Chapter 5
Rukawa arrived at the meeting place early; he wanted everything to go as planned. He surveyed the scene before him [So far so good]. The place was packed, but he recognized no one who might interfere with their plan. Rukawa glanced at his watch; it was already 10 minutes past their meeting time. [Figures, he's always late. Better yet, I think I have to put my cheerful mood on.] Rukawa thought to himself as he positioned himself towards the window. If Sendoh was to arrive and seeing him so gloomy, the plan would definitely fall to pieces. A waitress stopped by his table to ask for his order. "Could you come back later? I have to wait for someone before ordering, manners you know?" Rukawa smiled jovially to the waitress who smiled back. [I think my mouth's starting to have cramps.] He never thought that he could do this for so long, smiling I mean. [Maybe I should sing Sakuragi's song?] He considered but thought better of it. [I'm not quite ready for that yet.] At the corner of his eye he saw Sendoh entering the parlor. Rukawa stood up and waved energetically at Sendoh. "Oi, smiley over here!" Rukawa doing his best to imitate Sakuragi's grating voice. Sendoh looked at him strangely then uttered "Rukawa?" Rukawa noted the confusion in Sendoh's eyes. "Baka! I'm Tensai Sakuragi! Tensai!" Rukawa said as he was exaggerating his hand movements. "It's not funny." Sendoh said looking bewildred. Rukawa rolled his eyes and stomped over Sendoh, then shook his shoulders. "Look at me closely, can't you see I'm the tensai? And how dare you confuse with that stupid kitsune!" Rukawa roared angrily. Then he dropped his voice to a whisper, "Maybe you've been confusing me with that kitsune because you're seeing him behind my back." At this Sendoh circled around red in the face. [Gotcha!] "NYAHAHAHA! It's a joke smiley!" Rukawa laughed hard. Sendoh's shoulder's began to relax and smiled. "It's my treat right?" "Of course! NYAHAHAHA!"
Sendoh was surprised at how Rukawa was acting; it was totally convincing. At one point he actually entertained the thought that he had gone mad because of the two-timing situation. But Sendoh thought, [Rukawa is a tease; besides he can't keep this act forever anyways.] But as he continued to watch Rukawa wolf down his ice cream he had this nasty feeling that it was as if he was watching Hanamichi eat. He remembers that Rukawa eats daintily and he always had style, but this 'Rukawa' in front of him seem to have no care at all. "Hana-kun, slow down you have lots of time to eat that." Sendoh said gently. [Two can play this game Kaede!] Rukawa looked at him with innocent eyes. Sendoh was startled. He had never seen those eyes on Rukawa. His eyes were either blank or full of passion. These are child's eyes, Hanamichi's eyes. "What're you staring at smiley?" "Nothing." He pointed to the ice cream, "Its melting got to eat it fast." Rukawa shrugged his shoulder then continued to wolf the rest down.
Yohei and the three others were walking down the street when Takamiya spotted the ice cream parlor. "Oi, Yohei you won at the pachinko right?" He inquired Yohei. "Yes." "Yosh! ikuzo!" The three raced down at the parlor. "Yare-Yare. There goes the old winning money." Yohei muttered to himself, as he followed the three stooges down the street.
At the ice cream parlor the three stooges quickly spotted Rukawa and Sendoh, knowing that they should act buddy-buddy with 'Hanamichi', they strode to the couple's table. "Yo! Hanamichi!" They chorused together. "Guys, what are you doing here? Are you following me?" Rukawa raged at them, and quickly stood up to execute three perfect head butts. "Ouch! No need to do that Hanamichi, we just have the urge for ice cream you know? And this is the first one we came across." Okusu said while rubbing a spot in his forehead. [This guy is good! He can be an actor!] He added silently to himself. "Yeah right! So now go find your own table! Shoo! Shoo!" Rukawa said as he hoisted the gundam to their feet and dumped them to a table far from him and Sendoh's. Yohei entered as he was doing this. Yohei strode over Rukawa, "Baby-sitting again eh Hanamichi?" Yohei said while chuckling. "NYAHAHAHA! You know I shouldn't do this coz I have a date." Rukawa said proudly. "A date? Where is he?" Yohei said getting in the act as well. "Over there, Oi! Smiley wave for Yohei here." Rukawa hollered. Sendoh whose jaw was wide open gave a tight lipped smile and waved nonchantly. "NYAHAHAHA! See I told you I have one." "So I heard Hanamichi." Yohei said knowingly.
Rukawa returned to his seat with Sendoh and smiled as wide as he can. This smile was really from the bottom of his heart. Seeing Sendoh squirm uncomfortably and obviously confused was worth being Hanamichi. "You okay, smiley? You look pale." "Iie, daijobu." "Are you sure?" "I think I just need some rest." Sendoh replied faintly. Sendoh's head was spinning. [It doesn't make sense...] He repeated to himself for the nth time. [Maybe I'm just dreaming.] Sendoh pinched his cheek. Rukawa snorted, "What are you doing smiley? Think you're cute?" Sendoh smiled and shook his head no. "Ummm. Hanamichi I have to go, I really needed to go home, mom will be mad once she realize I'm out again." Rukawa nodded sympathetically and asked, "Want me to walk you home?" "No thanks, Hana-kun. See you around." Sendoh stood up shakily then regaining strength practically ran to the door.
As soon as Rukawa could not see Sendoh anymore he started to laugh. It was satisfying to see the cause of his heartbreak getting what he deserves. The gundam piled on to his table. "Thanks guys! It was really you're act that convinced Sendoh that something is wrong. Did you see how confused and scared he was? The guy practically flew out." Rukawa smiled at them gratefully. "Oh, you know us 'Hana-kun'! We're such good actors; Hollywood's been clamoring for us!" Noma said while pretending to fluff his hair. All of them cracked up and laughed non-stop. When all of them had settled down, Yohei remarked, "You were good Rukawa! I never thought I'd see you like this!" Rukawa suddenly turned quiet as though he was reflecting something. He carefully picked his words, "I don't know, I guess my desire to get even with that guy's been my fuel for the act." He replied. Yohei shook his head. "Maybe it's a part of you, you haven't discovered yet. You were laughing with us just now as Rukawa and not as Hanamichi." Yohei said quite truthfully. [He's right. I've never felt happiness for a long time. Maybe being Hanamichi isn't so bad.] Rukawa thought to himself as he laughed yet again at the antics of Takamiya while demonstrating what he called the 'right' way of eating ice cream.
Sakuragi was walking around and around the block feeling gloomy. He didn't anticipate the surge of jealousy he felt earlier when he saw Rukawa and Sendoh together. He felt like pulling his hair out at the sight of them flirting with each other, and he felt like banging his head whenever Sendoh's head closed in on Rukawa's, who would jerk back almost immediately. Sakuragi smiled despite his mood. [At least Kaede's really mad at the good for nothing smiley.] He consoled himself. He was really entertaining the idea that Rukawa may still have a feeling for Sendoh, but after the event that happened earlier he was assured in a way. [But that doesn't mean that he'll notice me.] Sakuragi thought gloomily as he passed a stranger looking forlorn.
[What the hell happened there?] Sendoh thought frantically. Obviously his eyes were playing tricks on him. That was certainly Hanamichi that he met in the ice cream parlor a while ago, wasn't he? [Kuso, maybe I should go see an eye doctor.] He thought. Then shook his head, if he should see a doctor it would be a psychiatrist. Sendoh sighed and sat on a nearby bench, watching strangers pass by and wondering if they too had problem like him. He then spotted a tall, red haired man looking dejected. [He looks vaguely familiar] Sendoh thought to himself. He repositioned himself to get a better look at the guy when he realized that it was Hanamichi. A quick realization was formulated in his mind. [So Rukawa was playing a trick on me. Hanamichi would never be able to think of such things] Sendoh said to himself and started to call Hanamichi's name.
"Hanamichi! Hanamichi!" Sakuragi recognized the voice immediately; it was Sendoh. He didn't turn back coz it was time for his act; he was now Rukawa Kaede. He heard footsteps behind him and he felt a tap on his shoulder, "Oi! Hana-kun? Are you alright you look sad." Sendoh said looking concerned. Sakuragi sighed, then imitated Rukawa's slow drawl. "I am." "Why?" "Because you're calling me that doaho's name." Sakuragi said looking exasperated and tired. He turned around and started walking toward the direction of the kitsune's house. "Where are you going you? You live the opposite way!" Sendoh asked. Sakuragi faced Sendoh a flash of anger in his eyes. "How many times do I have to tell you that I'm not that doaho!" Sakuragi raged. He then added more calmly and coldly; "Maybe you've been playing around? It's bad for your health if you started confusing one for the other." Sakuragi said with such harshness that Sendoh took a step back. [This is not Hanamichi. He's always so full of life and he forgives easily.] Sendoh took slow calming breaths, and then out of the corner of his eyes he saw two girls following them. One of them raised a camera to take Sakuragi's picture. [Hana-kun's never had girl fans.] He thought to himself as he watched the two girls work into action. They ran towards them looking like enraged bulls knocked him over and talked to Sakuragi in hushed words." Could you sign this photograph for me? Onegai Rukawa-sama?" Sakuragi looked at them stunned for a moment, then sighing took the girls pen and signed the photograph. "That'll be the last time, ever." He mumbled to the girls. "Arigatou, Rukawa-sama!" Then the girls walked away and so was Sendoh who didn't even bothered to say goodbye to 'Rukawa'.
After his meeting with Sendoh, Sakuragi's mood lifted up somehow. He started humming to himself once he reached the street that leads to his house. He was suddenly starving. Being Rukawa was not so bad, especially if you had a grudge with someone, that icy glare was enough to scare the wits of every sane person. And besides being Rukawa made him an instant celebrity with the brigade and most of the girls in Shohoku high school. He chuckled to himself sadly as he unlocked the door to his house. [Funny I thought I closed this one] He wondered when he realized that the door was not locked. [I don't need those girls attention, I don't want it, what I want is a certain raven-haired attention.] He said to himself shaking his head sadly. Sakuragi gave a yelp when he noticed someone sitting in his living room; Rukawa.
After leaving 'Rukawa' Sendoh ran as fast as he could to Hiroaki's house. He really needed someone to talk to, or else he'd lose his mind. [What is happening to me?] Sendoh thought to himself frantically as he raced down the street. He ignored a couple of people staring at him curiously. He had no time for those, what he want is a sane mind to talk to, and he knew exactly where to look for that person. He stopped at the front a large brick house. He collected himself before knocking. "Hello? Is anybody home?" Sendoh knocked a couple more times before an old lady opened the door. "Yes?" "Ummm, excuse me, but is Hiroaki Koshino around?" Sendoh asked the old lady. "Young man, you're in the wrong house. The Koshino's house is right door next to mine." The old lady smiled to him mischievously. "Oh! I'm so sorry!" Sendoh said while bowing deeply to the old lady. "It's okay." And the old lady locked her front door.
[Kuso! I've been to Hiroaki's house a couple of times and I've never been lost!] Sendoh cursed to himself. He did not even bother to wonder why the old lady locked her door. [Do I really look distressed?] He asked himself as he made sure that he was now in Hiroaki's house. He knocked and knocked. [Maybe no one's home.] He thought to himself as he started to walk away. "Is that you Akira?" Koshino asked. Sendoh turned around. Seeing Hiroaki so concerned about him, he broke in tears.
Koshino seem to be stuck to the door. He was so surprised to see Akira crying. He had never seen their ace player cry. He hadn't noticed that he was staring at the poor guy until he heard him sob more. [God! He looks awful!] Koshino said to himself as he made his way to Sendoh. "Hey, are you alright?" He asked Sendoh in soothing words. "Come inside, I'll make you tea." Koshino said as he led Sendoh inside his house.
"Ru-rukawa? What are you doing here? How did you get in?" Sakuragi asked while gawking at Rukawa. "I picked the lock." He said simply. "Nani? How dare you!" Sakuragi raged while picking the front of Rukawa's shirt. Hanamichi wondered why he is doing this. He liked Rukawa. Yet he still does things to hurt Rukawa. [It's instinct.] He thought to himself as he let Rukawa down. "I'm sorry. It's rude of me to do that." Sakuragi said apologetically at Rukawa. "Its alright. I shouldn't have done that anyways." There was awkward silence. Never did any of the two dream that they will be talking to each other calmly. And never did they dream that they will apologize with the other. Rukawa broke the silence. "Ummm, Sakuragi do you want to go out?" He said shyly at Sakuragi. "Huh?" Hanamichi replied stupidly. "Since the plan was a success and..." Rukawa paused to see if the red head was still listening. "I've never had a happier day in my life, and I want to repay you." Rukawa said while bringing his eyes down. Sakuragi was speechless. This was what he was waiting for. Maybe he had a chance with the super rookie. [Maybe.] Rukawa started to walk away after a moment's silence. To Rukawa, Hanamichi's silence was deafening. Here he was being humble and to him it seems that Sakuragi didn't appreciate this act of kindness. As he was reaching the door. Sakuragi stirred, and then smiled. "Kitsune, are you sure you brought lots of money? I'm expensive you know?" Rukawa laughed softly. "Of course! I belonged to the boy scout once you know!" He said good-naturedly at Hanamichi. "Really? Do they accept narcoleptics at Boy scout?" Hanamichi teased Rukawa. [Hey come to think of it, this past few days, I've never seen him sleep!] He thought to himself as they continued teasing each other and made a beeline to the nearest restaurant they could find.
"Sendoh, calm down, you're not making any sense." Koshino pleaded with Sendoh. They were still at the kitchen and Sendoh was gulping down his seventh cup of tea. "I can't. I think I'm starting to get nuts!" He wailed as he poured yet again another cup of tea. "Oi! Stop that! Were running out of it already!" Koshino said as he pulled the teapot away. "Now, take deep breaths and start again." He instructed Sendoh who did as told. "Remember when I told you that I had a date with Hanamichi today?" He asked Koshino who nodded. [How could I forget?] He had slumped down and went back to bed when he got the news. And he was hoping that the two would get rid of Sendoh. "So, I went to the meeting place and found Rukawa instead. But he was insisting that he was Hanamichi so I pretended to agree that he was Hana-kun." Koshino winced. He didn't like Sendoh calling Sakuragi Hana-kun! "But then the gundam came and they went to Rukawa and called him Hanamichi! They even goofed around!" Sendoh said despairingly. [That does sound fishy.] "And then later that day I spotted Hanamichi who was looking forlorn. So I went up to him and greeted him. But he was suddenly mad and was also insisting that he was Rukawa!" "Really? But that guy can never be expressionless! And you'll find out soon enough that he was acting." Koshino said. "Bu that's not all." Sendoh said. "It's not?" "Oh no, then two girls came bounding to ask Hanamichi's autograph and they called him Rukawa-sama!" "He never had fans." "Exactly."
"What is going on?" Koshino asked aloud. "You tell me." Sendoh's voice dropped. "Am I going nuts? Is this the punishment I get for playing around?" He started sobbing again. Koshino looked at him. It was breaking his heart to see Akira cry. He reached over to give Akira a hug. "Sshh... It's alright I'll help you find out what's really happening. so stop crying. Sshhh." Sendoh stopped and sniffed hard. "You're such a good friend Hiroaki; I'll never make it if it weren't for you." Sendoh cuddled even closer to Hiroaki. It was as if he couldn't get enough comfort. [Am I not more than a friend Sendoh? Is friends all we could ever be?] Koshino asked silently as he hugged Sendoh closer.
Rukawa arrived at the meeting place early; he wanted everything to go as planned. He surveyed the scene before him [So far so good]. The place was packed, but he recognized no one who might interfere with their plan. Rukawa glanced at his watch; it was already 10 minutes past their meeting time. [Figures, he's always late. Better yet, I think I have to put my cheerful mood on.] Rukawa thought to himself as he positioned himself towards the window. If Sendoh was to arrive and seeing him so gloomy, the plan would definitely fall to pieces. A waitress stopped by his table to ask for his order. "Could you come back later? I have to wait for someone before ordering, manners you know?" Rukawa smiled jovially to the waitress who smiled back. [I think my mouth's starting to have cramps.] He never thought that he could do this for so long, smiling I mean. [Maybe I should sing Sakuragi's song?] He considered but thought better of it. [I'm not quite ready for that yet.] At the corner of his eye he saw Sendoh entering the parlor. Rukawa stood up and waved energetically at Sendoh. "Oi, smiley over here!" Rukawa doing his best to imitate Sakuragi's grating voice. Sendoh looked at him strangely then uttered "Rukawa?" Rukawa noted the confusion in Sendoh's eyes. "Baka! I'm Tensai Sakuragi! Tensai!" Rukawa said as he was exaggerating his hand movements. "It's not funny." Sendoh said looking bewildred. Rukawa rolled his eyes and stomped over Sendoh, then shook his shoulders. "Look at me closely, can't you see I'm the tensai? And how dare you confuse with that stupid kitsune!" Rukawa roared angrily. Then he dropped his voice to a whisper, "Maybe you've been confusing me with that kitsune because you're seeing him behind my back." At this Sendoh circled around red in the face. [Gotcha!] "NYAHAHAHA! It's a joke smiley!" Rukawa laughed hard. Sendoh's shoulder's began to relax and smiled. "It's my treat right?" "Of course! NYAHAHAHA!"
Sendoh was surprised at how Rukawa was acting; it was totally convincing. At one point he actually entertained the thought that he had gone mad because of the two-timing situation. But Sendoh thought, [Rukawa is a tease; besides he can't keep this act forever anyways.] But as he continued to watch Rukawa wolf down his ice cream he had this nasty feeling that it was as if he was watching Hanamichi eat. He remembers that Rukawa eats daintily and he always had style, but this 'Rukawa' in front of him seem to have no care at all. "Hana-kun, slow down you have lots of time to eat that." Sendoh said gently. [Two can play this game Kaede!] Rukawa looked at him with innocent eyes. Sendoh was startled. He had never seen those eyes on Rukawa. His eyes were either blank or full of passion. These are child's eyes, Hanamichi's eyes. "What're you staring at smiley?" "Nothing." He pointed to the ice cream, "Its melting got to eat it fast." Rukawa shrugged his shoulder then continued to wolf the rest down.
Yohei and the three others were walking down the street when Takamiya spotted the ice cream parlor. "Oi, Yohei you won at the pachinko right?" He inquired Yohei. "Yes." "Yosh! ikuzo!" The three raced down at the parlor. "Yare-Yare. There goes the old winning money." Yohei muttered to himself, as he followed the three stooges down the street.
At the ice cream parlor the three stooges quickly spotted Rukawa and Sendoh, knowing that they should act buddy-buddy with 'Hanamichi', they strode to the couple's table. "Yo! Hanamichi!" They chorused together. "Guys, what are you doing here? Are you following me?" Rukawa raged at them, and quickly stood up to execute three perfect head butts. "Ouch! No need to do that Hanamichi, we just have the urge for ice cream you know? And this is the first one we came across." Okusu said while rubbing a spot in his forehead. [This guy is good! He can be an actor!] He added silently to himself. "Yeah right! So now go find your own table! Shoo! Shoo!" Rukawa said as he hoisted the gundam to their feet and dumped them to a table far from him and Sendoh's. Yohei entered as he was doing this. Yohei strode over Rukawa, "Baby-sitting again eh Hanamichi?" Yohei said while chuckling. "NYAHAHAHA! You know I shouldn't do this coz I have a date." Rukawa said proudly. "A date? Where is he?" Yohei said getting in the act as well. "Over there, Oi! Smiley wave for Yohei here." Rukawa hollered. Sendoh whose jaw was wide open gave a tight lipped smile and waved nonchantly. "NYAHAHAHA! See I told you I have one." "So I heard Hanamichi." Yohei said knowingly.
Rukawa returned to his seat with Sendoh and smiled as wide as he can. This smile was really from the bottom of his heart. Seeing Sendoh squirm uncomfortably and obviously confused was worth being Hanamichi. "You okay, smiley? You look pale." "Iie, daijobu." "Are you sure?" "I think I just need some rest." Sendoh replied faintly. Sendoh's head was spinning. [It doesn't make sense...] He repeated to himself for the nth time. [Maybe I'm just dreaming.] Sendoh pinched his cheek. Rukawa snorted, "What are you doing smiley? Think you're cute?" Sendoh smiled and shook his head no. "Ummm. Hanamichi I have to go, I really needed to go home, mom will be mad once she realize I'm out again." Rukawa nodded sympathetically and asked, "Want me to walk you home?" "No thanks, Hana-kun. See you around." Sendoh stood up shakily then regaining strength practically ran to the door.
As soon as Rukawa could not see Sendoh anymore he started to laugh. It was satisfying to see the cause of his heartbreak getting what he deserves. The gundam piled on to his table. "Thanks guys! It was really you're act that convinced Sendoh that something is wrong. Did you see how confused and scared he was? The guy practically flew out." Rukawa smiled at them gratefully. "Oh, you know us 'Hana-kun'! We're such good actors; Hollywood's been clamoring for us!" Noma said while pretending to fluff his hair. All of them cracked up and laughed non-stop. When all of them had settled down, Yohei remarked, "You were good Rukawa! I never thought I'd see you like this!" Rukawa suddenly turned quiet as though he was reflecting something. He carefully picked his words, "I don't know, I guess my desire to get even with that guy's been my fuel for the act." He replied. Yohei shook his head. "Maybe it's a part of you, you haven't discovered yet. You were laughing with us just now as Rukawa and not as Hanamichi." Yohei said quite truthfully. [He's right. I've never felt happiness for a long time. Maybe being Hanamichi isn't so bad.] Rukawa thought to himself as he laughed yet again at the antics of Takamiya while demonstrating what he called the 'right' way of eating ice cream.
Sakuragi was walking around and around the block feeling gloomy. He didn't anticipate the surge of jealousy he felt earlier when he saw Rukawa and Sendoh together. He felt like pulling his hair out at the sight of them flirting with each other, and he felt like banging his head whenever Sendoh's head closed in on Rukawa's, who would jerk back almost immediately. Sakuragi smiled despite his mood. [At least Kaede's really mad at the good for nothing smiley.] He consoled himself. He was really entertaining the idea that Rukawa may still have a feeling for Sendoh, but after the event that happened earlier he was assured in a way. [But that doesn't mean that he'll notice me.] Sakuragi thought gloomily as he passed a stranger looking forlorn.
[What the hell happened there?] Sendoh thought frantically. Obviously his eyes were playing tricks on him. That was certainly Hanamichi that he met in the ice cream parlor a while ago, wasn't he? [Kuso, maybe I should go see an eye doctor.] He thought. Then shook his head, if he should see a doctor it would be a psychiatrist. Sendoh sighed and sat on a nearby bench, watching strangers pass by and wondering if they too had problem like him. He then spotted a tall, red haired man looking dejected. [He looks vaguely familiar] Sendoh thought to himself. He repositioned himself to get a better look at the guy when he realized that it was Hanamichi. A quick realization was formulated in his mind. [So Rukawa was playing a trick on me. Hanamichi would never be able to think of such things] Sendoh said to himself and started to call Hanamichi's name.
"Hanamichi! Hanamichi!" Sakuragi recognized the voice immediately; it was Sendoh. He didn't turn back coz it was time for his act; he was now Rukawa Kaede. He heard footsteps behind him and he felt a tap on his shoulder, "Oi! Hana-kun? Are you alright you look sad." Sendoh said looking concerned. Sakuragi sighed, then imitated Rukawa's slow drawl. "I am." "Why?" "Because you're calling me that doaho's name." Sakuragi said looking exasperated and tired. He turned around and started walking toward the direction of the kitsune's house. "Where are you going you? You live the opposite way!" Sendoh asked. Sakuragi faced Sendoh a flash of anger in his eyes. "How many times do I have to tell you that I'm not that doaho!" Sakuragi raged. He then added more calmly and coldly; "Maybe you've been playing around? It's bad for your health if you started confusing one for the other." Sakuragi said with such harshness that Sendoh took a step back. [This is not Hanamichi. He's always so full of life and he forgives easily.] Sendoh took slow calming breaths, and then out of the corner of his eyes he saw two girls following them. One of them raised a camera to take Sakuragi's picture. [Hana-kun's never had girl fans.] He thought to himself as he watched the two girls work into action. They ran towards them looking like enraged bulls knocked him over and talked to Sakuragi in hushed words." Could you sign this photograph for me? Onegai Rukawa-sama?" Sakuragi looked at them stunned for a moment, then sighing took the girls pen and signed the photograph. "That'll be the last time, ever." He mumbled to the girls. "Arigatou, Rukawa-sama!" Then the girls walked away and so was Sendoh who didn't even bothered to say goodbye to 'Rukawa'.
After his meeting with Sendoh, Sakuragi's mood lifted up somehow. He started humming to himself once he reached the street that leads to his house. He was suddenly starving. Being Rukawa was not so bad, especially if you had a grudge with someone, that icy glare was enough to scare the wits of every sane person. And besides being Rukawa made him an instant celebrity with the brigade and most of the girls in Shohoku high school. He chuckled to himself sadly as he unlocked the door to his house. [Funny I thought I closed this one] He wondered when he realized that the door was not locked. [I don't need those girls attention, I don't want it, what I want is a certain raven-haired attention.] He said to himself shaking his head sadly. Sakuragi gave a yelp when he noticed someone sitting in his living room; Rukawa.
After leaving 'Rukawa' Sendoh ran as fast as he could to Hiroaki's house. He really needed someone to talk to, or else he'd lose his mind. [What is happening to me?] Sendoh thought to himself frantically as he raced down the street. He ignored a couple of people staring at him curiously. He had no time for those, what he want is a sane mind to talk to, and he knew exactly where to look for that person. He stopped at the front a large brick house. He collected himself before knocking. "Hello? Is anybody home?" Sendoh knocked a couple more times before an old lady opened the door. "Yes?" "Ummm, excuse me, but is Hiroaki Koshino around?" Sendoh asked the old lady. "Young man, you're in the wrong house. The Koshino's house is right door next to mine." The old lady smiled to him mischievously. "Oh! I'm so sorry!" Sendoh said while bowing deeply to the old lady. "It's okay." And the old lady locked her front door.
[Kuso! I've been to Hiroaki's house a couple of times and I've never been lost!] Sendoh cursed to himself. He did not even bother to wonder why the old lady locked her door. [Do I really look distressed?] He asked himself as he made sure that he was now in Hiroaki's house. He knocked and knocked. [Maybe no one's home.] He thought to himself as he started to walk away. "Is that you Akira?" Koshino asked. Sendoh turned around. Seeing Hiroaki so concerned about him, he broke in tears.
Koshino seem to be stuck to the door. He was so surprised to see Akira crying. He had never seen their ace player cry. He hadn't noticed that he was staring at the poor guy until he heard him sob more. [God! He looks awful!] Koshino said to himself as he made his way to Sendoh. "Hey, are you alright?" He asked Sendoh in soothing words. "Come inside, I'll make you tea." Koshino said as he led Sendoh inside his house.
"Ru-rukawa? What are you doing here? How did you get in?" Sakuragi asked while gawking at Rukawa. "I picked the lock." He said simply. "Nani? How dare you!" Sakuragi raged while picking the front of Rukawa's shirt. Hanamichi wondered why he is doing this. He liked Rukawa. Yet he still does things to hurt Rukawa. [It's instinct.] He thought to himself as he let Rukawa down. "I'm sorry. It's rude of me to do that." Sakuragi said apologetically at Rukawa. "Its alright. I shouldn't have done that anyways." There was awkward silence. Never did any of the two dream that they will be talking to each other calmly. And never did they dream that they will apologize with the other. Rukawa broke the silence. "Ummm, Sakuragi do you want to go out?" He said shyly at Sakuragi. "Huh?" Hanamichi replied stupidly. "Since the plan was a success and..." Rukawa paused to see if the red head was still listening. "I've never had a happier day in my life, and I want to repay you." Rukawa said while bringing his eyes down. Sakuragi was speechless. This was what he was waiting for. Maybe he had a chance with the super rookie. [Maybe.] Rukawa started to walk away after a moment's silence. To Rukawa, Hanamichi's silence was deafening. Here he was being humble and to him it seems that Sakuragi didn't appreciate this act of kindness. As he was reaching the door. Sakuragi stirred, and then smiled. "Kitsune, are you sure you brought lots of money? I'm expensive you know?" Rukawa laughed softly. "Of course! I belonged to the boy scout once you know!" He said good-naturedly at Hanamichi. "Really? Do they accept narcoleptics at Boy scout?" Hanamichi teased Rukawa. [Hey come to think of it, this past few days, I've never seen him sleep!] He thought to himself as they continued teasing each other and made a beeline to the nearest restaurant they could find.
"Sendoh, calm down, you're not making any sense." Koshino pleaded with Sendoh. They were still at the kitchen and Sendoh was gulping down his seventh cup of tea. "I can't. I think I'm starting to get nuts!" He wailed as he poured yet again another cup of tea. "Oi! Stop that! Were running out of it already!" Koshino said as he pulled the teapot away. "Now, take deep breaths and start again." He instructed Sendoh who did as told. "Remember when I told you that I had a date with Hanamichi today?" He asked Koshino who nodded. [How could I forget?] He had slumped down and went back to bed when he got the news. And he was hoping that the two would get rid of Sendoh. "So, I went to the meeting place and found Rukawa instead. But he was insisting that he was Hanamichi so I pretended to agree that he was Hana-kun." Koshino winced. He didn't like Sendoh calling Sakuragi Hana-kun! "But then the gundam came and they went to Rukawa and called him Hanamichi! They even goofed around!" Sendoh said despairingly. [That does sound fishy.] "And then later that day I spotted Hanamichi who was looking forlorn. So I went up to him and greeted him. But he was suddenly mad and was also insisting that he was Rukawa!" "Really? But that guy can never be expressionless! And you'll find out soon enough that he was acting." Koshino said. "Bu that's not all." Sendoh said. "It's not?" "Oh no, then two girls came bounding to ask Hanamichi's autograph and they called him Rukawa-sama!" "He never had fans." "Exactly."
"What is going on?" Koshino asked aloud. "You tell me." Sendoh's voice dropped. "Am I going nuts? Is this the punishment I get for playing around?" He started sobbing again. Koshino looked at him. It was breaking his heart to see Akira cry. He reached over to give Akira a hug. "Sshh... It's alright I'll help you find out what's really happening. so stop crying. Sshhh." Sendoh stopped and sniffed hard. "You're such a good friend Hiroaki; I'll never make it if it weren't for you." Sendoh cuddled even closer to Hiroaki. It was as if he couldn't get enough comfort. [Am I not more than a friend Sendoh? Is friends all we could ever be?] Koshino asked silently as he hugged Sendoh closer.