-sensei , he might not let you play."

"It's not a problem," Rukawa answered, face impassive.

"That's good to hear, I think," he returned candidly. "Have the investigators spoken to you yet?"

A frown passed Rukawa's features. "I came to the police station to answer their questions."

"I see," said Kogure thoughtfully. "I hope that it didn't cause any problems with you."

Another awkward silence followed after his remark. He never thought it was such an effort to maintain casual conversation with Rukawa. Aside from the fact that Kogure knew next to nothing about his teammate's other interests, the latter was rather unhelpful in moving the talk along.

Basketball, then. "Why didn't you join the practice game today?" he queried.

Uncertainty found its way in the other's face. "I'm not feeling well." He steadied the handlebar as they came to a raised sidewalk, never taking his eyes from his hands.

"Ayako told me as much. I hope you'll feel better come the match. How are you feeling now?"

"Don't worry about it, sempai. I intend to play."

"That's not what I was concerned about," Kogure confessed quietly. "I know you'll do your best. And in your doing so, you're forgetting your own welfare."

Rukawa looked startled.

"You shouldn't overexert yourself," he went on boldly especially, "especially in your condition.  You mustn't carry all the weight on your shoulders. That's what your teammates are for: you share the burden of responsibility together."

When he finished, he looked back at his teammate. He had that appearance of one disturbed by his thoughts. I hope he will always remember that.

They reached the intersection. From there Kogure would cross to the other side and from there, proceed to the side street then right at the first corner toward his house.  He turned to Rukawa.

"Where exactly do you live?" he asked him.

Rukawa just gaped at him. He blinked once, then answered, "Uh, left at the second corner."

"Straight ahead, or this way?"

He indicated the street on the right. Kogure hid a small grin.

"Let's go, then."

Kogure held back a sigh as mixed feelings of amusement, gratitude, and mild exasperation came over him. If this was Rukawa's way of helping out, he wouldn't be the one to refuse.

They continued talking; or rather, Kogure asked some questions regarding school while Rukawa answered succinctly. It wasn't much of a conversation, but it made time pass easier before they reached their destination.

"If you're having trouble with your subjects," Kogure said, "don't hesitate to approach Akagi, Ayako, or me. Or come to me since–since I won't be practicing with you for some time." He added wistfully, then feigned enthusiasm. "Does anyone help you in your homework?"

It was just a moment, but he saw a flicker of emotion cloud his guarded expression.

"No," was Rukawa's only reply.

"I understand," he murmured softly, hesitant to ask any more at the elicited reaction. "I'm aware that you've been having a hard time with History. I've kept my notes since my freshman year. I can lend it to you, if you want."

In response, Rukawa's eyes widened a fraction, a hint of surprise on his face. He mumbled his thanks.

"Well, this is my street," Kogure proclaimed when they made it to the first turn.  "I'll see you tomorrow, ne?"

He found his teammate still in his place, hesitation playing in his eyes.

"Kogure-sempai."

"Yes, Rukawa-kun?"

"I was hoping to borrow your History notes today," he said and glanced away.

Kogure stared at him at length before saying, "Sure, no problem. But can we rest for a moment?" he added sheepishly.

Seeing him nod, he grinned his thanks and rested his back against the lamppost.  He bowed his head, trying to contain his pained discomfort.

"You should have stayed home for a few more days," he said in a curt undertone, breaking the long silence.

Kogure looked up. "If I stayed absent, I would never catch up in my schoolwork," he answered. "You might not believe me, but I missed going to school and going to practice. I've been busy with many things that I got so restless when I was confined." A knowing smile came at seeing his companion grimace. "You don't like school very much, do you?" he teased lightly.

"I think it's a waste of time," he stated rather quickly.

"You shouldn't say that," Kogure said lightly, but was disappointed all the same. He started to rise, swaying slightly. His hand shot out and caught the frame of Rukawa's bike in trying to steady himself.

"G-gomen," Kogure murmured. "I guess I'm not ready to go yet."

"We should call your grandparents to pick you up."

"There's no need," he said holding up a hand. "My house is only a few blocks away. I suppose I just need a little more time to regain my balance."

Rukawa peered at him, then shrugged.

As he took in some deep breaths, Kogure was somehow thankful he turned down his grandfather's offer of a ride home. It was only a brief walk, but he felt he got closer to knowing Rukawa a bit more than anybody else did.

Tsuzuku

Terms:

kohei -- junior

nani – what

A/N: Gawd! I'm getting a headache! It's almost the end of my shift, and I finally typed this in! Down to a couple of chapters more. Told you this is a simple and short story…