Part 6
Koshino Residence
7:30 AM
Monday
"AA... Akira!!! AKIRA!!!" Koshino screamed. "Please, Uozumi-san! Let me go... please... let me go
to his house... please..." Koshino sobbed pleading and pounding on Uozumi's chest. "Please...
just... please..."
When Uozumi and Ikegami found out in the morning news about the death of their teammate, as if
on instinct, both went straight to Koshino's place. There they found Koshino looking worse for
wear, his father and mother hopelessly restraining him, not letting him go out of the house.
"Koshino, I promise later this day we'll go, okay..." Uozumi said while trying desperately to
hold back his own tears.
"Koshino, I'm sure Sendoh will not want to see you like this..." Ikegami said in between sobs
hugging Koshino.
"I was just with him yesterday afternoon and later that evening he said he's going to buy
something for his sister then... now... I..." Koshino just fell on the floor crying his
heart out. "Noooo..."
Shohoku High
12:00 PM
"Oh my! Did you hear about Sendoh?"
"Yeah, that's horrible. I thought it all stopped a month ago..."
"R.K.! Do you think-!
"But who knows! There are a lot of people out there the has the same intials!"
"Still, he's the best candidate for the next..."
All chatter stopped when Rukawa walked through the noisy hallways of Shohoku. It's already
lunchtime and he has a rendezvous in the rooftop.
When he reached the place he's surprised to see not only his Hanamichi but Akagi and Mitsui
as well.
"Rukawa..." said Akagi. "I know it's difficult for you. He's a dear friend of yours, even though
you won't admit it but we know..." Akagi looked at him with all concern and sincerity.
"I know you and I are not always in good terms but..." Mitsui then spoke up. "The next victim...
I... we're afraid that it's you... please... I can't lose anyone anymore..." he said leaning
over the edge not looking at Rukawa, sad blue eyes are locked upon the sky.
After a long moment of silence Akagi left with Mitsui leaving Sakuragi and Rukawa alone.
Sakuragi then approached and hugged his lover tight. All of Rukawa's will to keep it all cool
broke down. Rukawa there and then sobbed all his pain in Sakuragi's chest.
"It hurts Hana..." He silently said in between sobs, seems to him that his tears won't stop.
"Why him... why..."
"Ssshh...." Sakuragi tried his best to hush his love.
Ryonan Higschool Auditorium
2:00 PM
Tuesday
"... A star may he be in his own profession but never the less a star that forever smiles in our
hearts." A sad voice occupied the whole auditorium as the whole Ryonan High school gathered for
a tribute to it's fallen star. Taoka-sensei, standing in front of the whole body proudly letting
his tears fall that left wet spot on his shirt and down on the floor.
Sobbing, crying and wailing were the only sounds that were present after the heart breaking
speech. Not a single dry face was present. Even the whole Shohoku, Kainan and Shoyo Basketball
teams are left tear stricken.
Just outside the auditorium when everyone was already gone Uozumi walked towards Akagi, Maki
and Hanagata.
"Could you all attend Sendoh's funeral?" he asked in his trembling voice due to his crying.
"Of course Uozumi. We all know what you all are going through right now." Hanagata replied
patting Uozumi's shoulder.
"We'll be there." Maki assured Uozumi.
"Don't worry Uozumi, you don't have to tell us..." said Akagi.
"Arigatou, minna." He said. Then... "I know all of us have the same fear right now." Uozumi added
facing Rukawa.
"Oi! Boss Monkey! Don't look at him like that!" Sakuragi placed himself before Rukawa.
"Rukawa..." Koshino said tears are again flowing in his face.
"Let's go, Koshino." Ikegami ushered his teammate away from the group. "Uozumi, we'll meet you
in Sendoh's place later okay. We're going on ahead now."
"Koshino-san..." Hikoichi just stared at the retreating figure of his sempai. Then turning at the
group "Anou... minna... did you know that the killer took Sendoh-san's jacket. At least this
time the police can look with hope, only Sendoh-san has that jacket, his name is printed on it.
It's his jersey jacket."
"You know! This getting freaky! What's the killer trying to prove by taking stuffs from his
victims! To remind himself of his doings? Taking those as his trophy?!" and angry Mitsui said
kicking a pebble at his feet.
"The work of a serial killer... maybe a demented serial killer. Taking Ayako's necklace now
Sendoh's jacket!" Hanagata wondered. "Still, we can't afford to lose you, Rukawa." He added,
face as serious as it can be.
"Hnn!" Rukawa then face his back to the whole group and started walking away Sakuragi not far
behind him.
"Sakuragi! Take care of him!" Akagi called out.
"I will, Gori! I will, he's mine and no one can take him away." Sakuragi said to himself while
following Rukawa.
Kanagawa Memorial Park
9:30 AM
Friday
No one went to attend school that morning. Also no one moved until the midnight blue casket is
carefully laid to its last resting place.
Koshino cried and cried, Ikegami and Rukawa both at his sides giving him support though the two
are on the verge of breaking down.
It looks like the heavens are also weeping on this ill-fated day. The sky is not as bright as it
should be. Instead gray lonely clouds are covering it up, salty tears mixing up with the rain
that stained every face that was present.
The Ryonan basketball team along with Rukawa and Sakuragi were the only ones left in the place
still not wanting to leave as if waiting for Sendoh to stand up and again and greet them with
his forever smiling face. Everyone's not talking, not looking at each other, just nothing. And
Koshino felt that whatever life is with him is now buried six feet under with his beloved.
Sakuragi spoke up but to a tone that can only reach Rukawa's ears. "Kaede, I don't want to feel
the kind of suffering Mitchy or Ryochin and Koshino-san's went and under right now. I don't
think I can bear it." He said holding tightly his love one's hand as if clutching on his very
life.
"I promise, I won't. I won't make you feel that kind of pain." He answered, eyes still locked on
the freshly closed grave of Sendoh.
"I'm glad because you're only mine, Kitsune... only mine..." Sakuragi's tone changed.
Ryonan Highschool
7:50 AM
Wednesday
"Ohayo, Koshino-san!" Said Hikoichi running up to his sempai's side. "How are you doing?"
"Just fine..." Koshino replied smugly as he continued to walk towards his room not bothering to
look back at Hikoichi.
"Koshino-san..." Hikoichi sighed at the fading figure of his teammate.
----
All throughout the morning Uozumi can't help but worry about the ghostly attitude of Koshino.
/God help us.../ he silently prayed.
"Uozumi! Solve on the board problem no. 7."
"Huh?!" Uozumi, caught in his reverie, is trying his best to understand the series of the number
written in the board. Then suddenly the lunch bell rings
"You seemed lost today, Uozumi. Be thankful that the bell saved you." The math teacher said
eyeing the basketball captain. "All right, Minna. Answer problems 8-15 for your homework.
That's all for today. You may go now and have your lunch."
"Whew..." Uozumi sighed in relief then goes out of the classroom along with Ikegami.
"You almost got your ass cooked back there." Ikegami told him. "What's up with you today
anyways? Sensei's right... you seemed lost."
"Just thinking..." he answered.
"Hhmmm... thinking... about what then?"
"Him." Uozumi said pointing at Koshino.
"Oh..." Ikegami followed the direction of Uozumi's hand. "Wonder why he's going outside?"
Ever since Sendoh passed away Koshino never talked to anyone, not even a single hi for his
teammate escaped his mouth. He only speaks out when he's being called, neither does he attend
basketball practices anymore. And gradually everyone noticed Koshino's state. His used to be fit
lean body is now as frail as the skinniest boy in school. Even his eyes lost it valiant spark
that usually portrayed the short-tempered boy. He just pass by everyday like a shadow that you
can see but you can't touch.
It was windy and dim outside, and the rain is threatening to fall. They spotted Koshino sitting
himself beside a tree in the hidden part of the school grounds. A sharp pain shot through
Ikegami's heart as he remembers why is Koshino there.
"Do you know this place, Ikegami?" Uozumi asked turning his back at Koshino. His heart can't
take the sight he just saw.
As Koshino sat down he immediately hugged his knees and is crying silently under the comfort of
the Sakura tree.
Ikegami let a tear roll down his cheek before answering. "Yes, Uozumi. This is the place where
he and Sendoh usually stays and eat their lunch..."
Sakuragi Residence
7:40 PM
A week later - Saturday
Rukawa waits patiently outside his Do ahou's house ringing the doorbell for the fifth time still
no one's answering the door. /hhmm.. I guess I have to use this./ Rukawa used the spare key
that Sakuragi gave him to his place then he let himself in.
Rukawa switched open the living room light. "Obasan?" he silently called out Sakuragi's mother.
/hhhmm... maybe working overtime again. Wonder where's that do ahou.../
Suddenly Rukawa's stomach reminded him that he hadn't had any dinner yet and all that waiting
made him a bit hungry. So Rukawa walked towards the kitchen, a note beside the phone caught his
attention. 'Son, I'll be back after a six-month work assignment. Mom' /That's not right! This is
dated three months ago way before the killing started! Why is that da ahou lying to me about his
mom working overtime?/ as he proceeds to walk to his destination he placed a mental note to
question his lover later.
Rukawa rummaged the fridge and seated himself at the dining table. Slowly and carefully eating
his food his eyes landed on a mirror placed on the wall facing directly the corner of the room.
As his eyes focused on the mirror he caught yet another sight that looks like a yellow dim light
leaking through a small opening between the walls. /Wait... What is that?/ At this point he
already finished his meal, placed the dishes in the sink and curiosity got the best of him, he
follow the image reflected on the mirror.
/A door?!/ He was surprised that the walls opened revealing a trap door. It was painted
beautifully that it gave in the illusion of a complete wall. No matter how many times he's
been in this place this is the first time that he actually notice this part of the house.
/hn... that do ahou and I spends so much time in his room that I haven't have the time to
explore his house/ he grinned as he remembered what they did in Sakuragi's room.
The grin immediately faded as he saw the inside of the room. /Oh My God.../
Seems to Rukawa that only three people can fit through this mouse hole considering there's a
glass cabinet on the side and a small study table across it. The room that is only a quarter
of the size of the locker room lighted only by a single orange yellow light bulb and is covered
wall to wall by pictures.
Rukawa went closer to one of the walls to get a better look at one of the pictures. Most of the
pictures posted were of himself. Pictures of himself playing in the gym. Sleeping in the
classroom, dressing inside the locker room and in his room both sleeping and dressing. Then he
saw the smiling face of his late-vice captain. /What the?!/
He remembered that look on the picture; it was the last smile he'd seen on Kogure's face. Then
beside it shocked him through his wits. It was the picture of his sempai sprawled on the locker
room floor. Then one by one he saw them all. How they were killed. Anzai-sensei kneeling
clutching his stomach, Fujima's face as blood drips through his mouth. Ayako sitting on the
bench, and then lying down with her blood. And on the last row a picture of Sendoh running
through the dark alley where he was killed.
/What's going on here?!/ Rukawa wondered wildly as he scans the room, different answers entered
his mind but he still doesn't want to acknowledge it.
Still exploring the room, he went face to face with the glass cabinet. And inside the cabinet
he saw stuffs that made him want to crawl up into a ball and cry. On the top layer lays on what
he recognized as Kogure's bag and pasted on it the number 1. He saw everything from
Anzai-sensei's missing hat down to Sendoh's blood stained jacket.
Tears and fear are now creeping up Rukawa's face. He blindly held onto the small study table
opposite the cabinet for support but his hand landed on a black notebook that gives away a
strong stench of blood. As he flipped through the first pages of the notebook a sound of a door
opening made Rukawa's hair stand up. /Is he... no! It can't be!/
"I see you found out."
Rukawa instantly turned around and saw an evil grin plastered on Sakuragi.
tbc...
AN: *puts on protective gear* okay! i'm ready! flame me!
Koshino Residence
7:30 AM
Monday
"AA... Akira!!! AKIRA!!!" Koshino screamed. "Please, Uozumi-san! Let me go... please... let me go
to his house... please..." Koshino sobbed pleading and pounding on Uozumi's chest. "Please...
just... please..."
When Uozumi and Ikegami found out in the morning news about the death of their teammate, as if
on instinct, both went straight to Koshino's place. There they found Koshino looking worse for
wear, his father and mother hopelessly restraining him, not letting him go out of the house.
"Koshino, I promise later this day we'll go, okay..." Uozumi said while trying desperately to
hold back his own tears.
"Koshino, I'm sure Sendoh will not want to see you like this..." Ikegami said in between sobs
hugging Koshino.
"I was just with him yesterday afternoon and later that evening he said he's going to buy
something for his sister then... now... I..." Koshino just fell on the floor crying his
heart out. "Noooo..."
Shohoku High
12:00 PM
"Oh my! Did you hear about Sendoh?"
"Yeah, that's horrible. I thought it all stopped a month ago..."
"R.K.! Do you think-!
"But who knows! There are a lot of people out there the has the same intials!"
"Still, he's the best candidate for the next..."
All chatter stopped when Rukawa walked through the noisy hallways of Shohoku. It's already
lunchtime and he has a rendezvous in the rooftop.
When he reached the place he's surprised to see not only his Hanamichi but Akagi and Mitsui
as well.
"Rukawa..." said Akagi. "I know it's difficult for you. He's a dear friend of yours, even though
you won't admit it but we know..." Akagi looked at him with all concern and sincerity.
"I know you and I are not always in good terms but..." Mitsui then spoke up. "The next victim...
I... we're afraid that it's you... please... I can't lose anyone anymore..." he said leaning
over the edge not looking at Rukawa, sad blue eyes are locked upon the sky.
After a long moment of silence Akagi left with Mitsui leaving Sakuragi and Rukawa alone.
Sakuragi then approached and hugged his lover tight. All of Rukawa's will to keep it all cool
broke down. Rukawa there and then sobbed all his pain in Sakuragi's chest.
"It hurts Hana..." He silently said in between sobs, seems to him that his tears won't stop.
"Why him... why..."
"Ssshh...." Sakuragi tried his best to hush his love.
Ryonan Higschool Auditorium
2:00 PM
Tuesday
"... A star may he be in his own profession but never the less a star that forever smiles in our
hearts." A sad voice occupied the whole auditorium as the whole Ryonan High school gathered for
a tribute to it's fallen star. Taoka-sensei, standing in front of the whole body proudly letting
his tears fall that left wet spot on his shirt and down on the floor.
Sobbing, crying and wailing were the only sounds that were present after the heart breaking
speech. Not a single dry face was present. Even the whole Shohoku, Kainan and Shoyo Basketball
teams are left tear stricken.
Just outside the auditorium when everyone was already gone Uozumi walked towards Akagi, Maki
and Hanagata.
"Could you all attend Sendoh's funeral?" he asked in his trembling voice due to his crying.
"Of course Uozumi. We all know what you all are going through right now." Hanagata replied
patting Uozumi's shoulder.
"We'll be there." Maki assured Uozumi.
"Don't worry Uozumi, you don't have to tell us..." said Akagi.
"Arigatou, minna." He said. Then... "I know all of us have the same fear right now." Uozumi added
facing Rukawa.
"Oi! Boss Monkey! Don't look at him like that!" Sakuragi placed himself before Rukawa.
"Rukawa..." Koshino said tears are again flowing in his face.
"Let's go, Koshino." Ikegami ushered his teammate away from the group. "Uozumi, we'll meet you
in Sendoh's place later okay. We're going on ahead now."
"Koshino-san..." Hikoichi just stared at the retreating figure of his sempai. Then turning at the
group "Anou... minna... did you know that the killer took Sendoh-san's jacket. At least this
time the police can look with hope, only Sendoh-san has that jacket, his name is printed on it.
It's his jersey jacket."
"You know! This getting freaky! What's the killer trying to prove by taking stuffs from his
victims! To remind himself of his doings? Taking those as his trophy?!" and angry Mitsui said
kicking a pebble at his feet.
"The work of a serial killer... maybe a demented serial killer. Taking Ayako's necklace now
Sendoh's jacket!" Hanagata wondered. "Still, we can't afford to lose you, Rukawa." He added,
face as serious as it can be.
"Hnn!" Rukawa then face his back to the whole group and started walking away Sakuragi not far
behind him.
"Sakuragi! Take care of him!" Akagi called out.
"I will, Gori! I will, he's mine and no one can take him away." Sakuragi said to himself while
following Rukawa.
Kanagawa Memorial Park
9:30 AM
Friday
No one went to attend school that morning. Also no one moved until the midnight blue casket is
carefully laid to its last resting place.
Koshino cried and cried, Ikegami and Rukawa both at his sides giving him support though the two
are on the verge of breaking down.
It looks like the heavens are also weeping on this ill-fated day. The sky is not as bright as it
should be. Instead gray lonely clouds are covering it up, salty tears mixing up with the rain
that stained every face that was present.
The Ryonan basketball team along with Rukawa and Sakuragi were the only ones left in the place
still not wanting to leave as if waiting for Sendoh to stand up and again and greet them with
his forever smiling face. Everyone's not talking, not looking at each other, just nothing. And
Koshino felt that whatever life is with him is now buried six feet under with his beloved.
Sakuragi spoke up but to a tone that can only reach Rukawa's ears. "Kaede, I don't want to feel
the kind of suffering Mitchy or Ryochin and Koshino-san's went and under right now. I don't
think I can bear it." He said holding tightly his love one's hand as if clutching on his very
life.
"I promise, I won't. I won't make you feel that kind of pain." He answered, eyes still locked on
the freshly closed grave of Sendoh.
"I'm glad because you're only mine, Kitsune... only mine..." Sakuragi's tone changed.
Ryonan Highschool
7:50 AM
Wednesday
"Ohayo, Koshino-san!" Said Hikoichi running up to his sempai's side. "How are you doing?"
"Just fine..." Koshino replied smugly as he continued to walk towards his room not bothering to
look back at Hikoichi.
"Koshino-san..." Hikoichi sighed at the fading figure of his teammate.
----
All throughout the morning Uozumi can't help but worry about the ghostly attitude of Koshino.
/God help us.../ he silently prayed.
"Uozumi! Solve on the board problem no. 7."
"Huh?!" Uozumi, caught in his reverie, is trying his best to understand the series of the number
written in the board. Then suddenly the lunch bell rings
"You seemed lost today, Uozumi. Be thankful that the bell saved you." The math teacher said
eyeing the basketball captain. "All right, Minna. Answer problems 8-15 for your homework.
That's all for today. You may go now and have your lunch."
"Whew..." Uozumi sighed in relief then goes out of the classroom along with Ikegami.
"You almost got your ass cooked back there." Ikegami told him. "What's up with you today
anyways? Sensei's right... you seemed lost."
"Just thinking..." he answered.
"Hhmmm... thinking... about what then?"
"Him." Uozumi said pointing at Koshino.
"Oh..." Ikegami followed the direction of Uozumi's hand. "Wonder why he's going outside?"
Ever since Sendoh passed away Koshino never talked to anyone, not even a single hi for his
teammate escaped his mouth. He only speaks out when he's being called, neither does he attend
basketball practices anymore. And gradually everyone noticed Koshino's state. His used to be fit
lean body is now as frail as the skinniest boy in school. Even his eyes lost it valiant spark
that usually portrayed the short-tempered boy. He just pass by everyday like a shadow that you
can see but you can't touch.
It was windy and dim outside, and the rain is threatening to fall. They spotted Koshino sitting
himself beside a tree in the hidden part of the school grounds. A sharp pain shot through
Ikegami's heart as he remembers why is Koshino there.
"Do you know this place, Ikegami?" Uozumi asked turning his back at Koshino. His heart can't
take the sight he just saw.
As Koshino sat down he immediately hugged his knees and is crying silently under the comfort of
the Sakura tree.
Ikegami let a tear roll down his cheek before answering. "Yes, Uozumi. This is the place where
he and Sendoh usually stays and eat their lunch..."
Sakuragi Residence
7:40 PM
A week later - Saturday
Rukawa waits patiently outside his Do ahou's house ringing the doorbell for the fifth time still
no one's answering the door. /hhmm.. I guess I have to use this./ Rukawa used the spare key
that Sakuragi gave him to his place then he let himself in.
Rukawa switched open the living room light. "Obasan?" he silently called out Sakuragi's mother.
/hhhmm... maybe working overtime again. Wonder where's that do ahou.../
Suddenly Rukawa's stomach reminded him that he hadn't had any dinner yet and all that waiting
made him a bit hungry. So Rukawa walked towards the kitchen, a note beside the phone caught his
attention. 'Son, I'll be back after a six-month work assignment. Mom' /That's not right! This is
dated three months ago way before the killing started! Why is that da ahou lying to me about his
mom working overtime?/ as he proceeds to walk to his destination he placed a mental note to
question his lover later.
Rukawa rummaged the fridge and seated himself at the dining table. Slowly and carefully eating
his food his eyes landed on a mirror placed on the wall facing directly the corner of the room.
As his eyes focused on the mirror he caught yet another sight that looks like a yellow dim light
leaking through a small opening between the walls. /Wait... What is that?/ At this point he
already finished his meal, placed the dishes in the sink and curiosity got the best of him, he
follow the image reflected on the mirror.
/A door?!/ He was surprised that the walls opened revealing a trap door. It was painted
beautifully that it gave in the illusion of a complete wall. No matter how many times he's
been in this place this is the first time that he actually notice this part of the house.
/hn... that do ahou and I spends so much time in his room that I haven't have the time to
explore his house/ he grinned as he remembered what they did in Sakuragi's room.
The grin immediately faded as he saw the inside of the room. /Oh My God.../
Seems to Rukawa that only three people can fit through this mouse hole considering there's a
glass cabinet on the side and a small study table across it. The room that is only a quarter
of the size of the locker room lighted only by a single orange yellow light bulb and is covered
wall to wall by pictures.
Rukawa went closer to one of the walls to get a better look at one of the pictures. Most of the
pictures posted were of himself. Pictures of himself playing in the gym. Sleeping in the
classroom, dressing inside the locker room and in his room both sleeping and dressing. Then he
saw the smiling face of his late-vice captain. /What the?!/
He remembered that look on the picture; it was the last smile he'd seen on Kogure's face. Then
beside it shocked him through his wits. It was the picture of his sempai sprawled on the locker
room floor. Then one by one he saw them all. How they were killed. Anzai-sensei kneeling
clutching his stomach, Fujima's face as blood drips through his mouth. Ayako sitting on the
bench, and then lying down with her blood. And on the last row a picture of Sendoh running
through the dark alley where he was killed.
/What's going on here?!/ Rukawa wondered wildly as he scans the room, different answers entered
his mind but he still doesn't want to acknowledge it.
Still exploring the room, he went face to face with the glass cabinet. And inside the cabinet
he saw stuffs that made him want to crawl up into a ball and cry. On the top layer lays on what
he recognized as Kogure's bag and pasted on it the number 1. He saw everything from
Anzai-sensei's missing hat down to Sendoh's blood stained jacket.
Tears and fear are now creeping up Rukawa's face. He blindly held onto the small study table
opposite the cabinet for support but his hand landed on a black notebook that gives away a
strong stench of blood. As he flipped through the first pages of the notebook a sound of a door
opening made Rukawa's hair stand up. /Is he... no! It can't be!/
"I see you found out."
Rukawa instantly turned around and saw an evil grin plastered on Sakuragi.
tbc...
AN: *puts on protective gear* okay! i'm ready! flame me!