Sakuragi
This is scandalous! I was chased out of the gym by the caretaker at nine o'clock at night! Nine o'clock! If that isn't scandalous, tell me what is?
*sigh*
So now I'm walking on the street to nowhere in particular. I don't want to go home yet. It doesn't even matter if I go home or not- there's no one at home anyway. I'm not usually like this- I'm the type who rushes home the moment school lets out. And I study. At home. And I cook.
Oh yes. Cooking. That's one thing that never fails to annoy me. Cooking. Even after 5 years of living on my own and preparing my own meals, my cooking has never managed to taste anywhere near nice. If they're even edible in the first place. Rotten, tasteless, salty or even downright foul, I've no choice but to consume them. I can't afford to waste food- I only earn so much as a cashier. And that was before now. Now, with basketball practice everyday, I'm quite certain I'll lose my job soon.
Anyways~
I'm wandering around aimlessly. I would very much love to practice but I don't own a basketball so I can't. I don't even know if there's a basketball court here anyway, so I guess I'll have to drop that notion. What can I do at nine forty at night? I know! I'll go hang out at the park!
I quicken my pace immediately.
Mito
I was on my way home from the Pachinko(we got booted out AGAIN) when I caught sight of Hanami walking briskly towards the park. Since I've got nothing better to do, I decided to tail her.
I'm not sure if that was the smartest move I ever made because I've lost her.
Why does she keep vanishing?
Sakuragi
Ah! The swings are unoccupied! Yay! I love the swings!
Mito
Found her! Actually, I haven't- I just see someone on the swings and since it's too dark(the street lights are pretty dim) I can't really know for certain if it's really Hanami or not. I decide to assume it is her. I mean, who would play on the swings at this time of the day? Or night.
"Hanami!" I call and run up to her.
Sakuragi
Did someone just call me?
Oh. It's him. Mito Youhei. Also known as the 'normal' one. What does he want me now?
"What?" I snap.
"Whoa. Relax all right? You don't have to get so snappy!"
I shrug and turn away. I'm on a swing. The wind is blowing in my face and my hair. I feel great. And so I am not about to let anyone spoil this moment for me.
"Hanami." I don't know if that's a statement, or just an exasperated tone that he's using, nor do I care.
"What?" I don't snap this time. I just say it. Like how he said my name. An eye for an eye.
"What are you doing here at night?" he asks.
"Playing on the swings?" I try to dodge the question.
"No, WHY?" he corrects himself.
"Because I want to play on the swings?" I answer innocently.
He rolls his eyes. "Have you had dinner yet?" he asks instead.
"Nope."
"Hungry?"
"Nope." My stomach decides to be funny and growls. Mito raises an eyebrow. Fine. "Yeah. I am."
"Eating dinner at home then?"
I shake my head. Right now, I don't feel like cooking.
"Out?"
Again I shake my head. Man, this guy is incessantly persistent with his questions. Who does he think he is? Mr Nosy?
"So let me get this straight. You're hungry but you're not eating," he sits himself on the swing next to mine and starts to swing himself.
Nod.
"Why not?"
"I have no money," I say flatly. He wants answers, he'll get answers.
"Allowance?"
"None. I work to pay for everything."
He looks surprised. I can't blame him. Most people don't know how I struggle to pay for my school fees and everything. And well, I don't exactly act or dress like someone who's eternally short of cash. My wardrobe's more than just presentable- I own very stylish clothes. I'm a girl after all.
"You work?" he asks.
Nod.
"Where?"
"Why don't you find out for yourself?"
"All right. I will."
We both swing in silence for a while. I was starting to loosen up around him. He's a really easy person to be with. I don't have to be on my guard with him.
"Hanami?"
"Hai?"
"Do you live alone?"
How'd he know? I'm surprised at his perceptive guess. Or maybe it was plain old dumb luck. But I guess the surprise must have shown because he added in quickly, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry."
"I-ie. Daijoubu..." Man this guy is scary. But I feel like I can open up to him. I don't do that often. No, let me rephrase that. I've never opened up to anyone before. I don't have many friends. I have to rephrase that too. I don't have any friends. I don't see the need to have any. It's every man his own- that's what I believe, sexist though the saying may be. And though I often tell myself I can live without friends, I can't help wishing there was someone I could talk to.
And this guy seems to be that someone.
On impulse, I say, "I'm an orphan."
He doesn't look too surprised though. "Well, I guessed you were since you're working and living on your own. Unless you ran away, of course. But that doesn't become you."
"Hnn."
"Do you come here often?"
"What?"
"The park," he smiles at me, "do you come to the park often?"
I nod. "I like the swings."
His smile widens. "I can see that."
"They're special to me, the swings."
He nods in understanding. I know he truly understands. I sense that in him.
"We should come and play the swings more often then, ne?" he winks.
I smile. I note the 'we' part but don't object. I like him. He might really be the friend I've always wanted, and, well, needed.
Mito
I managed to convince her to let me take her out to dinner. Danny's doesn't close till eleven so we've got plenty of time to talk.
I can sense that she's starving but she eats slowly, almost nibbling at her food. It's cute. She looks like a little chipmunk.
I've already had my dinner but it doesn't hurt to keep her company. It'll make her feel less awkward.
Sakuragi
He's walking me home. I wanted to protest initially, but decided against it. If I want him to be my friend, I shouldn't be so secretive. So I'm letting him walk me home.
I hope he doesn't cringe at the sight of my pathetic apartment.
We're here. I mumble a 'thank you' and slide myself through the small crack of the door. I don't want to let him see what it's like in my house.
But he stops me. And shakes his head.
I smile sheepishly and relents, pushing the door open.
Mito
Her house is impeccably neat. Very tastefully decorated. Sparsely furnished, but very nicely done up. It's small but then again, she lives alone.
"Nice," I comment.
"Thanks," she blushes a little at the compliment. Obviously, I'm the first one who's ever set foot in the house. I feel honored in a way.
"Well, I guess I'd better get going then. I'll see you tomorrow all right?" I say, waving a little.
She nods a goodbye and shuts the door softly behind me. She's still guarded with me. It's all right. I'm not asking her to drop all her defenses at once.
Sakuragi
Well, that was nice. I have a friend. Friend. That word sounds so nice. I go to sleep, still smiling.
The next morning....
Sakuragi
He's waiting for me outside. Apparently, he intends to walk me to school. The others aren't with him. For that, I'm quite thankful. I need time to get used to this. I need to get used to having friends.
Of course, I'm assuming that the other three are my friends already. It's only logical- Mito's friends should be mine as well.
I'm looking forward to basketball practice. I can't wait to shoot. I haven't made a successful shot yet, and that's what's gotten me so riled up and eager. I will succeed. I will.
Ayako
Sakuragi was already shooting when I arrived. I'm impressed with her initiative and diligence.
"Sakuragi-chan?"
"Hai? Ayako-san?"
"Ganbatte yo!" I pump a fist in the air enthusiastically.
She laughs a little and aims to shoot. The ball hits the ring of the net and rebounds.
Sakuragi winces a little.
"Daijoubu Sakuragi-chan! Just keep trying! Remember what sempai taught you!" I urge her.
She nods.
I like this girl. She's very determined. Ruthless? Well, I'll just have to wait and see.
Akagi
Sakuragi's upset that she can't place a shot in. So I take her aside and tell her to concentrate on lay-up shots first.
"The basics, you have to get them right before you can progress," I tell her.
"But Gori! That's what I've been doing since yesterday!" she protests.
"Baka!" I knock her on the head, "Don't call me Gori! I know you've been trying but obviously, you're doing something wrong."
"Like?"
"I don't know actually. I can't see what wrong with your shots," I admit, embarrassed.
This only served to frustrate her more. "Why won't the shots go in?"
I shrug. Then I had an idea.
"Rukawa!" I call, "Can you perform some lay-ups for Sakuragi here?"
Rukawa
For that d'aho? No way.
I pick up a ball and walk to the center of the court.......and run in for a lay-up shot.
Sakuragi
I watched his every movement. The ball went in easily.
"BUT THAT'S WHAT I DID!!!!!!!!!!!" I stomp my foot on the ground. All right. I know it's childish but I can't help it. I've always been able to somehow get my way- through my own effort of course so it's really frustrating to not be able to do a simple thing like this.
So I spend the rest of the day catching rebounds. And missing every single shot.
Sakuragi
"I'll see you tomorrow Sakuragi," I nod to her.
"Don't worry Sakuragi-chan! I'm sure you'll be able to shoot once you've practiced enough!" Haruko assured me, before leaving with her brother.
"Don't stress yourself out all right?" advised Miyagi.
"Want me to give you private coaching?" Mitsui wiggled his eyebrow suggestively.
I roll my eyes. He's been hounding me since practice started.
"Let's go Mitsui," Kogure and Miyagi drag him out. "Good night Sakuragi!" they call back.
I nod, still too intent on placing a shot.
The gym is quiet after they've all left. I like it this way. It allows for greater concentration. I shoot again. Missed. I leap to catch the rebound.
Damn it. At the rate I'm going, I'll only be able to steal, dribble and catch rebounds in a game. I'll be useless. I'll be benched.
And I'm not going to let that happen.
So I shoot again.
And again I miss.
This time I don't bother to get the rebound. Instead, I plop myself on the floor, draw my knees to my chest and sulk.
Not the most intelligent thing to do, silly really, but I've run out of ideas.
Tasukete.
Rukawa
She's still here. Back in junior high, I was always the last one to leave. Guess that won't happen here.
I've showered and changed and she's still at it.....till now I mean. Now she's just huddling on the floor sulking.
'aho.
Sakuragi
*sniffle*
Maybe I shouldn't have joined after all. I would be so much more better off in the track team. Or swimming. Why did I agree to sign up for this silly game in the first place? Maybe it's not too late to change. I'm sure Gori will understand- I won't be of any use anyhow, even if I stay on. It's only proper and sensible that I quit.
I'll go tell him first thing tomorrow. Now though, I should get on home. I don't see the need to practice anymore when I'm not going to play anymore.
I stand up quickly and turn to grab my back, only to smack into someone's chest.
"D'aho," he says, while I blink several times and see stars.
"K-kitsune...." my head's still spinning. What does he have for a chest? Concrete?
"D'aho."
"What'd you do that for?" I scowl. Yes, my head still hurts but I'm over it.
"It was your fault."
"Mine? You're saying it's my fault?" I hiss. This guy sure knows how to bring up the ugly side of me. I have a temper, and a foul one at that.
"D'aho."
"You were standing there! You deliberately planted yourself there just so I'd knock into you! You sick, sick kitsune!"
He sighs. "D'aho."
I turn on my heels, grab my back and dash out of there, angry.
Rukawa
I didn't 'plant' myself there just so I could have her knock into me. Why would I do such a stupid thing? I was just about to kick her lightly when she suddenly jumped to her feet and smashed right into me. And she's not the only one who's hurting. She smashed right into my chest! My ribs feel broken.
What does that girl have for a head? Concrete?
Sakuragi
Stupid Rukawa! Stupid stupid Rukawa! What does Haruko see in him anyway? She's so nice and he's so stupid! Or maybe she's the stupid one. Why in the world would anyone like him?
They're all stupid. Stupid and blind.
This is scandalous! I was chased out of the gym by the caretaker at nine o'clock at night! Nine o'clock! If that isn't scandalous, tell me what is?
*sigh*
So now I'm walking on the street to nowhere in particular. I don't want to go home yet. It doesn't even matter if I go home or not- there's no one at home anyway. I'm not usually like this- I'm the type who rushes home the moment school lets out. And I study. At home. And I cook.
Oh yes. Cooking. That's one thing that never fails to annoy me. Cooking. Even after 5 years of living on my own and preparing my own meals, my cooking has never managed to taste anywhere near nice. If they're even edible in the first place. Rotten, tasteless, salty or even downright foul, I've no choice but to consume them. I can't afford to waste food- I only earn so much as a cashier. And that was before now. Now, with basketball practice everyday, I'm quite certain I'll lose my job soon.
Anyways~
I'm wandering around aimlessly. I would very much love to practice but I don't own a basketball so I can't. I don't even know if there's a basketball court here anyway, so I guess I'll have to drop that notion. What can I do at nine forty at night? I know! I'll go hang out at the park!
I quicken my pace immediately.
Mito
I was on my way home from the Pachinko(we got booted out AGAIN) when I caught sight of Hanami walking briskly towards the park. Since I've got nothing better to do, I decided to tail her.
I'm not sure if that was the smartest move I ever made because I've lost her.
Why does she keep vanishing?
Sakuragi
Ah! The swings are unoccupied! Yay! I love the swings!
Mito
Found her! Actually, I haven't- I just see someone on the swings and since it's too dark(the street lights are pretty dim) I can't really know for certain if it's really Hanami or not. I decide to assume it is her. I mean, who would play on the swings at this time of the day? Or night.
"Hanami!" I call and run up to her.
Sakuragi
Did someone just call me?
Oh. It's him. Mito Youhei. Also known as the 'normal' one. What does he want me now?
"What?" I snap.
"Whoa. Relax all right? You don't have to get so snappy!"
I shrug and turn away. I'm on a swing. The wind is blowing in my face and my hair. I feel great. And so I am not about to let anyone spoil this moment for me.
"Hanami." I don't know if that's a statement, or just an exasperated tone that he's using, nor do I care.
"What?" I don't snap this time. I just say it. Like how he said my name. An eye for an eye.
"What are you doing here at night?" he asks.
"Playing on the swings?" I try to dodge the question.
"No, WHY?" he corrects himself.
"Because I want to play on the swings?" I answer innocently.
He rolls his eyes. "Have you had dinner yet?" he asks instead.
"Nope."
"Hungry?"
"Nope." My stomach decides to be funny and growls. Mito raises an eyebrow. Fine. "Yeah. I am."
"Eating dinner at home then?"
I shake my head. Right now, I don't feel like cooking.
"Out?"
Again I shake my head. Man, this guy is incessantly persistent with his questions. Who does he think he is? Mr Nosy?
"So let me get this straight. You're hungry but you're not eating," he sits himself on the swing next to mine and starts to swing himself.
Nod.
"Why not?"
"I have no money," I say flatly. He wants answers, he'll get answers.
"Allowance?"
"None. I work to pay for everything."
He looks surprised. I can't blame him. Most people don't know how I struggle to pay for my school fees and everything. And well, I don't exactly act or dress like someone who's eternally short of cash. My wardrobe's more than just presentable- I own very stylish clothes. I'm a girl after all.
"You work?" he asks.
Nod.
"Where?"
"Why don't you find out for yourself?"
"All right. I will."
We both swing in silence for a while. I was starting to loosen up around him. He's a really easy person to be with. I don't have to be on my guard with him.
"Hanami?"
"Hai?"
"Do you live alone?"
How'd he know? I'm surprised at his perceptive guess. Or maybe it was plain old dumb luck. But I guess the surprise must have shown because he added in quickly, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry."
"I-ie. Daijoubu..." Man this guy is scary. But I feel like I can open up to him. I don't do that often. No, let me rephrase that. I've never opened up to anyone before. I don't have many friends. I have to rephrase that too. I don't have any friends. I don't see the need to have any. It's every man his own- that's what I believe, sexist though the saying may be. And though I often tell myself I can live without friends, I can't help wishing there was someone I could talk to.
And this guy seems to be that someone.
On impulse, I say, "I'm an orphan."
He doesn't look too surprised though. "Well, I guessed you were since you're working and living on your own. Unless you ran away, of course. But that doesn't become you."
"Hnn."
"Do you come here often?"
"What?"
"The park," he smiles at me, "do you come to the park often?"
I nod. "I like the swings."
His smile widens. "I can see that."
"They're special to me, the swings."
He nods in understanding. I know he truly understands. I sense that in him.
"We should come and play the swings more often then, ne?" he winks.
I smile. I note the 'we' part but don't object. I like him. He might really be the friend I've always wanted, and, well, needed.
Mito
I managed to convince her to let me take her out to dinner. Danny's doesn't close till eleven so we've got plenty of time to talk.
I can sense that she's starving but she eats slowly, almost nibbling at her food. It's cute. She looks like a little chipmunk.
I've already had my dinner but it doesn't hurt to keep her company. It'll make her feel less awkward.
Sakuragi
He's walking me home. I wanted to protest initially, but decided against it. If I want him to be my friend, I shouldn't be so secretive. So I'm letting him walk me home.
I hope he doesn't cringe at the sight of my pathetic apartment.
We're here. I mumble a 'thank you' and slide myself through the small crack of the door. I don't want to let him see what it's like in my house.
But he stops me. And shakes his head.
I smile sheepishly and relents, pushing the door open.
Mito
Her house is impeccably neat. Very tastefully decorated. Sparsely furnished, but very nicely done up. It's small but then again, she lives alone.
"Nice," I comment.
"Thanks," she blushes a little at the compliment. Obviously, I'm the first one who's ever set foot in the house. I feel honored in a way.
"Well, I guess I'd better get going then. I'll see you tomorrow all right?" I say, waving a little.
She nods a goodbye and shuts the door softly behind me. She's still guarded with me. It's all right. I'm not asking her to drop all her defenses at once.
Sakuragi
Well, that was nice. I have a friend. Friend. That word sounds so nice. I go to sleep, still smiling.
The next morning....
Sakuragi
He's waiting for me outside. Apparently, he intends to walk me to school. The others aren't with him. For that, I'm quite thankful. I need time to get used to this. I need to get used to having friends.
Of course, I'm assuming that the other three are my friends already. It's only logical- Mito's friends should be mine as well.
I'm looking forward to basketball practice. I can't wait to shoot. I haven't made a successful shot yet, and that's what's gotten me so riled up and eager. I will succeed. I will.
Ayako
Sakuragi was already shooting when I arrived. I'm impressed with her initiative and diligence.
"Sakuragi-chan?"
"Hai? Ayako-san?"
"Ganbatte yo!" I pump a fist in the air enthusiastically.
She laughs a little and aims to shoot. The ball hits the ring of the net and rebounds.
Sakuragi winces a little.
"Daijoubu Sakuragi-chan! Just keep trying! Remember what sempai taught you!" I urge her.
She nods.
I like this girl. She's very determined. Ruthless? Well, I'll just have to wait and see.
Akagi
Sakuragi's upset that she can't place a shot in. So I take her aside and tell her to concentrate on lay-up shots first.
"The basics, you have to get them right before you can progress," I tell her.
"But Gori! That's what I've been doing since yesterday!" she protests.
"Baka!" I knock her on the head, "Don't call me Gori! I know you've been trying but obviously, you're doing something wrong."
"Like?"
"I don't know actually. I can't see what wrong with your shots," I admit, embarrassed.
This only served to frustrate her more. "Why won't the shots go in?"
I shrug. Then I had an idea.
"Rukawa!" I call, "Can you perform some lay-ups for Sakuragi here?"
Rukawa
For that d'aho? No way.
I pick up a ball and walk to the center of the court.......and run in for a lay-up shot.
Sakuragi
I watched his every movement. The ball went in easily.
"BUT THAT'S WHAT I DID!!!!!!!!!!!" I stomp my foot on the ground. All right. I know it's childish but I can't help it. I've always been able to somehow get my way- through my own effort of course so it's really frustrating to not be able to do a simple thing like this.
So I spend the rest of the day catching rebounds. And missing every single shot.
Sakuragi
"I'll see you tomorrow Sakuragi," I nod to her.
"Don't worry Sakuragi-chan! I'm sure you'll be able to shoot once you've practiced enough!" Haruko assured me, before leaving with her brother.
"Don't stress yourself out all right?" advised Miyagi.
"Want me to give you private coaching?" Mitsui wiggled his eyebrow suggestively.
I roll my eyes. He's been hounding me since practice started.
"Let's go Mitsui," Kogure and Miyagi drag him out. "Good night Sakuragi!" they call back.
I nod, still too intent on placing a shot.
The gym is quiet after they've all left. I like it this way. It allows for greater concentration. I shoot again. Missed. I leap to catch the rebound.
Damn it. At the rate I'm going, I'll only be able to steal, dribble and catch rebounds in a game. I'll be useless. I'll be benched.
And I'm not going to let that happen.
So I shoot again.
And again I miss.
This time I don't bother to get the rebound. Instead, I plop myself on the floor, draw my knees to my chest and sulk.
Not the most intelligent thing to do, silly really, but I've run out of ideas.
Tasukete.
Rukawa
She's still here. Back in junior high, I was always the last one to leave. Guess that won't happen here.
I've showered and changed and she's still at it.....till now I mean. Now she's just huddling on the floor sulking.
'aho.
Sakuragi
*sniffle*
Maybe I shouldn't have joined after all. I would be so much more better off in the track team. Or swimming. Why did I agree to sign up for this silly game in the first place? Maybe it's not too late to change. I'm sure Gori will understand- I won't be of any use anyhow, even if I stay on. It's only proper and sensible that I quit.
I'll go tell him first thing tomorrow. Now though, I should get on home. I don't see the need to practice anymore when I'm not going to play anymore.
I stand up quickly and turn to grab my back, only to smack into someone's chest.
"D'aho," he says, while I blink several times and see stars.
"K-kitsune...." my head's still spinning. What does he have for a chest? Concrete?
"D'aho."
"What'd you do that for?" I scowl. Yes, my head still hurts but I'm over it.
"It was your fault."
"Mine? You're saying it's my fault?" I hiss. This guy sure knows how to bring up the ugly side of me. I have a temper, and a foul one at that.
"D'aho."
"You were standing there! You deliberately planted yourself there just so I'd knock into you! You sick, sick kitsune!"
He sighs. "D'aho."
I turn on my heels, grab my back and dash out of there, angry.
Rukawa
I didn't 'plant' myself there just so I could have her knock into me. Why would I do such a stupid thing? I was just about to kick her lightly when she suddenly jumped to her feet and smashed right into me. And she's not the only one who's hurting. She smashed right into my chest! My ribs feel broken.
What does that girl have for a head? Concrete?
Sakuragi
Stupid Rukawa! Stupid stupid Rukawa! What does Haruko see in him anyway? She's so nice and he's so stupid! Or maybe she's the stupid one. Why in the world would anyone like him?
They're all stupid. Stupid and blind.