Chapter 4
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Notes:
[] - thoughts
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Sendoh woke up early. These past few weeks he had had trouble sleeping. It was like something was twisting his guts every time he tried to have peace. "Guilt." He mumbled. He needed desperately to talk to someone and he can only think of one who could help him. He grabbed his telephone beside his bed and quickly dialed his bestfriend's number.
Three rings.still no answer. Then he remembered that Hiroaki was still mad at him because he accidentally 'tore' his favorite poster. "Moshi." Sendoh hung up. He didn't want to upset Hiroaki early in the morning. Sighing he contemplated his situation. He had the two guys he wanted but he could not enjoy being with them. Every time he was with the other, guilt seeps through him. He knows that what he's doing is wrong and unfair, but he could not help it. He can't decide whom to love. He can't decide about anything. "Damn indecisiveness!" Sendoh cursed himself.
The telephone ringing broke his reverie. "Who could that be?" Sendoh made a grab for the phone, "Oi! Sendoh why did you hung up?" It was Koshino. "I thought you're still mad." "Well, I am but I forgot. And anyways knowing how clumsy you are off court, you probably didn't do it on purpose, or did you?" "No, no of course not." "Good then. So are you going to tell me what's on your mind?" Despite Sendoh's bad mood, he smiled. [Hiroaki's such a friend.] "Well, the situation's kind of messed up." "Kind of? You're juggling to dangerous guys and you say kind of?" Koshino snorted on the phone. "Hey, I thought you'd help! I didn't call you to mock me!" "Yare- yare, I'm sorry okay?" "Apology accepted. So what do you think I should do?" "Well it is getting out of hand. Are you sure neither of them knows about it?" "Yes." "Well, that's good. Imagine them trying to get even with you, it'll be massacre." "Don't remind me!" "Hai, hai so anyway try to pick one of them as soon as you can." "But I can't do that! I, I lo-, I like them both!" Sendoh was in despair, he even forgot to fix his hair the usual way, and it makes sense to leave them messy so he could just pull it out if he's frustrated just as he was doing now. He could hear Koshino chuckling then his voice turned serious. "I mean it Akira, you got to pick soon. Either way you'll end up hurting someone. But if you continued doing this, all three of you will end up hurting."
"OREWA TENSAI!" Sakuragi was in a good mood. He was singing his self proclaimed theme song at the top of his lungs. "Put a sock on it you jerk!" A passerby hollered at him. But not even that could break the tensai's good mood, Sakuragi just answered back with a cheerful wave. [Nothing could go wrong today! I could feel it in my nerves!] Still humming, he continued to walk towards school. "Ohayou, Sakuragi-kun!" It was Haruko; the girl who made his heart thump madly, the girl who made his eyes turn into little hearts, but that was all in the past. Looking at Haruko he was surprised that he felt quite normal, no convulsions, no anything. "Ohayou, Haruko- san!" [I think I know why I don't have any feelings for Haruko anymore.] He thought to himself. [It's because of Ka.] "Sakuragi-kun?" "Huh? Oh Haruko- san what is it?" "Are you okay? You seem preoccupied." "Daijobu, Haruko- san! I'm tensai remember?" Haruko smiled. "Hai! Tensai Sakuragi ne?" "Hai!" "Well ja Sakuragi-kun! I still have classes to go to." "Okay! Ja ne!" He stared after Haruko until he could see her no more then looked at his watch, 10 minutes before 8. Sakuragi grinned evilly and started a countdown in his head. [10,9,8,7, turn around,6,5,4, stretch out hand,3,2, right on time,1] "Ohayou, Kitsune! Rise and shine!" Hanamichi caught the handles of Rukawa's bike which prevented the usual crash. Since he had fallen for the narcoleptic, he had memorized every detail about him. He realized that the kitsune always arrive at the same time in school. "Doaho." "Now, is that a nice thing to say partner?" "Yare-yare." Rukawa started to walk towards class so Sakuragi hollered. "Oi! Rukawa we still need to go over the plans so I'll go by your room later okay?" "Hai, ja ne."
Sakuragi was anxiously staring at the clock above the teacher's head. 5 minutes before the bell. [How long do I have to wait?] For Hanamichi it's torture to go to school. If it wasn't for basketball; he probably would have flunked or dropped out of school. "Kuso, 5 more agonizing minutes." Yohei was chuckling at his side. He knew what his friend was thinking right now. Rukawa. "Mr. Sakuragi, maybe you want to extend that 5 minutes of agonizing time to an hour?" The teacher had heard Sakuragi complain. "Iie, sensei! I love math but you know I have to attend practice! Gomen." The teacher looked at Sakuragi up and down and deciding that he couldn't handle him no more just gave up. The bell rang and Sakuragi was the first to leave the room.
[Where is Rukawa's room? Kuso I forgot to ask where his room was!] Hanamichi was running late and he still couldn't find Rukawa. He was afraid that Rukawa might have thought that he ditched him. "Kuso." "Oi! Doaho." "Ahhh! Don't scare me like that." Sakuragi was clutching his chest as if to calm himself. "What took you?" "Couldn't find your room." "Doaho." "Anyway! Let's grab something to eat!" Sakuragi clapped his hands together and led the way. "It's your treat by the way." He turned to Rukawa. "No way." "You owe me! I hatched this brilliant plan myself, so the least you could do for me is treat me out." "Fine."
At the fanciest restaurant Sakuragi could find; "Oi! Kitsune why don't you order?" Rukawa looked cross at Hanamichi's statement. "Because, the food you ordered cleaned out my allowance for today!" He raged. [I don't have to treat this doaho anyway!] He fumed to himself. "So you think I ordered too much?" "Oh no! That's why I couldn't eat myself!" "NYAHAHA! Good then!" "So did you just drag me out here to eat? I thought we'd go over the plans?" "Tut.tut Rukawa!" Sakuragi waved his finger at Rukawa menacingly. "I thought your limits' monosylabbic words? When did you learn to speak for so long?" "Since I was crazy enough, to learn to be like you." "NYAHAHAHA! Not a bad trade isn't it?" Rukawa looks like exploding; his patience is fast reaching its limit and one more crack from Hanamichi and there will be hell. [I swear I let him get it!] But Sakuragi then turned serious, "Are you practicing my moves and everything?" "Yup." "Good. I've been practicing too. I guess we should set the wheels in motion." Sakuragi put his index finger at his temple as if he's struggling to remember something. "I already told the gundam of our plans and they happily agreed to help." [No surprise there.] Rukawa thought to himself, he knew the gundam likes to be in the thick of things. "And I've already told Haruko about this, so there shouldn't be any problem from her." [Wow, I never knew this guy works fast.] Rukawa thought amused. "But I haven't told the team yet, they'll never believe me, so I need you there to help me explain to them." "You can say that." Rukawa smirked at Hanamichi. "Nani? Do I look like a liar?" "You mean you're not?" Rukawa looked innocently at Hanamichi. "Whatever." [Uh- oh, he didn't explode!] Warning bells was all over Rukawa's head. He knew that the loud red head was known for it short temper. [Something must be up.] "I forgot to mention one more thing." "What's that?" "We also have to take care of the Rukawa Brigade." "What about them?" I asked nonchantly to Sakuragi. "Duh! You know those girls follow you every where! If Sendoh notices them, our plan will go down the toilet!" "You're right." Rukawa grudgingly admitted. [They could very well spoil the plan.] "So you have to talk to them." "WHAT? No way. Why don't you talk to them?" "Duh! Because they hate me? They'll trample me once I get within their reach." Sakuragi looked exasperated. "Onegai Rukawa, you'll just have a little talk with all of them that's all" Sakuragi looked pleadingly at him. Something in Hanamichi's eyes made him relent. "Okay, I'll do it but you have to make the proper arrangements." "Consider it done."
Rukawa was dreading dismissal time. Sakuragi told him to talk to the Rukawa Brigade after classes. He doesn't know yet what arrangements the doaho had done and he was getting kind of nervous about it. [Kuso, why did I say yes to this in the first place?] The bell had suddenly rung, much to Rukawa's disappointment. He was last to get out of the room. Still no sign of Hanamichi. [Maybe he chickened out.] Rukawa thought hopefully. If Hanamichi isn't here in 5 minutes he's bailing out. Four minute have past and he was getting excited, [The plan didn't push through!] He started walking out when, "Oi! Rukawa where are you going?" It was Yohei and the three others. "Out." "No, you can't." Noma said stupidly. "Why not?" "Because you have to talk to the brigade remember?" piped Takamiya while munching on a banana. [Kuso!] "Hanamichi's organizing the event, he has found where to have the talk and he's announcing it, right now." Yohei looked up and pointed to the speakers which were screaming with static.
"Testing. testing. Oi! Is this stupid thing on?" At the background a strangled reply floated. "Hai." "Attention Rukawa Brigade members. Attention." [I can't believe this.] Rukawa's jaw was hanging wide open. [This is not happening.] "There will be a meeting with Rukawa at the basketball court at 5 pm. If you failed to be at the court at 5, you will not be granted permission to enter." It was 5 minutes before 5. Most girls at the hallway were screeching with delight and made a scramble for the basketball court. "So I suggest you made a run for it. Iko!" "That moron!" Rukawa raged. He can't believe that the doaho will be announcing it on the intercom. "Calm down Rukawa!" Yohei said soothingly. "We'll be there at the talk to support you." The three stooges nodded in agreement. "And Hanamichi will also be there, so don't worry." "You should be worried about your friend, and be sure that I'll not see him there, or he'll get it!" Yohei just nodded, and walked towards the door. "Let's go, we wouldn't want to be closed out, don't we?" "Whatever."
The basketball court was transformed into a podium, noted Rukawa as they entered it. A stage with microphone and large speakers were set-up. The court was already half full. Rukawa swallowed hard, and surveyed the situation. [I can't do this. I really can't!] Rukawa started walking out when, Yohei made a grab for his arm to stop him from leaving. "Hey! Where are you going? It's not fair, you agreed to help Hanamichi with this plan then suddenly you're ditching him?" Yohei spat at him. "Don't you know that the guy is giving all he's got for you? Can't you at least be considerate?" Yohei released hold. "I've said enough, I think you should think first before doing something." Rukawa stopped. He can't go now. A while back he didn't give a damn about other's feelings. But something in Yohei's voice and words struck him. [The guy is giving all he's got for you!] He sounded serious. [What did he mean about that?] His brows knit in confusion. His reverie broke when the gates closed and Hanamichi appeared at the stage. "Hello, ladies! Sorry to keep you waiting." Girls cheered. "May I have your attention now?" Hanamichi inquired the rambunctious crowd. The girls quickly obeyed. "Good. Now before I bring Rukawa Kaede out, I want you all to promise to behave. We know that Rukawa hates noisy people and you wouldn't want to be bad shot with him ne?" A chorus of hai's. "Good. Without further ado here's Rukawa Kaede!" Hanamichi signaled to his gundam. Takamiya grinned evilly while pushing Rukawa towards the stage. "You're on buddy!" [I think I'm going to faint.] Rukawa thought to himself as he was paling three shades than usual.
Meanwhile Akagi and the other players of Shohoku basketball club are outside the court. "What the hell is happening?" Roared Akagi as he heard clapping and whistling noises. "Maa-maa, calm down Akagi! It's just that the court was used for a venue for Rukawa's talk." Kogure said soothingly. "Rukawa? Having a talk? Now that's stupid." Akagi snorted. Kogure sweat dropped. "Ano, Akagi the principal needs to talk to you." "Why?" "Apparently, Sakuragi used your name to sign the sheet permitting that the talk would be held at the court. The principal thinks it's not justifiable to use the court for no important reason whatsoever." "Nani? That baka Sakuragi! Once this is over.." Akagi fumed as he walked away. "Whooo! That was close. Good thinking Kogure." Mitsui said as he leaned towards the mild mannered vice captain. "But what I would give just to be inside the court! Wonder what Rukawa will talk about?" "Beats me. But I just couldn't say no to Hanamcihi earlier, he sounded so desperate to do his. And besides he said he'd let me in on his secrets." Kogure said. "Now, isn't that naughty." Mitsui said while ruffling Kogure's hair and leaning in on to kiss him. "Stop it baka!" Ryota yelled. "No X rated in public, you guys!" He added pleadingly. "Now, now Miyagi you're just jealous!" "Jealous my ass!" Ryota said threateningly. He knows what Mitsui is thinking. After years and months of persuasion he was still forced to look at Ayako at a distance. It seems like he'll never have a chance with the girl. Suddenly the gates opened and the three of them jumped back. "Sakuragi." Mitsui peered to see closer. "Missy! Don't put you're face close to mine. If we switched faces I would be ugly!" Hanamichi yelled. "Baka! It's me who'd be ugly." Mitsui countered. "Enough you guys!" Kogure pleaded with them. "So Sakuragi are you gong to let us in?" Ryota asked. "Maa-maa patience Ryochin." Sakuragi was waving a finger. [Kuso, stupid baka!] "Okay, I let you in since I am so good and all." "Yare-yare" all three of them said and proceeded to enter the court. They were amazed at the transformation. "You did all of this Hanamichi?" Ryota asked. "Yes, but I needed the help of the gundam too." "Wow." Was all Mitsui could say. [Never thought this guy could be good.] "Anyway guys just listen to what Rukawa will say coz that's what I'll tell you later anyway." They nodded and turned their attention on the stage where Rukawa was. Each of them noting how pale Rukawa was.
Clutching the microphone hard, Rukawa tried to speak for the third time. He was really trying to but no words would come out of his mouth. He seriously invited the option of running away. [The guy has given all he's got for you!] Yohei's voice tortured him for the nth time. That's the only thing that held him from walking away. [Kuso, it's now or never I guess.] "Ummm, I want to talk to you all, because I need to ask you a favor." Rukawa stammered. He looked at his audience who were all nodding. One of them spoke up, Rukawa recognized her she was one of the three first cheerleaders ever. "We'd do anything you ask Rukawa-kun." She said rather shyly. So Rukawa continued. "We, Sakuragi Hanamichi and I, have some sort of project that involves confusion. We aim to confuse anyone nearby and see how that affects their mental stability." Rukawa paused pleased with his excuse. No way, he'd announce that it is revenge actually. "What do you want us to do then?" The same girl asked. "Well, some Ryonan students will be here and I think that they'll be a good target. I want you to act as if I am Sakuragi Hanamichi and Sakuragi Hanamichi me." "What?" The girls screeched. They looked at Hanamichi simultaneously. "Ano, guys, he didn't do anything to me." Rukawa said pleadingly at the girls. They all relented. "So do you think you could help me?" Rukawa smiled charmingly at them. One of the few genuine smiles also. The girls swooned and ahhed, then said in chorus; "HAI!" "Thank you! But please remember that you should act like that all the time until we said so." "Whatever you say Rukawa." They said as they walked out of the basketball court.
"That's good Rukawa!" Mitsui clapped his back. "Never knew you had the ability to smile!" Kidded Ryota. "Maa-maa guys, leave Rukawa alone." Rukawa looked at Kogure gratefully. "But Rukawa are you sure that's because of a school project? You and Hanamichi aren't classmates remember?" Kogure inquired him. "No it isn't." "Then for what the hell is that confusion thingy?" Mitsui asked. "For revenge." "Revenge? To whom?" Asked Ryota. "Sendoh." "Sendoh? As in ace player of Ryonan? Why? And why is Hanamichi is on this too?" Stream of questions where pouring out of Kogure's mouth. Rukawa was silent and he looked deadly. "He two-timed us both." Jaws hanged open all around.
"No!" Kogure yelled. "I can't believe that guy! I thought he was nice." Added Mitsui who looked pale. "That's what you all think." Hanamichi entered looking somber. "I'm sorry about all this Sakuragi, Rukawa." Kogure said pityingly. "We don't need pity Kogure-san! We need you to help us to get our revenge on smiley." Roared Rukawa. "Don't worry, were behind you all the way." Kogure said, while Mitsui and Ryota nodded solemnly.
"Okay let's do it Rukawa! I'll call Sendoh for a date but of course you're the one who's going to be there since your'e Sakuragi Hanamichi officially." "Yare-yare" "And don't lose your temper one him, you might strike him or whatever." "I'm fine." Sakuragi reached for a quarter in his pocket and reached for the phone and dialed Sendoh's number. "Moshi-moshi!" "Smiley! Long time no hear. Where have you been?" "Well I'm stuck here at home. I'm grounded you know that!" "Oh yeah, but I miss you, could you just snuck out?" "Well..." "Onegai, smiley I miss you so." Rukawa rolled his eyes at him and he stuck his tongue in response. "Okay. Where should we meet?" "At Obui's ice cream parlor, see you there in 20 minutes." "Bye love." "Bye." Sakuragi hung up, "You ready?" He asked Rukawa. "More than ever." Rukawa said with fierce determination.
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Author's notes:
Hey guys! I'm sorry it took me long to update it, anyways I hope you like. Review it, onegai? [sad puppy dog eyes.]
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Notes:
[] - thoughts
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Sendoh woke up early. These past few weeks he had had trouble sleeping. It was like something was twisting his guts every time he tried to have peace. "Guilt." He mumbled. He needed desperately to talk to someone and he can only think of one who could help him. He grabbed his telephone beside his bed and quickly dialed his bestfriend's number.
Three rings.still no answer. Then he remembered that Hiroaki was still mad at him because he accidentally 'tore' his favorite poster. "Moshi." Sendoh hung up. He didn't want to upset Hiroaki early in the morning. Sighing he contemplated his situation. He had the two guys he wanted but he could not enjoy being with them. Every time he was with the other, guilt seeps through him. He knows that what he's doing is wrong and unfair, but he could not help it. He can't decide whom to love. He can't decide about anything. "Damn indecisiveness!" Sendoh cursed himself.
The telephone ringing broke his reverie. "Who could that be?" Sendoh made a grab for the phone, "Oi! Sendoh why did you hung up?" It was Koshino. "I thought you're still mad." "Well, I am but I forgot. And anyways knowing how clumsy you are off court, you probably didn't do it on purpose, or did you?" "No, no of course not." "Good then. So are you going to tell me what's on your mind?" Despite Sendoh's bad mood, he smiled. [Hiroaki's such a friend.] "Well, the situation's kind of messed up." "Kind of? You're juggling to dangerous guys and you say kind of?" Koshino snorted on the phone. "Hey, I thought you'd help! I didn't call you to mock me!" "Yare- yare, I'm sorry okay?" "Apology accepted. So what do you think I should do?" "Well it is getting out of hand. Are you sure neither of them knows about it?" "Yes." "Well, that's good. Imagine them trying to get even with you, it'll be massacre." "Don't remind me!" "Hai, hai so anyway try to pick one of them as soon as you can." "But I can't do that! I, I lo-, I like them both!" Sendoh was in despair, he even forgot to fix his hair the usual way, and it makes sense to leave them messy so he could just pull it out if he's frustrated just as he was doing now. He could hear Koshino chuckling then his voice turned serious. "I mean it Akira, you got to pick soon. Either way you'll end up hurting someone. But if you continued doing this, all three of you will end up hurting."
"OREWA TENSAI!" Sakuragi was in a good mood. He was singing his self proclaimed theme song at the top of his lungs. "Put a sock on it you jerk!" A passerby hollered at him. But not even that could break the tensai's good mood, Sakuragi just answered back with a cheerful wave. [Nothing could go wrong today! I could feel it in my nerves!] Still humming, he continued to walk towards school. "Ohayou, Sakuragi-kun!" It was Haruko; the girl who made his heart thump madly, the girl who made his eyes turn into little hearts, but that was all in the past. Looking at Haruko he was surprised that he felt quite normal, no convulsions, no anything. "Ohayou, Haruko- san!" [I think I know why I don't have any feelings for Haruko anymore.] He thought to himself. [It's because of Ka.] "Sakuragi-kun?" "Huh? Oh Haruko- san what is it?" "Are you okay? You seem preoccupied." "Daijobu, Haruko- san! I'm tensai remember?" Haruko smiled. "Hai! Tensai Sakuragi ne?" "Hai!" "Well ja Sakuragi-kun! I still have classes to go to." "Okay! Ja ne!" He stared after Haruko until he could see her no more then looked at his watch, 10 minutes before 8. Sakuragi grinned evilly and started a countdown in his head. [10,9,8,7, turn around,6,5,4, stretch out hand,3,2, right on time,1] "Ohayou, Kitsune! Rise and shine!" Hanamichi caught the handles of Rukawa's bike which prevented the usual crash. Since he had fallen for the narcoleptic, he had memorized every detail about him. He realized that the kitsune always arrive at the same time in school. "Doaho." "Now, is that a nice thing to say partner?" "Yare-yare." Rukawa started to walk towards class so Sakuragi hollered. "Oi! Rukawa we still need to go over the plans so I'll go by your room later okay?" "Hai, ja ne."
Sakuragi was anxiously staring at the clock above the teacher's head. 5 minutes before the bell. [How long do I have to wait?] For Hanamichi it's torture to go to school. If it wasn't for basketball; he probably would have flunked or dropped out of school. "Kuso, 5 more agonizing minutes." Yohei was chuckling at his side. He knew what his friend was thinking right now. Rukawa. "Mr. Sakuragi, maybe you want to extend that 5 minutes of agonizing time to an hour?" The teacher had heard Sakuragi complain. "Iie, sensei! I love math but you know I have to attend practice! Gomen." The teacher looked at Sakuragi up and down and deciding that he couldn't handle him no more just gave up. The bell rang and Sakuragi was the first to leave the room.
[Where is Rukawa's room? Kuso I forgot to ask where his room was!] Hanamichi was running late and he still couldn't find Rukawa. He was afraid that Rukawa might have thought that he ditched him. "Kuso." "Oi! Doaho." "Ahhh! Don't scare me like that." Sakuragi was clutching his chest as if to calm himself. "What took you?" "Couldn't find your room." "Doaho." "Anyway! Let's grab something to eat!" Sakuragi clapped his hands together and led the way. "It's your treat by the way." He turned to Rukawa. "No way." "You owe me! I hatched this brilliant plan myself, so the least you could do for me is treat me out." "Fine."
At the fanciest restaurant Sakuragi could find; "Oi! Kitsune why don't you order?" Rukawa looked cross at Hanamichi's statement. "Because, the food you ordered cleaned out my allowance for today!" He raged. [I don't have to treat this doaho anyway!] He fumed to himself. "So you think I ordered too much?" "Oh no! That's why I couldn't eat myself!" "NYAHAHA! Good then!" "So did you just drag me out here to eat? I thought we'd go over the plans?" "Tut.tut Rukawa!" Sakuragi waved his finger at Rukawa menacingly. "I thought your limits' monosylabbic words? When did you learn to speak for so long?" "Since I was crazy enough, to learn to be like you." "NYAHAHAHA! Not a bad trade isn't it?" Rukawa looks like exploding; his patience is fast reaching its limit and one more crack from Hanamichi and there will be hell. [I swear I let him get it!] But Sakuragi then turned serious, "Are you practicing my moves and everything?" "Yup." "Good. I've been practicing too. I guess we should set the wheels in motion." Sakuragi put his index finger at his temple as if he's struggling to remember something. "I already told the gundam of our plans and they happily agreed to help." [No surprise there.] Rukawa thought to himself, he knew the gundam likes to be in the thick of things. "And I've already told Haruko about this, so there shouldn't be any problem from her." [Wow, I never knew this guy works fast.] Rukawa thought amused. "But I haven't told the team yet, they'll never believe me, so I need you there to help me explain to them." "You can say that." Rukawa smirked at Hanamichi. "Nani? Do I look like a liar?" "You mean you're not?" Rukawa looked innocently at Hanamichi. "Whatever." [Uh- oh, he didn't explode!] Warning bells was all over Rukawa's head. He knew that the loud red head was known for it short temper. [Something must be up.] "I forgot to mention one more thing." "What's that?" "We also have to take care of the Rukawa Brigade." "What about them?" I asked nonchantly to Sakuragi. "Duh! You know those girls follow you every where! If Sendoh notices them, our plan will go down the toilet!" "You're right." Rukawa grudgingly admitted. [They could very well spoil the plan.] "So you have to talk to them." "WHAT? No way. Why don't you talk to them?" "Duh! Because they hate me? They'll trample me once I get within their reach." Sakuragi looked exasperated. "Onegai Rukawa, you'll just have a little talk with all of them that's all" Sakuragi looked pleadingly at him. Something in Hanamichi's eyes made him relent. "Okay, I'll do it but you have to make the proper arrangements." "Consider it done."
Rukawa was dreading dismissal time. Sakuragi told him to talk to the Rukawa Brigade after classes. He doesn't know yet what arrangements the doaho had done and he was getting kind of nervous about it. [Kuso, why did I say yes to this in the first place?] The bell had suddenly rung, much to Rukawa's disappointment. He was last to get out of the room. Still no sign of Hanamichi. [Maybe he chickened out.] Rukawa thought hopefully. If Hanamichi isn't here in 5 minutes he's bailing out. Four minute have past and he was getting excited, [The plan didn't push through!] He started walking out when, "Oi! Rukawa where are you going?" It was Yohei and the three others. "Out." "No, you can't." Noma said stupidly. "Why not?" "Because you have to talk to the brigade remember?" piped Takamiya while munching on a banana. [Kuso!] "Hanamichi's organizing the event, he has found where to have the talk and he's announcing it, right now." Yohei looked up and pointed to the speakers which were screaming with static.
"Testing. testing. Oi! Is this stupid thing on?" At the background a strangled reply floated. "Hai." "Attention Rukawa Brigade members. Attention." [I can't believe this.] Rukawa's jaw was hanging wide open. [This is not happening.] "There will be a meeting with Rukawa at the basketball court at 5 pm. If you failed to be at the court at 5, you will not be granted permission to enter." It was 5 minutes before 5. Most girls at the hallway were screeching with delight and made a scramble for the basketball court. "So I suggest you made a run for it. Iko!" "That moron!" Rukawa raged. He can't believe that the doaho will be announcing it on the intercom. "Calm down Rukawa!" Yohei said soothingly. "We'll be there at the talk to support you." The three stooges nodded in agreement. "And Hanamichi will also be there, so don't worry." "You should be worried about your friend, and be sure that I'll not see him there, or he'll get it!" Yohei just nodded, and walked towards the door. "Let's go, we wouldn't want to be closed out, don't we?" "Whatever."
The basketball court was transformed into a podium, noted Rukawa as they entered it. A stage with microphone and large speakers were set-up. The court was already half full. Rukawa swallowed hard, and surveyed the situation. [I can't do this. I really can't!] Rukawa started walking out when, Yohei made a grab for his arm to stop him from leaving. "Hey! Where are you going? It's not fair, you agreed to help Hanamichi with this plan then suddenly you're ditching him?" Yohei spat at him. "Don't you know that the guy is giving all he's got for you? Can't you at least be considerate?" Yohei released hold. "I've said enough, I think you should think first before doing something." Rukawa stopped. He can't go now. A while back he didn't give a damn about other's feelings. But something in Yohei's voice and words struck him. [The guy is giving all he's got for you!] He sounded serious. [What did he mean about that?] His brows knit in confusion. His reverie broke when the gates closed and Hanamichi appeared at the stage. "Hello, ladies! Sorry to keep you waiting." Girls cheered. "May I have your attention now?" Hanamichi inquired the rambunctious crowd. The girls quickly obeyed. "Good. Now before I bring Rukawa Kaede out, I want you all to promise to behave. We know that Rukawa hates noisy people and you wouldn't want to be bad shot with him ne?" A chorus of hai's. "Good. Without further ado here's Rukawa Kaede!" Hanamichi signaled to his gundam. Takamiya grinned evilly while pushing Rukawa towards the stage. "You're on buddy!" [I think I'm going to faint.] Rukawa thought to himself as he was paling three shades than usual.
Meanwhile Akagi and the other players of Shohoku basketball club are outside the court. "What the hell is happening?" Roared Akagi as he heard clapping and whistling noises. "Maa-maa, calm down Akagi! It's just that the court was used for a venue for Rukawa's talk." Kogure said soothingly. "Rukawa? Having a talk? Now that's stupid." Akagi snorted. Kogure sweat dropped. "Ano, Akagi the principal needs to talk to you." "Why?" "Apparently, Sakuragi used your name to sign the sheet permitting that the talk would be held at the court. The principal thinks it's not justifiable to use the court for no important reason whatsoever." "Nani? That baka Sakuragi! Once this is over.." Akagi fumed as he walked away. "Whooo! That was close. Good thinking Kogure." Mitsui said as he leaned towards the mild mannered vice captain. "But what I would give just to be inside the court! Wonder what Rukawa will talk about?" "Beats me. But I just couldn't say no to Hanamcihi earlier, he sounded so desperate to do his. And besides he said he'd let me in on his secrets." Kogure said. "Now, isn't that naughty." Mitsui said while ruffling Kogure's hair and leaning in on to kiss him. "Stop it baka!" Ryota yelled. "No X rated in public, you guys!" He added pleadingly. "Now, now Miyagi you're just jealous!" "Jealous my ass!" Ryota said threateningly. He knows what Mitsui is thinking. After years and months of persuasion he was still forced to look at Ayako at a distance. It seems like he'll never have a chance with the girl. Suddenly the gates opened and the three of them jumped back. "Sakuragi." Mitsui peered to see closer. "Missy! Don't put you're face close to mine. If we switched faces I would be ugly!" Hanamichi yelled. "Baka! It's me who'd be ugly." Mitsui countered. "Enough you guys!" Kogure pleaded with them. "So Sakuragi are you gong to let us in?" Ryota asked. "Maa-maa patience Ryochin." Sakuragi was waving a finger. [Kuso, stupid baka!] "Okay, I let you in since I am so good and all." "Yare-yare" all three of them said and proceeded to enter the court. They were amazed at the transformation. "You did all of this Hanamichi?" Ryota asked. "Yes, but I needed the help of the gundam too." "Wow." Was all Mitsui could say. [Never thought this guy could be good.] "Anyway guys just listen to what Rukawa will say coz that's what I'll tell you later anyway." They nodded and turned their attention on the stage where Rukawa was. Each of them noting how pale Rukawa was.
Clutching the microphone hard, Rukawa tried to speak for the third time. He was really trying to but no words would come out of his mouth. He seriously invited the option of running away. [The guy has given all he's got for you!] Yohei's voice tortured him for the nth time. That's the only thing that held him from walking away. [Kuso, it's now or never I guess.] "Ummm, I want to talk to you all, because I need to ask you a favor." Rukawa stammered. He looked at his audience who were all nodding. One of them spoke up, Rukawa recognized her she was one of the three first cheerleaders ever. "We'd do anything you ask Rukawa-kun." She said rather shyly. So Rukawa continued. "We, Sakuragi Hanamichi and I, have some sort of project that involves confusion. We aim to confuse anyone nearby and see how that affects their mental stability." Rukawa paused pleased with his excuse. No way, he'd announce that it is revenge actually. "What do you want us to do then?" The same girl asked. "Well, some Ryonan students will be here and I think that they'll be a good target. I want you to act as if I am Sakuragi Hanamichi and Sakuragi Hanamichi me." "What?" The girls screeched. They looked at Hanamichi simultaneously. "Ano, guys, he didn't do anything to me." Rukawa said pleadingly at the girls. They all relented. "So do you think you could help me?" Rukawa smiled charmingly at them. One of the few genuine smiles also. The girls swooned and ahhed, then said in chorus; "HAI!" "Thank you! But please remember that you should act like that all the time until we said so." "Whatever you say Rukawa." They said as they walked out of the basketball court.
"That's good Rukawa!" Mitsui clapped his back. "Never knew you had the ability to smile!" Kidded Ryota. "Maa-maa guys, leave Rukawa alone." Rukawa looked at Kogure gratefully. "But Rukawa are you sure that's because of a school project? You and Hanamichi aren't classmates remember?" Kogure inquired him. "No it isn't." "Then for what the hell is that confusion thingy?" Mitsui asked. "For revenge." "Revenge? To whom?" Asked Ryota. "Sendoh." "Sendoh? As in ace player of Ryonan? Why? And why is Hanamichi is on this too?" Stream of questions where pouring out of Kogure's mouth. Rukawa was silent and he looked deadly. "He two-timed us both." Jaws hanged open all around.
"No!" Kogure yelled. "I can't believe that guy! I thought he was nice." Added Mitsui who looked pale. "That's what you all think." Hanamichi entered looking somber. "I'm sorry about all this Sakuragi, Rukawa." Kogure said pityingly. "We don't need pity Kogure-san! We need you to help us to get our revenge on smiley." Roared Rukawa. "Don't worry, were behind you all the way." Kogure said, while Mitsui and Ryota nodded solemnly.
"Okay let's do it Rukawa! I'll call Sendoh for a date but of course you're the one who's going to be there since your'e Sakuragi Hanamichi officially." "Yare-yare" "And don't lose your temper one him, you might strike him or whatever." "I'm fine." Sakuragi reached for a quarter in his pocket and reached for the phone and dialed Sendoh's number. "Moshi-moshi!" "Smiley! Long time no hear. Where have you been?" "Well I'm stuck here at home. I'm grounded you know that!" "Oh yeah, but I miss you, could you just snuck out?" "Well..." "Onegai, smiley I miss you so." Rukawa rolled his eyes at him and he stuck his tongue in response. "Okay. Where should we meet?" "At Obui's ice cream parlor, see you there in 20 minutes." "Bye love." "Bye." Sakuragi hung up, "You ready?" He asked Rukawa. "More than ever." Rukawa said with fierce determination.
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Author's notes:
Hey guys! I'm sorry it took me long to update it, anyways I hope you like. Review it, onegai? [sad puppy dog eyes.]
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