Chapter 12
Koshino didn't know how he can be so mad at anyone. Oh sure he was hot tempered and all that crap, but he didn't mean any of the insults that came flying out of his mouth or the punches or any physical pain he inflicted on whomever poor soul it is. It's just the way he is.
But then that damn, unbearable, wild monkey Kiyota had to bad mouth Sendoh. The only mistake that elite air headed, Kainan player made was to let him hear say that. Of course he'd never let that pass. Never. He could say whatever he wants to whomever he likes but Sendoh.
Koshino stopped for a while to clear the red in his eyes, he can't find Sendoh if he kept gritting about that stupid monkey. [Where could he have gone to?] Koshino asked himself as he looked left and right. No sign of Sendoh anywhere. He creased his forehead thinking. [He couldn't have gone far away.] Koshino thought as he walked down the crowded street. If Sendoh was here, for sure he would miss him. He can't even spot Sakuragi Hanamichi in this crowd, and he is damn noticeable.
[Now where could he go to?] He asked himself as he saw a child with his father carrying a fishing rod and a bucket full fish. Something clicked in his brain. If Sendoh wants to be alone, there is only one place he would go to. You may call it his sanctuary or his meditating place if you will. He can sit there for hours staring at the endless blue sea, pretending to catch fish. As far as Koshino remembers, Sendoh never caught a fish after the long hours he spends there.
With a quick decision, Koshino turned the other way around and made a beeline for the beach. He has to talk to Sendoh. And they're going to talk about something important.
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"Hanamichi? What are you waiting for?" Yohei hissed in the red head's ear, who seems to be immobilized temporarily. His eyes were glazed over and he was looking at the retreating from of Rukawa. Sakuragi made no move to indicate that he had heard Yohei. Yohei elbowed him.
"Ouch! What do you think you're doing?!" Sakuragi screeched as he rubbed his now painful side.
"Aren't you going to follow him?" Yohei looked meaningfully at Rukawa who have now reached the gym doors.
"Why?" Sakuragi said as he crossed his arms.
"What do you mean why?" Yohei asked him incredously. Obviously the loud red head had conked his head one to many times. Yohei wanted to tell him why. It's because he can see that his best friend does indeed love the kitsune. He had never seen him like this before. Not even with Sendoh.
"Why would I follow him? So I would get hurt again? Get real Yohei. I'm not a sadist." Sakuragi sniffed. Mitsui stepped forward.
"I never knew you were such a coward Sakuragi." He said as he appraised Hanamichi from head to toe. Sakuragi blanched.
"What are you talking about Mitchy?!" He demanded as he picked him by the front of his shirt.
"I mean, you're so fucking afraid of the truth! All he's asking is a little time for you to hear his side! Is it too much too ask?" Mitsui said as Sakuragi let go and took a step back. Ryota touched his arm.
"You went through all of these. Planned the party, planned all the little things..... I can see how you truly feel for him. Would you just let him slip through your fingers? It's not too late." Ryota said as he eyes Sakuragi intently. Sakuragi could just stammer. It seems he needs just one more push. Yohei started to move his lips but Kiyota beat him to it.
"Don't tell me that a tensai such as yourself is afraid of rejection?! Wait. You're already rejected! NYAHAHAHA!!!" The wild monkey laughed at the top of his lungs. Sakuragi seemed to snap. His eyes blazing, he turned to Kiyota.
"Wild monkey! What are you doing here?! Did I invite you?" Then he took in the Kainan, Shoyo and Ryonan players.
"W-Wh-What are you doing here?!!! You're not invited! SHOOOOO!!!" Sakuragi said as he shooed the players away.
"Not until you talk to Rukawa." Said Uozomi who had a self satisfied smirk on his face.
"Grrrrr....."
"We know you want to." Jin said winking at Hanamichi.
"Grrrrrr....."
"Oh come on!! This getting old!!! Go NOW!!!!" Akagi said as he shoved Sakuragi out.
"Grrrrr.... Okay! I'll talk to him! All because you forced me to!!" Sakuragi hollered as he broke into a run. He could see the kitsune around the block, already mounting his forgotten bike at school.
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"Sendoh." Koshino whispered as he spotted Sendoh in his usual place. He was not fishing as usual though; Sendoh was walking along the shore with the water lapping gently at his feet. His shoes were discarded where water couldn't get to it. He cut a lonely figure that Koshino felt a tug in his heart.
He removed his own shoes and joined Sendoh quietly. He was walking alongside him in silence. Koshino wanted Sendoh to start the conversation. He wouldn't force him to talk until he's ready. He knew Sendoh all too well that right now, the spiky haired ace player is in a world of his own, trying to figure things out. He'll talk once he gets out of his own little universe.
"Ne, Koshino?" Sendoh started, uncertain.
"What?" Koshino replied unwittingly.
"Am I pathetic?" Sendoh asked bluntly.
"Of course not! What made you say that?!"
"I don't know. But ever since I've been craving for attention." Koshino burrowed his brows. That is so unlike Sendoh. He's like the most popular player in Kanagawa, all thanks to Hikoichi's sister, and gets all kinds of presents and stuff from little fan girls, receives looks of admiration from almost everybody and is secretly envied by most players who don't seem to have talent in playing but he takes all of that in a stride. Plus he had a string of boy... Ummmm... Boyfriends. Like Hanamichi and Rukawa.
"What are you talking about? You are the center of attention. Well.. Almost always." Koshino amended. Sendoh shook his head.
"I'm not talking about fame Koshino. I never cared about it. I just wanted to play." Koshino nodded. Of course. Sendoh's fame never went to his head. He's the same old Sendoh.
"Then what are you talking about?" He asked the spiky haired, taller player.
"Oh, you know. Love. I think I never experienced it." He said as he hung his head low. Well, it's kind of true since Sendoh's parents were always out of town since he was a kid. They get to see each other about once a month. If he's lucky, twice maybe. They were even surprised to learn that their son knew how to play basketball, if not for newspapers, thank god. Sendoh couldn't consider the little trinkets and presents he receives from his parents as love. He wanted to feel it. So maybe that's why all the fuss about having flings. Maybe he's gotten addicted to it. That's why he even two timed that duo. He can't get enough of their attention. Koshino touched Sendoh's arm.
"Oh come on. I'm hurt. Don't you feel that I love you?" Koshino joked lightly. But deep in his heart he knew this is true. Sendoh looked at him and smiled.
"Of course. You were always there for me." He said as he grasped Koshino's hand and the shorter player was a tad surprised. Koshino moved his lips to answer Sendoh but no words came out of his mouth. Sendoh continued.
"You know what? I've been thinking. Hana-kun and Kaede do fit each other ne? Its like they were meant to be together." Koshino snorted. Sendoh laughed softly.
"Maybe I should find someone new." He commented as he looked at the blue water.
"Sendoh." Koshino said warningly. Sendoh laughed again.
"I was just joking! Well maybe not. But you know what?"
"What?!"
"I just realized something."
"What is it?" Koshino sighed. He hated it when Sendoh is being long winded. [I mean why not just go straight to the point? That's where it will eventually lead anyways.] Koshino rolled his eyes at himself.
"I can't live without your support. I don't know why I depend on you too much." Sendoh sighed. He looked at Koshino directly. The passion in Sendoh's eyes caught him off guard. He's never seen Sendoh's eyes that way. He did see it, yes, but it was definitely not directed at him. But now that he did he felt hope.
"But I think I know now. I've been searching for love elsewhere when you're right before my eyes. I'm so stupid." Sendoh said as he kicked some sand. Koshino was speechless. Here he was too tongue tied to say that he feels the same way too. Sendoh looked at him sadly.
"I guess, you'll never want me right? Were just friends?" Koshino still didn't answer. Sendoh was getting discouraged. He was sure that somehow Koshino felt something for him but it seems he was wrong.
"I'm sorry for dumping on you like this. I'm sorry." Sendoh said as he turned and decided to leave. Koshino stared at Sendoh's retreating form, aghast. He started to panic when he still couldn't get words out of his mouth. But then he breathed deeply. He couldn't miss this chance.
"Sendoh." He called out. Sendoh stared at him hopefully.
"I feel the same way too." He whispered. If Sendoh didn't hear him, that's too bad. He couldn't repeat it again. He'd be too embarrassed. But Sendoh's frown turned into a smile. And his turned into one too. They looked at each other completely understanding. No words are needed anymore. Koshino grinned.
"Just don't let me catch you two-time me! Okay?!" Sendoh just laughed.
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"Kistune! Kitsune!" Hanamichi hollered after Rukawa. Thankfully, the raven haired player heard him and stopped pedaling his bike. It's not as if Sakuragi couldn't follow him in his feet but then....
"What?!" Rukawa said softly, not quite meeting Sakuragi's eyes.
"I...I...." Hanamichi stammered at a loss for words. He tried to open his mouth a few times but now words would come out. Rukawa sighed.
"Doaho. Spit it out. You want to say you fucking hate me?! Then say it!!" Rukawa yelled. He had enough of it. Every time he falls for somebody he gets his heart broken. And he's getting sick of it. It's getting tiring, really.
"No!!" Sakuragi yelled back, panicked. He took slow deep breaths and composed himself.
"Kitsune. I do love you. But what about Fujima?! I don't want to be hurt again. If I can't have you wholly then I'd rather not have you." Rukawa's eyes grew wide. The red head did love him, and he's just jealous. But that doesn't mean that what he did was okay right? But Kitsune does love him.... Maybe its worth one more try.....
"I've told you already. He's nothing to me. Well okay. He's my ex. But it's all over. He's the one who can't forget about the past." Rukawa said, his monosyllabic sentencing record, broken.
"But what did I see earlier? You can't say that my eyes are lying." The red head said frowning.
"Nothing's wrong with your eyes. What you see did happen. But he forced himself on me. That's it. You know he's been stalking me these past few days. You were there one time, you know." Sakuragi nodded. Indeed there has been one incident were the two of them were eating at a restaurant and that Shoyo ace kept pestering them.
"Is it true?!" Sakuragi asked Rukawa solemnly.
"If you don't believe me then it's not my problem anymore." Rukawa said as he mounted his bike once again. Sakuragi grabbed the bars and held firm.
"Wait."
"What?!" Rukawa asked irritably.
"I believe you."
"You don't look like it." He said stubbornly.
"Dammit, kitsune! I believe you okay?! Even if I didn't believe you, I still...."
"What?" Rukawa asked gently.
"I still.. I still love you! And I don't want to lose you okay?!" Hanamichi said. Rukawa looked into his doaho's eyes and knew that he is saying the truth. His eyes were radiating with love and understanding. It was as if he were forgiving him for it. But he doesn't have to because there's nothing to forgive. Rukawa's been loyal to his doaho.
"Are you sure?" Hanamichi dropped to his knees.
"Never been so sure. Forgive me for acting like a jerk?" Hanamichi asked. Rukawa looked at him and his puppy dog eyes. How can he say no to that?!
"Of course." He whispered as he unmounted his bike and pulled Hanamichi to give him a hug. Sakuragi returned his hug. He broke out of it and captured Rukawa's lips with his own. He wanted to do that since this morning. It started slowly but then Sakuragi's kisses grew more urgent with passion. He wouldn't stop if it weren't for the laughing sounds. They broke the embrace.
"What the?!" Hanamichi yelled getting royally pissed.
"That would be good for the tape ne?" Yohei said as he and Okhusu clapped each other's back and looking at the camera with a bemused expression in their faces. The Shoyo, Kainan, Ryonan and Shohoku players all laughed gaily.
"What are you doing here?!!!" Sakuragi yelled at the whole lot of them, randomly pinching players and substitutes. He looked like a volcano ready to erupt.
"Cool down saru! We're just here to celebrate your reunion!" Sakuragi looked at the owner of that voice. It was Koshino with one of his rare smiles.
"The party lulled down after you left! Besides you planned it right? It'd be a waste not to continue it. So we thought we should bring the party to you!!!" Sendoh said, appearing at Koshino's side. Sendoh held Koshino's hands, they exchanged meaningful looks. Sakuragi looked at them back and forth, then his braining clicking, smiled.
"Smiley! I see you finally opened your eyes." Hanamichi said while eyeing Koshino. Rukawa had told him that the smiley had some feelings for the Ryonan guard. He's just not aware of it.
"Yeah. Thanks to you." The ace Ryonan player grinned. Rukawa went to Hanamichi and Sendoh who were talking gaily. He snaked his hands on Sakuragi's shoulders.
Sendoh ahemed and he was blushing too. He thinks that this is the right time to ask for forgiveness for the two timing incident. Lonely or not, no one deserves to be treated that way.
"Sorry for you know...." Rukawa just nodded.
"Apology accepted. But we have to thank you too." Sendoh raised his brows.
"If it weren't for your stupidity, me and the doaho would never think of that revenge plot."
"Nyahahahaha!!! That's true!!! It was a brilliant plan isn't?" Sendoh nodded, is smile grim.
"Yeah. You almost made me nuts!"
"Well you deserved it!" The kitsune grinned, also revealing one of his rare, genuine smiles.
"I know. But were still friends, right?" Sendoh said his voice uncertain.
"Nyahahaha. Of course! But if you two timed shorty here...." Sakuragi trailed looking at Koshino.
"Well, you don't need to worry about me. The moment I suspect....." Hiroaki punched Sendoh's arm lightly and looking cross. The four of them laughed completely oblivious to their surrounding. While in the background the players had already passed beers all around getting drunk and happy.
OWARI~
Koshino didn't know how he can be so mad at anyone. Oh sure he was hot tempered and all that crap, but he didn't mean any of the insults that came flying out of his mouth or the punches or any physical pain he inflicted on whomever poor soul it is. It's just the way he is.
But then that damn, unbearable, wild monkey Kiyota had to bad mouth Sendoh. The only mistake that elite air headed, Kainan player made was to let him hear say that. Of course he'd never let that pass. Never. He could say whatever he wants to whomever he likes but Sendoh.
Koshino stopped for a while to clear the red in his eyes, he can't find Sendoh if he kept gritting about that stupid monkey. [Where could he have gone to?] Koshino asked himself as he looked left and right. No sign of Sendoh anywhere. He creased his forehead thinking. [He couldn't have gone far away.] Koshino thought as he walked down the crowded street. If Sendoh was here, for sure he would miss him. He can't even spot Sakuragi Hanamichi in this crowd, and he is damn noticeable.
[Now where could he go to?] He asked himself as he saw a child with his father carrying a fishing rod and a bucket full fish. Something clicked in his brain. If Sendoh wants to be alone, there is only one place he would go to. You may call it his sanctuary or his meditating place if you will. He can sit there for hours staring at the endless blue sea, pretending to catch fish. As far as Koshino remembers, Sendoh never caught a fish after the long hours he spends there.
With a quick decision, Koshino turned the other way around and made a beeline for the beach. He has to talk to Sendoh. And they're going to talk about something important.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hanamichi? What are you waiting for?" Yohei hissed in the red head's ear, who seems to be immobilized temporarily. His eyes were glazed over and he was looking at the retreating from of Rukawa. Sakuragi made no move to indicate that he had heard Yohei. Yohei elbowed him.
"Ouch! What do you think you're doing?!" Sakuragi screeched as he rubbed his now painful side.
"Aren't you going to follow him?" Yohei looked meaningfully at Rukawa who have now reached the gym doors.
"Why?" Sakuragi said as he crossed his arms.
"What do you mean why?" Yohei asked him incredously. Obviously the loud red head had conked his head one to many times. Yohei wanted to tell him why. It's because he can see that his best friend does indeed love the kitsune. He had never seen him like this before. Not even with Sendoh.
"Why would I follow him? So I would get hurt again? Get real Yohei. I'm not a sadist." Sakuragi sniffed. Mitsui stepped forward.
"I never knew you were such a coward Sakuragi." He said as he appraised Hanamichi from head to toe. Sakuragi blanched.
"What are you talking about Mitchy?!" He demanded as he picked him by the front of his shirt.
"I mean, you're so fucking afraid of the truth! All he's asking is a little time for you to hear his side! Is it too much too ask?" Mitsui said as Sakuragi let go and took a step back. Ryota touched his arm.
"You went through all of these. Planned the party, planned all the little things..... I can see how you truly feel for him. Would you just let him slip through your fingers? It's not too late." Ryota said as he eyes Sakuragi intently. Sakuragi could just stammer. It seems he needs just one more push. Yohei started to move his lips but Kiyota beat him to it.
"Don't tell me that a tensai such as yourself is afraid of rejection?! Wait. You're already rejected! NYAHAHAHA!!!" The wild monkey laughed at the top of his lungs. Sakuragi seemed to snap. His eyes blazing, he turned to Kiyota.
"Wild monkey! What are you doing here?! Did I invite you?" Then he took in the Kainan, Shoyo and Ryonan players.
"W-Wh-What are you doing here?!!! You're not invited! SHOOOOO!!!" Sakuragi said as he shooed the players away.
"Not until you talk to Rukawa." Said Uozomi who had a self satisfied smirk on his face.
"Grrrrr....."
"We know you want to." Jin said winking at Hanamichi.
"Grrrrrr....."
"Oh come on!! This getting old!!! Go NOW!!!!" Akagi said as he shoved Sakuragi out.
"Grrrrr.... Okay! I'll talk to him! All because you forced me to!!" Sakuragi hollered as he broke into a run. He could see the kitsune around the block, already mounting his forgotten bike at school.
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"Sendoh." Koshino whispered as he spotted Sendoh in his usual place. He was not fishing as usual though; Sendoh was walking along the shore with the water lapping gently at his feet. His shoes were discarded where water couldn't get to it. He cut a lonely figure that Koshino felt a tug in his heart.
He removed his own shoes and joined Sendoh quietly. He was walking alongside him in silence. Koshino wanted Sendoh to start the conversation. He wouldn't force him to talk until he's ready. He knew Sendoh all too well that right now, the spiky haired ace player is in a world of his own, trying to figure things out. He'll talk once he gets out of his own little universe.
"Ne, Koshino?" Sendoh started, uncertain.
"What?" Koshino replied unwittingly.
"Am I pathetic?" Sendoh asked bluntly.
"Of course not! What made you say that?!"
"I don't know. But ever since I've been craving for attention." Koshino burrowed his brows. That is so unlike Sendoh. He's like the most popular player in Kanagawa, all thanks to Hikoichi's sister, and gets all kinds of presents and stuff from little fan girls, receives looks of admiration from almost everybody and is secretly envied by most players who don't seem to have talent in playing but he takes all of that in a stride. Plus he had a string of boy... Ummmm... Boyfriends. Like Hanamichi and Rukawa.
"What are you talking about? You are the center of attention. Well.. Almost always." Koshino amended. Sendoh shook his head.
"I'm not talking about fame Koshino. I never cared about it. I just wanted to play." Koshino nodded. Of course. Sendoh's fame never went to his head. He's the same old Sendoh.
"Then what are you talking about?" He asked the spiky haired, taller player.
"Oh, you know. Love. I think I never experienced it." He said as he hung his head low. Well, it's kind of true since Sendoh's parents were always out of town since he was a kid. They get to see each other about once a month. If he's lucky, twice maybe. They were even surprised to learn that their son knew how to play basketball, if not for newspapers, thank god. Sendoh couldn't consider the little trinkets and presents he receives from his parents as love. He wanted to feel it. So maybe that's why all the fuss about having flings. Maybe he's gotten addicted to it. That's why he even two timed that duo. He can't get enough of their attention. Koshino touched Sendoh's arm.
"Oh come on. I'm hurt. Don't you feel that I love you?" Koshino joked lightly. But deep in his heart he knew this is true. Sendoh looked at him and smiled.
"Of course. You were always there for me." He said as he grasped Koshino's hand and the shorter player was a tad surprised. Koshino moved his lips to answer Sendoh but no words came out of his mouth. Sendoh continued.
"You know what? I've been thinking. Hana-kun and Kaede do fit each other ne? Its like they were meant to be together." Koshino snorted. Sendoh laughed softly.
"Maybe I should find someone new." He commented as he looked at the blue water.
"Sendoh." Koshino said warningly. Sendoh laughed again.
"I was just joking! Well maybe not. But you know what?"
"What?!"
"I just realized something."
"What is it?" Koshino sighed. He hated it when Sendoh is being long winded. [I mean why not just go straight to the point? That's where it will eventually lead anyways.] Koshino rolled his eyes at himself.
"I can't live without your support. I don't know why I depend on you too much." Sendoh sighed. He looked at Koshino directly. The passion in Sendoh's eyes caught him off guard. He's never seen Sendoh's eyes that way. He did see it, yes, but it was definitely not directed at him. But now that he did he felt hope.
"But I think I know now. I've been searching for love elsewhere when you're right before my eyes. I'm so stupid." Sendoh said as he kicked some sand. Koshino was speechless. Here he was too tongue tied to say that he feels the same way too. Sendoh looked at him sadly.
"I guess, you'll never want me right? Were just friends?" Koshino still didn't answer. Sendoh was getting discouraged. He was sure that somehow Koshino felt something for him but it seems he was wrong.
"I'm sorry for dumping on you like this. I'm sorry." Sendoh said as he turned and decided to leave. Koshino stared at Sendoh's retreating form, aghast. He started to panic when he still couldn't get words out of his mouth. But then he breathed deeply. He couldn't miss this chance.
"Sendoh." He called out. Sendoh stared at him hopefully.
"I feel the same way too." He whispered. If Sendoh didn't hear him, that's too bad. He couldn't repeat it again. He'd be too embarrassed. But Sendoh's frown turned into a smile. And his turned into one too. They looked at each other completely understanding. No words are needed anymore. Koshino grinned.
"Just don't let me catch you two-time me! Okay?!" Sendoh just laughed.
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"Kistune! Kitsune!" Hanamichi hollered after Rukawa. Thankfully, the raven haired player heard him and stopped pedaling his bike. It's not as if Sakuragi couldn't follow him in his feet but then....
"What?!" Rukawa said softly, not quite meeting Sakuragi's eyes.
"I...I...." Hanamichi stammered at a loss for words. He tried to open his mouth a few times but now words would come out. Rukawa sighed.
"Doaho. Spit it out. You want to say you fucking hate me?! Then say it!!" Rukawa yelled. He had enough of it. Every time he falls for somebody he gets his heart broken. And he's getting sick of it. It's getting tiring, really.
"No!!" Sakuragi yelled back, panicked. He took slow deep breaths and composed himself.
"Kitsune. I do love you. But what about Fujima?! I don't want to be hurt again. If I can't have you wholly then I'd rather not have you." Rukawa's eyes grew wide. The red head did love him, and he's just jealous. But that doesn't mean that what he did was okay right? But Kitsune does love him.... Maybe its worth one more try.....
"I've told you already. He's nothing to me. Well okay. He's my ex. But it's all over. He's the one who can't forget about the past." Rukawa said, his monosyllabic sentencing record, broken.
"But what did I see earlier? You can't say that my eyes are lying." The red head said frowning.
"Nothing's wrong with your eyes. What you see did happen. But he forced himself on me. That's it. You know he's been stalking me these past few days. You were there one time, you know." Sakuragi nodded. Indeed there has been one incident were the two of them were eating at a restaurant and that Shoyo ace kept pestering them.
"Is it true?!" Sakuragi asked Rukawa solemnly.
"If you don't believe me then it's not my problem anymore." Rukawa said as he mounted his bike once again. Sakuragi grabbed the bars and held firm.
"Wait."
"What?!" Rukawa asked irritably.
"I believe you."
"You don't look like it." He said stubbornly.
"Dammit, kitsune! I believe you okay?! Even if I didn't believe you, I still...."
"What?" Rukawa asked gently.
"I still.. I still love you! And I don't want to lose you okay?!" Hanamichi said. Rukawa looked into his doaho's eyes and knew that he is saying the truth. His eyes were radiating with love and understanding. It was as if he were forgiving him for it. But he doesn't have to because there's nothing to forgive. Rukawa's been loyal to his doaho.
"Are you sure?" Hanamichi dropped to his knees.
"Never been so sure. Forgive me for acting like a jerk?" Hanamichi asked. Rukawa looked at him and his puppy dog eyes. How can he say no to that?!
"Of course." He whispered as he unmounted his bike and pulled Hanamichi to give him a hug. Sakuragi returned his hug. He broke out of it and captured Rukawa's lips with his own. He wanted to do that since this morning. It started slowly but then Sakuragi's kisses grew more urgent with passion. He wouldn't stop if it weren't for the laughing sounds. They broke the embrace.
"What the?!" Hanamichi yelled getting royally pissed.
"That would be good for the tape ne?" Yohei said as he and Okhusu clapped each other's back and looking at the camera with a bemused expression in their faces. The Shoyo, Kainan, Ryonan and Shohoku players all laughed gaily.
"What are you doing here?!!!" Sakuragi yelled at the whole lot of them, randomly pinching players and substitutes. He looked like a volcano ready to erupt.
"Cool down saru! We're just here to celebrate your reunion!" Sakuragi looked at the owner of that voice. It was Koshino with one of his rare smiles.
"The party lulled down after you left! Besides you planned it right? It'd be a waste not to continue it. So we thought we should bring the party to you!!!" Sendoh said, appearing at Koshino's side. Sendoh held Koshino's hands, they exchanged meaningful looks. Sakuragi looked at them back and forth, then his braining clicking, smiled.
"Smiley! I see you finally opened your eyes." Hanamichi said while eyeing Koshino. Rukawa had told him that the smiley had some feelings for the Ryonan guard. He's just not aware of it.
"Yeah. Thanks to you." The ace Ryonan player grinned. Rukawa went to Hanamichi and Sendoh who were talking gaily. He snaked his hands on Sakuragi's shoulders.
Sendoh ahemed and he was blushing too. He thinks that this is the right time to ask for forgiveness for the two timing incident. Lonely or not, no one deserves to be treated that way.
"Sorry for you know...." Rukawa just nodded.
"Apology accepted. But we have to thank you too." Sendoh raised his brows.
"If it weren't for your stupidity, me and the doaho would never think of that revenge plot."
"Nyahahahaha!!! That's true!!! It was a brilliant plan isn't?" Sendoh nodded, is smile grim.
"Yeah. You almost made me nuts!"
"Well you deserved it!" The kitsune grinned, also revealing one of his rare, genuine smiles.
"I know. But were still friends, right?" Sendoh said his voice uncertain.
"Nyahahaha. Of course! But if you two timed shorty here...." Sakuragi trailed looking at Koshino.
"Well, you don't need to worry about me. The moment I suspect....." Hiroaki punched Sendoh's arm lightly and looking cross. The four of them laughed completely oblivious to their surrounding. While in the background the players had already passed beers all around getting drunk and happy.
OWARI~