Boku-tachi no kisetsu: Our Seasons
By Yukohana
PART 4 Anata no koto zutto miteta: I've been watching you Rukawa-Ame
"Rukawa-Rukawa! L-O-V-E-Rukawa!", the chant that echoed through the small gymnasium of the Shohoku High. At the start, it seemed pretty annoying listening to this squad of girls wearing a cheering uniform specially designed, not for the team but for a particular player, Kaede Rukawa. The latter who never seemed to bother, as if he's playing a one-on-one game in an empty playing floor with the rival zealously running to and fro, arms stretching in front just to prevent him from making any shot.
Last three minutes for the first half to end. The score was 36-34, in favor of Shohoku High. After Rukawa made the first shot, Sendoh matched it with an amazing fade-away shot. Every shot that a team would make, the other will find a way to counterpart it. Five more times have the two aces countered each other. All of those were shots made inside the ring. Mitsui has worked all four outside shots, while Ryotta did all the steals and most of the assists, plus two lay-ups. Captain Akagi has done three dunks, and one for Sakuragi, both fought for the rebounds. Both teams were just full of energies, that even the observers absorb the intensity. I have never watched a game like this before, since I wasn't really interested in basketball until I saw Rukawa's dunk from the basketball court near the train station.
I didn't like basketball before. But now, I do. But why did it seem like basketball hasn't learned to like me yet? Why did I say that? It could have been the best of the best dunks from Sakuragi when Akira managed to block the ball. Uozumi won over the rebound, but Ryotta was able to tap it from his grip. Ryotta was to pass it to Mitsui when Fukuda swiftly caught it. He had second thought after seeing Sakuragi and Captain Akagi towering in front of him. He struggled between the two while looking for someone free of guard from his teammates. Who else did he see, but ace player Akira Sendoh. Running out of time from the shot clock he abruptly passed the ball to Akira, but it was too forceful that it passed over the latter. heading straight towards me. Me?! Oh-no!
I shut my eyes anticipating the hard object to hit me. It's coming. I can sense it. This is bad. This is gonna be pretty humiliating!
WHAM!!!
I didn't feel anything. But I did heard people shriek. I slowly popped my eyes open. I'm still alive, sitting still on my stool, and people, Shohoku players gathered on the side, almost corner of the court.
"Rukawa?!" I heard girls yell his name not in a cheering tone, but in a concerned one.
Ayako rushed to him, "He hurt his knees!" she yelled, as I eyed on Rukawa curled on the floor. Ojii-san stood up and the referee blew his whistle. Injury time-out. "He can't stand. I don't think he can finish the game" said Ayako to the approaching coach.
Miko held to me as we watched the people around panic. I was silently praying that he'd be fine. "He kept the ball from hitting you." She said with complete surprise. Two or three from the team helped Ayako to take Rukawa out the court. "At the locker room" I heard her ordered. I watched them as they walked out the doorway. Rukawa's cheering squad were gone as well, they were doubtlessly gonna follow him.
Ojii-san went back to his seat and the team gathered around. "Kogure." He said. The latter nodded and walked to the officials informing them of the substitution. "Sakuragi." Ojii-san started when Mitsui cut in.
"Let me take care of Sendoh, Coach." He said, as he looked thoughtfully at Akira's location. This is not good. Rukawa was badly hurt, and now Mitsui's gonna face Akira. He's obviously pestered with him. Jealous. No doubt. Because he glares at Akira whenever the latter smiles at Miko after every shot he makes. What if he can't control his temper? He was once a thug before. What if.
"No problem with me. Just leave that curly guy to me! I'm gonna give Fukuda a second half he'll never forget." Sakuragi resolved. A minute to go and the first half will end. Five minutes break before the start of the second half. The players went back to the court and closed the first half with a frustrating score of 36-42.
Still worried, I decided to get some drinks. I bumped into Ayako, Yasuda, Kakuta and Ishii, without Rukawa of course. "How is he?" I asked. Ayako gave me a faint smile in reply. "Where is he?"
"At the locker room. First room to the right. But."
"I'll just check on him." I pleaded.
"I don't think so. I would rather not if I were you." Ayako advised. "He'll be fine. Don't worry." She assured me. The three companions nodded.
"Ok." I answered wryly with a long sigh. Blankly, I started to walk away from them. I was thinking of getting a drink anyway, and go back to the court. But then again, my heart was shouting so loud that I should check on Rukawa. He's not gonna eat me, would he? I turned back to Ayako, Yasuda, Kakuta and Ishii, they were already out of sight. After confirming this, I started to march to the direction Ayako has given.
I pushed the door open and slowly walked in. There he was Shohoku's ace player sitting on the floor with a pack of ice placed on top of his swollen knees. He was casually leaning on the wall, eyes shut. And although he doesn't show it, I can sense the pain he was feeling. I can hear his cry, his agony, and most of all, his frustration and yearning of coming back to the court and beating Ryonan High's Akira Sendoh.
I mused at his restful semblance. Pride. Goal. Desire. Passion. One, two, three, or probably all of these make up Kaede Rukawa and his strength.
He must have heard me sigh, although I could swear it was as soft as the gushing breeze, as he opened his eyes and quickly gave me a glance before turning his gaze to a very interesting something at the ceiling.
"Is there anything you need? Anything I can get you?" No reply but a soft grunt. Pain? Irritation? "Is there." I was ready to repeat the question.
"No. Thanks." He did not even bother to look at me. It was a direct answer.
But he did not look like he'll be okay if I will leave him. Ayako left him after treating him. Maybe because he wanted to be alone. That's a good point. But what if he would need something? No matter how hard he'll shout, he wouldn't be heard. Aside from the fact that he's at the locker room, a game is being held at the gym and people are cheering and screaming their lungs off. Well, it's not like he's gonna die because of a knee injury right? Another good point! The only way to find out is to confirm if he "really" wants to be alone.
"Are you sure? Because."
"I can manage."
Okay! Fine! He didn't have to be "that" rude! I'm leaving! I am. Really! Here I go. I'm gonna start walking to the door already. I'm going to take my first step to turn my back on him. I'm leaving! I repeat. I'm leaving.
Okay, what's wrong? Why can't I leave? Am I waiting for him to stop me? As if!!! But I don't want to leave him. I want to stay.
His stone-still reaction somehow shoves me to walk out the door. This is against my will, but I'm not gonna push my self to this stubborn guy. "Okay" I said. A little tone of disappointment added just to make him feel guilty for being cold and throwing me out!
I slowly walked my way out with the last image of him leaning on the wall, eyes shut. Outside, I took a heavy sigh. Three more minutes to go and the second half will start. The crowd would surely be less loud, since there's no one for the cheering squad out there to support. I doubt if they'll even return to watch the game. I'm not as interested myself. I think I'll just stay here, so if this snub guy would need anything someone can easily attend to him.
I leaned on the wall and tediously slid my back downwards until I'm on a sitting position. And so, I waited. and waited. and waited. almost feeling dizzy, until I heard the whistle from the court, signaling the start of the second half. Seconds after, I heard a loud bang from the room. I stormed inside and found out Rukawa lying face-flat on the floor, groaning in pain.
I hurried to him, "What were you thinking?!" half panicking and half concerned. He replied with a much louder groan as I moved him to lie on his back. His face showed a total wretchedness. I reached for the ice pack and placed it on his knees. "What are you doing Rukawa?!"
"What are YOU doing? I can manage." He bickered, still catching his breath.
"What a nice way to say 'thank you'. But you're welcome anyway!"
Silence. More Silence. And even more Silence. It was correspondingly deafening.
"Your knees are still bloated. How are they feeling?" Another of Rukawa's favorite reply-SILENCE. Okay, so they hurt of course! Suddenly he was struggling and trying to get up. "What now?!" I protested.
His bones and muscles seem to protest with me as I noticed them shaking. Beads of liquids forming all over him. What a jerk! In spite of his condition, he still wants to be by himself. "Ack!" a cry that was somehow restrained just to prove that he is painless and he can do it. whatever that "it" is.
I shook my head, worry and exasperation fill in me. I took Rukawa's hands to pull him up, he was about to object when I raised my eyebrow and gave him the "impatient" look. "No man is an island, haven't you ever heard of that? Umph!" Well, he was heavy! "Besides, it's not like I'm gonna shout to the whole world how I helped you, Kaede Rukawa, the ace player of Shohoku High!" I somehow managed to return him to his position before I left a while ago. "I'm not gonna earn anything out of that, would I?" I continued as I placed the ice pack back on his knees. "Not a single yen!" I grabbed a towel from a bag, which I believe is his. "I'm not gonna be honored for that! Not even a compliment. And even if there will be "some" compliments, before I could hear them, I probably have migrated to somewhere faraway!" I started to wipe his dampness on the head, arms, legs. "Why? Well. YOUR fan club has probably sent millions of threats to me." My intolerant mood made me declaim non-stop, until I wasn't aware of what I was saying. "And don't think that I'm eager to help you because I'm one of them! Well. I do cheer for you! But never would I be dressed the way they are! And I'm not gonna yell that stupid cheer!"
I gave him a quick glare. Was that as smile formed on his lips? I'm not gonna look again. Suddenly, it felt like my cheeks were burning. "Why are you trying to get up anyway? You're gonna go back to game and be the expected hero?"
He gave out a long and heavy sigh. I looked up at him again only to find out a somehow amused look on his face. A faint smile formed on his lips, yep, confirmed. And he was shaking his head. I gave him my "what's-that- face?" questioning look. He snickered, "Do you still breath with that rapid speech?"
"Oh. I forgot. I hope you can forgive me!" I replied sarcastically, halfway to annoyance.
Again, silence filled the room. Maybe I acted rude. He was actually smiling at me already and I scorned him. Okay, I feel bad already! Do I owe him an apology? And maybe start a conversation. Why not? Maybe this is the right time to get to know the real Kaede Rukawa.
"Sorry." I was dazed when I realized we both uttered the word.
"You annoy me." I said.
"The feeling is mutual." He retorted.
"But it's okay. At least you're speaking now. plus you're smiling too!" He laughed softly. It was like I'm listening to my favorite music. "You should do that more often. the laughing thing. y'know." I pulled my legs to my chest and hugged my knees. "Thanks, by the way." I said as I bowed my head slightly so that he would not notice my burning cheeks.
"For what?"
"For stopping the ball from hitting me. That's why you hurt your knees, right?"
"I was after the possession of the ball."
"I'm sorry anyway." I was somehow disappointed with the answer. Nevertheless, it's better than silence. "You want to beat Akira. I can see through your eyes, the way you take the game seriously and even in your voice. Why?"
"Hn."
"I mean. there must be a weighty reason for that. Most of the players would want to for popularity, maybe some for money, others just to prove something. What is your reason?"
"Why would you want to know?"
Geez. Why would he want to know why I want to know? I don't know! "I. I. Nothing." Nothing. Because I'm bored and we need a topic? Why did I even think of asking that kind of question? Like I'm his confidant for him to answer that. Okay. Maybe I should think of a lighter topic. Think. Think.
"Coach Anzai told me, to be able to fulfill my dream of going to America, I should be Japan's #1 first. I don't just want to beat Sendoh. I want to go to America and play basketball." He explained as he stared at his knees.
"Oh." That's the best reply I was able to make for that second. How could I react? I just gave up the question.
"America." I mumbled. "I don't really like there. My Ottou-san is there, for work. For work, that's what I was told." He kept silent, just the way I wanted him to be. Since I've started voicing out my sentimental thoughts, all I want was someone who would listen. "I was eight when he left. He never came back. even for a visit. never. There are letters, cards, packages, pictures. he doesn't miss sending money. but he's just not. here." Why am I saying these to him? As if I can make him change his biggest dream. as if I can make him stay.
I kept my head bowed, but I can feel that he's watching me.
Silence once again.
Whew! So, this is MY chapter!!! Miko, hang in there! The love triangle between you, Mit-chin and Sendoh is up next! In the meantime, enjoy ours. LOL. I'm rushing things a little. When classes resume I might not be able to sit in front of the PC for fic updates. Thanks for the reviews! Keep them coming!!! ( Disclaimers: Inoue Takehiko created Slam Dunk. yada. yada. Miko and Ame are mine.mine I tell you. MINE!!! Mwahahaha!!! Happy Halloween to all!
PART 4 Anata no koto zutto miteta: I've been watching you Rukawa-Ame
"Rukawa-Rukawa! L-O-V-E-Rukawa!", the chant that echoed through the small gymnasium of the Shohoku High. At the start, it seemed pretty annoying listening to this squad of girls wearing a cheering uniform specially designed, not for the team but for a particular player, Kaede Rukawa. The latter who never seemed to bother, as if he's playing a one-on-one game in an empty playing floor with the rival zealously running to and fro, arms stretching in front just to prevent him from making any shot.
Last three minutes for the first half to end. The score was 36-34, in favor of Shohoku High. After Rukawa made the first shot, Sendoh matched it with an amazing fade-away shot. Every shot that a team would make, the other will find a way to counterpart it. Five more times have the two aces countered each other. All of those were shots made inside the ring. Mitsui has worked all four outside shots, while Ryotta did all the steals and most of the assists, plus two lay-ups. Captain Akagi has done three dunks, and one for Sakuragi, both fought for the rebounds. Both teams were just full of energies, that even the observers absorb the intensity. I have never watched a game like this before, since I wasn't really interested in basketball until I saw Rukawa's dunk from the basketball court near the train station.
I didn't like basketball before. But now, I do. But why did it seem like basketball hasn't learned to like me yet? Why did I say that? It could have been the best of the best dunks from Sakuragi when Akira managed to block the ball. Uozumi won over the rebound, but Ryotta was able to tap it from his grip. Ryotta was to pass it to Mitsui when Fukuda swiftly caught it. He had second thought after seeing Sakuragi and Captain Akagi towering in front of him. He struggled between the two while looking for someone free of guard from his teammates. Who else did he see, but ace player Akira Sendoh. Running out of time from the shot clock he abruptly passed the ball to Akira, but it was too forceful that it passed over the latter. heading straight towards me. Me?! Oh-no!
I shut my eyes anticipating the hard object to hit me. It's coming. I can sense it. This is bad. This is gonna be pretty humiliating!
WHAM!!!
I didn't feel anything. But I did heard people shriek. I slowly popped my eyes open. I'm still alive, sitting still on my stool, and people, Shohoku players gathered on the side, almost corner of the court.
"Rukawa?!" I heard girls yell his name not in a cheering tone, but in a concerned one.
Ayako rushed to him, "He hurt his knees!" she yelled, as I eyed on Rukawa curled on the floor. Ojii-san stood up and the referee blew his whistle. Injury time-out. "He can't stand. I don't think he can finish the game" said Ayako to the approaching coach.
Miko held to me as we watched the people around panic. I was silently praying that he'd be fine. "He kept the ball from hitting you." She said with complete surprise. Two or three from the team helped Ayako to take Rukawa out the court. "At the locker room" I heard her ordered. I watched them as they walked out the doorway. Rukawa's cheering squad were gone as well, they were doubtlessly gonna follow him.
Ojii-san went back to his seat and the team gathered around. "Kogure." He said. The latter nodded and walked to the officials informing them of the substitution. "Sakuragi." Ojii-san started when Mitsui cut in.
"Let me take care of Sendoh, Coach." He said, as he looked thoughtfully at Akira's location. This is not good. Rukawa was badly hurt, and now Mitsui's gonna face Akira. He's obviously pestered with him. Jealous. No doubt. Because he glares at Akira whenever the latter smiles at Miko after every shot he makes. What if he can't control his temper? He was once a thug before. What if.
"No problem with me. Just leave that curly guy to me! I'm gonna give Fukuda a second half he'll never forget." Sakuragi resolved. A minute to go and the first half will end. Five minutes break before the start of the second half. The players went back to the court and closed the first half with a frustrating score of 36-42.
Still worried, I decided to get some drinks. I bumped into Ayako, Yasuda, Kakuta and Ishii, without Rukawa of course. "How is he?" I asked. Ayako gave me a faint smile in reply. "Where is he?"
"At the locker room. First room to the right. But."
"I'll just check on him." I pleaded.
"I don't think so. I would rather not if I were you." Ayako advised. "He'll be fine. Don't worry." She assured me. The three companions nodded.
"Ok." I answered wryly with a long sigh. Blankly, I started to walk away from them. I was thinking of getting a drink anyway, and go back to the court. But then again, my heart was shouting so loud that I should check on Rukawa. He's not gonna eat me, would he? I turned back to Ayako, Yasuda, Kakuta and Ishii, they were already out of sight. After confirming this, I started to march to the direction Ayako has given.
I pushed the door open and slowly walked in. There he was Shohoku's ace player sitting on the floor with a pack of ice placed on top of his swollen knees. He was casually leaning on the wall, eyes shut. And although he doesn't show it, I can sense the pain he was feeling. I can hear his cry, his agony, and most of all, his frustration and yearning of coming back to the court and beating Ryonan High's Akira Sendoh.
I mused at his restful semblance. Pride. Goal. Desire. Passion. One, two, three, or probably all of these make up Kaede Rukawa and his strength.
He must have heard me sigh, although I could swear it was as soft as the gushing breeze, as he opened his eyes and quickly gave me a glance before turning his gaze to a very interesting something at the ceiling.
"Is there anything you need? Anything I can get you?" No reply but a soft grunt. Pain? Irritation? "Is there." I was ready to repeat the question.
"No. Thanks." He did not even bother to look at me. It was a direct answer.
But he did not look like he'll be okay if I will leave him. Ayako left him after treating him. Maybe because he wanted to be alone. That's a good point. But what if he would need something? No matter how hard he'll shout, he wouldn't be heard. Aside from the fact that he's at the locker room, a game is being held at the gym and people are cheering and screaming their lungs off. Well, it's not like he's gonna die because of a knee injury right? Another good point! The only way to find out is to confirm if he "really" wants to be alone.
"Are you sure? Because."
"I can manage."
Okay! Fine! He didn't have to be "that" rude! I'm leaving! I am. Really! Here I go. I'm gonna start walking to the door already. I'm going to take my first step to turn my back on him. I'm leaving! I repeat. I'm leaving.
Okay, what's wrong? Why can't I leave? Am I waiting for him to stop me? As if!!! But I don't want to leave him. I want to stay.
His stone-still reaction somehow shoves me to walk out the door. This is against my will, but I'm not gonna push my self to this stubborn guy. "Okay" I said. A little tone of disappointment added just to make him feel guilty for being cold and throwing me out!
I slowly walked my way out with the last image of him leaning on the wall, eyes shut. Outside, I took a heavy sigh. Three more minutes to go and the second half will start. The crowd would surely be less loud, since there's no one for the cheering squad out there to support. I doubt if they'll even return to watch the game. I'm not as interested myself. I think I'll just stay here, so if this snub guy would need anything someone can easily attend to him.
I leaned on the wall and tediously slid my back downwards until I'm on a sitting position. And so, I waited. and waited. and waited. almost feeling dizzy, until I heard the whistle from the court, signaling the start of the second half. Seconds after, I heard a loud bang from the room. I stormed inside and found out Rukawa lying face-flat on the floor, groaning in pain.
I hurried to him, "What were you thinking?!" half panicking and half concerned. He replied with a much louder groan as I moved him to lie on his back. His face showed a total wretchedness. I reached for the ice pack and placed it on his knees. "What are you doing Rukawa?!"
"What are YOU doing? I can manage." He bickered, still catching his breath.
"What a nice way to say 'thank you'. But you're welcome anyway!"
Silence. More Silence. And even more Silence. It was correspondingly deafening.
"Your knees are still bloated. How are they feeling?" Another of Rukawa's favorite reply-SILENCE. Okay, so they hurt of course! Suddenly he was struggling and trying to get up. "What now?!" I protested.
His bones and muscles seem to protest with me as I noticed them shaking. Beads of liquids forming all over him. What a jerk! In spite of his condition, he still wants to be by himself. "Ack!" a cry that was somehow restrained just to prove that he is painless and he can do it. whatever that "it" is.
I shook my head, worry and exasperation fill in me. I took Rukawa's hands to pull him up, he was about to object when I raised my eyebrow and gave him the "impatient" look. "No man is an island, haven't you ever heard of that? Umph!" Well, he was heavy! "Besides, it's not like I'm gonna shout to the whole world how I helped you, Kaede Rukawa, the ace player of Shohoku High!" I somehow managed to return him to his position before I left a while ago. "I'm not gonna earn anything out of that, would I?" I continued as I placed the ice pack back on his knees. "Not a single yen!" I grabbed a towel from a bag, which I believe is his. "I'm not gonna be honored for that! Not even a compliment. And even if there will be "some" compliments, before I could hear them, I probably have migrated to somewhere faraway!" I started to wipe his dampness on the head, arms, legs. "Why? Well. YOUR fan club has probably sent millions of threats to me." My intolerant mood made me declaim non-stop, until I wasn't aware of what I was saying. "And don't think that I'm eager to help you because I'm one of them! Well. I do cheer for you! But never would I be dressed the way they are! And I'm not gonna yell that stupid cheer!"
I gave him a quick glare. Was that as smile formed on his lips? I'm not gonna look again. Suddenly, it felt like my cheeks were burning. "Why are you trying to get up anyway? You're gonna go back to game and be the expected hero?"
He gave out a long and heavy sigh. I looked up at him again only to find out a somehow amused look on his face. A faint smile formed on his lips, yep, confirmed. And he was shaking his head. I gave him my "what's-that- face?" questioning look. He snickered, "Do you still breath with that rapid speech?"
"Oh. I forgot. I hope you can forgive me!" I replied sarcastically, halfway to annoyance.
Again, silence filled the room. Maybe I acted rude. He was actually smiling at me already and I scorned him. Okay, I feel bad already! Do I owe him an apology? And maybe start a conversation. Why not? Maybe this is the right time to get to know the real Kaede Rukawa.
"Sorry." I was dazed when I realized we both uttered the word.
"You annoy me." I said.
"The feeling is mutual." He retorted.
"But it's okay. At least you're speaking now. plus you're smiling too!" He laughed softly. It was like I'm listening to my favorite music. "You should do that more often. the laughing thing. y'know." I pulled my legs to my chest and hugged my knees. "Thanks, by the way." I said as I bowed my head slightly so that he would not notice my burning cheeks.
"For what?"
"For stopping the ball from hitting me. That's why you hurt your knees, right?"
"I was after the possession of the ball."
"I'm sorry anyway." I was somehow disappointed with the answer. Nevertheless, it's better than silence. "You want to beat Akira. I can see through your eyes, the way you take the game seriously and even in your voice. Why?"
"Hn."
"I mean. there must be a weighty reason for that. Most of the players would want to for popularity, maybe some for money, others just to prove something. What is your reason?"
"Why would you want to know?"
Geez. Why would he want to know why I want to know? I don't know! "I. I. Nothing." Nothing. Because I'm bored and we need a topic? Why did I even think of asking that kind of question? Like I'm his confidant for him to answer that. Okay. Maybe I should think of a lighter topic. Think. Think.
"Coach Anzai told me, to be able to fulfill my dream of going to America, I should be Japan's #1 first. I don't just want to beat Sendoh. I want to go to America and play basketball." He explained as he stared at his knees.
"Oh." That's the best reply I was able to make for that second. How could I react? I just gave up the question.
"America." I mumbled. "I don't really like there. My Ottou-san is there, for work. For work, that's what I was told." He kept silent, just the way I wanted him to be. Since I've started voicing out my sentimental thoughts, all I want was someone who would listen. "I was eight when he left. He never came back. even for a visit. never. There are letters, cards, packages, pictures. he doesn't miss sending money. but he's just not. here." Why am I saying these to him? As if I can make him change his biggest dream. as if I can make him stay.
I kept my head bowed, but I can feel that he's watching me.
Silence once again.
Whew! So, this is MY chapter!!! Miko, hang in there! The love triangle between you, Mit-chin and Sendoh is up next! In the meantime, enjoy ours. LOL. I'm rushing things a little. When classes resume I might not be able to sit in front of the PC for fic updates. Thanks for the reviews! Keep them coming!!! ( Disclaimers: Inoue Takehiko created Slam Dunk. yada. yada. Miko and Ame are mine.mine I tell you. MINE!!! Mwahahaha!!! Happy Halloween to all!