Onto the next chapter! Although the story still needs a few polishing and it's going rather slow, but I'm working on it. And no, it won't turn out that Rukawa's a genius after all and especially not Minako. That wasn't much of a spoiler in the fic anyway, just thought I'd vanish your notions about that if there are any. So, what do I have to tell you? Just please, read it and review.

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Finding Love in Strange Places [chapter 2]

Just the Beginning…

            "Excuse me. Excuse me," Minako asked as she tapped the shoulder of a guy almost as tall, or shall we say as short, as she was. The guy with curly hair turned around and she saw something glitter on his left ear. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw what it was. Oh dear! she exclaimed. First, guys without feelings and now, punks with earrings! She stared at him unknowingly and the guy shifted from his position.

            "What?" he said.

            "Oh, I'm sorry but I'm new here and so, I don't know anyone except for one totally unresponsive person," she drawled. "I'm not sure if you know him but if you do, could you tell me where he might be? Please?"

            He just stared mutely at her, considering her for a second. "I'd love to help if only I know who you're looking for. How'd I know where to find him if I don't even know who you're talking about? Just in case you didn't notice, you didn't tell me that person's name."

            She blushed immediately and apologized. "I'm sorry. I'm looking for a guy named Rukawa. I don't know his full name but I think he may still be at the rooftop. If you could just tell me how to…"

            "He's not there. He's training right now, come with me," he interrupted then ushered her to follow him. After a few moments, she could hear shoes squeaking and balls hitting the floor.

            Basketball?

            Minako wondered why she didn't notice it before. With his height and nice body, it's no wonder he's in the team. The fellow opened the gym door and was instantly greeted by a curly-haired girl. "Ryota," the girl called out. "Who's your friend there?" Minako thought there was a hint of jealousy in her voice.

"I'm Minako Aino," she prompted.  "She's looking for Rukawa," Ryota supplied. At that, the other girl raised her brows in disbelief.

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            Rukawa dropped the basketball and it thudded hard on the polished wooden floor. Not again, he thought, grunting with irritation. He walked over to the blonde girl on the side of the court. Minako's eyes widened as she saw him walking towards her. The impact he made on her was almost as big as he was but she dismissed it and focused on what she intended to tell him. Putting her hands on her hips, she tried her best to put on a serious expression and tried to give him a piece of her mind. "Rukawa," she started, her brows furrowed. "Do you have even the slightest idea what you got me into?"

            "What are you doing here?" he simply asked. The nerve! Minako exclaimed to herself but she kept her cool.

            "Trying to evade the question, eh?" she said, her tone challenging him. "Well, let me tell you instead. After you left the room, the math teacher came barging in and ORDERED me to solve a problem. I answered it correctly, thank goodness, and thought that he was finally off my case but no! Instead, he appointed me to 'help' you review for the remedial test! He didn't even give me the chance to comment! I tried to reason with him but to no avail. Finally, I slumped in my seat, utterly defeated. What could I have done? I am new here, in case you've forgotten. And even if you were present at that time, I doubt you'd say anything. You would've just kept on sleeping!"

            Ryota and the other girl looked from Rukawa to Minako then Ryota decided to speak up and leave the scene. "Umm…Ayako, I think I need your help with something there…way over there," he said, pointing to the other side of the gym. Ayako sensed the tension and although she wanted to see Rukawa's reaction to the blonde's perfectly executed hissyfit, she just nodded and went away with Ryota.

            Neither Minako nor Rukawa noticed that the other two left them alone and they just glared at each other for a long time. It was Rukawa who broke the ice. "Look, I don't need your help with anything," he stated. "I don't need anybody's help." He turned his back on her and tried to walk away btu he was blocked off by Akagi.

            "I don't think that's a wise decision, Rukawa," the team captain said. "I didn't know you were the type to eavesdrop," Rukawa plainly said. Akagi dismissed the boy's rather insulting comment and just gave him another piece of advice. "I'd take her up on that 'offer' if I were you, if you could call it that. Rather, I insist," the 'gorilla' said in an authoritative manner. Rukawa deemed on that proposition for a while, then faced Minako.

            "So," he said. "When do we start?"

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So? Whaddya think? I know it's short but don't worry, I'll get on to the next chapters in a short while. That is, if I feel up to it and if you're ok by that. I need your reviews, guys. Honestly, I don't sound vain do I? Hope not. Anyway, please review! Thanks in advance! ---jd-anney