Chapter 11
[Hanamichi where are you?] Rukawa asked himself for the nth time since he has set out to find Sakuragi. He has been to all the places Hanamichi could be in. He went to the place where Hanamichi normally shoots hoops, been to the ice cream parlor he always went to after school and he's even been to the slams. Sakuragi was not in any of those places, and Rukawa's been very discouraged about it.
[Maybe the reason why I can't see him is because he doesn't want to be seen.] Rukawa thought sadly. He knew that he had hurt Sakuragi badly but he swear it wasn't intentional whatsoever. He did love the red head with all his heart, the question is, is Sakuragi's love for him that much that he'll listen to Rukawa one more time?
Rukawa shook his head sadly. He wasn't about to give up yet. He had to try one more time. Had to make the red head understand. Had to explain that Fujima was nothing to him. That Sakuragi is all that matters to him.
[There's still one more place I haven't visited.] Rukawa thought to himself, regaining some energy and rigor. He raised his chin proudly and started to walk towards Shohoku High school when he bumped into someone small. He looked down in surprise.
"Ha-Haruko?" He whispered. Rukawa had absolutely no idea on how to treat her. Here he was her crush and she, his boyfriend's crush. [Eh? That made me dizzy...] Rukawa thought a little confused. He blinked a couple of times to clear his head. He snapped back to reality when he heard Haruko laugh softly.
"What?" Rukawa asks her, a bit irritated.
"Oh, Nothing. You were just... No forget it." Haruko finished lamely, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. [This is not the time to do it, Haruko.] Haruko berated herself as she remembers the favor Sakuragi asked her. [I had to bring Rukawa to school or else Sakuragi-kun's plan will be over.]
"A-ano, Rukawa-kun, could you ummm.. could you... "
"Could you what?" Thinking quickly Haruko spotted a trash bin and told Rukawa that...
"Could you bring that for me in school?"
"A-Trash-Bin." Rukawa emphasized each word clearly, raising his eyebrows for effect. Haruko's blush deepened but then she held ground.
"Ano, you see, it's for our project. Yeah it's for our project! We had to recycle waste and stuff." Rukawa looked at her questioningly and suspiciously but she tried her best to look innocent and smiled her best.
[The hell?! Oh well, I had to go to school anyway. And she might tell Akagi-senpai about this... He might ban me into the club or whatever.] Sighing heavily he nodded in the direction or the trash bin.
"Is this the one?" He asks her as there were about two lined up together. One biodegradable and one non biodegradable.
"Ummm... That one." Haruko pointed randomly. Rukawa rolled his eyes and picked the one she pointed and walked without waiting for you.
Haruko smiled secretly and raised her thumbs up discreetly to whomever it is hiding in the bushes.
[I don't know what to think and do anymore. Rukawa betrayed me. He lied to me. He made me believe I him.] Sakuragi thought to himself morosely. He had been moping here in the park since he left Rukawa's house.
[We haven't even lasted a whole day.... I wish I never met him! Then all of this won't be happening to me. I won't get hurt.... This bad.] Sakuragi wiped at a stray tear in his cheek. He felt numb. As if he can't do anything. As if suddenly time stood still.
Sakuragi growled at a passing little boy looking at him curiously. The boy backed off scared. He had done this all the while he was at the park because bystanders where peering closely at him, just plain nosy. All of them backed off at his slightest move and stare. Hanamichi had to smile a little. He still had the magic of killer eyes, it seems.
His eye suddenly catches something bright and colorful. He looked in that direction and saw a man selling brightly colored balloons to the little, cute, playing children in the ground. [Balloons? Have I forgotten something?] He thought to himself as he thought hard.
[Oh yeah the surprise party for the kitsune.] He thought lazily as he sat back at the bench trying as much as possible to be comfortable. He let out a cruel smile. [It's over kitsune. The party will be cancelled and I'll let all of them know what you did to me. Let's see if you'll still have friends after that. Oh yeah, he doesn't have one! Stupid me! Ok, fine rephrase that. Let's see if you'll still have followers after that. ] Sakuragi stood up. He had a party to go to.
Rukawa's arms were getting stiff from the weight of the trash bin and because he had walked a long distance with him carrying it. He shifted the bin in his arms and tried to see the road ahead of him. [Oh good were almost there.] He thought to himself as Shohoku high school came into view.
"Rukawa-kun, you could drop that off now." Haruko tells him smiling prettily. Rukawa dropped the heavily load off and stretched his arms.
"Is it heavy? I'm sorry about that. But thanks anyway for your help." Haruko tells him her eyes shifting. It was as if she was waiting for someone to appear. [What is happening to her? Is she going nuts? First she asks me to carry that damn heavy, smelly trash bin and now she acts as if she doesn't want to be seen with me? The heck with her?]
Behind Ryota and Mitsui jumped out of a bush and glomped at him genkily.
"Rukawa! Nice to see you! Haven't seen you in the gym for a while!" Ryota told him whilst trying to put his arms around Rukawa's shoulders. He can't of course because Rukawa's much taller than him so instead he ended up punching Rukawa playfully.
Rukawa rolled his eyes in amusement. [What are they up to?] "But senpai, I was there yesterday." He said trough gritted teeth.
"Really? I didn't know that!!! Maybe I didn't see you or something." Ryota said embarrassedly.
"Whatever."
"Rukawa! What's with the attitude? Your senpais just missed you! That's all!!" Mitsui said as he came to Rukawa's side while linking his arms with the taller player. He nodded at Ryota.
"We missed him right?"
"Right!" Ryota replied, he too linked his arms with Rukawa's. The two of them had Rukawa completely covered. Rukawa closed his eyes and groaned. [I had to find Hanamichi but these two airheads....] He opened his eyes as he felt the two tugging him violently.
"Oi! Narcoleptic!!!! Don't sleep on us! We want you to practice with us... You know strategy and stuff for the team." Mitsui said while nodding vigorously.
"Yeah! Please?!!! We need you since you're our ace and all that...."
"Ryota! I'm ace!' Mitsui complained. Ryota shook his head apologetically.
"So you in or not?" The raven haired senpai asks him. He rolled his eyes yet again.
"Whatever." And he allowed himself to be led to the gym.
"Where is Hanamichi?" Yohei asks worriedly to Okhusu. He had made the minor adjustments regarding the film to be shown to Rukawa, but their alternative plan won't work if Sakuragi won't show up. He's been said that Rukawa was on his way to the gym and he doesn't have much time. Yohei looked at his watch. It's been three hours since Noma and Takamiya had set out to find Sakuragi.
"Don't worry. They might be on the way."
"But Rukawa's already here!!" Yohei said back, panicking.
"I know but what can we do?!" Okhusu asks him, his brows knitted with worry. The gym door suddenly opened and Sendoh and a bunch of other players were with him. His eyes widened with shock at the sight.
"What's going on here?" He asks confused.
"Duh! You said it yourself genius! It's a party!!!!" Kiyota said as he marched at the middle of the gym and took in the decorations.
"A little cheesy though. What's with that?" He asks rudely as he points to a life size Rukawa picture. BAM. A gist landed on Kiyota's head as Maki hit him hard.
"Stop that! Were here at their territory so stop being rude!"
"Sorry, senpai." Jin walked in as well his eyes reflecting the red lights.
"Is this party for Rukawa and Sakuragi? Sendoh told us so." He asks Yohei who was shocked beyond recognition. He recovered.
"Yes. But what are you all doing here?"
"Well Sendoh said there's a show or party here of some sort. He said it stars Hanamichi and Rukawa." Jin explained. All people at the gym stared at Sendoh. Sendoh still had his mouth wide open, his eyes wide as saucers and his expression was of pure shock and disappointment.
"Well?" Yohei asks him suspicious.
"Uh. Uh. I have to go now. Bye." Sendoh said as he practically flew out. All of them sweat dropped.
"I knew he was psycho." Kiyota mumbled. Koshino heard it and punched Kiyota hard.
"He is not. And don't let me hear you bad mouth him again or else....." His eyes flashed dangerously at the dumbfounded Kiyota before he turned his back and went after Sendoh.
"Now that's what I call entertainment!" Okhusu commented.
Three girls, or yet, better known as the Rukawa brigade enters the gym looking harried.
"They're almost here. HIDE!!!!" They screamed as all took their respective places.
"Oh no. Hanamichi isn't here yet!" Yohei whispered fiercely at Okhusu. Okhusu just shook his head as he dragged Yohei to a hiding place. All the other Kainan and Ryonan players hid as well.
Rukawa entered the gym his eyes widening in surprise as he took in the decors. All the banners say 'Rukawa welcome to the Shohoku family!!!' His eyes obviously watered. Ryota and Mitsui led him to the couch in front of a large t/v set. The tape was played immediately after he was sat down.
The tape played Rukawa's early years at Tomigoaka high and how he entered Shohoku, his first day at the club and all that other stuff. Suddenly tape was cut off at the middle. The lights went up and Sakuragi was revealed behind the t/v set his eyes full of malice as slung the cord of the t/v.
"Hanamichi."
"Like my surprise kitsune?"
"You did this?" Rukawa said as walked towards Sakuragi. As he was about to reach him Sakuragi slapped his hands away and slapped him hard in the cheek.
"That's for cheating!" He said as he raised his hands yet again and slapped Rukawa again.
"And that's for hurting me so much!" He raised his hands again but Yohei stopped him.
"Stop it Hanamichi. You're just hurting both of yourselves. Stop it now." Sakuragi looked at Rukawa who was slumped to the ground, covering his face. His eyes watered and he cried hard.
"Kit-ki-kitsune?" Rukawa looked up at him his eyes full of hurt.
"I-I'm so-sorry.... I didn't mean it..." He reached out to touch Rukawa. Rukawa looked at him sadly.
"You don't have to.... I know it's my fault. But I just want you to listen to me first. That's all I'm asking." Rukawa stood up and pulled his hands form Sakuragi's.
"I think were not really meant to be. I'm sorry if caused you trouble.... but..." HE paused as he looked at Sakuragi.
"I did love you. It was true and I never lied about that." Rukawa made the move and started to left the gym.
Sakuragi was still undecided. Yohei elbowed him.
"Go after him. He's telling the truth. Besides yore going to regret it if you let him walk away from your life." Sakuragi looked at his friend.
"How can you be sure? I saw them with my own two eyes."
"Just follow your heart. I know you want him and I'll prove his love for you by this." He held out a video tape.
T.b.c
[Hanamichi where are you?] Rukawa asked himself for the nth time since he has set out to find Sakuragi. He has been to all the places Hanamichi could be in. He went to the place where Hanamichi normally shoots hoops, been to the ice cream parlor he always went to after school and he's even been to the slams. Sakuragi was not in any of those places, and Rukawa's been very discouraged about it.
[Maybe the reason why I can't see him is because he doesn't want to be seen.] Rukawa thought sadly. He knew that he had hurt Sakuragi badly but he swear it wasn't intentional whatsoever. He did love the red head with all his heart, the question is, is Sakuragi's love for him that much that he'll listen to Rukawa one more time?
Rukawa shook his head sadly. He wasn't about to give up yet. He had to try one more time. Had to make the red head understand. Had to explain that Fujima was nothing to him. That Sakuragi is all that matters to him.
[There's still one more place I haven't visited.] Rukawa thought to himself, regaining some energy and rigor. He raised his chin proudly and started to walk towards Shohoku High school when he bumped into someone small. He looked down in surprise.
"Ha-Haruko?" He whispered. Rukawa had absolutely no idea on how to treat her. Here he was her crush and she, his boyfriend's crush. [Eh? That made me dizzy...] Rukawa thought a little confused. He blinked a couple of times to clear his head. He snapped back to reality when he heard Haruko laugh softly.
"What?" Rukawa asks her, a bit irritated.
"Oh, Nothing. You were just... No forget it." Haruko finished lamely, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. [This is not the time to do it, Haruko.] Haruko berated herself as she remembers the favor Sakuragi asked her. [I had to bring Rukawa to school or else Sakuragi-kun's plan will be over.]
"A-ano, Rukawa-kun, could you ummm.. could you... "
"Could you what?" Thinking quickly Haruko spotted a trash bin and told Rukawa that...
"Could you bring that for me in school?"
"A-Trash-Bin." Rukawa emphasized each word clearly, raising his eyebrows for effect. Haruko's blush deepened but then she held ground.
"Ano, you see, it's for our project. Yeah it's for our project! We had to recycle waste and stuff." Rukawa looked at her questioningly and suspiciously but she tried her best to look innocent and smiled her best.
[The hell?! Oh well, I had to go to school anyway. And she might tell Akagi-senpai about this... He might ban me into the club or whatever.] Sighing heavily he nodded in the direction or the trash bin.
"Is this the one?" He asks her as there were about two lined up together. One biodegradable and one non biodegradable.
"Ummm... That one." Haruko pointed randomly. Rukawa rolled his eyes and picked the one she pointed and walked without waiting for you.
Haruko smiled secretly and raised her thumbs up discreetly to whomever it is hiding in the bushes.
[I don't know what to think and do anymore. Rukawa betrayed me. He lied to me. He made me believe I him.] Sakuragi thought to himself morosely. He had been moping here in the park since he left Rukawa's house.
[We haven't even lasted a whole day.... I wish I never met him! Then all of this won't be happening to me. I won't get hurt.... This bad.] Sakuragi wiped at a stray tear in his cheek. He felt numb. As if he can't do anything. As if suddenly time stood still.
Sakuragi growled at a passing little boy looking at him curiously. The boy backed off scared. He had done this all the while he was at the park because bystanders where peering closely at him, just plain nosy. All of them backed off at his slightest move and stare. Hanamichi had to smile a little. He still had the magic of killer eyes, it seems.
His eye suddenly catches something bright and colorful. He looked in that direction and saw a man selling brightly colored balloons to the little, cute, playing children in the ground. [Balloons? Have I forgotten something?] He thought to himself as he thought hard.
[Oh yeah the surprise party for the kitsune.] He thought lazily as he sat back at the bench trying as much as possible to be comfortable. He let out a cruel smile. [It's over kitsune. The party will be cancelled and I'll let all of them know what you did to me. Let's see if you'll still have friends after that. Oh yeah, he doesn't have one! Stupid me! Ok, fine rephrase that. Let's see if you'll still have followers after that. ] Sakuragi stood up. He had a party to go to.
Rukawa's arms were getting stiff from the weight of the trash bin and because he had walked a long distance with him carrying it. He shifted the bin in his arms and tried to see the road ahead of him. [Oh good were almost there.] He thought to himself as Shohoku high school came into view.
"Rukawa-kun, you could drop that off now." Haruko tells him smiling prettily. Rukawa dropped the heavily load off and stretched his arms.
"Is it heavy? I'm sorry about that. But thanks anyway for your help." Haruko tells him her eyes shifting. It was as if she was waiting for someone to appear. [What is happening to her? Is she going nuts? First she asks me to carry that damn heavy, smelly trash bin and now she acts as if she doesn't want to be seen with me? The heck with her?]
Behind Ryota and Mitsui jumped out of a bush and glomped at him genkily.
"Rukawa! Nice to see you! Haven't seen you in the gym for a while!" Ryota told him whilst trying to put his arms around Rukawa's shoulders. He can't of course because Rukawa's much taller than him so instead he ended up punching Rukawa playfully.
Rukawa rolled his eyes in amusement. [What are they up to?] "But senpai, I was there yesterday." He said trough gritted teeth.
"Really? I didn't know that!!! Maybe I didn't see you or something." Ryota said embarrassedly.
"Whatever."
"Rukawa! What's with the attitude? Your senpais just missed you! That's all!!" Mitsui said as he came to Rukawa's side while linking his arms with the taller player. He nodded at Ryota.
"We missed him right?"
"Right!" Ryota replied, he too linked his arms with Rukawa's. The two of them had Rukawa completely covered. Rukawa closed his eyes and groaned. [I had to find Hanamichi but these two airheads....] He opened his eyes as he felt the two tugging him violently.
"Oi! Narcoleptic!!!! Don't sleep on us! We want you to practice with us... You know strategy and stuff for the team." Mitsui said while nodding vigorously.
"Yeah! Please?!!! We need you since you're our ace and all that...."
"Ryota! I'm ace!' Mitsui complained. Ryota shook his head apologetically.
"So you in or not?" The raven haired senpai asks him. He rolled his eyes yet again.
"Whatever." And he allowed himself to be led to the gym.
"Where is Hanamichi?" Yohei asks worriedly to Okhusu. He had made the minor adjustments regarding the film to be shown to Rukawa, but their alternative plan won't work if Sakuragi won't show up. He's been said that Rukawa was on his way to the gym and he doesn't have much time. Yohei looked at his watch. It's been three hours since Noma and Takamiya had set out to find Sakuragi.
"Don't worry. They might be on the way."
"But Rukawa's already here!!" Yohei said back, panicking.
"I know but what can we do?!" Okhusu asks him, his brows knitted with worry. The gym door suddenly opened and Sendoh and a bunch of other players were with him. His eyes widened with shock at the sight.
"What's going on here?" He asks confused.
"Duh! You said it yourself genius! It's a party!!!!" Kiyota said as he marched at the middle of the gym and took in the decorations.
"A little cheesy though. What's with that?" He asks rudely as he points to a life size Rukawa picture. BAM. A gist landed on Kiyota's head as Maki hit him hard.
"Stop that! Were here at their territory so stop being rude!"
"Sorry, senpai." Jin walked in as well his eyes reflecting the red lights.
"Is this party for Rukawa and Sakuragi? Sendoh told us so." He asks Yohei who was shocked beyond recognition. He recovered.
"Yes. But what are you all doing here?"
"Well Sendoh said there's a show or party here of some sort. He said it stars Hanamichi and Rukawa." Jin explained. All people at the gym stared at Sendoh. Sendoh still had his mouth wide open, his eyes wide as saucers and his expression was of pure shock and disappointment.
"Well?" Yohei asks him suspicious.
"Uh. Uh. I have to go now. Bye." Sendoh said as he practically flew out. All of them sweat dropped.
"I knew he was psycho." Kiyota mumbled. Koshino heard it and punched Kiyota hard.
"He is not. And don't let me hear you bad mouth him again or else....." His eyes flashed dangerously at the dumbfounded Kiyota before he turned his back and went after Sendoh.
"Now that's what I call entertainment!" Okhusu commented.
Three girls, or yet, better known as the Rukawa brigade enters the gym looking harried.
"They're almost here. HIDE!!!!" They screamed as all took their respective places.
"Oh no. Hanamichi isn't here yet!" Yohei whispered fiercely at Okhusu. Okhusu just shook his head as he dragged Yohei to a hiding place. All the other Kainan and Ryonan players hid as well.
Rukawa entered the gym his eyes widening in surprise as he took in the decors. All the banners say 'Rukawa welcome to the Shohoku family!!!' His eyes obviously watered. Ryota and Mitsui led him to the couch in front of a large t/v set. The tape was played immediately after he was sat down.
The tape played Rukawa's early years at Tomigoaka high and how he entered Shohoku, his first day at the club and all that other stuff. Suddenly tape was cut off at the middle. The lights went up and Sakuragi was revealed behind the t/v set his eyes full of malice as slung the cord of the t/v.
"Hanamichi."
"Like my surprise kitsune?"
"You did this?" Rukawa said as walked towards Sakuragi. As he was about to reach him Sakuragi slapped his hands away and slapped him hard in the cheek.
"That's for cheating!" He said as he raised his hands yet again and slapped Rukawa again.
"And that's for hurting me so much!" He raised his hands again but Yohei stopped him.
"Stop it Hanamichi. You're just hurting both of yourselves. Stop it now." Sakuragi looked at Rukawa who was slumped to the ground, covering his face. His eyes watered and he cried hard.
"Kit-ki-kitsune?" Rukawa looked up at him his eyes full of hurt.
"I-I'm so-sorry.... I didn't mean it..." He reached out to touch Rukawa. Rukawa looked at him sadly.
"You don't have to.... I know it's my fault. But I just want you to listen to me first. That's all I'm asking." Rukawa stood up and pulled his hands form Sakuragi's.
"I think were not really meant to be. I'm sorry if caused you trouble.... but..." HE paused as he looked at Sakuragi.
"I did love you. It was true and I never lied about that." Rukawa made the move and started to left the gym.
Sakuragi was still undecided. Yohei elbowed him.
"Go after him. He's telling the truth. Besides yore going to regret it if you let him walk away from your life." Sakuragi looked at his friend.
"How can you be sure? I saw them with my own two eyes."
"Just follow your heart. I know you want him and I'll prove his love for you by this." He held out a video tape.
T.b.c