CHAPTER 5: REGRET BUT LOVE
By: Alea
Chiharu walked closer to Rukawa and she tried to hold him but instead, Sendoh caressed her body and held his hands around her waist.
"I love you, Chiharu." He whispered those words in her.
"No! No! No!" She screamed.
"NOO!"
Startled, Mitsui ran into his room. Sleeping on the couch seriously screwed up his back.
"She seems to be awake."
He sat next to her on his bed and held her hand.
She slowly opened her beautiful blue eyes. "Mitsui." She whispered. Then she got up quickly.
"What am I doing here? Where, where am I?"
Mitsui handed her a shirt and some pants. "Since you're up, you can change into some clothes." He pegged his nose and she glared back at him.
"But what am I doing here?"
Mitsui stood up and walked beside her. "Just change, and I'll tell you."
He gestured to a bathroom in the same room. She walked in.
'How could this happen?' Chiharu thought. She sat on the toilet top and only thought of her and Rukawa. 'Why am I here?'
She retraced her steps. 'Sendoh.' She whispered to herself. "It's him! I ran off and.. I didn't know what I was doing." She sighed. "Why did I do more damage to someone else? Mitsui must've been mad at her. She slipped off her shirt and put on the tee shirt. It cut a little bit above her knees. She tied the shirt till it cut off till her stomach. She still wore her shorts underneath as she walked out of the bathroom.
"I hope I didn't cause any trouble to you." She whispered her head lowered and seemed that she didn't want to face him. "I'm so sorry."
Mitsui smiled. His only reaction was to laugh, but he didn't. He really didn't think that Chiharu was a soft- hearted character. She was nice and smiled frequently, but she wouldn't shut up so easily as this. "That's okay." He patted her on the shoulder and looked up at the clock. "It's seven in the morning. Maybe.."
"Maybe I should go home and get my stuff." She sighed and held back the tears from last night. "Thank you."
Mitsui just looked at her. She was so beautiful, gorgeous, amazing.
"I'll see you later." He opened the door and she stepped out.
"Thank you." She whispered.
*~*~*~*~*~*
The streets were almost packed with people. The sky still a bit dark but started to lighten up and the footsteps of people rushing to go to where they wanted to go. And there are, of course, the ones that regret.
"Did I do that? Lastnight? How could I?"
Words of regret filled her head. She knew herself that what she did was wrong and if Rukawa heard, he would never forgive her. 'But even though, it wasn't such a big deal. All I did was sink into his arms and his confession..' She shook her head in disappointment of herself. 'What am I saying? I kissed Rukawa and sunk into another man's arms. Let my feelings sink deep into him!'
All she could do was blame herself about everything that had happened. If she could only keep the past in the past, this wouldn't have happened.
"Why the hell did I do that?" She shouted.
But as she did, everyone looked at her suspiciously.
'Whoops.' She gave a smile to them and walked quickly away from the crowd.
'Now THAT was stupid.' She admitted to herself.
**********
"Hey fox!" Sakuragi's voice woke up the sleeping Rukawa on his bike. "Hey!"
Rukawa looked up at the red head. "What?"
Sakuragi smiled his head propped up and his hands on his waist. "Tonight. One on one with you! Watch the tensai beat you!"
Rukawa parked his bike and nodded. "Why not? You need practice, do aho."
Sakuragi's face was dark red and his hands were about to choke him when a familiar face stood next to him.
"Sakuragi! What happened last night?"
Rukawa smiled. 'Right timing, Haruko.' He thought and walked towards school campus.
"Oh! Haruko-san!"
"What happened?" She asked again her face tilted to look at his face.
"Last night?"
She sighed. She could never get anything through his thick skull. That's what she liked about him. She could at least make the conversation longer by explaining. "Practice. I was worried about you."
Sakuragi turned bright red with embarrassment. "Worried Haruko?"
She smiled. "Yes. Everyone was worried. After the game, you would always come and practice. But you weren't there this time."
Sakuragi shrugged. "I forgot."
'Typical'' She thought. "Never mind! Come today though."
He nodded and she walked away.
'Haruko-san was worried! Oh, this is the best day! Once she gets worried, she then falls in love, and the person she falls in love with is, ME!"
"Are you sure?" A pat on the back revealed an angry Sakuragi.
"NANI?"
Yohei breathed a heavy sigh and stepped back before his angry friend gave him a head butt.
"Have you seen Chiharu?" Yohei asked quietly.
Sakuragi paused. "Why?"
Yohei breathed a heavy sigh once again. "She's not, here."
Sakuragi chuckled and messed with Yohei's hair. "So?"
The bell rang its tone and the students responded.
"Never mind." Yohei retorted as he saw Sakuragi run into class. "Just hope she's doing okay."
****
She ran towards the loud ringing but she was already late. The students had already stepped into those doors and she, the only one left out. Late on the fifth day of school has got to tell everyone in her classes about her. At least make them a bit more curious. However, that was not how she wanted. She wanted to be more like Rukawa, quiet, shy, and a lot of people would leave him alone unlike her. They'd be staring her wherever she went. Eating, people would point and giggle. When she's with a guy, girls would glare and guys would laugh. It was annoying, really. Even if Rukawa has a huge brigade and girls looking at him once awhile, it's not like guys look at him and admire him! It's annoying. But being late would surely bring their attention closer.
"Late." She sighed and walked into her class.
"Chiharu." The teacher glared at her as she slipped into class. "Where have you been?"
Chiharu stared at the floor. "I'm sorry and.."
The teacher pointed to her seat. "Go and sit down. I don't want any nonsense from you!"
'This had to be the worst teacher in the world! Strict, non- apologetic, and sharp. She's not a person I'd like to make friends with.' Thought Chiharu as she took a seat.
The whole class burst out in laughter. The were pointing fingers and they laughed so hard that they almost slipped out of their chairs. The teacher giggled.
She didn't really examine her surroundings as she usually would like in basketball, but when she did, she opened her mouth.
Right in front of her was Rukawa, behind her was Ryota, and the two beside her were guys obviously looking at her. She was still wearing Mitsui's shirt and she turned bright red as she looked down.
"The most convenient spot I'd love to be at." She whispered as she hid her face in her hands.
Ryota looked up at Chiharu. She was sniffling and he could tell she was upset about what had happened. Embarrassment must've stroke her face. Ryota saw everything and he didn't dare laugh.
She's crying. He thought. On her fifth day at school.
In front, Rukawa was asleep, as usual. Normally he would sit in a corner alone and fall asleep with a pool of drool forming. However, he was waiting for Chiharu. Thoughts of him and her made his heart skip a beat or two. He really realized he loved her. On her fifth day of school, and the week since they had first met, he knew he was in love. He couldn't change the way he felt about her, it was inevitable.
Tears formed in her eyes as she started to cry. What was she going to do? Embarrassment was the feeling she felt. Now, she knew everyone would pick on her and she wouldn't have time alone by herself.
Ryota suddenly stood up. A creek of his chair and the drop of his pencil made the class stare.
"Could I take Chiharu to the nurse?"
The teacher smiled and she opened the door. "Why not? Chiharu Tsukamoto needs the help of changing anyway."
The class roared in laughter once again and Ryota took Chiharu's hand. But when he took it, he felt coldness. He only knew at that moment, she was afraid. People saw her as a tough young girl but she wasn't. A girl is a soft fragile person. And for some reason, Ryota only knew that.
******
Mitsui grabbed a ball in the middle of the court. His hands, placed under the ball and he slowly thrusted the ball into the air. With a backspin and a twirl, it made it's way to the net and slowly made a small cut indicating it a swish.
He looked back down and his feet were placed right on the three-point arc. She smiled and jogged towards the ball. He hoped Chiharu would join him in the empty court. He wanted to show everyone on the team see how good of a player Chiharu really is. Her agile movements and shots were amazing. She did his specialty and an excellent replica of Rukawa's strong drive through with the ball. Simply amazing!
Suddenly, a creak of the door startled him. He only hoped it was Chiharu. Blond, sexy, and smart.
He knew he wanted her.
"Mitsui?" A soft voice called.
He quickly turned around to be met face to face with a pair of beautiful blue eyes. Those pair could only belong to Chiharu.
"Hey!" He greeted. "How are you?"
She handed him a neatly folded shirt. "This got me into so much trouble."
After the embarrassment, she had found a uniform for her to change in. Thank god for Ryota! He was such a hero. However, after that, she had burst into laughter about the whole thing. Basically it was pretty funny.
She smiled at Mitsui. "You have time right? I mean, before practice starts."
He shrugged. After all, he did skip a class just to play around in the gym. "Yeah, I guess."
She smiled and stole the ball from Mitsui. "Catch me if you can!"
She dribbled the ball faster than a speeding bullet and softly landed a lay up into the basket.
"Check?" She asked her face with a gleam.
Mitsui gave a snort. "Check."
Ryota stood by watching Chiharu. Watching her gave him a heart attack. She was a great player. Especially if she was leading with just one point against Mitsui. Ryota also saw that once they stopped, Mitsui was doing his hardest and Chiharu wasn't.
He was not only amazed and shocked at what she has just accomplished. Ryota started to clap aloud so that the whole gym was thundering with the sound of his clapping.
"What's wrong Mitsui?" A voice walked came from the locker room and it belonged to Sakuragi. "A girl beat you! Hahahaha! Missy! Missy!"
Mitsui flashed a glare at Sakuragi. "Don't call me that."
"Tensai can call whomever whatever!"
Ryota made his way down as Mitsui burst into laughter. "Tensai? Where? Where?"
Chiharu giggled along and Sakuragi picked up the ball and threw it at Mitsui. "Not funny."
Chiharu caught the ball before it hit anyone and shot a fantastic three- pointer.
Ryota's jaw smashed to the floor. "WOW!"
A silent entrance was made and the only person who saw it was Chiharu. "Rukawa."
She hurried to him and gave him a hug.
That made Mitsui and Hanamichi Sakuragi's jaw clash to the floor while Ryota's was still glued on to it.
"Hey." She whispered in his ear.
He made out a small smile an hugged her back. He really didn't know how to say something to her.
"Hi?" He didn't think that last night made an impact on their relationship. After all, he's only seen her for a short time. He clenched his heart and slowly pulled away. It was beating faster than before and he couldn't stop it. For a moment, it felt annoying. But he realized why it had happened. Chiharu was the trigger. Every time he stood by her or talked to her, his heart would beat at a tremendous rate.
However, Chiharu gazed into his beautiful blue eyes and cheerfully smiled. She tried her best to make sure that he wouldn't see anything wrong about last night. He was wonderful and was spectacular. It was Sendoh who messed things up. She didn't want him to see past her. She didn't want him to see her mistake.
Rukawa's hand trembled when he touched her hand as he clenched it tightly. "Come watch."
"Watch what?" She asked.
He shook his head as he stopped dreaming of her. "The practice. Come watch us practice."
"I don't want watch you guys practice."
An arrow suddenly seem to touch and almost pierce his heart until,
"I want to watch you, practice."
At the sight of the two, Ayako only could feel happiness for Rukawa. It had been a really long time since he actually showed his feelings. Actually, his first time showing his feelings and smiling! It was a bewilderment for the whole team to actually see him smile.
But it was a down moment in poor Haruko's heart. It felt heavy when seeing him with Chiharu. 'As long as it makes him happy, I'm fine.' She reminded herself. 'Plus, I have Sakuragi.'
The flaming hair basketball player was an amazing sight to see. He would screw up frequently, but his basketball moves improve day by day. Especially since it was just last year that he had played. He plays like a professional on the court. He can stay focused if he ever wanted to. That, Haruko knew. He was a wonderful person when he is fully concentrated on a game or on practice. Every day to him was a step higher to achievement.
"Haruko?" Ayako's voice was beaming into her head as Haruko shook of her thoughts. "We're about to start. If you'd like, you can go to the bleachers or stay here…"
Haruko quickly gathered her things as she saw Chiharu up at the bleachers. "I'll be up there."
Startled, Ayako saw her pack up. "Okay, Anzai Sensai will be with us shortly. If you want, you can talk to him for a while about our big games.
"Okay." Haruko answered walking towards the bleachers. "Thank you."
Ayako took a seat and found that Ryota was beside her.
"Can I be the coach?" He asked pleadingly.
Ayako whipped out her fan ready to strike. "I don't think so."
"PLEASE?" At that moment, he kneeled down to face Ayako's knees. "PLEASE?"
Mitsui slowly walked to the scene as he passed the ball to his teammates.
"Problem?" He asked looking down at Ryota and then looking back up at Ayako.
"No Ryota! Mitsui, you be the coach for today!" She was now gesturing to otherwise Ryota would rip her leg off.
"PLEASE?"
Chiharu stepped down from the bleachers and then ran towards Mitsui. "I have an idea!"
Ayako looked at her, Mitsui faced her way, and Ryota stopped begging to listen to what she had to say.
"I'll be the coach!" She cheerfully smiled.
On the court, Sakuragi and Rukawa were having their blabber talks.
"Watch this Rukawa!" Sakuragi dribbled the ball and was going full speed when Rukawa realized what dumb thing he was going to do. "Slam.."
Rukawa gulped and plugged his ears. "Do' aho."
When he slightly turned to face the coach, he spotted her.
"The coach, Chiharu?"
He let his hands down from plugging his ears and admired her. But at the same time, Sakuragi's head slammed on the basketball outer face and it echoed through the gym.
"Kuso!" Rukawa's ears beamed with the noise "Sakuragi!" He yelled.
Yelled? Now at that very moment, everyone stopped and stared gaped at Rukawa. His actions were a little different nowadays. He talked more, smiled, and now yelled? This was unbelievable!
Chiharu was the first to giggle. She had never heard a guy yell like that. It was so, so, cute! He had such a beautiful voice.
As the laughter soon died out, Ayako turned to Chiharu once more and then back at Rukawa. Her eyes were glued onto him. Wherever he ran to, her eyes traced along.
"Do you know how to play?" Ayako finally asked. "Chiharu?"
Chiharu shook her head for a moment to retrace her thoughts. "Of course I do.."
"ARE YOU SERIOUS?" Ryota's head was beaming in front of Ayako's. "If you put her on this team, she'll pass the guys in a split second!"
At the tone of Ryota's voice, Ayako was somewhat believed but needed to see so.
"Why doesn't she play for a while then?" Ayako suggested as she looked at Ryota. "She, against Mitsui, you, Sakuragi, and Rukawa?"
Chiharu put her hands on her hips. "Can't I at least have one person on my team so I can pass to?"
Ayako shrugged. "Why not? Ask Kogure-senpai to join you."
Ryota breathed a heavy sigh. "That's not really fair."
Ayako waved her fan around and looked at Ryota as Chiharu walked towards the court. "Well, I would like to see how good she is."
Ryota stood up from the chair and walked in front of her. "She's still a girl. I know she can shoot, but in a game, pressure would build up."
At that same moment, Anzai - sensei walked into the gym with his delightful smile. "Hello Ayako, Ryota."
Ryota ran swiftly towards him and greeted him with a bow. "Anzai - sensei."
With a laugh, he asked Ryota, "There's a girl?"
Ryota turned toward Chiharu. "Yes, I would like to show you how great she is."
Anzai - sensei took a seat. "Ho ho ho."
Ryota clapped his hands. "Excuse me!" He shouted. "I would like Chiharu, Mitsui, Sakuragi, Kogure, and Rukawa to stay on the court. The rest of you may go and get a drink."
"Hai." The players scrambled about from one side to another getting their bags.
Rukawa only glared at the other three and showed no expression. But to Chiharu, he lowered his glare.
"Alright." Ryota said once again. "Kogure, you and Chiharu are playing me, Sakuragi, Mitsui, and Rukawa."
Kogure looked at his opponents and then back at the cheerful Chiharu. "But.."
Chiharu stood beside him. "Don't worry, I'll make the shots."
"Yosh!" Mitsui said. "Ladies' first!" He passed Chiharu the ball and she hesitated.
"You guys, are guys!" She moaned. "Why me?"
Ryota pushed back the rest of the team members. "Zone defense!"
Rukawa moved under the basket and Sakuragi on the other side. Mitsui on the guard position and Ryota the other side.
"Fine then." Chiharu passed the ball to Kogure. "Let's go!"
Chiharu stepped into Mitsui's zone and he only admired her every time she attempted. Her feet were soiled to the ground and wouldn't let Mitsui get in front of her to intercept the pass.
"Kogure! Kogure-senpai!" She shouted as she ran free from Mitsui and into Ryota's.
Kogure quickly passed and she glared at Ryota. His eyes seemed to be concentrating on the ball than she. She smiled wickedly and passed the ball behind her and turned around to the next zone.
"Sakuragi." She whispered. "He's too good."
She gulped and passed his zone to Rukawa's. She looked at him for a brief moment and he did the same too. Both were unaware about what had happened in that split second. Until, Chiharu passed the ball to Kogure.
"Shoot it!"
Kogure was standing on the three-point line and looked at Mitsui eagerly. "Okay!" He signaled back at her. He took one step around Mitsui and shot.
It sailed through the air but Chiharu knew it wouldn't be able to go in. "Mine!" She shouted as she jumped for the ball.
The crowd gasped. "Ally-OOP!"
She jumped higher than the guys did and her height had nothing to do with it of course. She was shorter than Mitsui, Rukawa, and Sakuragi. But she forced herself to get this one.
She leaped for the ball and slammed it in the hoop.
At that moment, she realized what she had done and was about to congratulate herself until she saw the floor. She was still hanging on the rim but couldn't get down.
"Ehm.. A little help, please?" She beckoned as the guys came to rush over as they were still recovering from shock.
Ayako stood up at the time she saw Chiharu jump and the crowd was whispering amongst themselves as Haruko started to clap.
Rukawa chuckled a bit and looked up at Chiharu.
"Nice shot." He smiled and grabbed her feet. "Now, let go."
She refused. "You know, I didn't tell you this, but I'm really afraid of heights!"
Sakuragi was still astonished but started to crack up. Mitsui laughed aloud and Ryota looked at Rukawa with a smile. Kogure, poor him. He took off his glasses and was unsure if she actually did that. "Amazing!"
"Mitsui! Ryota!" Chiharu pouted. "I'm hurt! Come on! Don't just stand and laugh!"
Ryota fell with his back on the gym floor and laughed so hard it brought him tears.
"Stop it!" She shouted with a tinge of laughter. "It.. Hehe, It isn't funny.. Hehe!"
Anzai - sensei smiled at the young lady. "Wonderful! Ho ho ho!"
Rukawa looked back up at Chiharu. "It will make it easier, if you let go."
"Okay. Just promise me you'll catch me."
Rukawa sighed. "Of course."
At the same moment, she finally let go she saw a tall young figure.
"Sendoh." She whispered as she landed in Rukawa's strong hands.
Ryota stood by as he tried to stop laughing. "Mitsui, I think she's better than anyone of us here."
Mitsui nodded. "She's talented and.."
"Beautiful." Ryota added.
"And, she was scared of Tensai!" Sakuragi laughed as he put his hands wondrously on his hips and looked at Haruko near the bench. "Oh, Haruko- chan!"
Rukawa looked down at Chiharu as she stared at the empty space ahead. "Daijobu?"
Chiharu kept staring and slowly nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine."
Suddenly, Rukawa felt a tinge of feeling flow down his back as he saw what he had been doing. He slowly let go and left her there so she could just, stare into nothingness?
'What's with her?' Rukawa looked at Chiharu. 'There's no one there.'
Chiharu could only see Sendoh. How much hurt she felt against him, she didn't know. But the question remained, "Why is he doing here?"
Sendoh stared back at her afraid he was going to lose her. "I love you, Chiharu."
He mouthed the words to her. "Don't leave me."
She turned away and walked towards Sakuragi who was staring at her weirdly and kept looking to see who it was she sees.
"Who's there, Chiharu?" Sakuragi patted her shoulder. "Are you okay?"
She still kept eye contact with Sendoh. "Yes, I'm fine."
She shook her head and walked to the benches immediately. Rukawa sat beside her. "Everything's not fine."
She breathed a sigh. "Sendoh. It's him."
Rukawa looked up to finally see his rival who stepped out of the shadows. "What does he want?"
She couldn't face Rukawa and she couldn't tell him. "I… I… Don't know."
Rukawa slowly moved towards her as she automatically turned her head.
"Are you all right?"
"I told you, I'm fine. I just need to go." She forced a smiled and Rukawa suddenly became curious.
"Okay, be careful."
Anzai- sensei stopped her before she went anywhere else. He stopped midway in her direction and smiled.
"Those moves, they were very efficient."
"Thank you, Mr. Anzai." She bowed in front of him and he revealed a nice smile that touched her heart.
"Will you be leaving?"
Her mouth opened to say a word but didn't because Mitsui finished it off for her.
"No. She will be staying to watch practice."
"Mitsui." She whispered. "I think.."
"You have to excuse her, Anzai- sensei. She's a bit shy."
"Ryota." Chiharu looked towards her right and saw that Ryota stood by her.
"She's staying because Tensai needs her to play!" Sakuragi stood by her.
"Sakuragi-kun!" Chiharu looked around and one by one team members crowded around her.
"I guess you will stay for practice, ho ho ho!"
Chiharu sighed once more and smiled. "I guess I am."
Haruko sat by on the bleachers watching what effect Chiharu had on guys. She seemed to have a wonderful effect on Rukawa, which was certainly amazing. Haruko just hoped to be more like Chiharu just to get Rukawa's attention.
"Haruko?" Ayako stared at her. "Haruko-Chan?"
Haruko blinked her eyes and shook her head. "Yes?"
Ayako folded her arms and gave her a look. "Is there a problem?"
"Nn..n..no!" Haruko stammered as she looked at Rukawa and then to the floor. "There's nothing wrong."
Ayako looked at Haruko and took a glance at Rukawa. "Would you like to talk about it after practice?"
Haruko shook her head. "No, it's not a problem. I'll stay here and I'll be just fine!" Haruko flashed a sweet smile at Ayako as she slowly walked away.
"Rukawa-Kun and Chiharu?"
*^*^*^
Sendoh watched close by as he saw Chiharu and only her weave in and out of the defense. His heart was still located on hers. His eyes only focused on hers. And his life depended on her. In other words, he knew this too, he loved her. He may have broken her heart twice, but things have certainly changed. He's 19; she's 16, Rukawa. Rukawa's 18.
"It's not like she'd want him."
His head flew around in circles when he saw Kaede's arms around his Chiharu.
"Accidents do occur."
But doubt kept forming in on his mind. He even said it himself; it has been a while. Things change everyday and in 6 years, things surely have changed.
"But that's impossible!" He shook his head in disagreement. "Chiharu is mine! Or, was?"
*^*^*^
"Good fight, Chiharu!" Yohei greeted her in the front of the doorway. "Ball movements are quick and you have style to go along with it!"
She cocked her head sideways. "Do I know you?"
Yohei shrugged. "You see me everyday in school. Anyway, the name's Yohei."
He reached out a hand and she clasped it. "I guess you know who I am."
He shifted a smile. "You can say that."
"Well, nice meeting you, Yohei. I hope I see you in school." She giggled slightly and smiled at him. "Have a nice day."
She walked out of the entrance until a hand grabbed her.
Chiharu's heart beat faster. Dear god, please don't let this be Sendoh!
"Chiharu."
She sighed in relief. A person who could've said her name so coldly had to be Rukawa. She was glad that she had him for a boyfriend and not for anyone else. Wait, boyfriend? Was it a right time to call him that?
"Where you off to?" He asked as she faced his wonderful eyes. "What's wrong?"
"I'm just going home. I'm fine."
"Here." He passed her his towel and water. "You need it."
She sighed once more and sat at the nearest bench. "Rukawa-Kun?"
He looked at her slightly. "Yes."
"What am I to you?"
He stared into her lovely blue eyes then to the floor. He didn't answer. He didn't know how to answer.
"Rukawa-kun?" She asked again.
"You..You're…my.. My…"
A sudden clash busted the gym doors open and there, stood the Rukawa brigade. They weren't as happy as they were on the bleachers and Chiharu knew that as well.
"Look girls, someone's trying to touch our man!"
Chiharu took a glance at Rukawa and then to the girls. "Talk to you later!"
With that, she sprinted to the other end of the doors and towards the night.
Some trailed along behind her and the rest stayed near Rukawa.
Rukawa tried as hard as he could to force away the mob of girls without pushing or hurting them. He needed to go and get Chiharu and tell her… He didn't know. Tell her that he doesn't know anything about their relationship? That would be the worst thing he could do to her. But what did she feel towards him, he didn't know.
'What if I screw up and told her she's my girlfriend and she doesn't feel the same way?' He questioned himself in thought as he finally broke through. 'What if, what if she thinks me of a friend? But a friend kisses one another?' He shook his head and walked into the locker room.
By: Alea
Chiharu walked closer to Rukawa and she tried to hold him but instead, Sendoh caressed her body and held his hands around her waist.
"I love you, Chiharu." He whispered those words in her.
"No! No! No!" She screamed.
"NOO!"
Startled, Mitsui ran into his room. Sleeping on the couch seriously screwed up his back.
"She seems to be awake."
He sat next to her on his bed and held her hand.
She slowly opened her beautiful blue eyes. "Mitsui." She whispered. Then she got up quickly.
"What am I doing here? Where, where am I?"
Mitsui handed her a shirt and some pants. "Since you're up, you can change into some clothes." He pegged his nose and she glared back at him.
"But what am I doing here?"
Mitsui stood up and walked beside her. "Just change, and I'll tell you."
He gestured to a bathroom in the same room. She walked in.
'How could this happen?' Chiharu thought. She sat on the toilet top and only thought of her and Rukawa. 'Why am I here?'
She retraced her steps. 'Sendoh.' She whispered to herself. "It's him! I ran off and.. I didn't know what I was doing." She sighed. "Why did I do more damage to someone else? Mitsui must've been mad at her. She slipped off her shirt and put on the tee shirt. It cut a little bit above her knees. She tied the shirt till it cut off till her stomach. She still wore her shorts underneath as she walked out of the bathroom.
"I hope I didn't cause any trouble to you." She whispered her head lowered and seemed that she didn't want to face him. "I'm so sorry."
Mitsui smiled. His only reaction was to laugh, but he didn't. He really didn't think that Chiharu was a soft- hearted character. She was nice and smiled frequently, but she wouldn't shut up so easily as this. "That's okay." He patted her on the shoulder and looked up at the clock. "It's seven in the morning. Maybe.."
"Maybe I should go home and get my stuff." She sighed and held back the tears from last night. "Thank you."
Mitsui just looked at her. She was so beautiful, gorgeous, amazing.
"I'll see you later." He opened the door and she stepped out.
"Thank you." She whispered.
*~*~*~*~*~*
The streets were almost packed with people. The sky still a bit dark but started to lighten up and the footsteps of people rushing to go to where they wanted to go. And there are, of course, the ones that regret.
"Did I do that? Lastnight? How could I?"
Words of regret filled her head. She knew herself that what she did was wrong and if Rukawa heard, he would never forgive her. 'But even though, it wasn't such a big deal. All I did was sink into his arms and his confession..' She shook her head in disappointment of herself. 'What am I saying? I kissed Rukawa and sunk into another man's arms. Let my feelings sink deep into him!'
All she could do was blame herself about everything that had happened. If she could only keep the past in the past, this wouldn't have happened.
"Why the hell did I do that?" She shouted.
But as she did, everyone looked at her suspiciously.
'Whoops.' She gave a smile to them and walked quickly away from the crowd.
'Now THAT was stupid.' She admitted to herself.
**********
"Hey fox!" Sakuragi's voice woke up the sleeping Rukawa on his bike. "Hey!"
Rukawa looked up at the red head. "What?"
Sakuragi smiled his head propped up and his hands on his waist. "Tonight. One on one with you! Watch the tensai beat you!"
Rukawa parked his bike and nodded. "Why not? You need practice, do aho."
Sakuragi's face was dark red and his hands were about to choke him when a familiar face stood next to him.
"Sakuragi! What happened last night?"
Rukawa smiled. 'Right timing, Haruko.' He thought and walked towards school campus.
"Oh! Haruko-san!"
"What happened?" She asked again her face tilted to look at his face.
"Last night?"
She sighed. She could never get anything through his thick skull. That's what she liked about him. She could at least make the conversation longer by explaining. "Practice. I was worried about you."
Sakuragi turned bright red with embarrassment. "Worried Haruko?"
She smiled. "Yes. Everyone was worried. After the game, you would always come and practice. But you weren't there this time."
Sakuragi shrugged. "I forgot."
'Typical'' She thought. "Never mind! Come today though."
He nodded and she walked away.
'Haruko-san was worried! Oh, this is the best day! Once she gets worried, she then falls in love, and the person she falls in love with is, ME!"
"Are you sure?" A pat on the back revealed an angry Sakuragi.
"NANI?"
Yohei breathed a heavy sigh and stepped back before his angry friend gave him a head butt.
"Have you seen Chiharu?" Yohei asked quietly.
Sakuragi paused. "Why?"
Yohei breathed a heavy sigh once again. "She's not, here."
Sakuragi chuckled and messed with Yohei's hair. "So?"
The bell rang its tone and the students responded.
"Never mind." Yohei retorted as he saw Sakuragi run into class. "Just hope she's doing okay."
****
She ran towards the loud ringing but she was already late. The students had already stepped into those doors and she, the only one left out. Late on the fifth day of school has got to tell everyone in her classes about her. At least make them a bit more curious. However, that was not how she wanted. She wanted to be more like Rukawa, quiet, shy, and a lot of people would leave him alone unlike her. They'd be staring her wherever she went. Eating, people would point and giggle. When she's with a guy, girls would glare and guys would laugh. It was annoying, really. Even if Rukawa has a huge brigade and girls looking at him once awhile, it's not like guys look at him and admire him! It's annoying. But being late would surely bring their attention closer.
"Late." She sighed and walked into her class.
"Chiharu." The teacher glared at her as she slipped into class. "Where have you been?"
Chiharu stared at the floor. "I'm sorry and.."
The teacher pointed to her seat. "Go and sit down. I don't want any nonsense from you!"
'This had to be the worst teacher in the world! Strict, non- apologetic, and sharp. She's not a person I'd like to make friends with.' Thought Chiharu as she took a seat.
The whole class burst out in laughter. The were pointing fingers and they laughed so hard that they almost slipped out of their chairs. The teacher giggled.
She didn't really examine her surroundings as she usually would like in basketball, but when she did, she opened her mouth.
Right in front of her was Rukawa, behind her was Ryota, and the two beside her were guys obviously looking at her. She was still wearing Mitsui's shirt and she turned bright red as she looked down.
"The most convenient spot I'd love to be at." She whispered as she hid her face in her hands.
Ryota looked up at Chiharu. She was sniffling and he could tell she was upset about what had happened. Embarrassment must've stroke her face. Ryota saw everything and he didn't dare laugh.
She's crying. He thought. On her fifth day at school.
In front, Rukawa was asleep, as usual. Normally he would sit in a corner alone and fall asleep with a pool of drool forming. However, he was waiting for Chiharu. Thoughts of him and her made his heart skip a beat or two. He really realized he loved her. On her fifth day of school, and the week since they had first met, he knew he was in love. He couldn't change the way he felt about her, it was inevitable.
Tears formed in her eyes as she started to cry. What was she going to do? Embarrassment was the feeling she felt. Now, she knew everyone would pick on her and she wouldn't have time alone by herself.
Ryota suddenly stood up. A creek of his chair and the drop of his pencil made the class stare.
"Could I take Chiharu to the nurse?"
The teacher smiled and she opened the door. "Why not? Chiharu Tsukamoto needs the help of changing anyway."
The class roared in laughter once again and Ryota took Chiharu's hand. But when he took it, he felt coldness. He only knew at that moment, she was afraid. People saw her as a tough young girl but she wasn't. A girl is a soft fragile person. And for some reason, Ryota only knew that.
******
Mitsui grabbed a ball in the middle of the court. His hands, placed under the ball and he slowly thrusted the ball into the air. With a backspin and a twirl, it made it's way to the net and slowly made a small cut indicating it a swish.
He looked back down and his feet were placed right on the three-point arc. She smiled and jogged towards the ball. He hoped Chiharu would join him in the empty court. He wanted to show everyone on the team see how good of a player Chiharu really is. Her agile movements and shots were amazing. She did his specialty and an excellent replica of Rukawa's strong drive through with the ball. Simply amazing!
Suddenly, a creak of the door startled him. He only hoped it was Chiharu. Blond, sexy, and smart.
He knew he wanted her.
"Mitsui?" A soft voice called.
He quickly turned around to be met face to face with a pair of beautiful blue eyes. Those pair could only belong to Chiharu.
"Hey!" He greeted. "How are you?"
She handed him a neatly folded shirt. "This got me into so much trouble."
After the embarrassment, she had found a uniform for her to change in. Thank god for Ryota! He was such a hero. However, after that, she had burst into laughter about the whole thing. Basically it was pretty funny.
She smiled at Mitsui. "You have time right? I mean, before practice starts."
He shrugged. After all, he did skip a class just to play around in the gym. "Yeah, I guess."
She smiled and stole the ball from Mitsui. "Catch me if you can!"
She dribbled the ball faster than a speeding bullet and softly landed a lay up into the basket.
"Check?" She asked her face with a gleam.
Mitsui gave a snort. "Check."
Ryota stood by watching Chiharu. Watching her gave him a heart attack. She was a great player. Especially if she was leading with just one point against Mitsui. Ryota also saw that once they stopped, Mitsui was doing his hardest and Chiharu wasn't.
He was not only amazed and shocked at what she has just accomplished. Ryota started to clap aloud so that the whole gym was thundering with the sound of his clapping.
"What's wrong Mitsui?" A voice walked came from the locker room and it belonged to Sakuragi. "A girl beat you! Hahahaha! Missy! Missy!"
Mitsui flashed a glare at Sakuragi. "Don't call me that."
"Tensai can call whomever whatever!"
Ryota made his way down as Mitsui burst into laughter. "Tensai? Where? Where?"
Chiharu giggled along and Sakuragi picked up the ball and threw it at Mitsui. "Not funny."
Chiharu caught the ball before it hit anyone and shot a fantastic three- pointer.
Ryota's jaw smashed to the floor. "WOW!"
A silent entrance was made and the only person who saw it was Chiharu. "Rukawa."
She hurried to him and gave him a hug.
That made Mitsui and Hanamichi Sakuragi's jaw clash to the floor while Ryota's was still glued on to it.
"Hey." She whispered in his ear.
He made out a small smile an hugged her back. He really didn't know how to say something to her.
"Hi?" He didn't think that last night made an impact on their relationship. After all, he's only seen her for a short time. He clenched his heart and slowly pulled away. It was beating faster than before and he couldn't stop it. For a moment, it felt annoying. But he realized why it had happened. Chiharu was the trigger. Every time he stood by her or talked to her, his heart would beat at a tremendous rate.
However, Chiharu gazed into his beautiful blue eyes and cheerfully smiled. She tried her best to make sure that he wouldn't see anything wrong about last night. He was wonderful and was spectacular. It was Sendoh who messed things up. She didn't want him to see past her. She didn't want him to see her mistake.
Rukawa's hand trembled when he touched her hand as he clenched it tightly. "Come watch."
"Watch what?" She asked.
He shook his head as he stopped dreaming of her. "The practice. Come watch us practice."
"I don't want watch you guys practice."
An arrow suddenly seem to touch and almost pierce his heart until,
"I want to watch you, practice."
At the sight of the two, Ayako only could feel happiness for Rukawa. It had been a really long time since he actually showed his feelings. Actually, his first time showing his feelings and smiling! It was a bewilderment for the whole team to actually see him smile.
But it was a down moment in poor Haruko's heart. It felt heavy when seeing him with Chiharu. 'As long as it makes him happy, I'm fine.' She reminded herself. 'Plus, I have Sakuragi.'
The flaming hair basketball player was an amazing sight to see. He would screw up frequently, but his basketball moves improve day by day. Especially since it was just last year that he had played. He plays like a professional on the court. He can stay focused if he ever wanted to. That, Haruko knew. He was a wonderful person when he is fully concentrated on a game or on practice. Every day to him was a step higher to achievement.
"Haruko?" Ayako's voice was beaming into her head as Haruko shook of her thoughts. "We're about to start. If you'd like, you can go to the bleachers or stay here…"
Haruko quickly gathered her things as she saw Chiharu up at the bleachers. "I'll be up there."
Startled, Ayako saw her pack up. "Okay, Anzai Sensai will be with us shortly. If you want, you can talk to him for a while about our big games.
"Okay." Haruko answered walking towards the bleachers. "Thank you."
Ayako took a seat and found that Ryota was beside her.
"Can I be the coach?" He asked pleadingly.
Ayako whipped out her fan ready to strike. "I don't think so."
"PLEASE?" At that moment, he kneeled down to face Ayako's knees. "PLEASE?"
Mitsui slowly walked to the scene as he passed the ball to his teammates.
"Problem?" He asked looking down at Ryota and then looking back up at Ayako.
"No Ryota! Mitsui, you be the coach for today!" She was now gesturing to otherwise Ryota would rip her leg off.
"PLEASE?"
Chiharu stepped down from the bleachers and then ran towards Mitsui. "I have an idea!"
Ayako looked at her, Mitsui faced her way, and Ryota stopped begging to listen to what she had to say.
"I'll be the coach!" She cheerfully smiled.
On the court, Sakuragi and Rukawa were having their blabber talks.
"Watch this Rukawa!" Sakuragi dribbled the ball and was going full speed when Rukawa realized what dumb thing he was going to do. "Slam.."
Rukawa gulped and plugged his ears. "Do' aho."
When he slightly turned to face the coach, he spotted her.
"The coach, Chiharu?"
He let his hands down from plugging his ears and admired her. But at the same time, Sakuragi's head slammed on the basketball outer face and it echoed through the gym.
"Kuso!" Rukawa's ears beamed with the noise "Sakuragi!" He yelled.
Yelled? Now at that very moment, everyone stopped and stared gaped at Rukawa. His actions were a little different nowadays. He talked more, smiled, and now yelled? This was unbelievable!
Chiharu was the first to giggle. She had never heard a guy yell like that. It was so, so, cute! He had such a beautiful voice.
As the laughter soon died out, Ayako turned to Chiharu once more and then back at Rukawa. Her eyes were glued onto him. Wherever he ran to, her eyes traced along.
"Do you know how to play?" Ayako finally asked. "Chiharu?"
Chiharu shook her head for a moment to retrace her thoughts. "Of course I do.."
"ARE YOU SERIOUS?" Ryota's head was beaming in front of Ayako's. "If you put her on this team, she'll pass the guys in a split second!"
At the tone of Ryota's voice, Ayako was somewhat believed but needed to see so.
"Why doesn't she play for a while then?" Ayako suggested as she looked at Ryota. "She, against Mitsui, you, Sakuragi, and Rukawa?"
Chiharu put her hands on her hips. "Can't I at least have one person on my team so I can pass to?"
Ayako shrugged. "Why not? Ask Kogure-senpai to join you."
Ryota breathed a heavy sigh. "That's not really fair."
Ayako waved her fan around and looked at Ryota as Chiharu walked towards the court. "Well, I would like to see how good she is."
Ryota stood up from the chair and walked in front of her. "She's still a girl. I know she can shoot, but in a game, pressure would build up."
At that same moment, Anzai - sensei walked into the gym with his delightful smile. "Hello Ayako, Ryota."
Ryota ran swiftly towards him and greeted him with a bow. "Anzai - sensei."
With a laugh, he asked Ryota, "There's a girl?"
Ryota turned toward Chiharu. "Yes, I would like to show you how great she is."
Anzai - sensei took a seat. "Ho ho ho."
Ryota clapped his hands. "Excuse me!" He shouted. "I would like Chiharu, Mitsui, Sakuragi, Kogure, and Rukawa to stay on the court. The rest of you may go and get a drink."
"Hai." The players scrambled about from one side to another getting their bags.
Rukawa only glared at the other three and showed no expression. But to Chiharu, he lowered his glare.
"Alright." Ryota said once again. "Kogure, you and Chiharu are playing me, Sakuragi, Mitsui, and Rukawa."
Kogure looked at his opponents and then back at the cheerful Chiharu. "But.."
Chiharu stood beside him. "Don't worry, I'll make the shots."
"Yosh!" Mitsui said. "Ladies' first!" He passed Chiharu the ball and she hesitated.
"You guys, are guys!" She moaned. "Why me?"
Ryota pushed back the rest of the team members. "Zone defense!"
Rukawa moved under the basket and Sakuragi on the other side. Mitsui on the guard position and Ryota the other side.
"Fine then." Chiharu passed the ball to Kogure. "Let's go!"
Chiharu stepped into Mitsui's zone and he only admired her every time she attempted. Her feet were soiled to the ground and wouldn't let Mitsui get in front of her to intercept the pass.
"Kogure! Kogure-senpai!" She shouted as she ran free from Mitsui and into Ryota's.
Kogure quickly passed and she glared at Ryota. His eyes seemed to be concentrating on the ball than she. She smiled wickedly and passed the ball behind her and turned around to the next zone.
"Sakuragi." She whispered. "He's too good."
She gulped and passed his zone to Rukawa's. She looked at him for a brief moment and he did the same too. Both were unaware about what had happened in that split second. Until, Chiharu passed the ball to Kogure.
"Shoot it!"
Kogure was standing on the three-point line and looked at Mitsui eagerly. "Okay!" He signaled back at her. He took one step around Mitsui and shot.
It sailed through the air but Chiharu knew it wouldn't be able to go in. "Mine!" She shouted as she jumped for the ball.
The crowd gasped. "Ally-OOP!"
She jumped higher than the guys did and her height had nothing to do with it of course. She was shorter than Mitsui, Rukawa, and Sakuragi. But she forced herself to get this one.
She leaped for the ball and slammed it in the hoop.
At that moment, she realized what she had done and was about to congratulate herself until she saw the floor. She was still hanging on the rim but couldn't get down.
"Ehm.. A little help, please?" She beckoned as the guys came to rush over as they were still recovering from shock.
Ayako stood up at the time she saw Chiharu jump and the crowd was whispering amongst themselves as Haruko started to clap.
Rukawa chuckled a bit and looked up at Chiharu.
"Nice shot." He smiled and grabbed her feet. "Now, let go."
She refused. "You know, I didn't tell you this, but I'm really afraid of heights!"
Sakuragi was still astonished but started to crack up. Mitsui laughed aloud and Ryota looked at Rukawa with a smile. Kogure, poor him. He took off his glasses and was unsure if she actually did that. "Amazing!"
"Mitsui! Ryota!" Chiharu pouted. "I'm hurt! Come on! Don't just stand and laugh!"
Ryota fell with his back on the gym floor and laughed so hard it brought him tears.
"Stop it!" She shouted with a tinge of laughter. "It.. Hehe, It isn't funny.. Hehe!"
Anzai - sensei smiled at the young lady. "Wonderful! Ho ho ho!"
Rukawa looked back up at Chiharu. "It will make it easier, if you let go."
"Okay. Just promise me you'll catch me."
Rukawa sighed. "Of course."
At the same moment, she finally let go she saw a tall young figure.
"Sendoh." She whispered as she landed in Rukawa's strong hands.
Ryota stood by as he tried to stop laughing. "Mitsui, I think she's better than anyone of us here."
Mitsui nodded. "She's talented and.."
"Beautiful." Ryota added.
"And, she was scared of Tensai!" Sakuragi laughed as he put his hands wondrously on his hips and looked at Haruko near the bench. "Oh, Haruko- chan!"
Rukawa looked down at Chiharu as she stared at the empty space ahead. "Daijobu?"
Chiharu kept staring and slowly nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine."
Suddenly, Rukawa felt a tinge of feeling flow down his back as he saw what he had been doing. He slowly let go and left her there so she could just, stare into nothingness?
'What's with her?' Rukawa looked at Chiharu. 'There's no one there.'
Chiharu could only see Sendoh. How much hurt she felt against him, she didn't know. But the question remained, "Why is he doing here?"
Sendoh stared back at her afraid he was going to lose her. "I love you, Chiharu."
He mouthed the words to her. "Don't leave me."
She turned away and walked towards Sakuragi who was staring at her weirdly and kept looking to see who it was she sees.
"Who's there, Chiharu?" Sakuragi patted her shoulder. "Are you okay?"
She still kept eye contact with Sendoh. "Yes, I'm fine."
She shook her head and walked to the benches immediately. Rukawa sat beside her. "Everything's not fine."
She breathed a sigh. "Sendoh. It's him."
Rukawa looked up to finally see his rival who stepped out of the shadows. "What does he want?"
She couldn't face Rukawa and she couldn't tell him. "I… I… Don't know."
Rukawa slowly moved towards her as she automatically turned her head.
"Are you all right?"
"I told you, I'm fine. I just need to go." She forced a smiled and Rukawa suddenly became curious.
"Okay, be careful."
Anzai- sensei stopped her before she went anywhere else. He stopped midway in her direction and smiled.
"Those moves, they were very efficient."
"Thank you, Mr. Anzai." She bowed in front of him and he revealed a nice smile that touched her heart.
"Will you be leaving?"
Her mouth opened to say a word but didn't because Mitsui finished it off for her.
"No. She will be staying to watch practice."
"Mitsui." She whispered. "I think.."
"You have to excuse her, Anzai- sensei. She's a bit shy."
"Ryota." Chiharu looked towards her right and saw that Ryota stood by her.
"She's staying because Tensai needs her to play!" Sakuragi stood by her.
"Sakuragi-kun!" Chiharu looked around and one by one team members crowded around her.
"I guess you will stay for practice, ho ho ho!"
Chiharu sighed once more and smiled. "I guess I am."
Haruko sat by on the bleachers watching what effect Chiharu had on guys. She seemed to have a wonderful effect on Rukawa, which was certainly amazing. Haruko just hoped to be more like Chiharu just to get Rukawa's attention.
"Haruko?" Ayako stared at her. "Haruko-Chan?"
Haruko blinked her eyes and shook her head. "Yes?"
Ayako folded her arms and gave her a look. "Is there a problem?"
"Nn..n..no!" Haruko stammered as she looked at Rukawa and then to the floor. "There's nothing wrong."
Ayako looked at Haruko and took a glance at Rukawa. "Would you like to talk about it after practice?"
Haruko shook her head. "No, it's not a problem. I'll stay here and I'll be just fine!" Haruko flashed a sweet smile at Ayako as she slowly walked away.
"Rukawa-Kun and Chiharu?"
*^*^*^
Sendoh watched close by as he saw Chiharu and only her weave in and out of the defense. His heart was still located on hers. His eyes only focused on hers. And his life depended on her. In other words, he knew this too, he loved her. He may have broken her heart twice, but things have certainly changed. He's 19; she's 16, Rukawa. Rukawa's 18.
"It's not like she'd want him."
His head flew around in circles when he saw Kaede's arms around his Chiharu.
"Accidents do occur."
But doubt kept forming in on his mind. He even said it himself; it has been a while. Things change everyday and in 6 years, things surely have changed.
"But that's impossible!" He shook his head in disagreement. "Chiharu is mine! Or, was?"
*^*^*^
"Good fight, Chiharu!" Yohei greeted her in the front of the doorway. "Ball movements are quick and you have style to go along with it!"
She cocked her head sideways. "Do I know you?"
Yohei shrugged. "You see me everyday in school. Anyway, the name's Yohei."
He reached out a hand and she clasped it. "I guess you know who I am."
He shifted a smile. "You can say that."
"Well, nice meeting you, Yohei. I hope I see you in school." She giggled slightly and smiled at him. "Have a nice day."
She walked out of the entrance until a hand grabbed her.
Chiharu's heart beat faster. Dear god, please don't let this be Sendoh!
"Chiharu."
She sighed in relief. A person who could've said her name so coldly had to be Rukawa. She was glad that she had him for a boyfriend and not for anyone else. Wait, boyfriend? Was it a right time to call him that?
"Where you off to?" He asked as she faced his wonderful eyes. "What's wrong?"
"I'm just going home. I'm fine."
"Here." He passed her his towel and water. "You need it."
She sighed once more and sat at the nearest bench. "Rukawa-Kun?"
He looked at her slightly. "Yes."
"What am I to you?"
He stared into her lovely blue eyes then to the floor. He didn't answer. He didn't know how to answer.
"Rukawa-kun?" She asked again.
"You..You're…my.. My…"
A sudden clash busted the gym doors open and there, stood the Rukawa brigade. They weren't as happy as they were on the bleachers and Chiharu knew that as well.
"Look girls, someone's trying to touch our man!"
Chiharu took a glance at Rukawa and then to the girls. "Talk to you later!"
With that, she sprinted to the other end of the doors and towards the night.
Some trailed along behind her and the rest stayed near Rukawa.
Rukawa tried as hard as he could to force away the mob of girls without pushing or hurting them. He needed to go and get Chiharu and tell her… He didn't know. Tell her that he doesn't know anything about their relationship? That would be the worst thing he could do to her. But what did she feel towards him, he didn't know.
'What if I screw up and told her she's my girlfriend and she doesn't feel the same way?' He questioned himself in thought as he finally broke through. 'What if, what if she thinks me of a friend? But a friend kisses one another?' He shook his head and walked into the locker room.