Boku-tachi no kisetsu: Our Seasons
By Yukohana
PART5 Tachihadakaru omae taosu dake: I'm only gonna beat you Sendoh-Miko-Mitsui
While people were cheering their breaths out, Rukawa and I shared the past five minutes with a deafening silence. He kept on sighing as he eyed his knees. I can sense how much he wanted to go back to the game. at least watch it. I shook my head as I silently thought 'just a proof that basketball is his true love'. Somehow I didn't notice that my thoughts led me into making a smirk.
Rukawa looked at me, questioningly. I shook my head, "Nothing. something I remembered."
"Why are you staying here with me?" he asked as he withdrew his quizzical stare. "Aren't you going to watch the rest of the game?"
"Nah." I answered flatly. "No one to cheer for anymore." I reasoned out in a jerking tone.
Suddenly, the crowd went louder. then louder. then louder. as if inviting us to go out and check the sensational game. We turned to each other as though our minds were conversing throughout the silence.
'I want to check out the game' 'I do too. really bad.' 'Let us?' 'How?'
"Are they that bad? Can't you really stand?" I broke the silence and queried referring to his injured knees.
"We wouldn't know if we wouldn't try," he said as he tried to pull himself once again in spite of the tormenting pain. I dashed to his assistance as I pulled him up and hooked his arms around my neck. "Ack!" he crooned while his weight started to settle on me. I zipped my mouth from producing any sound of protest, letting him execute on balancing his stand, which he successfully did, though he had said almost all curse words known to man.
Cautiously, we walked out heading to the court to witness the game. Ayako would most likely kill us for doing this stupidity of forcing Rukawa's knees even if it's obviously swelling. Captain Akagi of course and Ojii-san himself. What the heck?! We're already halfway to the entrance, it'll be a sick idea to back out.
The scoreboard was the first thing I checked on as we stepped inside. 40- 48, A very close game indeed.
"Rukawa's okay!" I heard one of the girls from the crow yelled. And out of nowhere Rukawa's cheering crowd appeared, chanting their ever-famous cheer. "Rukawa-Rukawa. L-O-V-E-Rukawa!!!" And of course, the attention was drawn to us, but not for long. not after Akira dunked the ball right in front of Sakuragi, Captain Akagi, and Mitsui's faces.
As Akira ran past us, he quickly gave me, or was it to Rukawa, a cocky grin forming a V sign with his index and middle fingers. then to Miko. I heard my companion grunt and mumble 'Sendoh' while Mitsui was red-hot glaring at Ryonan's ace player.
Ojii-san stood up for a time-out. As the players gathered together, we managed to join with them, Yasuda and Ishii took Rukawa from me and seated him on the bench where the other players were. While, as expected, Ayako and Captain Akagi gave their own sermons to us separately. I somehow found a chance to abscond from what else they have to say and reunite myself with Miko, who was giving me an intriguing look. We giggled.
We heard Captain Akagi telling Mitsui to leave Sendoh to Sakuragi, but Mitsui was determined and it seemed like nothing and no one can take his position of fronting Ryonan's ace.
The game resumed. Shohoku's possession. The players ran around each other on the other half of the court. Passing the ball to anyone whom is off guard. They have just played four minutes out of the ten minutes second half and as what Miko has told me, Mistui hasn't made a single point yet.
"He seemed pretty bothered. I dunno." she added.
Maybe he was. If my deductions were right, everytime Akira makes a shot - he gives Miko either a grin or a peace sign, or both. And everytime he does that - Mitsui's temper seems to rise as his eyebrows does. He is, as clear as crystal, jealous of the attention Akira gets from Miko. that's why he wanted to 'at least' beat him in this game. At least? I wonder what he can do at most. gather his thugs and beat the poor guy up? Heh! I'm thinking too much!
Shortly, the temperature at the court started to rise up. Sakuragi showed up his hidden skills that amazed the people at the gym: rebounds, lay-ups, free throws, fakes, and the favorite slam dunk! Captain Akagi's rebounds and his 'gorilla dunk', Ryotta's out of nowhere sneaks, Kogure's unpredictable jump shots. they all made the Shohoku bench go wild. But most of all. Mitsui's struggle against Akira Sendoh.
"I'm gonna beat you. I'm only gonna beat you." I heard Mitsui snapped at Akira when they were pushing each other's body with their tight defense.
As light as a feather, Akira leapt in front of Mitsui and released the ball for a perfect lay-up. He landed perfectly with a smirk on his face. Perhaps aware of the reason for Mitsui's behavior, he grinned at Miko once more just to taunt the poor guy. "That's for you!" he said pointing her with his index as he ran past us.
Miko blushed, but eyeing at a screwed up seeming of the former MVP, her smile faded. I can see through her eyes a concerned expression. "I know he can do it." She murmured. The players continued to push and shove each other at the court. Time ticked fast. The scoreboard at first glance showed a 58-65, at second it has been 69-67, then 72-70. Now, it's a 75 all game. The first time that the teams' score tied.
One last minute and the game will end. Will there be an over time? Will Ryonan's ace seize victory for his team? Or will any of the Shohoku play as the unexpected hero? "Urgh!" Why does Ojii-san have to call a time-out at the peak of a game like this?!
Mitsui seemed to be losing his temper. His flaring stare on Akira is becoming scarier at each passing minute. There's a resounding tension between them. I've been sensing that since the start of the second half. Maybe Ojii-san perceived that as well. He wouldn't call a time-out for no reason at all.
Once again, the game continued. Sakuragi was keen enough to be able to grab the ball from Fukuda. Every player from each corner of the court was demanding for the ball. Spotting a free from guard Captain Akagi, Hanamichi threw the ball with all his might. Much to everyone's dismay (most especially Rukawa's) Sakuragi exerted too much effort on tossing the ball. It barely touched the tips of Akagi's fingers, as it flew directly to our direction.
Not again!!!
But this time, it looked as though Miko was it's perfect aim.
Now I wonder. Was there something bad we did to Ojii-san that he gave this seat to us?
Luckily for Miko, a knight in shining armor at the character of Akira Sendoh dove over the ball even before it hit her. Well. the ball didn't hit Miko. Sendoh did.
Everyone's mouth fell open, as the two figures lying on the floor turned crimson red in humiliation. Miko was lying on her back while the popular ace on top of her. and their lips attached.
Another figure standing at the side watched in full horror. His face was a shade of bright red but not in humiliation, but in anger and jealousy.
Mitsui vaulted to Akira and grabbed him by his jersey. "What are you doing?!" he barked. He pulled him away from a dumbfounded Miko, and pushed him violently.
"I kept the ball from hitting her, baka!" he nudged him back.
"You're taking advantage!" Mitsui answered, keeping a glare on Akira.
"What are you saying?!" Akira punched Mitsui slightly on the chest.
He didn't like it of course. He aggressively punched back. Both teams surrounded the two, trying to stop whatever chaos was about to start. "You know for sure what I'm saying! You've been eyeing her! Waiting for that chance!"
Even the referee went in the middle to stop the two, only to be nudged by one of the players, "Stop this now!" he ordered, biting his lips impatiently.
While Akira's calm attitude gradually comes back, Mitsui's temper flared up even more. "Don't order me what to do!" he shouted back and pushed the referee roughly.
Before he knew it, a whistle was blown and a technical foul was called against him. To keep Mitsui from making further assaults, Sakuragi and Ryotta assisted him to the bench. He was seated next to Rukawa who kept silent as he watched Akira do the free throw.
This time the lead was back to Ryonan by one point. Thirty seconds on the shot clock. Ryonan's ball possession.
Tears were building up on Mitsui's eyes. "Gomen nasai, Coach Anzai." He mumbled.
Ojii-san went up to him, "It's not yet too late Mitsui. There's still thirty seconds." He proclaimed, with an unbelievably soothing tone any coach can address to a player who had almost ruin the game.
Mistui stood up. "I'm only gonna beat him" he said as he walked back to the court.
"Mit-chin." a familiar voice stopped him. "Win this game." Miko beamed and gave Mitsui a 'thumb's up' sign.
He nodded, but still wore the same determined look on his face. He marched to the court and the shot clock started to run again.
30.29.28.27.26.25.24.23.22.21.Ryonan kept on passing the ball to each player. Ikegami to Fukuda to Sendoh to Uozumi to Koshiro who kept on dribbling the ball, wasting the rest of the time before making a move and leaving no time left for the other team to square the game.
Finally, Koshiro tossed the ball to Sendoh who positioned himself outside the two-point area. Aiming positively for a three-point shot with only 11 seconds on the time left. It was a sure win for Ryonan. Everybody knows how unstoppable Akira Sendoh is. He has never lost a basket wherever part of the court he stands. Releasing swiftly the ball from is grip, everyone watched it as it danced in the air, as if rejoicing a well-earned victory. My heartbeat nearly stopped.
SMASH!!!
The next thing I knew, the ball was rolling on the floor, Akira stood startled. As Mitsui's weight returned to the ground, Shohoku High students couldn't help but roar!
"GO Mit-chiiiiiiiiiinnnnn!!!!" Even I couldn't help but cheer the guy!
Ryotta snatched the ball and passed it to Kogure.
8.7.6.5.
Spinning around, Kogure immediately released the ball from his grip when Ikegami and Fukuda ran to double-team him.
4.3.
The ball landed on to Mitsui's hand, who was positioned on the three-point area, and whose guard, Akira Sendoh was out of sight, struggling to get away from Sakuragi and Captain Akagi.
2.
Mitsui casually threw the ball into the air. Time stopped as we watched the round object approach the ring.
The ring made a silent clamor when the ball touched its surface. It played around the hoop.around and around.. leaving the crowd anticipating a win of Shohoku by a point.
But Mitsui's closed fist wasn't raised into the air like the way he does after a three point shot during practices. He kept his hands by his side. his fist tightly closed. his lips pressed against each other. his eyes misty.
He knew.
It was a.
MISS!
The banging sound made by the ball, that just touched the wooden floor of the gymnasium, fought with the rejoicing screams of the team that just won. While the soft sobbing of the guy standing in the middle kept unheard, but it echoed through both mine and Miko's ears as we stared at each other.
Waaaaaahhhh. finally. sorry for keeping yah waitin' for this chapter Miko! It's all because of the sleepless nights loaded with school works (like I'm really doing them!). and I'm saying this now- it might take another couple of months for an update. sorry for that, in advance!
anyways, I don't own Slam Dunk.
reviews pls.
PART5 Tachihadakaru omae taosu dake: I'm only gonna beat you Sendoh-Miko-Mitsui
While people were cheering their breaths out, Rukawa and I shared the past five minutes with a deafening silence. He kept on sighing as he eyed his knees. I can sense how much he wanted to go back to the game. at least watch it. I shook my head as I silently thought 'just a proof that basketball is his true love'. Somehow I didn't notice that my thoughts led me into making a smirk.
Rukawa looked at me, questioningly. I shook my head, "Nothing. something I remembered."
"Why are you staying here with me?" he asked as he withdrew his quizzical stare. "Aren't you going to watch the rest of the game?"
"Nah." I answered flatly. "No one to cheer for anymore." I reasoned out in a jerking tone.
Suddenly, the crowd went louder. then louder. then louder. as if inviting us to go out and check the sensational game. We turned to each other as though our minds were conversing throughout the silence.
'I want to check out the game' 'I do too. really bad.' 'Let us?' 'How?'
"Are they that bad? Can't you really stand?" I broke the silence and queried referring to his injured knees.
"We wouldn't know if we wouldn't try," he said as he tried to pull himself once again in spite of the tormenting pain. I dashed to his assistance as I pulled him up and hooked his arms around my neck. "Ack!" he crooned while his weight started to settle on me. I zipped my mouth from producing any sound of protest, letting him execute on balancing his stand, which he successfully did, though he had said almost all curse words known to man.
Cautiously, we walked out heading to the court to witness the game. Ayako would most likely kill us for doing this stupidity of forcing Rukawa's knees even if it's obviously swelling. Captain Akagi of course and Ojii-san himself. What the heck?! We're already halfway to the entrance, it'll be a sick idea to back out.
The scoreboard was the first thing I checked on as we stepped inside. 40- 48, A very close game indeed.
"Rukawa's okay!" I heard one of the girls from the crow yelled. And out of nowhere Rukawa's cheering crowd appeared, chanting their ever-famous cheer. "Rukawa-Rukawa. L-O-V-E-Rukawa!!!" And of course, the attention was drawn to us, but not for long. not after Akira dunked the ball right in front of Sakuragi, Captain Akagi, and Mitsui's faces.
As Akira ran past us, he quickly gave me, or was it to Rukawa, a cocky grin forming a V sign with his index and middle fingers. then to Miko. I heard my companion grunt and mumble 'Sendoh' while Mitsui was red-hot glaring at Ryonan's ace player.
Ojii-san stood up for a time-out. As the players gathered together, we managed to join with them, Yasuda and Ishii took Rukawa from me and seated him on the bench where the other players were. While, as expected, Ayako and Captain Akagi gave their own sermons to us separately. I somehow found a chance to abscond from what else they have to say and reunite myself with Miko, who was giving me an intriguing look. We giggled.
We heard Captain Akagi telling Mitsui to leave Sendoh to Sakuragi, but Mitsui was determined and it seemed like nothing and no one can take his position of fronting Ryonan's ace.
The game resumed. Shohoku's possession. The players ran around each other on the other half of the court. Passing the ball to anyone whom is off guard. They have just played four minutes out of the ten minutes second half and as what Miko has told me, Mistui hasn't made a single point yet.
"He seemed pretty bothered. I dunno." she added.
Maybe he was. If my deductions were right, everytime Akira makes a shot - he gives Miko either a grin or a peace sign, or both. And everytime he does that - Mitsui's temper seems to rise as his eyebrows does. He is, as clear as crystal, jealous of the attention Akira gets from Miko. that's why he wanted to 'at least' beat him in this game. At least? I wonder what he can do at most. gather his thugs and beat the poor guy up? Heh! I'm thinking too much!
Shortly, the temperature at the court started to rise up. Sakuragi showed up his hidden skills that amazed the people at the gym: rebounds, lay-ups, free throws, fakes, and the favorite slam dunk! Captain Akagi's rebounds and his 'gorilla dunk', Ryotta's out of nowhere sneaks, Kogure's unpredictable jump shots. they all made the Shohoku bench go wild. But most of all. Mitsui's struggle against Akira Sendoh.
"I'm gonna beat you. I'm only gonna beat you." I heard Mitsui snapped at Akira when they were pushing each other's body with their tight defense.
As light as a feather, Akira leapt in front of Mitsui and released the ball for a perfect lay-up. He landed perfectly with a smirk on his face. Perhaps aware of the reason for Mitsui's behavior, he grinned at Miko once more just to taunt the poor guy. "That's for you!" he said pointing her with his index as he ran past us.
Miko blushed, but eyeing at a screwed up seeming of the former MVP, her smile faded. I can see through her eyes a concerned expression. "I know he can do it." She murmured. The players continued to push and shove each other at the court. Time ticked fast. The scoreboard at first glance showed a 58-65, at second it has been 69-67, then 72-70. Now, it's a 75 all game. The first time that the teams' score tied.
One last minute and the game will end. Will there be an over time? Will Ryonan's ace seize victory for his team? Or will any of the Shohoku play as the unexpected hero? "Urgh!" Why does Ojii-san have to call a time-out at the peak of a game like this?!
Mitsui seemed to be losing his temper. His flaring stare on Akira is becoming scarier at each passing minute. There's a resounding tension between them. I've been sensing that since the start of the second half. Maybe Ojii-san perceived that as well. He wouldn't call a time-out for no reason at all.
Once again, the game continued. Sakuragi was keen enough to be able to grab the ball from Fukuda. Every player from each corner of the court was demanding for the ball. Spotting a free from guard Captain Akagi, Hanamichi threw the ball with all his might. Much to everyone's dismay (most especially Rukawa's) Sakuragi exerted too much effort on tossing the ball. It barely touched the tips of Akagi's fingers, as it flew directly to our direction.
Not again!!!
But this time, it looked as though Miko was it's perfect aim.
Now I wonder. Was there something bad we did to Ojii-san that he gave this seat to us?
Luckily for Miko, a knight in shining armor at the character of Akira Sendoh dove over the ball even before it hit her. Well. the ball didn't hit Miko. Sendoh did.
Everyone's mouth fell open, as the two figures lying on the floor turned crimson red in humiliation. Miko was lying on her back while the popular ace on top of her. and their lips attached.
Another figure standing at the side watched in full horror. His face was a shade of bright red but not in humiliation, but in anger and jealousy.
Mitsui vaulted to Akira and grabbed him by his jersey. "What are you doing?!" he barked. He pulled him away from a dumbfounded Miko, and pushed him violently.
"I kept the ball from hitting her, baka!" he nudged him back.
"You're taking advantage!" Mitsui answered, keeping a glare on Akira.
"What are you saying?!" Akira punched Mitsui slightly on the chest.
He didn't like it of course. He aggressively punched back. Both teams surrounded the two, trying to stop whatever chaos was about to start. "You know for sure what I'm saying! You've been eyeing her! Waiting for that chance!"
Even the referee went in the middle to stop the two, only to be nudged by one of the players, "Stop this now!" he ordered, biting his lips impatiently.
While Akira's calm attitude gradually comes back, Mitsui's temper flared up even more. "Don't order me what to do!" he shouted back and pushed the referee roughly.
Before he knew it, a whistle was blown and a technical foul was called against him. To keep Mitsui from making further assaults, Sakuragi and Ryotta assisted him to the bench. He was seated next to Rukawa who kept silent as he watched Akira do the free throw.
This time the lead was back to Ryonan by one point. Thirty seconds on the shot clock. Ryonan's ball possession.
Tears were building up on Mitsui's eyes. "Gomen nasai, Coach Anzai." He mumbled.
Ojii-san went up to him, "It's not yet too late Mitsui. There's still thirty seconds." He proclaimed, with an unbelievably soothing tone any coach can address to a player who had almost ruin the game.
Mistui stood up. "I'm only gonna beat him" he said as he walked back to the court.
"Mit-chin." a familiar voice stopped him. "Win this game." Miko beamed and gave Mitsui a 'thumb's up' sign.
He nodded, but still wore the same determined look on his face. He marched to the court and the shot clock started to run again.
30.29.28.27.26.25.24.23.22.21.Ryonan kept on passing the ball to each player. Ikegami to Fukuda to Sendoh to Uozumi to Koshiro who kept on dribbling the ball, wasting the rest of the time before making a move and leaving no time left for the other team to square the game.
Finally, Koshiro tossed the ball to Sendoh who positioned himself outside the two-point area. Aiming positively for a three-point shot with only 11 seconds on the time left. It was a sure win for Ryonan. Everybody knows how unstoppable Akira Sendoh is. He has never lost a basket wherever part of the court he stands. Releasing swiftly the ball from is grip, everyone watched it as it danced in the air, as if rejoicing a well-earned victory. My heartbeat nearly stopped.
SMASH!!!
The next thing I knew, the ball was rolling on the floor, Akira stood startled. As Mitsui's weight returned to the ground, Shohoku High students couldn't help but roar!
"GO Mit-chiiiiiiiiiinnnnn!!!!" Even I couldn't help but cheer the guy!
Ryotta snatched the ball and passed it to Kogure.
8.7.6.5.
Spinning around, Kogure immediately released the ball from his grip when Ikegami and Fukuda ran to double-team him.
4.3.
The ball landed on to Mitsui's hand, who was positioned on the three-point area, and whose guard, Akira Sendoh was out of sight, struggling to get away from Sakuragi and Captain Akagi.
2.
Mitsui casually threw the ball into the air. Time stopped as we watched the round object approach the ring.
The ring made a silent clamor when the ball touched its surface. It played around the hoop.around and around.. leaving the crowd anticipating a win of Shohoku by a point.
But Mitsui's closed fist wasn't raised into the air like the way he does after a three point shot during practices. He kept his hands by his side. his fist tightly closed. his lips pressed against each other. his eyes misty.
He knew.
It was a.
MISS!
The banging sound made by the ball, that just touched the wooden floor of the gymnasium, fought with the rejoicing screams of the team that just won. While the soft sobbing of the guy standing in the middle kept unheard, but it echoed through both mine and Miko's ears as we stared at each other.
Waaaaaahhhh. finally. sorry for keeping yah waitin' for this chapter Miko! It's all because of the sleepless nights loaded with school works (like I'm really doing them!). and I'm saying this now- it might take another couple of months for an update. sorry for that, in advance!
anyways, I don't own Slam Dunk.
reviews pls.