Chap 6: the confusion
"Itadakimasu!!" Sakuragi said to his companion who, like him seems to be truly happy, ecstatic even. Sakuragi wolfed down his meal of steak and potatoes, while Rukawa had pasta. "Oi! No need to hurry! We have all the time to eat all the food you ordered!" Rukawa said teasingly at his companion. "Demo. I really am excited about dessert you know! I could almost taste it." Sakuragi said with sparkle in his chibi eyes. "Hehehe, I didn't know you had sweet tooth Hanamichi." Sakuragi dropped his spoon, he looked startled about something. "What is it that you called me?" Sakuragi asked Rukawa a look of surprise in his eyes. Rukawa felt a blush creeping his cheeks. He called Sakuragi, Hanamichi, for heaven's sake! "Uhhh. ano.." Rukawa stammered as he looked wildly around.
Fujima just strolled in at Danny's. It was his favorite place to eat. Especially when the food at home sucks. He looked around trying to find a place to sit. [Hmmm. It seems packed.] He thought after a full minute of searching for a table. Giving up, Fujima started to walk away, his stomach was practically growling and he was really determined to eat as soon as he can when he spotted him. His head was tipped back and he was laughing really hard that his eyes were all scrunched up. Fujima stared, his stomach forgotten. Then he saw the man stop laughing and started to blush. He broke out of his reverie when he heard a familiar laugh. "NYAHAHAHA!!! You look kawaii, just like that. NYAHAHAHA!!!" [Sakuragi?] Then he looked over at the man he just ogled. Fujima's jaw dropped. [Rukawa?]
Rukawa thought his face would burn. He had never been humiliated like this. More so he had never been complimented like that in public. He looked over at Sakuragi who was still laughing his head out, but Rukawa had the feeling that he was sincere when he said that he looked kawaii. Not knowing what else to do; he picked his fork and twirled his spaghetti around, playing with his food. "Oi! Kitsune, you shouldn't be." Sakuragi stopped in the middle of his sentence, and looked over Rukawa's shoulder. Someone had definitely distracted the red head, because his eyes were glazed over, his smile was also gone from his face. "Oi? Are you okay?" Rukawa asked looking concerned. He looked over his shoulder and gasped. "K-Ken--- I mean Fujima! What are you dong here!" Rukawa said rather indignantly. "What's with the cold reception, my dear friend?" Fujima settled himself between Rukawa and Sakuragi; completely ignoring the red head, he turned to face Rukawa. He pouted, "I miss you so." "Funny, I didn't get that impression when I left." Rukawa said coldly and the sparkle in his eyes earlier was long gone. He continued, "If you didn't notice I have company, and I don't remember inviting you to sit." "Tut-tut-tut, Rukawa, didn't you see that little sign over there." Fujima pointed at the wall behind them and sure enough there was a sign hanging; "Share a seat, win a friend" Rukawa snorted. "If I'd win you for a friend, then I wouldn't mind having none at all." With that Rukawa scraped his chair back and motioned for Sakuragi to follow. Sakuragi stood up, looked over at Fujima shrugged then walked away.
Fujima sat there still burning with rage. But he must admit that he was surprised that he felt jealousy when he saw his ex with another guy. He was even more pissed at the fact that when he and Rukawa was still an item, he didn't seem to make the super rookie happy. He seethed, again. [Why did I ever let Rukawa go?] Fujima berated himself. He decided to walk home. Sure he had his car with him, but that will be taken care of, what are drivers for anyway? Fujima needed time to think so he took the long way home. He reflected, [Why did I ever broke up with him? Why?] He asked himself despairingly. But he knew. "We need to talk." I said coolly at Rukawa, who seem to be shedding tears. "Why? Is it serious? Can't we just talk about it tomorrow?" His lips quivered. I sighed. "This can't wait." "Demo." "You're making it hard Rukawa!" I roared at him, finally losing my patience. I dropped my voice to a mere whisper. "We can't go on seeing each other anymore." "Why?" "It'll never work." "I'll make it work." "Aren't you listening to me? I said." My voice faltered. I still love him but. [Gomen, Kaede, I really have to do this, for your own sake.] "I don't love you anymore." I left before my tears starts to fall. Even then, the cause of their break up was jealousy. He had seen Rukawa with Sendoh shooting hoops. He looked genuinely happy then to. It was his guilt that led him to do the separation. Fujima thought that by making Rukawa happy was to let him get together with those who make him ecstatic. [But I was wrong.] Fujima heard that Sendoh hurt his Kaede. And he will make sure that none of them will hurt him further. [This time. I will make you mine again.] He thought with conviction.
Koshino sighed. His head is really starting to hurt. He looked out the window to contemplate. Sendoh was in his bed sleeping. Sendoh cried himself hoarse, and clung on to him until he fell asleep. He had never been this way before. He had been through lots of break-ups, but this one has got to be the worst. Koshino sighed yet again and stretched his arms. Veins popped at his temples. [Damn that duo! I swear I'll get to the bottom of this!] He was thinking through the details Sendoh told him. Hanamichi is Rukawa and Rukawa is Hanamichi. [Weird.] He knew, definitely, that Sendoh is sane. [There must be some explanation to it all.] He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. He could spy. [Yeah! That's right!] Koshino thought very carefully. He could sneak up on the two and find out if they really are masquerading. Koshino clapped his hands together. "Yosh! It's a plan." "What's a plan?" Sendoh entered the room, his hair tousled up and his eyes were bloodshot. "You look awful." I remarked at him. "Me? You look awful to!" Sendoh throws a pillow in my direction which I adeptly dodged. "You look chirper." "It's all thanks to you." Sendoh said rather shyly and smiled sheepishly. I feel my cheeks starting to burn. I looked the other way. "That's what's friends are for right?" I choked when I felt him hugging me against my back. "Yes. I really am thankful that I have someone like you as a friend. Arigatou, Hiro-kun." I pull away from his grasp, and then smiled, "Yes, and because I am such a friend I am going to help you sort your problem out." "Honto?" I nodded, and then continued, "Your dilemma is that you think you're insane, because you interchange Rukawa and Hanamichi." He nodded eagerly. "So I will also be there when you meet them. But of course I'll hide, and then I'll confirm whether your date is either Hanamichi or Rukawa." "That's it?" Sendoh pouted. "Well yes, you said what you needed is someone to confirm that you really are seeing Hanamichi instead of Rukawa, right?" "Uhuh." "If you want, we'll squeeze the truth out of them. Make them admit that they are posing as each other to confuse you, to get their revenge." Sendoh wondered thoughtfully. "Yes, it's not that bad." I stick my tongue at him. "Of course, coz I thought of it." Sendoh laughed and aimed another pillow in my direction.
[What was that all about?] Rukawa wondered to himself. The incident with Fujima was totally confusing. He was so sure that Fujima flirted with him awhile back. [Kuso! Isn't it enough that he made me suffer so? Must he do it all over again?] Rukawa, frustrated, hung his head and stopped walking. "Oi, kitsune are you alright? You look kind of pale." Rukawa looked up startled. He forgot he was with Sakuragi. "Huh? I think so. Yeah, I think I just need some rest." I babbled to him. Sakuragi didn't look convinced but he nodded nonetheless. "Ok. But if ever you needed someone to talk to." I looked up to him unbelievably. "Ummm. I mean if you want to that is, you could talk to me and talk about things." He said red in the face. I shook my head no. "I'm really fine. But I'll keep that in mind." Rukawa smiled at Sakuragi who turned to look away. But Rukawa noticed that Hanamichi's face matched his brilliant red hair. [Huh?] "Oh, hey here's your house! Go get some rest and I'll see you tomorrow at practice, ok?" Sakuragi shuffled his feet around and stared at the ground. "Yeah. Sure. Ja ne." "Ja ne." With that Sakuragi walked as fast as he could without running.
[Kuso! Damn this easily blushed cheeks!] Sakuragi ranted to himself. He was so sure that Rukawa had seen him do so a couple of times, when he walked the latter home. [I sure wish that he didn't notice. But even if he did what can I do about it?] Sakuragi stopped to sit at a nearby bench to sort his thoughts out. He really did want Rukawa. He is suer of that. But love? Sakuragi wasn't sure. He didn't want to make the same mistake with Sendoh. Sure his temper will flare up when he sees Rukawa hurt, and sure he feels jealousy when someone is closer to Rukawa than he is. [Kuso! Why can't I make up my mind?] Because you're afraid of rejection. "No!" Sakuragi yelled out loud. [I am not a wimp. I'm not afraid of rejection. Besides who is Rukawa to me anyway.] Oh, nothing, maybe he is just the love of your life at the moment. "Ahhh! Kuso!" Sakuragi scratched his head and headbutted the bench. HE didn't think that thinking could be exhausting. He looked up to watch the stars when someone called his name from behind.
"Sakuragi Hanamichi?" Fujima questioned the red haired man. The guy at the bench turned around and squinted at him. "Yes? Who is it?" He asked. "Oh, so you are Hanamichi." I sauntered over to where he is and sat at his side. "Oi! You're Shoyo's captain and manager right?" He asked. "Well, yes but I prefer you call me Kenji." "Ok. Kenji. So what's up?" He asked, but definitely his heart wasn't in it. He seems preoccupied about something. And being the perceptive guy Fujima is, "its Rukawa isn't it?" "Huh? How did you." "I'm not naïve, Hanamichi." I snorted at him "I saw the looks you were giving Rukawa." With this remark he blushed. "No need to be shy about that, Hanamichi I was once that way to." Hanamichi raised his brows questioningly. "Didn't he tell you?" He shook his head no. "My, my, I never knew Rukawa kept it as a secret till the end." I shook my head sadly and turned to him with a gleam in my eyes. "We were a couple before." I heard him gasp and I smile evilly. "But, this time I will make sure, that he will become mine once again." Hanamichi's eyes were wide as saucers with his jaws hanging wide open. I smiled satisfactorily. I continued with my tirade, "Make sure." I stood up and gave him a glare, "That you do not interfere with me. Rukawa is mine." With that Fujima strutted out as if what he said was nothing out of the ordinary.
"Call him now already!" Koshino yelled at the cowering Sendoh. "But. but." "No buts. I thought you wanted to know the truth?" "Well, yes but." "You are such a coward. Give me that." Koshino yanked his phone away from Sendoh and started dialing Rukawa's number. I rang ten times and there was still no answer. "Funny. I think there's no one home." Sendoh sighed audibly. "You're not off the hook yet, Akira!" I yelled at him and started to dial another number. "Moshi, moshi, May I speak with Sakuragi Hanamichi please?" Koshino paused for awhile. "I'm his friend Sendoh Akira." Sendoh wailed in the background and clutched Koshino's feet. Koshino smiled triumphantly and thrust the phone at Sendoh's hands. "Ummm. yes Hana-kun this is me." Sendoh gulped and looked at Koshino with puppy eyes. Koshino sighed but continued to glare; he could feel that Sendoh will chicken out. "Ano. would you like to meet me tomorrow? I just need to see you that's all." Sendoh bit his lip while waiting for a reply. Koshino watched. "Really! Yokata. So meet at 10 in the morning ok? At the b-ball court? Ok? Meet you there." Sendoh hung up and smiled at Koshino. "So it's a date then?" Koshino asked. "Yes! He said yes! But you are going to be there right?" Sendoh asked questioningly. "Of course I will be there."
/********************************************************************** Notes: Mina! I'm so sorry if it took me to long to update. Been kind of busy. Anyway I'm sorry if this has been sorta rushed, so forgive me if there are grammatical errors and whatever. I still hope you'll like this one! Oh, yeah I've put in Fujima so he messes things up. I think it would be better if Hanamichi doesn't get Rukawa too easily, ne? hehehe..
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"Itadakimasu!!" Sakuragi said to his companion who, like him seems to be truly happy, ecstatic even. Sakuragi wolfed down his meal of steak and potatoes, while Rukawa had pasta. "Oi! No need to hurry! We have all the time to eat all the food you ordered!" Rukawa said teasingly at his companion. "Demo. I really am excited about dessert you know! I could almost taste it." Sakuragi said with sparkle in his chibi eyes. "Hehehe, I didn't know you had sweet tooth Hanamichi." Sakuragi dropped his spoon, he looked startled about something. "What is it that you called me?" Sakuragi asked Rukawa a look of surprise in his eyes. Rukawa felt a blush creeping his cheeks. He called Sakuragi, Hanamichi, for heaven's sake! "Uhhh. ano.." Rukawa stammered as he looked wildly around.
Fujima just strolled in at Danny's. It was his favorite place to eat. Especially when the food at home sucks. He looked around trying to find a place to sit. [Hmmm. It seems packed.] He thought after a full minute of searching for a table. Giving up, Fujima started to walk away, his stomach was practically growling and he was really determined to eat as soon as he can when he spotted him. His head was tipped back and he was laughing really hard that his eyes were all scrunched up. Fujima stared, his stomach forgotten. Then he saw the man stop laughing and started to blush. He broke out of his reverie when he heard a familiar laugh. "NYAHAHAHA!!! You look kawaii, just like that. NYAHAHAHA!!!" [Sakuragi?] Then he looked over at the man he just ogled. Fujima's jaw dropped. [Rukawa?]
Rukawa thought his face would burn. He had never been humiliated like this. More so he had never been complimented like that in public. He looked over at Sakuragi who was still laughing his head out, but Rukawa had the feeling that he was sincere when he said that he looked kawaii. Not knowing what else to do; he picked his fork and twirled his spaghetti around, playing with his food. "Oi! Kitsune, you shouldn't be." Sakuragi stopped in the middle of his sentence, and looked over Rukawa's shoulder. Someone had definitely distracted the red head, because his eyes were glazed over, his smile was also gone from his face. "Oi? Are you okay?" Rukawa asked looking concerned. He looked over his shoulder and gasped. "K-Ken--- I mean Fujima! What are you dong here!" Rukawa said rather indignantly. "What's with the cold reception, my dear friend?" Fujima settled himself between Rukawa and Sakuragi; completely ignoring the red head, he turned to face Rukawa. He pouted, "I miss you so." "Funny, I didn't get that impression when I left." Rukawa said coldly and the sparkle in his eyes earlier was long gone. He continued, "If you didn't notice I have company, and I don't remember inviting you to sit." "Tut-tut-tut, Rukawa, didn't you see that little sign over there." Fujima pointed at the wall behind them and sure enough there was a sign hanging; "Share a seat, win a friend" Rukawa snorted. "If I'd win you for a friend, then I wouldn't mind having none at all." With that Rukawa scraped his chair back and motioned for Sakuragi to follow. Sakuragi stood up, looked over at Fujima shrugged then walked away.
Fujima sat there still burning with rage. But he must admit that he was surprised that he felt jealousy when he saw his ex with another guy. He was even more pissed at the fact that when he and Rukawa was still an item, he didn't seem to make the super rookie happy. He seethed, again. [Why did I ever let Rukawa go?] Fujima berated himself. He decided to walk home. Sure he had his car with him, but that will be taken care of, what are drivers for anyway? Fujima needed time to think so he took the long way home. He reflected, [Why did I ever broke up with him? Why?] He asked himself despairingly. But he knew. "We need to talk." I said coolly at Rukawa, who seem to be shedding tears. "Why? Is it serious? Can't we just talk about it tomorrow?" His lips quivered. I sighed. "This can't wait." "Demo." "You're making it hard Rukawa!" I roared at him, finally losing my patience. I dropped my voice to a mere whisper. "We can't go on seeing each other anymore." "Why?" "It'll never work." "I'll make it work." "Aren't you listening to me? I said." My voice faltered. I still love him but. [Gomen, Kaede, I really have to do this, for your own sake.] "I don't love you anymore." I left before my tears starts to fall. Even then, the cause of their break up was jealousy. He had seen Rukawa with Sendoh shooting hoops. He looked genuinely happy then to. It was his guilt that led him to do the separation. Fujima thought that by making Rukawa happy was to let him get together with those who make him ecstatic. [But I was wrong.] Fujima heard that Sendoh hurt his Kaede. And he will make sure that none of them will hurt him further. [This time. I will make you mine again.] He thought with conviction.
Koshino sighed. His head is really starting to hurt. He looked out the window to contemplate. Sendoh was in his bed sleeping. Sendoh cried himself hoarse, and clung on to him until he fell asleep. He had never been this way before. He had been through lots of break-ups, but this one has got to be the worst. Koshino sighed yet again and stretched his arms. Veins popped at his temples. [Damn that duo! I swear I'll get to the bottom of this!] He was thinking through the details Sendoh told him. Hanamichi is Rukawa and Rukawa is Hanamichi. [Weird.] He knew, definitely, that Sendoh is sane. [There must be some explanation to it all.] He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. He could spy. [Yeah! That's right!] Koshino thought very carefully. He could sneak up on the two and find out if they really are masquerading. Koshino clapped his hands together. "Yosh! It's a plan." "What's a plan?" Sendoh entered the room, his hair tousled up and his eyes were bloodshot. "You look awful." I remarked at him. "Me? You look awful to!" Sendoh throws a pillow in my direction which I adeptly dodged. "You look chirper." "It's all thanks to you." Sendoh said rather shyly and smiled sheepishly. I feel my cheeks starting to burn. I looked the other way. "That's what's friends are for right?" I choked when I felt him hugging me against my back. "Yes. I really am thankful that I have someone like you as a friend. Arigatou, Hiro-kun." I pull away from his grasp, and then smiled, "Yes, and because I am such a friend I am going to help you sort your problem out." "Honto?" I nodded, and then continued, "Your dilemma is that you think you're insane, because you interchange Rukawa and Hanamichi." He nodded eagerly. "So I will also be there when you meet them. But of course I'll hide, and then I'll confirm whether your date is either Hanamichi or Rukawa." "That's it?" Sendoh pouted. "Well yes, you said what you needed is someone to confirm that you really are seeing Hanamichi instead of Rukawa, right?" "Uhuh." "If you want, we'll squeeze the truth out of them. Make them admit that they are posing as each other to confuse you, to get their revenge." Sendoh wondered thoughtfully. "Yes, it's not that bad." I stick my tongue at him. "Of course, coz I thought of it." Sendoh laughed and aimed another pillow in my direction.
[What was that all about?] Rukawa wondered to himself. The incident with Fujima was totally confusing. He was so sure that Fujima flirted with him awhile back. [Kuso! Isn't it enough that he made me suffer so? Must he do it all over again?] Rukawa, frustrated, hung his head and stopped walking. "Oi, kitsune are you alright? You look kind of pale." Rukawa looked up startled. He forgot he was with Sakuragi. "Huh? I think so. Yeah, I think I just need some rest." I babbled to him. Sakuragi didn't look convinced but he nodded nonetheless. "Ok. But if ever you needed someone to talk to." I looked up to him unbelievably. "Ummm. I mean if you want to that is, you could talk to me and talk about things." He said red in the face. I shook my head no. "I'm really fine. But I'll keep that in mind." Rukawa smiled at Sakuragi who turned to look away. But Rukawa noticed that Hanamichi's face matched his brilliant red hair. [Huh?] "Oh, hey here's your house! Go get some rest and I'll see you tomorrow at practice, ok?" Sakuragi shuffled his feet around and stared at the ground. "Yeah. Sure. Ja ne." "Ja ne." With that Sakuragi walked as fast as he could without running.
[Kuso! Damn this easily blushed cheeks!] Sakuragi ranted to himself. He was so sure that Rukawa had seen him do so a couple of times, when he walked the latter home. [I sure wish that he didn't notice. But even if he did what can I do about it?] Sakuragi stopped to sit at a nearby bench to sort his thoughts out. He really did want Rukawa. He is suer of that. But love? Sakuragi wasn't sure. He didn't want to make the same mistake with Sendoh. Sure his temper will flare up when he sees Rukawa hurt, and sure he feels jealousy when someone is closer to Rukawa than he is. [Kuso! Why can't I make up my mind?] Because you're afraid of rejection. "No!" Sakuragi yelled out loud. [I am not a wimp. I'm not afraid of rejection. Besides who is Rukawa to me anyway.] Oh, nothing, maybe he is just the love of your life at the moment. "Ahhh! Kuso!" Sakuragi scratched his head and headbutted the bench. HE didn't think that thinking could be exhausting. He looked up to watch the stars when someone called his name from behind.
"Sakuragi Hanamichi?" Fujima questioned the red haired man. The guy at the bench turned around and squinted at him. "Yes? Who is it?" He asked. "Oh, so you are Hanamichi." I sauntered over to where he is and sat at his side. "Oi! You're Shoyo's captain and manager right?" He asked. "Well, yes but I prefer you call me Kenji." "Ok. Kenji. So what's up?" He asked, but definitely his heart wasn't in it. He seems preoccupied about something. And being the perceptive guy Fujima is, "its Rukawa isn't it?" "Huh? How did you." "I'm not naïve, Hanamichi." I snorted at him "I saw the looks you were giving Rukawa." With this remark he blushed. "No need to be shy about that, Hanamichi I was once that way to." Hanamichi raised his brows questioningly. "Didn't he tell you?" He shook his head no. "My, my, I never knew Rukawa kept it as a secret till the end." I shook my head sadly and turned to him with a gleam in my eyes. "We were a couple before." I heard him gasp and I smile evilly. "But, this time I will make sure, that he will become mine once again." Hanamichi's eyes were wide as saucers with his jaws hanging wide open. I smiled satisfactorily. I continued with my tirade, "Make sure." I stood up and gave him a glare, "That you do not interfere with me. Rukawa is mine." With that Fujima strutted out as if what he said was nothing out of the ordinary.
"Call him now already!" Koshino yelled at the cowering Sendoh. "But. but." "No buts. I thought you wanted to know the truth?" "Well, yes but." "You are such a coward. Give me that." Koshino yanked his phone away from Sendoh and started dialing Rukawa's number. I rang ten times and there was still no answer. "Funny. I think there's no one home." Sendoh sighed audibly. "You're not off the hook yet, Akira!" I yelled at him and started to dial another number. "Moshi, moshi, May I speak with Sakuragi Hanamichi please?" Koshino paused for awhile. "I'm his friend Sendoh Akira." Sendoh wailed in the background and clutched Koshino's feet. Koshino smiled triumphantly and thrust the phone at Sendoh's hands. "Ummm. yes Hana-kun this is me." Sendoh gulped and looked at Koshino with puppy eyes. Koshino sighed but continued to glare; he could feel that Sendoh will chicken out. "Ano. would you like to meet me tomorrow? I just need to see you that's all." Sendoh bit his lip while waiting for a reply. Koshino watched. "Really! Yokata. So meet at 10 in the morning ok? At the b-ball court? Ok? Meet you there." Sendoh hung up and smiled at Koshino. "So it's a date then?" Koshino asked. "Yes! He said yes! But you are going to be there right?" Sendoh asked questioningly. "Of course I will be there."
/********************************************************************** Notes: Mina! I'm so sorry if it took me to long to update. Been kind of busy. Anyway I'm sorry if this has been sorta rushed, so forgive me if there are grammatical errors and whatever. I still hope you'll like this one! Oh, yeah I've put in Fujima so he messes things up. I think it would be better if Hanamichi doesn't get Rukawa too easily, ne? hehehe..
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